pre op jitters...what to do to not eat

I am brand new to forum.  I have my surgery date, 10/14/16, start pre-op in 2 days, would appreciate any suggestions of what people did to get through the pre-op time without eating besides using duct tape over my mouth.  I plan on walking and like to read,  anything else??? I live in Florida.  thanks in advance

First of all, welcome to the forum. Here you will find answers to your questions, encouragement when you need it and unlimited support in the good and bad times.

Secondly....congrats on your upcoming date. It'll be here before you know it and you will be on your way to a healthier new you.

Third, to actually answer your question: the best response I can give is to follow your doctor's and nutritionist's guidelines as they are the ones who know you and your medical needs best. I lived on protein shakes, broths and jello for the most part. I was able to have some very light meals the first week, but the second week I was no solids. My doctor explained that it was to shrink the liver which makes the surgery easier and of course safer. Again, best always to check with your medical team on any related questions. If you have questions about just about anything else, this forum is wonderful.

You shouldn't need the duct tape....besides, it leaves ugly marks and since you live in sunny Florida it may cause tan lines in unfortunate places. Keep your mind on the goal and even during the times when you might feel frustration or even hunger, hopefully you'll muddle past those hurdles.

Be sure to keep us posted as soon as you've had your surgery so that we can officially welcome you to what is called the Loser's Bench. Naturally, if you have any questions in between (and you more than likely will) feel free to ask....or lurk or read all the posts. The information and support are fabulous!

There are many psychological interventions you can use.  Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are really useful.  Here are some ideas:

• Keep your hands engaged!  Crochet, crafts, etc.  Keeping your hands occupied will help especially if you are eating from anxiety.
• Keep Play Doh or squishable toys kids use handy.  Play with them when you feel the need to eat.  
• Go for a walk.
• Meditate, pray, or engage in focused contemplation.
• Journal - I find bullet journaling useful.  I'm actually going to teach a class locally about using a bullet journal for disordered eating/to avoid eating.
• Smell a strong and pleasant scent instead of eating (like essential oils).  Inhale it slowly and enjoy it.  Take at least a minute to focus on the scent.  
• Listen to music loudly and enjoy it - immerse yourself in it!
• If you emotionally eat, remind yourself that emotions are not permanent.  Focus and identify the emotion.  Thank it for giving you its message about how you feel.  Then let it go, and appreciate your insight.
• Keep drinks you enjoy handy and use them!  Flavored water, etc.  Make tasty flavored waters with cucumber, watermelon, etc, to flavor them.
• Sugar free popsicles can help if you want something to chew, as they count as a "liquid."  Double check with your bariatric program on this.  Also, make sure to get the lowest carb sugar-free ones - Outshine is made from fruit and too carby pre-op, but the Popsicle brand is very low carb.

Thanks Meep and Anita

I love adult coloring books.  They keep my hands and mind occupied.

Other kinds of books can keep your hands and mind occupied as well.

I don't think Grim was thinking of pop-up books.  Maybe some other kind of "pop-up"... not G-rated?  

  Do tell.....