Pre- Op Diet

My surgery has been scheduled for April 8th, and my surgeon suggests that all of his patients start dieting three weeks prior to their surgery date or earlier.  So, I decided that starting tomorrow I will begin my pre-op diet.  The only thing is, my doctor didn't say what type of diet to do.  I was wondering what you guys did pre-op?  And if it was benneficial or not.....  I feel like I heard low carb is a good one to do... but i'm not really sure!  Please leave any suggestions if you have them! Thanks :-) Lara

Hi Lara:

My surgeon requires everyone to do a 2 week pre-op diet, however, I wanted to lose as much as possible pre-op so I would have the best chances of an easy surgery. I started my pre-op diet on September 10th and had surgery on October 23rd. Over the course of my liquid diet I lost 46 lbs. I would drink a shake for breakfast and lunch and have a lean protein dinner, usually baked or grilled chicken with some veggies.

I feel that it was very beneficial because the transition to post-op eating was easy for me. Not sure how it would have been without the diet.

Good luck!

LB

^^^What she said.  Low carb = shrink the liver which is the entire purpose of it!  Good luck

I second (third?) the low carb pre-op diet.  My program had me on a two week pre-op whi*****luded protein shakes and one small, low-carb meal per day.  I definitely think getting in the habit of trying protein shakes is a good idea pre-op, and low carb/high protein diets usually produce the fastest weight loss (at least at the beginning).  I am by no means a carbophobe, but for pre-op I think it's a good way to go. Good luck!!!

Today is the first day of my pre op diet and I have to do an all liquids diet for 10 days. I can have broths, SF jello, SF popsicles, diet soda, water, and 2-3 servings each day of either yogurt or cottage cheese.

P.S. - I am already starving

First was my "last supper syndrome" diet - which I DO NOT suggest, then it was modified Atkins (low-carb), and immediately before surgery it was a clear liquid diet.  I lost 11 pounds, so it was good enough for me.  If you are unsure, maybe you could call and ask for suggestions.  He is probably just trying to get you into a frame of mind of watching what you eat, but he might prefer one diet over another. Congrats on your surgery date!

Im still waiting on the approval of my surgery, but since I saw the surgeon in December I have gained 12 lbs. So.. I need to lose those 12 lbs before I see him again.. I guess which would be pre-op, and since I dont know when pre-op is I would like to just be able to lose those 12 lbs so I can actually have my surgery but also lose more so that the surgery goes ok. BUT the thing is I have a 1 year old that I am still breastfeeding. I am supposed to wean but they told me I wasnt going to have to wean until a week or two before surgery. So I have some time. But im worried that if I start weaning my son it will keep me from losing weight, or be harder to lose the weight. But I do think that having a shake for breakfast and lunch and a small high protein meal for diner is a great idea!