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This pre-op diet is melting the fat like nothing else. I'm down 7 lbs since starting on Tuesday. I guess eating 600-700 calories will do it! It's not helping my obsession with food though. I watch the clock figuring when I can next eat, and both do I look forward to my one small meal in the evening. Tonight it is STEAK! Also having steamed zucchini which I love. How are you all doing with your pre-op liver shrinking diet? Sent from my SM-T710 using BariatricPal mobile app

OMG! Don't even get me started on the coffee! 3 days after starting my liquid diet, the nutritionist said I could in fact have 1-2 cups in the morning. So far, this is by far one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Not going to lie, the adjustment was a little rough at first. Total lifestyle change. The first couple of days on the liquids were insane with... boredom...total boredom...I can honestly say that I never really felt hungry, just bored - You know, that open the fridge door 50 times to see what's in there kind of bored. BUT, after about 3 days it wasn't bad at all. Post surgery, I feel like I was really lucky - I walked laps all night in the hospital and went home with no gas pain at all. Drinking those first few hours was different. Each sip felt like it got caught in my chest (sort of like heartburn). HOWEVER, it went away pretty quickly (within a few days). Now, all the good parts - Once you get past the liquids post op, you get full so quickly - Like 1 egg quickly... You find ways to modify recipes that you like - Example - My "bariatric nachos" - I use quest chips, ground turkey with taco seasoning, salsa, and a splash of low fat sour cream - I can only eat about 4-5 chips before I'm full, but it satisfies the craving (and crunch). The weight comes off, so it's pretty hard to get too worked up about anything you feel like you're "missing" out on. Energy comes back (I was super nappy the first week or so, but now have all kinds of energy). Best thing I've learned on here.. You most likely WILL hit a stall - Mine lasted almost 2 weeks. It sucks... REALLY sucks and you dwell on it while choking down ANOTHER protein shake and overthink everything you're doing. Chill, wait it out, then jump up and down when it breaks. My biggest hints... drink lots of fluids, get up and move around if you can, and follow whatever plan the doctor gave you. Best of luck to YOU!

Just hit my next goal. Now down over 100lbs since surgery and over 130lbs total. Feels good! I've hit quite a few peaks and valleys along the way and sustained a couple of injuries that have kept me out of the gym for the past few weeks, but I'm forging ahead. I have noticed that I'm physically able to eat more so I have to be very mindful of my portion size! Keep up the good work everyone!

I finally got my date set for 12/29- I'm really excited, but also starting to get a little nervous. Not so much about the surgery, but other things: I'm getting my cpap switched to a bipap and still need to get the right configuration and approval to my surgeon, which will take some time to figure out; then there's the fact that Covid is resurging (though still low in my state) and concerns about hospital stay during peak flu season and need to quarantine from my parents after. Then there's care for my special needs 6 year old- my parents are going to take him while I'm in hospital and for a few days after so I can rest initially, but I have further quarantine concerns regarding him too! (Me not being able to fully quarantine from him rather.) Then there's the fact that my nutritionist commented that since I've been losing about 7lbs. a month on my own, that I might lose too much to get approved by my insurance since my only comorbidity is sleep apnea- THAT really derailed my weight loss for the month, only 1lb. thus far and I weigh in on Tuesday. My BMI is still over 40, so I don't think I have to worry about that, but UGH! I've been talking to my therapist about my subconscious fear of success too. I'm just trying hard not to freak out and hope everything will work out ok.

Manage your expectations and try not to compare yourself to others (technically, that's 2, but you get what I mean, lol)

There are some decent low carb pancake recipes out there using almond flour. They aren't just like the real thing, but they aren't terrible either. I got in the habit of making them during a 7 month run of doing keto and I still make them now because my kids seem to like them. But yes to echo some of the others trying to avoid food for comfort is a great way to keep yourself out of trouble. I struggle with that plenty myself. I've actually taken to carrying a "challenge" coin around with me that I grab when I'm thinking of going for something to eat and not really hungry as a reminder of what I'm trying to accomplish. It doesn't always work, but I think it works more often than not at getting me to refocus and direct myself towards a healthier activity.

Be sure to take the rock's feelings into account. Tek

I've been eating a half serving of Special K High Protein (7.5g of Protein) and a half cup of 1% milk (4g of protein). Fills me up and I always seem to lose better with that breakfast than any other. But, has anyone tried these? I get mine at Thrive Market (on line) but I think they have them at Trader Joe's now...as well as Amazon. 90 calories and 9g of protein. I like the jalapeno ones best!!

I buy a lot of turkey bacon but my kids eat more of it than I do. Since my VSG I’ve notice plant protein sits a lot better I’ve added pictures of 2 of my favorites. The Lightlife sausage is a great ground beef replacement. I still eat a lot of chicken and shrimp that I cook in the air fryer because it’s not as dry that way. I also buy A LOT of zucchini and tomatoes and mushrooms.

Great thread idea! Here are a couple I like a lot. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers from Trader Joe‘s Frontera Grill marinade/sauces are a great way to add a ton of flavor with minimal calories to lean proteins like pork, chicken and fish/shellfish.