Pre-op diet kicking my butt!

[farmgirlatheart 0]

Why O why am I having so much trouble with this darn pre-op diet. It is only day number 2 and I feel like I can't go on with the diet. The Protein Shakes that we have to drink are awfull. I have also been eating sugar free Jello but am not getting satisfied. I want to cheat, but am determined not to. I keep thinking, if I cant get through these 2 weeks how will I ever make it with the lap band after surgery. I am feeling really down today and wanted to see if anyone had and advice. My surgery is June 8, and thats only around the corner. I just hope I can make it.

[Evi 0]

It may be hard :scared2:but, it is so so worth it, hang in there:unsure: and think about like this I can sacrifice now to be rewarded later, think about it you're going to lose weight even while on the Protein diet. If you're like me, when my clothes gets to fitting loose It gives me the motivation to keep pressing on! Ho stay focused and you will reap the reward in the end and you'll be glad you did.

[madpassion 0]

I freeze my shakes. When lunch time rolls around I just grab it out of the freezer at work, and it's not only tolerable, its actually delicious. I eat it with a spoon, like ice cream. The biggest motivator for me has been seeing the scale move down daily. I have a 4 week diet, the first week i did awful, but since then i havent messed up once. The thought of spending all that money, only to wake up with no lap-band because I just had to have a brownie is also a big motivator. Today there are homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in the breakroom. That very thought is what has kept me from digging in.

[JustAskinThx 0]

You are having so much trouble because every biological Fiber in your body is screaming FEEEED ME!!!!!! I feel your pain--and the Clear Liquids diet pre-op was most definitely the worst part of this entire procedure for me so far. It is very hard, but as everyone else posted, it is worth it! Plus, what kept me on the straight and narrow when I sooo wanted to cheat was the thought of getting all the way to surgery and then having my liver be too puffy for surgery. I was lucky, no fears of the surgery itself, just that my liver might derail the whole thing! It will be worth it. It is tough, but you are doing a smart, proactive thing for your health and yourself. You are a strong and powerful person and you're making a GREAT health choice! Best of luck and hang in there!

Nancy

[Katy517 1]

The liquid diet actually gets easier rather than harder so hang in there. I didn't like the shake mix that my nut recommended so kept looking and found one that I do like. It's very tasty mixed with Crystal Lite or diluted clear juices like white grape or apple, which were permitted on my diet plan. Trader Joes has a really tasty low sodium chicken broth too that I found to be very satisfying. Just hang in there, it gets easier and the fact that it makes surgery safer as a result of shrinking the liver makes it all worthwhile.

[farmgirlatheart 0]

Thanks everyone for replying. You are all right about the big picture being the end result. I feel motivated now to continue drinking the shakes and getting through the pre-op part. I know I have to do this for myself and I know I can do it . I will try freezing the shakes and doing the same at work. I did eat a few crackers to settle my stomach b/c I have thrown up those drinks. I called my doctor and he said that was fine, I hope the surgery just comes very fast. I am too only worried about my liver being too big or fatty that I wont be able to have the surgery. Thanks again guys for the input.

[Elation 0]

First I just want to say congrats on your upcoming surgery. Believe me, it is life changing. Now for the pre-op....I was allowed to drink No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast rather than an actual Protein Shakes. This saved me because I hated the Protein shakes. I agree with others that the pre-op gets easier as you go. The first two days were the hardest. During this time, you will find strength and self control that you didn't know existed within yourself. This is just the beginning of all sorts of positive feelings towards yourself that you're not used to! Hang in there and enjoy the ride!

[kurby 0]

hi, i've just decided to get the band and have just found this thread.

hope you do well and hang in there

but

what drink are you talking about? is it like Ensure? i actually lived off them during my pregnancy (couldn't hold much down) or is it something else?

[madpassion 0]

hi, i've just decided to get the band and have just found this thread.

hope you do well and hang in there

but

what drink are you talking about? is it like Ensure? i actually lived off them during my pregnancy (couldn't hold much down) or is it something else?

My dr let me pick my own, as long as it had 26+ grams of Protein, and less than 6 grams carbohydrates per serving. The best one i've found is Body Fortress whey Protein chocolate flavor. The vanilla is awful, at wal-mart. A 2 lb canister is about $16. The key with any of them is that it should be low carn so that your liver shrinks.

Edited May 28, 2010 by madpassion

[Anyajasmom 0]

I really don't like Protein Shakes but chocolate Amp. whey from GNC is really good!

[1reign 0]

I'm on day one of pre-op diet and I know the first couple of days will be the hardest, I just want some coffee right now...why is caffeine not allowed, does anyone know?

[Katy517 1]

I believe the main reason is that it is known to irritate the stomach so would be especially bad during healing post-op. Best to get accustomed to doing without it prior to surgery. My nut recommended that I begin reducing coffee (and soft drinks) in the six months prior to surgery and then eliminate completely one month prior. That somewhat gradual reduction helped.

...I just want some coffee right now...why is caffeine not allowed, does anyone know?

[1reign 0]

I think it's mostly a mind game with me, so I drank a half cup of Decaf with some Splenda and was fine. Thanks for the heads up

[Katy517 1]

FWIW, my nutritionist and surgeon both allowed Decaf tea during both the clear liquid pre-op and full liquid post-op diets, but even decaf coffee was off-limits.

...I drank a half cup of decaf with some Splenda and was fine.