Breaking down

[kasemcd 34]

Sorry for posting a lot, but I have just finished my first day of pre-op liquid diet (consisting of Optifast 3x a day, or Clear Liquids like broth and plenty of water). My diet will consist of 14 total days, my surgery is scheduled for June 27th. My insurance did not agree with this surgery, so I was extremely lucky and very grateful that my parents (I'm 20 years old) have stepped in and paid for it. I made it through today with minimal hunger and slight stomach cramping and a headache until bed time... which is now. I don't feel hungry I don't think.. but in my mind I am. This all liquid diet is the hardest thing I've ever done and it's only been a day! I'm currently on the verge of a mental breakdown as I really want this procedure and I know I can do it, but my mind won't work with my body. Please.. any tips... any good vibes... anything at all you can give me to raise my spirits.. I need it to get through this.

[Ance 55]

12 minutes ago, kasemcd said:

Sorry for posting a lot, but I have just finished my first day of pre-op liquid diet (consisting of Optifast 3x a day, or Clear Liquids like broth and plenty of water). My diet will consist of 14 total days, my surgery is scheduled for June 27th. My insurance did not agree with this surgery, so I was extremely lucky and very grateful that my parents (I'm 20 years old) have stepped in and paid for it. I made it through today with minimal hunger and slight stomach cramping and a headache until bed time... which is now. I don't feel hungry I don't think.. but in my mind I am. This all liquid diet is the hardest thing I've ever done and it's only been a day! I'm currently on the verge of a mental breakdown as I really want this procedure and I know I can do it, but my mind won't work with my body. Please.. any tips... any good vibes... anything at all you can give me to raise my spirits.. I need it to get through this.

My daughter is 20yrs old too. She's 8 days away from surgery but she hasn't begun any trial and error meals or liquid diets before she really has to do it. It's funny I've been telling her to go through the motion and practice this life style way of eating. Is that what you were advised to do?

[kasemcd 34]

My daughter is 20yrs old too. She's 8 days away from surgery but she hasn't begun any trial and error meals or liquid diets before she really has to do it. It's funny I've been telling her to go through the motion and practice this life style way of eating. Is that what you were advised to do?

No, I was called this morning to start my Optifast all liquid diet for 14 days and my date for surgery is June 27th. I wasn't told about trying it before hand.

[KateBruin 344]

Something that might be worth asking your surgeon or dietician is if sugar free Gummy bears are allowed. When I had to go on Clear Liquids for a colonoscopy, SF gummies were allowed because your body ends up treating them like they are liquid. It just helped me get through the period of being unable to chew.

I'm sorry your doc requires 2 weeks pre-liquid. I'm only one day but don't get to full solids for 6 weeks after surgery. If your doc is requiring pre-liquids it's to make sure he can visualize behind your liver.

[kasemcd 34]

Something that might be worth asking your surgeon or dietician is if sugar free Gummy bears are allowed. When I had to go on clear liquids for a colonoscopy, SF gummies were allowed because your body ends up treating them like they are liquid. It just helped me get through the period of being unable to chew.

I'm sorry your doc requires 2 weeks pre-liquid. I'm only one day but don't get to full solids for 6 weeks after surgery. If your doc is requiring pre-liquids it's to make sure he can visualize behind your liver.

Thanks for the hint! I'll definitely ask him. One day at a time I suppose

[Melissa315 54]

My doctor allowed sugar free popsicles and they were a lifesaver for me! I don't like plain broth so I was basically on Water and clear Liquid Protein drinks...it was so hard! 14 days will seem like forever and don't beat yourself up if you have thoughts of "cheating" from what I've read it's normal. You will make it through!!!! We are all here to support you!!

[DaleCruse 756]

You're in one of (if not THE) hardest parts of this journey. My surgery was almost three years ago but I still vividly remember my liquid pre-op diet. I felt like I was drowning in hunger. The thing that got me through was diverting my attention. Indulge in a favorite activity that isn't eating & lose yourself in it. This phase is hard, but you're going to get through it. You can do this. Good luck!

