The Pre-Op Diet

Yesterday was my day to be poked, prodded, weighed, measured and talked too… Very interesting stuff! I received a plethora of material to read and was informed that the liquid diet starts TODAY. The great news, though, is that it really isn’t a “liquid” diet – it is actually quite manageable. The biggest goal is to get 60 grams of protein in a day, eat low-fat meals, and learn how to NOT drink with my meals. (I have to stop drinking liquid 30 minutes before a meal and can't drink for an hour afterward) Here’s what I get for the next two weeks:

• BREAKFAST: 1 Slim-Fast
• LUNCH: 1 Slim-Fast and a small piece of fruit
• SNACK: 6-8 oz. of light yogurt or a yogurt smoothie or 1/2 a cup of low-fat cottage cheese
• DINNER: 4 oz. lean meat (turkey, chicken, fish, etc...) and veggies
• SNACK: Baby Carrots
• UNLIMITED (non-starchy) VEGGIES DURING THE DAY
• LIQUID: A minimum of 64 oz. of water (or sugar-free, calorie-free liquid) a day. My NP also told me that I can have 1 cup of full-strength coffee in the morning (God bless her!). Unfortunately, wine doesn't count as liquid anymore.

So, all in all this is doable. I went to Wal-mart and stocked up on the Slim Fast (and other brands) to see what flavors I like the best. And I got lots of veggies that I prepared last night in the fridge, so all I have to do is grab them and go... I imagine the Slim Fast will get old, but it is only 2 weeks - No problem! At least, that is what I am telling myself! Because it is truly getting me going on a whole new life. Can't wait! Off to get my breakfast now...