Preop diet torture

Hi everyone, I have been following a pre op diet since Nov 22nd. My surgery had to be postponed due to my low pre-albumin. I have been living on expensive supplements and meal replacements until I am about ready to gag I get to eat six times a day but I am starving! I have had enough of this torture. If I was able to stay on such a strict diet before why would I need surgery? I have to wait at least two weeks for repeat blood work and I am starting to have second thoughts about this whole surgery. I am heading for McDonalds to at least have a good salad. I just needed to vent. Peace. Michelle Rice OKC

Michelle, What protein powder are you using?? I'm 9 months out and I still have 2 to 3 protein shakes per day, usually 3. Plus I have to take RX Iron and a handfull of supplements everyday. It's a chore but it's just part of my routine now. Finding a protein shake that you LIKE is the key to getting through this process with your health and sanity intact. Also the key I found to that pre-op diet was to eat or have a protein shake every 2 to 2 1/2 hours. That way you don't feel so deprived. Also carry a bottle of your favorite diet beverage at all times. When you start to feel a bit hungry drink, drink, drink. Plus it's good practice for what's coming. Feel free to contact me if you need to chat or vent. I've been there done that!!! Happy thoughts, Va 5' 3.5" 232/142/140 -90 pounds -82 inches

Hi Virginia I am doing the Weight and Inches and protein bars I got from Dr. Kieth's office. The dietitian wants me to drink at least 2 of the Weight and Inches and 1 carb conscious carn inst breakfast made with skim milk extra and 1/3 cup of powdered milk daily also a high protein snack, beef or fish for lunch and supper and 2 protien bars. I am just tired of it and have a hard time adjusting to not eating the same junk I am used to. I am trying to get 90 grams protein daily. Thank you for the advice. I will try to drink more. I am worried that this is all for nothing and my protein level will not go up enough for me to have the surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. God Bless Michelle

Michelle, I hated the weight and inches that they sell...too thick for me...especially post-op!!! You really need to find one you like and stick with it...you're more likely to be protein compliant if you like what your drinking and not having to gag it down. I'm an UNJURY protein powder girl. I've spent hundreds of $$$$$ on Protein powders/drinks and I love my UNJURY!! (unjury.com) It comes in 3 flavors - vanilla (my favorite), chocolate and unflavored. I keep all three that way I have a choice. Plus I have scads of recipes for different flavors to keep your protein shakes from getting boring. Do you like dreamsicles? Or Frappuccino's? Eggnog?? What was your favorite milkshake flavor pre-op? Protein shakes can be made to taste just about any way you want. I've done lots of experimentation and have found several recipes that I like. Protein shakes do make the difference on bad protein labs!!! Been there DONE THAT!!! (http://) members.cox.net/vaherd/WLS/Proteinshakerecipes.doc I also have Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Vanilla and ON AnyWhey, both can be ordered through various places on the net... *bariatriceating.com *valleynutrition.com *bodybuilding.com BUT!!! BIG OLE BUT HERE!! Don't buy a thing until you've gotten samples and tried them out. It's horrible to buy a tub of something that you discover later that you can't stand. Sources for samples are: *vitalady.com *bariatriceating.com *valleynutrition.com *unjury.com *txwls.com Protein Bars - I LOVE POWER CRUNCH BARS - you can order samples at (www.) bariactriceating.com they only offer 2 flavors now. But the bars are available through other internet sources in 4 flavors and again I have all four. Nice to switch things up. They have French Vanilla, triple chocolate, peanut butter fudge, and cookies and cream. If you like those wafer cookies pre-op you'll like these. Hope this helps! Va

I second the raving review of the power crunch bars. tried them at the OH Convention in LA & kept going back for more. If the milky protein samples are not doing it for you, try some of the Nectar brand. There are flavors such as fuzzy navel, roadside lemonade, crystal blue sky & green apple. I have problems with the milky ones and these work pretty well for me. All of these can be purchased through the websites listed by Virginia above!!!! Becky Open RNY 1/08/02 Dr. Pearce

I second the raving review of the power crunch bars. tried them at the OH Convention in LA & kept going back for more. If the milky protein samples are not doing it for you, try some of the Nectar brand. There are flavors such as fuzzy navel, roadside lemonade, crystal blue sky & green apple. I have problems with the milky ones and these work pretty well for me. All of these can be purchased through the websites listed by Virginia above!!!! Becky Open RNY 1/08/02 Dr. Pearce

I had sent you an email some time back wondering if you were the same Michelle Rice I knew that I used to work with in Texas. I was still just wondering. Al