Pre-op Diet? I'm not following one...

My Doc did not say anything about a pre-op diet. The only thing the nutritionist stated was that I ought to wean off of caffeine prior to surgery to avoid the withdrawl headaches. I already have insurance clearance, so I am just enjoying eating for the next few weeks. I do know that I have to do a 3-day clear liquid with the ever-loving bowel prep, but otherwise, I am not doing anything special. Should I be? Melissa

If your surgeon doesn't require it, then why do one. I'm on one and it's been difficult at best. If you feel like you should, then why not just start with one protein shake a day and ramp up to your all clear liquids days as you see fit. Either way as long as you are following your doctor's orders, then all should be well.

ya my surgeon doesnt require any special diet before surgery either... ...and i plan on EATING LIKE CRAZY for the next few weeks.......I know that it isnt good to binge.......but.........its the last ime that i can without getting sick........... goodluck and enjoy....... -katie

So, I guess now I will confess to actually gaining 2 pounds this month. I know, I know, but I have been working crazy hours to build up the checking account before I have no income for a month. I am glad not to have the extra stress pre-op. Melissa

I have 2 1/2 weeks to go and the Dr doesn't have me on a special diet either, but it kinda scares me i feel like i should be doing something....the only thing they told me was to have my last "real" meal one week before and the day before to stay away from fried foods...

My surgery is June 20th and yup the pre-op thing starts tomorrow. It is for lap-surgery so the liver can shrink. Be careful that you dont gain too much because my doctor will actually cancel your surgery if you gain 10+. He says that you are not mentally ready to move to the next level if you cant maintain what you have. Good luck!!

I believe most of the pre-op diets are for people getting laproscopic surgery. My surgeon told me it was to shrink the size of my liver. I guess high protien diets shrink the liver and therefore allow the surgeons more room to perform the laproscopic surgery. I would follow your doctor's order and be glad you don't have to do a pre-op diet. But try to remember moderation. I binged for the two + weeks before my liquid diet and gained 10 pounds - now I am really regretting it! Good luck! ~Maggie

I do not have to go on a liquid diet before surgery next week. However, I just got back from a 5-day CRUISE and I tried to be good, but I'm sure I gained some pounds. I really don't regret it because I had such a great time with my 3 daughters, my sister and Mom. I noticed that after a couple of days the great food was getting kind of tiring and it was way more fun to get off the ship and do stuff like snorkeling and I went ATVing for the first time in my life. So--- I am going to try and drink a protein shake for the next 5 days AND I bought some EASY exercise videos. I am having an open RNY on Wednesday. ____Lynn K

I'm on liquid diet starting Monday. It's really strict - 4 Optifast shakes w/ water and any other no sugar/no cal drinks and jello. That's it. I know it's supposed to shrink the liver, etc...but I really wonder why some are on it and some not? What, are our surgeons using extra big tools?!?!? No fair! A friend of mine (100 lbs more than me) didn't have to do the diet....arrgghh! Different surgeon, different req'ments I guess...oh well...good luck!

I totally envy you. I have to do a 2 week pre-op liquid only diet. I have to drink 5 HMR shakes a day and that is it. Then one day before surgery clear liquids only and then the ever loving bowel prep... I am kind of glad.. I am eating everything is sight right now (start the liquid diet next Tuesday)... I am looking at it as a jump start to my surgery.. Goodness knows, I need the headstart!! hehehe Donna