Pre Op Liquid Diet Help

Did everyone have to go 2 weeks only liquid? I'm having a hard time getting my protein in, please help!

Yes, I drank 2-3 Premier Protein or whey protein powder mix shakes a day I just replaced my regular meals with them, had sugar free popsicles when I wanted something crunchy, and chicken boullion or broth when I wanted something salty/savory, and drank water and herbal tea the rest of the time.

Has your doctor recommended what to drink?

OK So most people have to do 2 weeks if not more of the liquid phase pre-surgery. I was actually on the liquid phase for 3 months before surgery. I know it can really stink living off the shakes but it is to make the surgery less invasive and reduce chances for complications with the liver being in the area they work. Now about you having trouble getting your protein, I am wondering if you were prescribed some other brand of shake. I had my surgery through the Veterans hospital and I was prescribed Optifast 800. It was 5 shakes a day at 160 cals, and 14 grams protein each shake for a total of 800 cal and 80 protein.

My only knowledge comes from the VA and they just gave me my shakes in powder form each week so if you actually have to buy your own shakes it could be different. I know you can buy Optifast and off brands at a lot of stores. Plus if you get board of the shakes they also make Optifast soups which give the same nutritional value as the shakes. I'm not sure what protein amounts your doc wants you to reach but as far as I know 80g a day is not bad at all. Anyway best of luck to you and this whole process. It really is worth the struggles and crappy menu to get so much healthier.

My program only had two days of liquids and they were the two days before the surgery -- one day of full liquids, one day of clear liquids, plus the always exciting magnesium citrate drink the night before. What shakes are you using? I still do one premier protein a day to meet my protein goals.

I had four weeks of the pre-op liquid diet... over THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS.

I drank 4 to 5 protein shakes a day, along with broth, sugar-free jell-o and sugar-free popsicles. I preferred Premier Protein and Syntax Nectar in a variety of flavors. None of my shakes were more than 3 carbs or 190 calories per serving. I aimed for more than 20 g. of protein per shake.

Just a side note: It doesn't matter what was required of anyone else -- only what your surgeon requires.

I did. I had to use the Optifast prescribed by the doctor - right before Christmas. (My surgery was the day after Christmas.) It was definitely the most challenging part of the entire journey.