first day on program diet

It looks great. I'd suggest skipping protein bars during the first 6 months or so. Substitute a couple of rolled up pieces of deli ham or a cheese stick, and it would be fantastic.

Getting a good running start before surgery will be a big help for you.

Looks great except for the protein bars, I would lose them! I did this same thing you are doing and it helped immensely. I went through my sugar and carb and caffeine withdrawals all before I started my liquid diet. I am very glad I did.

Keep up the good work, this is an excellent way to start!!

Ceci

I haven't gotten any shakes yet so that's why I got a few protein bars but I can see that I might have an issue with them having a lot of carbs..

The dietitian wanted me to stay under 1000 calories, get around 70gms protein, stay under 30gms carbs and start getting used to not eating and drinking together. I am very sedentary as I work a desk job from home. So I think under 1000 is reasonable. I do go for short walks 3-4 times a week, usually a little over a half mile and I clean the house a lot.

The shakes are confusing me. There are so many to chose from and I don't have a ton of money to buy big tubs of power and 6 packs of shakes. I wish there was someway to get samples of a few.

I bought mine at gnc. if you dont like you can return for any reason. i got the gnc brand wheybolic powders. many different flavors.

I also am trying to model my pre-op diet on what it will be like post-op, but I am still eating quite a bit more calorie wise. Normally I hit around 1800-2000 calories a day, but I figure that is still way less than I was doing before.

The Vitamin Shoppe carries several brands that have sample or "to go" packs of the powder. I particularly like several of the Syntrax Nectar flavors. Also Costco has a couple of different brands and they have a no questions asked return policy. I get the premiere premade shakes there.

I know there are some websites that also do sample packs but I don't know what they are. I bet someone will be by shortly to help though.

Good luck!!!

my dietitian had me eat around 2000 kcal during my six-month supervised diet. I still lost quite a bit of weight because I was used to eating more like 3000. It was comfortable - I never felt deprived or anything, so it was easy to stick to it. We mostly focused on gradually bringing my protein up and my carbs down to match the macros that I'd be following post-op. I also gave up soda, gradually weaned myself off caffeine, and avoided "white carbs" during that time. And practiced separating drinking and eating. I thought it was a good way to ease into it.

As far as shakes go, there are the basic choc-van-straw that are available in a variety of brands. I am glad that I went with Syntrax Nectar. They have 15 (or more) flavors and I was able to pick out something that I liked. I went on Amazon and bought the sampler pack and once I had surgery, I had a taste testing fiesta. I found out that some flavors were plain gross and others were fantastic. Just remember that tastes change for many folks, so don't invest in alot of any one kind in case you can't stand them after surgery.

Also, I applaud your starting the new lifestyle ahead of time. I did that and don't regret it for a minute. It was great for learning what life would be like after surgery.

Also you mention that you are very sedentary. Let me suggest that you start exercising now. When I started before surgery, I couldn't walk a slow quarter mile, but each and every day I walked a little more...no excuses. It is highly recommended for keeping things "moving" and it will instill that habit into your body early on. I still walk (or now wog...walk/jog) every day and I wouldn't miss it. I also swim and do some other activities too, but walking is my sanity and my main stay. You can do it. Just start where you are and keep challenging yourself to do more and take no excuses.

Surgery is a big commitment and it is never too early to start the new life that it requires!

All three of my local health food stores sold individual packets of protein powder to sample before buying anything larger...maybe try that. I basically settled on Premiere protein, I could usually find it at Walmart for under $7 for a 4-pack. Plus Costco sells it in a 24 pack I believe. I lived on Banana Cream and Vanilla. When I tired of that I used unflavored protein powder mixed in unsweetened almond milk and PB2 powder. I was able to keep my budget for this pretty low. Walgreens even had Premier Protein at buy one get the 2nd half off at times:-)

I'm doing the same, I'm only just starting my pre-op 6 month evaluation, but my husband had the surgery in May, so...I figured I may as well start getting my diet under control! Great for you! It's good to get the "practice" I think.

Sounds like your nutritionist is on the ball! As others have said, I'd switch out the protein bar but you are very luck not to have someone pushing carbs on you. Congratulations to you and good luck on the journey.