Hey folks!! Anyone experience "the shakes" (no pun intended) after they started the pre-op liquid diet?? Today is my first day and I feel sort of sick/shakey like I have low blood sugar or something. I am allowed to eat low carb veggies like lettuce and cucumbers, but they are not really helping me much..... I'm thinking maybe I should pick up some orange juice or something so that I don't make myself sick. what sort of experiences have you all had with liquid "fast".... as it probably really should be called.

That's a common reaction to the liquid diet. If you drink some OJ or other fruit juice, it may give your blood sugar a quick spike so you feel better, but that spike won't last long and you'll be back where you started (I'm diabetic, so I speak from experience). Are you only allowed clear liquids, or can you have liquids like milk or protein shakes? Having some protein combined with a carb is my best solution to this kind of thing. Protein from protein powder and carb from milk works for me.

Hey folks!! Anyone experience "the shakes" (no pun intended) after they started the pre-op liquid diet?? Today is my first day and I feel sort of sick/shakey like I have low blood sugar or something. I am allowed to eat low carb veggies like lettuce and cucumbers, but they are not really helping me much..... I'm thinking maybe I should pick up some orange juice or something so that I don't make myself sick. what sort of experiences have you all had with liquid "fast".... as it probably really should be called.

I never experienced this with the liquid diet...please let your surgeon's office know what is going on with you, and ask them for advice! This likely is not serious, but better to be safe with accurate advice...

I was shaking like a leaf that first day! I actually had to cheat slightly with a granola bar just to get my sugar up enough to stop shaking. It does get much easier, at least bodily, after those first few days. I don't know what to tell you besides cheat a little. That's what it took for me. I doubt a low calorie carb for the sake of comfort will hinder your progress.

This is my second day of liquids only... the protein shake with skim milk helped me get through the mornings... sugar free popsickles helps in the afternoons.... this slim fast doesn't really fill me at all but I'm hanging in there...1 more day and salad bar... here I come...

Thanks for all of the help! I actually took Jean's advice to eat some Protein with my "food" and it worked out just fine. I had my Ensure drink with some lettuce that had a little balsamic vinegar in it. I think that I will try to eat something solid with the Ensure from here on out because that seemed to help me a lot. I am allowed to eat lettuce and cucumbers and few other low glycemic index foods, so it should all be okay so long as I stick to the prescribed food list.

Thanks again folks!

Lola, when is your surgery? I start liquids tomorrow. I am nervous because I am also Diabetic. I just made some SF Jello for myself to have tomorrow & I will have my UNjury shakes, they did tll me I could have LF Yogurt and non fat cottage cheese too.

Ensure does not have enough Protein. Your shakes should have no less than 20 g of protein and be no more than 200 cals. For premade Premier brand is great 160 cals. for 30 g of protein (available costco and Sams). You can also look for premade shakes with low carbs at Vitamin Shoppe and even Walmart.

I would not drink fruit juice. Your doctor has you on the preop diet to force your body to burn fat (esp. fat in your liver). If you drink fruit juice which is allll carbs you are going against that goal.

Lilbelly, my surgery is on May 25th. When is yours?

Honk, thank you for your input.

Lola, mine is on May 22!

Yes, that happened when I did liquid pre op diet. Many people say that being on an "eating" schedule helps to keep your blood sugar level. It's going to be a shock to your system for a few days, day 2 and 3 were worst for me but it does get easier! I am on post op liquids and it's so much easier.