Pre-Op Diet is Hard...Any Good Stories?

Hi...this is my first ever OH post. I've commented on a few of your posts before. I am having my surgery on March 5th and I'm currently on day 5 of my pre-op liver shrinking diet. I drink 80-100g protein and all the water, broth, g2, sugar free jello, and sf popcicles I can stand. I was okay the last few days...and then last night I ate some shredded, boiled chicken breast I made for cooking for the family. It was plain old chicken breast -skinless - but it tasted divine. Today I'm so stinking hungry. Any advice? How was your pre-op experience? I just need to make it through 9 more days of this...I'd love to hear your stories, advice, encouragment if you have some. Thanks!

My directions two weeks pre-op were two protein shakes a day and one regular meal.  It was suggested that the meal be 800 calories or less.  I found that I was hungry between shakes and really missed crunching on something.  I talked to one of the nurses in the surgeons office and she said I could eat all the raw vegetables I wanted for the crunch - and as long as I stayed under the 800 calories, it was OK to eat some snacks between the shakes.  I've never adored celery as much as during those two weeks!!!!

Just remember this too will pass!  Luckily my 2 week diet was just NO carbs and under 800 calories a day.  I did have to do full liquid for 2 days, but the hard part for me pre-op is giving up sodas and postponing caffeine.  Headaches from withdrawl were very very tough.  Luckily I got through them pre-op so I didn't go through them post op. 

I suggest making a new habit instead of eating.  When I started to feel hungry, I would drink water, then take a walk away from whatever I was doing.  It seemed to distract me and when I returned I wasn't craving something to eat.  Also, stay away from Food Networ****il after surgery.  Head hunger will play tricks, and until you're not physically hungry, it is hard to separate the two!!!

Some of the people in my support group picked up knitting so their hands had something to do other than eat. 

And on the bright side, it gets better after surgery!  I know every one is different, but I lost all hunger post op so now I only eat b/c I need the fuel to survive.  My whole relationship with food has changed.  Just hold on and keep your sights focused on your surgery date - it's just around the corner even if it feels like forever away.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Amy

Thanks! I'm just having a tough day. I am looking forward to my surgery date...thanks for the motivation. :) Tonight I took the kids to a concert and then they were hungry so we stopped at Taco Bell where I watched them eat...but it wasn't so bad. :-****ep remembering that my date is coming so very soon! 

Oh I had a doozy of a pre op fluid diet! For thirty days, yes 30 days before surgery I had to do skim milk 3x a day for my "meals" (all I could drink within 10 min.) plus all the non calorie fluids my little heart desired! Now that's a diet! I'm rather proud to say I only cheated 3 days by having one slice of swiss cheese, then I got back to business. There are very few surgeons this strict and I hear mine still does this! Have a fun day!