preop Visit!

[tphillips124 6]

I have my post op visit on the 15th and surgery on the 21st but no one has said anything about a preop liquid diet. Is this something that some doctors recommend before surgery. And what all happens on your preop visit? Any help would be appreciated...

[anaxila 501]

Every surgeon is different. If they haven't mentioned a 2-week liquid pre-op diet by now, then they don't expect you to be following one. Mine didn't have one, just a protein-heavy diet of 1300 calories for two weeks leading up to surgery. Some have more, some have less, but just do whatever yours says and you'll be fine.

As for the final pre-op appointment, I think there's probably some variation there too. Mine involved a very detailed medical history with the surgeon's office, so be sure to have your facts. They did a general physical exam (temp, blood pressure, reflexes, lungs... the usual). They also did an electrocardiogram, took nine (!) vials of blood for various labs, and had me do the pee-in-a-cup routine for others.

I then repeated a lot of the history stuff with the anesthesiologist, though he focused mostly on past surgeries, airways, mouth, etc., as you would expect.

Finally, they gave me all of my final instructions before surgery, including providing these wipes for disinfecting my belly skin the night before and again the morning of.

Hope this helps!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

I had a week long liquid diet, but not all require it. If you feel like you want to give yourself a head start, it certainly can't hurt. You could also do a limited liquid diet. I've heard people have shakes for Breakfast and lunch with a Lean Cuisine or Weight Watchers meal for dinner. It's supposed to help with liver function, easier post-op healing, shorter surgical time and for me it helped to lose another 5 lbs. As for the pre-op appt. The appt with my surgeon was basically for him to verify that everything was in order and that I was ready (mentally) for this whole process. I also had the pre-op at the hospital. They did the final blood work and some other tests (nothing major at that point), they gave me my "day before and morning of" instructions and information about the hospital stay. Very easy, nothing to stress about. Best of luck and congratulations to you.

[Mildredperez 2]

I had a two week "liquid" diet It consisted of two Protein shakes a day and a Lean Meal 1 a day. My meals consisted of 4 oz of Lean meat or Fish and non starchy vegetables, i made sure to drink minimum 64 oz of Water per day and by choice I sticked to liquids the last two days. I lost a total of 19 pounds in 11 days. In my pre-op visit I had a very thorough appt. I was seen once again by my surgeon and went over the whole process and ensured aI had no doubts, then saw the head nurse to review medical conditions, primary doctors info, medications, past surgeries,complications if any, they gave me a special cleanser to scrub with the night before after my shower and to shower again in the morning with instructions to not use any lotion, powder, etc., then the nutritionist went over the stages of the diets, saw the anesthesiologist he explained step by step all the process verified information collecte by head nurse, finally I was sent to registration and had more blood test, urine, ekg, Xrays and was instructed in everything to do upon my arrival to the hospital on the day of. They gave me instructions even where to park.

On the day of upon arrival I was given some wipes where One for each arm, leg and chest and then the nurse scrubbed my stomach.

I had an allergic reaction to the torniquette and they also found some fluids in my lungs so my surgery was postponed for the 14 Jan 15 so my journey continues.

My reccomendation is to make sure you understand the whole process and call your surgeons office and ask, ask and ask!! Best Wishes and many Blessings