I have a question about the pre op/post op liquid diet.

Do any of y'all feel weak on the liquid diet? My nutritionist told me that I am only supposed to have between 600-800 calories per day, all from liquids such as protein shakes. Does anyone feel weak and sluggish from so few calories? From what she told me and what I have read from the literature that she provided for me, I am on all liquids, no real food.

If that is what I have to do, then so be it. I will do it with the help of prayer for some serious willpower. However, I am concerned about my energy level. I am the mother of 6 year old twins and I work full time. I need energy, LOL!

I was just banded on 12/15, but I think the weakness I am feeling is more from surgery recovery than lack of food. I had a hernia repaired at the same time.

During the two week pre-op period, my surgeon allowed one small "real meal" per day along with two Protein shake meals and there were "free foods" (vegies) that I could have all I wanted and they kept me satisfied. I can only assume that the objective really is to lose enough weight to shrink the liver, and that can be done by cutting the caloric intake even with real food. The day before surgery was Clear Liquids only and nothing after midnight. I really didn't suffer during the pre-op stage and lost 17 pounds.

My post-op consists of days 1 and 2 (surgery day and day after) clear liguids days 3-14 all liquuids (Dr said "anyting that will go through a straw easliy and not have chunks in it"), after that mushies then real food. My surgeon's lack of dietary strictness might be because I have a Realize band, but I really don't know that for sure.

DISCLAIMER Please allow me to say don't do as I did just because my Dr. allowed it. You MUST follow your Dr's instructions flawlessly.

I really have to say it hasn't been too bad yet, but I'm sure I will have my moments. Everyone seems to.

Dan.

Edited December 19, 200916 yr by GoneFishin
edit

Thanks, Dan! I am also getting the Realize band, and I will follow my doctors instructions, no matter how hard it is. I don't want him to cancel the surgery just because I couldn't follow his orders for two weeks. Four weeks of liquids is not very long when you compare it to the rest of my life. It may not be easy, nor am I looking forward to it, but I can and will do it.

I am concerned about the weakness, but I will get calories from the shakes, so hopefully it will be minimal.

Today was a BEARCAT! Just the aroma of some of my favorite foods drove me CRAZY. Specifically, 1)hot buttered popcorn and 2) greasy, cheesy pizza. Then I thought "I'm almost a week into my post-op liquids! I can do this!" I came home and warmed some tomato-pepper Soup from costco and put garlic salt in it. IT WAS HEAVENLY! I felt so decadent. The key is to not go out in public hungry. I am going to eat before I leave and always take something with me.

WE CAN MAKE IT, KIDDO.

d.

Edited December 20, 200916 yr by GoneFishin

I am on day four of my pre-op liquid diet and I do not feel bad at all. I think it is important to choose a Protein shake with as much protein as you can to help your energy level. I am drinking the myoplox lite which has 20 grams of protein as compared to slimfast which has only 15.

I also snack on carrots all day long to help with the hunger feeling.

Good luck. I can only imagine the struggles you will be dealing with as you prepare to be banded and raising a set of twins.

How is the taste of the myoplex? Even thought I haven't started the liquid diet yet, I have started to try out the shakes to find ones I like. I figure that it's better to try them out now instead of waiting until I'm on the pre-op diet.

I've only tried Miscle Milk Light and Carnation Instant Breakfast (The sugar free ones). I prefer the Muscle Milk over the Carnation but neither one was something I would look forward to drinking. I may change my mind when it my only source of nutrition, though! When that time comes they might turn out to be delicious!

How is the taste of the myoplex? Even thought I haven't started the liquid diet yet, I have started to try out the shakes to find ones I like. I figure that it's better to try them out now instead of waiting until I'm on the pre-op diet.

I've only tried Miscle Milk Light and Carnation Instant Breakfast (The sugar free ones). I prefer the Muscle Milk over the Carnation but neither one was something I would look forward to drinking. I may change my mind when it my only source of nutrition, though! When that time comes they might turn out to be delicious!

Myoplex isn't bad at all. It has a pretty good chocolate taste. It took me a day to really get used to it but now I can drink it with no problem. Sam's Club carries them and they contain 20 grams of Protein which is higher than most. Good luck!

Pre-op liquid diet, man I dont miss that! I remember, luckily I only had to do it for 5 days. But one day, a supervisor at work walked in w/ KFC!!! And then offered me a big ol' peice of crispy fried chicken!!!! Talk about will power to say no.

I was extremely sluggish on the diet. What helps is the Protein. I still get sluggish if I hadn't had my protein in for the day and i'm about 8 months post op. Now my pre-op diet was CLEAR liquids, so getting in my protein was alittle tricker than if you get full liquids. You could try Isopure, it gets me through when I'm on clear liquids, has something like 40grams of protein, but extremely sweet! Mix w/ Water so you can get it down.

Side note- my dietician said when you are on nothing but liquids you can get loose stools. Sorry if that's TMI, but wanted you to be aware.

I think I will try the Myoplex. I am cautious on what I try because most of the time I can't buy just one drink. Usually they come in a 4 pack and are expensive. If I don't like them and can't force them down, I will waste money, which I am completely against! lol

Thanks for the heads-up Twilight! I would normally not speak about stool to someone, but under these circumstances I appreciate the information. I would not have thought about 'those' types of changes, so I wouldn't have known if you had not told me. My nutritionist didn't mention it.

If you have a GNC near you, buy from them. They have a very generous return policy. If you try something and don't like it (like 1 of a 4pack), you can return the rest and get all of your money back.

I was banded Dec 30th and I have not been weak at all. I think it is because I am making sure to get enough protein in. I use a protein mix that has 60grams of protein for a 12oz serving. I sip 2 ounces every 1-2 hours. Then I drink plenty of calorie free liquids in between (at least 60 ounces). I am hoping my energy level will stay the same. I return to work tomorrow.

Savor the flavors of this diet products. Medifast offers soups and hot and cold beverages, among their other Medifast weight loss products.

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I tried a lot of bad protein powders and spent alot of money finding one I liked. My sons new workout friend suggested Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder (from bodybuilder.com, best price) You can order a multi flavor pack to see what you think. especially if you're sick of chocolate. Orange dream, fruit punch and mocha cap are my favs, but there are so many good ones, you can't buy them all!!!

Beautiful,

What Protein are you using that gives you 60 grams?

Thanks!