Pre-op Test's

I went for my pre-op's today and they called me after I left and said do not eat any carbs because my blood test came back high and they also wan t a stress test done. My heart beat was alittle high when the ekg was done (110) I am very stressed about this. They told me if my liver was even a little swollen they would not do the surgery. Any suggestions on how to shrink my liver and any thought's about the stress test as to why I have to have it or is this protocall id so why did they wait until I left to call and tell me I had to have one.  I am so discussed at this moment, I feel like just hanging it up. I haven't smoked a ciggerate (sp) in years now i feel like buying me a carton and forgetting about everything else.   I have jumped through one hoop after another and something always comes up. I am scheduled to have my surgery on Tuesday a week from today if they don't post-pone it because of the liver and stress test. thantk for listening to me rattle on and on.   Hug's Sharon D.

who is your surgeon?

Not knowing your history (age, health problems), I can only think they want to be sure your heart can handle the surgery.  A cardiac stress test was part of my long list of tests and evaluations I needed to have done before surgery was scheduled.  I am 58 so that may have had something to do with it - I also have weight related hypertension.  As far as the liver is concerned, most obese people have a somewhat enlarged "fatty" liver.  I have been on a liquid diet (750 cal or less) for the past 2 1/2 weeks. My surgery is this Thursday.  Being in a weight loss mode is supposed to help reduce the size of the liver.  If the liver is enlarged, it is harder for the surgeon to perform surgery as the liver sits over the stomach.  I must admit these issues probably should have been discussed with you even before your surgery date was set (at least the liver thing).  On the blood test being high and what they told you to do makes me think it was your blood glucose that was high.  I hope at least some of this helps. ~~~ Pam

Sharon....this is no time to throw in the towel now!! You have fought too hard! You are one week from surgery. You need to stay on a liquid diet from now until surgery. In my opinion....... That means NO food. Your liver WILL shrink! Only have High Protein Shakes like Boost or Slimfast. Slimfast has Carb Control....the chocolate is great!! You can have three or four of these a day. They are filling. Have broth, sugar free Jello and sugar free popscicles. You can do it...it is only one week.  I did it 2 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after!! For gosh sakes do NOT smoke. They will cancel you on the spot. They can tell if you smoked or ate too much. I know there are tons of hoops. I had plenty myself. I just fought like heck and won!! They weren't going to keep me down. I don't want you to let them win either. Fight the fight....be strong.....you will be glad you did!! Keep your eye on the prize!! Hugs, connie d

Sharon I am with Connie as far as the liver shrinking diet is concerned. I had to be on it for 2 weeks before surgery. My surgeon says that if he opens you up and sees that you have not followed it to the tee (and he will know) he will close you up and be done with you. That scared me so bad I wouldn't have cheated if I wanted to. And I didn't want to because I wanted this surgery to bad to do it! You are so close so don't give up now. I had my surgery on a Monday and I had to have endoscope on Friday. I found that out on Wednesday. Dr. Stanish's office had to find a doctor who could do it really fast. It is just another hoop to jump through. Don't sweat it honey. Just remember that if God brings you to He will get you through it. He has gotten you this far so He isn't going to leave you now. Love and hugs to you. Keep your chin up!

Talk to your surgeon, ask him if it is ok to take any herbs. I know that Milk Thistle will help with the liver. BUT, TALK TO THE SURGEON FIRST. Get it ok'd.

Sharon.. The hoops are worth it !!!! Most of us had to go through torture diets before the surgery for shrinking of the liver. Honestly to me that was the hardest part. 10 days before the surgery I had to be on liquids. Misery, I was pacing the floor can't sleep starving all the time. But I did it, was able to have the surgery lap. and best of all my doc gave me much needed praise. And here I am 4 years later 170 pounds lighter LIVING life again. It Is Worth it. Yes you CAN do this, one day, one hour one minute at a time. What ever they ask of you, take a deep breath, smile and DO IT.We are here to listen and encourage you. Hang in there ,blessings

Thank everyone for being so kind.  I go tomorrow morning for the stress test.  So far today I have had:  3 protein drinks, sugar free banana popcicle broth and water.  Don't feel too bad.  Is it possible to shrink your liver in one week? When they told me yesterday that I had to do this my first thought was I can't wait to get home and put this on the OH board because I know they will make me feel so much better and of course all of you have. You guys are the best! Hugs Sharon D.