Categories: Health

My Gastric Bypass Journey- A personal weight loss story- Eating before surgery

Before  gastric bypass my insurance company required visits with a nutritionist. Now, having dieted all my life I assumed I knew what to eat. Well, if I had I suppose I would not have gotten to the point of needing half my stomach removed right?

So off to the nutritionist I went. And I am SO glad I did.

Without changing WHAT I ate, my first months assignment was to:

  • East consciously- take time to know what you are putting in your mouth, taste it, chew it.
  • Make your meal last 20 minutes- SLOW DOWN
  • Do not drink while eating- this includes water. Sip before or 30 minutes after but not with.

What did I learn?

  • When I paid attention to what I ate I did not want it. (fast food)
  • 20 minutes was a long time. I had to breathe and think and pay attention. I got full.
  • Drinking is taught. You do not need to “wash down” every bite. I got full and stayed full longer.

I lost 5 pounds.

Second month, time to change up what I ate:

  • No fast food
  • No sodas, diet or otherwise
  • Switch out breakfast for a protein drink

What did I learn?

Related Post
  • Fast food is gross. Salads are quick and easy and don’t require cooking
  • Water can be tasty, add sugar free drops or fruits
  • I did not miss anything trading out my toast and peanut butter for a protein drink and I was not hungry until lunch

I lost 5 pounds.

Third month got harder as it was clear my insurance company was going to approve and I was within a month of surgery

  • Eat Protein First, then vegetable then starch
  • Snack on nuts and cheeses instead of crackers and chips
  • Replace two meals with Protein shakes

What I learned?

  • Like washing down your food with water, mixing your foods is learned behavior. If you eat your protein first you fill up quicker and have little room for starches.
  • Nuts and mini bonbel cheese keep you full and crackers make you want more
  • Two protein shakes a day make you count the hours before you can have a snack. But you are not really hungry- you just want to chew

I lost 5 pounds.

So, in three months I lost 15 pounds prior to my surgery.  Today I hit 90 pounds at 7 months. I am glad that I followed my nutritionist advice. I helped me to be compliant after the surgery, and taught me that just because you know what is good for you there are things you can learn, and those hoops your insurance company has you jump through are for a reason.

 




  • Sally

    View Comments

    • Congratulations!! I want to loose some weight because of my left knee, and those three months following your nutritionist were the best thing you could have done! We don't know how to eat, we don't known how to eat well. Good article!!

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    12 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    1 year ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    1 year ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    1 year ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    2 years ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    2 years ago