Why protein shakes before?

[shakur154 55]

Hi does anyone know if Protein shakes are really that important durning your 2 week pre-op diet?

Thanks

[soontobehealthyandthin 18]

You have fat around your liver and it help to lower that. Those few pounds lost before surgery also makes it easier for your doctor to move around and keep you safe. Not a medical reason but it help prepare you for your diet after surgery

[TheGamer 406]

Yes, they're important. Protein will be the cornerstone of your post-op diet, so it's good to get used to it. Also, if you're given a pre-op diet that is high Protein and low carb, it's for a reason. In order to get to your stomach, your liver must be retracted out of the way. A fatty liver is easily damaged and many surgeons do not want to take the risk of doing a laproscopic surgery if they can't safely move your liver. While some (usually lower BMI) patients are not required to undergo a pre-surgery diet, if you are given one, stick to it as best you can.

For me, the very idea that I could be responsible for my own surgery not proceeding was just too embarrassing to comprehend. If I couldn't do it for two weeks, how could I possibly stick with it the rest of my life?

[KanesMom 44]

Hi does anyone know if Protein shakes are really that important durning your 2 week pre-op diet?

Thanks

My pre op diet is basically all Protein Shakes. It's 4 shakes a day, a small meal of 4oz lean Protein and 1 veggie serving, and 2 servings of fruit. I'm on day 4 today and it's finally starting to get easier. My doctor explained it's to shrink the fat on my liver. If a patient doesn't stick to the diet and shrink the fat, he'll close you up and won't finish the operation For that reason alone, I'm sticking to it to a T!! After all of this, I'd hate to not have my surgery done! I have pretty strong will power, so although the pre op diet is hard, I know I can do it!!

[Lissa 2,631]

If your doctor told you to drink Protein Shakes, follow his/her advice. The surgeon knows what works best for him and his patients. Every doctor's requirements are different based on their own experience. There have been several people here who reported that they didn't get surgery the first time for whatever reason, including enlarged livers. IMO, this is your part of the job...to follow the diet. Your surgeon's job can be made much easier by what you do now, so help him out.

[VSGKirk 855]

This is what I call a "Red Flag" post/question... And this is absolutely no reflection on you Shakur, and let me explain why:

1) If your surgeon (or the nutritionist) didn't take the time to explain why the Protein shakes were an important part of the pre-op plan, then you need to find one (or a program) that puts more emphasis on patient education. The better educated you are, the better outcomes (both safety & weight loss) you will most likely have.

2) If your surgeon did explain, and you chose to seek the advice of total strangers in hopes that you will get an answer that you'd rather hear than the advice your surgeon gave you, then that might mean your program/surgeon hasn't done enough to earn your trust or help provide you the support psychologically to be in the right place for this major change.

You're a stunning woman and would love to see you happy & healthy first and foremost. You deserve nothing less than the very best!

[shakur154 55]

Thanks All

My question was only asked because I know how IMPORTANT Protein shakes are After surgery. Protein helps u build/keep ur muscles. With wls they don't want u losing muscles but fat instead. So it was a random question concerning the importance of it BEFORE surgery. I plan to listen to the advice of my doctor:-)

Thanks Guys

[shakur154 55]

Oh some said it helps shrink the liver?? I didn't know that but if I have questions I will contact my doctor from here on out! I just thought that what this site was for???

[VSGKirk 855]

Thanks All

My question was only asked because I know how IMPORTANT Protein shakes are After surgery. Protein helps u build/keep ur muscles. With wls they don't want u losing muscles but fat instead. So it was a random question concerning the importance of it BEFORE surgery. I plan to listen to the advice of my doctor:-)

Thanks Guys

Music to my ears!

You'll do great

[No game 14,437]

I read some of your posts and yes I know you are sticking to the pre op:)

I think that sometimes we see these questions and it is because the person is looking for a loophole

That being said, yes it is to shrink the liver.. but if I had to guess, its also that you are getting little calories in, so they better count. so Protein is at the top of the list if importance

[VSGKirk 855]

Oh some said it helps shrink the liver?? I didn't know that but if I have questions I will contact my doctor from here on out! I just thought that what this site was for???

A solid program would have explained the liver thing to you either before or while providing the pre-op diet plan to you.

This site is TOTALLY for providing support, tips and tricks - but what I'm seeing are more and more patients being left to fend for themselves during this process (and seeking medical advice) and it's, well, frankly and a pet-peeve of mine.

We are all rooting for you - for real!

[shakur154 55]

Ok I understand where you all are coming from! By no means am I'm trying to cut corners. I do appreciate u guys looking out for me tho:-) plus I had to pay 175 outta pocket for my nutrition so I will be calling her every chance I get with questions lol

[Stef 264]

Oh some said it helps shrink the liver??

Protein doesn't shrink the liver, drastically limiting your carb intake does.

[JennyBeth 127]

Protein is supposed to fill you up longer which makes it more sustainable to be on an all liquid diet. It would be a lot more difficult if you could only have Water Pre-op.