pre-op?

Is it mandatory that someone lose weight before surgery?And also is liquid diet mandatory?

Stephanie, I was told by my nutritionist to try to lose 5lbs before surgery. I don't know that I did. I had some problems the month prior to my surgery so I don't even know if I did or didn't. This was only said by the nutritionist not my surgeon. I do know it is better to lose and some doctors do want you to. I also know some doctors have you do a liquid diet, some anywhere from a day or two to two weeks prior. My surgeon did not request it nor did he request a bowel prep. Also some doctors will start you on pureed foods in the hospital and like my doctor have you on liquids after. Although I didn't have to do anything special pre-op my surgeons post-op diet is extremely strict compared to others that I have seen. I have seen some people eat things that I did not get to introduce to my diet until I was several weeks out. I have had absolutely no problems with food and I sometimes wonder if it was because I had so much time for my pouch to heal. That is just my opinion!! The best thing is to trust your surgeon and follow his advice. Now there have been a few things that I introduced a little earlier than I was suppose to but I did it in a very small quantity to make sure it worked. Salad was the one I introduced early. I was not suppose to add it until 6 months and I did a little before 5. Wishing you the best, Jodi

Stefanie, I think it all depends on your bmi..I will have to lose 30 pds prior to my surgery, but I do have a high bmi...It just makes the surgery less complicated and reduces liver size which is important to the surgeon during the surgery. I have to do a liquid diet 5 days prior, but I have seen some on the website that didn' t have to do any liquid diet..I guess it all depends on the surgeon..Hope this helps you.. Vanessa

thanks Jodi and Vanessa for your help..

It depends on your doctor, some require it and some don't. But it is best if you do. You will need to shrink your liver so they can operate more smoothly around it. But your doctor will tell you if you have to or not. I think the liquid diet is good to do because it prepares you for what to expect afterwards. When you don't do it your thrown into not eating and it makes it harder on people. Tina

It sort of depends on your doctor. Some do, some don't. Mine didn't, but the day before the surgery I was on an all liquid diet.

Just do WHATEVER YOUR doctor says. They all have different protocols based on their experience. You trust him enough to allow him to do surgery, trust him to do what he says Before AND After!!! Hugs, Pam