Milk Diet- Can someone explain it to me? - WLSurgery.com

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

I can't find any clear and defined explanation of this diet, what you eat/drink, when, how much, the benefits, why I would be required to do it, how long it lasts?

I'm also confused about other diets, requests by surgical teams, that I've read about and as most of the info on the net is from the US I thought I'd ask here.

Best wishes,

Cx

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

The liver shrinkage diet being another.

I know what it's for, but not what I'd be consuming and so on.

Not panicking, but just looking for clarity!

TwinkleTwinkle · 18th February, 2012

Hi honey

most surgeons ask that you do a liver shrinking diet pre op to give them the best possible chance to do the op laparoscopically which is obviously much easier if the liver is not huge. The diets are usually low cal or milk but I have heard of people doing Slimfast. I did the milk diet which was better for me as no chance of getting it wrong

It was 3 pints of SK milk & 3 low fat yoghurts per day + 2 litres of fluid ie; NAS Squash or water. It is usually required for 2 weeks but can vary from surgeon to surgeon. Sounds harsh but really wasn't. Hope that helps you, sweetie

xxx

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

Thanks Twinkle,

I can't stand slim-fast, I can't stand anything that has even a little powder texture to it..... Even packet cheese sauce makes me sick, physically!

The milk diet doesn't sound to bad.

How long in until you feel less hungry and what are your energy levels like during it?

Cx

TwinkleTwinkle · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by civvygit

Thanks Twinkle,

I can't stand slim-fast, I can't stand anything that has even a little powder texture to it..... Even packet cheese sauce makes me sick, physically!

The milk diet doesn't sound to bad.

How long in until you feel less hungry and what are your energy levels like during it?

Cx

The first couple of days you miss food, but we have all been there, lol ... about 4 days in I had a low grade headache due to the carb withdrawal but this was minimal & only lasted a day or two. The last 2 days I could feel my energy levels lowering but I was trying to get everything done, including the garden before I went into hospital & so was expending much more energy than I had in the bank, so my fault entirely. It was all a waste of time too as 2 weeks post op I was up to doing it anyway

xxx

SARAH S · 18th February, 2012

The reason you have these diets is not for weight loss but as Denise said to shrink the liver...although most people do lose weight (extra bonus)

The milk diet is often used and is easy if you don't like to think about what you want to eat too much....the 3rd day seems to be the worst mostly with headaches...this is due to the carb withdrawal...after that it becomes easier.

I did the low fat diet, just as it says, mainly because I struggle to drink 2 litres anyway and the thought of a couple extra pints ...I thought I'd drown.

Some surgeons don't give you a choice you just have to do the diet they give you.

None of them are too bad and to keep at them shows the commitment that you are going to need to be successful

Good luck glad you've joined us....loads of good useful info and experience to be found on this site

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinkleTwinkle

The first couple of days you miss food, but we have all been there, lol ... about 4 days in I had a low grade headache due to the carb withdrawal but this was minimal & only lasted a day or two. The last 2 days I could feel my energy levels lowering but I was trying to get everything done, including the garden before I went into hospital & so was expending much more energy than I had in the bank, so my fault entirely. It was all a waste of time too as 2 weeks post op I was up to doing it anyway

xxx

Ah the joys!

I find I can't put anything off here either so can imagine a similar scenario.

Thank you for all your input, it's a kind of a roller coaster ride isn't it? I've never had the true lows yet, although running after the PCT is peeing me off, I'm a great believer in do the job you are paid to do or move over and let someone else!

Here's another thought/question, have you heard of any support groups run by patients themselves rather than the hospitals?

I've been to a few and they all seem to be 'info' sessions rather than practical advice and real life tried and tested tips!

A recent bad example of which would be a friends sister who had her surgery in 2010, privately, and lives on 'fags, chocolate and coffee' and who 'has a perfectly healthy diet so doesn't need any supplements'.....

Cx

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

Thanks Sarah!

SARAH S · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by civvygit

Ah the joys!

I find I can't put anything off here either so can imagine a similar scenario.

