Do I really have to do two weeks pre op?

[Decembersleever 154]

I need some feedback. I'm scheduled to be sleeved on 12/26. When I met with the nutritionist - she said .... "you won't have to do the full two weeks of liquid diet based on your current weight" (257 so not that skinny!). Then I got the email from the bariatric coordinator with the standard attachment for a two week liquid diet. I'm confused.

I have already started cutting down on what I eat and am currently down to 248 pounds. I think the whole purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink your liver. If I were to have a Protein Shake for Breakfast and lunch and then eat a sensible dinner of grilled chicken and veggies .... as long as I lose weight before the surgery - I should be ok. Right?

I understand it's all about commitment and I'm there. Has anyone strayed from the liquid diet (in moderation) and been refused surgery?

[Anewmeiscoming32 18]

I was initially told I would need to do a 10 day liquid diet and then when I went to my pre-op appointment the doctor wanted me to start the liquid diet right away which was 3 days earlier. Today is day 7 for me. I am having Optifast Meal Replacements for Breakfast and lunch with a sensible dinner which I've chosen to have salad with a little Protein daily.

[WillowsAngel_32513 70]

Well, the diet is to shrink your liver.....i would ask the surgeon to be sure because if your liver is too large it could be damaged during surgery, so its a safety thing......

[SunnyCox 245]

Call your doctor or coordinator to clear up the confusion. Different doctors have different requirements. Then, ask your questions to the doctor since they know you best. They may tell you that a sensible dinner would be ok for you, and they may have a reason for wanting you to follow a liquid diet for a full two weeks. Ultimately, you want absolutely no complications while you are on the table in the OR.

People do slip up on their preop diet. It happens. If it happens to you, don't beat yourself up over it. Get back on track as soon as possible, and be honest with your doctor.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

If your doctor told you one thing and the coordinator seems to have contradicted him, email them and ask for clarification. To be on the safe side, sick to the liquid till you hear back.

There might be more reasons than he was clear with - we are all generally the same design, but our circumstances are unique. Thing is that moderate food will offset the liver storage in some cases - the doctor may feel that is yours.

Get some more feedback from your doc.

Good luck!

[shuhnaynuh 142]

Sometimes it's to clean out your system also, my dr didn't have me do a diet at all BUT he did make me clear my system for like 2 days before surgery, i would take the liquid diet ANY day... (Surgery weight = 240)

[Rootman 1,101]

Call if you want an answer, but be prepared to be confused again as many people on the same TEAM disagree as to how much, how long or even if it's necessary.

I did mine for two weeks, was asked to do 4 days. I stretched it to 2 weeks to, as stated above, help shrink my liver and to also make sure my colon wasn't packed full when I went into surgery - it can be very unpleasant having to bear down and push if - like many - you get constipated post op.

It also does absolutely NO HARM to do it, and most everyone can do it for 2 weeks with a surgical procedure scheduled at the end, it gives you real motivation to complete it.

it will also help jump start your weight loss. And every pound counts!

[martybella 3]

I too am worried about the pre-diet... I dont have a surgery date but its going to be in Jan 2013.

I have been eating like a pig & now im thinking when I go in for my pre-surgery appt they will refuse me due to the weight gain? anyone know if thats a possibility?

[shuhnaynuh 142]

I too am worried about the pre-diet... I dont have a surgery date but its going to be in Jan 2013.

I have been eating like a pig & now im thinking when I go in for my pre-surgery appt they will refuse me due to the weight gain? anyone know if thats a possibility?

I would say its a possibility.... No way to know unless you ask your surgeon.

[SunnyCox 245]

I too am worried about the pre-diet... I dont have a surgery date but its going to be in Jan 2013.

I have been eating like a pig & now im thinking when I go in for my pre-surgery appt they will refuse me due to the weight gain? anyone know if thats a possibility?

This was one of my biggest regrets post surgery. Looking back, I tell people to be more responsible those last few weeks. I know it is easier said than done.

[ReduceReuseRecycle-Me! 119]

I too am worried about the pre-diet... I dont have a surgery date but its going to be in Jan 2013.

I have been eating like a pig & now im thinking when I go in for my pre-surgery appt they will refuse me due to the weight gain? anyone know if thats a possibility?

I would say its a possibility.... No way to know unless you ask your surgeon.

When we went to our "steps" class, our initial weigh-in number was fixed in cement. We were told we could not gain any weight from that point on or our surgeon may decide not to do the surgery.

[Leleboo 104]

Yes it is possible. Because of my insurance I have to do the 6 months diet monitoring and I am in month 5 and I have made sure that I have shown a loss for each month. I have been using Protein Drinks and bars to help me.

[Misty_eyes 79]

When we went to our "steps" class' date=' our initial weigh-in number was fixed in cement. We were told we could not gain any weight from that point on or our surgeon may decide not to do the surgery.[/quote']

Same thing with me, we got weighed the 1st time. And every appointment our weight is taken. I was told that the last weighing in is the day of surgery. The md will cancel surgery if i gain, This is kaiser permanente.

[msmomrules 2]

I cannot work and deal with Optifast and Jello for two weeks? Is this a predictor of how I will do postoperative because it will be a long time before I will be able to eat again. Can anyone tell me if you get headaches from not eating postoperatively.

[HeadMistress 35]

My dr said add skim milk or low fat milk to your shakes... I can have 4 shakes 2 cups of broth 2 sugar free jellos sugar free 2 popsicles thru out the day and all the Water I can drink!! I think every thing will be ok?