Why only Liqiuds beore Surgery

Okay, here's what I got. My surgery was Monday, Aug. 1st. Like everyone else I was to lose 10 pounds (the amount is determined by each doctor) before surgery so that the liver would be easier to move out of the way (remember, they're operating on your stomach which is under the liver.) The first place your body goes to get energy when you get hungry is the fat in the liver. When it's full it is like a full innertube. You want it 'deflated' so they can easily move it out of the way. Leading up to surgery I was just told to not eat any fatty food as that would fill the liver again. On Saturday before surgery I was to eat easily digestible food. On Sunday before surgery I was to only have liquids and I had to do a MAJOR laxative flush in the afternoon. The purpose is to make sure they was NO FOOD in the stomach or small intestine as they were going to be cutting them both up (I had the Roux-en-Y). If your doctor has put you on a liquid diet earlier than the day before it may be they're not having you use a laxative. Also, the no liquids, etc. after midnight before surgery is again so that you don't have anything in your stomach. If you do, you could asparate (throw up) while under anesthesia, which is of course not a good thing to do. Good Luck! Dawn

Hi Dawn, Thanks so much for your explanation on why just liquids before surgery. I never thought of it that way. Hope your aches and pains get better soon. Get lots of rest and may God bless you with a speedy recovery. *********************************************Rita

Well my surgery went well. I am having a hard time with the protein and remembering to drink. When I fell up to it, I have to set up a schedule. I only seem to be able to drink 2-3 sips then my pouch hurts so I stop. They said that is normal in the begining. Thanks for all your prayers, they worked!!