Question:
Liquid Diet

My doctor offered me the choice of what diet I would be on to lose weight prior to surgery. I chose a liquid diet, but have a question for those who have been on it before: How many "meals" do you have on a liquid diet. Oh and I have another question: How concerned should I be about the overall number of calories I'm taking in even though I'm on a liquid diet?    — Laurien G. (posted on August 13, 2007)

August 13, 2007
Have you looked at the site www.bariatriceating.com? They have tons of recipes, even protein shake recipes. GOOD LUCK:-)
   — Kenipela05

August 13, 2007
A clear liquid diet mainly consists of sugar free popsicles sf jello water... crystal light... so there should not be a concern for calories as you can see there hardly is none I constantly ate popsicles to alleviate the boredom of a liquid diet... I had to stay on the LD for two weeks....Good Luck Carla
   — MsGriff07

August 13, 2007
It is a matter of the amount of protein you get vs. the amount of calories. You need at least 60-80 grams of protein a day to burn fat and not muscle and not lose your hair. The protein drinks that Bariatric Eating.com sells are the type you can have that are sugar-free, are low in carbohydrates, and high in protein. You can get samples to try before you buy the large canisters and spend all that money on something you don't like. My surgeon's office wanted us to have AT LEAST 5 protein drinks a day. You can supplement those with clear broth, sugar-free popscicles, sugar-free jello, clear juices, etc. I hope this helps. Don't get discouraged when your stomach growls and your head tells you you need something to chew; it is all for the smaller and healthier you! Elaine Larson
   — Elaine L.

August 14, 2007
I am currently in day 2 of my 10 day pre-op liquid diet. But "Liquid" doesn't mean (in my case anyway) ANY LIQUID, by any means. I have 3 Low Carb Slimfast shakes, I guess those are mainly my "meals". Some Dr.s use the Adkins Advantage shakes too or even Carnation Instant Breakfast, although they do not contain enough protein according to my doc. Also, I am allowed Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, sugar-free jello, s/f popsicles, and any calorie free beverage, coffee (w/out all the creamer, but with artificial sweeter. I found Splenda makes flavored sweeteners for coffee, French Vanilla is what i am using and it's pretty good. You would not want to overload on sugary drinks or drinks containing fat and carbs except for the meal replacement shakes, etc. Your doctor or nutritionist should have given you a list of what's OK and what is not on this liquid diet. If they didn't, I would call them back and ask. Every Dr. is different. Good Luck! Liquids only is tough, I think i would have paid to lick someone's fingers last night when my family had pizza....................... Stephanie
   — slynn33

August 16, 2007
Is the liquid diet for the Lap or Gastric Bypass? I ask because I just started my liquid today for my surgery next Thursday. I will be getting the LAP. My Dr. specifically stated that we are to have only the Protein shakes and atleast 64oz of water each day. The protein shakes can only have between 3-5 grams of sugar. The higher the amount of protein, the fuller you will feel for a longer period of time. We were advised to have 4-6 shakes a day. However, if its for Gastric, I am unsure. I was told that Gastric patients just started having to have the protein shakes, they were not required a few years back. Blessings,
   — CookieCutter

December 4, 2007
I'm glad you posted this question/concern because I'm almost 15mos. post op and need to do the liquid diet AGAIN to jump start more weight loss and this was a good reminder of what I've done successfully already; THANKS! Every surgeon has different requirements; mine was very thorough with his instructions given by his nutritionist. I had 90grams of protein shakes plus broths, sugarfree jello and posicles and that was IT for two weeks prior to surgery! I need to join you in this....you'll be happy you did it! :O) I did have one last big meal before surgery though~SHHHHHH I'm down over 125lbs. now and have a good 50lbs. to go! Trish in Saigon
   — zoeysgrami