Question:
Did anyone else stuggle with the pre-surgery diet?

I am in the process of scheduling surgery. I am suppose to adhere to a 1400 cal/day diet until a month before surgery, followed by a liquid diet the month prior. My problem is that I am having an impossible time sticking to the 1400 cal diet. Everyone wants me to go out to eat "just one more time". It has been suggested that maybe I'm not serious about the surgery. Nothing is further from the truth!! Can anyone share there experience with me? Thanks! :)    — Candied (posted on February 14, 2010)

February 14, 2010
I went through the same thing you're going through. My room-mate is one who LOVES and has an almost pathological need to eat "out". I found that I could get around this by ordering a "side of...." (chicken, turkey, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese with fresh fruit, steamed vegetables - I brought along my own "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" spray). If we went to Taco Bell, I ate from their "fresco" menu. But what really made a difference for me was changing not the calorie intake, but the way I actually ate. I NEVER ate breakfast, and didn't usually eat lunch until 1 or 2:00 in the afternoon, then dinner at about 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. But the dietician at my surgeon's office MADE me eat six small meals per day, beginning with breakfast within an hour of waking up, and a night-time snack within an hour of going to bed. I found that each meal worked out naturally to be about 200 calories... giving me a total of about 1200 calories per day.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 14, 2010
My doc had me do an all liquid diet for five days before surgery. Whatever your doc says....DO IT! Not your friends...your doc!!! I am 2 mos post-op this coming Tuesday. I have lost nearly 60 lbs. Whenever I thought about going out one more time, I could literally hear my doc's voice in my ear saying "the surgery will go so much smoother if your liver shrinks" Once I understood the clinical reasons for following the strict diet, it was much easier. Obviously, everyone is different. Bottom line, listen to the doctor....eat at home, do not try to oblige your friends by having that 'one more normal meal'. How do you know that you will be able say no to temptation later, if you can't say no to it now? Hang in there, be strong. The benefits are so much sweeter!
   — rhettmckaye

February 14, 2010
The first three days were pure hell for me with the pre op liquid diet, but after I got past it, it wasn't too bad. It is so important to shrink your liver.
   — FSUMom

February 14, 2010
Tell your friends, this is not your last meal. You will be able to eat again but only smaller portions and you will be able to celebrate with them eventually but with a new smaller you!
   — Jo R.

February 14, 2010
The people who are pushing you to go out "just one more time" are not your friends. Surround yourself with people who will support you. The pre-op diet is not easy for any of us. I thought, in fact, that it was the hardest part because after surgery, you are not hungry. You can have a lot of food for 1400 calories if you plan it right. Eating out is difficult because you don't know how many calories you are taking in...not a good idea. This surgery will change your life in so many ways for the better, don't let these last few days get in the way of success. You can do this! Ask the nut. for some sample 1400 calorie menus and stick with them. It is great planning for post surgery. Let us know if we can help in any way, and good luck!
   — Bonnie H.

February 15, 2010
Hi Candi, always follow what the dr tells you! I did 2 week pre-op liquids, it was hard, nutritionist told me if it got really horrible... and you really need something do something thats pure protein. I had string cheese one a day,,, it really helped me get through the rough spots... popsicles help also cause you can crunch on them, it feels like eating. As far as your "friends" if they are truly your friends they would help you not make you crazy. you are taking control of your life and you will be able to eat, this is only temporary. i am 6 months out and 100 pounds down. stick to your guns and dont let their fear catch you. cause that is what it is... their fear.
   — MarthaJ0110

February 15, 2010
I had a simular problem it was always my husband complaining he wanted mcdonalds or burgerking! It was tormenting. I would tell him no because i couldnt eat it and we would fight. But if you stick to it things will get easier. I ate alot of salads and i used a sight called caloriecount.com wich helped me maintain my diet. this site will tell you how much calories/protein/fat ect.. are in any food you buy or any fast food you buy. you just put in your daily foods and it will calculate the cals you eat per day. its an awsome site check it out. I hope this helps
   — TyannaPrince

February 16, 2010
you just have to learn how to make lower calorie foods. when i go out to eat i always look up online to see what meal has the lowest calories. 3 good dinners i make that is less than 200 calories each is: 1. 4 oz turkey breast and 1 cup vegetables, 2. 4 oz chicken breast (boiled in chicken broth or boiled in water then seasoned) and 1 cup vegetables, 3. 4 oz fish and 1 cup vegetables. of course all skinless and unbreaded and baked or boiled. snacks.... 1 cup AIR POPPED CORN, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, extra gum, 1 cup fruit....all 5-50 calories. drink only water or stuff like crystal light. once you learn what foods are less calories you can eat alot. i used to be on a 800 calorie a day diet and once i learned that it was easy. now i wont lie the liquid diet is alot harder but just drink alot of water that fills you up alot and once your stomach gets used to eating less it does get easier. a month seems a long time to be on an all liquid diet though wow. i am on the liquid part now but only have to do the liquids during day and one of those 3 meals for dinner i guess they call it a partial liquid for 2 1/2 weeks. it also helps if you are staying busier during the day as to not think of eating all day. and if your friends insist on going out to eat make them choose a place that has lower calorie choices not someplace like fast food. good luck =)
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