Is this even normal?

My surgery is March 2nd and Dr. Lin is stating I need to be on a liquid diet for three weeks prior!!!! I know that it will shrink the liver to have better access. But I think he wants more pounds for his own title of delivered success. Maybe I am just being jaded about my last meal count downs!lol Please help......I am new here.

I believe that is what Donna Mae had to do when she went to Dr. Lin. Different docs do things a bit differently. My surgeon did a two week pre-op liquid diet for most patients. I had to lose 10% of my body weight prior to surgery or my surgeon would have rescheduled my surgery. Not sure how strict he was about the exact number because I surpassed it. I lost 32 lbs in the 3 months prior to surgery - he was thrilled so he didn't even make me go on the liquid diet but he wanted me to continue low-carbing so as to not bulk the liver up. He had patients that last-mealed themselves into a very, very fat liver right before surgery years back and ever since that he instituted his pre-op diet. Anyway, given the fact that I really wanted this surgery quite badly and that I had to lose 10% - I didn't have any last meals. Kathy

Every surgical practice is different, and they tell different things to different paitents. It depends alot on your physical condition and health pre-op. My surgical practice doesn't put us on a diet, liquid diet, bowel pre*****ne of that. You just cant eat after midnight the day before. My surgeon said "Try not to gain any weight" Well HELLO, I've been TRYING not to gain weight my whole life, apparently, I'm not very good at it. Somehow, I lost 8.3lbs pre op. I think it was just because it was summer, and I am typically a busy bee in the summer. I was outside all the time sweating my butt off! If your doc prescribes a liquid diet or any kind of food diet, prior, stick with it. Trust me, you think you will, but you WON'T miss that last meal. Your first four weeks you have to remember to eat, so trust me. If you don't have that last steak or whatever, you won't miss it. I had granola as my last meal! I know that sounds lame, but I was scared if I ate something normal I might have to poop at the hospital and have to use a bedpan. Leland

Sherry , First .. Welcome to the VA Boards .. I know this sounds absurd maybe .. but if I choose a doctor .. and he told me to eat bugs prior to my surgery .. I would have done it ..LOL To be where I am at today .. and to be as healthy as I am .. to have the chance at a life saving surgery .. I would have done what ever my doc asked me to .. Just me ... If you feel that way about your surgeon .. maybe you need to postpone your surgery and look for someone that does not make you feel this way . Many go into this with out being the consumer or doing any research or background checks on their surgeons .. If my surgeon had given me any inclining of negitivity .. he would have been x'd right off my list .. My life was in his hands .. literally .. If I sound strong about this .. is because I am .. this is your life .. and your future .. and it is A LIFESTYLE FOR LIFE .. I wish the best for you .. and please keep us posted on your journey . Natalie

Natalie, Thanks for writing back. I am confident in my surgeon's abilities. I have just heard so many different stories as to each surgeons approach and realize that it is their purogative. Perhaps it is just me being selfish in being a little reckless with food intake for the last weeks. I have gone thru a year of hell trying to get this surgery, since I have Kaiser. But I will adhere to his advise. Thanks again, Sherry

Sherry, I'm in Springfield and have Kaiser. I went to GWU for my surgery 1/22/04. I have Dr. Brody. Be glad you have Lin. He is much more supportive than Brody. I wish I had used Lin. One of the problems I had at GWU was with food after surgery. First they brought me jello with sugar and instant chicken broth that would gag you, then they brought me scrambled eggs and grits. I finally sent my husband to the store for 8oz cartons of Kitchen Stock brand chicken broth and sugar free jello. I don't know if that is still a problem there, but I would recommend that you ask or that you take some things with you that you know you can have -- Profect protein is a great choice if you haven't tried it, you should. Don't expect much support from Kaiser. I have been really disappointed in how little followup I got. I had to force them to give me a bone density scan. Have you had one -- if not ask for a referral now as it takes 3-4 months to get the appointment. You need this for a baseline. If you ever want to talk, send me an email off line or I would be happy to meet with you. Cathy

GREAT ... Very proud of you . Trust me from my heart when I tell you that everything you do is so so worth it . Any hoop you jump and all the roads you may cross .. will be so very rewarding and worth it . Many hugs to you ! Natalie

GREAT ... Very proud of you . Trust me from my heart when I tell you that everything you do is so so worth it . Any hoop you jump and all the roads you may cross .. will be so very rewarding and worth it . Many hugs to you ! Natalie

Hi Sherry, I had to do 2 weeks of 5 protein shakes a day---lost an additional 8 pounds. Don't sabotage yourself by not following your doctor's advice to the letter. If you are truly ready to embrace the bypass LIFESTYLE you won't think twice about no "last meal". Start the diet now, see if you can 'hack'. I took up the diet at the end of October lost 34 pounds had surgery last week and haven't looked back. This is a total commitment for a new, healthier, happier you. Only you can make it work! Good luck, Lois

I'm with Tinkerbell-I would have eaten bugs too. I am so in love with my surgeon for doing the surgery for me, allowing me to be happy for the first time in years, and doing such a good job that I have had zero complications. Do as prescibed and hang on for the journey of your life!!Hugs, Melannie