Hi all! Very new to this site and about to have gastric sleeve surgery on 10/31. I started the process back in July and it’s all felt pretty quick. I knew I wanted to go through with it after talking to the surgeon and team. They have been absolutely wonderful.

I’m currently on the two week pre-op liquid diet (only broth/sugar free jello & popsicles/protein shakes/clear liquids). I think I didn’t fully prepare myself for how difficult it would be to go without solid food. I’ve struggled most of my life with being overweight and overeating and I got tired of it. But I think my attachment to food is still extremely strong. I’m working with a therapist to overcome it and change habits. However, the liquid diet is driving me crazy and making me think this wasn’t the right way to go. I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to go through with it and be successful afterwards. I haven’t cheated on the diet over the past 7 days but I constantly think about it. And I thought it would get easier but it hasn’t.

Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. ?

the pre-op diet was the worst part of the whole thing for me. i was actually relieved the morning they rolled me into the OR for surgery! You just have to white knuckle it - it'll be worth it in the end. It's been a few years for me, but the first few days were the worst - it did get better after awhile...

Agreed, the preop diet was horrible and I also felt like giving up before I had even started!

But rest assured, you will have such a small appetite afterwards, broth is probably the only thing you want. Because they remove 80% of your stomach doing a sleeve, all those grehlin cells that lived inside your tummy are gone too. So your hunger pangs disappear as well. I am nearly 5 years out, and still can't get halfway through a regular meal. I am just so full! It's a physical thing (tiny tummy) and a hormone thing (grehlin).

After nearly 5 years...I have had my ups (amazing weight loss) and downs (miserable because I can't eat very much, and definitely not my once favourite foods). If food is your "thing", then you need to be prepared that this will change forever.

45 minutes ago, KeCor87 said:

Hi all! Very new to this site and about to have gastric sleeve surgery on 10/31. I started the process back in July and it’s all felt pretty quick. I knew I wanted to go through with it after talking to the surgeon and team. They have been absolutely wonderful.

I’m currently on the two week pre-op liquid diet (only broth/sugar free Jello & popsicles/protein shakes/clear liquids). I think I didn’t fully prepare myself for how difficult it would be to go without solid food. I’ve struggled most of my life with being overweight and overeating and I got tired of it. But I think my attachment to food is still extremely strong. I’m working with a therapist to overcome it and change habits. However, the liquid diet is driving me crazy and making me think this wasn’t the right way to go. I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to go through with it and be successful afterwards. I haven’t cheated on the diet over the past 7 days but I constantly think about it. And I thought it would get easier but it hasn’t.

Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. ?

I got gastric bypass on September 19 2022. So it is fresh in my head. I call it my fat brain. My worst of my bad eating habits is eating late at night and lots of it. For me the second week was when I started to really look at other people and how and what they are. I kept thinking about not how I miss the food and snacks but more on the line of the poison people are stuffing into themselves. I started to really hate all the garbage food i see everywhere. Tv ads , social media, the supermarket and shopping of garbage food people buy. I kept seeing overweight and more and more people struggling. There are so many that are in worse shape than myself and most do not see or have given up.

I am proud and happy you are making a change for yourself and family. It isn't going to be an easy road and it will be a long journey.

I have been fat for 30 years and my health issues started 15 years ago. But I ignored them and kept trying to find an easy fix. Diet this and diet that. These magic pills or drink this magic shake.

As I start seeing the real progress I'm making I find it easier to continue. I have to . Not continuing will only lead me to being in pain, being diabetic, struggling to get up out of bed with out feeling like a truck ran me over, sleep apnea, the list never seems to end.

This group of people here are real and also struggle with you. But we are here for eachother. Don't give up. You are stronger than you give yourself credit. If you fall off the wagon. Get you fat ass back on! I'm like most on here struggle yet must keep going on. I send you love and positive vibes for you.

