Get a Head Start - Pre-Op. Gastric Sleevers/GB/Gastric Bypass
Ok this is my second attempt at this thread. I thought I'd share how have dealt with the anxiety and fears upon being told that I need to have WLS. In a way the decision was made for me by the hospital doctors due to my health issues, during a number of consultations they finally informed me that the Gastric Sleeve was the surgery they were recommending in my case. So for any newbies joining this forum here is a summary of how I am dealing with the waiting, fears and anxiety. Anyone else who can make a contribute with suggestions on how to prepare themselves in advance of surgery please feel free to do so.
1. Initially I was so scared at the thought of having such drastic surgery to lose weight. I also felt a bit like a failure but it was evident that I need some help (tool) to achieve weightloss successfully. Knowing this is one thing, but facing my fear was another. So searched for a support groups in my area (hospital) couldn't find one. My local hospital has a counselling service and they are use to counselling people who are considering or who had undergone WLS. So I spoke with them and am waiting for an appointment. It's good to talk.
2. I decided to do as much research as possible ( finding this forum was a result of that). I read about WLS, the benefits the complications, methods and risks etc. I read information from numerous sites about WLS.
3. One of my concerns was "would I ever be able to eat a meal with friends and family again". The quantity was important, but I was able to get the answeres to some of my questions. I visited YouTube, there I was able to see videos of actual WLS; look a range of WLS recipes and gain an understanding of the types of foods I will be able to eat, gradually of course.
4. I researched protein foods, drinks and shakes. I discovered some of the more interesting protein drinks can be found in USA. As I'm from the UK that was proving challenging as quite a lot of the products are not sold in the UK. However, with a little patients I've found a number of alternative products that can be purchased in the UK.
5. Writing a blog has also been theraputic. Reading posts on TT and talking to people who have gone through the procedure. This forum has really helped me, helped me put things into perspective. People are very thoughtful, supportive and kind. I visit this site every day. TT has helped me take a check of the benefits of WLS and the possibility of getting a better quality of life. You are no alone.
6. Having decided to go ahead with the surgery and gradually becoming more optimistic and enthusiastic, waiting then becomes the hard part. So became motivated to helping myslef. I meet with my primary care dietitian to discuss what I could do to help reduce some weight in preparation for my surgery. She admitted that she didn't know much about WLS diets but would look into it for me. However, we discuss what I eat now, quantities, the fact that I eat pretty fast, it takes me about 10 minutes to polish off a plate of food. Anyway, we set some goals. Which included having my 3 portions of fruit per day, I love fruit so that was easy, ratio of proteins, to carbs in any one meal, take up some gentel exercise and to keep a food diary.
7. Last week I started my first water aerobics class, 1 hour work out. My first facilitated/supervised exercise in about 20 years. lol. Guess what, I loved it. It was key to find something that I liked so that I can keep it up after the surgery. This Saturday I start tai chi classes 1 1/2 session. I'm really looking forward to it as it's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
8. I've searched out appropriate products online. From viewing Youtube i found a chilled shaker for the protein drinks/shakes. The bottom of the cup has a compartment to keep either protein powders or snakes, whilst your on the go.
9. Look how you'll count your daily calories, proteins etc. What foods will be off my shopping list.
10. I've got my magic bullet, food ground/mincing machine, luckily I had this put down before, i'm a bit of a gadget freak. lol. "If you fail to plan then you PLAN TO FAIL".
Hope this gives any of you early pre-ops. something to think about.
All the best on your journey
Regards
Hyacinth.
__________________
Height 5ft 2"
2004 Highest weight: 22 stones/308 lb
[COLOR="Purple"]2009 Current weight: 19 stones/266 lb/121k[/COLOR
BMI: 53.2
BMI Member No. 7
Weight Loss Surgery: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Added to waiting list: 23 January 2009
Pre-Assessment date: 3rd July 2009 (accomplished)
Assessment call back: 10 July 2009
Transvaginal Ultrasound: 7th August 2009
Surgery date: 30th November 2009
GYM RAT ♯145
The race is not for the swift but for he who can endure to the end.
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