Thank you for all your input, it's a kind of a roller coaster ride isn't it? I've never had the true lows yet, although running after the PCT is peeing me off, I'm a great believer in do the job you are paid to do or move over and let someone else!

Here's another thought/question, have you heard of any support groups run by patients themselves rather than the hospitals?

I've been to a few and they all seem to be 'info' sessions rather than practical advice and real life tried and tested tips!

A recent bad example of which would be a friends sister who had her surgery in 2010, privately, and lives on 'fags, chocolate and coffee' and who 'has a perfectly healthy diet so doesn't need any supplements'.....

Cx

Google BoSPA they are patient led support groups held all around the country

TwinkleTwinkle · 18th February, 2012

Well I have never been bothered about going to support groups but lots of people on here do & gain a great deal from them. For every success story though, there will be someone who just cannot adapt to the lifetime commitment needed & they tend to be the ones who go to the support groups. (not always) This can be demoralising for the uninitiated & so I have gathered all my strength from the lovely people on here. I am not saying it is a walk in the park, but I am one of the lucky ones who got the op with minimal fuss & have done well with very few hiccups along the way. There are people at the other end of the spectrum who really are struggling just to get funding & the ones who have post op complications. You will see all these scenarios by reading lots of previous posts. It is good to ask as many questions as you can think of as information is your friend

xxx

SARAH S · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinkleTwinkle

Well I have never been bothered about going to support groups but lots of people on here do & gain a great deal from them. For every success story though, there will be someone who just cannot adapt to the lifetime commitment needed & they tend to be the ones who go to the support groups. (not always) This can be demoralising for the uninitiated & so I have gathered all my strength from the lovely people on here. I am not saying it is a walk in the park, but I am one of the lucky ones who got the op with minimal fuss & have done well with very few hiccups along the way. There are people at the other end of the spectrum who really are struggling just to get funding & the ones who have post op complications. You will see all these scenarios by reading lots of previous posts. It is good to ask as many questions as you can think of as information is your friend

xxx

I must admit they're not for me either, I went to 1 just a couple of days before my op...just to see I guess......but I find the forum here much more useful and supportive

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

I think I like the idea of face to face information and building relationships based on common hurdles/barriers and sharing ideas on how to over come them in real life local situations.

There are so many PCT's with different criteria, so many different surgeons asking people to complete diets they prefer, and even more post-op care scenarios I can think of that, while I'm sure I'll find the answer here eventually, as a CDW I'm used to dealing with groups and individuals for info sharing anyway!

Cx

civvygit · 18th February, 2012

Not that this site isn't a well of knowledge, and every question I've had so far has been answered by simply searching, or asking!

SARAH S · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by civvygit

I think I like the idea of face to face information and building relationships based on common hurdles/barriers and sharing ideas on how to over come them in real life local situations.

There are so many PCT's with different criteria, so many different surgeons asking people to complete diets they prefer, and even more post-op care scenarios I can think of that, while I'm sure I'll find the answer here eventually, as a CDW I'm used to dealing with groups and individuals for info sharing anyway!

Cx

The BoSPA groups will be ideal for you then I think, the one I attended had loads of people at all stages, however because I'm in Cornwall there is only 1 surgeon so everyone had the same guy - mind you he is a demi god in my eyes!!

They have speakers etc and lots of bumf available. These are monthly meetings, so hopefully you'll find one close to you

SARAH S · 18th February, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by civvygit

Not that this site isn't a well of knowledge, and every question I've had so far has been answered by simply searching, or asking!

