Body Weakness Associated With Pre-Op Diet

[catho72 0]

I am on Day 7 of the pre-op diet. My diet consists of two Atkins shakes, 4 oz Protein and 1/2 cup non-starchy veggies as well as two servings each of broth, sugar-free Jello and sugar-free popsicles. I've adhered strictly to the diet but haven't had any popsicles and not a lot of broth. My arms and legs are feeling weak. Before I started the diet, I would be able to walk and jog on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Today, I had to walk on a significantly slower speed and had to push myself to do 20 minutes. Has anyone else experienced this kind of weakness?

[crzytchr 3]

I am on Day 7 of the pre-op diet. My diet consists of two Atkins shakes, 4 oz Protein and 1/2 cup non-starchy veggies as well as two servings each of broth, sugar-free Jello and sugar-free popsicles. I've adhered strictly to the diet but haven't had any popsicles and not a lot of broth. My arms and legs are feeling weak. Before I started the diet, I would be able to walk and jog on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Today, I had to walk on a significantly slower speed and had to push myself to do 20 minutes. Has anyone else experienced this kind of weakness?

That sounds like it is extremely low in calories and could be the reason you are experiencing the weakness. I think you should call your surgeon and explain that you are experiencing weakness that is interfering with your ability to exercise. Maybe he/she will add an extra shake. It sounds like you probably need it.

[Jachut 487]

Its a low carb diet which depletes your body totally of glycogen, weakness is an expected side affect. You've got no energy becuase you're taking in no carbs and its not at all surprising if you cant exercise at your normal levels.

Its for a reason though, to shrink your liver, and whislt its not a healthy way to lose weight long term, it wont hurt you in the short term. Its horrible though.

[Babe 0]

I am on Day 7 of the pre-op diet. My diet consists of two Atkins shakes, 4 oz Protein and 1/2 cup non-starchy veggies as well as two servings each of broth, sugar-free Jello and sugar-free popsicles. I've adhered strictly to the diet but haven't had any popsicles and not a lot of broth. My arms and legs are feeling weak. Before I started the diet, I would be able to walk and jog on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Today, I had to walk on a significantly slower speed and had to push myself to do 20 minutes. Has anyone else experienced this kind of weakness?

Catho, I've been on a similar pre-op for the past 2 weeks and totally relate. 2 things that will help you:

1) Check how much protein is in your Atkins shake. I was initially drinking one that only had 12g of protein, and was tired and hungry all the time. I've since switched to one higher in protein (I like Muscle Milk 32g protein, but a lot of people on here recommend EAS Myoplex which also tastes good). This has helped big time!

2) Take a fibre capsule 2x a day (between breaky and lunch and again in the late afternoon). This will help you feel fuller, and prevent Constipation.

The first week is horrible, but it gets better. Hang in there!

[catho72 0]

Catho, I've been on a similar pre-op for the past 2 weeks and totally relate. 2 things that will help you:

1) Check how much Protein is in your Atkins shake. I was initially drinking one that only had 12g of protein, and was tired and hungry all the time. I've since switched to one higher in protein (I like Muscle Milk 32g protein, but a lot of people on here recommend EAS Myoplex which also tastes good). This has helped big time!

2) Take a fibre capsule 2x a day (between breaky and lunch and again in the late afternoon). This will help you feel fuller, and prevent Constipation.

The first week is horrible, but it gets better. Hang in there!

My shakes have 15g of protein and I'm taking 6-7 Fiber capsules per day. I see the surgeon on Wednesday so I'll ask him then if this is normal. For a heavy person, I always had lots of stamina which is why this is so abnormal. I'm down 8 lbs so something positive is happening! :wink2: Thanks for the replies!