Pre-op Diet-how Long Before???? - ThinnerTimes

suemaca · 06-06-2008, 05:25 AM

I have been told to do a clear liquid(and jelly) diet before my op on 20 June.My surgeons blurb said 14 days but as I have a fairly physical job and am keeping all this confidential, so cant be making excuses for feeling weak, I bargained with him and said I would do it for a week.
I cant remember what he said and am loath to ring his secretary as shes a bit for sticking to the written law.
BUT how long to shrink the liver?? How long does anyone go on these fasts for??My bmi is 44.
What enlarges it?I have cut out fat,carbs and sugar as much as possible,this week in preparation for next weeks fast.
I would be glad if anyone has experience particularlyof the clear liquid diet.
Suex

katzz87 · 06-06-2008, 03:53 PM

That's why it can be very, very important to WRITE down questions and answers! Believe me...memory is even worse post-op...with all the changes we go through!

I'd call and speak directly to the doctor!

I know this doesn't really answer your question...but wishing you good luck anyways!

AusLaurie · 06-06-2008, 09:12 PM

Your health is more important than what people at work think.

It is VERY important to stay on the liquid diet as long as possible.

The liver gets "Fatty" when we are obese and the more it shrinks before surgery the bettere the survival rate.

Yes read that again "THE BETTER THE SURVIVAL RATE"

I don't mean to scare you but really it is more important that you follow the doctors suggestions than worry about what work people think. Let them think you are coming down with the flu or something if you like.

Just because you can bargain with your doctor and convince him to let you go on the liquid diet for a shorter time doesn't mean it is better for you. Doctors are just like the rest of us and get tired of argueing with people to get them to do what is best for them.

I wish you all the best with your surgery and with the months and years that will follow it. I wish you success and happiness and health.

Cheers
Laurie

timidcharm · 06-06-2008, 09:19 PM

I agree , your health comes first....

suemaca · 06-07-2008, 10:23 AM

Thanks guys,you are right-I am starting it tomorrow which will give me 13 days.Feeling STARVED today as I am on such a strict diet,can't imagine how awful the next two weeks will be.I saw somebodies post saying that one of the things you should do pre-op is apologise to your DH and best friend in advance,I thought it was so true.
Sue

Noonie · 06-07-2008, 10:28 AM

Just to throw a spanner in the works my surgeon does not want me to do pre-op diet he says that the diet is only necessary if your bmi is over 50.
good luck with your journey
Luv Noonie X

MiladyB · 06-07-2008, 12:27 PM

I had to do my pre-op diet for 2 weeks, but it wasn't clear liquids. Basicly it was an 800 cal, very low fat, low carb diet. My surgeon uses a soy based protein product so that is what we are put on pre-op and post-op. Some of it is liquid but also includes things like chili, pudding, bars, etc....all high protein stuff.

In general the diet should be really high protein, low calorie, low fat and low carbs. I can't tell you how long to shrink the liver, it just depends on how bad it was to begin with but every day on the diet will decrease your liver and make the operation safer.

I would first talk to your doctor and get the information straight but if you can't handle total clear liquids...(which in my personal opinion isn't really very safe)....I would talk to your surgeon about being able to drink some kind of protein shake so that you will be getting in your protein.

...you need protein to heal and I find it kinda unsettling when docs put their patients on a clear liquid diet for two weeks and tell them "No" protein. I really feel that you are going into this surgery then at a disadvantage, but that is only my personal opinion which I have based on discussions with nutritionists and physicians.

You need to make your own decision based on the information your doctor gives you and the knowledge you've been able to glean from other medical people.

Blue eyed G · 06-07-2008, 06:22 PM

Welcome. I know my Dr is putting me on a almost 6 month diet( mainly because thats what the insurance requests) On june 20th I have to start medifast( four drinks a day) then one small Lean & Green meal a day. Surgery date is set for Dec. 1st. So believe me when I say I would love to be in your shoes, 2 weeks is nothing

You can do it, just put your mind to it. good luck and keep posting

Olusha · 06-11-2008, 09:28 PM

I cannot imagine doing a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks before surgery. I was on protein shakes, yogurt and liquids and I just couldn't take it. I ended up eating vegetables as well and lost 17 lbs. in the two weeks before surgery. It was by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

I would definitely clarify and try to get clearance for protein shakes at the least. Good luck either way and congrats!

Deirdrea · 06-12-2008, 11:51 AM

I would personally call the surgeons office and verify what the pre-op diet is. Like several others said, they were put on liquid diets but it was full liquids which includes protein shakes. 2 weeks of clear liquids, while it'll leave your body well cleaned out, won't do you any favors for recovery. I'm betting that he means a liquid diet including 4-5 protein shakes a day. The clear liquids are probably just for the day or possibly 2 before surgery to make sure that your digestive tract is completely cleaned out of everything so that there isn't any foreign materials in there while they are trying to do the surgery.