Why is my Pre-op diet so long?

[laurenella82 625]

I've been reading and see that some people didn't have more than 1-2 weeks and some 1-3 days pre-op diet. Why in the WORLD is my doc saying 4 weeks???????????

Edited November 29, 2014 by laurenella82

[kimpossible67 608]

Ouch! They want to shrink your liver which due to obesity gets fatty so they can do it laparoscopically. So I've been told. I feel for you!!!

[Elode 8,093]

@@laurenella82 That is a long time BUT are you on a liquid pre-op diet as in just Protein Shakes, broth, sugar free Popsicles and Jello? Or are you on a food diet thats just low cal/carbs?

[laurenella82 625]

@@laurenella82 That is a long time BUT are you on a liquid pre-op diet as in just Protein Shakes, broth, sugar free Popsicles and Jello? Or are you on a food diet thats just low cal/carbs?

It's liquid. All but one meal per day has to be Water, Protein shakes, broth etc. The one good thing that I can see is that I'll spend less on groceries and I found a Protein Shake that I like. 4 weeks just seems excessive to me. My liver can't be that darn big....can it? ????

[Elode 8,093]

@@laurenella82 Lol that is a long time! No it wouldn't take that long to shrink your liver...I don't know why your surgeon has you doing it so long? I'm sure he/she has a good reason..maybe insurance requirements? Maybe they want to see how compliant you will be? Who knows Just kick that pre-ops butt and store the extra food savings for new clothes!

[jgj 29]

I was sleeved on July 1st and chose to do one month before on a liquid diet. I felt great going into surgery and had no complications. I was told it was a head start on weight loss and I am glad I did it that way.

[clautxs 40]

Mine was 2 weeks but totally worth it!! You can do it! I'm still in liquid diet I have 2 weeks post op.. and still one week more to go. Good luck!

[laurenella82 625]

Hmmmm....new clothes...sounds like a plan! Lol!! That one meal a day will be a good one though! I will probably have Protein overload!

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

I wasn't put on a pre-op diet at all, but on my own I was doing the same thing your doctor recommends for the five months preceding the surgery. I lost 42 lbs and had a very smooth surgery with no complications. Correlation does not equal causation but perhaps the two things are related? Maybe your doctor is on to something.

[cpetty14892 3]

I ask my surgeon how long someone is on a preop diet and he goes by bmi. start my preop tomorrow.

[laurenella82 625]

Well if it goes by BMI then I guess it makes sense. Mine is like 58.4.

[cpetty14892 3]

My starting weight was 356 and I am 5 ft 6in. My BMI went to 53 so only 4 days on preop. My doctor wanted me to lose 19 pounds before surgery. I started July 29th and as of today I have lost 36 pounds. My surgery is Dec 1st. Getting anxious. Not so much for the surgery but life with the sleeve. Good luck with your journey.

[laurenella82 625]

Wow! 36 pounds is great! Congrats and good luck on your surgery!!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Just do it and don't question it. You will be SO glad you did. It's worth it.

Edited November 23, 2014 by LipstickLady

[anneeo 13]

I'm a little concerned my doc only requires a 3 day pre-op so I may start mine a little earlier. I'd be sick if they went in and said they couldn't do it laparoscopically because of a big old fatty liver.