Lost enough weight on pre op but worried cheating means liver won't have shrunk enough

[Beachsprite 118]

Hi everyone my surgeon asked me to loose 5-10kg so around 11-22lb on my 3 week pre op. I've lost 6kg so far and can probably get in another one or two by surgery day by being 100 percent compliant. But I've cheated throughout. I have tried so hard but most days I eat at least one or two times off plan usually in the evening.

I'm 4.5 days away from surgery I will stick to the shakes and nothing else. I hope this combined with the weight loss might be enough to shrink it. I'm mostly self pay and I'm dreading waking up telling me I didn't shrink it enough n couldn't do the op. I can't sleep worrying about it.

I mentioned in our pre op appointment truthfully but light heartenly that I actually nearly cried looking at a doughnut I couldn't have at my in laws . And he said seriously oh that's very concerning.... like I should be over any desire for the food I got into this mess with already . So I don't feel I can share my struggles with him. And no I didn't eat a doughnut.

Do you thing it's too late for a surgeon to see any fat reduction in 4- 5 days?

[Babbs 14,681]

You're going to be fine. Just hang tough for the next few days. My surgeon didn't even require a pre op diet. Said the shrinking was so minimul that it doesn't even matter really. That said, you still have a weight loss requirement that your doctor wants, so just try to suck it up for the next few days and stick with it. I know it's hard!

You're not going to be magically over the desire for food, even after the surgery. It's something that is going to be a constant struggle that takes time to break, if ever. The surgery will help, but like the saying goes, they operate on your stomach not your brain.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Yup ... suck it up time.

Just get through this.

Then get through the next thing.

And then the next thing.

That's literally how this process works. One thing at a time.

I have confidence in you.

[TXTinana 269]

I have the same worries about my pre-op diet/liver shrinkage. I've lost 12 lbs, but I also haven't been 100% faithful to my diet plan which consisted of shakes, Soup, and veggies. I don't feel awful that my only cheats have been salad dressing for the veggies, one baked sweet potato with butter, and scrambled eggs (which I justified to myself because I am allowed egg drop Soup on my plan) but that worry still exists in the back of my mind and I am sure that is perfectly normal.

I feel confident that we will all be just fine.

[Kathy Rademachir 0]

Hi newbie here. My Dr. Didn't say anything about the liver. I have only seen him once so far. What do you mean that the surgery might not happen. Kathy

[Mistie 201]

I have not had surgery yet, and I am very fortunate that my doctor does not require a liquid diet, only a change in diet - one I managed in the past (though doing it willingly and because I HAVE to are two different things).

That said - remember this isn't forever. You only have to do this for a few days. I would suggest setting yourself small goals. Make it through until noon without anything you're not suppose to have. Until four o'clock. Until 8 o'clock. Breaking up your times - then feel proud of yourself for every time frame you can make. You might even consider rewarding yourself! Put a dollar (or 5!) in a jar for every time frame you make it through for your new wardrobe you're going to need!

Since at night is when you're starting to graze/cheat (I have this same issue - I can be good all day, and then at night I lose motivation and want something to chew on!) - think of ways to combat that. Tape reminders up everywhere of what you're doing and why! On the fridge, cabinets, mirrors, etc., so you can NOT pretend it's not on your mind (I do it...I'll deliberately push it aside so I can eat something). Next, find something else to chew on that will give some satisfaction - ice (but don't over do it) - perhaps even get a mouth guard to chomp on. Whatever works! Another thing that works for me is...GO TO BED EARLY! If I go to bed and sleep... I forget I want to eat. So don't take any naps during the day, and get in the bed earlier at night.

Remember - this is only for a few days. Lose those last few pounds, take deep calming breaths to go to sleep, and before you know it, it will be surgery time. You WILL be able to do this, you can make it. Thousands of others here have - and you can be just as successful!!!

Good luck!