Pre-Op Eating

Hello!  And thanks for the encouragement and support....I feel it and it feels great!  :)

I have a question about pre-op eating (this is the one that for some reason didn't show up on the Main Board).  My surgeon does not require any special pre-op diet or eating plan.  After seeing all the posts here about what others are having to do and eat/not eat/drink in the weeks before surgery, I thought I was missing something so called this morning just to make sure.  Nope...nothing special.  Other than I can't eat or drink anything after mid-night the night before surgery.  She said if I wanted to get a head start on the liquid diet I could, but to be honest, I don't know....I am not feeling the motivation to start on that without the benefit of the surgery.

So, my question....should I start about a self-enforced change to my diet before surgery (which is 4 weeks from today).  What would the benefits be to doing so?  Anyone have any suggestions based on their experience??

Don't get me wrong...I am not doubting my surgeon.  I trust her 110% given her position and experience.  BUT, just want to know about the experiences of others with this.  Thanks in advance!!   

Most certainly follow your surgeon's advice.  Start getting used to chewing your food well, 25 chews per bite, putting the spoon or fork down between bites.  No liquids while eating and for 30 minutes after eating.  Get your protein in first, then fruits and veggies, if any room left, have some bites of carbs.  I had a hard time getting used to the idea of not drinking during my meal, it is pretty easy now that surgery is done, just not room for anything besides a few bites of the protein.

Also start getting into the habit of any kind of exercise that you can tolerated, walking is a good start.  The sooner you get started on the good habits, the better for you.

You will see as many different diet types as there are surgeons, each surgeon has success with his/her plan.  So, follow the plan set out for you.  And of course come here often to share and get information.  The more I am here, the more I learn.  Take care as you prepare for surgery.  Hugs, Kathy

Kathy has given you excellent advice. The benefit of the liquid diet before surgery is to shrink the liver. it makes it easier for them to get to all the spots they need to during surgery. But if your doc doesn't require it, then you don't need to do it. It can give you a jump start on your weight loss, but thats a personal choice for you since your doc doesn't require it.

Definately start working on developing the new habits, as they will need to be present for a lifetime, to remain successful in your wls journey. Now is the best time to prepare for your new way of eating, as Kathy said above.

Another suggestion is to have everything you need in place before you go in for your surgery. Protein, bariatric vitamin supplements, first weeks worth of foods, crystal light, etc. You likely will not feel up to much the first week you are home, but you need to have these things in place so you get poff to a healthy start.

The 4 weeks is going to fly by for you. Learn and ask all you can before surgery. It all contributes to a more successful journey. Knowledge is power!
Hugs!

So for example, if you wanted to do the liquid diet - how and what can you eat/drink?  My surgeons office doesn't require the diet either but I'd like to do it also to help my chances of a Laparoscopic vs. a hand assist or open RNY...

Thanks!

Hi Justine,

Since your surgeon doesn't do the liquid diet, I will share what I needed to do.  My surgeon had me on a diet of no sugar added carnation instant breakfast with a scoop of protein powder divided between the glasses.  The easiest way to mix it is to take 5 cups of 2% milk, add 5 packets of no sugar added carnation instant breakfast and 1 scoop (or 20 grams) of protein powder.  Mix it all up and divide into 3 meals and 2 snacks a day.  Kept me satisfied.  The diet also includes all the sugarfree jello, crystal light, sugarfree popsicles, broth, water I wanted.  I could also have tomato juice or V8 juice for variety.  Best of luck if you decide to try this.  I didn't find it too bad, when I wanted to chew on something, I used the popsicles.  They also come in handy after surgery for hydration. 

Hugs, Kathy

Hi Justine,

Just like you my doctor doesn't require any special diet before surgery.  He just wants me to not gain weight before the surgery date.  BTW my surgery date is Nov. 30, which means I can enjoy Thanksgiving diner with my family, but I'm thinking about following a liquid diet for the three days after that.  Three days was all that was asked of a girl friend of mine, and if I'm going to bring in the New Year after WLS I think Thanksgiving Diner is a great end to my old way a eating.  I will be thankful for the opportunity to change myself from a "Big ol' Lovable Me" to a "Hot, Little Ol' Loveable Me"!

Good Luck Justine.  I look forward to hearing about your journey.
Charrie