Question:
Did anyone else stuggle with the pre-surgery diet?
I am in the process of scheduling surgery. I am suppose to adhere to a 1400 cal/day diet until a month before surgery, followed by a liquid diet the month prior. My problem is that I am having an impossible time sticking to the 1400 cal diet. Everyone wants me to go out to eat "just one more time". It has been suggested that maybe I'm not serious about the surgery. Nothing is further from the truth!! Can anyone share there experience with me? Thanks! :) — Candied (posted on February 14, 2010)
February 14, 2010
I went through the same thing you're going through. My room-mate is one
who LOVES and has an almost pathological need to eat "out". I
found that I could get around this by ordering a "side of...."
(chicken, turkey, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese with fresh fruit, steamed
vegetables - I brought along my own "I Can't Believe It's Not
Butter" spray). If we went to Taco Bell, I ate from their
"fresco" menu. But what really made a difference for me was
changing not the calorie intake, but the way I actually ate. I NEVER ate
breakfast, and didn't usually eat lunch until 1 or 2:00 in the afternoon,
then dinner at about 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. But the dietician at my surgeon's
office MADE me eat six small meals per day, beginning with breakfast within
an hour of waking up, and a night-time snack within an hour of going to
bed. I found that each meal worked out naturally to be about 200
calories... giving me a total of about 1200 calories per day.
— Erica Alikchihoo
February 14, 2010
My doc had me do an all liquid diet for five days before surgery. Whatever
your doc says....DO IT! Not your friends...your doc!!! I am 2 mos post-op
this coming Tuesday. I have lost nearly 60 lbs. Whenever I thought about
going out one more time, I could literally hear my doc's voice in my ear
saying "the surgery will go so much smoother if your liver
shrinks" Once I understood the clinical reasons for following the
strict diet, it was much easier. Obviously, everyone is different. Bottom
line, listen to the doctor....eat at home, do not try to oblige your
friends by having that 'one more normal meal'. How do you know that you
will be able say no to temptation later, if you can't say no to it now?
Hang in there, be strong. The benefits are so much sweeter!
— rhettmckaye
February 14, 2010
The first three days were pure hell for me with the pre op liquid diet, but
after I got past it, it wasn't too bad. It is so important to shrink your
liver.
— FSUMom
February 14, 2010
Tell your friends, this is not your last meal. You will be able to eat
again but only smaller portions and you will be able to celebrate with them
eventually but with a new smaller you!
— Jo R.
February 14, 2010
The people who are pushing you to go out "just one more time" are
not your friends. Surround yourself with people who will support you. The
pre-op diet is not easy for any of us. I thought, in fact, that it was the
hardest part because after surgery, you are not hungry. You can have a lot
of food for 1400 calories if you plan it right. Eating out is difficult
because you don't know how many calories you are taking in...not a good
idea. This surgery will change your life in so many ways for the better,
don't let these last few days get in the way of success. You can do this!
Ask the nut. for some sample 1400 calorie menus and stick with them. It is
great planning for post surgery. Let us know if we can help in any way,
and good luck!
— Bonnie H.
February 15, 2010
Hi Candi,
always follow what the dr tells you! I did 2 week pre-op liquids, it was
hard, nutritionist told me if it got really horrible... and you really need
something do something thats pure protein. I had string cheese one a day,,,
it really helped me get through the rough spots... popsicles help also
cause you can crunch on them, it feels like eating. As far as your
"friends" if they are truly your friends they would help you not
make you crazy. you are taking control of your life and you will be able to
eat, this is only temporary. i am 6 months out and 100 pounds down. stick
to your guns and dont let their fear catch you. cause that is what it is...
their fear.
— MarthaJ0110
February 15, 2010
I had a simular problem it was always my husband complaining he wanted
mcdonalds or burgerking! It was tormenting. I would tell him no because i
couldnt eat it and we would fight. But if you stick to it things will get
easier. I ate alot of salads and i used a sight called caloriecount.com
wich helped me maintain my diet. this site will tell you how much
calories/protein/fat ect.. are in any food you buy or any fast food you
buy. you just put in your daily foods and it will calculate the cals you
eat per day. its an awsome site check it out. I hope this helps
— TyannaPrince
February 16, 2010
you just have to learn how to make lower calorie foods. when i go out to
eat i always look up online to see what meal has the lowest calories. 3
good dinners i make that is less than 200 calories each is: 1. 4 oz turkey
breast and 1 cup vegetables, 2. 4 oz chicken breast (boiled in chicken
broth or boiled in water then seasoned) and 1 cup vegetables, 3. 4 oz fish
and 1 cup vegetables. of course all skinless and unbreaded and baked or
boiled. snacks.... 1 cup AIR POPPED CORN, sugar free jello, sugar free
popsicles, extra gum, 1 cup fruit....all 5-50 calories. drink only water or
stuff like crystal light. once you learn what foods are less calories you
can eat alot. i used to be on a 800 calorie a day diet and once i learned
that it was easy. now i wont lie the liquid diet is alot harder but just
drink alot of water that fills you up alot and once your stomach gets used
to eating less it does get easier. a month seems a long time to be on an
all liquid diet though wow. i am on the liquid part now but only have to do
the liquids during day and one of those 3 meals for dinner i guess they
call it a partial liquid for 2 1/2 weeks. it also helps if you are staying
busier during the day as to not think of eating all day. and if your
friends insist on going out to eat make them choose a place that has lower
calorie choices not someplace like fast food. good luck =)
— [Deactivated Member]
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