Pre Op diet concerns

[mwenstad]

So my surgery date is next Friday, 14th. I have done lots of research on the pre op diets, and started it before I was told. I see there are lots of variations of the diet, and some of it depends on personal health and weight, and what the doctor requires. I am trying really hard to follow the doctor's guidelines, but I have had an upset stomach ever since I have been doing so many protein shakes. They told me I might be allergic to whey, and to get a plant based protein, which I have bought, waiting to try. I have really been enjoying vegetable and tomato juice. I could drink this all day long. Is this too much? Do I need to limit the tomato juice? I would be sad if I had too, but feel like I might stall my progress and wouldn't want to do that. I don't start the clear liquid diet until two days before, so I know I can't have it then.
Any suggestions? Any other ideas for pre op diets?

Thank you!
Marci

[elle77]

First... You should go with the guidelines Your Dr. provided to you. Unfortunately EVERY Dr. is different, sometimes wayyyy different.

I tried out a bunch of different protein shakes and the powder shakes gave me severe heartburn and made my stomach cramp. I switched to Premiere Protein. To ME it tasted the best and did not give me any stomach issues. If you are having a Whey issue there are several plant based protein options out there. You really need to ask your Dr. about the tomato juice. I know it can potentially give you severe heartburn after surgery so definitely go over your options with him. The liquid part was not as bad as I thought it would be, before surgery. You can make broths, teas, sugar free jello, sugar free Popsicles, freeze your premiere protein or protein drinks into Popsicles and get them down that way. All kinds of sugar free options now a days.

[jamma]

My nutritionist would only allow 1/2 cup of tomato juice a day. I also loved it because it was such a nice break from all the sweet protein drinks. But I stuck with her recommendation. Broth is also a good option when you can't stand any more protein.

[mwenstad]

Good idea! Thanks.

[Sandra3]

We all get different guidelines.

My pre-op was two shakes per day and one dinner (protein plus non starch veggies).
I don't tolerate whey either so I used Sunnwarrior classic (unflavored but not the organic kind) and made my shakes with almond milk or water, PB2 and a little dark cocoa. My advise is : don't stock up on protein powder, because post-op I had to change brand several times, my stomach couldn't stand anything, but I used mainly vegan protein.

Since I'm now almost 18 months out, I was able to reintroduce many things (cruciferous veggies for example) that my stomach couldn't stand for the first six month, so Sunwarrior is back!

About tomato juice: tomato is actually a fruit and was not allowed in my diet. Since I had fatty liver disease even when I was not obese 20 years ago, I did follow the very low carb for those two required weeks because I was just too scared my liver would brittle when the surgeon was going to lift it.

Just follow your guidelines, try to drink lots of water or even herbal tea (if allowed) because the pre-op diet does make us lose weigh fast so we need plenty of fluid to flush the toxins.

Good luck and take care!

[Scuba Princess]

I'm having surgery the same day and I can't tolerate whey either. I really like the Orgain brand vegan protein powder although it's a little grainy. Good luck! We are almost there!!

[Sandra3]

I'm having surgery the same day and I can't tolerate whey either. I really like the Orgain brand vegan protein powder although it's a little grainy. Good luck! We are almost there!!

I used the ready made Orgain shakes when traveling and liked it a lot but the powder was too sweet for my taste unfortunately (and I agree about the grainy thing, the ready made is better for that and not that sweet either, but it's kind of expensive).

[Christie13]

My only concern with the tomato juice is the acidity may give you lots of heartburn post op.