Where do I begin? Time seems to have FLOWN past me since the good news that insurance will cover my procedure.
We are home after a wonderful week in Gulf Shores, Alabama. So now it's time to focus on pre-operative preparations and the like. I took a mandatory class that the My New Self Bariatric team hosts prior to patient's going under the knife. It was very well organized and uber informative. I was seriously impressed with the way they went over EVERYTHING in detail, including what to expect while you're in the hospital. I don't recall having that depth of knowledge when I went in for my lap band procedure back in 2006.
I walked away from that education session with a little "goody bag" chock full of things I will find helpful post surgery. Things like a plate that shows you portions and portion sizes, measuring cup, measuring spoons and a nice water bottle to keep track of your liquid intake.
As part of my own "deal", I decided to take one step prior to surgery in an effort to get in the right mind set. So at the end of July, I gave up carbonated beverages, particularly diet soda. I've had no such beverage in three weeks (and counting). The next thing on the list is to tackle sugars, which is pretty much mandatory post surgery unless I want some rather unpleasant side effects. Yeah, no thanks.
I surprised myself on vacation in that I didn't feel like I over ate; nor did I give in to the temptation/convenience of ordering soda while eating out. Instead, I stuck with unsweetened iced tea, for that I am proud. It's the little things, remember?
My official pre-op diet is a 3 day clear liquid diet. It's purpose is to help shrink the liver; so the surgeon can get to where he needs to be....my stomach. Pretty amazing to think they do all this laproscopically?! I was pleasantly surprised by what was included in the list of acceptable items while on said "clear diet". I can have sugar free Jell-O (never been big on Jell-O but sure I'll be a Jell-O eatin' FOO by the time my pre and post op diets are complete), Sugar Free Popsicles (still on a mission to find Banana Flavored packs versus assorted flavors), Broths, Bouillons and 3-4 protein drinks per day (meals and snack).
Monday night Kevin and I checked out our new Schnucks grocery store at University Commons. Sadly, there were no sugar free banana Popsicles. But they did have some of the "approved" ready made protein shake options. We bought a decent supply of Muscle Milk and EAS AdvantEdge shake flavors to try. Rumor has it the EAS aren't bad. We shall see. Sadly, the one protein shake I learned to like after lap band surgery (BOOST) is not an approved option. Nor is, Ensure, Ensure +. Glucerna, K2, Slim Fast Optima, Slim Fast or Slim Fast High Protein. So begins the quest to find which of the following options I can choke down: Slim Fast Low Carb Diet, EAS AdvantEdge, Muscle Milk Light, Myoplex Light and Atkins Advantage. Any input is certainly welcome. I'd love to hear some reviews or simple thumbs up, thumbs down opinions of them.
Guidelines I was given for the protein shakes are as follows:
15-20g of Protein per serving
<15g of Carbs per serving
<5g of Fat per serving
<200 Calories per serving
<3g of Sugar per serving
My surgery is scheduled for Aug. 28th. I'm still waiting to hear what time exactly. I will have the luxury of a private room and can expect to be in the hospital for at least one night, possibly two.
My weeks one and two post surgery diet is similar only some items are added into the mix like decaff tea, cream of wheat, grits, sugar free hot cocoa, sugar free pudding and sugar free fudgesicles.
I hope to blog more about the daily or at least weekly experiences as I go through them and while I am recovering.
The plan for this week is to get all my affairs in order (business, etc) and to create another Advanced Directive (since my KS version is null and void given we moved to MO or so I think?) and then relax and enjoy my cousin's 40th birthday bash on Saturday, rest Sunday and Monday will be GO TIME for the 3 day liquid diet. Thursday is surgery.
I'm not at all nervous about the procedure itself. Praying for no complications, of course. But I'll see to it that Kevin knows where all the important docs are just in case the unexpected would happen on the table. That's just the Lori in me!!!
Sadly, Kevin's employer will not let him off work to accompany me for surgery. His bosses comment to him was, ""Doesn't she check our calendar before scheduling?". Never met the guy; but his arrogance made me laugh. First off, I'm a busy professional myself. And last I checked my income covered most of our living expenses. So, no sir, I check MY work calendar to coordinate. Not yours. Sorry! Needless to say, Kevin won't be there. But, like the perfect mom and aunt they are, Mom and Abbie will likely be with me that day until Kevin can make his way to the hospital. I pity those who do not understand my LIFETIME indebtedness to them. Notice I'm not talking recent years but a LIFETIME.
I plan on taking my laptop so I can pass the time while laid up. And I look forward to blogging more LIVE accounts of what comes next in this entire journey.
Stay tuned...............
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