Did you have to do liquid diet before surgery?

I've been a lurker on this board for a long time, and after 8 months of "work", am finally having RNY surgery in about 2 weeks.  Many of the posts I read talk about the presurgery 2 week liquid diet (length varies).  My surgeons office didn't say anything about this.
Is this common with all surgeons - I wonder why I wasnt directed to do this?  They DID tell me to try atkins or something to get some weight off this last month prior, because I'd actually gained 5lb in a month.
I just want to do the right thing for the best possible outcome and am confused about this.

Hi I am so glad that you posted. This board is one of the greatest places there is. Don't be afraid to ask ANY questions. My RNY is scheduled for March 20, and my doctor doesn't want me to do the liquid diet pre-op. I asked him about it and he said the purpose of the diet is to shrink the liver to make the surgery a little easier to do. He said that personally he believes that it can also weaken the immune system to do such a drastic diet and he would just rather not take the chance with his patients healing properly. He has an excellent track record as a surgeon and I feel confident in his skills. The office is also rated as a Bariatric Center of Excellence. I know there are lots of different opinions, but if you are comfortable with your doctor than make sure that you follow the directions they give you. If you have ANY questions or concerns than don't hesitate to call your doctor and discuss them. You have to be comfortable, and well informed. Remember this is your body, so ask as many questions as you want and I am sure your doctor will be happy to answer. I am a big advocate for being involved in your own care. Good luck, and congratulations. See you on the loser's bench.

I had to do a 5 day liquid diet, pre op!  But I didn't have to do the "clean out"!!  There is a BIG variation between surgeons.  Some make patients lose weight, others not, some do the liquid diet, some don't.  Some have to do the wonderful "clean out" the night before, others are lucky enough to not have too!!  If he told you that a liquid diet wasn't needed.....I'd say he has his reasons for not doing it!  Feel lucky!!

Good luck in 2 weeks!!

I did not have to do a liquid diet. I just had to do liquids the day before surgery.

The liquid diet pre-op varies from surgeon to surgeon.  I did not have to do it.  I only had to be on liquids the day before my surgery, and to do a clean-out.  If you are unsure about it, don't hesitate to call the surgeon's office and clarify it with them. 

Good luck and keep posting.  We want to hear all about your trip to the Loser's Bench.

Hugs,
Trish

I did not have to do a liquid diet before surgery.

Because I had gained weight and my surgery would have been cancelled if I didn't lose the weight I had gained, I put myself on basically a full liquid diet for 1 1/2 weeks before hand and only had one "real" meal a day that was low fat protein and veggies only.

The only thing my surgeon had me do was a clear liquid diet the day before surgery, and then of course the old stand by of nothing after midnight. 

Good luck!

Pam

Wow, I am feeling jealous, I had 10 days of liquid hell before surgery.

But my philosophy is, DO whatever your surgeon wants and thinks is best. It's his job to perform surgery so whatever he prefers as pre-op prep, get on board with and follow through with.

They know what's best for them to do the surgery.

My surgeon required a 10 day liquid diet pre-surgery - it shrinks your liver and helps you lose some weight before the big day - I actually lost 17 lbs on mine, so it was definitely worth it, and after surgery my doctor said it was a very easy surgery because my liver was nice and small and he could see everything in there, and I had a very easy recovery with very little pain or discomfort. My BMI was very high, as was my weight when I had my surgery - I'm not sure he requires it for all patients - might depend on their weight, etc.

In all honesty it wasn't that bad, but for months afterward I couldn't stand the sight of broth or sugar free jello!!

Best of luck to you on your journey - your surgeon will tell you what is best for you, and like everyone said, they all vary and have different opinions on pre-surgery diets and weight loss, post-surgery eating and vitamins, etc. Follow what your doctor tells you to and you should be fine.

Kathy

I believe Boe requires this of all his patients.....

My doctor required 2 weeks of Atkins before my surgery but that was it.