WHO DID OR DIDN'T DO THE LIQUID DIET????????????????????????

Geeesh I love November 2005 Board Starting tomorrow I am doing just that....it's not forever.....we all need to realize that..........It's temporary...I'm getting ready for my new life and I want to shrink my liver so that my surgeon has a better visual. Sheryl your number 3 is what changed my mind on what I will do...Thank you!

Yea it sure gives you pause to think doesn't it? You're welcome! Sheryl In the Zoo

THANK YOU MS. LADY FOR THE RESPONSE...... THAT IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME WAY IT HAS BEEN FOR ME JUST ABOUT........THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT...........11 DAYS AND I WAKE UP TO A NEW LIFE.....

Are they asking you to go on a 30 day liquid diet?? DeeDee

Hi Stephanie and all on Pre-op liquid diet. I started my pre-op liquid diet last Tuesday. Dr Pennings (Spokane, WA / N.Idaho) requires 3-4 weeks of Optifast prior to surgery. It is 800 cal/day (a combo of 5 shakes or protein bars). I have not been faithful to my liquid diet and feel the diet failure thing once again. I am at 271 and need to drop to 250 prior to my surgery which is tenatively scheduled for 3rd week in November. Right now I don't know if I can do it. More later, I have to check on something.

Back again. I sure would appreciate any help on following the 30 day Optifast 800 cal/day challenge. I'm scared I won't be able to lose the 20+ #s required by Dr.Pennings and my surgery date will be postponed. I feel dizzy and foggy and verrrry crabby, like what is there to do in the evenings if not eat? I know I must conquer this, but how, when all my life I have failed at losing weight. I also must give up caffeine and have fairly recently given up cigarettes- Anyone else in the same boat? Help- I have 3 kids, a husband, and a demanding job and can't afford to not have my brain and emotions functioning.

There are a few things I think you can do Tami. Take one of the Optifast drinks, pour into a ice tray and freeze them. When you miss the chewing, you can chew on one of these. Ask you doc if you can have thinks like sugar free (0 cals) popcycles, sugar free jello etc. Also, try the crystal light or walmart brand flavorings that you can add to your water for a bit of change. You can also try chewing sugar free gum which will not only help with the chewing factor that you'll miss but with stress. Start working on a puzzle or reading a new book that will help distract you in the evening when you're mind and fingers might wander. The crabby comes from your body's withdrawl of sugar and caffeine. You'll get past it in about a week. Remember that this is only a short moment in time for you. You won't be on Optifast forever. Good luck! Sheryl In the Zoo

Stephanie, This is a really good question because I was wondering the same thing myself. My surgeon doesn't require a liquied diet, but I wasn't sure if I should do it on my own anyway for certain benefits. Reading the responses to your post help me decide to go ahead and do it. I know that I will be happy I did later. Kim