What is a typical pre-op diet and how long does it last?

[Sandyryan 2]

I'm very concerned that I won't be able to follow a pre-op diet. I have an enormous appetite. I have never been able to diet for more than a day. Anyone have any tips that will help me not eat during this period?

[Teachamy 1,042]

From what I've read, it seems like most programs have a 2 week liquid diet in order to shrink liver size and make the surgery easier and safer. During that time, you should have at least 3 Protein shakes a day, and sugar free Jello or popsicles, if they are permitted. Also, tell your surgeon/dietician your concerns. Maybe they can help you.

I was not required to have a liquid diet. I had a 1200 calories diet for 2 weeks and was fine with that. Maybe that's an option for you?

[baby_angel 2]

Even I am worried about the 2 week pre op diet as I am not able to tolerate hunger for very long period of time. The 1200 calories seems reasonable but ,the pure liquids for 2 weeks will be a bit tough for me.

[TracieR 88]

I had a huge appetite as well and not a good track record for any kind of diet. I am one week in on my liquid diet. I am allowed 4 Protein shakes, 8oz of skim milk, 1 sugar free fat free pudding, and one low carb yogurt per day. As well as unlimited amounts of sugar free caffeine free drinks. The first few days were pretty tough but I have my eye on the prize. The more I drink the better I feel.
I know everyone feels differently about this but for me what has helped is weighing myself every day. I am down 10lbs already in one week. I only record my weight once a week but the daily weigh in right now helps me focus on the positive of this diet. Hey, I figure that not weighing myself at all for years is how I got here in the first place. It works for me. I also have the awesome support of my husband who when I complain motivates me by telling me how awesome I am doing and that I can do it!

You can do it! Use the forums for support and feel free to message me anytime! Best of luck to you!!

[Nanny'shappy 37]

My surgery date is May 16, so I start my pre-op diet this Friday. My instructions are more of a Protein diet than a liquid diet. I must stay under 1200 calories per day. But those calories can be used with 4 Protein shakes/bars with around 200 calories each (my choice how I want to alternate them), and one Lien Cuisine meal under 400 calories each. So, 4 Protein drinks or bars and one low calorie meal. Of course, lots and lots of Water too. I haven't started it yet, but I don't think it will be too bad. The protein drinks/bars don't usually taste real good, so I'll be looking forward to my Lien Cuisine meal more than ever! Good luck to you!!!

[Teachamy 1,042]

My surgery date is May 16, so I start my pre-op diet this Friday. My instructions are more of a Protein diet than a liquid diet. I must stay under 1200 calories per day. But those calories can be used with 4 Protein shakes/bars with around 200 calories each (my choice how I want to alternate them), and one Lien Cuisine meal under 400 calories each. So, 4 protein drinks or bars and one low calorie meal. Of course, lots and lots of Water too. I haven't started it yet, but I don't think it will be too bad. The protein drinks/bars don't usually taste real good, so I'll be looking forward to my Lien Cuisine meal more than ever! Good luck to you!!!

Try Think Thin Creamy Peanut Butter Protein Bars or Quest chocolate chip cookie dough. They are yummy!

I also think it makes sense to weigh yourself daily on the pre-op diet. People tend to lose a lot on it, and I'm sure it is motivating! Either way, it CAN BE DONE. Know that you can do it. It is done to make you safe and to avoid complications. The end result is wonderful!

[30SOMETHING 16]

surgery is May 5th and I have to do a one week liquid diet. I started the diet diet on Monday April 28th. My diet consists of oatmeal or grits and no sugar. sugar free Popsicles, pudding Jello, all the veggies veggies I can eat. broth and 3-4 Protein shakes a day. I am skimping on the Protein Shakes because I am lactose intolerant. I have been pretty hungry today which is Mt second day, I ate a bowl of grits for dinner and it was so delicious.

[krystle. k 26]

@ 30 something may 5 here as well I have been steaming veggies left and right and eating pudding and Jello and shakes. I'm also lactose intolerant I'm making my shakes w lactose free skim milk the choc may upset your stomach the strawberry has been fine for me. Now the Premier Protein hurts my stomach more then anything. Glad to take this journey with you.

[mi75 1,235]

i am similar, 2 weeks duration and mine is: 2-3 Protein shakes, oatmeal, applesauce, sugar free pudding, Jello, broths, unsweetened yogurt and unlimited RAW veggies.

i too have a huge appetite but i plan to try and stay distracted as much as possible with cleaning my house, yard, etc as I get ready. i think too that being VERY focused on the surgery date just around the corner will help to keep the days rolling along.

i have to do pre-op over my birthday-UGH...but it could be worse! all this so that on my NEXT birthday, i'll look great and be healthy again.

[cherrytree15 78]

I am glad I found this thread. I came on today looking for just this. I am on my two week pre op diet. This is day 3 and I am struggling. I want to run out into the street and scream to the top of my lungs, lol. It's been really hard for me. I have locked myself in my room. It's not physical hunger, it's head hunger. I just want some bread or some chips or a cookie, lol. But I know I can eat it. The Protein has me satisfied and not physically hungry but I want some kind of snack. Damn have I been sleeved already, i keep asking myself, lol lol lol. Im stressed out and this is when i would normally stuff my face. Typing and talking to you all is taking my mind off of it and i feel better expressing it now. At least I know what head hunger feels like before hand. I'm sure by tomorrow or so I will feel better. Arrrrrggggghhhh! Good luck everyone!

[DarbiMolly 188]

I have yoyo dieted forever but I did lose 60 lbs and kept it off for 7 years! Some of the things I did were to keep my mind and hands busy. I walked, walked, walked. I knit, read, sewed, got out of the house so I wasn't sitting around bored.

Do things that keep your hands busy. If your hands are busy you will be less tempted to eat.

[Sandyryan 2]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Come to find out I would have to gain almost 30 lbs to be eligible for surgery. Instead I have chosen to pretend I just had it and I've discovered some amazing answers to my weight issue. Many from reading this site.

I am recording everything I eat on Sparkpeople.com. It keeps up with your calories, fat, Protein, Water intake, and carbs. Super easy way to see exactly what I am getting too much or not enough of.

I am eating just as if I was heading into surgery. Guess what? I am enjoying food like never before and staying at 1200 cal a day. I am no hungrier than I was when I was eating everything in sight. Less I think. Staying away from all sugar and sugar substitutes has calmed my appetite in a HUGE way! I guess it's keeping my blood sugar stable.

Prayers that I can keep this up. I can hardly walk as it is with all my feet/knee issues. Good luck to all with your surgeries. I was so depressed when I was told I wasn't fat enough to have the sleeve. Now I'm happy about it. It's forcing me to deal with my eating in a whole new way.

[JulieRae1958 11]

I'm on day 2 of the 7-day liquid diet. Not too bad so far except for a really bad headache last night. I'm having som ehunger pains now and I've already had my protien for the night. I can't stand my Protein Shake made with Water instead of milk, but I'm forcing it. Keep telling myself only x-days to go. I have vanilla Protein Powder and put in some vanilla flavoring and a small amount of honey...still it's pretty yucky without the milk. My surgery date is May 7th.

[teshadb 203]

I didn't have the 2 week liquid diet I had to lose 10% of my weight however I could. So I have 3 balance bars a day with a sensible meal and lots of Water. I had the lap and in 2009 and they made me do medifast for 4 weeks with no solid food at all it was torture and I am so glad I didn't have to do it for the revision to the sleeve. My surgery is this coming Thursday May 8th, I couldn't be happier that I chose to have the band removed.