Hard time - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

smashlh79 · 07-01-2009, 01:55 PM

are you on optifast or HMR? I am sure you can do this to all of the shakes but you can get sf jello pudding mix to help the flavor out or change it up so you dont get sick of the vanilla chocolate or strawberry. The liquid diet helps before the surgery start fighting the head hunger I did it for a month before my surgery and no regrets at all I also did it a year ago for 5 months thru my doctors office...Its all about how you go into it you learn tricks and also coping skills

darosakim · 07-02-2009, 02:04 PM

Hello everyone- I have a hard time figuring out how to post or maybe it's just the lack of food that I am becoming confused

In any case today is my first day of only liquids which means only 13 days left until surgery. When I thought I first posted this morning it was 10:30 and things were fine but now it is 1:00 pm and I am hungry. I am only allowed 3 Slim Fast a day so this morning I became a little creative and put some of my French Vanilla Slim Fast in my coffee..yummy instant creamer. Yippee solved the problem of having to drink only black coffee. Now how do I stop the headache and the hunger? Tylenol & ? I am allowed crystal light which I have been sipping on and sugar free jello...which I must still get....Well tomorrow will only be 13 days then 12 then 11 and so on. I can do it....right???

Thanks to all

fisher1000 · 07-02-2009, 02:51 PM

You TOTALLY can do it. Some of us didn't have to do a two week liquid diet, but when I was going through the preoperative process, I remember doing what you suggested in an earlier post: liquids during the day and a meal at night. I did that for a few days before the surgery, then liquids only for a couple of days before the surgery. I felt like I needed to do it, if for nothing else than just to get this new lifestyle straight in my mind.

I'm surprised that you are on the Slim Fast though, honestly. It's full of carbs and there are protein powders and stuff you could use that would be healthier. Perhaps you could ask your doctor if you could try some of those during this liquid period? That would give you some variety at least and some of the flavors of the different powders aren't too bad. (Though you will change your mind about everything that enters your mouth post surgery as your tastes will change--so try to buy the trial sized powder packs if you can!)

Also, a little instant coffee can be your best friend. My favorite protein shake right now is 1 cup of FF milk, 1 scoop of Protein powder, 1 Splenda, and a teaspoon of instant coffee. I add enough ice to make it "shaky" and blend the hell out of it. I have that virtually every morning, and I still like it. Maybe you could add some ice to your Slim Fast to make it more like a shake, that might make you feel a little more satisfied!

Good luck--you can do it! I know you can!

-Mike

darosakim · 07-02-2009, 03:05 PM

Thanks mucho! I love the idea of your coffee shake yummy drink. Sounds perfect! I actually have a choice of Slim Fast, Ensure...Well...I just re-read my instructions I am including them here:

You are to go on a liquid diet before your surgery. You can choose from several liquid supplements that are commercially available. All are nutritionally balanced to provide adequate protein and essential vitamins and minerals. The brand and flavor choice is up to you. These products are available at your local pharmacy/grocery store. The key is to consume only the liquid supplement and no solid food.

Examples
Slim Fast How much? Three (3) cans per day. Only.
Boost
Ensure
Sustacal
Glucerna (for diabetics)

Some patients may have followed liquid diet programs in the past and still have supplements available. Any of these products are also acceptable.
examples: Total calories not to exceed 750 day.
Optifast
Medifast

Other foods/beverages allowed: water, diet soda, crystal lite, tea or coffee with artificial sweetener (no creamer), vegetable, chicken or beef broth, sugar free jello.

So maybe this means I can try the stuff you recommened. What is it called? I will definitely try the added ice trick. Thanks so much for your support. You look incredible. Congratulations on your weight loss. Incredible!! Hip Hip Hooray for you!

fisher1000 · 07-02-2009, 03:12 PM

I used to be really picky about the protein powders, especially right after the surgery...but now I'm just using the Body Fortress and EAS proteins from Target. You get a big ole tub of it for like $15. They have vanilla and chocolate. I also buy stuff at Vitamin World--and they have quite a few sample packs if you want to try different ones.

