Question:
How many days before surgery do you go on liquids only?

HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE SURGERY DO YOU HAVE TO GO ON LQUIDS ONLY BEFORE SURGERY IS 48 HRS THE NORM OR JUST 24HRS...IS THIS SO YOURE STOUMACH IS 100% EMPTY OR OTHER RISK FACTORS....ANY ADVICE WOULD BE HELPFUL..AND HOW DO YOU COPE IN YOUR MINDSET KNOWING THAT YOU ARENT ALLOWED ANYTHING AND THIS IS YOURE LAST CHANCE TO EAT...AND NOT BE SOOO HUNGRY THANKS    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 25, 2001)

November 25, 2001
You must not have ACTUAL orders from your surgeon or you would know the length of time. Many things that we worry about will never come to pass. I encourage you not to assume you will have to do this. I didn't. No bowel cleansing or special diet. I was just "nothing by mouth after midnight." If you really want to know, call the surgeon and ask. My surgeon also doesn't use any drains or tubes post op. So, don't also assume you will automatically have these. Every surgeon is different and every surgeon's protocol is just as original. Best wishes and good luck on your journey. Shelley
   — Shelley.

November 25, 2001
I had my last meal at 12 noon the day before my surgery then liquids til midnight. Had to take a bowel cleanser at 5:30pm the day before too. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

November 25, 2001
It depends on the doctor. Some require liquids and bowel prep before the surgery. Some (like mine) only require nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. I had a normal dinner (can't remember what it was!) early in the evening and a small hot fudge sundae made with pepermint ice cream about 8 p.m. the night before my surgery. The hardest thing for me was nothing to drink after midnight since my surgery wasn't until 3 p.m. You may want to check the profiles of other people on this site who have had the same doctor and see if they mention anything about this. Your doctor will certainly let you kow what to expect and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.
   — georgiacarol

November 25, 2001
Well, I am in day 1 of my 48 hour liquid diet prior to surgery. My doc seems very strict in this and aftercare as well (clear liquids one week post surgery, second week full liquids, etc.) So it sounds like everyone is different. Coping is a bit tough, especially since i waited to go to the grocery store until today, the first day of liquids.. Good luck to you!
   — Tracie B.

November 25, 2001
48 hours is the longest, and thats what my surgeon requires. But this varies a lot. I didnt look forward to the 2 day clear liquids but it passed by fast. You have to focus on the goal, a thinner healthier YOU. Along the way there are hurdles, like sleep studies and uncomfortable tests. But they are all WORTHWHILE. Because they get you too goal. Read my profile, the great stuff is near the bottom.
   — bob-haller

November 25, 2001
My surgeon just asked of me to eat light the day before, but whatever I liked. Also there was no bowel prep at all. I even had two margaritas! But nothing after midnight.
   — [Anonymous]

November 25, 2001
Have you pre registerd? They told me at my pre-resistration what to eat 2 days before and when to stop liquids and food. If not, call the office speak with the Nurse.
   — Jackiis

November 25, 2001
It is funny how we all ask each other these questions instead of going to the horses mouth. As the others said, everyone has different requirements. I had a 24 hour fast no bowel prep. As far as your question regarding not being allowed to eat your last meal - if you are told to fast 24 or 48 hours, then you just accept that the meal the day before that is your last meal! I had a common experience with many pre-ops in that I was so nervous about the surgery, I didn't really have the desire to overeat the last 4-5 days prior to surgery. However,I did make my friend drive 60 miles round trip to get me a souvlaki as my last dinner. ( : Seriously, though, all pre-ops should ask their surgeons the pre-op routine. Even more important they should ask when and what they will eat post op. Everyone has a completely different post-op routine. Some people drink and eat SOLIDS their second day out of surgery. Others go two full months on clear liquids(and everything in between). These are things for which you should be mentally prepared.
   — Julie S.

November 25, 2001
My dr says lightly maybe the day before - no cleansing- nothing by mouth after midnight. I mention to an anesthist (SP) friend I thought I would fast a bit and drink protein a few days before and she said "PLEASE DON'T DO THAT- you will throw your electrolites off.
   — charlene M.

November 25, 2001
My surgeon has a 24 hour fast and no bowl preps.
   — Danmark

November 25, 2001
My Surgeons only requirement is nothing after midnight. I know of alot of people forced to drink a gallon of something that is a Diuretic to "clean" the bowels. It seems to me to be more a punishment for being Obese. My surgeon says there is no reason to make someone Clean themselves out like that.
   — sbinkerd1

November 26, 2001
I just got a surgery date. My surgeon's instructions are two days before surgery, eat liquids only (which she said can include yogurt, pudding, applesauce, etc.--just nothing with 'particles.' The next day, consume only clear liquids, and nothing at all after midnight. My surgery is scheduled for 8:00 a.m.
   — Roxanne M.

November 26, 2001
I had an open rny. I wasn't required to go on liquids prior to my surgery. The only restriction was nothing...no food and no water... after 10pm on the day prior to my surgery, which was scheduled to 10am.
   — [Anonymous]

November 26, 2001
I asked my surgeon why this varies so much. He wants us cleaned out in case of accidentl bowel perforation, or other complications like adhesions from previous surgeries. This is espically important with laps. I figure better safe than sorry, why risk some dirty foods having the chance to get loose in the abdominal cavity and cause a infection. Tru;y that last 2 days go by fast. WELL worth the sacrifice.
   — bob-haller

Click Here to Return