[kasemcd 34]

Thank you... though I did cheat a little and have a few bites of plain cucumber today.. I'm feeling very down now

[hmills653 365]

sugar free Jello can be filling. I was allowed unlimited noon starchy veggies during my pre op diet

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[crystallmarie 17]

Stay strong ! Im doing the Optifast pre liquid diet as well .. the first 3 days were the worst !!! But if you make it through those then your good ! Ive been doing it since June 5th and my surgery is July 3rd so im on it for almost a month . Ive lost 10 pounds so far . But i slipped a few times . But if your going to slip make sure its not with like french fries or something .. i had a piece of grilled chicken the 4th day bc my headache was horrible and it definitely helped. Whenever i feel like i cant do i look at instagram pages of people who have done this surgery and their success it really helps or I distract myself with like a computer game or a game on my phone something to keep me busy . I also have been trying to stay outside alot and not in the house with a kitchen full of food. Its hard but youll make it !!! Add me on Instagram we can follow each others journeys ! [emoji846] @crystallconrad

[kasemcd 34]

Stay strong ! Im doing the Optifast pre liquid diet as well .. the first 3 days were the worst !!! But if you make it through those then your good ! Ive been doing it since June 5th and my surgery is July 3rd so im on it for almost a month . Ive lost 10 pounds so far . But i slipped a few times . But if your going to slip make sure its not with like french fries or something .. i had a piece of grilled chicken the 4th day bc my headache was horrible and it definitely helped. Whenever i feel like i cant do i look at instagram pages of people who have done this surgery and their success it really helps or I distract myself with like a computer game or a game on my phone something to keep me busy . I also have been trying to stay outside alot and not in the house with a kitchen full of food. Its hard but youll make it !!! Add me on Instagram we can follow each others journeys ! [emoji846] @crystallconrad

I've slipped twice but only with baked chicken or a bite of cucumber and it's when my headaches are unbearable. I'm at the end of my 3rd day and I've lost 6lbs already [emoji51] good luck to you!! And I will!

[VSG_Man_Vs_Food 55]

Keep up the good work, remember the more weight you lose the lower your surgery risk, its good motivation. I'm on day 5 and its been hard. I'm allowed a greek yogurt, low fat cheese stick, veggies/salad, sf popsicles, Jello, and broth so those things are helping me to stay on track. "Better than bouillon" broth is very good and satisfies hunger really well. If you are going to cheat, just keep it healthy and focus on the goal. I'm down 5lbs in 5 days so its working!


HW: 330 lb
SW: TBD 6/27/2017
CW: 302 lb
GW: 180 lb
VSG, Dr. Jawad, Orlando, FL

[kasemcd 34]

Keep up the good work, remember the more weight you lose the lower your surgery risk, its good motivation. I'm on day 5 and its been hard. I'm allowed a greek yogurt, low fat cheese stick, veggies/salad, sf popsicles, Jello, and broth so those things are helping me to stay on track. "Better than bouillon" broth is very good and satisfies hunger really well. If you are going to cheat, just keep it healthy and focus on the goal. I'm down 5lbs in 5 days so its working!


HW: 330 lb
SW: TBD 6/27/2017
CW: 302 lb
GW: 180 lb
VSG, Dr. Jawad, Orlando, FL

That's awesome!! Good for you!!

[niseys4 130]

You can do it! Just remember its only hard because you haven't had the surgery yet. Once you have the VGS the liquid diet will be filling! Plus you need to do this so you can remain qualified to have the surgery!

[Ance 55]

On 6/13/2017 at 11:48 PM, kasemcd said:

No, I was called this morning to start my Optifast all liquid diet for 14 days and my date for surgery is June 27th. I wasn't told about trying it before hand.

My daughter is now 4 days away from surgery. She was only required to lose 5lbs and has not been informed to begin any special diets. I also read that a liquid diet prior to surgery is advisable to maintain a healthy functioning liver to minimize complications during surgery. This info freaks me out especially when I find out through postings rather than the doctor. It maybe that it isn't necessary for her either case I'll have her contact the doctor and ask about it.