Hi there,

So, today I started day one of my two week pre-op diet of mostly liquids (I can have a few different veggies as well). I'm feeling super famished! (I didn't think I'd be someone who says how hungry they are on their pre-op diet, but I guess I am!). Do any of you have any tips and/or things that have helped you get through this time?

Thanks in advance!!

SF pudding and SF popsicles. I was allowed as many of them as I liked, plus I drank a lot of broth. It's not no calorie, but it helped me get past the urges for both soda and coffee.

Drink a lot of Water, Propel 0 calorie 0 carb also was helpful. Brush your teeth and use a non-alcohol base mouthwash, Biotene works best for me. I also floss a lot, nobody eats right after they floss. When Ketosis hits the breath can get pretty nasty and dry mouth is the worst. * added - Decaff Peppermint or whatever flavor you like tea with a little Truvia or spenda is good to stop the craving and growling.

I'm on 3 Protein shakes a day only on day 9 of 14. Day 3 & 4 were the hardest. Keep busy, walk and don't think about it.

drink warm liquids, like chicken and beef broth....the warmth curbs your hunger

Hi there,

So, today I started day one of my two week pre-op diet !

Yipes! I was told to do a 10 day pre-op diet. I hope that is long enough for the liver to shrink. Maybe I will start tomorrow and do 11.

Hi CelticHarpist,

I wouldn't worry too much about the length of the pre-op diet. I've seen a lot of variation on this in reading these forums. Some people have no special pre-op diet and others only have a day or two of liquids, etc. It's interesting that doctors vary so much in this area.

When is your surgery? Best wishes to you during this journey!

Your pre-op diet plan sounds very similar to mine. Basically shakes and a short list of veggies.

The first 3 days were the hardest for me. After that, it got much easier. Also, I know I say this often but I think it's worth repeating... the pre-op diet was probably the hardest part of my journey! If you can get through these two weeks (which you will!) and stay true to your plan, you will be golden!

One thing I did to help mix things up a bit... I froze some of my shakes. It gave them a different texture, and I ate them with a spoon like ice cream. (Um, it didn't taste like ice cream, though!) It helped me because it took me longer to eat the shake this way, and also it made me feeling like I was actually "eating" and not just drinking. It was probably more psychological than anything, but it did help me.

Good luck!! You are almost there!