I think in the beginning, everyone is going to have a hard time getting in the amount of protein required but when eating soft foods, supplementing meals with extra protein won't be difficult at all and I see no problems with getting in enough protein.  My surgeon is against shakes because he doesn't want us drinking our calories and the cost can be expensive for some.  Surgeons have different ways of doing things but my surgeon's bariatric program is a center of excellence, he's been doing this procedure for quite awhile, and has an excellent track record. I'm a nurse who works with doctors that send their patients to him so I see the long term success rates with his patients.  I have faith in him and his program.

My surgery is on a Thursday (Jan, 7th), I plan to go back to work on Jan, 25th so 18 days after surgery. My surgeon said some people can get back to work after a couple of days, others take longer but he advised a minimum of two weeks and I thought that was an ok number. :) Nevertheless my boss knows I may need more days or work from home, we'll have to see.

The whole key is to shrink your liver and I was at work and almost passed out due to the fact that I had nothing to eat so I have drastically changed my eating habits, I drink my protein shakes and I have a lot of crystal light to drink along with pop sickles (even though its cold) I may eat a 1/2 cup of green beans and even some baked chicken but I do it one time a day and I may do it every other day, but now today is my last day at work and I work from 7p to 7a in the E.R. there is no way i could do straight liquids and not feel it, starting tomorrow I will be on a strict liquid diet because i will be home and I can go to sleep or something if I feel faint.  someone said I was not getting enough protein in to feel faint, but I went by exactly what the doctor told me I could have.  You have to listen to your body not your head hunger and that is what I have done.  I don't think I have done anything to jeapordize my surgery or anything  because I do not have fried foods, eat out, snacks, cakes, cokes etc if anything I am pretty sure my liver has shrunk enough for them to move it out of the way for surgery.  My surgery is Monday morning and I have to be there @ 0530, thank God it's early Highest weight was 312 weight now i weigh 301.  i cannot wait to get off of the 300's

I am scheduled for lap RNY on January 11th at Cleveland Clinic Weston, FL with Dr. Raul Rosenthal performing my RYN.

They require you to do a 2 week pre-op liquid only diet.  You can have protein shakes made with water or skim milk three times per day.  You are also allowed sugar free jello (not pudding!) and sugar free popsicles.  You can also have broth... chicken, beef, or vegetable.

I started my liquid diet on Monday December 28th.  It was a long, rough, hungry day.  I yelled at my family & was not pleasant to be around.

Day 2 went much better.  I wasn't hungry at all & was much nicer to people because of that.

Day 3, today.... not a good day for me at all.  I woke at 3:25am & had to change my daughter's diaper & take the dog outside to do her business.  The only thing on my mind ALL day today is that I MUST chew something.  I can't chew gum because I need to get a root canal/crown..  I can't help be think how pathetic I am for being rules by food.  

I quit smoking after 11 years at 1.5 packs a day.....Cold Turkey.... No help.  I am fine.  I had the will power to stop smoking.... so why is this liquid diet killing me?  I am no longer hungry, but I just don't think I will be able to fight the urge to chew something with taste.  

I wanted to poll other january date people & see what keeps you going strong at your weakest moment.  If you have time, please help inspire me to see this liquid phase through.

Katherine

 I am so happy that we share the same surgery date. I wish you all the luck on your journey!! I haven't been sleeping well because of all the excitement my brain just won't shut off lol.