I'm starting my pre-OP diet on the 27th and I'm worried about how miserable I'll feel and how hungry I will get. I was given a list and examples of what I could drink. But since I've never dieted this drastically before, I was wondering if anyone here has any advice on the best things to eat/drink when it comes to taste and fullness. I don't want to feel like I'm wasting away on this diet. I'm mostly worried about migraines, because I usually get them when I'm hungry. Cravings won't be much of an issue with me since I usually only crave junk at night; it's the hunger pangs I'm worried about; (the aching pains in the gut).

I have to drink 64 fl oz. a day and 60-80 grams of Protein daily.

I cannot have more than 15 grams of Carbs.

I cannot have more than 5 grams of Fat.

I must have 15 grams of protein per 100 calories.

I probably won't follow these guidelines 100%, but I want to at least try for 90%.


So what kind of things did you all drink on your pre-OP diet? What helped you not feel so hungry? Thanks in advance!

Honestly, the more closely you follow your guidelines, the less hungry you will feel, at least in terms of the type of food you choose to eat and the macros you reach. The more carbs/sugar you put in your body, the hungrier you will feel. So, aim for lots of lean protein and green veggies, with judicious amounts of healthy fats (olive oil, grass fed butter).

I find chicken breast and turkey breast the most filling, Fibrous green veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and artichoke hearts (frozen or canned in water/brine, not oil, or fresh) are also very filling and will help you meet your goals. Fish is excellent but IMO not quite as filling. Beef is very filling but tends to have more calories. If you can get your hands on game meats such as bison, elk, or venison, they would serve you well.

Drink A LOT! Not just cold drinks -- hot drinks tend to be more satisfying and filling. Broth is also an excellent choice for maximum filling with minimum calories.

Good luck!

Crystal light was my favorite drink. just know at first it is hard to get all 64oz in. I did about 24 at most the first few weeks. drinking cold drinks did not feel good at first but got better. hot tea was easier to drink. Also getting all your Proteins in are also a challenge. you may try Protein powder to help even though some Dr's say no. do it anyway because not getting your protein, Iron and Vitamins can cause more hair loss. Just remember. it will be a bit tough at first but YOU are worth it and you have a family here to support you. Good luck and God bless you

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Honestly, the more closely you follow your guidelines, the less hungry you will feel, at least in terms of the type of food you choose to eat and the macros you reach. The more carbs/sugar you put in your body, the hungrier you will feel. So, aim for lots of lean Protein and green veggies, with judicious amounts of healthy fats (olive oil, grass fed butter).

I find chicken breast and turkey breast the most filling, Fibrous green veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and artichoke hearts (frozen or canned in water/brine, not oil, or fresh) are also very filling and will help you meet your goals. Fish is excellent but IMO not quite as filling. Beef is very filling but tends to have more calories. If you can get your hands on game meats such as bison, elk, or venison, they would serve you well.

Drink A LOT! Not just cold drinks -- hot drinks tend to be more satisfying and filling. broth is also an excellent choice for maximum filling with minimum calories.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response! Unfortunately, this is a liquid diet.

I will definitely drink broth. I noticed that, in the past, I got so full from drinking the leftover broth from chicken noodle Soup. I think it's definitely the heat that makes me feel fuller.

Crystal light was my favorite drink. just know at first it is hard to get all 64oz in. I did about 24 at most the first few weeks. drinking cold drinks did not feel good at first but got better. hot tea was easier to drink. Also getting all your Proteins in are also a challenge. you may try Protein powder to help even though some Dr's say no. do it anyway because not getting your protein, Iron and Vitamins can cause more hair loss. Just remember. it will be a bit tough at first but YOU are worth it and you have a family here to support you. Good luck and God bless you

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Thank you so much for such a sweet reply! I will be eating a lot of yogurt and light Protein shakes for sure. For a moment I thought I could only take in 15 grams of carbs a day, but I think it meant per serving, haha. I was like, "How am I going to survive this?!" XD

I LOVE Crystal Light. I actually drink it right now even though I'm not on a diet. The lemonade one is so yummy! This week is going to be hard since my stomach is still big. After my surgery, I assume I won't be as hungry as I am now.

If you have to be all liquid - try the unjury protein powder and fairlife skim milk - i find those very satisfying. Also the nectar protein powders - fruity and i mix with crystal light to cut the "proteiny" factor down. Unjury also makes a chicken soup flavor you can mix with warm (not hot, it will clump) broth - try bone broth, more protein. This makes a satisfying nice savory change from the other protein shakes. sugar free popsicles are a nice "treat" and lets you crunch a little.

