Liquids week before surgery???

I was wondering if anyone else was told by their dr. to be on liquids the week before surgery?? If so what kind of liquids are you having??? I am doing the ensure with protein shakes, chicken broth, jello sugar free of course.... Any other suggestions

Hi Debra, I am having surgery on August 17 in Dallas. The only instructions I have been provided by my surgeon's office are to stop eating after midnight on the night before surgery...it doesn't jell with alot of what I have been reading on these boards but I am going with it, given that is what was provided to me.

Hi Debra, My instructions are two days before surgery, and a laxative on the second day (milk of magenesia). I was instructed to have the following: Clear liquids only Apple Juice Jello Popsicles chicken broth water light colored gatorade propel Nothing red or dark in color, and no milk products Denise

I am guessing that he wants me to be ready to go on liquids... after the surgery... I just cant wait till Tues... my surgery is 7:30 am have to be there at 5:30 am....

I am having my surgery on August 26th and was told to not eat anything after midnight. I am having my surgery at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Sharon Simmons

Hi Debra, Yes, I too started with liquids today. I am having a total of 6 Sugar free carnation instant breakfasts in skim milk, plus all the water, chicken broth, crystal lite, s/f popsicles I want. It's been a tough day, ( my first day ) It was really hard watching my husband eat his lunch and smelling it.... the dietican told me the hunger gets better after a few days. I was told that I have to do this for 5 days and then the 2 days prior to surgery is juice/broth/water - CLEAR liquids only. The reason they said I have to do this is to shrink my liver down, so that it's out of the way more for the surgeon, so it doesn't get in the way of where they are working and cause any damage,etc. I will do it, but it's hard. there are other things on the list of what I can have, but i'm not really a big fan of v-8,etc. good luck Sue

I haven't met with my dietitian yet BUT here's my take on it. You are having major surgery on your bowels. They are going to have to disconnect and reconnect......do you really want poop getting in the way? Even if my surgeon didn't advice it, it makes sense to be on clear liquids a few days ahead of time to clean things out. I personally am going to go on clear liquids 3-4 days ahead, take Mag Citrate to help "flush" the colon and hope this does a good enough job. I might even throw in an enema. That way if a leak (God forbid****urs, you minimize what in fact leaks out.

Debra, I started my liquids today, my surgery is Mon Aug 2nd. ( only 5 days! ) My doc informed a couple of days ago that i was to do liquids 5 days before and then on Sat & Sun clear liquids only, also take a laxative on Sat & Sun.(not really looking forward to that...) my doc gave me a list of things for the liquid part that include hot cooked refined cereals (grits,cream of wheat) cream soups (avoid cheesy soups) gatorade or propel. and then he gave me list of clear liquids also. your standard broth, apple juice, white grape, jell-o popsicles, sugar free kool aid, crystal light.... Yummy!!

My doctor just requests clear liquids two days prior to surgery and on the night before the citrate magnesium and two showers with a special soap they gave me yesterday at the hospital when I went for my pre-op exam. I was advise no red jello or popsicles as the dye interfers with your system and may appear like you have a problem when you do not. Best of luck to you. Ginny 8/4/04

Hiya Debra!! We are the same day, same time...I'm having surgery in Victoria, Texas!! I'm so excited, nervous, and anxious all at the same time. I was instructed full liquids day before and nothing after midnight. I'm thinkin I might do liquids on sunday and monday only because i want to make sure my bowels are cleaned out... I can't wait to be a loser!!! Good Luck to all and God Bless You!!