You will be and see results in time. I started at 265.5 per surgery. Was 250 at surgery. Dropped to 243 and stalled for almost three weeks and today I'm at 236 five week after surgery. Still feel week and get tired quickly but gaining energy and strength a bit more every day. Keep your nutrition up and your proteins up, take Colligen and biotin, and walk as much as you can. It makes a big difference. .

Best wishes and good health!!

The pre-op diet is the absolute worst. You have the hunger and stomach size of an obese person but none of the solid, filling food to satisfy it. It's really rough. But just keep reminding yourself that it won't be like that after the surgery. Yes, you'll be on the liquid diet after, but only for a short while, and your stomach will be so small and sensitive you won't want, or be able, to eat regular food. It'll definitely get better. And by the time you hit 6 weeks out, you can eat normal (albeit healthier, smaller portions) of food.

Yes, I believe most of us felt that way because pre-op is THE most miserable part of the process. To stay on such a strict diet without our tool is honestly the most difficult part of our journey.

You are doing really great. Props for sticking to it. Hang in there, it won't be long.

You have done the hardest part, the first week is the worst. Just white knuckle it until you get to your surgery date. Mine was 3 weeks long and if I could, I would have run to the operating theatre. I was so finished with that diet. If you cheat this process, you may risk being opened up and the operation being cancelled due to having a fatty liver. Its a real thing. That thought alone kept me on the straight and narrow.

After surgery, the liquid diet is nothing and passes so quickly. This operation is truly worth the effort you are putting in now. I can not explain how wonderful it is to live in this new body.

I hope you get there too

I, like others, struggled during the pre-op diet phase, and I had feelings quite similar to yours. I learned that a big part of those feelings for me was anxiety - anxiety for the upcoming surgery; and perhaps more so, anxiety for the major changes I would experience with my relationship with food. Post-op, you won't have the desire (or ability) to eat like you did. Hang in there.

I think if you are sticking to the diet you will be fine. Just thinking about cheating is pretty common I believe. Post surgery you will have the tools to help you do this. I didn’t even have a really strict pre op diet but it was still definitely the worst part of the whole process.

Thank you all so much! This made me feel so much better. Onward with the liquid diet! Looking forward to my surgery date.

23 hours ago, KeCor87 said:

Thank you all so much! This made me feel so much better. Onward with the liquid diet! Looking forward to my surgery date.

That great to read. We are all here to support eachother. Continue on your journey to being a healthy you. The weight loss is a bonus!!

On 10/23/2022 at 10:35 PM, KeCor87 said:

Hi all! Very new to this site and about to have gastric sleeve surgery on 10/31. I started the process back in July and it’s all felt pretty quick. I knew I wanted to go through with it after talking to the surgeon and team. They have been absolutely wonderful.

I’m currently on the two week pre-op liquid diet (only broth/sugar free Jello & popsicles/protein shakes/clear liquids). I think I didn’t fully prepare myself for how difficult it would be to go without solid food. I’ve struggled most of my life with being overweight and overeating and I got tired of it. But I think my attachment to food is still extremely strong. I’m working with a therapist to overcome it and change habits. However, the liquid diet is driving me crazy and making me think this wasn’t the right way to go. I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to go through with it and be successful afterwards. I haven’t cheated on the diet over the past 7 days but I constantly think about it. And I thought it would get easier but it hasn’t.

Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. ?

My surgery is also Oct 31. My surgeon has the same liquid diet plan. I'm losing my mind. It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done. BY FAR. Feeling a bit better today as the end is near. We can do it!!!

On 10/23/2022 at 7:35 PM, KeCor87 said:

Hi all! Very new to this site and about to have gastric sleeve surgery on 10/31. I started the process back in July and it’s all felt pretty quick. I knew I wanted to go through with it after talking to the surgeon and team. They have been absolutely wonderful.

