Liquid diet one week post-op

[NewBandit95 1]

So, according to my surgeon, I am to have nothing but Clear liquids (Water, broth, black coffee or plain tea), sugar free popsicles and sugar free Gelatin cups. I am also suppose to drink to simple Protein Drink (no fruit and no dairy). My choice of Protein Drink is Muscle Milk Light. When I add up the calories of what I take in for the day, I am left wondering if this is healthy.

Muscle Milk Light: 140 cal X 2 = 280 calories

Sugar Free Popsicles: 15 cal X 2 = 30 calories

Sugar Free Gelatin Cups: 10 cal X 2 = 20 calories

Total Calories = 330 Calories A Day????!!

How can your body possibly heal with so few calories coming in? Doesn't your body start metabolizing muscle to compensate for the lack caloric intake? Or won't it just effectively go into starvation mode which is not beneficial at all?

What am I doing wrong?

[Jess55 97]

That is probably about what I had, or less. I did not get up to even 1000 calories until the end of week 4 post op

[LosingItAll 49]

I am not sure if you are already on the diet or are just mentally preparing, but everyone is different. You dont need too many calories before or after surgery and many people dont want to eat after the surgery. If you want more, then have more Jello or popsicles. Post op is to recover from surgery and then in a few weeks you will be "practicing" eating like a bandster. This is called "bandster hell" because you are going to get hungry - but must diet on your own for a while, until you get a fill to help you eat less and be satisfied.

Also my doctor said to watch out for intaking too much Protein as it can make you hang on to pounds (especialy when you are not working out for the first 8 weeks after surgery). I only say this because I used to have 2 Protein shakes a day, but when you start eating "real" food, you will likely be getting too much Protein if you drink 2 shake. I am 2 months post op. and down 40 pounds... it works if you watch your calories, eat your 40-60 grams of protein a day AND you MUST drink your 60 (or more) ounces of Water a day - when I dont get enough Water, i dont lose weight...not sure why but it is true (for me at least).

Good Luck to you!