Death by Pre-Op Diet, Help

I started my pre-op diet on Sunday night. Here are my requirements.... 3 Atkins shakes per day I can have 2 servings of sugar free jello per day or 2 sugar free popsicles per day I can drink Crystal light and water, but I have to try to limit myself to 64oz per day, they don't want me to over-hydrate. Ok I've got to be honest, I thought this would be a breeze....I'll just drink a ton of water, but alas, they have said not to. I thought I would just chomp on gum all day, but alas, they said I should try to quit chewing gum. I can't, I quit smoking in August, so now I am a gum fiend. Does everyone have the same strict requirements??? How am I gonna get through this??? I haven't cheated yet, but I'm super hungry and I absolutely hate the Atkins shakes. I am working out like I should, but 500 calories per day isn't cutting it. To top it off, I've got my period and massive cravings!!!! Help, help, help!!!

Okay, I'm going to quit *****ing about my low carb diet...I just can't consume more than 30 grams of carbs per day and then two days of liquids before surgery. I commiserate with you...hang in there it will be worth it in the end. Corinna Q

I offer no help for either of you. I have a two day liquid diet before surgery and that's it. I guess I'm not sure why some are two weeks and some two or even one day of liquids....Just try to find something to occupy yourself. I think that focusing on what you can't have is possibly making you want it more. Remember this is a lifelong commitment, you can do this, you've come this far...don't give up. Michelle

Thanks for the advice. I just need to re-focus and keep my eye on the prize!!

Hang in there and remember, the reason you're doing this is to have a safer, easier surgery. My Pre-Op diet is 2 weeks of liquids (plus sf popsicles and jello) hard, but I guess not nearly as strict as yours. I have just under two weeks left before I start... right now the hard part is not having 124 'last meals'. Wish me luck! And LOTS of luck to you! xoxo, robin

It's really weird why we all have different requirements. You would think there would be some sort of "standard of care". I guess everyone is different. I'm on five opti-fast drinks and one sensible meal per day. I can say when I got my period, I did cheat...SHAME on me. However, I have lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks...that's good, isn't it? Just remember....this too shall pass. Cynthia

I'm right here on the pre-op liquids with you... but I'm allowed soups (no chunks) and that helps SO much! Are you limited to Atkins, or can you do other protein shakes? I've heard that adding a packet of splenda to a protein shake can make all the difference, I plan on trying that tomorrow, because you are right... they are YUCK!!!

Well, I am not on my pre-op diet yet... so all I can say is.... Keep your eye on the PRIZE!!!!! Now remind me of that when I start complaining........ Shawn M.

Hey I hope your time passes quick, Congrats and Best of luck to ya.....I really glad that I only have one day of the liquid diet... I could not make it, Well I would but I would not like it very much! LOL But really we are all almost there and it will so worth it....Mendy

I'm afraid i can't offer any advise either, I'm one of the lucky ones with just a one day liquid diet. But I am rootn for you and all the others that have to do this. At least after surgery we won't really be hungry anyway, or so I hear. You'll get thru this just like you did smoking.... keep your eye on the prize.... and just think....you are losing already Huggs & Blessings, Lori