unbesleevable1

http://www.theiflife.com/carbs-are-not-the-enemy-for-weight-loss-the-carb-confusion-is/ It is actually both the low carb and calorie restriction. The low carb part causes the body to get it's glucose by breaking down stored glycogen in the liver and muscles.

This is the hardest thing I've ever done!! I'm on day 11 of 20. I have a very high protein shake 4 times a day and a dry salad a day. I don't feel malnourished, just really want to EAT stuff. I was eating spinach leaves out of the bag today!! I feel really insane. I even had a slip and ate a cheeseburger on day 7. I caught hell from my friends and support group, but it was like I could hardly control myself. It is seriously one day, one hour, and one minute at a time sometimes. If you are really hungry (stomach growling, screaming etc) make sure you are getting a shake with enough protein. Mine have 32 gm per serving and it holds me over well enough. I mean, at least 2 hours. I also have been eating sugar free jello like its my job. Broth also doesnt have calories, and neither do dill pickles. So if I need to eat something, I have a pickle or 4. I never thought it would be this hard!!! And it just goes to show how I cannot sustain a diet for any extended period of time. I just need this to be over soon and get wheeled into the O.R. I cannot wait to put on my hospital gown and get this done. Game on!!! Stay strong #SkinnyArmy

How low is Low? It really comes down to the surgeon's comfort level with an added risk. I don't think it's a deal-breaker, but it depends on how low they go. Good luck!

It is thought that a mostly protein, low calorie diet (800-1000 cal/ day) depletes glycogen stores in the liver, shrinking it, and making the stomach more accessible to the surgeon. I don't know if my liver is shrinking, but my body definitely is.

I feel ya, girl!!!!! We have the same date and are suffering through this pre op craziness together. I freaked out on about day 7 and got a cheeseburger!!! This food thing is an addiction for me and right now it is consuming my every thought. The obsession and compulsions are going crazy. Like the above poster said, it is the food demons ( I choose to call it addiction) trying to keep me sick. But seriously, all I have been thinking about is food, even if my tummy is full of protein shake. I keep having to be reminded that I am not starving to death, and I am doing this to help me live a better life. I don't have any doubts about having the surgery, I just wish it would hurry up and get here!!!

You people are absolutely CRAZY to start your pre op diet early!!! Take it from someone that is in the middle of a 20 day torture session (pre op diet: 4 shakes and a dry salad), only do 2 weeks if that is all you are asked. You will thank me later!!!!!!!!!!!

None. Fruits and vegetables are not liquids.

Yep, I'm using the powder for my pre op, bc I got tired of my doctors shakes. They match closely the nutrition facts of my doctors shakes. The flavor is good, but pretty sweet. I bet it will be too sweet post op. But its tolerable for the pre op.

I've gotten to the point where I just laugh at people who think it's a bad idea. They don't get it unless they've struggled with weight. I just tell them I am so comfortable with this decision, and have thought about it for years. They are just hearing it, so it can be shocking at first. My parents weren't that happy when they first heard (I am 37), but they are totally supportive now. I am so close to my date!!

No you can't. A heart attack is a blood flow issue and happens when cardiac tissue is starved of blood.

Here's your inspiration: you only have to do it for 7 days!!! One day at a time! I am on day 9 of 21 and let me tell you, this is the hardest thing I have ever done. Good luck.

Keep busy, don't go to restaurants, carry more protein mix with you than you'll think you need, stay in close contact with the group here, and hold on tight. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I am on day 9 of a 3 week pre op. Good luck!

I'm gonna try that, "Those are Soaps!"

I have been pretty open about it, and I wasn't planning to initially. It has definitely been easier not to have to hide anything. I tell them I'm having surgery if it comes up, and go into more detail if they ask 'what kind?' I am really comfortable with this decision, and am more sure about it the closer it gets. I just find it too complicated and more stressful to feel like I have to hide something very real going on in my life. It's something you have to decide for yourself.

They say it is to shrink your liver, which somehow happens by losing 10-20lbs really fast. I have no idea if it actually works. From the research it seems there is no substantiated research that it improves outcomes, or decreases complications.

kick rocks, Stomach. nobody likes you.

Punctuation would help a lot. I'm not sure what you are trying to say.

Meals? You get Meals?? I just finished day 7 of a 3 week pre op diet. I get 4 shakes a day and IF I'm still hungry (IF!!) I can have a dry salad. I am losing my mind! I'm being a little dramatic, but this is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Harder than quitting smoking. Harder than quitting alcohol. I know, I'm not being very encouraging. It's just been really rough. 2 more weeks of this seems so long!!!! Pray for me, people!!!

No Shaving!. Research has shown that hair removal prior to surgery actually INcreases the infection rate. If you do any hair removal at all, you can use clippers. Better to leave it to the experts and just do your pre op wash really well. Good luck!

my puree stage starts 3 weeks after surgery. Some doctors start it as soon as a week post op. Check with your surgeon.

I just completed day 5 of 1000 cal a day or less. Gotta say it is getting easier, but is pretty challenging. I have had some good tips from ppl on this forum. I carry broth packets with me, just in case. I dont go anywhere without my shaker bottle and something to put in it. I eat a pickle a couple times a day. I also put a little sugar free pudding mix in my shakes (just a tiny bit) and it helps them taste better. sugar free popsicles are a godsend and give you something to do. I have also tried to stay pretty busy. I wouldn't recommend going out to restaurants, but I have done that a few times. It isn't easy, but this isn't forever. Stay strong, skinny army!

be grateful that is all you're dealing with.

The idea of the pre op diet is to drop weight to shrink your liver. period. What you are actually putting in your stomach really doesnt matter until the day or so before your surgery. pre op instructions vary by surgeon. So eating something you weren't really supposed to have is not that big of deal, as long as you are still losing weight.

shakes are not a clear liquid, fyi. They are considered a full liquid. Clear liquid is something you can see through at room temp. (unless you're using a shake like nectar and water it down)

What did your doctor ask you to lose? I'm on the pre op diet right now too. I've lost 5 lbs in 4 days. my surgeon said he would still operate as long as I don't gain any weight. good luck to you!