Shakes without food

[XmeghannstarX 43]

Hi all, I am looking into surgery but for the liquid diet phase I am really nervous as when I go without food for too long, like half a day I get shakey and out of it feeling. I am worried about how I can do a liquid phase without my body shutting down? Also long term after surgery having to do liquids will I continue to be super weak and shakey the whole time!? Did anyone else have this worry and how did you handle it?

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[Christinamo7 4,041]

I only had to fast the day before surgery and then was on Clear liquids in the hospital (you really DON'T want anything else at that time) and then full liquids for 2 weeks. there were a lot of choices for me during that time.

if you are nervous, or if you actually have problems with how you are feeling make sure you are with a team that you feel comfortable talking to so that they can help you make good choices and not feel miserable.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I didn't have to do a liquid pre-op diet, but I did have to do 2 weeks of very low calorie and low carb. The first three days were rough but after that my body adjusted and I was fine.

I was on liquids for four weeks post-op. People's experiences vary, but I can tell you that for me, I was tired and sore from the surgery, but the lack of solid food or tons of calories was not an issue. My body had plenty of fat reserves to fuel itself, I had no interest in eating anything, and I'm pretty sure that even if I had wanted to eat, the terror of damaging my very injured stomach would have stopped me dead in my tracks. It was an adjustment period but not a huge deal. I live alone and managed to take care of my household just fine without any assistance post-op. Went back to work full time after a couple of weeks. It really wasn't anything to worry about or fear.

Good luck!

Edited September 16, 2016 by Bufflehead

[KristenLe 5,979]

Hi all, I am looking into surgery but for the liquid diet phase I am really nervous as when I go without food for too long, like half a day I get shakey and out of it feeling. I am worried about how I can do a liquid phase without my body shutting down? Also long term after surgery having to do liquids will I continue to be super weak and shakey the whole time!? Did anyone else have this worry and how did you handle it?

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Your body will not shutdown. Depending on your pre-op diet - you will most likely still be getting more than enough calories. Our bodies can go quite a while without food. You may feel lousy for a few days and fatigued but many have gone through this before us and survived. The purpose of the diet is to rid your liver of some fat - so that surgery is safer.

[klmmom 17]

I'm on my 8th day of my pre op diet. I have 3 Protein shakes/day and no more than 250 calories of low glycemic vegetables. To be honest most times I'm happy with my shakes and not a lot of veggies. It's easier than you think! You got this!

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[laceemouse 631]

Hi all, I am looking into surgery but for the liquid diet phase I am really nervous as when I go without food for too long, like half a day I get shakey and out of it feeling. I am worried about how I can do a liquid phase without my body shutting down? Also long term after surgery having to do liquids will I continue to be super weak and shakey the whole time!? Did anyone else have this worry and how did you handle it?

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Can I just say I feel EXACTLY the same way? One of the reasons I am so fat is that I am always hungry and when I don't eat I feel shaky and sick and get a headache. I am currently awaiting insurance approval for the sleeve and I am SO happy that my surgeon only requires a 3 day liquid diet per-op. Even with that I know it will be hard for me. And while I do understand that post-op I am not going to feel hungry soon I still, like you, worry about feeling shaky and weak. I told the nurse this and she said my surgeon actually lets patients move on to pureed foods quicker than many do. I am going to follow the rules, I would never risk a leak or something by pushing too quickly, but I do have the same fears as you. And I will tell the surgeon about it and call if I need help after the surgery.

I have come close to fainting, I am talking weak and dizzy and the old black tunnel vision, many times just from dieting. My blood sugar is fine and I actually have mild high blood pressure now. But that near fainting is caused by a drop in blood pressure. I can't imagine not feeling that way after not eating for so long.

All I can say is talk to your surgeon about it. One thing that makes ME really happy is I don't work outside the home so I don't have to worry about going back to work after surgery. I can move slow and take it easy as long as I need to (I understand walking is important, I don't plan to be a sloth, but at least I won't have to drive and work)

Do you have a surgery date?

[fitntrimshel 10]

As lacy mentioned my concern would ve more about your blood pressure and sugar/glucose levels. Since you qualify for the surgery it is about 1000% accurate to say uou have enough fat stores to maintain the few days of liquid only.

I'd talk to my surgeon about my concerns but you will be fine!! Best wishes to a fabulously healthy life ahead.

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