Question:
Has anyone ever "cheated" on pre-op diet? Truth, please?

Scheduled for surgey in May, 14 day pre-op diet consists of protein drinks (3-5) per day, plus non starchy veggies, broth, no calorie dressings. Cheated two days with a piece of grilled chicken, and a handful of nuts (early in the diet). Also a little lo=fat cream of chix soup. But I see other people with diets which allow these things. Should I worry? Or fess up to the doc? I've lost 12 pounds in 11 days. thanks for any info.    — newmeon5212009 (posted on May 17, 2009)

May 17, 2009
ALICE TO BE TRUTHFUL I WAS AFRAID TO CHEAT. YOU CAN TELL THE DOCS ANYTHING YOU WANT, BUT BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. TALK TO YOUR DR. I'M SURE YOUR NOT THE FRIST PERSON TO MESS UP. IT'S NOT EASY AND DON'T TELL YOURSELF IT IS. YOU STILL HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF YOU SO USE ALL THE SUPPORT YOU CAN GET. AND THE WORSE THING YOU CAN DO IS TELL YOURSELF YOUR THE ONLY ONE. BUT I'M ALMOST CERTAIN THIS WILL NOT DELAY YOUR SURGERY. GOOD LUCK!!!
   — IMPROVEMENT

May 17, 2009
usually they put you on this diet to get used to your new diet after surgery. my surgeon only made me do this 4 days prior to surgery. but i made sure to stick to it because they need your stomach clear when they do the surgery. i had nothing solid for 4 days prior to surgery. you should talk to your surgeon, i don't think this will stop your surgery but make sure you stick to the diet at least right before your surgery date.
   — alojah82

May 17, 2009
Surgeons prefer us to lose weight prior to surgery to help shrink your liver...It makes surgery MUCH easier for them and safer for you...So many do these liquid diets to insure their patients lose at least 10 pounds or whatever the particular surgeon wants you to lose ( I've heard some want more weight lost from super MO)...Mine told me, "Try to lose 10 lbs by surgery morning". I did...It wasn't on chocolate protein drinks, ice pops and puddings, either! But if you really want to ease your mind, just call your surgeons office and ask if losing 12 pounds in 11 days is good for the pre op diet and I'll bet they will be pleased...
   — .Anita R.

May 17, 2009
I don't have the average story from my pre-op, as I lost 100 lbs on my own when the dr really only needed me to lose 50-60. So, once I was OK'ed at the pre-op appt, I did the liquid diet (drinks for morning and lunch, then 1 sensibile meal) for a few days, but the last two days (prior to the all clear liquid 48 hrs before surgery - which I did NOT cheat on), I kind of went on a goodbye tour of my favorite foods (in moderation). It all depends on where you are. If you are on a strict diet to lose needed weight before surgery and you don't lose enough, it IS possible he might have to do you open and that is SO not worth risking. I think you're ok with the soup though. Good luck! :o)
   — opheliafl

May 17, 2009
We were told to follow the Atkin's diet for two weeks before surgery because it shrinks your liver, and less fatty liver bleeds less. To be honest, I followed it for the first week to ten days, and then my brain switched over to panic mode. I ate anything and everything I could get my hands on because of my brain telling me I could never eat that stuff again - I gorged!
   — Ursie77

May 17, 2009
I'm really happy to see this question, but let me ask this...can we have coffee with splenda during protein shakes? I can do atkins well, have done it in the past and lost over 25 lbs....so is it atkins for the two shakes and sensible dinner...oh yeah and what about COFFEE and TEA?
   — n2deep

May 17, 2009
after reading my last response it confused even me. My questions are: 1. Can you have coffee and tea with splenda between shakes 2. Does the Atkins diet have the same effect as the two protein shakes and sensible meal or... 3. Should the two shakes (breakfast/lunch) followed by meat and vegtable for dinner be strictly followed There...I hope that is a better read!!
   — n2deep