Pre-Opt Shopping list...

So I finally have a date! It's tenative, December 21st or 22nd, but it will be one of those days. I'll have the final date on Friday. So here's my question, I have to do a two week diet of clear liquids prior to the surgery (either the 7th or 8th) so what does everyone recommend I pick up at the grocery store for that 2 weeks of misery? And if you'd be so kind as to give some advice for after surgery, I'd appreciate it. I'm a little bummed as I won't be able to eat a big Christmas dinner! (Okay, a LOT bummed!) Thanks in advance for any help and or advice! Stephanie

Morning Stephanie, First of all congrats on your date Wow 2 weeks pre-op of clear liquids??? Broth, sugar free popcicles (may as well get use to sf!), jello are good choices, they will say stay away from red jello after surgery just in case you happen to get sick it does look like blood. Make sure to grab everything sugar free so when you come home you will have it on hand. Sugarfree koolaid & crystal lite, herbal teas, decaf teas also. I'm sure other's will add to the list as well. Not sure what kind of advice you are looking for post-op. Make sure you follow your surgeon's orders! Get plenty of rest, helps the body heal. And WALK WALK WALK especially in the hospital. If you have alot of gas after surgery rock away in the rocking chair it helps get rid of it. Don't over-do & get to worn down. Be sure to keep posting!!! If you have any more questions be sure to ask we're here for you Carolyn

Is the liquid diet to lose weight, shrink up the liver what???? That seems like a long time to do pre-op!!!!! I had to lose weight and shrink up my liver too, but not with liquids! Clear liquids is pretty bland......Broth, water, jello, nothing to exciting! I had my surgery Dec 8th of last year, time is sure flying.....I too missed out on the big ole' xmas meal, but you won't be too bummed.......That soon out nothing will sound good anyways!!! Take Care and Keep us updated! JEsi

Stephanie, Have you met with the nutricianist yet? If not, she will give you a list of what we could eat (yeah, right, eat liquids!) and I believe they have changed it some since I went through it last year this time. One thing that all of us who have done it suggets is not to buy much broth but instead get canned soup & strain the solids out. It has so much more flavor & believe me, broth can get very boring. You can do the same thing with the boxed soups (Lipton, etc.) Some would buy egg drop soup from a chinese restaruant & strain out the egg. I also got to a time when I really wanted something to chew. I did two different things. First, finger jello is allowable & you can pick that up & chew it. Secondly, invest in a snowcone maker or slush machine. Walmart has a cheap snowcone maker. It's a lifesaver both before & after surgery. You can buy SF syrups or just add pop (pre-op), crystal lite, juice, etc. That gives you something to chew & after the surgery it works good as you can get lots of liquids in that way. I fould that eating the shaved ice was very soothing, even in the winter. Dixie

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! The reason I have to do 2 weeks pre-op is to soften the liver, so it's easier to move during surgery. It's his policy, right Dixie?! I'll be off to the grocery store soon with my list in hand! I had all of my pre-op testing this morning and it went great! Everyone at Sartori is so nice and kind. I'm getting very excited now! Thanks again everyone!

Stephanie, Sounds like you got some good ideas for supplies. My only suggestion would be not to buy too much for after surgery. I bought tons of broth and only used a little bit. I thought that I would be drinking lots and lots - NOT! I would also, during this time, try to find a protein drink, (if your surgeon recommends them) that you find palatable. That helps a lot. Good luck and congrats on the date! God bless, Andrea