No Pre-Op Diet?!?!??!

[Plus-sized Philosopher]

Hey all. I just got approval from insurance for my surgery (huzzah!) and I'm scheduled for June 11th. I saw my doctor and signed consents and all that, and after giving me the pre-op instructions, I realized that there is no pre-op diet save the day-before-surgery-clear-liquids-only. I've been reading on here and most--if not all people--seem to have been put on a two week liquid diet before surgery. Has anyone else had the surgery without the pre-op diet? Is this unheard of? Should I call my doctor to find out? I'm worried that something might go wrong if I don't do liquids for two weeks before surgery. HELP!

[brendadenton64]

All depends what your bmi is. Doctors are all different

[BigDogMom]

That's a very realistic question. I was NOT put on any special/restrictive diet pre-op, except for clears the day before. I was 289 lbs, at 5'7", the day before my surgery. I'm about 6 1/2 months out now, and I've lost 99 lbs. Every surgeon is different, but I for absolute sure think your after-surgery diet is WAY more important than the before. Although, I'd strongly recommend that you not do what I did, and slip into the "last meal" syndrome. I was eating anything and everything I wanted. After the surgery, it definitely takes some time to switch from listening to "head hunger" versus reading "an actual "need for food'. You'll find your own groove for what to eat and when. Try not too stress too much!
Reach out, anytime, if you ever have questions or just need some friendly encouragement.

[WaywardSmiles]

I too was with you. Just day before clear liquids. I did however put myself on a bit of a diet beforehand. For about 3 weeks, I replaced 2 meals with a protein shake. I stopped drinking with my other 2 meals. i made sure to eat slowly and chew until whatever I was eating turned to mush in my mouth. I was surprised that I would actually feel full at about 25 minutes-normally I would clear my plate in ten minutes! Everyone else would be done eating and I'd be at the table alone! And I made sure to look at and smell the food that was served-I knew I would need to after surgery even when I was on a liquid diet for 3 weeks. These were tiny "mental" changes that I believe have made it so much easier to follow the guidelines after the sleeve. I have no issues with cooking/baking for my family and eating dinner with them...I like that they can enjoy the food-even when I can't. Someday, I will be able to again. Best wishes to you...

[jtayse]

My doctor has the same thing - only one day of clear liquids before the surgery. I'm doing what Wayward Smiles did. I plan on doing two protein shakes instead of meals. I have tried to stop drinking before and after meals - that one is a toughy! Right now I'm doing one shake a day. My surgery is June 12th. Good luck!

[Bilby]

I am eating "normally" until Sunday (although I am on a metabolic regimen anyway) ... Then clear fluids for Surgery Monday morning

[jleecole]

I had just read some of my surgery information last night and according to my doctor's information the pre-op diet is to shrink the liver in preparation for surgery and to make it easier on your body. I wouldn't think it would hurt to do what Wayward Smiles did - it will help you prepare for your post-op diet!

Good Luck!!

[Town976]

I was also told that the preop diet was to shrink the liver. They showed pictures and the difference was quite remarkable. I have liquid meal replacement along with extra protein.

[while.im.still.young]

My surgeon does not require a 2 week pre-op diet either but he does require that all of his patients lose a certain percentage of their body weight before he will operate. The percentage depends on the individual's BMI.

[Gothikim]

My doc "prescribes" the pre-op diet length based on BMI, citing liver shrinkage as the purpose. I'm doing 10 days, and my hubs is doing 21 days. Whether or not the liver specifically shrinks, a reduction in intra-abdominal fat can only improve the surgeon's view and access.

A different surgeon that I'd contacted before choosing to go to Mexico doesn't require a pre-op diet at all. His reasoning is that the bariatric surgery community is finding that the liver doesn't really shrink that much in a week or two or even three. He also believes that post-op compliance is MUCH more important than any pre-op diet's benefits could be, so shortening the onerous liquid diet phase is beneficial on the whole in promoting post-op compliance.

[catherine-lynn]

My doctor said the same thing no pre-op diet, but I will try eating just liquids at least one week before my surgery.I want to try to get use to not eating food. I think anything that helps me recover sooner than Im all for it.

[CaymanKarma]

Mine (up til now) is known for requiring 1 month liquid pre-op regardless of BMI. I'e started with 1 shake a day already in anticipation.

[babypom]

My surgeon never required any type of pre op diet, only thing was no food or liquid after 10pm the night before surgery. All doctors are different. I did try to stop drinking during meals as well though, and attempted to slow down the speed of which I ate, and did for a few weeks before surgery attempt to lose a few pounds, which I did.

[LisaI]

No preop here at all. NONE. and it's much more common than you think. My bmi was high...but i had no requirements except nothing by mouth the night before...and i had to take a laxative a couple days before. that is all.

[ChrissyT]

No preop diet order for me either.