LonnieThatGirl D.
Phase 2: Liquid Diet Day 12 - Three more days!!!
Jul 26, 2011
As of this morning, I was down 11 pounds from the start of my liquid diet 12 days ago. I am almost down 20 pounds since the beginning of June.
The vivid dreams have slowed some, and I've had much more energy on this diet than I would have thought. I am soooooo glad my dr has his patients do the liquid diet beforehand. I think it will really help me going forward. I already feel like it has helped me break some of my addiction to food. It hasn't always been easy during the process, but God has really helped me do things I didn't think possible. I helped at a children's lock-in at our church this weekend and put in 14 hour day on Saturday helping out... serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on top of other things!
Whew... If I can make it through that on a liquid diet then I can do this VSG thing! LOL
Anywho. I think I worked too much this Friday and Saturday and wore myself down and ended up feeling sick on Sunday. I stayed home and slept it off and I feel much better now.
I got all my prescriptions filled ahead of time for my after-surgery meds. I need to go shopping for food for after surgery, yet.
One WONDERFUL thing is that, I was scheduled to start my monthly cycle on the day of surgery. I am usually on time like clockwork. This month however, I started early. I started yesterday, and I am really praying it is over by Friday! Such a relief. Even if it isn't over by Friday, at least I will be at the tail-end of it... Much better than showing up on day1 or day2 of cycle with cramps and heavy bleeding!
Oh, well, better get off of here and actually work on my to-do list!
pre-op liquid diet - day 6
Jul 20, 2011
In order to meet the 5g fiber 3x's a day, I've been using Benefiber single packs so I can carry it in my purse. The first batch I bought (Strawberry Kiwi) is fine in small does or diluted with a bottle of water, but to get 5 grams, I had to use almost 2 packs in each cup. Too sweet and made me gag... but I used up the whole box (didn't want to waste it lol). Like I said, diluted more it would have been ok - still not my fav, but I can see why people like it better than just plain water if you are not a plain water type of person. I am a plain water person, so I got the single packs of regular Benefiber, and it really has no taste to it. I can add my 1.5 packs to one cup with no problem. The first two times I had to get over the "idea of it" though. It really tastes like plain water, but my mind kept saying, "There's SOMETHING in there!!!!" and it took all I had not to gag. Now I am getting past that. ;-)
8 more days and then my surgery in 9 days! Woohooo!
I have been really good sticking to the diet. I did chew food twice and then spit it in the garbage disposal... never swallowed it. Felt guilty enough just putting it in my mouth, but it's hard when you are in charge of still making breakfast, lunch and dinner in the household. My hubby offers to help, but he's been putting in long hours at work, and I just couldn't bring myself to have him help. So, overall... SUCCESS!
Phase 2: Liquid Diet - Dr. ofc. instructions
Jul 19, 2011
Please follow the liquid diet guidelines exactly as they are written. The diet is going to be critical in preparing your liver for surgery and decreasing your risk of having to do the surgery open instead of laparoscopically. Please continue to follow the Phase 1 Diet that ********* discussed with you until you start the Phase 2 Diet. Failure to follow both diets will result in your surgery being rescheduled due to non-compliance.
AM
- Protein Drink Supplement
- 1 cup skim milk or container light yogurt
Mid Morning
- Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber)
Noon
- Protein Drink Supplement
- Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber)
- 1 cup skim milk or container light yogurt
Afternoon
- 1- cup raw vegetables(this can be a small salad mixed with a fat free vinaigrette dressing)
Dinner
- Protein Drink Supplement
- Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber)
Evening
- Protein Drink Supplement
- 1- cup skim milk or container light yogurt
*Fiber Supplement = 2-3 teaspoons of Benefiber is what we recommend mixed with 8 oz of clear liquid.*
Please note:
· You are only allowed three servings of dairy per day. For example: if you mix one of your protein supplements with milk, then you have used one serving of dairy and are only allowed two more. If you mix three supplements with milk, then you are not allowed to have any more dairy that day. When you have used all your dairy servings, you may mix your protein powder with water.
· Be sure to include a complete multivitamin twice a day, as well as 100 ounces of free liquid (water, crystal light, hot tea, diet iced tea, broth, decaf coffee, propel water, sugar free jell-o, sugar free popsicles) Please note: your fiber supplements and your protein supplements count toward your 100 ounces of fluid. You may consumer over 100 ounces of the free liquids listed above if you desire. The fiber supplement three times a day equals 24 ounces and the protein supplement four times a day equals 32 ounces, so you will need to consume an additional 44 ounces of free liquid per day, but again, you may consume more.
· You can purchase your protein supplement at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe. It can be any brand as long as it contains pure whey protein isolate, at least 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving, is low fat, and has less than 5 grams of carbohydrates. Please note: If your protein supplement contains 40 grams or more of protein, you will need to cut the serving in half (i.e.: 20 grams each serving)
· If you are currently taking medication for diabetes, you MUST consult your doctor during this diet because your medications may need to be adjusted or stopped. When you speak with your doctor, tell them you are on a very low carbohydrate liquid diet. You must continue to check your blood sugars throughout the day while you are on the liquid diet.
Day 5 of liquid diet!
Jul 19, 2011
One thing I have noticed on this liquid diet is that vivid dreams have picked up in frequency... like every night! And, my sense of smell is off the charts. Sometimes that's not a good thing... lol
Overall, I am doing ok. I've been focusing on getting stuff done before surgery (cleaning, organizing, etc) and keeping my mind off the actual surgery. I will probably post a "I am freaking out" post next Thursday night when it finally dawns on me...
