2 Week Post Op Protein Diet........My Experience, 5 Days in

[Denise73 89]

Hello everyone,

I read so many stories about the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I was so scared and nervous and didn't think I'd make it. I kept thinking, how in the hell these NUTs and surgeons expect us to eat basically nothing for 2 whole weeks.

To the members who've yet to experience this well talked about "2 week liquid Protein diet", let me tell you my experience and hopefully it will ease your mind and give you hope. So I started my Protein diet on Monday 6/16 here it is Friday and I'm fine. I must say, it's not as bad as you all think it's going to be. I don't know if it's the types of protein I'm taking but I really really haven't been hungry. Not even head hunger. Mind you I have a 14 year old son I have to either cook or heat up food for every day.

I'm allowed 4-8oz Protein shakes a day, sugar free Jello & pudding, 1 -8oz of low carb yogurt, 1-8oz of skim milk, sugar free popsicles and unlimited amounts of non-sugary, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages and broth.

I've been having 2-3 shakes and one serving of yogurt at night as dinner and twice I've had a cup of broth and twice I've had a cup of sf Jello. I haven't had any headaches/migraines or anything. I have not cheated at all, not a bite, a crumb or a lick of anything. Based on the stories I've read, I've come to the conclusion that it must be the type of Protein Shakes that are satisfying me and not allowing me to feel hungry. Actually, I have to force myself to have the third shake sometimes.

Just like everyone else, the anticipation and the unknown had me failing at the protein diet before I even began. I have to tell you though, the two times I felt weak was when I over did it at the gym and yesterday when I went too long (about 9 hours) without a shake. Other than those two times I was/am good. I just bought my son some McDonalds and I didn't even take a french fry. I used to always have at least two of his fries. I'm working at home today and you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be home all day and not eat something I wasn't supposed to. Nope not at all. I had one Protein Shake and two sf popsicles.

So I'm saying all this to say, please don't stress over this 2 week protein diet. It may or may not be as bad as you think. I wanted to post this because I wish I read something like this before I started because I might not have stressed it as much as I did. Good luck to those of you who will be on the diet soon. I am so sorry this is so long but I needed to post my experience in its entirety.

Denise73

Edited June 20, 2014 by Denise73

[jdillon 355]

Hello everyone,

I read so many stories about the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I was so scared and nervous and didn't think I'd make it. I kept thinking, how in the hell these NUTs and surgeons expect us to eat basically nothing for 2 whole weeks.

To the members who've yet to experience this well talked about "2 week liquid Protein diet", let me tell you my experience and hopefully it will ease your mind and give you hope. So I started my Protein diet on Monday 6/16 here it is Friday and I'm fine. I must say, it's not as bad as you all think it's going to be. I don't know if it's the types of protein I'm taking but I really really haven't been hungry. Not even head hunger. Mind you I have a 14 year old son I have to either cook or heat up food for every day.

I'm allowed 4-8oz protein shakes a day, sugar free Jello & pudding, 1 -8oz of low carb yogurt, 1-8oz of skim milk, sugar free popsicles and unlimited amounts of non-sugary, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages and broth.

I've been having 2-3 shakes and one serving of yogurt at night as dinner and twice I've had a cup of broth and twice I've had a cup of sf Jello. I haven't had any headaches/migraines or anything. I have not cheated at all, not a bite, a crumb or a lick of anything. Based on the stories I've read, I've come to the conclusion that it must be the type of Protein Shakes that are satisfying me and not allowing me to feel hungry. Actually, I have to force myself to have the third shake sometimes.

Just like everyone else, the anticipation and the unknown had me failing at the protein diet before I even began. I have to tell you though, the two times I felt weak was when I over did it at the gym and yesterday when I went too long (about 9 hours) without a shake. Other than those two times I was/am good. I just bought my son some McDonalds and I didn't even take a french fry. I used to always have at least two of his fries. I'm working at home today and you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be home all day and not eat something I wasn't supposed to. Nope not at all. I had one Protein Shake and two sf popsicles.

