Pre-Op Diet

I'm one week away from the big day and getting more excited (and a bit nervous) each day. One thing that is bugging me is the pre-op diet they want me to follow. It is low carb, high protein and not horrible but I was supposed to start last week and pretty much didn't. They say it shows commitment and readiness but also shrinks your liver, making surgery easier to perform. How did all of you do pre-op? Did you have to diet? My thoughts are that this is the last time I will be able to eat without restrictions and with the holidays, I didn't diet. I am starting now and so far so good. Any thoughts; words of advice?? Thanks, Rhonda F

All I had to do was clear liquid the day before. My doc is really sticky tho on wt gain. If you gain more than 5 pounds, the surgery is cancelled. Words of wisdom - you will be able to eat most of the foods you enjoy within moderation. You will be able to eat healthy foods. You won't be able to eat junk and lose wt. You may not get sick, but eventually, you will gain your wt back. Think of this as a test. Stop thinking about all you will miss and think about how great it will be to be thinner and healthy! Like Susan Maria says, Nothing tastes as good a being thin feels! It is so true. I have that plastered on my cube wall at work and look at it often when the demons tempt me. I actually lost wt before surgery because I was so afraid of gaining. Reducing your carb intake will make the surgery much safer for you by shrinking the liver. Do what your doctor says to do. They've been at it a while and know what works and what doesn't. Don't question. Just do it! Don't be tempted to endulge in the "last meal" syndrome. You will be able to eat pizza again, just not for a few months. I'm almost 7 months out and I can and do eat almost anything except pork chops. They tend to come back up. I don't miss the junk food most of the time. If I start to really crave something and it's making me crazy, I try it. Most of the time one bite and I'm done. Things just don't taste as good anymore, thank goodness! I now eat to live, not live to eat. It is a freeing sensation. Just remember why you chose this path. What you were doing wasn't working. You're doing this because you need something to help you restrain your eating and retrain your bad habits. This is a "tool" and you have to use it. It won't happen just because you've had the surgery. You have to be the workman who uses the tool. It isn't easy. But it certainly is worth the effort.

Lyn, Thanks for the great advice. I have copied down two things from your email that I will post on my refrigerator: Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. and Eat to live, don't live to eat. I have been following the diet this week completely and it hasn't been hard. Again, thanks for your words of advice. Rhonda F

Morning Rhonda, Lyn says it all in her reply. Your taste buds change after surgery so alot of things you eat now just aren't going to taste good after surgery. People tend to think once you have this surgery you won't be able to eat again DUH!! Please do as your doc says, this is in your best interest. Less complications if you follow your doc's instructions. I wasn't put on any kind of diet before surgery. Every doc is different that way. Good luck! Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. Keep posting! Carolyn

Carolyn, Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, not to mention your advice. I am following your's and Lyn's advice and I have stuck to the diet this week. It is going well as I get closer and closer. I am getting nervous so again, I thank you for your prayers. I'll keep posting. You all are wonderful support! Rhonda F

Rhonda, Hey -= we're neighbors!!! I'm in Long Grove. Where are you having your surgery? Through Genesis? I had mine with Dr. Christophersen at Genesis a little over a year ago. I would love to support you in your efforts. IN terms of the pre-op diet - yep - it's a necessity. It really does help to shrink your liver. I didn't really buy into it either, so I did some research and found that the liver stores carbs that your body does not burn. That makes for an enlarged liver. I know that the diet isn't easy - I was put on it right before Thanksgiving. I did well during the week before and then ate Thanksgiving dinner and even some of the desserts. I didn't go "hogwild" like I usually would and then got right back "on the ball" the next day. After surgery, I asked Dr. Christophersen how my liver looked and he said it was nice and small. Anyway, your big day is coming up. I know that you are probably getting really nervous and excited. Hang in there and remember that we're here for you. My phone number is in the book if you want to talk. God bless, Andrea