Surviving Pre-op

[KiwiGal]

I had to do 3 weeks Optifast only in NZ. I was allowed to choose any of the optifast products - but only allowed 3 per day - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Are you allowed the optifast bars? They were really quite good - and it actually felt like you were eating something. The soups are vile.
I had a shake for breakfast and dinner with a bar for lunch. It wasn't easy but at least I knew it was for a finite period of time - unlike any other "diet" I had been on. Persevere if you can. It really is worth it...and it does get a little better.

[Done33]

What else can you eat for three weeks? I can't be only opti-products, can it? That sounds crazy.

I was lucky and had to do the pre-op diet for 5 days, but I could have shakes, broth, sugar-free popsicles, and I don't remember what else. There was a bunch of stuff on the list. It sucked, but was only 5 days, and totally worth it in the long run to be a regular sized person.

The pre-op is the hardest part. Once it's over, it's easy. (Was for me at least.)

Yeah, I can have other things like broth, low starch vegs and 100gs of lean meat. As well as strawberries etc. I’m just ranting really. Hahaha...

[Done33]

What else can you eat for three weeks? I can't be only opti-products, can it? That sounds crazy.

I was lucky and had to do the pre-op diet for 5 days, but I could have shakes, broth, sugar-free popsicles, and I don't remember what else. There was a bunch of stuff on the list. It sucked, but was only 5 days, and totally worth it in the long run to be a regular sized person.

The pre-op is the hardest part. Once it's over, it's easy. (Was for me at least.)

I can a cup of low starch veggies and 100g of meat, broth,etc. I was just venting my displeasure for the shakes but I have tried the bars and I think I’ve found my go to product! Choc bars aren’t bad. Dense but much better tasting than the shakes!

Bars and water it is... lil

[sraebaer]

Yeah, I can have other things like broth, low starch vegs and 100gs of lean meat. As well as strawberries etc. I’m just ranting really. Hahaha...

Feel free to rant. The pre-op diet does suck, but after that everything gets easier. Get out your favorite catalogue and imagine buying whatever you want in let's say a size medium. Use this time to dream about your new life, it's fun!

[mandyjdc]

Torani makes some great sugar free syrups that I add to protein shakes to make them more palatable. Right now I use sugar free raspberry, S'mores, or Caramel flavor in my chocolate shakes.

[Christie13]

I don't know what shakes they have on your side of the pond. Hopefully you find another one that is tolerable. I totally get it. If I couldn't stand the taste of the shakes I would not have drank them. Immediately post op I couldn't tolerate the sweetness of the shakes so I was drinking coffee and high protein Fa!rlife milk instead.

[Marsh17]

I'm on day 8 of a two week liquid diet. So far it has been not that bad for me but today my stomach has been growling a lot. My diet consists of Premier Protein shakes - choc. (5 a day) which I really like, chicken bullion/broth, sugar free jello, and five 16.9 ounce bottles of water a day. Every now and then I make a salad for my hubby or cook a small meal but for the most part he is eating out or eating frozen dinners. It is hard for me to smell the food and not want to eat it. We changed our diet to veterinarian about the middle of February and I think this helped me slowly phase into this part of the process. Could you ask your doc what other shakes are available to you if you don't like the Optifast? We had three to choose from. Is there a phone number that you could call Optifast to see what they may recommend to make it more palatable? Wishing you the best!

[Stacey03]

I had to do 3 weeks Optifast only in NZ. I was allowed to choose any of the optifast products - but only allowed 3 per day - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Are you allowed the optifast bars? They were really quite good - and it actually felt like you were eating something. The soups are vile.
I had a shake for breakfast and dinner with a bar for lunch. It wasn't easy but at least I knew it was for a finite period of time - unlike any other "diet" I had been on. Persevere if you can. It really is worth it...and it does get a little better.

Kiwi girl, I did the same as you but for 2 weeks! THE SOUPS!!!!!!!! ARRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I just couldn't make those any better!
Done 33 RANT AWAY :-)

[dancingdebora]

Yes the pre-op was REALLY hard for me - could NOT STAND the optifast and thought I would never make it the 3 weeks. But suddenly it was done, I had the sleeve operation in January, and now I am 50lbs lighter and feeling FANTASTIC. So I know everyone says it, but it REALLY IS worth the pain of the 3 weeks - it is almost (almost - not quite!) forgotton now!

[Done33]

Yes the pre-op was REALLY hard for me - could NOT STAND the optifast and thought I would never make it the 3 weeks. But suddenly it was done, I had the sleeve operation in January, and now I am 50lbs lighter and feeling FANTASTIC. So I know everyone says it, but it REALLY IS worth the pain of the 3 weeks - it is almost (almost - not quite!) forgotton now!

What awesome encouragement! Thank you everyone!

So an update, so I had a pity party last night, because doc prescribed me 3 weeks of pre-op which started last week. Unfortunately I have managed to royally screw-up every day since I started. I have not been able to see one whole day out on the opti diet. So I texted my dietician and told her I’m over it, I’m going to break soon.. I have cheated everyday, etc in which she replied, let me remind you that your surgery can be cancelled, and that was it, a dagger straight to the heart, it was all I needed, so I’ve spent the day food prepping, getting my gym membership up and running and stocked up to tackle this head on. My problem is boredom, so I eat, so now, so thankfully for me I am working 7 days striaght so I’ll be distracted enough and i’ll Go gym. I know some might say that’s enough time to lose enough weight, but from past experience, my first week of diets are usually where I have some massive loses, I’m hoping this won’t different... I’ve decided I will totally discard the shakes, and just stick with the bars and desserts .. which the dietician is fine with! Pray for me!

[KiwiGal]

You can do this! Bars and desserts sound like a good plan.

[Stacey03]

You can do it, and the pre op isn't about loosing weight its just about getting your liver fancy :-) It's so going to be worth it but ya it sucks! Maybe try feeding the desserts??

[Done33]

Thanks guys!

I made it through my first full day and even did a 400 calorie burn workout.. if I can get through the next 3 days I should be okay!

Cheers!

[KiwiGal]

Well done you! Upwards and onwards

[Stacey03]

How goes it?? :-)