• American Bariatrics is a free online Bariatric Support Group. Register for your free account and get access to all of our great features!

Prepping/waiting for surgery & forming new habits

GardenB

GardenB

Member
Howdy! This idea is borrowed from a post-surgery thread. Anyone want to join me in sharing how they are doing? I’m pre-op by about 4 months but practicing hitting protein and water levels so that it will be an established habit by the time surgery arrives. And I fell in love with the pool last month so I’m a month in to 4-5 times/wk exercising which is a HUGE change for me. I started a month ago just being able to move my legs while holding on to a kick board and felt so free! My kids are happy for me even if they are a bit confused. Not sure if I can deal with sipping water yet but it’s a goal. Lol.

Also, I did not want to be seen in a regular bathing suit so I bought something that covered lots more at calypsa.com. It was a game changer for me being willing to be seen in public. I also go during the adult swim time before the pool opens. It turns out people were friendly but moreover, no one seems to care. Everyone is working on their own thing and are engrossed in it.

Protein 35g
Water 62 oz
Dog paddling 40 min
 
Last edited:
GardenB said:
Howdy! This idea is borrowed from a post-surgery thread. Anyone want to join me in sharing how they are doing? I’m pre-op by about 4 months but practicing hitting protein and water levels so that it will be an established habit by the time surgery arrives. And I fell in love with the pool last month so I’m a month in to 4-5 times/wk exercising which is a HUGE change for me. I started a month ago just being able to move my legs while holding on to a kick board and felt so free! My kids are happy for me even if they are a bit confused. Not sure if I can deal with sipping water yet but it’s a goal. Lol.

Also, I did not want to be seen in a regular bathing suit so I bought something that covered lots more at calypsa.com. It was a game changer for me being willing to be seen in public. I also go during the adult swim time before the pool opens. It turns out people were friendly but moreover, no one seems to care. Everyone is working on their own thing and are engrossed in it.

Protein 35g
Water 62 oz
Dog paddling 40 min
Click to expand...
This is such an awesome idea to start this thread to establish good eating, drinking, and movement habits before surgery. Wow!!! You and everybody who jumps in here and joins most likely will have much greater positive outcomes during and post WLS. I wish you had been perched on my shoulder whispering great advice before I had my gastric bypass last July. ❤❤❤❤
 
I’ve finished all the pre-op requirements and am waiting on the he Dr final review and approval. I think scheduling should be the next call.
In the mean time I hit a stressful period and put on about 12 pounds. Thankfully I’ve tightened up my efforts and have dropped 17 pounds (409-421-404) by reducing intake and working on my exercise bike.
I really want to get this surgery completed.
 
@GardenB This is a great idea. I also tried to establish new habits before surgery and it helped a lot after surgery. I never had a problem with protein but didn't realize how easy it is when you eat 3000 calories a day rather that 800-1000.
I used to drink a TON with meals, so I really worked on that before surgery and most of the time it doesn't even phase me.
The sipping is only temporary after surgery, you will be drinking pretty normally again before you know it. I am 4 months post-op and can drink a 16-20oz. bottle of water in less than 30 minutes now.
Best of luck with your prepping/retraining goals! You got this!
 
The best exercise for you is one that you enjoy! Happy for you that you found you enjoy the pool! Me, too! About 3 years ago, I was taking a class at our local YMCA called Diabetes Prevention Program. It's underwritten by the CDC and had some really good materials. We had great facilitators and as part of the program, we tried out different exercise and fitness activities. I tried Aqua Zumba and found my thing!! I've been consistently going to those classes 3 times per week and during the early Covid times when gyms re-opened, a friend invited me to the pool at 5:30 a.m. on weekday mornings and I have never looked back. I have been in a 6-7 day/week routine in the pool and it helped in so many ways other than weight loss. My bloodwork was changing, my body was getting stronger, my cardiovascular system was in better shape, it is a great stress reliever! When I had my surgery mid-May, I had to be out of the water for 4 weeks. That was tough! I was back for a few weeks and then out again with Covid. Finally, healthy and back at it again. My zumba instructor told me this weekend that it was time for a smaller suit as my rear was baggy!! NSV!! I also think being in better shape going into surgery helped me in recovery. Keep working on the protein and water. I never loved protein, other dairy based protein and a little meat. But I'm doing pretty well with it. I don't hit my goals every day, but I'm close. I definitely was sipping fluids after surgery but as time goes on, I take several sips at a time and it feels natural. You've got this!! I love your positive attitude!
 
Hi— love the idea—
I’m pre-op by 15 days— tomorrow is my last day to eat a full days meals, I start my liquid diet Tuesday. I’m excited, terrified, so happy, and apprehensive. I LOVE to cook, and love to eat, so it’s hard for me give it up/to say goodbye. I need to make new habits—
any of you chefs out there? Did you stop cooking after surgery? What did you do to take its place?
I need new habits!
 
Jodle said:
Hi— love the idea—
I’m pre-op by 15 days— tomorrow is my last day to eat a full days meals, I start my liquid diet Tuesday. I’m excited, terrified, so happy, and apprehensive. I LOVE to cook, and love to eat, so it’s hard for me give it up/to say goodbye. I need to make new habits—
any of you chefs out there? Did you stop cooking after surgery? What did you do to take its place?
I need new habits!
Click to expand...
You're almost there! So close now.
You don't have to find "different" habits, just create new ones. You can still cook and enjoy it! Just start learning how to cook much healthier and cooking meals around your new lifestyle. It will be like learning to cook all over again, you might even find it to be fun. Good luck!
 
GardenB said:
Howdy! This idea is borrowed from a post-surgery thread. Anyone want to join me in sharing how they are doing? I’m pre-op by about 4 months but practicing hitting protein and water levels so that it will be an established habit by the time surgery arrives. And I fell in love with the pool last month so I’m a month in to 4-5 times/wk exercising which is a HUGE change for me. I started a month ago just being able to move my legs while holding on to a kick board and felt so free! My kids are happy for me even if they are a bit confused. Not sure if I can deal with sipping water yet but it’s a goal. Lol.

Also, I did not want to be seen in a regular bathing suit so I bought something that covered lots more at calypsa.com. It was a game changer for me being willing to be seen in public. I also go during the adult swim time before the pool opens. It turns out people were friendly but moreover, no one seems to care. Everyone is working on their own thing and are engrossed in it.

Protein 35g
Water 62 oz
Dog paddling 40 min
Click to expand...
I have also been doing some pre op changes also mostly protein shakes for breakfast and increase my water intake. I am up to 32 oz. Pretty soon I be changing from regular coffee to decaf. I don’t want to shock my body all at once .
Lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top