I am on my first day and feel terrible. How did you get through??

I'm at the end of day 2 and tonight I was put to the test. I'm 21 and like to go out once and a while to the bar and have some drinks with friends. Tonight not only was I DD sipping my water all night, I even stopped at a fast food restaurant for my friends and didn't order anything. And as they are all eating not once did I even think about asking for a mesley French fry. If I can put myself in a situation like that and come through strong I feel like I won't have a problem with the rest of the pre op or the diet ahead of me. Not only am I proud of myself but I am so excited for my weightloss journey to begin. Good luck to everyone!

I am on my first day and feel terrible. How did you get through??

The first three days are the hardest, but you will get through it. I found that the protein shakes were my saving grace. Seriously, I would have been lost without them. They tasted good and kept me full. You might have headaches the first few days. That is very common as your body adapts to being without caffeine, toxins, etc., but by day 4, most people note feeling much better. You can definitely do this! The pre-op part is the hardest for most people. Even though you are on a liquid diet post-op for a couple of weeks, you are already used to it, your cravings have subsided by then (for carbs and sweets), and you are banded, so even without a fill, your stomach is swollen from surgery and you feel fuller faster than before surgery. My best advice is just to take one meal at a time and you will get through it. Distraction and keeping busy helps too. I really enjoyed my "no added sugar" fudgsicles too. I looked forward to them so much! Good luck! It's only temporary, and well worth the sacrifice in the end. You'll be amazed at how strong you can be and you'll be proud of yourself for sticking it out even though it is a challenge. Mind over matter!

I must look through my binder again but I feel unclear as to the number of shakes and/ or calories I can have in a day.

Yes, definitely check your binder because some pre-op diet instructions vary slightly from surgeon to surgeon. My doctor allowed up to 3 protein shakes per day and a 1200 calorie diet. Good luck!

You all have such great support stories. Thank you all. Today is another day. I made it through day 1. :-)

I can't stress the importance of trying different brands of Protein shakes until you find at least one which you can tolerate and hopefully enjoy. Post op and periodically after fills you will need to return to your liquid diet, so let your Protein shake be your friend...I still have one several times a week when I have not met my protein goals for the day.

I did find that my shakes tasted better when I mixed them with 1% milk, and blended them with a couple of ice cubes in the blender. You should get away from using straws, as post op using straws is not encouraged.

During my pre and post op diets, I ended up with cravings for salt several times...and I was thankful for chicken broth.

These pre and post op diets are limited...they don't go on forever. I had my band surgery delayed for over a year, so there was a high level of motivation for me to get through whatever I needed to to have the surgery.

I kept my eyes focused on the prize of a healthier me...and took a day at a time. My favorite memory of that time was the luncheon I hosted for my woman's club the day before my surgery, when I was allowed only Clear liquids. One of the best restaurants in town...I watched everyone enjoy their Entrees while I sipped on my ice Water.

You can do this...Best wishes...

Thank you for the encouragement. I am having a hard time. Could you please recommend the shakes that got you through?

Hope you are feeling better. I am a retired trauma and ICU nurse and can not stress enough how important it is for you to discuss ANY issues concerning you with you MD. Example, the smell of Whey Protein is nauseous to me and my MD and Dietician recommended using a straw. My physician felt it more important to get the protein in than worry about a straw. Another MD may have a different opinion. Some like to use 1% milk in their protein shakes but I am unable to do this and use water. I put a couple drops of flavored extracts in my drinks to pep them up and this works for me. I have also had to all Splenda to some of tube Isopure products. Work with your MD and dietician and they WILL help you down a path that works for you. This forum gives a lot of views and opinions and that is a good starting place for discussions to determine YOUR plan of care. EVERY PATIENT IS DIFFERENT!

Thank you for the encouragement. I am having a hard time. Could you please recommend the shakes that got you through?

From day 1 of my liquid diet to now, I have used Wheybolic Extreme Protein powder from GNC. I mix the shake with both 1% milk and a couple of ice cubes in the blender.

I like both the Cookies 'n cream and chocolate flavors...when mixed with 1% milk each shake has 37g of protein. To me, and I am very sensitive to smell, there is no odor at all, and most importantly no chemical aftertaste.

Your mileage may vary...

My physician required a CLEAR liquid, high protein prep prior to surgery. I used the Isopure brand. There is a great Website, Lucky Vitamin, and I have found them to have some of the most compearive prices on the web. Great customer service. There are 40 grams of whey protein and 160 calories in the 20 oz. bottle. This website offers a variety pack with several flavors to help you decide which you like the best. My personal favorite, the raspberry. You can always add a few drop of flavored extracts if you need a more intense flavor.

I'm on day 9 of 14 day liquid diet consisting of 1000 calories. I drink EAS Myoplex Light in french vanilla when I'm on the go and Proto Whey by BNRG in double chocolate. This Protein doesn't make me feel bloated. I only add Water to my shakes and mix in blender. I live alone and avoid eating with people so it's been easier than I thought it would be.

The Baratric Advantages shakes are gross and too thick. I also have soup- I add cauliflower, carrots, zucchini to 6 cups of water and add 3 tbs of Osem power to the water. This low calorie veggie Soup is very filling. I also have sugar free popsicles (15 calories).