A Question

I also do laparoscopic gastric bypass. I wish all patients were as successful as you at losing weight prior to surgery. The unfortunately reality is that many cannot either lose weight or stay on a liquid diet because of heart, kidney problems or diabetes that is extremely difficult to control. I have since applied this principle to everyone and do not believe the liquid diet helps me or my patients. The current state of liquid diets shrinking livers is anecdotal only, MAYBE it selects out who can be compliant and will do better afterward or MAYBE it just gets patients ready for a postoperative liquid diet if your surgeon uses one. Even if it does shrink livers there is no evidence that it prevents complications or prevents conversion from lap to open. For the most part it can hurt if your not one of the above patients I mentioned. I don't mean to contradict anyone but only to discuss what I call the folklore of gastric bypass. I have encountered some massive livers and this has not prevented me from completing a Laparoscopic Bypass. Congratulations on your surgery! Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Prof of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weightloss

Forgive me, I meant to say can not hurt if your not one of the above patients I mentioned. I speak/think too fast for my poor typing. Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Prof of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weightloss

I pushed post before I typed that I too will be thinking of Jeremy over the holidays and say a prayer for his recovery. Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Prof of Surgery UC Center for Surgical Weightloss