Pre-op Diet Day One...Starving!

[My Big Day 3/15/2011 4]

Does it get easier? I just accomplished my first day of my surgeon's pre-op diet which is 6 small meals, 3 of which are Protein Shakes. I am starting earlier than is asked...he requests two weeks strictly. I just want to give myself a better head start on the weight loss, but God is it hard. I am starving and very grumpy! How many days until it gets easier? What is the norm for the amount of weight you should get off before having surgery? I read somewhere that 5% is common. I am hoping to be able to do that much to give myself some sense of accomplishment. Everyone thinks you are taking the easy way out for having weight loss surgery, but that is so not that case! I wish more people would be educated about weight loss surgery! I work in surgery and most of the people I work with have no idea what the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is b/c we do not do weight loss surgery at my hospital. Still, I wish there was a better way to get the word out and educate people about this surgery!

[shaundra 5]

im on day 1 of my liquid diet. it sucks!!!!!!! i will be getting my sleeve in 2 days!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hey there anxious,

Congrats to you, I really really love your go get em attitude! I started my pre-op diet earlier than I needed to as well and I don't regret it for one second. Any extra weight you can get off pre surgery will make you healthier for recovery, and will only get you a head start to your ultimate goal.

Good luck to you, it IS SO WORTH IT!!

Also, regarding the hunger, I'm not exactly sure what eating plan you are on. If its low carb, the cravings and hunger should subside around day 3 or 4. The physical hunger, well that's a tough one. Just know that it will get handled during surgery. I know this is one of the very best things about the sleeve - I LOVE MINE!!

[Rootman 1,101]

Stick with it. I went on the pre-op liquid diet for TEN days so 3 days should be a snap!

[jessicaamere 2]

on a liquid diet for 2 weeks before surgery....... i am starving... this is so hard just wondering does anyone know what will happen if i cheat a little?

[BigDawgMark 1]

don't cheat, because they want to get your liver fat deposits gone as much as possible.

I was on 2 week liquid before, and my surgeon said when she got in there she could tell that I stayed legit during the fast and it made a world of difference in the surgery...

If you're getting hungry, drink more crystal light or flavored Water, the hunger will pass....first 3 days are the hardest, but you'll make it....

[JanetVigs 0]

Does it get easier? I just accomplished my first day of my surgeon's pre-op diet which is 6 small meals, 3 of which are Protein Shakes. I am starting earlier than is asked...he requests two weeks strictly. I just want to give myself a better head start on the weight loss, but God is it hard. I am starving and very grumpy! How many days until it gets easier? What is the norm for the amount of weight you should get off before having surgery? I read somewhere that 5% is common. I am hoping to be able to do that much to give myself some sense of accomplishment. Everyone thinks you are taking the easy way out for having weight loss surgery, but that is so not that case! I wish more people would be educated about weight loss surgery! I work in surgery and most of the people I work with have no idea what the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is b/c we do not do weight loss surgery at my hospital. Still, I wish there was a better way to get the word out and educate people about this surgery!

[My Big Day 3/15/2011 4]

I've made it through day 4 now and it is a little easier. I feel really good that I am being so disciplined in following it exactly and not cheating. I can't wait to see some results from this on the scale!

[SParkle 4]

Stick with it... it'll aid your recovery and make you healthier for your operation. If you've started earlier than your Dr suggested then if you do cheat a little it'll not hurt too much, but don't cheat within the time limits he has given you as the more you shrink your liver the better for the op.

I had to do a week of liquid Optifast drinks and nothing else apart from non caffeine and non booze drinks.... and it was hard, but I figured it was the last actual 'diet' I had to do in my life.... my husband paid for my op... and was giving me the chance of a lifetime, so in my head the way I got around those hungry thoughts was to think this was my input.... getting thru that week without cheating.

Use the time to clear out kitchen cupboards, wardrobes... anything, or get out the house and exercise ....anything to take your mind off it. I spring cleaned as I knew I'd not be able to clean as much for a while after the op.

Good luck.... its hard, but so worth it!

