If you’re reading this post, odds are you are looking for guidance during your pre-op phase (and you are about to become one of my “Bari-besties”!)
Well, friend, you are in luck, because I PROMISE not to be a gatekeeper! You know that old adage, We rise by lifting others? That is a sort of “unspoken motto” around here. If one rises, we all rise! So without further ado, let’s get to it.
My Pre-Op Requirements
Pre-Op Part One
As you probably know, everyone’s surgeon is different. Therefore, most pre and post-op journeys are different, too. Fun fact, in 2021, I started to pursue Gastric Sleeve surgery, but it fell through when we took in my husband’s little sister and the timing and financials became unworkable. I actually made it 90% of the way through the pre-op requirements with that surgical office and then had to stop. It was really frustrating, but I don’t regret it. I learned a ton! Here are the requirements that I remember having to go through with that office:
- Initial Consultation with Doctor to Decide on Best Procedure
- Bloodwork
- Nutrition Counseling with Dietician (3 or 4 of these)
- Keep a Food Journal
- Weekly Weigh Ins
- Pre-Op Liquids
- Post-Op Phases
- Nutritional Seminar
- Pre & Post-Op Dietary Restrictions
- Longterm Success Strategies (and prioritizing Protein and Fiber)
- Vitamin and Supplement Overview
- Mindset Shift
- Psychological Evaluation
- Two Required Support Group Meetings (though weekly participation encouraged)
- Weight Loss of 50lbs prior to Surgery with ZERO weight gain
I was able to complete all of these requirements in about six months. I was just waiting for a surgical date. Sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover any bariatric procedures, so I was a private pay patient. The money we had saved that we planned to use for my surgery was then reallocated to providing for the needs of my sister-in-law. I was so sad to not have the surgery, but I knew that God was calling us to take her in, and I couldn’t possibly be upset about that. We love her very much.
Pre-Op Part 2
This time, my experience has been vastly different. I am working with a different surgical office, and honestly, I am so glad to have made that decision. In March of 2024, I was officially diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Pseudotumor Cerebri. You can read about that whole saga here. Long story short, there was a period of time where we thought I had brain cancer. Turned out to be excess spinal fluid built up in my brain causing pressure. The symptoms mimic that of a brain tumor. All of that to say, bariatric surgery (and the rapid weight loss it provides) is my chosen course of treatment to *hopefully* reduce the pressure in my brain.
I officially got that diagnosis at the end of February 2024. My surgery date is scheduled for April 22nd, 2024. That is a pretty amazing and miraculous timeline. For this pre-op experience, I have one month of liver-shrinking diet modification broken into two phases:
Phase One: 2-and-1 Meal Replacement
- Two meal replacement shakes per day (Breakfast and Dinner)
- One protein-heavy lunch under 500 calories total with non-starchy vegetables
- OTC Complete Multivitamin
- Timeframe: Two Weeks
- Weight Lost: 20 lbs.
Phase Two: Full Liquids
- Three meal replacement protein shakes per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- No snacking or other food in between.
- Clear liquids (Gatorade/Powerade Zero, Sugar Free Popsicles, Sugar Free Jello, Sugar Free Crystal Light, Reduced Sodium Beef, Chicken, or Bone Broth, Decaf and Sugar Free Coffee & Tea, Protein Waters)
- OTC Complete Multivitamin
- Timeframe: 18 days
- Weight Lost: TBD
Protein Shakes: What I Like & What I Don’t
Let’s Start with the “Don’t Likes”
First, let me preface this by saying I do not love artificial sweeteners. I am somewhat of a “crunchy” gal, and Splenda/Aspartame are not my usual go-to ingredients. Except for when they are in Diet Coke, because, well… Diet Coke.
Getting off of caffeine was hard and really unglamorous. The caffeine headaches were ROUGH the first couple of days, but once they passed, I was able to handle my dietary restrictions pretty well. I didn’t cheat once! That in itself showed me how much healing and growth I have experienced.
Let’s Talk Protein
- Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement shake mixes.
- I only tried one flavor, Cafe Latte. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely isn’t good.
- There is a slight chemical aftertaste that is pretty, uh… not good.
- It is VERY sweet. Like SUPER sweet. To get it down, I diluted it with decaf Starbucks coffee pods, some Fairlife Skim Milk, and lots of ice.
- The PRO of this specific protein mix is that it contains an ingredient that makes you feel fuller for longer, so this really does help manage hunger during the pre-op phase. There is also a great vitamin and mineral blend to help prep your body for surgery.
- Premier Protein Shakes
- I find these to be super delicious. They are creamy, not chalky, flavorful, and there is much less of an aftertaste. So far, my favorite flavors are Cafe Latte and Cake Batter. Both are great for making “Proffee” aka, Protein Coffee.
- OWYN Pro Elite Shakes
- These are probably my favorite and they’re vegan (and delicious!)
- Vanilla is such a versatile flavor. Mix it up by adding a scoop of sugar-free pudding mix or 2 tbsp of PB2 powder and ah, *chef’s kiss*.
- Prebiotic fiber and Superfood Greens blend included
- The Pro Elite shakes have 32g of protein per bottle, but they also offer a “snack size” shake that has 20g!
- Bare Bones Bone Broth Instant Powdered Beverage Mix, Beef
- Great when you need a savory option. You will want this. Drinking sweet shakes all day everyday becomes less than appetizing.
- 10g of Protein, 50 calories, 5g of collagen, Keto & Paleo Friendly
- Gluten Free
- Great for on the go!
- Bonafide Provisions Frozen Bone Broth, Chicken
- 10g of Protein
- Try jazzing it up with some lemon pepper, turmeric, or your favorite seasonings!
- Just thaw, heat, and sip!
- Isopure Unflavored Protein
- 25g of Protein, 0g Carbohydrates
- Can be mixed into anything!
This is all I have for you at the moment. If you have additional ideas, drop them in the comments!
