Don't Laugh but just what is the pre-op liquid diet?

[GoofySpice]

Ok my first "thread".
I have been reading the posts weeks before I joined and the one thing I noticed was all the comments pertaining to the pre-op liquid diet. What is it exactly? What products are being used? It seems like some people are on it for WEEKS!!! I am going to a very good hospital/program and they only have mentioned a two day clear liquid diet. So I am very curious as to why the liquid and to why the long period of time. What kind of weight is being losted? Don't get me wrong... I am on a pre-opt diet that is high in protein/ low carb under 1100 cals a day. I lost weight the first 3 weeks and now have been losing at a crawl for the last 3 weeks. I was just diagnosed with a low thyroid and just started meds 12 days ago. That might play into the crawl.. don't know. SOOO ...I was thinking maybe the liquid I don't have a surgery date...yet I am waiting for the call.
So group... ADVISE away

[hoonah2]

Welcome
Your preop diet is used for a few reasons. one to shrink your liver and two to get your body ready for the reduction in your food intake. after surgery you will be on liquids for a while and then move to softer foods as you go. Depending on your clinic I think depends on how they prepare you for surgery.
hope this helps

[jerseylocks]

Good question.....all pre op diets vary depending on your surgeon....I was on opti fast for 3 weeks with 1 frozen low cal diet...plus all the clear fluids I wanted....your surgeon will let you know what he/she wants you to do.....I know the diet is to reduce the size of your liver because the surgeon has to move it out the way to perform the sleeve and they do not want to damage the liver...also it gives you a glimpse of what your post op diet will be....Good Luck and any question is good

[atasillo]

Great question. Some docs put you on a liquid diet before surgery to help with your liver etc so it isn't too fatty plus it clears out your system. My surgeon put me on a low fat high protein diet and it worked the same way. So if you want to lose try the liquid or if you are satisfied with what you are doing. Either way you will lose. The low fat high protein diet prepares you for how you will be eating after surgery. I love that. I personally put myself on a liquid diet for several months to try to get the excess weight down a bit before talking to a surgeon and lost 40 lbs on it. I used the online supplements from New Lifestyle diet and you can find them on the web. Just add dot com after the title. They have soups etc so I didn't feel too deprived. In fact I still use them to supplement for protein. Hope this helps.

Whitney