Any suggestions for losing weight pre-op???

Does anyone have suggestions for the best way to lose weight before surgery?  Dr. F gave me a pre-op goal weight (is that standard for everyone because I never hear others talk about it) to get to before my surgery and I still have more to lose to get there.  Surgery is Sept 11 so I still have almost a month. Dr. F suggested drinking slim fast for a week or two prior to the surgery. I'm going to get some today and start early as I'd rather know that I got to my goal well before I need to be there.  I've been swimming every day and I've actually gained in the past week. I'm hoping I'm gaining some muscle and not just fat, but concerned since I need to be going the other way and have heard it makes sugery easier if you have lost weight before the surgery. Anyway, if anyone has suggestions for what worked for them I'd love the input.  Also, I'm curious if others had to lose weight prior to surgery and whether people thought it does really make things go smoother? Thanks!

Hi Michelley, the slim fast will work well for short term weight loss. You need to do this diet to shrink the liver. The liver sits on top of your stomach. By losing weight before surgery the liver shrinks and makes it easier for the surgeon to do the surgery. Surgery will be cancelled for those who gain 10-20 lbs before surgery because the weight gain causes the liver to swell and makes the surgery riskier. Good luck. You are probably correct when you gained weight you gained muscle. Keep up on the swimming. Mona

Mona, I'm still less than what I weighed at my consult in January so I have not gained more than what I was so I should be ok to not be cancelled. I'm very surprised though - my grandmother is having the surgery the same day and she said that nothing was said to her about having to lose weight before surgery. I believe she even told me that she had gained 5lbs on the nutritionist diet on her last check up.  Should I have her call and find out for sure?  Michelley

Hi Michelley, find out how much she has gained. Her surgery can be cancelled if she has gained too much weight. Mona

Hey there.....I don't know how you could be gaining, those girls keep you all over that pool (just like they should)!!!  I don't have any good advice, I just haven't talked to you since the other night and thought I would say hi.  Our kids are still talking about being at your house, they had a blast (thanks again for having us over).  Have a good weekend, maybe we will catch up with you over the weekend, looks like we may go to Kearney though.  Talk to you later.....