Pre-Op Diet... Why the length variances?

[LifSvr2014 5]

I am curious why the liquid and pre-op diets lengths are so different for everyone. I have seen some on here that only have to do liquids for 2-3 days prior, for me it has been 15 days. I am guessing it has something to either do with weight, BMI, or maybe just surgeon specific but I thank the Lord I only have one more day before my surgery because this has been the roughest two weeks for me. On the plus side I have lost 23 lbs which means less to loose Post Op.... but would not wish this liquid regimen on anyone.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I only had to do Clear Liquids the day before surgery. (sorry...) My doctor said he doesn't require a pre-op diet for people with lower BMI because he prefers the patients come in as strong as possible and the liquid diet makes you weaker. He does require it for higher BMI to help shrink the liver.

I'm sure there are a hundred doctors and they have 200 opinions among them.

Stay strong!

[itsmekarenlee 129]

It's dumb, isn't it, that every Dr has their own protocol.

My husband and I are on the lower bmi side and had to do a two week diet. For 12 days we had to drink at least 32oz of Water or sf flavored water, 3-4 Protein drinks and a choice of 3oz meat and choice of 1 cup cooked veggies or 2 cups raw. The last two days was liquid only. I thank God we were allowed the meal! (That protocol was for all of his patients)

[LifSvr2014 5]

It has definitely been a challenge, (2) 8 oz sugar free Carnation drinks, 1 sugar free Popsicle, 1 Sugar Free Jello cup a day. Tomorrow , day before surgery I actually get to switch to 'broth or bouillon cubes' ( 3) cups, + popsicles then NPO after midnight.

Woohoo !! Who would have ever thought I would be excited to get a bouillon cube LOL

Edited July 28, 2014 by LifSvr2014

[winning_by_losing 107]

It is all up to the surgeon or surgical program as far as what they believe gives them the best chance at a successful surgery and us as patients the best chance for success afterwards.

The pre-surgery routines differ just like the different post-surgery nutrition programs.

My program for example has strict criteria. Those who are above a certain BMI must do a 2 week "liver shrinking diet" consisting of 2 meals being Protein shakes and the 3rd meal being 4 oz of lean Protein. This gives the surgeon more "room" to maneuver the tools while performing the surgery and also kick starts the weight loss pretty well.

Then all of us, regardless of BMI have to begin the clear liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery. Luckily they allowed 1 bottle of Isopure (since it is a clear liquid), so we could at least get 40g of protein each of those 3 days.

[MelissaAnn83 0]

I am dealing with this as well. I had a very hard time especially at work. I am glad for your success!!! Congrats.

[ElizabethA 5]

As everyone else has said I think it depends on your Doctor. My Doctor doesn't require a liquid diet at all - but I am on a strict Optifast (Protein shakes / Bars) Diet with only 2 cups of low starch / low carb vegetables allowed per day. I have had to do this for 4 weeks (although I have actually been doing it longer in the hope of losing extra weight before the surgery). I know that some people only have to do this diet for 2 weeks before the surgery but that really depends on how much weight you have to lose. I am very obese and he wanted me to lose at least 25 pounds prior to surgery (which I have done!).

My Doc said that the purpose was to reduce the fat around your liver so that there is less chance of causing serious bleeding during the operation, I was also told that the more weight you lose before the surgery, and the less fat on your liver, the better / easier your recovery would be.