But for now... high spirits and high hopes :)
Pre-op & First Day Phase II Diet
Jul 15, 2011
First Day Phase II Liquid Diet... It is hard today... Feeling weak. I am sure as the days progress I will be ok. But the first day has not been very pleasant, and I've been in the bathroom all day if you kwim? ugh. I don't have much else to add... rather, I don't have much energy to add much else. lol
Two more days until pre-op!
Jul 12, 2011
I am so excited and scared at the same time for surgery. I really think this will be a good thing for me long-term and I can't wait to be on the loser bench. I am trying to prepare for the worse, but I am praying to God like mad that I have a smooth journey. I've been trying to read all the success stories and temper it with all the bad posts I read. I just want a healthy balance of info and a good reality of what could happen.
I am not gonna lie, the pre op phase one diet has not been easy for me and I had a couple slips, but I have lost weight. As odd as it may sound, I am looking forward to the pre op phase 2 (2 week liquids) diet. If I can only drink, I think the temptation of food will be less - for me anyway. It's when I have choices that I get tempted. If I know I can only have liquid... well I just think it will be easier on me - although not very tasty.
I need to pick up on my exercising more. I have been active, but life is getting in the way again of actual workouts like I would like. I need to come up with a plan. I am a planner and love making my little lists... I think it is time for a list! LOL
Well, I will probably blog after my pre-op on Thursday! I got butterflies in my stomach and I just want to have the surgery and get it over with at this point and start on my journey! I am sooooo close!!!!
Zumba (sigh) and other stuff ETA: Phase 1 Diet Instructions.
Jul 01, 2011
I did get a good work out both times I went. I also walked a mile today pushing my son in his stroller. It took me alittle under 20 minutes. The Florida heat and humidity outside were horrible. I wasn't sure if I'd make it through. I think I will do my walking at night from now on.
I did well on my preop Phase 1 diet today. Protein shake for breakfast and a vitamin, chicken and salad for lunch, Protein and veggies for dinner, and a yogurt for snack. I've been drinking water but should probably be getting in more. I also need to remember to take another vitamin... the second one of the day is hard for me to remember.
I think I will do some walking on my gazelle and then rest and spend time surfing OH boards :-) I am starting to feel a little down. Not sure if it's because of the food or that I am tired. Being an emotional eater, I have found that in the past, I tend to start getting down when I start a diet. It's like I am grieving the loss of the food. Sound weird? I noticed when I was eating dinner (and wanting something entirely different from what I was eating), I kept thinking to myself, "so this is it? This is what I have to look forward to?" It started getting me down. Surfing the OH boards and success stories should help me out of my funk a little ;-)
ETA: Did 30 minutes on my Gazelle tonight :-)
ETA: Phase 1 Diet instructions from dr. office:
Phase One Diet Instructions
In order to maximize your chances of a successful laparoscopic surgery, the doctor recommends all patients begin a pre-operative diet immediately. The pre-operative diet is beneficial to every patient because research has proven that a small to moderate weight loss prior to surgery can decrease the risk of post-operative complications.
· Cut meal portions in half
· No starches or simple sugars: no breads, pasta, rice, candy, or other sweets. This includes cereal, bagels, oatmeal, granola bars and anything made of grains.
· Eat lean proteins: chicken, fish, beef, pork, eggs
· Have a fresh fruit or vegetable with every meal
· Consume 2-3 serving of dairy per day: low fat milk or low fat yogurt only.
· Exercise at least five (5) days per week. Increase the intensity and time every week. You may start with a brisk walk or swimming and increase by 10 minutes each week.
· Take an adult formula multi-vitamin two times per day.
Pre-op phase 1 diet
Jun 29, 2011
1. Cut meal portions in half
2. No starches or simple sugars: no breads, pasta, rice, candy, or other sweets. This includes cereal, bagels, oatmeal, granola bars and anything made of grains.
3. Eat lean proteins: chicken, fish, beef, pork, eggs
4. Have a fresh fruit or vegetable with every meal.
5. Consume 2-3 serving of dairy per day: low fat milk or low fat yogurt only
6. Exercise at least five (5) days per week. Increase the intensity and time every week. You may start with a brisk walk or swimming and increase by 10 minutes each week.
Well, I certainly have not been perfect during this time. I've run into a little issue with eating absolutely no carbs. Although when I do have a carb, I have chosen healthy ones (eg a wheat wrap or fiber bar) - it's more of the fact that I forget and then remember afterwards I cannot eat it. KWIM? But, still I need to completely cut them. I can say, however, that as the last week and a half has progressed, I find that I am getting better and thinking more about my choices and feel like I've improved.
I have already dropped 9 pounds as of this morning. I need to lose 6 more pounds before surgery, but I am sure this will not be a problem. Especially since I still have my phase 2 diet starting on July 15 (2 weeks liquid diet before surgery). So although I have had a couple cheats with the carbs, I have made good carb choices at least. And, the longer I am on phase one of the diet, the more I have been sticking to it - which gives me hope that I can stick to the strick guidelines after surgery. I am ready for this... with the exception of a few lingering fears that I hope to ease through researching this site and ease when I talk to the doctor at preop appt on July 14.
Wow. I cannot believe that in 4 weeks from tomorrow I will have my VSG! I am alittle anxious and nervous - I cannot lie. But I am determined to make this a success. I have to; my future and my life depend on it!
Goal for today... Remember not to eat any carbs!
Getting excited
Jun 28, 2011
Anyway, since posting a message on the VSG bored about "cold feet," I got responses that others had that feeling, too. But, now they think the surgery was the best thing they did for themselves. I keep coming back to the boards and reading about the journey of others and researching and find I am more at ease now... still have some doubts and anxiety, but it is getting better.
