Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
I see where some people don't have to go on it & some people are on it for 1 week others 2 weeks.. what's the purpose?? Is it just the Dr's?? How can they tell if we don't stay on just liquids? I mean, would they really say, take your 15k & go back home if we cheated?? Just curious.. :confused:
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
A major purpose of the liquid diet (thank goodness mine was only 5 days) is to shrink your liver to make the operation easier for the doctor to perform. Your liver can be very fatty but the liquid diet slims it down. I know one of my surgery mates cheated with ice cream 2 days before, and she was throwing up all night after surgery. I can't say whether it was due to her cheating, but I know I didn't cheat and I was fine after surgery.
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
My surgeon said they have us on a liver reduction diet for 2 weeks to get it to a "more normal" size which makes it easier for them to operate but mainly because they don't want to nick it or bruise it during surgery. She said if we didn't follow the diet it could jeopardize our surgery but i think you'd have to just not follow it at all for that to happen!!
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
The pre-op diet depends on how heavy you are before surgery, if you have a higher BMI the Dr. will most likely put you on a 2 week pre-op diet and some only have 1 week and some just a 1 day diet. I was suppose to be on it for 2 weeks and I cheated several times through out the 2 weeks. I got weak and I knew I was going to be on liquids for another 2 weeks after surgery so 2 days before surgery I had a huge tenderloin sandwich and enjoyed it! I never had any problems with vomiting and my surgery went like clock work! I did lose 8 pounds during those two weeks and could have probably lost more but I'm happy with my progress, 50 pounds down in 10 weeks and feeling great.
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
My doc makes everyone do 2 weeks no matter what size you are or what proceedure you are gwtting done. I did the whole 2 weeks with no cheating. He told me my post op problems will almost be zero b/c it was so easy to get to my stomach. He also said my body will stay in ketosis and i will lose fast post op.
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
I did not have to do a liquids diet pre op except for the day before I had to go on clear liquids. My diet consisted of 2 protein shakes a day, 2 frozen low cal meals (like lean cuisine) 2 cups of veggies a day, and 2 servings of fruit. I still lost 17 lbs that way. Just stay away from carbs and you really should lose weight, but I guess everyone is different :)
I had no problems with recovery and have lost an additional 33 lbs since my surgery ( 3 weeks ago)
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
All the above, plus, it detoxes you a bit for the sudden loss of carbs, which can be quite hard on your body and mind.
I had only 2 days of liquids but I had to drop and keep off 10% of my excess body weight (20 lbs for me) before I could meet with the surgeon and then keep it off. They weigh us the day of surgery. Gain any back and no surgery. I was so freaked out I lost a bunch more to be certain.
I think this is still new and the docs are still trying to come up with what works.
I can tell you I think the liquids for 2 wks do shrink the liver better. Even though I lost 35 lbs in the 12 wks prior to surgery the surgeon said my liver was pretty fatty.
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
What did your liquid diet consist of if I may ask? I am having problems with direaha?
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
Our surgeon didn't require a liquid diet either with the exception of the day before. I'm wondering if I should just do it anyway - at least the week before. My husband didn't have big problems, but he also was very careful about his diet. I'm very appreciative of this discussion as I'm 25 days before my surgery and want to make the best decisions. Thanks!
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
I was on 2 week pre-op diet - but only the last 4 days or so were liquid. It was quite harsh. I think diarrhea is very very common. I have also been told that if the liver has not appropriately shrunk during the pre-op diet they'll have to put in an extra incision and retract the liver during the surgery.
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
My surgeon only has me on a *liquid* diet for two days pre op. Liquids (I am assuming today) with laxatives and if I don't have several bms today, then more lax tomorrow. Only CLEAR liquids tomorrow though. He gave me a handout with instructions so I assume it's the same for all of his patients. Not very clear instructions though!
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
Oh yea,there's the laxative part as well - I think I blocked that out of my mind
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DavidNM
Oh yea,there's the laxative part as well - I think I blocked that out of my mind
That part hasn't hit me yet! LOL Only a matter of time...
Re: Why do we have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op??
There are some docs that dont require any diet before hand just the usual nothing by mouth after midnight deal. Every doc is different. I think those who have their insurance pay jump thru more hoops. I personally wasnt willing to do classes, numerous costly tests etc and still pay my $3000. deductible.. I went to Mexico and never thought twice about it......but thats off the subject