Pre-Op Advice

I have my last appt. with my surgeon on Jan. 6th and my surgery is scheduled  for Jan. 14th. Although the nurse said they recommend losing 3-4 pounds prior to surgery in order to shrink the liver, I would really like to lose as much as possible prior to the surgery, even if it's only 10 pounds or so. I would also like to start "practicing" for after surgery. I've given up the carbonated beverages and straws and gone to drinking jus****er and milk. I know some people have said their doctor put them on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. My question is did anyone start doing something special this far out from surgery. I'm about 5 1/2 weeks out. I thought about doing the Atkins or Slim Fast shakes, SF jello, SF popsicles, broth, etc. Any thoughts?

My Doc used the Adkins program for the weeks prior to surgery - at least the last 2 weeks but longer when possible. For me it was a big help because it made me focus on things like menu planning and eating on a schedule. Making wiser food choices is going to be something that you do for the rest of your life so why not start now? Stocking up on the SF stuff is a good idea whether you eat it now or not (it's one less thing you'll have to do just after surgery).

It looks like you're making some good progress already in the things you're trying to do. Have you started not drinking with your meals? That was hard for me. Also start eating very slowly, with very small bites and chew, chew, chew, chew chew.

You'll do great. Good Luck!!!!!
- Iris

Thanks for the good advice. I've done Atkins in the past so I'm pretty familiar with it and know I can do it. I haven't tried the not drinking with meals thing yet. I guess I better start that one because I know that will be difficult for me. I'm really trying to not to get the "last meal" syndrome prior to the surgery, but rather do things that will help me after the surgery. I thought about making some sort of count down chart to post on the fridge to remind me each day just how close my surgery date is and I want to lose as much as I can prior to surgery.

I know you want to loose the weight but when you are doing the pre op and afterwards you are having to do shakes, liquids until the stomach heals. THen most progress to pureed and then into food.

A lot of doctors put patients on 10-14 day liquid. The average weight loss is 10 lbs. This far out you could do like the atkins or low carb slim fast shakes and 1 meal. Optifast and HMR, 2 liquid diets have a modified fast which consist of 3 shakes, 1 meal. The meal consist of 6 oz of meat and then 1 1/2 cups of vegetables and 1 fruit.

You will be loosing lots after the surgery so don't rush things. You will get tired of doing liquids if you start now. Some doctors recomment 4-6 weeks of liquid and pureed.

Tamara

Thanks ladies for your advice. It sounds like Atkins is the way to go for the next few weeks. I've done Atkins before so I know I can do it. Thanks again.