Pre-Op Diet, how many days should I be on it?

**Pamrocks54** · 07-08-2013 10:22 AM

Hello everyone, I am not one to post many questions as I usually can find my answers from other posts. However, I am confused about when I should start by pre-op diet. My surgeon says to start 3 days before but I see other sleevers starting a lot sooner.

My surgery is in 28 days and I am so nervous that I keep eating crap and I am actually gaining weight! So I really want to get started but I think it might be too soon to be starting a liquid diet now. I just don't want to gain any more weight before the surgery and it would be nice to get down a few pounds before. Today I decided I was going to stop eating junk and carbs and stick to a high protein diet and start my liquid diet a few days before I leave. I just hope I can do it! Do all of you stick to what your doctor tells you as to when to start the liquid diet?

**Netekay** · 07-08-2013 10:25 AM

It depends on the doctor...some want more time on the diet to shrink the liver. If your doc said three days, that is what I would do. The surgeon I will be using wants semi-liquid/liquid for two weeks before surgery.

Good luck!!!!!!
Lynette

**fatspidey** · 07-08-2013 10:32 AM

Follow your docs input. I am on a true liquid only (protein shakes) diet for 2 weeks to shrink liver. My doc has all patients do at least a week but i was luck enough to get to do it for 2 weeks.

**housediva82** · 07-08-2013 10:52 AM

I agree follow what your dr tells you thats good only 3 days mine was 2 weeks

**KebfromCincy** · 07-08-2013 11:22 AM

I am on Day 1 of a two week pre-op liquid diet. I get one cup of salad or vegetables a day with sugar-free/fat-free dressing. Again, like the others have said, I was told that this was the shrink the liver to make the surgery easier. I am a nurse and I know this is a good thing for any type of abdominal surgery. The less they have to manipulate other organs, the less pain you will have post-op. Most obese people have what is called a "fatty-liver". Don't be offended, anyone who eats too many high fat foods may have this, even if they are of normal weight. Your Doctor says you only need three days. Well, you can follow those instructions or you can add a few more days of restrictions if you want. He isn't going to be upset if you did. He just does not feel it is as necessary as other Doctors. Good luck with your surgery.

**Pamrocks54** · 07-08-2013 03:09 PM

Thanks everyone! I don't know why my surgeon only needs me to be on the liquid diet for 3 days rather than a week or two. I am wondering what he bases it on??? My BMI is 38 so its not that low. I am glad it is only 3 days though but I am worried my liver won't be shrunk enough and it kind of scares me.

**lindamck** · 07-10-2013 04:02 AM

Ugh, i have been told by my Dr in Australia to be on liquid shakes 4 weeks pre-op - to reduce the size of my liver, but day 2 and I just don't know how I can sustain it for another 4 weeks. This part seems to be harder than the actual surgery I am sooo hungry but don't want to go against his instructions. I can't understand why most Docs seem to only say 2 weeks??

**Town976** · 07-10-2013 11:53 AM

I am on day two of a two week liquid diet. 5 liquid meal replacements per day plus.... I also hope I can keep this up. Very hard, but such a challenge. I think of of feeling of accomplishment at the end!

**wannabhealthy50** · 07-10-2013 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Pamrocks54

Thanks everyone! I don't know why my surgeon only needs me to be on the liquid diet for 3 days rather than a week or two. I am wondering what he bases it on??? My BMI is 38 so its not that low. I am glad it is only 3 days though but I am worried my liver won't be shrunk enough and it kind of scares me.

Please listen to what your doc says and no one else! As far as shrinking your liver, the main reason for this is to make the surgeon's job easier so that he/she doesn't have to move it out of the way more than need be.

**judge52** · 07-25-2013 08:41 PM

Maybe the time required for the liquid diet is determined based on the review of the ultra sound of the abdomen that all sleepers must have. I believe the test also gives the size of the liver and theDr is making the decision based on this info. I had a CT of the pelvis and abdomen as well as a ultra sound of the abdomen an I am sure Isaw in the report the size for the liver as well as other organs

**coolmom43** · 07-25-2013 09:44 PM

If you feel like you should do liquids longer, do it, but, don't set yourself up to fail. My Dr had us on high protein low carbs for 2 weeks, we had a atkin meal bar and protein shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, almonds or a spoon of peanut butter, for a snack and then lean meat and a veggie for dinner, if we felt hungry after dinner, another shake. The day before surgery, we had to stop solid food by 5pm and only clear liquids between then and midnight. I lost about 15 pounds during those 2 weeks. That is an idea for you before you get to your 3 days of liquids. Just a thought if you feel the need to cut down before the 3 days of liquids.

**efh56** · 07-26-2013 09:42 AM

Pam, if it makes you feel any better, I was not put on a liquid diet AT ALL. Dr just told me not to try to eat everything I could prior to surgery. He said I should eat "lighter a couple of days prior". I didn't know about so many people being in this 2+ week liquid diet so I didn't know any better. Everything went just fine!