Help...I Can't Do the Pre-Op Liquids

I'm starving...I don't think i can do 11 more days of this OptiFast. I need something to eat. 

What is wrong with me? I ate Cheetos tonight. Now, I feel sick to my stomach, and hate what I did.

Why can't I be stronger than this hunger? Have I done permanent damage by not following the pre-op diet today?

Help!!!


Donna


 

The first few days of the pre-op are the worse.  Your mind craves all the types of food that you are used to.  I messed up a few times before I got into the swing of things.  Once a few "good" days have gone by and you have the bad carbs out of your system, you won't be as terribly hungry. 
   Do you have to have Optifast?  Some other shakes are tastier IMHO.  Can you have broth and jello?
Good luck,

Pennie

i had to do 2 weeks of clear liquids pre-op, and 4 weeks post op....  it stinks on ice...  try making some jello jigglers -- they help satisfy the need to chew (the strawberry-kiwi was not too bad!)... that and sugar free popsicles... 

no damage done..   just do your best to stick with it and keep your eye on the prize - it will be worth it in the long run!



jeris

not to sound mean BUT if you cant get threw the pre op how will you stick to it after your surg

You need to get your mind set for this its for real.. Trust me I'm 8 days out and i been on liquids for 3 weeks and 2 more to go . You can do it if you really want this to work.. It does get easier..
Mark

Wow, Mark. 

How will I do it after surgery if I can't do it before? I CAN do it before and after. I was simply sharing some frustrations and set backs. A set back does not mean that someone fails. It means they are human and count on the support of their peers.

As for "getting my mind right"...my mind is right.

The pre-op diet is extremely limited in that my doctor allows ONLY 5 OptiFast protein drinks a day. No broth, no jello, nothing else. This was difficult for me, and many others, but I can do it.


Best of luck to you,

 

Not sure I can agree with you, Mallen.

From reading the boards I would venture a guess most cheat on the pre op diet and most go on to lose quite well.

I only have to do 2 days liquid pre op !!!! Dont think I could do weeks of it either. It will be worth it in the end.

OK, first don't give up on yourself!  You can do this and let's face it, if we were good at diets none of us would have had the surgery.  I found the pre-op liquid diet very hard too.  BUT!  I was given some fantastic advice and not an ounce of criticism, so I'll do the same for you.  First and foremost, make sure you have lots of acceptable cheat type foods on hand, things like s/f Popsicles, fudgesicles, yogurt and jello.  Then if you really feel like you are losing it, have a pickle.  It will satisfy your need for flavor and crunch but it won't interfere with the whole purpose of the liquid diet because it is so low in carbs/cals.  If that fails and you find yourself in trouble and you need to cheat, then cheat with protein!  Have a little piece of cheese or meat, it won't ruin anything either.  Remember the main purpose of the pre-op is to get your liver smaller in order to make surgery safer so if you are sticking closely to the calories and carbs, you'll lose the weight you need to lose to get ready.  Finally, the liquid diet does get easier as your body adjusts! 

As for worrying about your ability to do the post-op liquid diet, have no worries!  Your new tiny tummy will dictate what it wants and believe me, it won't be solids.   You will also have some natural fears of eating solids at first because even though we know logically that we all heal there is still an irrational fear of our stomachs bursting the first time we eat (It won't by the way!) 

You are going to do great!  Believe in yourself, you can do it!!!!!

Kim,

You are a sweetheart, that was very nicely put...

Thanks for taking the time...

Cindy

I agree.  A little bit of protein here or there is not going to hurt a thing. Be as strong as you possibly can be,  but if you feel yourself slipping, protein is what you have to slip on.