Liqid Diet before surgery ?

September 22, 2003

I am Scheduled for sugery 12/1/03 and so far have not heard about doing the liquid diet for the week before surgery. Is this in all cases or just some ? I ask because it's Thanksgiving week and I will be flying back east to see family.

Thanks

dezzyntx · September 22, 2003

The liquid pre-op diet varies. It is at the doc's discretion. I had 1 week clear liquid pre-op, but have read that some have 2 weeks, some do not have a pre-op diet at all. I would call the doc and ask. I was told the purpose of the pre-op diet is to harden and shrink the liver to make the surgery easier. Good Luck

Brandi · September 22, 2003

I was on Clear liquids the day before surgery and NOTHING after midnight the night before surgery.

I've heard other people talk about having to diet for a couple of weeks so that your liver would shrink and be easier to work around. I think it's pretty much a surgeons preference.

ldauph · September 22, 2003

I had the same as Brandi.

Alexandra · September 22, 2003

Pre-op diets instructions vary a lot. My surgeon didn't require any pre-op diet at all. The not-eating-after-midnight thing is not a diet, it's generally required for any procedure involving general anaesthesia.

Lioness81970 · September 23, 2003

Hi - I haven't had surgery YET but when I met with my doctor he did tell me that I would have to do the 2 weeks liquid prior to the surgery. Apparently this helps the liver shrink and makes it easier to do the surgery. Anyways, are you meeting with a dietician? My doc told me that s/he would give me all the information when I meet with him/her 2 weeks before surgery. I'm sure they will let you know prior to surgery if it is a requirement for your doc.