Pre op Diet Questions

Hi everyone,

I have recently been asked more than  ever about the pre op diet regime.  I understand that there are some surgeons that do not require their clients to follow this.  I am copying an excerpt from my blog (found at http://www.nationalsurgery.com/wordpress/  ):

I am signed on to many weight loss forum sites under Vancouver RN. I like to hear from the clients that have already been on their surgical weight loss journey as well as those contemplating starting one.

I have seen some posts regarding the pre-op diet that our facility requires.  I am often asked “Why do I need this pre-op diet 2 weeks before I am having weight loss surgery??"  I address this in my seminars as well. Here are the answers:

1)  Avoids “Last Supper Syndrome".  This is when clients binge eat right up until their surgery.  Who hasn’t had the " I will start my diet on Monday so better eat everything I can on the weekend" frame of mind.  I have been guilty of this many times. 

2)  The strict high protein / low fat / low carb diet can shrink the liver 20-25%.  The surgeon needs to move your left lobe of the liver over to see and access the area to be banded!!  If they cannot see the area, they cannot do the procedure safely.

3)  A fatty unreduced liver bleeds very easy.  This is a totally avoidable complication with the pre-op diet plan. There are instances when the liver visualised and is in such poor condition due to non compliance to following the pre-op diet, the surgery is abandoned.  So basically you will wake up without your Lap Band in!!

4) This pre-op diet is the first step of the commitment required for success in the program.

5)  Any weight loss prior to anesthesia is safer for you

 

I have attended conferences and seminars where high volume Lap Band surgeons attend.  They all seem to place thier clients on this pre operative regime. 

We are fortunate to have an excellent experienced bariatric nutrition specialist who can help you prepare emotionally as well as physically for all stages of our fully accredited Lap Band Program. 

So remember, the pre-op diet is extrememly important and is the first stepping stone of your weight loss path!!

 

Rhonda