They'll still keep you under the 750 calorie mark. Also, if you are going to drink the broth...steer clear of the boxed ones and go for either canned or dissolving the boullion cubes yourself. THe boxed ones always tasted funny to me...even now!

-Mike

smashlh79 · 07-02-2009, 07:21 PM

I really can't believe your doctor would even give you the option of Slim Fast or insure- they ARE NOT COMPLETE meal replacements. If you are not eating other things this can actually depleate your vitamins going into the surgery. I urge you to go for optifast its 160 cals a drink so you can have more than three to keep you full-I had to drink 5 a day. Also please take a multi vitamin too. Also I was burning 2000 cals a week working out so gave me the option of throwing in another 2 shakes if needed cause I was working off the calories. GOOD LUCK!!

suebry05 · 07-02-2009, 07:28 PM

during my liquid diet I was to drink at least 65 grams of protein a day and get in more than 80 oz of fluid total.

slimfast has lots of carbs which will just make u keep craving carbs... but if thats what your doctor wants then thats what you should do...but your hungry because you are not getting in enough protein..

Phoenixfire · 07-02-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darosakim

I have lost 9 pounds and have to loose at least 5 more by next Wednesday.

I encourage you to stay very focused and cognizant of your requirement to lose those pounds before surgery. THAT is the most important issue. However your mind works, make it work hard on keeping that requirement your UTMOST focus. No matter what.

I've heard stories of people being sent home, and denied the surgery, because they did not meet the requirement to lose weight.

I've heard stories of people having surgery complications because they didn't do the required work before surgery. Complications like a cracked liver, days in ICU due to crisis during surgery. And there are other complications I won't go into that come up.

Do whatever it takes to lose as much weight as possible before surgery. It's the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from complications! So get a handle on the shakes you're consuming, and get straight on exactly what you are to consume before surgery.

The liquid diet is good practice for the reality you'll be facing postop.

darosakim · 07-05-2009, 09:57 PM

Hello everyone...tomorrow will be 10 days until my surgery YIPPPEEE! I can't wait! This liquid diet SUCKS! Don't get me wrong I am doing it but I am miserable. I feel so weak. I have taken ssome suggestions from all you and steered away from slimfast and more to protein drinks which do tend to give me a little more energy. What I wouldn't do for a peice of fruit or vegetable! Oh well, it's what I got to do just wish it would get easier. Maybe tomorrow! Does anyone know if a pickle would be alright to eat? It has absolutely no calories or fat....or is there more to being on the liquid then just losing weight? I am need of support! Thanks everyone.....Kim

Baja Big Dog · 07-06-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darosakim

Hello everyone...tomorrow will be 10 days until my surgery YIPPPEEE! I can't wait! This liquid diet SUCKS! Don't get me wrong I am doing it but I am miserable. I feel so weak. I have taken ssome suggestions from all you and steered away from slimfast and more to protein drinks which do tend to give me a little more energy. What I wouldn't do for a peice of fruit or vegetable! Oh well, it's what I got to do just wish it would get easier. Maybe tomorrow! Does anyone know if a pickle would be alright to eat? It has absolutely no calories or fat....or is there more to being on the liquid then just losing weight? I am need of support! Thanks everyone.....Kim

Do NOT seek advice on changing your doctors recommendations for the two weeks prior to surgery, this time as mentioned by numerous people is so important, and its a good kick start to what life will be like after surgery.

Dont loose sight that this place is an excellent tool for many issues, but OI continue to harp on the ones that ask advice that should be given ONLY by the professionals we pay to take care of us!!!

This is an excellent example of dispelling the typical bullshit of people calling this surgery "The easy way out"...its not.....

Got a picture of yourself now? Keep it with you, and look at it when you get a little bummed out, look at some other members before and afters, and use that for a little driving force to stick to the recommendations you surgeon gives you....

This time will test your creativity in coming up with new ideas for shakes, I have many many different things I do, and after a year and a half, I still enjoy my shake every day!!

I would also try getting off of the coffee now, since you will be off of caffne after surgery!!!

It will be over before you know it....