post Post-Op: 21 days of pure liquid diet? What do you think?

[Sarita Ramirez 0]

Hello all.

My surgery was on June 13th, 2013. My surgeon had given me a strict liquid diet of 21 days (3 weeks) of pure liquid diet.

Every 15 minutes, I'd drink 2 oz of Water, 2oz of gatorade, and 2 oz of cocount water, all together yes.

I am now on week 2, my cravings aren't bad. I have been slacking a bit in my Protein intake, honestly due to my work, I just forget which is bad enough.

To this day, I've lost 29lbs so far.

For Breakfast, I drink liquified oatmeal, lunch liquified chicken Soup, and dinner, liquified fish soup.

Are any of your diets similar to mine?

- Sara

[marfar7 1,533]

My dr requires a 4 wk liquid only diet. Haven't gotten my instructions yet on exactly what it's to consist of but if it's similar to my post lapband diet almost 4 yrs ago: 4 wks of liquids ONLY. This is to include 1 oz of Protein shake for all of my waking hours (I'd forget half the time), Jello, popsicles, chicken broth, watered down juice and crystal lite.

At least thats how I read it. I read "4 weeks of clear liquid + Protein shakes". At week #2 I started "cheating" adding cream of Tomato Soup cuz I thought I might just starve to death. The whole time I thought I was cheating. Every time I'd open a can of Soup (1 sm can of Campbells was 4 meals a day for me), I'd feel like I was cheating. Come to find out, 6 mths later, as I'm casually reading thru my info binder for the fun of it, I was sposed to be on FULL LIQUIDS for 4 weeks. To include cream Soups, thinned or drinkable yogurt, thinned cream of wheat, thinned pudding and occasionally frozen yogurt. Wow.

I could've kicked myself for not reading closer. Felt bad for nothing. Starved for nothing. It helps to actually READ your info book for sure! This time I actually will. Waiting for the coordinator to email me my instructions now, since I don't have to retake the 4 hr class I took 4 yrs ago. My sleeve diet may be a little different. But if it's not, this time I WON'T CHEAT!

At 3 weeks, I added mashed potatoes myself cuz again, I thought I might starve. This time I have the added bonus of a large staple line that can start leaking if I add too much too soon. This time I actually will follow the rules.

So, yes.My diet will be similar to yours. The post op diet is really the only area my dr is conservative on. I have no pre op diet at all (cept 24 hrs of liquids before).

Good luck! You can do this! whats 3 weeks in the whole scheme of life?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

My surgeon requires four weeks post-op of liquid diet. We aren't allowed to liquify Soups or oatmeal or anything like that. I could take a broth-based Soup and strain out all the solids and drink the broth, but that seems wasteful?

So far my mainstays have been: Water (min. 30 oz per day), Protein Shakes (RTD: Isopure and Premier Protein, homemade using various Unjury flavors), skim milk, Gatorade G2 Natural, low sodium V8, miso broth and beef broth infused with unflavored Protein, Unjury chicken soup protein, and as a treat a few ounces of Atkins Advantage Cafe Caramel shake (Yum!). So far I've been doing fine on hitting my liquids and my surgeon's protein goal. I set my personal protein goal higher and have mostly made it.

I am 9 days out from surgery. It's not driving me crazy but I will say I am looking forward to advancing to purees!

[newat52 1,613]

I was on 1 week of Clear Liquids and 2 more of full liquids. It had to fit through a strainer. No yogurt or pudding. It was not fun but I would advise you to follow your surgeons instructions. The time will go fast. No need to go faster than he recommends.

It will be worth the "weight." (pun intended)

[Sarita Ramirez 0]

You guys are right.

And, i am following the instructions. But, like I mentioned above, I do sometimes slack on getting in that Protein that I so much need.

Thank you for your responses.

[newat52 1,613]

When you put your Soups through the blender, try adding a some unflavored Protein powder. You shouldn't be able to taste it and it will make a big difference in your Protein intake.

Also, after you are cleared for things like pudding, add some of whatever flavor or unflavored to your pudding. I use about 12 oz of skim milk and add a scoop of powder, blend it for a few seconds then add the pudding mix. I really helps also to get some much needed calories when you are working toward upping them. Based on 2 servings, it comes out to about 160 calories and 15 grams of protein.