2 Weeks Left of Pre-Op, VSG Info

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279 Highest Weight Ever
03/26/13  -  277  Lost  2  lbs
04/23/13  -  268  Lost  9  lbs
05/21/13  -  256  Lost 11 lbs
06/25/13  -  256  Lost   0 lbs
07/23/13  -  256  Lost   0 lbs
08/20/13  -  257  Gain   1 lbs
10/01/13  -  260  Gain   3 lbs

     Total So Far  Lost  19 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

I did go through the dreaded but anticipated insurance approval drama, but in the end, all was approved and...

On October 21, 2013 I will be having Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. For any of you who are unfamiliar with the procedure, my surgeon will be cutting out up to 80% of my stomach and stapling the rest closed, leaving a small banana sized stomach behind. See image below. 

I have a lot to do to prepare for a successful surgery. The dreaded Pre-Op diet is just around the corner. A Pre-Bariatric Surgery Liquid Diet is required beginning 5 days prior to surgery. Some surgeons require this diet 2-4 weeks before surgery. I am definitely grateful I do not have to endure the diet quite as long. Here's why..

The Pre-Op diet plan includes 3-5 protein shakes plus unlimited clear sugar free fluids. 

And that's it. No other foods or drinks. I cannot mix milk or fruit into the protein shakes. Clear sugar free fluids include:

Water                               Propel Zero                                   Crystal Light

Powerade Zero                Sugar-free Herbal Tea                  Black Decaf Coffee

Sugar-free Jell-O             Sugar-free Popsicles                    Fat-free chick, beef, or vegetable broth

Or any other calorie-free flavored clear beverages

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Sample Menu

BREAKFAST: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 16oz Crystal Light

LUNCH: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 1 cup fat-free chicken broth & 1-2 cups Powerade Zero

DINNER: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 1 cup fat-free vegetable broth & 1-2 cups sugar-free herbal iced tea

SNACK: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 4oz sugar-free jello, 2 sugar-free popsicles

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It is going to be rough, for sure. Even more so since I can't exactly hide under a rock for 5 days. Starving myself but watching my family eat? I've heard after day 3 it gets easier. Here's hoping. So as of Wednesday, October 16 I will be starting this liquid diet. The liquid diet will continue through my hospital stay which should be 2-3 days. 

A week before surgery I do have to do some pre-admission stuff and pre-surgery testing. My surgeons office has been a little vague as to what this stuff is exactly for. But common sense helped fill in the blanks. I will be spending the morning of the 16th at the hospital doing paperwork, blood work, and an EKG. 

After surgery my stomach will only hold about 3-6 ounces of solid food at any one time. I can't jump out of my hospital bed and go have 3 ounces of turkey breast though. There are five stages of a progression diet.

Stage 1: Clear liquids for 2 days (in hospital)

Stage 2: Full Liquids  for 1 week after 

Stage 3: Pureed for 2-3 weeks thereafter

Stage 4: Soft foods for 1-2 weeks thereafter

Stage 5: Healthy solid foods forever

My progression through this diet will vary based on how I tolerate foods at each stage. It will be a guess and check game. As my journey moves forward, I will post more details about each stage and what exactly I can eat and what my new stomach is handling. So until then,

Peace and Carrots

<3 VixRevision