Hello everyone,

I read so many stories about the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I was so scared and nervous and didn't think I'd make it. I kept thinking, how in the hell these NUTs and surgeons expect us to eat basically nothing for 2 whole weeks.

To the members who've yet to experience this well talked about "2 week liquid Protein diet", let me tell you my experience and hopefully it will ease your mind and give you hope. So I started my protein diet on Monday 6/16 here it is Friday and I'm fine. I must say, it's not as bad as you all think it's going to be. I don't know if it's the types of protein I'm taking but I really really haven't been hungry. Not even head hunger. Mind you I have a 14 year old son I have to either cook or heat up food for every day.

I'm allowed 4-8oz Protein shakes a day, sugar free Jello & pudding, 1 -8oz of low carb yogurt, 1-8oz of skim milk, sugar free popsicles and unlimited amounts of non-sugary, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages and broth.

I've been having 2-3 shakes and one serving of yogurt at night as dinner and twice I've had a cup of broth and twice I've had a cup of sf jello. I haven't had any headaches/migraines or anything. I have not cheated at all, not a bite, a crumb or a lick of anything. Based on the stories I've read, I've come to the conclusion that it must be the type of protein shakes that are satisfying me and not allowing me to feel hungry. Actually, I have to force myself to have the third shake sometimes.

Just like everyone else, the anticipation and the unknown had me failing at the protein diet before I even began. I have to tell you though, the two times I felt weak was when I over did it at the gym and yesterday when I went too long (about 9 hours) without a shake. Other than those two times I was/am good. I just bought my son some McDonalds and I didn't even take a french fry. I used to always have at least two of his fries. I'm working at home today and you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be home all day and not eat something I wasn't supposed to. Nope not at all. I had one Protein Shake and two sf popsicles.

So I'm saying all this to say, please don't stress over this 2 week protein diet. It may or may not be as bad as you think. I wanted to post this because I wish I read something like this before I started because I might not have stressed it as much as I did. Good luck to those of you who will be on the diet soon. I am so sorry this is so long but I needed to post my experience in its entirety.

Denise73

Edited June 20, 201412 yr by Denise73

I'm worried about the weight I have my last app before surgery next Tuesday and I have to lose 5 pounds and I have lost nothing hope I still get to have the surgery

Edited June 20, 201412 yr by kathyhamby

You should be able to do it. Have you been drinking a lot of Water? If your weight loss is what you think is slow, perhaps you can include a little exercise such as walking. You have enough time to lose 7 pounds and I'm sure you'll do it. Please keep us updated. We're rooting for you. Good luck.

I have 10 days to lose the remaining 7. I hope I can get it done! I'm on 1200 calories: 2 Protein shakes & bars, plus 5oz lean protein & 2 cups veggies at dinner.

You have time to lose the 5 pounds. What are you doing to lose? Perhaps you can add a Protein shake as a Meal Replacement for 1-2 meals and do some like exercise like walking.

I'm sure you'll be fine. Most insurance companies/surgeons is more concerned with weight gain opposed to weight lost. There could be a number of reasons why you haven't lost so Im sure they will factor that in. I was told if I didn't lose as long as I didn't gain I would be fine. You'll do it. Let us know how things work out for you. Good luck.

I'm worried about the weight I have my last app before surgery next Tuesday and I have to lose 5 pounds and I have lost nothing hope I still get to have the surgery

You should be able to do it. Have you been drinking a lot of water? If your weight loss is what you think is slow, perhaps you can include a little exercise such as walking. You have enough time to lose 7 pounds and I'm sure you'll do it. Please keep us updated. We're rooting for you. Good luck.

I drink about 80-90 oz of water a day. I'm about to swim away! ????

good for you.... @Dexter1118 ... wow 28 day pre-op ...UGH...but I'm sure it's not liquid... you may want to check with your doctor about adding b12 now... you will NEED it later...but it might help with the fatigue... it'll be better... promise!

It is ALL liquid...Optifast...nothing else exempt for sugar free Jello and popsicles...honestly...it is hell. Haha.

Awesome job! I am the same, no hunger. I would say our blood sugar is level and that's why we are not having the incredible swings in hunger etc. Yesterday we had a pot luck lunch at work and I didn't eat anything. I "wanted" to eat, but I wasn't hungry. It didn't bother me too much - like I said, it was "want" vs. "need". LOL

@@DarbiMolly

Girl, you go with your "will power". You are wonderful. Like I keep telling you. You so got this. Your goal weight will be reached in no time. Keep up the good work.

Hi Dexter1118,

I am so sorry to read the liquid diet is hard for you. Truth be told, I think it would be hard for anyone to do for 28 days.

It may be hard for you but you are doing the damn thing. Congratulations on your 69lbs weight loss. That is awesome and it is definitely working for you.

I can definitely relate to that "just one last meal". If you don't mind me asking, what is your pre-op liquid Protein diet like? I am fascinated by your wieght loss and just knowing you will be eating this way for 28 days. Thanks and keep up the good work. You're doing great!!!!!

I am day 11 into a 28 day pre-op diet and I can honestly say that this is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Physically, I feel great except I fatigue easily with any exertion. Granted I am a rather large man so other people may find it less difficult. I don't know how I could work out feeling the way I do!

The hard part is all mental for me. I have spent the past 20 years justifying the way I eat in my head. I have a huge battle going on in my head. I just want one more big meal or one more meal at McDonald's. I am finding that I need visual imagery and positive self-talk to keep on track. I haven't cheated and I won't...but this isn't easy.

Well....I started the pre-op diet at 574 or so. This morning I was at 554. So 20lbs. in 12 days? I guess that is good haha. I lost the rest of the weight slowly over the past could years. The liquid diet is 100% Optifast with sugar-free Jello and popsicles allowed. It is hell mentally but I am getting through.

Have a question on what over the counter pain meds I can take while I'm on pre-op diet. I know I cannot take aspirin. What about Aleve?

@@eagles321

I heard Tylenol was the best and only thing to take right before surgery. The other two will thin your blood. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Edited June 21, 201412 yr by Denise73

Thanks Denise! Will do;))

Eagles321, I was told Tylenol also.. No ibuprofen... I'm glad to see this, I am on day 2 and 6 shakes a day.. (Eas advantage edge) . No hunger, headaches , or fatigue yet. Trying to stay busy , doing all those things I have put off.. I was in by car all day today and just packed a cooler.. Would love to keep up with everyone , my date is July 7... BTW.. DEXTER118.. You rock.. Keep it going !!!