Why? Why?

[nish 102]

Other than trying to shrink the liver, is there another reason for the two-week pre-op diet? Also what is the average they are wanting people to lose

[onmyway2life 21]

I had to lose 30pds before surgery on a 1200 calorie meal plan. I learned how to eat better over the 5 months and it prepared me for what was coming after the surgery.

[nish 102]

Did they want to see the ability to lose the weight or is it all about the liver?

[onmyway2life 21]

Both...at first it was a pain in the butt..but now it I believe it prepared me for the mental part of it. Kaiser northern California. Has a great program.

[SweetGabrielle 2]

my surgeon said that it is not only for the liver but to show that you are committed. i have to loose 10% (30 pounds) before i can get a date.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Both...at first it was a pain in the butt..but now it I believe it prepared me for the mental part of it. Kaiser northern California. Has a great program.

I agree with onmyway, I think it's for both. My surgeon just said the surgery is much easier and safer with a smaller liver. But she was adament - no weight loss, no surgery. In hindsight, I think the mental preparation is also very important. I know that in my case it made the post-op part of the journey, especially the first few weeks, MUCH easier.

[Jen in SoCal 189]

I also believe its for both. I think it really helps with the mindset of THE SURGERY IS NOT GOING TO MAGICALLY MAKE YOU LOSE THE WEIGHT. I personally think the two week liquid diet was great because I couldn't imagine eating the way I was before and then, BAM! The next day your dealing with recovering from surgery and the fact that you're never going to be able to eat the same way again. For me, that would have been hard to handle mentally. It's hard work, but so worth it. It's kind of like a backwards weaning. LOL hope that makes sense.

[KevinsBabyGirl85 364]

My surgeon said purely to shrink the liver!

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