Question:
How can my surgeon know if i followed my pre-op diet, other than the weight?

My surgeon said that we he opens the belly and sees that we dont have followed our pre- op diet, he stop the surgery and we cannot have it . How does he see that we didn't do the diet?    — salem4444 (posted on January 20, 2010)

January 20, 2010
He will see if your liver has shrunk. The pre-op diet is to shrink your liver so it will be easier to move out of the way during surgery.
   — merehern

January 20, 2010
I agree with previous post. However, my question to you, is why wouldn't you follow it? This is a extremely risky surgery and a huge life change. If you can't commit at this point, you won't be able to after the surgery. The surgery is a tool, not a fix. Listen to your surgeon's requests and recommendations, he knows what he's talking about.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 20, 2010
Yes, he can tell because the liver hasn't shrunk. It will be too fatty and he will not be able to move the instruments around in there. I have heard time and time again of a surgery that was canceled because they did not follow the pre-op diet. It's also more dangerous for you.
   — Teresa V.

January 20, 2010
I began my pre op diet this morning at 6 AM. The goal I have for going throug all of these hoops is be make the surgery a success and live a fuller, healthier, longer life. Perhaps Im wrong, but if I can't follow this diet, how can commit to a lifetime of change? I think this is the first test of true commitment.
   — kchooker

January 20, 2010
I agree with the one gal who said, why shouldn't you follow it. This is a major surgery and a life changing event. Be compliant and do what you need to do for yourself.
   — FSUMom

January 20, 2010
Kelly, you have the right attitude! I'm 3 years post op RNY and have kept the weight off primarily because I've learned to "follow the rules". WLS is the greatest tool if we know how to use it properly.
   — Muggs

January 20, 2010
I am the one who asked the question, i didn't mean i dont want to follow the diet, but i am afraid that even if i have followed it strictly, my surgeon will think i didn, t followed it because my liver will not be shrunk enough. He never saw my liver before, how can he tell of it is smaller than it was? I was told in an ultra sound that i have a big fatty liver. Thanks for your answers
   — salem4444

January 20, 2010
It is in your best interest to follow his orders. Makes his job easier and better for you.
   — smokeybonefan

January 21, 2010
Diane, most of us who have a high BMI (body mass index) do have an enlarged, fatty liver. Because the liver lies in front of the stomach, the surgeon needs to gently lift it out of the way to do either Lap Band or RNY. It's much harder for them to do if it's in its natural state for heavy people, which is fatty and enlarged. The pre-op diet (some docs do a couple days, mine does two weeks) is designed to shrink the liver, and the doc is used to seeing patients who have followed their directions. They do a lot of these surgeries, and can tell whether someone is like the compliant patients or like a non-compliant patient. I suppose it's possible someone could follow the diet to a "t" and still end up looking wrong to the doc, but that's between you and the doc, I guess. As everyone says... follow all the rules, and success will be yours!!
   — Greg K.

January 21, 2010
As others have said, your surgeon will be able to tell by the size of your liver whether you have stuck to the pre op diet or not. It makes the surgery more risky if your liver is fatty and enlarged so following the pre op diet helps to reduce your risk of complications post op. I had RNY by keyhole in May 2009. My surgeon said that if I didn't follow the pre-op diet, it would increase the chances of him having to switch to open surgery - this was my motivation to stick to the diet. I have to say that 8 months out, the pre op diet has been the toughest part of my journey so far but well worth the effort. 8 months out and I have lost just over 100lbs and reached my goal weight. Please do follow your surgeons advice and I wish you the best of luck with your surgery.
   — nicolam666

January 21, 2010
He can tell if your liver hasn't shrunk... however like the person before said, why would you want to cheat? If you aren't taking it serious before your surgery you may not be ready for it.... it's a total life changing event.
   — MarthaJ0110

January 23, 2010
I found it very difficult to do the 2 week liquid diet, after all, I still got very hungry!!! BUT, I didn't cheat, I wanted this surgery so bad and it's like the surgeon told me, anyone can do just about anything for 2 weeks just put your mind to it! I am very thankful that I did, because he said my liver had shrunk sooooo much and my operation was a breeze! I healed quickly and felt great!
   — eyeflirt4fun

January 23, 2010
I apologize Diane, I misread your question. Believe in your surgeon. Mine told me the same thing about my liver. If it hasn't shrunk, he'll back out. This isn't his first time doing this and with his experience, he knows based on your BMI how much weight you must lose to shrink your liver. Mine is 56 and I weighed 394. As of this morning I couldn't stand it anylonger and weighed...I've lost 9 pounds and I'm keeping the carb count low plus moving around as much as possible. If you're doing what he told you to do, you'll be just fine. Best Wishes!
   — kchooker

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