HELP!!! Pre-op Diet INFO!

Hello!!

Like most people in Ontario, I am on a 2 week liquid diet consiting of Optifast (x4), broth and coffee/tea. Today was day one and I gotta say, this is gonna be brutal!! It took me about an hour or so just to drink the nasty thing. To make it taste a little better I mixed it in the magic bullet with crystal light and ice. It seemed to just make more of it!! I'm wondering if I have to drink it ALL even if I'm not hungry. They want me to drink 4 packs a day and I just dont think I can do it. Will that effect me negitivly if I just drink 2 or 3?? I wonder!

I guess the best advice I can give you is to just get used to it.  I have never gotten used to the taste of the protein shakes that are necessary, although some are better than others.

Call your surgeon and see if you can change to something else that will give you the same amount of protein.  Protein is extremely important and crucial if you don't want to start losing your hair in about 3 or 4 months from now.  It will grow back but it is part of the adjustment period your body goes through after surgery.  Your tastes may also change dramatically after surgery so don't stock up too much on anything because you may find it okay now, but intolerable later on.

Starting with and maintaining good habits now are the key to success.  I didn't build good habits and am struggling right now. 

Good luck and much success with weight loss.

Colleen

You will likely end up pretty hungry if you do not take in the 4 per day. Is it flavored? Maybe you could just try taking 1/2 of one at a time 8 times a day instead of a whole one 4 times a day. Maybe you can even add some extra water to it, to help cut the taste a bit.

Chances are you need to expect some headaches and weakness or fatigue as you begin this liquid diet. You will be withdrawing from carbs and not getting in nearly the calories you were, and this is why you may experience the above symptoms. I worry that if you do not take in the 4 a day, it will increase your fatigue and also, your body need the protein that is contained in them, to facilitate better healing and recovery post-op. Without enough protein, you will take longer to heal and will be much more tired and feel blah.

Maybe you could ask your surgeon if there is an alternative product you could use, in place of the one you have now, that you may tolorate better?

I know this is a very difficult and challenging time in the journey...but just think, in no time you will be on the losers bench and it will be ohhh so worth the challenge!

Hugs to you. Be strong and disciplined and getthose drinks in for your health and recovery.