Did anyone have to keep a food journal before surgery? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Pink_Diamond · 10-05-2008, 03:12 AM

I just realized that the nutritionist I seen for the Gastric bypass surgery asked me to keep a food journal, which I havent done. I completely forgot! I seen her at the end of July and now im going to see her again next week. I hope this isnt another thing that could keep me form getting my surgery.

i dont really see the point of it but it would suck if I had to wait another month just to write a food journal for them of everything I eat. I've already been approved for surgery just dont have a date yet so whats the point of knowing what im eatting. I can see the purpose of it after surgery though.

Does anyone know if its mandatory for surgery?

sherry7 · 10-05-2008, 08:02 AM

Mandatory? That would depend on your insurance company and your surgeon.

I had to keep a food journal for 6 months pre-op, and it was a learning experience for me. I still keep a food journal, as it helps me control what I put into my mouth.

I'd start today, and do a thorough job on it. If they say anything, just be honest and tell them you forgot about it. There's not much you can do to fix the situation at this point.

pummychal · 10-05-2008, 09:06 AM

My nutritionist made me do it and wouldn't sign off her approval for the surgery without it. I had forgotten for a week or 2 too so I guessed at it by using some of the same things I was eating regularly and made one up for the first week I missed. I know, I cheated, but I didn't want that to hold up my surgery and it was probably pretty accurate because I followed what I had eaten the next couple of weeks for a guide. She just wanted to see that I was seeing what I was eating and that I was trying to eat more healthy before surgery.

Paula08 · 10-05-2008, 09:46 AM

Yes, I did do a food journal for eight months before surgery. I did it for my own purposes but it came in handy when the nutritionalist wanted to talk to me. She was able to give me better advice that was more personalized because of it. It also helps you see all you do eat and where your coming up short. I strongly recommend doing food journaling pre/post op.

nittinnana · 10-05-2008, 10:56 AM

I did not journal prior to surgery but have since I began my pre-op liver reduction diet. Since I have no hunger yet it helps me gage how much I have eaten and to make sure I get enough protein in every day. I also track my water usage in the same book.

Dave in NY · 10-05-2008, 12:01 PM

I had to keep a food journal for 5 months pre-op. I found this to be a wonderful tool. I learned a lot about myself and my eating habits. I was greatful for the training in how to keep a journal I combined it with fitday program. The key is to be very accurate on what and how much you eat. every time I put something in my mouth for the first two weeks of the journal I measured every thing and recorded everything including water.

Some folks also add a brief statement about how they are feeling when you eat. I did not do this but I do see the potential for such a record. Don't look at the journal as to a roadblock to your healthy weight, look at it as getting on to the on-ramp of this journey. Total awareness of what and how much and why we eat is the best beginning I can think of.

Change the creation of a journal from something someone is making you do to learning the keys to a healthy weight.

Colleen · 10-05-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pummychal

My nutritionist made me do it and wouldn't sign off her approval for the surgery without it.

Ditto here. "If you can't make a commitment before the surgery and take this seriously, we won't operate on you."

The same holds true for smoking: The surgeon said in his seminar presentation "Quit, otherwise I won't operate. Plain and simple."

supplements.net · 10-06-2008, 05:02 PM

A food log is a great way to realize how much you are eating, how often and what your macro-nutrients are. it's probably a requirement pre-op just so you make it a habit to write one, if you procrastinate writing one you might always procrastinate it.

Colleen · 10-06-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supplements.net

A food log is a great way to realize how much you are eating.

Yes, I looked back in the journal tonight to a few months ago whn I wasn't loosing and noted now often 'donut' or 'pizza' showed up.

I finally got it in gear for more than a week stretch and in the past month I've lost 15 pounds!

You NUT may look at your journal and make suggestions, give kudos or scold.

Skinny Boy · 10-06-2008, 08:24 PM

If you have not seen it, visit Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople. This site is really good and makes it easy to track everything that you eat, and it tracks your calories, Protein, Fat and Carbs. You can also track you activity / exercise on this site and it is easy to print out a daily summary.