Energy Level on Pre-Op Diet

[readyiam 13]

Hey everyone. I’ve been on the diet for five days. It consists of a Protein Shake for Breakfast, 3 oz lean Protein and 1/2 C cottage cheese at lunch and dinner. I’m allowed one vegetable and fruit per day. No caffeine.

The first three days were hell. Not because of the food restrictions but I think because caffeine restriction. On second and third days it took all my effort just to stay awake. On the fourth day the dr said I could have a small coffee each day for the remaining 7 days of the diet as long as I weaned myself off.

Of course that helped. A lot. The next day, day five, I felt very alert. Enough so I had no coffee at all. Today, on day six, the low energy returned. And though better than day two and three, i couldn’t function without so I had half a cup of coffee.

It’s not shocking to me that I am fatigued on this diet, be it from the restricted calories or the caffeine. What surprises me is the pattern and intensity. Has anyone else experienced an alternating day pattern of energy levels? If so was that due to caffeine withdrawal or calorie restriction in your case? Did it improve after surgery?

I’m worried I will not be able to function after surgery when I cannot have any caffeine at all for a minimum of six weeks.

Edited December 3, 2020 by readyiam

[Guest]

My energy level was like (-) 100. Doc said it was due to calorie restriction. The level increased post-procedure once I started soft foods . I took frequent naps. Now I have a nap addiction, lol.

[Deb9386 110]

6 hours ago, km13118 said:

My energy level was like (-) 100. Doc said it was due to calorie restriction. The level increased post-procedure once I started soft foods . I took frequent naps. Now I have a nap addiction, lol.

Yes ↑ me too!

[ms.sss 15,221]

If u aren't on them already, maybe a B12 supplement could help?

[GradyCat 3,693]

Hot Decaf tea or coffee might perk you up even without the caffeine. Try that.

[readyiam 13]

Thanks everyone. I just started B12 a couple days ago.

[WishMeSmaller 1,271]

I had no energy on the pre-op diet, but my energy rebounded post-op. Also, my surgeon allowed caffeine at my two week f/u to help with Constipation. I have been happily consuming daily caffeine since then. I also take the B12 and my energy is great...until about 9 pm when I can’t keep my eyes open. 😂

Good luck! 💕

[bufbills 316]

12 hours ago, readyiam said:

Hey everyone. I’ve been on the diet for five days. It consists of a Protein Shake for Breakfast, 3 oz lean Protein and 1/2 C cottage cheese at lunch and dinner. I’m allowed one vegetable and fruit per day. No caffeine.

The first three days were hell. Not because of the food restrictions but I think because caffeine restriction. On second and third days it took all my effort just to stay awake. On the fourth day the dr said I could have a small coffee each day for the remaining 7 days of the diet as long as I weaned myself off.

Of course that helped. A lot. The next day, day five, I felt very alert. Enough so I had no coffee at all. Today, on day six, the low energy returned. And though better than day two and three, i couldn’t function without so I had half a cup of coffee.

It’s not shocking to me that I am fatigued on this diet, be it from the restricted calories or the caffeine. What surprises me is the pattern and intensity. Has anyone else experienced an alternating day pattern of energy levels? If so was that due to caffeine withdrawal or calorie restriction in your case? Did it improve after surgery?

I’m worried I will not be able to function after surgery when I cannot have any caffeine at all for a minimum of six weeks.

Caffeine was tough for me. The headaches are real. I'm in my third week post and don't even want it anymore. I'm pretty shocked. I have good energy and am just concentrating on Protein and hydration. Try to embrace the changes. Keep your eye on the prize. Good luck!

[readyiam 13]

1 hour ago, WishMeSmaller said:

I had no energy on the pre-op diet, but my energy rebounded post-op. Also, my surgeon allowed caffeine at my two week f/u to help with constipation. I have been happily consuming daily caffeine since then. I also take the B12 and my energy is great...until about 9 pm when I can’t keep my eyes open. 😂

Good luck! 💕

Lucky. I cannot have it for 6 weeks. Hopefully this was more a result of calorie restriction. The more days go by the more energy I have. Still at about 50%.

[readyiam 13]

38 minutes ago, bufbills said:

Caffeine was tough for me. The headaches are real. I'm in my third week post and don't even want it anymore. I'm pretty shocked. I have good energy and am just concentrating on Protein and hydration. Try to embrace the changes. Keep your eye on the prize. Good luck!

Thanks! Yesterday after breakfast I was not even hungry the whole rest of the day, though I made myself eat some cottage cheese and broccoli for dinner. I am trying to discern between the head hunger, which I have frequently, and true hunger. Didnt have the true hunger yesterday.