Sugar Free Popsicles

[Petkato 12]

Hi

I have a VSG scheduled on Monday 06/19. I am required to be on 2 days of liquid diet. instruction says I am allowed zero-calorie liquids in between Protein Shakes

it includes sugar-free popsicles. However they are 15 cal each and has 6 g sugar alcohols. I am confused.

Can I have them or not?

[Hop_Scotch 1,633]

May be only 15 cals each but they are not zero calorie. The sugar alcohols can cause tummy upsets and may have a laxative effect if you have too much of them. If you are having surgery on Monday, you don't want to be having tummy upsets or worse which could cause dehydration. You don't want to be dehydrated before surgery.

[Petkato 12]

Thank You . Makes sense. I had 2 popsicles today. 😞 But will stay away from it tomm. one more day to go.

[catwoman7 11,231]

we were allowed to have them on the pre-op diet (and by this I mean the two-week liquid diet my clinic required), and I don't think they made any changes to that except for the last 24 hours before surgery, when we had to clear out our system in preparation for surgery. Check with your clinic. Fifteen calories is nothing - but if they want zero calorie fluids to do the final prep for surgery, then yea - in that case I would probably avoid them.

Edited June 18, 2023 by catwoman7

[The Greater Fool 2,057]

Early post-op SF popsicles were life savers to me. I had problems eating (puree) and drinking, but SF popsicles were flavorful and went down with no issue. Later, after things settled down, they were nice Snacks.

Good luck,

Tek

[BabySpoons 620]

It's always been interesting to me how different everyone's pre and post op diets are depending on where you go for surgery. I've even heard that many places are still going by guidelines written 20+ years ago.

I was allowed to eat during my 2 weeks up until day before surgery. 3 ounces of lean Protein and 2 1/2 cups of non-starchy veggies = delicious stir fry. 2 Protein Drinks, and 1 serving of fruit daily. Felt no deprivation.

20 hours ago, Petkato said:

15 cal each and has 6 g sugar alcohols. I am confused.

I was confused too when I was told to drink 20 ounces of full sugar Gatorade the night before surgery and another one 2 hours before arriving at the hospital day of. Reasons given?

You will be more comfortable before and after surgery. This will help you feel less thirsty, less hungry and less anxious.

Helps your body handle the stress of surgery.

Helps blood sugar control after surgery.

Your bowels will return to normal function more quickly after surgery.

May potentially lead to a shorter hospital stay by decreasing nausea and pain.

One bottle has 34g of sugar. Go figure. Must be some of the newer research. But follow your nutritionist guidelines. If allowed I say go for it. I didn't start eating the SF pops till post op but I still love them. Especially the tropical flavors.

Good luck tomorrow!!!!

[Petkato 12]

1 minute ago, BabySpoons said:

One bottle has 34g of sugar. Go figure. Must be some of the newer research. But follow your nutritionist guidelines. If allowed I say go for it. I didn't start eating the SF pops till post op but I still love them. Especially the tropical flavors.

Good luck tomorrow!!!!

wow thats something new I heard. you are right, its interesting . I will never understand why there are so many diff pre and post op guidelines .

Thank you for the wishes. my first surgery ever. SOOO nervous but looking forward to living a better life with less health issues.

[ms.sss 15,757]

22 hours ago, Petkato said:

I will never understand why there are so many diff pre and post op guidelines .

i think its because we are inherently all so different individuals with different make-ups and responses that there really isn't a one-size-fits-all pre/post-op M.O.

it would really be better if there was a TRUE individualized, bespoke plan for each person, tweaked and adjusted as time goes on, but i guess finances/staffing/time/logistics can get in the way.