I’m currently on the two week pre-op liquid diet (only broth/sugar free Jello & popsicles/protein shakes/clear liquids). I think I didn’t fully prepare myself for how difficult it would be to go without solid food. I’ve struggled most of my life with being overweight and overeating and I got tired of it. But I think my attachment to food is still extremely strong. I’m working with a therapist to overcome it and change habits. However, the liquid diet is driving me crazy and making me think this wasn’t the right way to go. I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to go through with it and be successful afterwards. I haven’t cheated on the diet over the past 7 days but I constantly think about it. And I thought it would get easier but it hasn’t.

Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. ?

Thank you for this post. I am getting ready to start the liquids, my surgery date is 11-28-22. You laid out some of my worst fears, can I do the liquids for two weeks and not cheat especially with thanksgiving smack in the middle! I also relate to your relationship with food. I have also struggled with my weight and overeating most of my life. I talked with my surgeon about all of it. He did tell me that the pre op liquids phase is the hardest. He said that by the time I feel like I can't do it anymore that surgery date will be here, I know i play mind games with myself about it already and I need to focus on what I can do and put the thoughts of the end goal in the forefront of my thoughts. I think we can both do it!!! Like someon said I might just have to "white knuckle" it. I think keeping the end goal of better health in mind will be a big help. I am diabetic and have other medical concerns that 4 different Dr.have said could be lessened or resolved with the surgery so I am committed no matter what it takes. I wish you the best going forward and have faith we can do this!!! P.S. I am very new to this site as well still trying to figure it all out. I can't even figure out how to update my profile or find my ticker so you are doing great.

On 10/23/2022 at 10:35 PM, KeCor87 said:

Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. ?

my surgery is nov 3 and i will start my pre op liquid diet monday (dr told me tuesday but i am a worrier so doing extra to be sure my liver is ready!)

BUT i have lost a bunch of weight already dealing with my food issues including binge and emotional eating… i still am learning but haven’t binged for months and feel in control with my food for the first time, well, ever…

some tips:

journaling helps. having a safe non-food outlet for your emotions. it releases pressure and can get you through tough times.

forgiveness. work on forgiving your past choices and remind yourself all the time that you are worth a new, better chapter.

it takes a month to start forming a new habit. brains can fight you the whole time. this is a cold turkey hard way, but remind yourself you are making a new set of habits to make you a healthier, happier person who is more in control of life.

so glad you reached out for support !! you can PM me anytime at all

The liquid diet is 100% the hardest part. Just remember the liquid diet is only going last for a few weeks & eating that way is only gonna be easier when your stomach is small. I was miserable & now I'm beyond glad I stuck through it! You can absolutely do it. It's just a small hump in a giant life changing event!

Thank you for this post. I am getting ready to start the liquids, my surgery date is 11-28-22. You laid out some of my worst fears, can I do the liquids for two weeks and not cheat especially with thanksgiving smack in the middle! I also relate to your relationship with food. I have also struggled with my weight and overeating most of my life. I talked with my surgeon about all of it. He did tell me that the pre op liquids phase is the hardest. He said that by the time I feel like I can't do it anymore that surgery date will be here, I know i play mind games with myself about it already and I need to focus on what I can do and put the thoughts of the end goal in the forefront of my thoughts. I think we can both do it!!! Like someon said I might just have to "white knuckle" it. I think keeping the end goal of better health in mind will be a big help. I am diabetic and have other medical concerns that 4 different Dr.have said could be lessened or resolved with the surgery so I am committed no matter what it takes. I wish you the best going forward and have faith we can do this!!! P.S. I am very new to this site as well still trying to figure it all out. I can't even figure out how to update my profile or find my ticker so you are doing great.

Hi Merri Beth,
My surgery date is 11-08-22. I'm on day 6 of my liquid diet. It's hard but one of my nurses suggested to start drinking protein shakes for breakfast and lunch before my liquid diet started. I think it helps I just get hungry around dinner but once I fall asleep I know I'm a day closer to my surgery date. I hope it helps!