Four weeks and very restricted. Only 2 shakes a day. I'm so glad I'm over that part.

My pre op diet is not as strict as most of you. I have to go on ketotic diet (very low carb, high protein). I have to start that 11/9 for the two weeks.

Good luck on the start of your pre op diet

I had seven days of liquids only. I learned to love sugar free popsicles!! Four protein shakes per day (I have never had a problem with them and still enjoy them) and as much broth, popsicles, water as I wanted. I tended to use unflavored powder in some broth in the evenings just to vary it up. Basically, I white-knuckled it for a week, a small price to pay. I really don't remember the week before or the two weeks after surgery very well, so it wasn't that traumatic in the large scheme of things.

Be positive! The time will pass either way, and at least you'll keep a smile on your face!

Rob

My doc requires two weeks of the liquid diet before surgery also. I went on a liquid diet like Medifast a few years ago and I grew to love the diet because I didn't have to think about food at all. No shopping No cooking etc. I could let go of food thought entirely and it was very freeing to lose that obsession. I hope this helps you.

I had a 7 day liquid diet pre-op. It was the longest 7 days ever. It was worth it though.

I did lose about 10 pounds in that 2 weeks of liquid diet. That was motivating.

I think it's okay to excuse yourself from these festivities as you prepare yourself for surgery, I know being a woman we always want to be there for others but during my prep I really took the time to focus on what I needed - I was doing this for me. I didn't cook for my husband, he took care of him and the kids - I don't know your situation but if you can work it out to make "you" your top priority - take some walks, read some books, check out some blogs, meditate, write in journal - enjoy your preparation without being in caught up in the social aspects of "fooddom" I think it may make it easier - I actually scheduled a card night with friends two days before surgery told them to eat before they came and offered smoothies during - it was wonderful they asked lots of questions and were super supportive and took the edge off of a trying time for me...Love yourself hard during this time you are worth it!

kimgravitt3 wrote: »

Mjks_mom, I made a big mistake of getting all 4 of my grandkids - ages 9, 8, 7, 6; 3 boys and the oldest being a girl, for the weekend. I wanted to spend time with them before surgery, but I'm having to cook and keep snacks. So I'm miserable. I really made it hard on myself. I'm sending all the extra food home with them in the morning. Hopefully, it will get easier. If I can get past trotting to the bathroom. (I know tmi lol)

Maybe tomorrow you can all go for a hike - make a pot of warm oatmeal and leave them to eat while you go prep for the day. Those ages are good to teach about healthy food choices and what's about to happen to Grandma, maybe enlist there help for dinner tomorrow get some flat outs (breads) some shredded cheese and sauce and veggies and have them make their own pizza's for dinner you just have to pop them in the oven for them and again excuse yourself while they eat if it bothers you. This will be a distant memory soon - best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

Mjksmom so proud of you for making you the priority! Will be sending you prayers of strength and clarity ❤️ soon this will all be a blip but congrats let us know how it goes

I'm so proud of you. This is so hard. And you may get flak from family, especially since you're "messing" with their food. But you are also helping them understand how to care for you. Sometimes our loved ones need to be reminded of that. Good news is the hunger leaves after surgery. Well, for some months. And looking at tasty food doesn't come with near as much yearning. Good luck, sweety.

kimgravitt3 wrote: »

Well I had my 1st breakdown and in front of my grandkids! They were especially ugly last night and was tearing my house apart. I started crying and couldn't quit. They all looked at me like I had lost my mind. But, they did started picking up their mess and getting ready for bed. I got hugs and apologies from all, but I felt bad, because normally their rough housing doesn't bother me. I think it scared them because I'm not usually a cryer. I actually think they were glad to go home this morning!

Awww don't feel bad, I'm glad they chipped in and helped and showed some love, they are learning to be sympathetic and loving people that's a good thing I know it sounds odd, but next time they come and trust I'm sure they will be back soon enough - kids are great that way (doubt they were anxious to go, probably just focused on something else - they might be back to rough housing and acting crazy and you will right in the mix just less of you This is a very emotional time, it comes and goes - just feel it, you're doing great!

kimgravitt3 wrote: »

Thanks joysie1970! I love your user name. My mom's name was Joyce. I lost her 18 months ago. She would be enjoying this journey with me so much!!!!

I am a firm believer that she is with you - watch for the signs She is cheering you on I have no doubt!

When I was living in the pre-op phase, it felt like an eternity and it was absolutely horrible. But now that I'm 3 months post-op, it seems like a blip. It's certainly the hardest part, but it's entirely necessary for both safety and psychological development. It made me realize food is not everything and helped me ease into the post-op eating plan. You can totally do this! Mine was 3 shakes a day with only liquids in between, like broth or jello.