New to board, Has anyone had to do liquid diet for 10 days ??

I received a surgery date and with it came instructions to have nothing but liquid for 10 days, with bowel prep the day prior to surgery. This seems extreme, if you have done this were you able to carry out daily activities such as work, etc ? Looks like it would be very weakening.. Thanks.

First of all, welcome Lisa to the board, you will find everyone here wonderful and great support. Yes, I have Dr. Spaw and I had to do a very similiar pre surgery diet. 1 week prior I was on SF Carnation Instant Breakfast twice a day and a Lean Cuisine for one meal, then the second week, I was on t 4 SF Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks, then two days prior to surgery, I then had nothing but clear liquids. Believe it or not, it is not as bad as it seems, I stuck to it to the letter and I believe that it really helped me a lot. I lost 16.6 pounds prior to my surgery on this diet and it really probably helped my surgeon with my liver. I worked everyday and was able to be very active, actually I had a lot of energy. Actually, some days I had to forde myself to get all the SF Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks. I did eat my real meal the first week during lunch and it helped. You can do it!! Shelia

Thank you ! I have an appt with surgeon on Wednesday and will plan to ask if any solid or semi-solids are acceptable during those 10 days. I hope that I will have good energy during that time, I get headaches from not eating fast enough within a one day period so we will see !

Lisa, I am a severe migraine suffer and the oddest thing has happened, I have not had a migraine since my surgery nor did I have one during the two weeks prior to my surgery. I do not know but if you try to cut out things like sugar and caffeine it will lessen the chances of headaches, after all you can't have them after surgery anyway. Another thing that I did was cut out all types of pain medications that I took for headaches, prior to surgery this way I would not go through withdrawls from them. Excederin was my headache medication of choice and I stopped taking it, because I knew I could not have it all after surgery either. I believe the combination of these things helped me from have having headaches. You can do this, remember what your ultimate goal is and keep that in mind and then anything will be possible. We are all here for you if you need us, just give us a shout!! Shelia

As Shelia said, this diet is preparing your liver for surgery. I didn't have to do it, but I had surgery in 2004 and things have changed since then. This is a good time to try some of the protein drinks that will be your mainstay for the first few weeks of your post op. Your taste will change, but maybe you will find some things that you like. It probably is just clear liquids during the last few days. Good luck, Darlene

I didn't have to do a liquid diet before my surgery, but I had lost 40 pounds before the surgery trying to get as healthy as I could before having surgery, I had 8 months due to a long process. So, my surgeon said just don't gain any weight. I also notice that I swell when I eat simple carbs and sugar so I stayed away from those and I didn't have a "last meal" either, what's the point, I was trying to be healthy. Put on your healthy glasses and throw away those, why can't I one's. Trust me the journey's just begun. Keep us informed and WELCOME Beth B.

Thank you all for the inspirational comments...... question for Beth B. or anyone with the experience. I havent seen my surgeon since Jan and he is unaware that I have lost 39 lbs. I was sure I wasnt having the surgery, because I asked the papers not be filed and somehow they were anyway... in the midst of all this, I was doing my own diet regimine and have lost 39 lbs since November. Would this be a factor in reducing the amt of days I am on liquids only ?

I would ask your surgeon, but unfortunatly, I am afraid that it will not change the amount of time that you will need to do the pre-diet. This not only reduces your liver, it will benefit you after surgery as well. Remember, this is a lifelong change, I was on pureed foods for 8 weeks after surgery. If you are really concerned about following the pre-diet, Please do not take this wrong, but really consider if you are truly committed to the lifelong change. The only reason I say this is because if you are not truly committed, then WLS is not the correct option for you. However, a lot of people are shocked and doubt if they can do the pre-diet, I was one, when they see it. I am only saying these things, because I care that your decision is a success. Everyone here truly care, that is what is so awesome about this forum, we wrap our hearts around each other and we will help each other out during the good, the bad, and the ugly. WLS is not an easy decision nor is it easy to deal with at times, but with the proper support system, it is wonderful and gives you your life back. I myself would do it all over again!!! Shelia

Congrats on your surgery date Lisa and Welcome to the board! I had to do liquid diet for 8 days prior to surgery. I just took a half gallaon jug of skim milk and several pkgs of SF Carnation to work with me and drank them 2 hours apart all day and did not seem to get hungry but it was very hard. Hope all goes well for you !!!

Hi Lisa! Welcome to the board and Congrats on your surgery date. That is wonderful news. I went through Vanderbilt and Yes, I had to do a 10 day liquid diet. I did not have to do a bowel prep. It does not matter how much weight you lose prior to surgery, you will still have to do the liquid only diet. If you drink the carnation instant breakfast at least 6 times a day and get some chicken broth and jello, it is not that bad. After the first two days, the hunger subsides and you are not "hungry" anymore. I did not work during this time though. I stayed at home and rested. I really thought it would be worse. Honestly, it is not the best thing in the world. I kept a head ache and was really weak by time it was over with but it was well worth it in the end. Keep your eye on the prize and just know that you will get through it and will be much happier after having the surgery and on your way to recovery and a healthier life. The pre op diet is just one of those things you have to do in this journey. Misty