Most of the time, the hunger is in my head, but what I really don't understand is how come I can have a protein shake and not have one piece of meat per day when that's just protein? Will that really hurt and cause that ole liver of mine not to shrink?

Your not allowed to have meat? My pre op diet consist of 2 protein shakes per day one meal consist of 6 oz of lean meat and I can have in addition sugar free pudding, jello, sugar free ice pops and calorie free drinks

Most of the time, the hunger is in my head, but what I really don't understand is how come I can have a Protein shake and not have one piece of meat per day when that's just protein? Will that really hurt and cause that ole liver of mine not to shrink?

i'm also on a diet that restricts meat - i wondered the same thing, but have elected to just follow my doctor's requirements so that when i show up next thurs for surgery i'm good to go. i wonder if maybe part of it is that the Protein Shake can deliver the protein in a leaner way? less calories, fat, cholesterol, etc?

I questioned that too, but when you go in for surgery and liver is leaner the surgery (band)goes in much easier according to the surgeon....that was a rough two weeks I hear you ..

this two weeks is rough. My neighbor at work was eating pretzels earlier and i wanted to jump him and take them away. Getting my band July 10th and it cannot get here soon enough. Good luck to everyone

They are getting you ready for the post op phase as well when you will only be able to have liquids

Some surgeons assign 100% liquid to test dedication.

My doc said that I needed to get used to being on liquids only anyways because after surgery I would only be allowed to have solids and it makes the transition easier.

My doc is no joke though. I would have killed to have meat during those 2 weeks but in the end my doc was right. I couldn't even tolerate anything more than Clear Liquids for 1 week post op.

In comparison though my post op liquid diet has been 100 times worse than my pre op liquid diet, so ready for pureed food!!!

It is a real struggle to say on the pre op diet. I lost about 10 pounds with it. I lost a total of 16 pounds pre op and found out at my last visit for my 100 day check up that my doctor does not count that as weight loss toward my goal. Only weight lost after surgery counts. What a bummer, but if that is so, I only have to lose a total of 91 pounds to get to my goal and not 107. They only count weight lost from the day of surgery and I was down from 258 to 241 on surgery day so my goal of 150 was only 91 pounds away if I use the doctor's count.

I'm at the end of day two and every time I close my eyes, I see an Outback Steakhouse commercial. I really don't know that I can do this. I am allowed 1-2 Atkins shakes a day, three servings of low-fat yogurt and all the no-calorie liquids like broth, crystal light, etc. I just wish the docs were more consistent...

I was on full 14 days liquid diet of protein shakes, chicken broth and water. It was the hardest thing to do. my doctor said it depends on your bmi, and weight. if you have a larger belly you need to shrink not only the liver but the fat around the liver and stomach. since the liver is right there, you don't want to risk the chance of him slicing that. if it is not the right size or not enough room, they will not operate, and you will be closed up and you will have to start your diet over again.

I am on day 2 of my pre-op diet and finding it soooo hard. 3 shakes and 2 cups of green vege a day. That's it for 4 weeks. I have waited for the surgery for so long and desperately want the band, but did not imagine how hard it would be physically and emotionally to get through this phase. I'm hoping that when the scales start showing some loss I might have more willpower.

The liquid diet is hard. especially the first couple days. I think it's because our bodies are not use to receiving just liquids. it helps it you get a variety of shakes and soup broths. someone on here told me about isopure at a vitamin shop. its high in protein and it taste like flavored water.

I know how you feel. I cheated and I was fine but I regret it. The pre op and first couple weeks after you can lose the most and then it may slow. Try to get the most out of this. You will be very happy in a few weeks with weight loss. Plus it doesn't get easier mentally so need to prepare. You will eat again. Be strong girl, I tried, ate one day, felt bad and got back to it

Hang in there, folks in the pre op diet! For me - the headaches did go away by day 5 and I am rarely so hungry I consider eating my own arm - that probably happened around day 7. I am day 12 now and have been feeling pretty good for the last week. Having some water with lemon juice has been a lifesaver for me. The tartness cuts cravings for me.

Thanks girls, I'm so happy I've found this site because I think I'm going to need the support!! The headaches are horrible, apparently it's from sugar and carb withdrawal. Day 3 and my headache today isn't as bad as yesterday so that's a good sign. The shakes are ok, but I'm surprised at what I'm craving. McDonald's and not chocolate! I just keep telling myself to take one day at a time...

I know how you feel. I cheated and I was fine but I regret it. The pre op and first couple weeks after you can lose the most and then it may slow. Try to get the most out of this. You will be very happy in a few weeks with weight loss. Plus it doesn't get easier mentally so need to prepare. You will eat again. Be strong girl' date=' I tried, ate one day, felt bad and got back to it[/quote']

Lisamase I was thinking this was going to be the hardest phase, is post op harder?!?!