Pre-op diet: High Protein & low carb

SeattleSerenity · 02-17-2008, 11:56 PM

I just got my list of "can't haves" for the pre-op diet... :( I'm trying to do my best w/ chicken, eggs, meats, cheese, veggies...but am finding myself HUNGRY and feeling kind of sick.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Any good high protein meals?

LB Surgery is in 2 weeks and I want to do my best sticking to the diet. :)

Thanks all!

*SS*

**SherryW** · 02-18-2008, 07:38 AM

Hello SS, It seems we're all given different pre-op diets to follow depending on your physician/surgeon. If you're having a hard time or feeling hungry maybe you could call your bariatric center or nutrionist for suggestions on how to stick to it? Maybe there are some foods for you that take longer to digest that you could eat first then the other things? You'd have to pay attention to your body's cues for that. Keep a food journal so you'll know which foods digest faster for you so you know to stay away from those until you get your band. I wish you the best with your band surgery :)

JaxBandster · 02-18-2008, 10:33 AM

SS

If you are just starting your high protein low carb diet and are feeling nauseous (sp) that means you are doing good! LOL You are going through carb withdrawal. I had headaches and fatigue and a general feeling like crap sensation for about a week before my body suddenly realized that it didn't need carbs anymore. My suggestion is pound the protein. If your diet was like mine, I could have all the meat and veggies (non starchy) that I wanted. There is no reason to be hungry. I would also HIGHLY suggest tracking your food intake on a site like FitDay.com or other food tracking site. It really helps to keep track of calories and carbs. I was restricted to 30 gms of carbs a day excluding green leafy veggies (didn't have to count those but I usually did anyway). You will be amazed at what happens when you get through the carb withdrawal. You will all of a sudden not be hungry anymore. It was the most amazing thing to me. I sometimes had to remind myself to eat. Now don't get me wrong, there are times when I think of having a warm dinner roll and my mouth starts to water! LOL But, I just make sure I go eat some protein and that craving goes away quickly.

It is very important that you stick to your diet. You need to shrink your liver before surgery to help prevent complications and you definitely don't want to be going through carb withdrawal while recovering from surgery!

Good luck!

SeattleSerenity · 02-18-2008, 01:29 PM

Thank you both! I tried calling my nutrionist (unfortunately, they're out today - holiday). Will try again tomorrow.

Just started a food journal this morning. I'm surprised they did not have me do this after my first evaluation appointment?!

Appreciate your advice and feedback. Good luck to you & thank you. :)

*SS*