Don't worry no one will take offence for you seeking out as much info from wherever you can ... its positively encouraged

I'm glad you're finding the site useful

18th February, 2012	#1 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	Milk Diet- Can someone explain it to me? I can't find any clear and defined explanation of this diet, what you eat/drink, when, how much, the benefits, why I would be required to do it, how long it lasts? I'm also confused about other diets, requests by surgical teams, that I've read about and as most of the info on the net is from the US I thought I'd ask here. Best wishes, Cx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

18th February, 2012	#2 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	The liver shrinkage diet being another. I know what it's for, but not what I'd be consuming and so on. Not panicking, but just looking for clarity! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

18th February, 2012	#3 (permalink)
TwinkleTwinkle A Very Happy Bunny TwinkleTwinkle's Profile Albums TwinkleTwinkle's Photo Gallery Join Date: 9th August, 2011 Location: Sheffield Posts: 3,459 Thanks: 349 Thanked 457 Times in 451 Posts Rep Power: 162 Consultant: Mr Ackroyd Funding: NHS Surgery Type: Gastric Bypass Surgery Date: 3/10/11 Height: 5' 4" Gender: Female Start Date: Milk Diet 26/09/11 Start Weight: 279lb Current Weight: 176lb Goal Weight: 135lb Goal Date: Not Important BMI Information: Start BMI: 47.9 Current BMI: 30.2 Goal BMI: 23.2 Statistics: Total Weight Loss: 103lb Weight to Lose: 41lb % Lost: 36.92% %EWL: 76.9%	Hi honey most surgeons ask that you do a liver shrinking diet pre op to give them the best possible chance to do the op laparoscopically which is obviously much easier if the liver is not huge. The diets are usually low cal or milk but I have heard of people doing Slimfast. I did the milk diet which was better for me as no chance of getting it wrong It was 3 pints of SK milk & 3 low fat yoghurts per day + 2 litres of fluid ie; NAS Squash or water. It is usually required for 2 weeks but can vary from surgeon to surgeon. Sounds harsh but really wasn't. Hope that helps you, sweetie xxx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

18th February, 2012	#4 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	Thanks Twinkle, I can't stand slim-fast, I can't stand anything that has even a little powder texture to it..... Even packet cheese sauce makes me sick, physically! The milk diet doesn't sound to bad. How long in until you feel less hungry and what are your energy levels like during it? Cx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

18th February, 2012	#6 (permalink)
SARAH S Here comes the new me SARAH S's Profile Albums SARAH S's Photo Gallery Mahjongg 2 Champion! Cold Fusion Champion! Master Qwan`s Mahjongg Deluxe Champion! Quick Words Champion! Patience Delux Champion! Chain Reaction Champion! Hexxagon Champion! Bejeweled Champion! Tic Tac Toe Champion! Mental Blocks Champion! Ball Of Madness Champion! Asteroids Champion! Othello Champion! Jurassic Realm Champion! Americas Army Champion! Join Date: 12th June, 2011 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,223 Thanks: 143 Thanked 134 Times in 131 Posts Rep Power: 64 Consultant: Mr Finlay Funding: Private Surgery Type: Bypass Surgery Date: 7th Sept 2011 Height: 5' 6" Gender: Female Start Date: Forever ago! Start Weight: 280lb Current Weight: 198lb Goal Weight: 175lb Goal Date: Whenever it happens, but soon hopefully. I want to get on with life! BMI Information: Start BMI: 45.2 Current BMI: 32 Goal BMI: 28.2 Statistics: Total Weight Loss: 82lb Weight to Lose: 23lb % Lost: 29.29% %EWL: 65.2%	The reason you have these diets is not for weight loss but as Denise said to shrink the liver...although most people do lose weight (extra bonus) The milk diet is often used and is easy if you don't like to think about what you want to eat too much....the 3rd day seems to be the worst mostly with headaches...this is due to the carb withdrawal...after that it becomes easier. I did the low fat diet, just as it says, mainly because I struggle to drink 2 litres anyway and the thought of a couple extra pints ...I thought I'd drown. Some surgeons don't give you a choice you just have to do the diet they give you. None of them are too bad and to keep at them shows the commitment that you are going to need to be successful Good luck glad you've joined us....loads of good useful info and experience to be found on this site Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter TwinkleTwinkle and civvygit like this. __________________ Sarah Heaviest 20st 21/08 pre op diet 19st 2lb -12lb 29/08 wk1 pre op 18st12lb -4lb 05/09 wk2 pre op 18st 7lb -5lb 12/09 wk1 post op 17st 13lb -8lb 18/09 wk2 post op 17st 8lb - 5lb 26/09 wk3 post op 17st 6lb - 2lb 05/10 wk4 post op 17st 1lb - 5lb 12/10 wk5 post op 16st12lb -3lb 19/10 wk6 post op 16st 10lb-2lb 02/11 wk8 post op 16st 3lb-7lb 09/11 wk9 post op 16st 1lb-2lb 16/11 wk10post op 15st 11lb -4lbs 24/11 wk11 post op 15st 10lb -1lb 30/11 wk12 post op 15st 8lb -2lbs 7/12 3mths post op 15st 6lb -2lbs 14/12 14wks post op 15st 2lb -4lbs 23/12 15wks post op 15st 5lb +3lb 28/12 16wk post op 15st 3lb -2lb 04/01/12 4mts post op 15st 1lb -1lb 11/01 18wks post 14st 13lb -2lbs 18/01 19 wks post stayed the same 25/01 20wks post 14st 11lbs -2lbs 15/02 23wks post 14st 11lb still the same..must improve food intake 22/02 24weeks post 14st 8lbs -3lbs 16/03 27weeks post and off on cruise 14st 5lb - 3lbs - after 2wk cruise 14st 4lbs -1lb Last edited by SARAH S : 18th February, 2012 at 11:33 AM Reason: Bldy "n" doesn't work!!!!!

