Question: Liquid Diet Before Surgery

[NJChick 3]

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Is it true that some doctors want you to do a 2 week before surgery liquid diet and some don't?

Why be on a liquid diet 2 weeks b/4 the surgery date? is this to shrink the stomach (some what)?

Thanks !!

[gordonfamily3 0]

Yes that is true. My doctor is one that requires it before, I was told it was to help shrinken the liver so the surgery will be easier for the doctor. It actually wasn't that bad...I will say it was alot easier at work then home and weekends.

[Guest Loobie]

I've heard of this too. My surgeon just required me to follow a low fat diet the week before surgery to shrink the liver in order to get better access to the stomach.

To be perfectly honest I didn't follow the low fat diet as I went into 'Last Supper' mode the week before my surgery and ate everything I knew I was going to miss. I am on liquids for 4 weeks after surgery though, which is tough, fed up of Slim Fast and Soup already.

Can't wait til the mushy stage in 3 weeks time when I can have shepherd's pie. mmmmmmmmmmmm:p

[vinesqueen 2]

yup, some doctors requre and some dont. It is primarily designed to shring the liver to make access easier.

[HotLikeMe 0]

My doctor requires liquid (Optifast) for 2 weeks prior. However, I havn't been able to do it. I've done a low fat, low carb, tried to stick to high Protein, but was IMPOSSIBLE to stick to. NOW, my surgery is scheduled for TOMORROW...I'm afraid my doctor won't do the surgery cause I couldn't stay on the liquid only. Won't know til tomorrow morning. Should I tell him I "Cheated"? I'm not going to eat or drink after midnight tonite, because of anesthesia, but is it too late?

[Chickie 15]

A big part of why many surgeons require a liquid diet is because overweight people often have fatty livers, and fatty livers when moved or upset in any way bleed.

[Guest j. lynn]

I didn't have to do one, but each doc is different.

The liquid diet is good because it does shrink your liver (some doctors believe so anyway). It's good because it clears your system out of the solid food you've ate and gives your kidneys and liver a mini-break.

It's also good because it prepares your body to it when you are post-op. I think this is the biggest benefit. I had to do 6 weeks of liquids after surgery (large liver found in surgery). It was really tough - especially weeks 2&3, but so worth it! At my 6 week appointment, I'd gone from 288 lbs to 256 lbs....that's 32 pounds in 6 weeks. Granted, a good chunk of it was Water weight that HAD to come off anyway, but it was a great start to my weight loss!

It sucks. Stay strong. Stay away from food. Clear your house (if you can) of the stuff you can't have. Believe that this is all for your good.

[swirligirl 0]

I actually have to start a 4 week liquid diet 8/2 for my upcoming band surgery. I am not sure what scares me more, surgery (I have NEVER been in a hospital except for working in one) or 4 weeks with no chewing! ha ha.

[piercedqt78 658]

Today is day nine on liquids for me. I have to say that the first 3 days were really bad, but now I am not even hungry. I have to make myself drink the Protein Shakes and have at least 1 cup of yogurt each day. ( I am allowed 3 servings) I drink propel and it is just the best stuff around, I just discovered the melon and it is soooo yummy. As for the chewing, I chew sugar free gum, my doc said that was fine, as were sugar free mints. I found that the Protein gave me a bad aftertaste so the mints have been helpful. I also think that I will not have the post-op hungar to deal with now and that is really going to be a blessing, I am being banded on the 28th. Only 2 more days whooohooo!!!~Mandy

[2aslimmerme 0]

Yes I am on one and have been for 2 weeks. My surgery is tomorrow. I agree with Kim, easier at work than home and on weekends. I did use spoon for broth and Soup so felt like I was "eating". I think it is helping me prepare for post op diet. 2 more weeks of liquids,then slush and mush--can't wait!!

Good luck on your journey.

[frazzledmomof2 0]

I'm not close to starting liquid diet yet...I'm scheduled for surgery on Aug. 20th 2008 and don't have to start liquid diet until July 30th. I'm already a little nervous cause I enjoy food alot "this is why I'm in this mess in the first place" and the biggest hurdle is that I'm a stay at home mom. How the hell am I going to do this for three weeks. I've been told after surgery it's not so bad because alot of time you don't have the desire to eat for the first few weeks. I'm sooooooo nervous.