HEY ALL.

SO I AM JUST NOW GETTING INTO MY 6 MONTH DIET BUT I CAN'T HELP TO LOOK AHEAD. I AM MORE SCARED OF THE liquid DIET PRE-OP THAN ANYTHING. CHOOSING TO EAT HEALTHY FOODS I AM OKAY WITH. BUT NOT EATING ANY FOODS AT ALL SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF ME. I JUST HOPE I HAVE ENOUGH WILLPOWER TO DO IT. WHAT HAS HELPED ALL OF YOU? WHAT HAVE YOU HAD IN THOSE 2 WEEKS? ANY SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS WOULD REALLY HELP! THANKS FOR LISTENING!!

ASHLEY

You just need to rap your head around it and know that it is something you have to do to get the surgery.

Don't think about it, just do it!

After day 3 it wasn't so bad. Once I got past the headaches I actually wasn't that hungry.

My Doc gave me a choice food or liquid diet I opted for Liquid because that was it you drank it and you were done. No measuring, no counting cals. just drink it and do it. You are going to have to learn that you can not have things others have might as well start with the liquids, that which doiesn't kill you makes you stronger. At this point in your life food is so important, you will find life is so much fuller when you let that part go.. the Lap Band can do that for you. So don't build the liquid part up in your mind you can do it and your liver will love you for it....

I would use your nervous energy in a constructive way. Start researching Protein powders (My doctor wants whey isolate; not all whey Proteins are created equal.)Ask you doctor the nutritional requirements and then run searches on this site for what brands people recommen. There are MANY postings about that.

There are also many "recipes" for shakes using sugar free syrups and fat/sugar free pudding powder.

I bought a super convenient single serving blender by Hamilton Beach $15 at Walmart/target). Mixes in a travel cup so very portable. Excellent on ice.

Don't worry, you can do it! You will be surprised at how strong you are. I just completed the two week liquid diet, had surgey yesterday, and will be on liquids for another 2 weeks. The key for me was to stay busy and keep my occupied on other things. There were a few "tough" days, but it definitely got easier after the first couple of days.

I've essentially been on the Pre-Op Diet for 3 weeks and precisely 3 days due to my surgery being cancelled on me last minute ... no less all while in surgical gown on 6/15. Two weeks prior to that, I too was scared just like you are about going on the Pre-Op Diet, but after first couple of days it became much easier. Being prepared is first and foremost -- I stocked up on all the types of recommended items that I read from both books and via posts here on LB Forum (thanks to all that have gone before us). My first recommendation is to find a Whey Isolate Protein that you can stomach and like. In my case, I settled on MRM Low Carb Protein Whey Isolate with 23g Protein per shake. I had 2 of these a day (you can always add ice or spinach to it for more fullness if you need it). I followed with a sensible meal at early dinner (meaning lean fish, meat or chicken along with crunchy salads with lite dressing). In between any of these 3 -- I would have Sugar Free Jello, Chicken Broth or other no cal no sugar no carb Broths. Pop in Sugar Free Popsicles for when you need crunchy snacking and take your time with each, etc. The other key for me was to be sure I was getting 80 mg of Protein in a day. I lost 30 lbs in 2 weeks without too much work, hunger or misery, but I also limited some of my usual errands (so as not to burn out) and incorporated a walking routine. At 3 weeks (only due to surgery cancellation) I've lost another 8 lbs. Believe me I was exactly where you are currently and if I can do it I know you can too... Feel the Fear and plunge in. Hope I'm making sense here as I usually write via desktop and not via my cell . I know it is very challenging in the beginning, but stay focused. Keep us posted and just know this is an amazing and supportive site

Why did your surgery get cancelled?

I just stocked up on my pre-op food, started today! Here we go wish me luck:))

I understand ! I was scared also.what kept me going was knowing it was temporary,knowing it will help me have a successful surgery,and knowing that I had to conquer this if there was any hope of living with the band.My tip is to NEVER leave home without ur soups/drinks.Like another post said I wasn't hungry often after day 3 BUT if i did it hit quick and hard but having ur drink right there will kill it.The couple of times I wasn't prepared when hungar hit I felt like a crazy woman that could eat a house.but soon as I put a little warm soup on it I felt much better ! Good Luck !

I agree with you, the pre-op preparation was not fun. Seriously, it was for me probably the worst part of the entire process, and it was capped off by the day before surgery fast, where you can only have clear liquids! Ugh! But, this was the worst part. Know that.

i'm currently on day 9 of the liquid pre-op... and, trust me, i was terrified of it too! BUT... you can totally do it! if i can, anyone can! i normally get headaches easily, but had no headaches and the first 3 days were not fun and you obsess about what you cant have. and day 4 i was miserable... worst day. but after that, i was cool about it. just mourn the food you wont be eating and know that there IS an end in sight. i've even been out to eat with friends and i just have broth. just try not to think about it too much. but... like everyone here tells me... its worth it!! and when you start fitting into smaller things, that will be your encouragement!

I was on a liquid diet for 7 weeks -- its hard! I found I wanted to sleep all the time just to make time go faster. Just keep your eyes on the prize and remember that its not forever! Bean soup and sf fudgsicles saved my life...but I never want to eat them again! You'll do great.

Thanks everyone! I am loving all the support and ideas! I know this will be the hardest part of all of this for me and I will just have to push through it. As long as I can have a couple other things besides protein shakes and water I am hoping ill be okay. Also I am hoping my surgeon will give me a list I can work off of of things I can have. DAY BY DAY! RIght ladies?! lol.

Thanks everyone! I am loving all the support and ideas! I know this will be the hardest part of all of this for me and I will just have to push through it. As long as I can have a couple other things besides Protein shakes and Water I am hoping ill be okay. Also I am hoping my surgeon will give me a list I can work off of of things I can have. DAY BY DAY! RIght ladies?! lol.

right!

Why did your surgery get cancelled?

That's a very good question. Surgeon was two hours late which then made it impossible to perform surgery due to other doctors and patients scheduled for same OR. This was on a Friday and my surgeon was going out of town which has delayed timeline for rescheduling. It was a big bummer since I was ready and had taken time off (my hubby also took time off for me as well as the week we thought I'd be recovering. I'm now in the process of re-evaluating who, where and when... Although I really like the surgeon I originally chose. Can I count on them again or future aftercare commitment?