What if I can't even get through pre-op diet???

 I am currently doing my preop diet.. my doc has us on liquids only - all non fat... mostly sugar free  jello - and protein shakes and sugar free popcycles.  I can tell you if I thought this was how I would eat for ever - I would bail.  But i know that someday - in the future I will be able to eat most things in moderation - because my tool will help me limit how much - and my mind will be in a much better place than it is now.  

I had a one week preop diet of liquids (high protein, low carb). It was definitely hard, but I absolutely set my mind to doing it. And i did it. Did it suck? YES! But was it worth it? Yes, for sure. It helped me get comfortable with taking in only liquids. It helped me figure out what I did and didn't like (although I had to do experimenting post op as well). It allowed me to lose weight and shrink my liver so my surgery was a tad bit easier.

I couldn't focus on the entire week, or I would have failed. I focused on one day at a time. Hell, there were moments where I had to focus on one hour or even ten minutes at a time to make it through. Because it was only a week, I always remembered there was light at the end of the tunnel... the difficulty was temporary and it was worth doing so that I could get through a successful surgery and then get on to the other stuff.

Also, I planned like crazy. I never went anywhere without lots of liquid options and a protein shake. I avoided some social situations that were going to be too hard... this worked well because it was only a week - this isn't a long term strategy because social situations are important in our lives. But one week was no problem to avoid stuff that I know would have sent me over the edge. That being said, i still attended a work lunch (excused myself with a protein shake) and a golf tournament (stuck to my liquids) and still did fine. Mostly because I'd spent so much time preparing myself mentally and remembering that it was short term that I'd be on liquids only.

Really really try to stick to it. If you don't, you are really only cheating yourself. It can be done!! Good luck!

P.S. It gets easier post op.

 While you do have to commit to making the change and stick with it, what you first have to do is unload the emotional baggage.  That is harder to lose than the weight, and often much scarier.  You have already taken the first most critical steps, now its time to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep it going.

Start attending support groups.  Study after Study has shown patients that are compliant in using support groups do better and maintain better.  For me, it is an incredible energy boost when I attend.  I use them the way an alcoholic uses AA - If I am feeling compulsive in my eating I attend a group or come on here.  As much as I love OH, it doesn't match group though.  You will find not just support and sharing in group but also a lot of education.

All of us are prone to the "all or nothing" syndrome.  We tend to believe that any small failure is the tip of the iceberg and we will sink back into our old habits.  That is especially true in the pre-op phase.  You have no idea what life will be like after the sleeve and how much the tools that come along with the sleeve will help.  IF this is your first surgery, there is a natural fear regarding that too.  It all seems so overwhelming that you don't know how you can handle it all.

Thats a lot of stuff to get through.  You can do it though, this board is filled with people who have been where you are.  We are proof that there is both success and life on the other side.  Put your fears asside, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

 As far as the shakes go - I kind hate muscle milk anyway.  I use Body Fortress Whey Protein Isolate in a variety of flavors.  In pre-op you can mix those with Plain greek yogurt, Granola, and berries for a nice treat.  Just limit it to about 1 cup.  Use some dens protein and non-starchy vegetables for your next couple of meals.  Start logging and planning in MFP so you can plan your day.  Don't try to cut down to 600 calories at first, step yourself down to maybe 1800, then the next week 1600, etc.  You've got time - work with it.

Just take the pressure on yourself, and realize that if you slip up a little it doesn't mean youre a failure or you cant do this.  It just means you slipped up and you have to make a better choice the next time.

I don't have a date yet and my insurance doesn't require a pre op diet. What they did want was for me to lose 10% of my weight to prove I really want this and have the discipline needed to make it with the sleeve. This is a permanent change that will be with us to the end. I have been very dedicated to this. No diet soda, no treats etc... It basically comes down to you and being dedicated to a major lifestyle change. You have to want this. Here's something my friend always tells me"NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN AND HEALTHY FEELS" I hope you can find protein drinks you like. Good luck on your journey

 The pre-op diet is different than the diet some insurance companies offer.  The Surgeon usually requires a period of a low glycemic diet before surgery to deplete glycogen from the internal organs to reduce their size and make the easier to handle.  This reduces the risk of complications prior to surgery.

 Yes... I have lovelyNorthern CA Kaiser insurance and just checked last week if I was going to do a pre op or any special diet and my surgeon told me no. She just wanted me to lose 10 % of my weight and be on a 1200 calorie diet. So strange to me how all the surgeons and different insurances all have different qualifications and such. Seems like it would be easier with a uniform program... 

Melody!

Don't worry you will be just fine!!  Trust me when I say that if I could do it anyone can!!  First of all let's get that "succeed--fail"  mentality out of the way (hard I know) but from now on how about succeed--learned a lesson, instead.  I had surgery 1 month ago yesterday and am doing fine.  There are lots of changes that will take place but, hey, everyday you get up and choose to participate in the world there are changes, right?!?  I know everyone says this is hard, but it's not any harder than what you've probably been through already...(all the diets you've probably tried, gaining and loosing weight over and over, the mental anguish etc.). So, take a deep breath, stand up straight, and say out loud, "I can do this!" ...And you will!!  Good Luck and lots of love and support being sent your way!

My surgery is scheduled for July 2 and i am only required to do a 2 week diet before surgery.  Low fat 1200 calories and replace 1 meal with a protien shake.  I decided to start it a week ago today,  basically 4 weeks out.  The first 3 days were probably the harderst.  But i figured by starting the diet early if i slip once or twice it wont make me feel guilty.  I have been tracking everything that i put into my mouth with Myfitnesspal.com and i have to tell you it makes it so much easier.  I have actually cosidered eating something and then i go check how many calories i have left over and have opted for a bottle of water instead.  Yes its hard!  It's really hard but sometimes we have to make small sacrifices to get what we want!

Yes, forgot to mention this meysefl... Beatriz is right about the first three days being the hardest.  Your body will be detoxing from carbs and caffiene.  Once you detox, it gets easier.  But, if you eat carbs or caffiene again, then you start the cycle over.  So white knuckle it the first few days without carbs and then it'll get better.

I start on Tuesday the pre-op diet. I think it will be hard but like someone said already plan ahead.