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Does your doctor require a pre-op liquid diet? My surgeon required a 12-week pre-op liquid diet. My dietitian (RD) was pissed off and said she would set him straight and get the diet time reduced. I dunno what occurred but the surgeon won as I expected. If so, how long are you to be on it? 12 weeks. What foods are recommended? My RD actually put me on a specific diet of Glucerna (6-7 a day), 1 serving of Sugar-Free Jello, Broth, and 3.7L of water a day, along with allowing a cup of non-starchy veggies (wouldn't even know if there are starchy vegetables) What foods are allowed and not allowed? Very simple diet.. low carb (incl. sugar), low fat, high protein diet. I have deviated substantially from the diet my RD wanted me on, sticking to the premise of the diet, having less calories and carbs than even her diet would have got me, and am still dropping weight pretty fast. My fav cheating foods during pre-op are natural peanut butter (low carb, low cal, high protein -- stuff is very watery), unsalted peanuts, and string cheese (0 carbs). I had thought pepperoni was fine but after reading more studies against processed meats during pre-op I decided against it. No matter what I drink tons of water.. doing my best to be 30+ mins before/after food. Water is very important especially during this kind of diet. Is the goal ketosis (liver shrinking)? Of course. Two aspects. Advanced liver disease can crack and bleed, causing major artery/vein hemorrhaging that's incredibly difficult to deal with. So improving liver disease and shrinking it is beneficial two-fold. Secondly, large livers or ones with fat on them can make it difficult to move out of the way. The big one is slipping. Fatty livers are more slippery. This diet, when done properly, reduces the fat around it to make the job for the surgeon easier, or in some cases, do-able. I've heard of cases where surgeon went in with laparoscopic tools, saw either too large/fatty of a liver, or too much of a damaged liver, immediately patched them up and said "no". Obviously nobody wants this to happen. I had others issues that have greatly improved since. My HBA1c has dropped to normal levels.. by my next HBA1c test I likely will be tested without meds as it will drop more than sufficiently (high was 7.9mm/180 on US glucose a year ago, recent test was 5.7mm/180 US glucose after numerous drops), the swelling around my lower legs and feet has resolved almost completely, and liver function tests have gone back to normal after a year of being highly elevated. This combined with the weight loss, as my surgeon said, shows the liver is shrinking well, but most people don't have my problems so..

I love the food Network and am a Pintrest addict. So far I have found that I still love to cook and try out new recipes, I just don't feel the need to eat a lot of it. The main thing that I changed though is my focus is more on Protein dense foods and vegetables instead of carb loaded meals and/or sweets. I think perspective is the key

I haven't had my surgery yet. That said, I've seen and heard a lot about 'head' hunger... are you really hungry, or is your mind hungry? Also, I've seen people talk about remembering not to drink anything 30 min before, or after, you eat. You don't want to wash down the food you do put in your stomach, especially right now while it's all soft/liquid to begin with. Protein first. Veggies second. Fruit/bread/rice/sugar/etc last, or not at all at the beginning. Are you getting all the protein your doctor is recommending, and still squeezing in all the Water he wants as well? Ugh. I fear the 'head' hunger after my surgery... I have decided that taking up a new hobby might help get my mind off the food... just haven't figured out what that hobby will be ROFLMAO.

Hi i'm going into the 4 week soon I'm like a lot of people on here and hit a stall. But I'm wondering what the calorie limit some have for themselves? I.m following the plan and portion sizes, canned chicken 1 oz , tuna , salmon etc. Protein shake homemade with 1/8 cup blueberries. 1 oz cod and green beans with little cheese, of course the 1 oz scrambles egg and tablespoon of mozzarella cheese also a half of avocado. And a snack of sugar free pudding 1/2 cup. Everything i can have in my food binder. I also just stared my lose it app to keep track again. Anyways about 800 900 a day. Would love some others food choices and calories . Thanks

I'm on week 3. My nut wants us to reach 600 calories a day. Today I aimed for 422. I am a bit under because I can never eat the entire portion besides yogurt in the am. I log everything on mfp, as best I can. I eat yogurt with protein powder for breakfast. Oikos triple. Mid morning i drink a protein shape boosted with protein powder. Late lunch i eat this lentil soup i made. High protein tofu, lentils, bone broth, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, spinach, 1 tsp olive oil for entire batch, fresh thyme Dinner: bibb lettuce, low sodium turkey breast, half a wedge of laughing cow My nut said to measure by volume (2oz cup or 1/4 cup). Not by weight. I weigh everything out to make sure i am hitting my protein goals. Oh and 2 SF popsicles