Crystal light was my favorite drink. just know at first it is hard to get all 64oz in. I did about 24 at most the first few weeks. drinking cold drinks did not feel good at first but got better. hot tea was easier to drink. Also getting all your Proteins in are also a challenge. you may try Protein powder to help even though some Dr's say no. do it anyway because not getting your protein, Iron and Vitamins can cause more hair loss. Just remember. it will be a bit tough at first but YOU are worth it and you have a family here to support you. Good luck and God bless you

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She's preop still! ????

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I am on day 6 of the pre op diet and it has definitely been tough, but I find the Pure Protein shakes to be the best at killing hunger pangs. They have 30g of protein, 160 cals, and only 4g carbs. I have moments where I just want to give up and stuff my face but I've already lost 14 lbs so that's what's keeping me going at this point.

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I am on day 6 of the pre op diet and it has definitely been tough, but I find the Pure Protein shakes to be the best at killing hunger pangs. They have 30g of protein, 160 cals, and only 4g carbs. I have moments where I just want to give up and stuff my face but I've already lost 14 lbs so that's what's keeping me going at this point.

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Can you get the shakes at a store? I really need advice on good shakes. 14 pounds?! You go girl!

I got mine at Sam's Club but I've heard you can also get them at Walmart and costco.

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Honestly, the more closely you follow your guidelines, the less hungry you will feel, at least in terms of the type of food you choose to eat and the macros you reach. The more carbs/sugar you put in your body, the hungrier you will feel. So, aim for lots of lean Protein and green veggies, with judicious amounts of healthy fats (olive oil, grass fed butter).

I find chicken breast and turkey breast the most filling, Fibrous green veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and artichoke hearts (frozen or canned in water/brine, not oil, or fresh) are also very filling and will help you meet your goals. Fish is excellent but IMO not quite as filling. Beef is very filling but tends to have more calories. If you can get your hands on game meats such as bison, elk, or venison, they would serve you well.

Drink A LOT! Not just cold drinks -- Hot Drinks tend to be more satisfying and filling. broth is also an excellent choice for maximum filling with minimum calories.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response! Unfortunately, this is a liquid diet.

I will definitely drink broth. I noticed that, in the past, I got so full from drinking the leftover broth from chicken noodle Soup. I think it's definitely the heat that makes me feel fuller.

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I am in day 4 of liquid diet. Doing well. The food isn't tempting me but I am tired 3 Protein shakes a day. sugar free Popsicles. Hello. And broth. At lunch I like soup from Chinese restaurant and I eat the broth. It makes me feel like I am eating. Good luck.

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I know many others have said it but the liquid Protein drinks are a lifesaver. Get yourself some sugar free syrups like they use at coffee shops -- Here's my "snickers" shake:

10 oz Water

1 scoop Isopure vanilla Protein powder (25 g protein)

2 tablespoons PB2 (5 grams protein)

4 squirts sugar free caramel syrup

4 squirts sugar free chocolate syrup (both no cal and no carb)

A few ice cubes

Blend. Tastes just like a snickers bar. 30 Grams of protein and 11 grams of carbs and will keep you full til lunch. Search high protein low carb shakes on Pinterest -- tons of ideas there.

Thank you. That's awesome.

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I am in day 4 of liquid diet. Doing well. The food isn't tempting me but I am tired 3 Protein shakes a day. sugar free Popsicles. Hello. And broth. At lunch I like soup from Chinese restaurant and I eat the broth. It makes me feel like I am eating. Good luck.

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Today is my first day. I'm drinking Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme with 20g of protein. I actually love the taste. It's definitely not like a vanilla shake from McDonald's, but it tastes pretty good. I'm not as hungry as I expected. I mean, yeah, I feel hungry, but I'm not suffering, haha. I bought the sugar free popsicles too. I haven't tried them yet. Today I'm going to be drinking Protein Shakes, eating cream of chicken soup, light and fit yogurt, and maybe broth for dinner. It doesn't seem that hard. I just dread getting a headache; headaches make me throw up for some reason. So, I bought children's liquid Tylenol just in case. XD Good thing I only have to do this for 1 week.

I know many others have said it but the liquid Protein drinks are a lifesaver. Get yourself some sugar free syrups like they use at coffee shops -- Here's my "snickers" shake:

10 oz Water

1 scoop Isopure vanilla Protein powder (25 g protein)

2 tablespoons PB2 (5 grams protein)

4 squirts sugar free caramel syrup

4 squirts sugar free chocolate syrup (both no cal and no carb)

A few ice cubes

Blend. Tastes just like a snickers bar. 30 Grams of protein and 11 grams of carbs and will keep you full til lunch. Search high protein low carb shakes on Pinterest -- tons of ideas there.

This sounds great! Unfortunately I don't like Snickers (or chocolate and Peanut Butter mixed together), so I'll just use chocolate. 25g of protein is still a lot. I'll make this for my mother, as well. <3