Hi does anyone out there have any suggestions on surviving the preop liquid diet. I found protein shakes that I can do. And I have my list of foods to eat in the kitchen as well as already stocking up on broth and crystal light, etc etc. My preop begins on June 8th, just not sure how everyone handled the restriction of no food for 2 weeks. Any mental support would be appreciated. I know I just have to do it. Just need some strength and not sure where im going to get it from.

Drink alot of Water. Here's how-

1 glass of water when you wake up

30 min b4 Breakfast drink a glass of water.

1 glass Between breakfast & lunch

30 min b4 lunch drink 1 glass

between lunch & dinner drink 1 glass

30 min b4 dinner drink 1 glass

between dinner & bedtime drink 1 glass

1 glass at bedtime

THAT'S 8 GLASSES OF WATER PER DAY AS RECOMMENDED. PS YOU WON"T BE HUNGRY!

I just survived 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet, was banded 5/19, and just finished my 1st week of post-op liquid diet with 1 more week to go. It's not easy, but definitely do-able! I was lucky that my best friend and I had the surgery on the same date by the same surgeon, so we are on the same food plan and can co-miserate with eachother - our nightly talks really help. Make sure your protein shakes have a good amount of protein (I was drinking one with 35gms of protein 2 times a day = 70gms). The protein will keep you from feeling hungry. Drink lots of water, and have a variety of soups (Campbells has a low sodium, low fat cream of chicken that's good) and lite yogurts. I lost about 18lbs during the 2-week preop, and I'm down 22lbs now - that is great incentive for me :smile: Good Luck!!!

Follow your doctors program to the letter. Drink lots of water as suggested. And, stay busy!

I cleaned out closets, worked in the yard, cleaned out my pantry and got rid of the junk. Start your exercise program. Walk ALOT for the next couple of weeks. Stay out of the kitchen if you can help it. If you have someone else to do the cooking, let them. If you can take your walks while the family is eating, do it. You get some "me" time, and you don't have to suffer through the meals you can't have. Just remember that the pre-op and post-op phase is temporary. It's only a few weeks, and you can do this.

Good luck to you.

2 Weeks pre-op diet? Dam, my surgeon said i only needed 5 days. Just use your common sense when it comes to eating and drinking.

I was sent soups and shakes and told to eat 5 portions of fruit and drink 1.5ltrs of fluids + per day. As both shakes and soups tasted crap i substituted them for equivalent mainstreams with same calorie content and they tasted nice. Then i ate my 5 potions of fruit between meals and drank only Water for the 5 days as i felt i wanted it. There is no set times or periods to stick to some people dont eat early some do. Some eat later some not. Its all personal to you.

All i know is i didn't stuggle with the pre-op and was looking forwards to the OP,lost 17LBS in the week went from weight in 24st 10lbs to 23st 7Lbs pre-op weigh in.

Its all down to you to accept the pre-op is the start of your new life and readying your stomach for the reduction in processing of food. During this time i was also taking multi Vitamin tablets and actimal drinks in the morning when i got up which i do still take now as routine.

The 1st week is the toughest. Avoid any potential food situations (i.e. bbq). Also, just avoid your friends because you are going to be cranky (just the 1st week). After the 2nd week you will feel so much better. You will be used to your new diet by then and you aren't so cranky to be around and it's a little easier to be around food. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the advice. I know I can do this, If people can survive cancer I can survive a liberal liquid diet for 2 weeks. I like the suggestion of walking while everyone else is eating...That is a good one...Thanks so much and good luck to all

Thanks so much for the advice. I know I can do this, If people can survive cancer I can survive a liberal liquid diet for 2 weeks. I like the suggestion of walking while everyone else is eating...That is a good one...Thanks so much and good luck to all

Follow your doctors program to the letter. Drink lots of water as suggested. And, stay busy!

I cleaned out closets, worked in the yard, cleaned out my pantry and got rid of the junk. Start your exercise program. Walk ALOT for the next couple of weeks. Stay out of the kitchen if you can help it. If you have someone else to do the cooking, let them. If you can take your walks while the family is eating, do it. You get some "me" time, and you don't have to suffer through the meals you can't have. Just remember that the pre-op and post-op phase is temporary. It's only a few weeks, and you can do this.

Good luck to you.

OMG! This was well said and very encouraging to me. I have not yet had my surgery, don't have a date yet, but I go see the Surgeon on 06/15, I'll probably get a surgery date then. I too was concerned about the pre-op, post-op liquid, I didn't know if I would be able to do it, but you are such a great encourager, I now believe I can and will. Thanks for that and keep up with the good job your doing.

On my pre op diet, I was allowed one meal a day of fish or chicken. However, it was really hard for me at the beginning. Just try to stay as busy as you can so you aren't focused on food or being hungry. You'll find the first few days really really difficult, but it gets better after that. I lost 15 pounds during my 2 week diet. That kept me motivated as well, getting on the scale and seeing a difference. Just try to keep your head up!

My pre-op diet was for 30 days. No sugar, no fat, no sodium. It was hardest thing I ever did..........ever!

I just tried to keep my eyes on the final goal and kept telling myself that it was only temporary. But, dang, it was so hard. The sodium thing was the worst......the fat and sugar was ok, but no sodium was a killer! (and I don't mean salt, I mean sodium)

I just started my pre-op diet today. Not liquid, thankfully. It is the no carbs shrink your liver diet, so meat and vegetables. I have GERD, so I am now going to spend a lot of time eating Maalox. One day and my stomach is killing me. I've been using bread and crackers to help control it along with tons of drugs and now I can't have that. 13 days to go. I agree with the rest, keep busy. We are really busy at work or I'd be insane by now.

II have GERD, so I am now going to spend a lot of time eating Maalox.

I was never diagnosed with GERD, but I had really horrible indigestion for about 6 months before my surgery. I started my pre-op diet, all liquid, and within 24 hours the indigestion was gone, and I haven't had it since. I hope you have the same success! Good luck to you.