So I'm saying all this to say, please don't stress over this 2 week protein diet. It may or may not be as bad as you think. I wanted to post this because I wish I read something like this before I started because I might not have stressed it as much as I did. Good luck to those of you who will be on the diet soon. I am so sorry this is so long but I needed to post my experience in its entirety.

Denise73

Thank you Denise. My surgery will be July 25th. My Dr will not have me on a pre op diet as my bmi is at 40 and he says I'm not big enough to have to do a pre op diet. But I am 210lbs today. I can go as low as 205lbs and still be approved for surgery. I have a personal goal of wanting to be at a minimum of 199 lbs on surgery day. I really appreciate the info on what is allowed during the pre op. After my last insurance required weigh in on the 8th I won't have to worry about losing any weight but I'll only have 2 wks to lose 5-10 lbs. If I lose anything it will be nice but I hope I make goal. How much did you lose pre op or have you lost pre op so far?

[BigGirlPanties 957]

Great post!

I was also amazed how easily the liquid diet went for me...after the initial "detox" it was smooth sailing...a little bit of a headache on day 3...but no biggie.

I did not miss my diet coke (TOTALLY ADDICTED), or fried foods/junk... I still don't go "there"... if someone had told me my favorite snack would be raw almonds, I would have told them they are CRAY - CRAY - CRAZY!!!

PS...don't forget to fill out the form at InsureNutrition.com to see if you qualify for FREE Protein shakes via your insurance...also a wonderful scar cream and possibly Vitamins too!

Edited June 20, 2014 by BigGirlPanties

[Myonlybattle 65]

Thank you so much for posting your story - I am one of those people so nervous about it and it really helps to know it hasn't been that bad for you. Can I ask what Protein shakes you're drinking? Sounds like they are doing the job!

[Dexter1118 27]

I am day 11 into a 28 day pre-op diet and I can honestly say that this is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Physically, I feel great except I fatigue easily with any exertion. Granted I am a rather large man so other people may find it less difficult. I don't know how I could work out feeling the way I do!

The hard part is all mental for me. I have spent the past 20 years justifying the way I eat in my head. I have a huge battle going on in my head. I just want one more big meal or one more meal at McDonald's. I am finding that I need visual imagery and positive self-talk to keep on track. I haven't cheated and I won't...but this isn't easy.

[BigGirlPanties 957]

good for you.... @Dexter1118 ... wow 28 day pre-op ...UGH...but I'm sure it's not liquid... you may want to check with your doctor about adding B12 now... you will NEED it later...but it might help with the fatigue... it'll be better... promise!

[ChronicJam 40]

What happens if you don't lose enough weight before the surgery? I'm supposed to lose 5%of my weight (11lbs) and on day 4, I'm down 3. I'm sticking to the plan religiously and I'm just nervous I won't be able to have it on my scheduled date.

[Denise73 89]

@@jdillon

At 5 days on liquid Protein, I've lost between 13 and 15 pounds. I say between because my scale says one thing and the doctor's scale says something else. I didn't initally weight myself on the doctor's scale but according to my scale it would be 15 pounds.

If you have a goal weight and want to lose a few before surgery perhaps you can replace a meal with a Protein shake. Good luck.

[jdillon 355]

What happens if you don't lose enough weight before the surgery? I'm supposed to lose 5%of my weight (11lbs) and on day 4, I'm down 3. I'm sticking to the plan religiously and I'm just nervous I won't be able to have it on my scheduled date.

I would imagine that if you show any loss at all it proves you are committed to this and they should approve you for surgery on your date. Ask your doctor. I'm sure they've run into it before. They know what to expect from the insurance companies.

[Denise73 89]

@@BigGirlPanties

Raw almonds? wow. That's a good thing though.

