Question:
What do I have to look forward to in the last month before surgery?
I have one more month before I am eligible to have lap band surgery. I have read so much and read so many chats about what to expect. I listen intently and ask questions on my doctors visit but I want advice. Do I need to start substituting protein shakes now to get myself ready both physically and mentally for full liquids? What did everyone else do? — bcrobey (posted on September 11, 2008)
September 11, 2008
Hey! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I had lap band o Aug 26. I am a
little over 2 weeks post op. I would just read as much as possible about
every situation. Every wls patient is different and reacts differently to
surgery. Just prepare yourself for any situation.
As far as the protein drinks, you could buy a couple different kinds now
and taste test them to see which ones you prefer so you are ready and
prepared for the first couple weeks. Personally I couldnt do the shakes at
all so I drank Carnation instant breakfast ( no sugar added).
Also, you could make a list of some things you need at home after surgery
such as food and supplies ( body pillow is great for sleeping on your side)
and any other supplies that you may need.
Watching some youtube videos is great.You can learn alot from other ppl
experiences. Also, I would tell you to check out the lapbandtalk.com
because everyone there is a bander. This is a great site but there is every
kind of wls here, lapbandtalk is only banders and its been very helpful to
me and they have a great chatroom.
If you have any detailed questions you want answered, message me. I am not
that experienced yet but everything is very fresh in my mind since I had
surgery recently and can remember what you may be going through.
Message me anytime
— trbccowan
September 11, 2008
I would say, being into my 5th week post lap rny, that you'll definitely be
getting enough of the protein shakes AFTER surgery, so I wouldn't start any
earlier than your liquid diet pre-surgically. You'll get sick of 'em. =)
The liquid diet is a little stressful initially. I just started mine after
a completely "normal" diet, and it took a few days for my body to
adjust to the changes. You'll be less energetic, possibly tired and cranky,
but after days 3-4 you'll be fine.
Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!
— Mandee B.
September 11, 2008
I've been drinking protein shakes one or two times a day for over two years
and I have NEVER gotten sick of them. I love them. What's not to love about
having to choose between chocolate or vanilla!!! I also eat really healthy
"real" food as well. I guess it all comes down to how willing you
are to be healthy.
— Ruth Shapovalov
September 12, 2008
Congratulations on getting this far! One thing I have learned reading this
site is that each doctor has different instructions for his patients. My
doctor believes it is better to start cutting out things that you can't
have after surgery so that you aren't hit with everything at once. So - no
caffeine, no carbonated drinks, and most important - start leaving those
carbs and sugars alone. The sugars and carbs (which turn to sugar as soon
as you eat them) give you signals that you are hungry - plus most of your
calories after surgery need to come from protein. Carbs were the hardest
for me - but after one week of cutting them out (oh, leaving pasta, bread
and potatotes alone was a killer that first week!), I no longer craved
them. Plus, he had me start having at least one protein meal replacement a
day. He recommends the Metagenics Bariatrix Protein Shakes available
online. They actually are pretty good, and you can experiment by adding
bananas, or S/F flavorings, yogurt, etc. to the shakes for a bit of
variety. By following his instructions, it also helped me to clean out my
pantry and have the correct items on hand for after surgery - and showed my
family the changes that I will have to be making. It was great on
educating them, and helped them to be there for me. I lost 15 pounds in
the two weeks prior to surgery, and am now 1 week post-op and have lost 8
pounds so far. The only problems I have really had are air/gas bubbles
forming when I drink the shakes. A good tip - after mixing your shake, let
it sit in frig for 30 minutes or so for the foam to go down - then you
don't swallow as much air! Good luck!
— Wendy M.
September 12, 2008
I began exercising as much as I could to get myself in the best shape
possible, I began a low carb diet to lose some weight, I used my incentive
spirometer to get my lungs in shape to prevent pneumonia and began reading
all of the books I could get my hands on. I recommend "The Emotional
First Aid Toolkit" by Cynthia Alexander, "Taming Your
Gremlin" by ??? and "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach.
These are the first ones. OH magazine as well. I bought some low
carb/WLS cookbooks and began using the recipes. I sampled protein shakes
to see what I liked before surgery. I also began meditating for a few
minutes every day either on my own or with a CD for relaxation (as I was
nervous about my upcoming WLS) and began really focusing on positive self
talk. Takes practice.
Good luck and congrats,
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLCdddddd
— DawnVic
September 14, 2008
I applaud you for deciding to have the surgery, and to give an answer to
your question, the surgeons office usually has guidelines which they give
you to address that. I would try different brands to see which you handle
better. Optisource is a popular recommendation by GB surgeons, but not the
only option. I found a lot were really nasty and some were good, but I
became, as many do, lactose intolerant and that is a show stopper for a lot
of them. I hope you don't have any complications and as you start your new
life that you'll have all the happiness you can. Dusty
— Dusty Ray Vaughn
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