WLS UPDATE : Nutrition Visit

I had my nutritional visit today with the nutritionist/nurse at Rockwood for my WLS surgery.
I was so nervous but excited to meet her, and hear what she had to say.
Lord knows I have been reading, and researching each and every aspect of this journey, and the nutritional part has had me stumped a few times.
My decission hasnt come easy to swallow for some, yet for me its been clear cut and so out there infront of me its not even funny.
To have each peice of this puzzle begin to fall into place is so nice.

Mike went with me thismorning and that was so important to me. Him being my biggest fan and largest support person, I think its important he heard what the nutritionist had to say too. He can help keep me focused, and in line with myself and the team behind me.

Merri Lou ( the nutri ), Spent 90 minutes with us, questioning me about my ways, my attitude about it all, trying to see what exactly I knew and didnt know about what Im taking on and then spent some time going over what most patients need to know or do, and then an intro to foods for right after surgery.

We walked away today with tons of knowledge.
I think it really hit me when she pulled out 6 little 1oz glasses ( think tiny shot glass ) and said this would be what I consume the first 4 weeks post op. 6 individual meals, all liquid or pureed 1oz each 6 times a day... WHOA.
I know thats drastic, but what a way to put it into perspective. Even mike said theres no way he could do it.
I know its only temperary and that with time I will again be able to eat just that I wont be able to eat what others do. I will need to choose wisely, pay attention to proteins, and be diligent about how often I do eat.
Alot of work cut out for me!

I can do this!

Mike asked Merri Lou a great question " Will April feel bad when were all eating around her, or were out to dinner, and she cant eat certain things " - In my head I was thinking, well isnt that up to me? But Merri had a great answer " No - She shouldnt feel out of place, and neither should you guys. She wont be hungry. She will be satisfied with her ___________ ( whatever meal(s) ) and not think of it that way. The surgery changes body & mind! ".
Wow - that took me by suprise! I bet shes right... the feeling of satisfication will be different.
She did state its usually others at the table that are feeling useasy about me, and makes them watch what they are eating/doing themselves. Its a lesson to be learned when the time comes she said.

To sum it up she told us that during the time with us or me, her job is to determine how ready, able and educated I am about what Im about to take on.
She said I passed with flying colors and that I wouldnt even have to do the diet or any diet per say before surgery... GREAT right?!
I will need to be on clear liquid the day before operation though, and then we will go step by step. She also helped me with ways to get around the artificial sweetener issue. I think were on the right track.
I will see her more for my pre-op, post op and as needed to be ok with the way things are!

So....
the next and last step before approval is :

Phsycological ( editor did i spell this right? ) Exam. I do this in 3 days!!! Im excited and hope the outcome is just as good as today's!

Heres my to do list for this week - surgery :

- Be aware of how often I eat / log it on my journal
- TRY to get 6 eat times in a day / log them in the journal
- Cut out bread, and potatoes - this is going to mean a big difference long term.
- More water / aim for 1 gallon a day not the 3qt.
- Research vitamins - this is a must.