Question:
Do all doctors have their patients diet before they have surgery for WLS.
— curiousjane (posted on February 20, 2002)
February 20, 2002
I had never heard of such a practice until I came to this board.
I don't really see the point. I recall something about some patients
having fatty livers and they have to lose weight before endoscopic
procedures. My surgeon has never mentioned this and no one in my support
group was told to lose weight before surgery. Quite the opposite for me,
I had a series of "last suppers" with family and friends before
my surgery.
I knew I'd never enjoy food in quite the same way again...so I ate to my
heart's content.
— [Anonymous]
February 20, 2002
I did'nt have to. But although I ate countless last suppers, I still lost
around 10 pounds a month post op because I quit eating sugar (changed to
Splenda). I think if I had tried to diet or was required to, I probally
could'nt have lost. ;)
— Danmark
February 20, 2002
My surpeon did not require it, but I heard some of his partners do.
Depends on the Doc. I did manage to lose 20 lbs between my initial consult
and the surgery just by "prepping" my body. My doctor insisted
on "Detoxifying" your system by eliminating soda, caffeine and
cigarettes and beginning protein shakes before surgery as well as an
exercise regime. I think that this is what most surgeons want you to do so
they tell you that it is required to scare you into action, however I have
never heard of a surgeon actually cancelling a surgery due to
non-compliance. But, it does help post-op if you prepare yourself pre-op.
I would recommend it. Good Luck
— Danielle M.
February 20, 2002
My surgeon doesn't require it either. I don't understand why some do? I
actually gained about 20 lbs. before mine, but lost it really quick
post-op.
— Cheri M.
February 20, 2002
My doc didn't require this, but losing weight is always good for your body.
The less stress on your organs the better, is the theory I think. Just ten
pounds can help with cirulation, blood pressure... Being heathier going in
can only help you heal faster. But, dieting isn't easy, especially while
'last suppering'. Try your best to comply with your surgeon's requirements,
he has them for a reason. Good Luck!!
— Angela B.
February 20, 2002
My doctor was very clear that if his patients can't prove they can follow
the 4th stage postop diet that he would not do the surgery. He monitors
compliance by giving a weight loss goal and having you keep a diet log that
is reviewed by a dietician. He also has you exercise daily to get your
heartbeat strong.
— Candace F.
February 20, 2002
I actually gained about 25 lbs. during the two months before my surgery!!!
I had so many last suppers I circled the world of cuisine three times over.
Would I do it again? No! (Very bad practice which I am not
recommending.) Was it fun? Hell, yes!
— Terissa R.
February 20, 2002
I didn't have to diet before my surgery, thank God. My surgeon did suggest
that I try not to gain any substantial amount of weight. I actually lost 6
pounds before my surgery which for the life of me I will never understand.
I felt like I did nothing but eat for 3 months. Ironic time for my
metabolism to kick in huh? lol
— Donna L.
February 20, 2002
No diet here, in fact we had so many last meals my husband gained 10 lbs!
If I could diet and keep off the weight why have the surgery? Seems silly
to me.
— Becky K.
February 20, 2002
My surgeon requires that his patients lose 10% of their body weight before
surgery up to 300 pounds (i believe), and anything over that to lose
15-20%. I myself started out at 427 and he wants me to lose at least 80
pounds before surgery. I have no problem with this at all. He is one of THE
best WLS surgeons in the country. Losing weight and excersizing before the
surgery date will help you recover faster. Instead of the normal 3 or 4
days in the hospital after surgery, his patients only stay for 24 hours and
then are sent home. The rate of complications for his patients are almost
0%.
— Heather M.
February 21, 2002
I can only speak for Kaiser No. California...the docs tell you that you
MUST lose 10% of your weight before surgery. They will cancel your surgery
date if you have not done so. They constantly remind you of this, and
there's no getting around it. I am in this phase right now. I have to
lose in the ballpark of 25 lbs. The doctor told me that patients who lose
weight before surgery do much, much better afterwards as there isn't as
much of a "shock" of adherring to the new diet. Also the weight
loss helps reduce the fat around the liver, which is in the area they need
to operate on. Makes sense to me, but it's still a pain and a big struggle
to lose the weight. With Kaiser you have no choice in the matter. Hugs,
Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
February 21, 2002
No required weight loss with my surgeon, although if you gain a substantial
amount of weight, he will postpone the surgery. I actually lost about 5
pounds prior to my surgery, which was a shock to me, considering all the
"last meals" I had. I guess some surgeons require it and some
don't.
— Maria H.
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