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civvygit (18th February, 2012)

18th February, 2012	#8 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	Thanks Sarah! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

18th February, 2012	#10 (permalink)
TwinkleTwinkle A Very Happy Bunny TwinkleTwinkle's Profile Albums TwinkleTwinkle's Photo Gallery Join Date: 9th August, 2011 Location: Sheffield Posts: 3,459 Thanks: 349 Thanked 457 Times in 451 Posts Rep Power: 162 Consultant: Mr Ackroyd Funding: NHS Surgery Type: Gastric Bypass Surgery Date: 3/10/11 Height: 5' 4" Gender: Female Start Date: Milk Diet 26/09/11 Start Weight: 279lb Current Weight: 176lb Goal Weight: 135lb Goal Date: Not Important BMI Information: Start BMI: 47.9 Current BMI: 30.2 Goal BMI: 23.2 Statistics: Total Weight Loss: 103lb Weight to Lose: 41lb % Lost: 36.92% %EWL: 76.9%	Well I have never been bothered about going to support groups but lots of people on here do & gain a great deal from them. For every success story though, there will be someone who just cannot adapt to the lifetime commitment needed & they tend to be the ones who go to the support groups. (not always) This can be demoralising for the uninitiated & so I have gathered all my strength from the lovely people on here. I am not saying it is a walk in the park, but I am one of the lucky ones who got the op with minimal fuss & have done well with very few hiccups along the way. There are people at the other end of the spectrum who really are struggling just to get funding & the ones who have post op complications. You will see all these scenarios by reading lots of previous posts. It is good to ask as many questions as you can think of as information is your friend xxx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter civvygit likes this. __________________

18th February, 2012	#12 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	I think I like the idea of face to face information and building relationships based on common hurdles/barriers and sharing ideas on how to over come them in real life local situations. There are so many PCT's with different criteria, so many different surgeons asking people to complete diets they prefer, and even more post-op care scenarios I can think of that, while I'm sure I'll find the answer here eventually, as a CDW I'm used to dealing with groups and individuals for info sharing anyway! Cx Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

18th February, 2012	#13 (permalink)
civvygit ass-kickin'-mama civvygit's Profile Albums civvygit's Photo Gallery Join Date: 31st January, 2012 Location: Central London Posts: 143 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2 Consultant: Dr Heath Funding: NHS Surgery Type: By-pass Height: 5' 1" Gender: Female Start Weight: 261lb Goal Weight: 140lb Goal Date: whenever! BMI Information:	Not that this site isn't a well of knowledge, and every question I've had so far has been answered by simply searching, or asking! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ It's not my fat arse, it's the fat between my shoulder blades that's fallen down into my jeans! (You've got to larf!)

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