Liquid Diet Starts Sunday

Hi Yvette, My doctor did require me to do the liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I was told it was to shink the liver since mine was enlarged. This helps them with the surgery. I thought it would be torture beginning 2 weeks before surgery, but it actually wasn't bad at all. It gave me a nice drop in weight before surgery and made the transition much easier. I began pureed foods the day after surgery for 2 weeks , then food the third week. I am now a little over 4 months post-op and haven't had any trouble from day one unless I forget and eat something to fast, not chewed well or drink to soon after. And trust me, a time or two of doing that and we learn to NOT do it again. LOL Take care and best wishes in your upcoming surgery. See you on the losers bench Hugs, Cherryl

Thanks hun. She also said something about waste spilling in during surgery. I hope I can commit, lol and not let the smell of fried chicken get me (lives real close to POPEYES)

Hi Yvette, I didn't have to do the liquid diet for 2 weeks. Just the one day before surgery. I am sure it is going to be difficult at times but I have heard from plenty that it gets a bit easier as time goes by. Did your doctor tell you if you had to buy some certain protein drinks and stuff? Clear broth, crystal light, or the lipton one made with splenda, jello are a few suggestions. After surgery I was on clear liquid for one week. But that was all I could handle anyway and I never felt hungry. Big hugs to you Cira

Thanks Cira and I hope you are feeling fine!!

Hi Yvette, As you know I just had my surgery with Dr. Lee the 5th of this month. I had to start my liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery. It was HARD, harder than I thought but it did pay off, I lost about 7lbs before surgery and Dr.Lee said I did a great job on it because there was nothing in my system at all. Which was the point for me because my liver wasn't that bad. I had a protein drink and protein bar for breakfast, chicken broth and protein bar for lunch, and dinner was more broth. I normally would sip on the protein drink throughout the day and switch to water when I got home. I get horrible headaches when I don't eat so that was the worst part. Most nights after work I would come right home and go to sleep because I had a headache. In the last week I started eating once a day and I felt a lot better. 2 days before surgery I went back to just the liquids though. Did you by the optifast they sell there or did you buy your own stuff? Best of luck girl, it is hard but you can do it and it's worth it!!!! Let me know if you need anything.

Thanks hun I hope you are hanging in there.

You're welcome Yvette! I am feeling so much better hopefully soon I can say I feel at 100% How are you doing? Did you start the 2 week diet? I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers so these two weeks go quickly for you. Hugs, Cira

Hey Yvette, This is a great time to experiment with the various protein drinks and protein bars to decide which ones you like. Since you love chocolate -- like I do allow me to make a few chocolate protein drink suggestions. I purchase them from the Vitamin Shoppe and you can purchase just one of each and see what you like. 1. Lean Body Protein Drink -- comes in chocolate and vanilla. 2. Extreme Smoothie -- I've only tried the Strawberry -- they didn't have chocolate 3. Isopure No Carb Protein Drink -- I've tried Apple Melon, Grape, Alpine Punch, and the Orange (which is horrible). When I started drinking things I'd mix them with water, but now I can drink them straight from the bottle or over ice. I haven't tried the Lemonade flavor and there is one other I haven't tried. 3. Atkins Protein drinks are -- shake them WELL before drinking they taste much better. And if you pour it in a blender instead of shaking it -- it tastes even better -- almost like a shake. I purchase this from Giant. 4. Celestial Seasoning teas -- they are decafe and sugar free. This time also gives you the opportunity to further mentally prepare yourself and your stomach that your eating habits are about to change. Talk to your stomach and let it know what's about to happen. We are blessed to have this opportunity to increase our quality of life. If it wasn't for insurance (which millions don't have****rtainly would not have been able to have the surgery. There are many who have insurance and no coverage for bariatric surgery. There are those who have the finances to pay for the surgery and those who do not have the money nor the insurance. I am truly thankful to God that I've had the surgery before any co-morbidities i.e diabetes and HBP showed up (which runs in my family); but I had bad knees -- which now after 2 mths post op --seem to have been because of the weight. My knees are feeling 80% better. I'm very proud of you -- you will do well. And that smile on your face is only going to get wider.

Thanks for so much wonderful information

I had to do my liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery? I heard some folks say 3 days, 7days and even 2 weeks? After surgery I was on liquids for two-weeks after, but it really didn't make to much difference in the beginning because you will feel so full soon after even just a few sips anyway?? So You'll be alright, this is all a part of the journey, to help you in two ways, b 4 surgery & naturally after!! Just be strong you can do it!! This food game is all in the head anyway, so it's a good prep test, for reality of after surgery for sure, don't worry I love & Miss Popeyes at the same time too!! Just keep in mind that this is what will lead you to your "Big Day" which is right around the corner!! The Best of Luck!! to you as you continue on!! through the journey!! Amen. Peace. jbug You Can do this!!