Initial Dietitian Consult

First line off my LSG (VSG) bible states: "Congratulations on making the decision to take control of your health!"

I still feel good about my decision to accept this procedure to help change my life. I have only told my boyfriend and my two eldest children, my youngest one knows that I will be having surgery but wouldn't understand what the procedure is all about so just tell her that I am having some stomache issues looked after.

I haven't told anyone else because I do not need to hear negativity from those who don't know how long I have been struggling with weight issues (last 20 years).

It will be an interesting road when my surgery date is set.

Two weeks prior I will only be able to consume 3 protein shakes and 2 cups of "above ground" vegetables and all the water and balck tea I want. I know it will be difficult to cut out food like that but if I don't do it, they will not be able to do the wls. The purpose of this pre-op diet is so that the liver will shrink by about 30%, cause most people my size and heavier have fatty livers.

If the liver is in the way, then the surgery can't be performed.

Medi-trim is the preferred protein powder/shake for pre-op nutrients. It replaces Optifast.

It is amazing the amount of things that I will have to do but must remember that the most important part is to drink water and be a mindful eater.

It is learning to eat all over again, starting with water and protein shakes when able to (baby formula) pureed food for the next step (baby food in a jar) and then the next step is to eat mushy food with very tiny chunks of food in it (toddler food in a jar).

Depending on how I react to water after surgery will depend on when I can start the protein shakes.

I am doing as much research as I possibly can and have joined a website called Obesity Help which is a bariatric/weight loss site. This way I can ask all the questions I want regarding my type of wls.

I am nervous but still okay with my decision......more to follow.

Take care

Wednesday April 28 th

I go for a reg GP follow up at 1 to see if the sertraline that has been prescribed for the depression I have from the Fibromyalgia that I was recently diagnosed with., is working.
Then at 2 I go for my first nutritionist/dietician consultation prior to surgery. This will cost me $200 and includes inital visit, and three 30 minute follow up sessions after the LSG.

Dr A said that the only costs that I would have to pay for are for the dietician and for Medi-Trim. Apparently that is some kind of "drink replacement" to help my liver shrink prior to surgery, other wise the liver blocks the stomach and is too rigid to move around to get to the stomach.

I am not sure when I will start that but I do know that it would have to be 2 weeks prior to my LSG, whenever that is

Monitoring

Well today I had to go get fitted for a Holter monitor (portable EKG). Only have to wear it for 24 hours---it was because of what I felt are heart palpitations when I go to sleep.

I look like a crazy cyborg and they had to tape the electrodes down after applying since I sweat profusely no matter what the temperature is. So I chose to come home instead of going to work---temps at work haven't been adjusted for spring/summer and its crazy hot in there, which would mean extra sweating ( I already am soaked when I leave work). The extra tape is already starting to peel and I am at home in a cold room wearing a tank top.

I will just have to let my work know and hope they understand.

I have had this awful cold/sinus issue since Tuesday--stayed home Tuesday and Wednesday, went in yesterday when I should have stayed home.