Starting 2 week pre-op liquid diet tomorrow

I am nervous! I hope I can stick to it. 2-3 protein shakes, with clear fluids for 2 full weeks.

Any helpful tips?

There aren't a lot of helpful tips to give. It sucks, plain and simple. The best thing to do is remind yourself that you must stick to it in order to have the safest surgery possible. And know that after your surgery as liquid continues, it will seem easier.

That being said, broth really helped me because so many of the options were sweet. SF pudding, jello and popsicles were also life savers.

I was on the same pre-op liquid diet, except mine was 5 shakes a day and clear liquids. I agree with Erin, my lifesaver was broth...for me specifically beef broth. I didn't use prepared shakes, I used unflavored protein powder and made my own. So I mixed it into the broth often to get one or two of my protein servings in per day. Beats the overly sweet of everything else.

Also, Unjury Chicken Flavored protein powder is amazingly tasty...like cream of chicken Cup-a-Soup. If you can get that it will be a great option.

The first 3 or 4 days are hardest, just try to push through! Good luck!

My sister had WLS two years before me and when I asked her this same question she told me "Just try not to think about it." LOL!

The preop liquid diet was the hardest (mentally) part. But remind yourself over and over that you can do this and you're worth the struggle.

The liquid diet just sucks - no nice way to put it. The first 3-4 days will be the worst. Then it will be slightly less worse. Then you get to have surgery YAY!!!

Focus on your end goal and try to keep as busy and distracted as possible.

lol @ "slightly less worse"

It's true though, right?! I was so sick of liquids by the time I got to pureed day. That was the happiest day of my life. :)

But I knew that the suffering was for a good cause and that I'd survive because all these other people here on OH had suffered through it and survived too. So I tried to focus on that.

SO true, and I agree with you 100%. I was on liquids a total of 3 weeks, 2 before and 1 after surgery. That scrambled egg the first day of "soft foods" at Week 2 was the best thing I ever ate in my life lol.

Thank you all for your tips and comforts! I am genuinely terrified to think that I have had my last big meal of my life. Amazing, really.

On to morning, and I will definitely be getting some broth!

I just met with my surgeon a few days ago. He does not believe in the pre-op liquid diet. He told me it makes you too weak for surgery and your body won't heal as fast.

He he said for 2 to 3 weeks before the surgery that I need to cut out potatoes, bread, pasta and rice. He said that will shrink my liver plenty. Then the night before surgery is clear liquids only just like any other surgery.

It was great news for me.

But good luck. I wish you the best. I hope you get through it. I'm sure it is tough.