I started to fill out the information but thought it was phishing for information so I deleted it. Glad to know someone did it already. I'll check it out, thanks.

[Denise73 89]

Hi, @@Myonlybattle

I have two, one I take at work, Body Fortress Advance whey Protein and the one I take at home is Myoplex by EAS. They're not "bariatric" Protein shakes but they are high quality Protein Shakes and both taste good. I only use Water and I don't get an after taste. I purchased the trial packages of powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury (bariartic protein shake) I had one yesterday evening but don't think it satisfied me as much as the other two have. In it's defense, I had gone about 9 hours without a shake so I'll try another today or tomorrow. Good luck.

[jaysweet98 47]

<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Hello everyone,</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I read so many stories about the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I was so scared and nervous and didn't think I'd make it. I kept thinking, how in the hell these NUTs and surgeons expect us to eat basically nothing for 2 whole weeks. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">To the members who've yet to experience this well talked about "2 week Liquid Protein diet", let me tell you my experience and hopefully it will ease your mind and give you hope. So I started my Protein diet on Monday 6/16 here it is Friday and I'm fine. I must say, it's not as bad as you all think it's going to be. I don't know if it's the types of protein I'm taking but I really really haven't been hungry. Not even head hunger. Mind you I have a 14 year old son I have to either cook or heat up food for every day. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I'm allowed 4-8oz Protein Shakes a day, sugar free Jello & pudding, 1 -8oz of low carb yogurt, 1-8oz of skim milk, sugar free popsicles and unlimited amounts of non-sugary, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages and broth.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I've been having 2-3 shakes and one serving of yogurt at night as dinner and twice I've had a cup of broth and twice I've had a cup of sf jello. I haven't had any headaches/migraines or anything. I have not cheated at all, not a bite, a crumb or a lick of anything. Based on the stories I've read, I've come to the conclusion that it must be the type of protein shakes that are satisfying me and not allowing me to feel hungry. </span>Actually, I have to force myself to have the third shake sometimes.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Just like everyone else, the anticipation and the unknown had me failing at the protein diet before I even began. I have to tell you though, the two times I felt weak was when I over did it at the gym and yesterday when I went too long (about 9 hours) without a shake. Other than those two times I was/am good. I just bought my son some McDonalds and I didn't even take a french fry. I used to always have at least two of his fries. I'm working at home today and you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be home all day and not eat something I wasn't supposed to. Nope not at all. I had one Protein Shake and two sf popsicles. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">So I'm saying all this to say, please don't stress over this 2 week protein diet. It may or may not be as bad as you think. I wanted to post this because I wish I read something like this before I started because I might not have stressed it as much as I did. Good luck to those of you who will be on the diet soon. I am so sorry this is so long but I needed to post my experience in its entirety. </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Denise73</span></p>

So I too have started my preop diet on 6/16. Mine is for 3 weeks! You pretty much get more added to your diet then mine. My diet consist of 3 protein shakes (bariatric advantage) and a dry salad (with 2 tsp of vinaigrette). It's not bad at all! I was skeptical of the diet too thinking of being hungry or having hunger headaches, but none yet!!! I have 3 kids (19mos, 7, 9). You right about not being tempted to fall off the diet because the shakes are filling. Well keep it up, we have already started our journey to be on the losers bench!!!

[Denise73 89]

Hi Dexter1118,

I am so sorry to read the liquid diet is hard for you. Truth be told, I think it would be hard for anyone to do for 28 days.

It may be hard for you but you are doing the damn thing. Congratulations on your 69lbs weight loss. That is awesome and it is definitely working for you.

I can definitely relate to that "just one last meal". If you don't mind me asking, what is your pre-op liquid Protein diet like? I am fascinated by your wieght loss and just knowing you will be eating this way for 28 days. Thanks and keep up the good work. You're doing great!!!!!

