Today, well, that is, later today, I'm going on a partial liquid fast; using a medical product for 3-4 meals, then having a small dinner. Giving up all carbs, my fave food. I have put on about 12 pounds since September as I have had increasing pain from a back injury and can't do much, and I'm haivng surgery on January 3rd and need that weight off! That's just the beginning, though, I need to lose 50 more and that's quite a bit. I'm visualizing it every day, though, as I want the weight off to aid in my recovery and because I'm having a two level fusion and I think I need to get as much pressure off of my spine as possible.

Could use encouragement, hugs, prayers that the surgery goes OK. Thanks everyone, you are all great ladies!

Diamondlil,

You should check with your surgeon about fasting prior to surgery. There is a chance you could become malnourished, which could complicate (a) the surgery and (b) your recovery.

I agree! Check with your doctor about this...as I do worry about your recovery. It might be good to take a good multivitamin too. Hugs!

I agree with North & MsT. I had knee surgery in Sept and they made sure that I ate normally and had no herbal diet products and didn't fast. Call your doc asap and talk to him/her about this fast.

I don't know what you're going in for but I don't react well to anethesia (sp?, antibiotics and/or painkillers. I have a very sensitive stomach and any or all of the three really throw me for a loop. Whenever I had my teeth worked on I felt so sick afterwards that it was hard for me to eat but I needed that nourishment.

I just spoke with a neurosurgeon friend of mine, and his exact words were "Bad idea. Very bad idea. It could complicate her recovery"....

Thanks for all the feedback; I am eating, just less. Sad fact is that I was overeating and not very nutritiously. The shakes actually have a ton more protein than I was taking in, plus I figure a good dinner with more protein and veggies is a good idea. I've been eating about 80% carbs lately, and felt I needed to stop that and get in that protein, as it is what repairs cells. I am going for my pre-op next week, so will ask their opinion. I do know one is usually supposed to eat "normally" before surgery, but my eating has been totally disordered and felt this might get me back in a better state of mind to eat better and healthier. Hope I'm right. Thanks, ladies, for the feedback and support. BTW, I'm having a two level spinal fusion. Didn't need another month of drowning out my fears with carbs... It can be tough being a nurse; I know just enough to make me dangerously paranoid!

Definitely cut all the junky carbs, but I would not go to no carbs. About 6 weeks ago I drastically changed my diet - I have completely cut out simple sugar and junky carbs. All I eat now is lean protein and vegetables. If I do get a bread craving, I have an occasional low carb tortilla. I also have tried to drink a lot more water and 2 to 3 servings of green tea a day. I have lost 14 lbs so far doing this! And I'm not counting calories at all and feel totally satisfied! If I crave a treat, I have a sugar free fudgesicle. I have been eating 2 to 3 servings of fish a week. I even figured out how to love sushi sans rice (sushi is one of my favorite foods). I did cheat a little on turkey day and it made me feel really bad and gassy. I don't like the sound of your 'fast' because the shakes are 'fake food' IMO, but cutting out junky carbs will help you feel a lot better. Eating empty carbs sends us on a viscious sugar highs and lows cycle!

Adding protein to your diet is always a good thing! I LOVE pasta and rice but I need more protein. I've started eating eggs more but in moderation. I make a faux egg salad by boiling two eggs and scooping out most of the yolks. Then I put some salt and pepper on it and it's pretty good. And drinking more water is always good...I've tried to cut down on soda and coffee and drink more milk and water. But I cannot cut coffee and soda out entirely; then I go overboard on it. Good luck and keep us posted!

Have gotten the fat out of the diet along with most of the carbs. Increased protein. Each shake has 11 grams, only 4 less than a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, I believe, and with the cheese I'd need some toast... A couple more days and hopefully I'll adjust to no sugar, too. I am taking one piece of hearty whole wheat bread at night to make me feel good; nothing on it anymore, and only the 1 piece. Funny thing, but already my rings are bigger. I think I'm quite salt senitive and the shakes really rein in the sodium. I have a diet coke once a day; it's my treat. Don't do coffee, just tea. I do have fish, preferably salmon, twice a week. I'll keep you all posted.