Well I am only in day 3 of my 4 week pre sleeve optifast diet. I have to have 3 protein shakes/bars a day in replacement of meals. I am allowed low carb vegetables and some berries. I have severe headaches that panadol just can't get rid of. My belly is currently grumbling as I type this I am also currently considering going out and picking at the left over dinner I cooked my family. Am I actually hungry or do I need to be mentally stronger and push through. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Starting this is not easy but try this for the hunger -

Split your shakes into 6 servings and also make yourself a jar of base or broth. SIp that between shakes it will kill the hunger - Once you get the surgery the hunger goes away - Also do not forget to flood yourself with water, you can have all the water and broth you want -

Get a good base or bullion from the store try and stay away from the packaged ones loaded with salt.

As for picking at last nights dinner - Put on your big girl panties and just say no! F@#ck Food! Develop good habits now -

Last but not least do it for the little girl you are holding - Getting healthy will allow you to live longer to see her family

I thought the pre-op diet was the worst part of it. You just have to white-knuckle it. It does seem to get better after the first three or four days, though. I was allowed to eat sugar free Jello on mine, so I ate that with abandon - it was the only thing I could "eat" that remotely resembled real food. I was also allowed tomato juice/V8 and chicken broth - the sodium in those helped me to feel somewhat satisfied. Just remember this is temporary...

i agree with AJ split the shakes, My dr had me get the slimfast that only has 20g protein he specifically said he didnt care about carbs and sugars before surgery. Being that i had the 20g shakes i could have 6 a day... coupled with water and broths... it seemed to work well I was basically drinking a shake every few hours.

It will take time for your body to adjust to the diet

I was totally craving food and finding it hard to follow my primarily liquid based diet before my bypass surgery. Interestingly enough, on about day 4, a switch clicked inside my body and I stopped feeling so hungry and having the cravings. Like Catwoman, my diet allowed sugar free jello and that was a delight for me. Also, I was allowed a 1 cup serving of a low sodium tomato and roasted red pepper soup, which I always ate for dinner and that was very satisfying. It gets better! I think you are on the edge point where your body adjusts to the diet and you are going to feel better! Hang in there for another day or 2 and you’ll see!

Thanks everyone. I was really starting to doubt myself. Day 4 today!! I will conquer this

I agree with catwoman. The pre op diet is much more difficult than post op, but it does mentally (as well as physically) prepare you for what is to come. You've got this!

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