Two week pre-op diet protein shakes only help!

[Faithoftheheart 42]

I had my consult on June 4th and completed the psych evaluation, dietitian appt, attended my patient education class, all in one day. I got an order for an EGD and had it done just the week after. My insurance was submitted and now I am just waiting for the scheduler to contact me for my two week preop appt. So things have moved so fast my head is spinning. Looks like I will have a late July date possibly early August. My concern is the pre-op diet. It is strictly a Protein Shake for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner and one in the evening if you really need it. This is for 14 whole days. I am very worried. I know it's a short term sacrifice for a long term goal. How many of you have had to do a strictly liquid pre-op diet? I will take any suggestions and advice. I honestly see this as being the hardest part of the process and it's giving me some anxiety.

[roseluv3 33]

Hey. I'm in the middle of my two week pre op liquid diet. But along with my Protein Shakes I can have broth, sugar free Jello, and two sugar free popsicles a day, along with fluids. Today is day 3 and I have to say it wasn't so bad. The first two days were tough and I may or may not have cried yesterday while serving my family dinner. But everyone on here kept telling me to hang in there and it gets better. I was really skeptical but ya know what, they were right. Don't get me wrong....I miss chewing, but that urge is getting better and better each day. You can do it!!!!

[F4T-TRAP 37]

I had the same requirement, for the same time frame. I didn't exactly follow it...

But if I remember correctly, it's to help you lose weight to make the surgery easier, more room to work with, decrease the size of the liver(?) and things along those lines.

I was miserable through it, and they even warned me that was the worst part.

[Daisee68 2,493]

Surely they will allow you other liquids? I had to do the same but only for 1 week. I lived on broth. My favorite was Swansons Mexican Tortilla Soup broth. It was SO good! Only problem is that it was a little spicy so I needed to cut back on it. Also loved Swansons Beef Broth (still drinking that one post-op). Lots and lots of Water. Powerade zero. Propel Fitness Water (I love the berry but there is also Orange, Grape and fruit Punch I think). Tea. I even had some diet soda though I probably wasn't supposed to. It is definitely the hardest part of my journey so far. Try to just occupy your mind otherwise and keep your eye on the prize. I was terrified of it and was proud of myself that I got through it.

After surgery, there is 2 weeks of liquids but you aren't hungry, so it is not quite as hard.

@@roseluv3 - you make me realize how lucky I am not to have to feed anyone else right now. That has to be doubly hard to feed a family! Hugs!

[roseluv3 33]

@@Daisee68 thank you! I playing the "one day at a time" mantra in my mind. And I know it will be all worth it in the end. ????

[Faithoftheheart 42]

Yes, I am allowed 64 ounces of Clear Liquids a day. I will try the Mexican tortilla broth but I know I will struggle with regular beef and chicken broth. I just don't care for it. I am the family cook and cook for a large crowd every night (about 8 to 10 people) so I know I need to prepare mentally for the challenge.

[ohjul 51]

I start mine in the 29th. I hear you just have to focus on the end- and the first 2 days are the hardest but after that your set. I'm praying for strength and will keep connected to this forum!

[freelee 128]

Laying here in the hospital after yesterday's RNY, And can hardly remember how hard those two weeks were. I hThink it HELPED that I didn't haVe the food option , otherwise that's what I would have focused on everyday. It WILL get easier, I could even have my shake in the work lunchroom and with my husband when he ate dinner. Best wishes, I just crossed to the other side and I'm a believer....it's well worth It!

[Djmohr 6,965]

I was allowed 5 Protein shakes per day, as much clear liquid as I wanted including chicken broth, crystal light, Water. Sf Popsicles and sf Jello.

I am actually allergic to artificial sweeteners is Jello and Popsicles were out for me. I stuck to Protein Shakes and as much good chicken broth as I could. Make a good homemade well seasoned broth. It will save you during this time.

I focused on one day at a time and by day 4 I was barely drinking 3 total Protein Shakes. Thei would fill me up and I was truly sick of them. I lived on lots of broth.

When I would get frustrated, I would tell myself to keep my eye on the prize!

You can do this and yes, it is the hardest part but after 3 days it gets easier. I promise!

[Faithoftheheart 42]

Thank you for the words of encouragement!! I now need to dive into the search for the right Protein poweder.. I wonder does it taste similar to flavored milk? I can't stand flavored milk at all blech.

[smileybear76 24]

I really like the Premier Protein shakes also the Isopure Fruit Drinks.< /p>

[Amylou 206]

I"m on the tail-end of the liquid diet - just today left and then tomorrow I change to the Clear liquids only diet until Monday (Surgery day).

The liquid diet days 1-3 are really hard. It DOES get easier. I promise.

The Swanson's Intense broth (or whatever they're called) saved me. The Hot and Sour is really tasty as is the Thai Ginger. V8 has these Infusions drinks that are clear too that I enjoyed as well as Vitamin Water Zero. I was also allowed low/no fat Greek yogurt and found that the Yoplait Greek Whips were awesome - great flavors, great texture, no chunks. After that first week, you'll be amazed how full you feel after a mug of warm broth and a yogurt.

Good luck. You can do it!!!

[drmeow 323]

Thank you for the words of encouragement!! I now need to dive into the search for the right Protein poweder.. I wonder does it taste similar to flavored milk? I can't stand flavored milk at all blech.

Add ice cubes and blend it until you have a thicker shake, that may help. I use Isopure Zero Carb powder mixed in unsweetened almond milk (can't tolerate dairy or soy) but it can also be mixed into Water.

I have heard that unjury makes a good unflavored Protein you can mix into the broth.

[AvalonNeeCee 127]

I think I'm lucky I get 3 shakes and a small healthy meal

[muzical1 85]

I'm near the end of my two week liquid diet. I was also able to eat as many raw vegetables as I wanted between the 4 daily shakes. That was the best for me - ate a lot of carrots and salads with no dressing.