I went to the doctor yesterday to see if I could get a little more filling. It turns out that my esophagus has stretched and that is why I can eat so much and not feel satisfied. She drained my band and put me on a liquid diet for a month. Bummer. She said that the esophagus should go back to normal. I guess I needed a wake-up call, because I was binging so badly. Even though it was small amounts, I was eating all day and night. I am so hooked on sweets. I feel like I'm constantly trying to adjust my body with food. I want something sweet, then I want something like crackers, bread, or nuts - then something sweet, then on and on and on - the circle never ends. Sometimes I scream at myself in my head, "Stop eating !!!!!" I always say that I can't. But I think I have been using negative self-talk in that area. I'm good at positive self-talk in other areas of my life, and it truly works. I'm going to practice positive self-talk with regulating my food intake now. I realize that everything you say or do is a choice, and saying "I can't" is choosing "not to." I have been so disappointed that my band did not seem to make any difference for me. If I had the will-power to do everything that is expected of me with my band, I would not have been fat in the first place. I guess the band has helped some, because I've lost 40 pounds over 4 years. That's 40 less than I have to lose now. That's positive. I did good today; I have had only my 30g Protein drinks. I can have Jello or yogurt tonight. Thanksgiving will be hard, so I'm going to enjoy it at home alone this time and enjoy some movies. I'd like to know how some of y'all are doing now. Success stories ......... problems .......????

Sounds like your in tge Red Zone. Talk to your surgeon, hes there to help you succeed! Also if there is a dietician in the office talk over your diet with her. Are you getting your protein and fluid intake all in? Just some thought.

I'm 7 months out and had lost 80.5 pounds and was doing and feeling great, in the last 4 days I've gained 5 lbs!!! The only thing different is I've dropped one protein shake and going for more protein elsewhere and I went to a potluck yesterday but could only get in a few bites and a couple of those bites were little smokies in BBQ sauce so I don't think the small amount I ate yesterday would have contributed to it but who knows, I'm still new at this. I've not had regular bowel movements this week and that could be some of it. I get a minimum of 64 oz of water in addition to other drinks like two cups of coffee... The only thing different is the 30 grams of protein I usually get from my shakes. Someone please tell me this happens and the scale will start heading back in the other direction. Thanks, Tammy.

I had my surgery on Friday and I really don't feel well. I still feel hungry, I am currently sipping on organic tomato Soup as well as some Jello here and there. Does this get any easier? I mean , I am losing some weight (down 10lbs) but I'm really craving the food. I thought that this was supposed to get rid of the hunger. I also had a Hernia that they removed / repaired but like I said I'm still feeling hungry. I can't really drink too much Water or Protein or the soup. I'm going nuts here, any suggestions?

i used to be able to eat way more than my hubs- a football coach! typical for me was : 3 heaping plates of nachos with the works. now, 19 wks post op, i can eat SIX chips with a little ground beef, some shredded cheese, and a dab of sour cream that is is my meal! pre op i drank 3-4 44 oz regular Mtn Dew fountain pops a day, now i haven't had a pop in 6 months. pre op i could go to most restaurants and eat a large appetizer, a huge regular meal, with my 'healthy' salad and sometimes a dessert. now i eat about 1/2 cup of my meal and done. i can only eat 1/2 of a snack wrap from mcdonald's now. i used to also eat a huge double cheeseburger meal upsized and still be hungry. i still eat pizza, but our days of having chicago style deep dish are done. we would also typically have an appetizer with it. now there is just no room. we get very thin crust with a Protein topper (our fave italian place does homemade meatball slices!) and mushrooms. they cut it into squares so i can have two small squares. that's it. that is my meal. i still love pizza. overall, my relationship with food has changed greatly. i no longer dream about certain foods. i no longer cook and eat all weekend. i still enjoy food, but now it's for nourishment. totally different mind-set . my hubs has lost 30 lbs just from me cooking differently (since surgery every meal is a protein, a veg and some complex carb). i eat very small portions. he eats one normal portion. my kids have gotten off of pop except when we go out, they are allowed to get one. we are all much better since my surgery.

If I have not had enough protein during the day I start to get sluggish. Make sure you are keeping up with that!

I had band to sleeve. 1/4/18. I was doing fine on liquids. Now it’s soft foods & I always feel I’m full, but hungry. I know that makes no sense. The full feels like it goes all the way up to my throat. All I’ve had are smoothies, cottage cheese, protein drinks. Just frustrating! Anyone else feel this?

If "starvation mode" was real, starving kids in 3rd world countries, French models, or anorexics wouldn't weigh so little. Ask one of them if we 1st world tubbies are in starvation mode. Lol [emoji13] I personally think it's just another thing we try to convince ourselves of. If you have weight to lose, you will lose it. Google "is starvation mode real". There are some good articles. What IS real is your body needing either more calories to kick metabolism in gear again or your body trying to readjust to the weight lost by pausing a bit before it realizes you're not done and it has to let go more. I was on a 2 week stall (I'm pre surgery). I spent a weekend on vacation where I ate between 1700-2000 calories a day for 3 days. My normal caloric intake is from 1000-1200. I also didn't work out for 6 days when normally I was at the gym 4 days a week. The past 2 days after vacation, I put myself on a diet similar to my intended preop diet. Premier drink for breakfast and lunch and a sensible meal (protein and veg) for dinner. I've lost 6 pounds in the last 2 days. I just had to reset and retrick my body. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 292

The sweets create a vicious cycle that makes you more hungry bc of insulin release, especially if you are eating them without Protein. I would make sure that you don't keep them in the house and don't buy them when you are out. Try to find substitutes that you like, such as fresh berries with ricotta and SF syrup, or Greek yogurt with an add-in like powdered Peanut Butter and sweetener. SF popsicles, or SF fudgesicles (not the best bc no protein--but better than eating something really bad for you). Drink plenty of Water so that you don't have time for dessert after meals. Think about how great you will feel when you reach goals!! that will give the sweets less importance. Good luck!

