3 weeks of liquid diet pre-surgery?

Has anyone out there had their surgery at the University of Iowa? Mine is scheduled for Feb. 12th. I haven't had the best experience with the staff there so far (actually, just the bariatric surgery coordinator). Everyone else has been compassionate and respectful. I get the impression that the coordinator has little empathy for her patients -- it's all clinical for her. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience. A little background -- my insurance (Cigna) required me to be on a six-month physician-supervised diet and exercise program before they would approve surgery. During this time, I lost about 10 pounds, which left me at 360. At one checkup, the coordinator had reduced me to tears over this failure (and believe me, I do not cry easily). Beaten down over this experience (and over her threats that they would not do surgery unless I was "compliant"), I lost more than 10 pounds the next month, down to 350. I was scared to death that she would boot me off the program. Now they have me on a liquid diet until surgery -- three full weeks of a liquid diet. I can completely understand one or two weeks, so the stomach shrinks down and the liver becomes less fatty. But three weeks? Does she truly know how challenging the liquid diet is pre-surgery, when your stomach is still normal-sized? It's maddening. I get the impression that she has never been on a liquid diet herself. I know full well that this will be my diet post-surgery, but I have to believe that it will be easier due to my smaller stomach size. I am prepared to do whatever is asked of me post-surgery. I want to do everything by the book to avoid complications and achieve a positive outcome. But I get the impression that she making it tougher than necessary. Right now, I just don't feel supported by her -- I feel beaten down and bullied. Are all bariatric programs like this? Please share your experience. If it sounds like I just need to buck up, let me know. I truly hope I'm not just being a big baby. Something just doesn't feel right here. I will continue to do what they ask of me, but I want to know what everyone else went through prior to surgery.

Although I didn't have to do the liquid diet preop I have seen many people post that they had to do a liquid diet for 4 weeks preop and 4 weeks post op. So I would say do as the doctor says and keep on the 3 week. It is a pain to go through but try to keep you eye on the prize at the end. By the way I presume you mean cream soups and thick liquids are okay for now. Many docs slow you down to clear liquids immediately before and after surgery. Good luck. Hawkeye Mike

I wouldn't balk at the 3 weeks of liquid diet. I think partially it depends on the starting weight/BMI and clinic. Grinnell is not requiring me to do liquid only ... I am doing it on my own. My surgery is the 5th. I would definitely report the coordinator's behavior at your next visit. One would think she would be more educated herself about what patients must go through. With different co-morbidities can cause one not to lose weight or gain without reason ... like sleep apnea. I wish you luck as we'll be on the losing bench soon. Take care. Jillybean

My surgeon required 4 weeks of clear liquids --2 weeks preop and 2 weeks post op. It was a challenge, but hey -- I signed up for his program, and I knew this going in. He does laparoscopic surgery, and feels that the liquid dies shrinks the liver, making the procedure easier. Before they put me out in OR on surgery day, I DID tease him that I thought it was all hot air -- and that it was really just a test of character and fortitude....I didn't get a reply, but I did get an evil grin out of him LOL. When friends or co-workers complain about clear liquids for one day for a GI procedure, I just scoff at them and say "hrmmmph....amateurs!" Remember -- YOU CAN DO THIS -- it's all part of the process. Good luck, and keep us posted on your journey.

Thanks so much for the feedback. After reading others' stories, I was beginning to think I was the only one subjected to this rigorous liquid/blended diet for such an extended period. I feel a LOT better knowing I'm not the only one out there suffering! I have my pre-surgery testing tomorrow (an all-day affair), and I fully expect that they'll switch me to clear liquids until Feb. 12th. I imagine I'll be begging for mashed potatoes and cream soups next week! I keep wavering back and forth between excitement and trepidation. It's quite possible I may never be able to eat another doughnut as long as live. That kind of freaks me out. But then I think how incredible it will be to be "normal." And by that, I mean anything less than 250 pounds. I just have to adjust my focus. I understand that this vascillation is normal. Jillybean -- I will be thinking of you on Monday. My surgery is exactly one week after yours. Thanks again -- you all are awesome!

Dear Tamason, I am sorry you feel so beaten down. I do wonder why some people get into bariatrics--I think some have a repulsion of fat people and think this is a way of "helping" them get their act together. There is still a moral stigma in the minds of many that weight is just about self-control. Even those who should know better often hang on to the blame the patient for everything mentality. I will be the first to admit that I overate and abused food, but we know that there is so much more invovled in obesity. I encourage you to use the program to get what you need--the surgery, the knowledge, etc., and just "behave" your way through the rest. You might need to "manage" the director just to get what you need. As for the three week liquid, I had to do a two week liquid pre-surgery diet. My surgeon didn't care what it was (so milkshakes were okay) as long as it was liquid. It was tough--especially in week two. So you do have my sympathy and best wishes. Post surgery was not as much of an issue, although I really was ready to chew again! The surgery has been great for me--down 205 pounds--so it was worth it. But you might consider writing a letter of complaint about the bullying and mail it post-surgery. If she has an issue with patients who are obese, this isn't the profession for her. My complaint was that the nutritionist and the physical therapist really didn't have anything to offer obese patients--they had the same old stuff that you'd give any regular weight person. You know the exercise sheets that tell you to do exercises you can't physically do! But hang in there--you can do it and it will be worth it. Sally

I first looked into the University of Iowa which is only 45 minutes from me and was put off by their less that enthusiastic manner, and that they said my Insurance was a PIA to get approved. So I continued looking and I have chosen to travel 600+ miles to the Cleveland Clinic and after my consult with Dr. Schauer found that my insurance is one of the easiest to get approval, so I guess the staff at U of I just didn't want another patient that day, but any whoooo I was told that I have to do 2 weeks of all liquid Protein diet but that I could eat all the sugar free jell-o and popsicles I wanted... I know that is not much but hey at least you can "feel" full with the jell-o. Also I have 4 protein shake/smoothie recipes that they gave me to change it up some if you would like them please let me know. When is your surgery date?

Hi there! I'm also going thru the U of I for my surgery as soon as I can get approved. I recieved a denial letter last Thursday. So far I haven't had a bad experience with anyone there and I'm sorry to hear that you have. The only thing I didn't like was my initial visit when I was there for the entire day and we didn't even get a chance for a lunch break! Anyways, I can't think of who the surgery coordinator is. The last time I was there for an appointment was in Nov. so I can't quite remember who they all are. Some people have no idea that they are making someone feel like they are being beaten down and bullied. Maybe the next time you are there and you see her you could mention what happened and how it made you feel. She may not even realize she is making patients feel that way. As for the 3 week liquid diet, I'm at 270 and Dr. Jamal told me I would have to do 2 weeks of liquids prior to surgery so maybe it depends on current weight. The liquid diet has got to be a struggle and you are right she has probably never been on one ever in her life. Just remember that it will be all worth it in the end and you have the right attitude for post-op: By the book!! Good luck to you and here's to better visits in the future! Chris

I am going through the University of Iowa and have my consult on Feb 23rd. I started making arrangments just this Monday and I already have a consultation scheduled. My experience has been great with them, quick replies and direct answers on what I need to do. I hope your experience improves with the staff and you can relax and look forward to your surgery and what lies afterwards. Good luck!