Hi! I'm at the very beginning of the process. I keep trying to stick to any diet so I can lose weight before the surgery and I have been struggling. I'm just always hungry. It's so hard to not just walk in my kitchen and eat something. I've never struggled so hard to just get started. Anyone else? What did you do? Thanks!!

I detoxed from carbs and alcohol. It was difficult for only about the first 3 or 4 days. The less you eat carbs the less you crave them. I did 3 protein shakes and one solid, super low carb meal a day. Lost about 30 lbs in 30 days before I even started my 2-week pre-op liquid diet.

Thanks! Weren't you hungry with only shakes for 2 meals?

Well, the detox from carbs really helps curb the hunger. I'm a teacher, and I'd have a protein shake for breakfast, another for lunch, then at home, eat a really good solid meal (no bread, tortillas, pastas, or sides but enough protein to fill me up) and then another shake as a snack after dinner. Also, it's extremely important to DRINK WATER ALL DAY.

At first, yes, I wanted to snack and graze, but after the first week it was much easier. Being in the classroom from 7AM-5PM also really helped a lot too. I'm literally in front of my kids all day working, so it's not like I can walk away to eat, Lol! But it does get easier after a REAL detox from carbs. Your moods don't swing and your mind gets clear. It's like a brain fog lifts.

Thanks! I work from home and I'm 5 steps from the kitchen. It's hard not to think about food.

1 hour ago, MommyRunMommy said:

Thanks! I work from home and I'm 5 steps from the kitchen. It's hard not to think about food.

Ugh! I feel your pain. That was me during the pandemic shut down of schools. I taught for 1.5 years from home. What I did this summer (because I was home all day) was pick a different room each day to "spring clean" while I waited for my surgery on June 19th. I literally went through boxes and bags and closets. I rearranged rooms, threw away things that were no longer of any use, got out of the house to visit with family more often than usual.

You might consider some DIY projects at home to keep your mind busy. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. They could be Dollar Tree DIY projects. Try to think of what things you want to take care of before your surgery that you won't be able to do for the first 2 months afterwards. I cleared the way back to my treadmill that was in the extra bedroom by moving boxes and furniture. I rearranged the kitchen so that things were easily accessible for me after my surgery without having to reach up too high or bend too low. I also made sure all the laundry was done, and that I had all the things I'd need in my immediate vicinity handy. I researched protein shakes, vitamins, supplements, and found this forum.

I really do understand how hard it is to not focus on food when food has been our main focus for so long. You're not alone. Everyone finds different ways to distract themselves at first, but it really does become easier as the days go by, especially if you stop carb intake. I hope you find something in which you can immerse yourself that will help you, my friend.

Edited August 1, 20233 yr by CarmenG

Like Carmen suggests, the only thing that worked for me was distraction.

You are facing head hunger, addiction, and engrained habits…

I created a list of small, but obtainable, chores so as not to overwhelm. Then picked one or two each time I was feeling like grazing between meals.

As long as I kept my hands busy , I was okay. I was a big "sit in front of the tv with a bowl of something and keep shoveling it into my mouth" type person. I stopped buying the tempting stuff and instead bought myself a bunch of markers,pens,sketchbooks , coloring books and kept that next to me while watching tv. I also had water with me at all times. Not gonna lie - the first couple days are bad ! Pretty soon my brain switched gears and I really got into my doodling. Lost a good amount of weight,too !

Before surgery I lost 50 pounds. I mostly tried to do a low carb diet and made sure I always had healthy snacks on hand. I also tried to walk on the treadmill at least a couple times a week. I also would allow for a cheat day here and there to get in favorite meals and restaurants one more good time before surgery. I was able to stick with the diet pre op when I knew I would eventually reward myself.

Stock up with lots of low carb, sugar free, high protein snacks. That way you are still sticking to the plan. My surgeon explained that the sugar intake is the biggest thing, because it allows your liver to shrink and reduces risk during surgery.

I did portioned out mini containers of t good foods, and it really helped. Some favorites were - Cottage cheese cups, sugar free jello, triple zero yogurt, cooked chicken, moon cheese, healthier popcorn, P3 Protein snacks. All easy and fulfilling.

Are you required to lose weight before the surgery?

17 hours ago, losinglosinglosing said:

Are you required to lose weight before the surgery?

This was my question too