Hi and welcome, neverquit!! Only a few weeks left for you!! How exciting!!

If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend Lcat's post, "What newbies need to know." Other than that, it helps to practice mindful eating - when you eat, don't do anything else... be fully present, paying attention to how each bite tastes and how your body feels - and then stop eating when you feel "satisfied," rather than full. Personally, I used the time before my surgery to say goodbye to certain foods as I mindfully ate them (not gorging, but relishing each bite). I also think it helps to work on emotional eating issues. There are probably many ways to work on emotional eating - I read Jeneen Roth's book, Breaking Free from Emotional Eating, and practiced the principals she teaches. You won't feel true hunger right after the surgery, but many people experience "head hunger" - which is basically emotional eating, or thinking they are hungry because they've learned to associate eating with certain activities (e.g. watching tv, going to the movies, parties, etc.). People who've worked on their non-hunger eating triggers have an easier transition to life after barriatric surgery than those who haven't.

I also encourage you to read through the other posts and to feel free to ask lots of questions! We're all here to support each other through our journeys to become the healthiest versions of ourselves!!

Again, Welcome!

JJ

Welcome neverquit! I second everything JJ said. I also spent time getting my house super clean, cleaned out any foods I didn't want around, and stocked up on healthy foods. I started looking for protein powders that I liked and found a few good ones. Tastes are different before and after. I also got and started taking my vitamins. The more routine you establish before, the easier it is after. And I also made sure I got all my water in. Being hydrated before and after any surgery is imperative for healing. Buy baby spoons and forks for those small bites post op. Small bowls and plates too. I still use small plates instead of regular sized. I read all of Geneen Roths books and other books on food addiction. And on emotional eating. I sought help in working on my personal issues around why I ate. As I tell everyone, this journey is more about us than it is about food!

Hi and thanks for some helpful hints. They gave me some reminders about how emotions play such a big part. That has been a struggle of mine. With my insurance I have to have surgery in a different state so I have felt a little left out of the loop. Most of my pre weigh in were with my primary Dr. But I would really like to know what kinds of foods after surgery to have on hand. Any more ideas?

I wouldn't stock up too much on foods because your taste and smell with be sensitive and changing from day to day. I could stand one food for a meal and not at another meal. It changes and levels out over time.

Foods depend totally upon the stage.
What stage are you asking about?
Clear liquids?
Full liquids?
Puréed/soft foods?
Lifelong foods?

I think the Dr. and classes I will talk about every thing after surgery and in the classes I will attend. But if you could give me an idea on clear and full liquids so I can have them on hand and in the hotel for the first week. That would help a lot. Thanks

Clear liquids from my program

Water
Nectar protein
Sugar free crystal light, cool aid
Power aid zero, Propel, Sobe zero calorie vitamin water
Sugar free popsicles
Broth or bouillon (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
Fuse slenderize
Sugar-free iced tea

I personally did not go for anything with aspartame in it which some of these have. Focus first on protein and plain water. I kept the little one ounce pill cups from the hospital to use for drinking my water. Tiny sips!

Full liquids from my program

Protein shakes
Lowfat strained cream soups
Skim or 1% milk
Soy milk
Fat free, low sugar frozen yogurt or sherbet
Sugar-free fudgesicles

I went with protein shakes first and some creamed soups. I never drank those nasty expensive bottled protein shakes. I used and still use powders.

Hope this helps!

Really great info. Thanks so much I now feel like I can really do this. Thanks for your info.

You can do it neverquit!

Hello, I started this Journey in Feb, I'm less than 2 weeks away from surgery. I'm staying pretty clam. But I'm not doing to good with the food intake. I eat to much and feel it's all going to be taken away so why not eat now. Has anyone ever felt that way? I don't feel like I'll have trouble when the surgery is over. I'm very determine to do this right. You never get do overs in life and I feel this is my chance to correct my weight, health and my life. I love reading all your posts. I wish you all the best. talk with you soon

Saying goodbye to junk foods and unhealthy foods is common. I found myself eating just a little bit of it and pushing the rest away. Greasy, fatty food just didn’t taste good any more. Saying goodbyes is part of the head stuff and head stuff never ends. It’s all about making healthy choices.

It is a good bye to eating that way. I'm working on my head stuff. I go to a counselor who works with me on that she also worked on a bariatic nurse so she is a lot of help. Thanks for ur response I always look forward to hearing from u