Pre-Op - What can I eat the day before the surgery?

July 17th is the big day.  Last week when I had my pre-op the various nurses said just don't have anything to eat after 10 pm. the night before.   That sounds normal for most surgeries, but what about bariatric?  Since this was a hospital surgery unit, not sure if they fully understood my type of surgery or looked at my chart.     Where does the food go if I have a "last supper."   Will it move out of my old stomach in time?  I'm having surgery at the VA Hospital, so it isn't like you can contact the doctor and ask a question.  Any additional information would be appreciated.  Did you get a "last supper?" Mike

Most doctors tell you to avoid the temptation ot have a last supper. For me, I started a pre-op diet 1 week before, so I my "last meal" was acutally a week before surgery. I think you mentioned your hospital only does open procedures, so I'm not sure if the pre-op program is the same, but I think it is. I have cut and paste the section on pre-op prep from the Duke University Weight Loss Surgery Center where I had surgery. You can find their entire patient manual and more at their website http://www.dukewls.org I hope this helps, and as always what works for me, may not work for you so always check with your SURGEON'S OFFICE first! Preparation Instructions for Surgery

1. Beginning 1 MONTH before surgery, STOP SMOKING! If you do not stop smoking, your surgery will be delayed or cancelled.
2. Beginning 1 week before surgery, do not take any aspirin, herbal medications, or NSAIDS (Celebrex, Aleve, Mobic, Motrin, naproxen). Tylenol is safe for pain.
3. To get ready for your exercise program following surgery, look around for a gym or exercise facility that will allow you to walk on a track or treadmill, or drive your car to define a mile walking course. After you recover from surgery you will need to walk 1 to 2 miles two to three times a week. Use your pedometer and strive for 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
4. Sample and purchase a variety of high protein beverages – there are many possibilities, so taste and decide. Also get some sugar-free popsicles.
5. Beginning one week before surgery, change your diet to the one below. This diet will help shrink your liver and make surgery safer. It will also introduce you to what the typical postoperative diet is like:
   • Eat more high protein, low fat foods: Lean meats, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, low fat cheese, light yogurt, skim milk, cottage cheese, tofu, beans/lentils.
   • Eat less than 4 servings per day of these high carbohydrate foods: (1 serving = ½ cup or 1 piece of fresh fruit or bread). Fruit/fruit juice, breads, pasta, crackers, cereal, rice, potatoes.
   • Avoid: sugary foods and beverages, desserts and candy.
   • Limit these high fat foods and condiments: Butter/margarine, oils, salad dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream, gravy, cream cheese, chips, high fat meats, bacon, sausage, fried foods, desserts.
5. On the morning of the day before surgery, begin a clear liquid diet. Also drink one bottle of Magnesium Citrate (Citrate of Magnesia). This is a fairly strong laxative and will work within 4 to 8 hours.
6. On the night before surgery, take a long shower or bath and clean your abdomen 3 to 4 times with soap and water. Pay special attention to cleaning your belly button area – use a Q-tip.
7. Do not eat anything after midnight the evening before surgery. You may take those medications “Okayed” by anesthesia with sips of water as needed.
8. If you use a CPAP machine, bring it with you to the hospital. You will use it following surgery.
9. Pack a comfortable robe for use in the hospital.

Thanks Michael your input is a great help. Mike

yup.

My feelings were this. If you were an alcoholic would you go binge drinking one last time? I think not. I say stick with the program. Your committment will thank you.

Your right, but that fish in the picture sure looks good. thanks Mike

Mike,

Although the thought and urge to have "A Last Meal" is very, VERY common, It’s medically unwise, and based on an un-founded notion of "Life After Surgery." Other than a slice of Real-Pecan Pie, there is NOTHING that I haven’t been able to enjoy post-op. Quantity is all that has diminished. I still eat steak, I just fill up on it while it’s still hot and perfect from the grill. I still eat Bar-B-Que, just not as much. Chinese food, Mexican food, etc, etc, etc,… Having WLS did change my "tastes" for what I like. More meat, more veggies, less cheap fillers….. For sweets? Nearly Everything comes in a SF version now-a-days, and the substitutes are pretty dang good. I just don’t have the urge for sweets that I once did… Look to the future at what you’re going to get out of the surgery Rather than what you’ll leave behind… Yes? I swear, EVERYTHING tastes better from the narrow side of the booth While comfortably wearing a Medium Shirt! Do what ever you can to help lower complication risks, Ensure success, and aid recovery time. Get your protein levels up for quicker healing and your blood oxygen levels higher by getting in some exercise. For a "Last Meal?" It all turns to poo shortly after you eat it anyway, Might as well be a protein shake or chicken soup…. The Duke patient manual is an excellent guide If none has been given by your surgeon’s office. Have the Greatest on the 17^th! Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks DX, your comments are always gratly appreciated.    thanks Mike

All I have to say Mike Is I'm glad your going first! I'll be having my pre op the same day as your surgery, don't have any info or advise on this but I sure am learning a lot as I read the others comments. Take Care Mike, Via con Dios my friend, John

No problem on going first.  This is a great forum.  Never a dumb question, just look at my questions... Good Luck Mike

Hi Mike,  From what I have read here, it varies from surgeon to surgeon. I had to do the bowel prep. Some do some don't.  As far as the "Last Supper" I was on a low fat pre op diet to shrink my liver and I don't really remember what I had for my last meal pre op. In the grand scheme of things it was a non issue for me. I was to the point that I was focusing on the surgery. I didn't want to think about what I may or may not be able to eat and the hole "Last Supper" thing has to much negative connotations for me. I was trying to focus on the positive aspects of surgery. What I was going to gain, not what I might or might not loose.  pan head