I am October 4 also. The first day of the liquid diet was tough. Day two hasnt been as bad, although I woke up feeling dizzy. After a Protein drink the feeling passed. I am glad surgery is on a monday because it will be easier to keep me on the diet that last weekend. I am sure this weekend wont be fun. Atleast during the week work is a good distraction for much of the day.

Hi guys! Just wondering if I am doing the liquid stage right? I'm struggling to get the water in as I am only taking small sips. Trying my best to get this better though, but I'm so worried about stretching my pouch. It sometimes hurts when the water hits the pouch too. Secondly, I have been using 250ml bottles of low sugar high protein shakes, but I end up sipping on them all day rather than drinking them at a set meal time. Is this right? Thanks [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 7 weeks out and I have stopped losing weight. I lost 4 lbs with one day of liquid diet pre op and 26 post op. It's been a week that I stopped losing. Trying to drink more water and drinking at least 50 grams of protein a day.

Yes, that is extremely common. They pump you full of IV fluids in the hospital, so it's normal and expected to temporarily gain weight from that. Right now, it is too early to worry about your weight at all. The scale is meaningless at this point. You just need to focus on getting your fluids and protein for now.

This is my very first post! I had RNY / hiatal hernia surgery for severe reflux due to my BMI. Gastric bypass was never my first choice but I figured it would be a win-win. Fix the reflux and lose weight! My surgery was February 24, 2021. Today is postop day four. I was down to 278 before surgery. Today I am 283!!!! I am in shock that eating 400 cal a day, 60 g of protein (and I’ve been able to drink about 50 ounces of water every day!) I still haven’t lost weight - in fact it’s gone up. I was in the hospital for two days because of severe pain and had a lot of IV fluids so this could be it but I don’t feel swollen? Did this happen to anybody immediately postop? 😬

I have had it since my gall bladder was removed in 08. It's like I literally get a little light headed and start sweating. Then there is a painful churning in my stomach and I have to go RIGHT THEN. While I'm actually going to the restroom my sweating and churning continue, as does my pain. For me it can even happen in the middle of a meal. Sometimes it will take several trips to the restroom until only orange or yellow acidic bile is coming out due to no gall bladder. Heavy creamy foods like Alfredo sauce, acidic foods like tomato based marinara, any fried foods, lettuce... My Protein shakes ... Really too many foods to name. This has been such a problem and my surgeon said if I follow the rules with my sleeve and eat dense Proteins first, maybe it will slow down or stop it.

Well well new to this site and new to this life! I'm 25 mother from California... I had my surgery feb 28 one week ago and I thought the battle was actually getting to the surgery date and finally it's over with. But the battle has just begun!!! Liquid diet, protein shakes its all a little much but I know it's worth it in the long run but maaan am I missing food right about now!!! Need some friends right about now and not the skinny ones either lol on the bright side I have lost 14 pounds already!! And I don't need my pain meds I'm almost back to 100! Surprisingly everything is going well I'm able to drink Alot of water at once which I thought was weird maybe just me anyways....I'm really digging this app!

Aww you can do it connie, this is the worst part, nothing compares to that pre op diet, i felt just the same, i was constantly in the bathroom too my bowels wouldnt agree with the pre op diet, i was also so emotional i cried every day. If it was a normal fad diet id have given up but look at what your going to gain from it a whole new and healthier lifestyle. How long do you have to do the pre op diet for? I only had to do it for 2 weeks and was banded 3rd july. I use to phone my dietician every day in tears and by day number 10 she was pretty harsh and said 'you have 2 options.... 1 - get on with it and do it and 2 - dont have the band...simple. those were the exact words i needed to give me a kick up the bum lol. So after that i kept repeating those words in my head xxx

Sorry you're feeling bad! As the others said, it's probably your body saying "WTH!" Just push through it, drink plenty of water and get those protein drinks in. For me, the pre-op diet was a huge mental challenge! The end result will be worth it. Hang in there girl, you got this.

Unless you're having some kind of alergic reaction to some new food ( the Protein shakes maybe??....never heard of it though ) its probably your body adjusting to not having the "normal" things you've been giving it. Hang in there! It may seem as though you can't do this, but trust me, you can. Most everyone has been through a pre-op "diet" that last from a few days to a few weeks. For me it was Clear liquids....basically ZERO calories for a week pre-op. And after about the third day, it actually got much better for me. Best wishes

So if i'm reading correctly you are 7 days post op. If so feeling weak is perfectly normal for this point, I didn't have enough energy to do much till about day 14, right now you should just be concentrating on getting your protein and hydration, and give your body a chance to heal. Good Luck, it gets better.