Question

I've gone through all of my literature and can't find anything stating that I need to basically have nothing but liquids 3 days prior to surgery.  I've noticed some of you have done this.  I was never told to do this, but only to not eat anything after midnight the night before surgery.  I find this odd, since I'm having open RNY and whatever else, since this will be a revision from a previous gastric surgery.   I haven't had to go through the process most of you have been through since my insurance isn't covering this at all.  Self-payors are put through quickly.  I've gotten most of my information from a lot of reading and have only gone to the pre-op meeting once at OHSU.  I will call Dr. Wolfe's office and ask before Tuesday.  Just wondered why some of you are told not to eat three days prior.   Thanks, Donna M.  

Hi Donna.  Congrats on your upcoming surgery!  I think that each surgeon has their requirements.  I didn't have to do the 3 day liquid thing either.  Just go with what your doctor wants and you will do great! Joy 

Hi Donna - I specifically asked Dr. O'Rourke (also at OHSU) this question when I went for my pre-ops.  OHSU does not require any special diet before surgery, other than asking you to follow the 1200 calorie diet and losing as much as you can.  There is no liquid pre-op diet and there is no bowel prep.  I told him that I knew Freddie had a horrible problem with constipation after surgery, so he said if I would prefer to eat lightly the day before, that might help.  Otherwise, you can have real food.  The "last supper" is not recommended, however!  Linda

Doona I had my surgery on 6/20/07 at OHSU with doctor Deveney.  When I went through pre-op I ask about the liquid thing and was told that it wasn't necessary.  So the night before surgery I had a really nice meal. Check but they probably will tell you it's ok to eat before your surgery.

Randy

Thanks everyone for the replies.  I do think, since I am having the open RNY and whatever else (may have a problem with bile or a few ulcers), I think I will eat very lightly a few days prior to.   Interesting that OHSU doesn't require anything special.  I just makes sense to not eat a whole lot since they'll be reorganizing the gut!  I now I'll be in good hands and am being very optimistic. I hope to someday meet everyone.  We can all reiminise about the "before" times!

 

Thanks,

Donna

Hi Donna, I went thru OHSU in January, Dr. O'Rourke, and asked the same questions lol. He said that the food moves through your upper intestinal tract relatively quickly, and that only when they operate on the lower intestines do they require you to do bowel prep or liquid bowel cleansing foods. That's pretty much all I remember of his answer although I am sure there is more lol, so definitely ask Dr. Wolfe the same things. Good luck, Michele

Michelle, That does make sense.  It's not like having a hysterectomy!  I remember that well.  So I guess I'll enjoy the last of whatever food I can eat.  I've been on a pretty low or no fat diet for a few weeks now due to this bile problem I'm having.  Don't want to have anything flaring up during the surgery.  And, time is flying by. Thanks, Donna