Diet prior to surgery

Oh I have read so many different things about the patients diet the few weeks prior to surgery. Some don't change their diet at all and have lots of "last suppers" while some doctors insist on certain diets like the "south beach diet". Is there one thing better then others? Common sense says to loose weight prior is the smart thing to do, but is there any danger to eating all your favorites prior to the surgery date? Thanks for any input. Sally

Hello Sally, I had the surgery Jan 18th 2007, I also thought I would spend my last days before surgery eating fav foods, but my surgeon insisted on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery........his reasoning was that it would shrink the liver so he had a better chance of doing the procedure laproscopic vs. open.......by the way I followed his instructions exactly and had a successful laproscopic procedure........take care

The whole purpose of dieting before surgery is to shrink the liver which is highly recommended. Our surgeons will postpone your surgery if you gain weight before surgery. Many people binge eat all their favorite foods because they think they will never be able to eat again. This is not true. Eventually you will be able to eat plenty and have what you want, but not in massive quantities. Be careful before surgery. Its better to diet than binge eat. Marie

I also had my surgery on January 18th. It mus have been a popular day : ). My doctor also required the 2 week liquid diet before surgery for the same reason, to shrink the liver as it blocksthe view of the stomach. I thought it would be torture but it was not that bad. My doctor made me come back to the office 3 days before surgery to make sure I was losing not gaining. He said he would have cancelled if the liquid diet was not followed. Not every doctor is this strict. I had friend who was only on liquid for 24 hours pre-op. I guess I just figure better safe than sorry. You can do it!!! Good luck! Kier