Hi Kittehmom,
Yuk...how easy for a surgeon to prescribe an unpalatable liquid diet, then walk away to a steak dinner. That's what's great about
this forum...these are the people who've experienced what you're going through. We don't have medical expertise, but we do have lived it. I'm so glad you found something that you can drink more enjoyably.
I'm certain there have been other forum posts regarding a liquid pre-op diet for weight loss. I'm sure people will be by soon with shared experiences and ideas. It's not that much longer, so just take it a day at a time. Don't look at the entire time stretching until Friday. Just today, this hour, this moment.
You don't have a choice here, Kittehmom. With your asthma issues, you've got to give this surgery a try. You will do well, and once you've recovered, I'm sure you'll find your lungs greatly improved. It will all be worth it in the end.
I'm glad you've joined us, and we'll be here to cheer you on both before and after your surgery.
Hang in there, and post any questions or concerns you might have. If you just want to vent your frustration or discuss your last minute worries...we're here for you.
Be sure to ask your surgeon for all your pain meds in liquid form. Also get some liquid Motrin or Tylenol to use after surgery when your pain subsides and you don't need the narcotic pain meds, but want something for the pain. (There isn't all that much pain...)
After the surgery make sure you walk a lot to get rid of the gas inside your gut. They pump your abdomen with CO2 to
open it up and make it easier to do the repair.
Don't drink out of straws after the surgery--it introduces extra air into your stomach. After my surgery, the hospital staff was constantly offering me drinks with straws. They even had a carbonated ginger ale on my tray the next morning--carbonation is a no-no until you find out what you can tolerate. You have to educate yourself, and be your own advocate.
Again, don't worry. You'll do just fine. It's lots scarier to hear about
it than it is to go through it. If you expect the worst, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Did you check out the re-posting of my post-surgery journal on Rhumaan's thread? It would give you an idea of one person's experience.
Every surgeon is different, and they seem to all have their preferred protocol. Mine seems to have been one of the most liberal regarding eating. He puts more responsibility on his patients to make good food choices in recovery. It worked for me. Unfortunately, though, that lung infection didn't!
Good luck with your crash liquid diet!
No question is stupid, so ask away!
Denise
