Liquid Diet Question

I will be getting my surgery in 7 days...but I have a question regarding the liquid diet pre-surgery...

My doctor said that I didnt have to be on a liquid diet prior to surgery, I am thankful for that...but I know that some of his other patients have been put on one....

My question is, what is the reason for the liquid diet?

My understanding of this is that the pre-op liquid diet helps shrink the liver a bit to make it easier for the surgeon to move it out of the way.  THe left lobe of the liver is actually retracted so that the surgeon can see the area of your stomach that they need to get to.  I did the two week pre-op diet my first go around and lost about 15 pounds.  The second go round I wasn't required to do it (the doc already knew my liver was bad) but I did do liquids for a week in order to help with the post-op liquid stage.  HTH.  Deb

Hi Heather, The reason for the liquid diet from my understanding it two fold 1- to shrink the fat in the liver so the stomach is more accessible 2- to ensure that you have a stomach that is clear of any possible undigested food.    I had RNY with Dr. Averbach and he did not require a liquid diet like his partner Dr. SIngh does however, just to be on the safe side for my own reason, I went on clear liquids for three days prior to surgery- my diet for those 4 days included  juices diluted, teas and jellos.   I did this mainly because I have a slow digestive track.   Hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck let me know if you need anything else.  Terri

Heather,  I don't have anything to add that the others haven't said but wanted to let you know that if you need anything at all after your surgery just let me know. Since I'm in Pasadena too it would be no problem to help you out.   I work during the day but am home in the evenings and most weekends.   Even if you don't need anything, we'll have to get together sometime. Tina

Thank you...My husband took off work the week after my surgery so that he could help out...Where do you live in Pasadena if you dont mind me asking? A get together would be great to share experiences...

I am on Tick Neck Road. How about you?

Not very far..lol...I live in Sunset Beach. Right behind the old luckys

Not far at all.  If you want to start walking once you are up for it let me know, I really need to and desperately need to walk my dogs more too.  The subdivision across from me is a great place to walk.

Sounds good to me...I usually go to the Northeast HS track

Heather, I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Averbach is also my surgeon.  I had LapBand on January 4, 2008 and I did not have to be on a liquid diet prior to surgery.  Maybe it depends on the surgeon and our particular cir****tances.  Good luck on your surgery.  Hopefully I will see you at one of the support group meetings. Sonja