[Susanne 32]

Why get a head start? Doesn't make much sense to me. I am not saying you should have a last hurrah, but you have two weeks of pre op diet, then surgery, and after that up to 6 weeks without half way decent food, that's 8 weeks... I wouldn't start a day early even though I understand your enthusiasm.

[Skinnyagain 12]

My surgery date is the same as yours. I also started early. However unlike you I have cheated so many times. This week has been better, but I did cheat a little yesterday. I keep telling myself you can not cheat, but then my evil twin says you know you want just a bite. One little bite won't hurt. Uggghhhh if I dont have the will power to not cheat on the pre op diet, how will I ever have it after surgery. I am just so hungry and grumpy and did I mention HUNGRY!!!!!! I am so nervous about the surgery, but this issue is making it 10x worse. It's like the bad boy you dated in H.S and even though you know he is the wrong guy for you, you just kept going back. Will this be a problem post op? I wish I was as strong as you are. Good luck.

[Susanne 32]

It will be much less of a problem, but I don't think anyone can promise you it won't be a problem at all. In general, I am sure you will be less hungry overall.

For me, I do get munchies every now and then but it doesn't "hurt" the diet as bad because it is much easier to be good the rest of the time. Your weight loss may not be as grand as with some, but if you can handle "Slow and steady wins the race", you'll be good afterward with a little cheating.

I do make sure I am cheating "controlled", so if I want some potato chips, I'll have potato chips, but I take a little bowl and weigh out 1 oz for 150 calories. I am pretty sure I could still eat a good chunk of the bag, because this is nothing that really taxes your sleeve.

Again, I usually have no problem to stay within my 900 calories - and believe me, that would have been extremely hard before.

[My Big Day 3/15/2011 4]

Well, I have completed 3 weeks of the pre-op diet with a few small cheats. I did not go all out and eat a whole chocolate cake like my mind kept telling me I wanted to, but I did have a pinch of my husbands milky way bar one night, and a few bites of cheesy enchilada. I also went over on the ounces of steak I was supposed to eat one night b/c it was so yummy. Also, one night I skipped the whole program dinner meal and swapped it for a roast beef sub and french onion Soup....that was early on though. I have been good for the most part and I even miss some of the meals here and there b/c I don't have the time to fit them in. I have lost 16 lbs in the three weeks and hopefully I will get a few more off the following week and then my surgery is March 15th. I have to do a bowel prep (mag citrate) the night before...which I have never done before. Wondering what that will be like... Anyway, I haven't been perfect but pretty good with the diet and this week I will try to be extremely strict since I am one week from surgery. I am glad I started early and have not been treating every meal as the last supper. By the way, in case anyone is wondering here is a typical day of my pre-op diet

Breakfast 8 oz skim milk, 1/2 scoop Protein powder, 4 oz fruit

mid-morning premade Protein shake (been drinking premier with 30 grams protein)

lunch 6-8 oz plain greek yogurt, non-fat, 4 oz fruit

[My Big Day 3/15/2011 4]

Pre-op diet continued...

afternoon 1 oz nuts, or 2 tbsp Peanut Butter, or 1/2 cup hummus with 4 oz vegetable

dinner 4 oz Protein, 4 oz vegetable, 1/2 cup whole grain

early evening 8 oz skim milk, 1/2 scoop Protein Powder, 4 oz fruit

So, my pre-op diet isn't all liquids like a lot of people, but it is a big change from how I was eating. Obviously it is working so whatever your doctor has prescribed you should try your best to follow it. Good luck

[thinoneday 445]

Pre-op diet continued...

afternoon 1 oz nuts, or 2 tbsp Peanut Butter, or 1/2 cup hummus with 4 oz vegetable

dinner 4 oz Protein, 4 oz vegetable, 1/2 cup whole grain

early evening 8 oz skim milk, 1/2 scoop Protein Powder, 4 oz fruit

So, my pre-op diet isn't all liquids like a lot of people, but it is a big change from how I was eating. Obviously it is working so whatever your doctor has prescribed you should try your best to follow it. Good luck

this is very correct. . and always remember it's only temporary not a permanent thing!