Received Surgery date...now pre-surgery diet for 6 weeks

[joego2014 14]

Hello all,

Just saw my surgeon after almost a year of waiting following removal of lap band last April. My Doctor finally set a tentative date for May 6, 2015 for my surgery. I am excited that I now have a date set as I have struggled this past year. Not surprisingly I have gained weight following the removal of the lap band. My doctor has started me on a pre-surgery diet not so much to lose weight but to shrink the liver and give him space to move around inside me to do sleeve and also to take care of a hernia as well. Now its up to me to stay on this diet. I can have a Protein Shake for Breakfast another one for lunch and a sensible portion controlled meal at dinner. He suggested using lean cuisine or healthy choice as examples for meal portions. I hear of people having problems with a 2 week pre-op diet but at almost 8 weeks I hope I can hang in there and not cheat as I really want to have this surgery done and start my journey to my new life. He did say I can have diet Jello and popsicles so I hope its not too bad.

[Nikkidoodlebug 120]

Wow!! That's a long pre-op diet! I was just given mine ( for two weeks) and I thought that was bad! Well I pray for you, and just hang in there! I'm day two and it already sucks!!

[samuelsmom 670]

Unless there is some unknown medical reason, I don't think this is a healthy diet and 6 weeks to shrink the liver is completely unnecessary. Personally, I wouldn't follow it. What I would follow is a HEALTHY diet with lean Protein, fruits, and vegetables.

I also think that regimen is potentially unsafe as you would be severely limiting calories for an extended period of time, then having surgery, after which you will be severely reducing calories.

Perhaps you can call the doctor's office and talk to the nutritionist?

Here is what the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery says on their FAQ page:

http://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-faqs

Will I have to go on a diet before I have surgery?

Yes. Most bariatric surgeons put their patients on a special pre-operative diet, usually 2 or 3 weeks just before surgery. The reason for the pre-operative diet is to shrink the liver and reduce fat in the abdomen. This helps during the procedure and makes it safer.

Some insurance companies require a physician-monitored diet three to six months prior to surgery as part of their coverage requirement. These diets are very different from the short term diets, and usually are more about food education and showing a willingness to complete appointments and to learn.

[alwaysvegas 702]

Unless there is some unknown medical reason, I don't think this is a healthy diet and 6 weeks to shrink the liver is completely unnecessary. Personally, I wouldn't follow it. What I would follow is a HEALTHY diet with lean Protein, fruits, and vegetables.

Wow...just...wow.

[mrs kaje 347]

Unless there is some unknown medical reason, I don't think this is a healthy diet and 6 weeks to shrink the liver is completely unnecessary.

I don't see anything wrong with it, except the recommendation for packaged meals.

My surgeon has 2, 4 and 6 week pre-op diets and I guess it depends on your current health as to what one you'll need to go on.

Edited March 1, 2015 by mrs kaje

[samuelsmom 670]

In re-reading my post above, I want to clarify that I am not suggesting anyone not follow their surgeon's advice. I did say that I would not follow it.

[joego2014 14]

Thank you all for all your input. It does seem a long pre-op diet to follow. I will follow up with the nutritionist tomorrow. As for the pre-packaged food, he mentioned to use them as a guide for Portion Control and just a little more convenient for some of his patients but prefers if you make your own sensible meal at home.

[samuelsmom 670]

@joego2014 I know the packaged meals are way convenient and I use them once in a while. Do try to keep that to a minimum though as "real" food is much healthier.