I am day 11 into a 28 day pre-op diet and I can honestly say that this is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Physically, I feel great except I fatigue easily with any exertion. Granted I am a rather large man so other people may find it less difficult. I don't know how I could work out feeling the way I do!

The hard part is all mental for me. I have spent the past 20 years justifying the way I eat in my head. I have a huge battle going on in my head. I just want one more big meal or one more meal at McDonald's. I am finding that I need visual imagery and positive self-talk to keep on track. I haven't cheated and I won't...but this isn't easy.

[Denise73 89]

Hi Jaysweet98,

Thanks for your response. It's good to know someone else isn't necessarily "suffering" from their pre-op diet. Hopefully a few posts like ours will help ease the minds of others.

I may have more but I would have given up all those for a salad in the evening. Just to be able to feel like I am chewing/eating something. I would have loved to work on the eating slowly and chewing a lot. I guess I'll learn through trial and error. Oh well I can't complain as we have started and there's no looking back. Good luck.

<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Hello everyone,</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I read so many stories about the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I was so scared and nervous and didn't think I'd make it. I kept thinking, how in the hell these NUTs and surgeons expect us to eat basically nothing for 2 whole weeks. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">To the members who've yet to experience this well talked about "2 week liquid Protein diet", let me tell you my experience and hopefully it will ease your mind and give you hope. So I started my Protein diet on Monday 6/16 here it is Friday and I'm fine. I must say, it's not as bad as you all think it's going to be. I don't know if it's the types of protein I'm taking but I really really haven't been hungry. Not even head hunger. Mind you I have a 14 year old son I have to either cook or heat up food for every day. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I'm allowed 4-8oz protein shakes a day, sugar free Jello & pudding, 1 -8oz of low carb yogurt, 1-8oz of skim milk, sugar free popsicles and unlimited amounts of non-sugary, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated beverages and broth.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">I've been having 2-3 shakes and one serving of yogurt at night as dinner and twice I've had a cup of broth and twice I've had a cup of sf Jello. I haven't had any headaches/migraines or anything. I have not cheated at all, not a bite, a crumb or a lick of anything. Based on the stories I've read, I've come to the conclusion that it must be the type of Protein Shakes that are satisfying me and not allowing me to feel hungry. </span>Actually, I have to force myself to have the third shake sometimes.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Just like everyone else, the anticipation and the unknown had me failing at the protein diet before I even began. I have to tell you though, the two times I felt weak was when I over did it at the gym and yesterday when I went too long (about 9 hours) without a shake. Other than those two times I was/am good. I just bought my son some McDonalds and I didn't even take a french fry. I used to always have at least two of his fries. I'm working at home today and you couldn't tell me I wasn't going to be home all day and not eat something I wasn't supposed to. Nope not at all. I had one Protein Shake and two sf popsicles. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">So I'm saying all this to say, please don't stress over this 2 week protein diet. It may or may not be as bad as you think. I wanted to post this because I wish I read something like this before I started because I might not have stressed it as much as I did. Good luck to those of you who will be on the diet soon. I am so sorry this is so long but I needed to post my experience in its entirety. </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';font-size:10.5pt;">Denise73</span></p>

So I too have started my preop diet on 6/16. Mine is for 3 weeks! You pretty much get more added to your diet then mine. My diet consist of 3 protein shakes (bariatric advantage) and a dry salad (with 2 tsp of vinaigrette). It's not bad at all! I was skeptical of the diet too thinking of being hungry or having hunger headaches, but none yet!!! I have 3 kids (19mos, 7, 9). You right about not being tempted to fall off the diet because the shakes are filling. Well keep it up, we have already started our journey to be on the losers bench!!!

[Denise73 89]

Hi, @

How many days do you have to lose the last 7 pounds? I'm sure if you lose any amount of weight they will do the surgery. I heard they just want to make sure you're committed to the plan and can actually put int he effort to lose some weight. If you can lose without the sleeve, you'll be able to make the lifestyle change and lose with the sleeve as a tool. I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.