Question:
OMG!My Dr. put me on a 3 week diet??

He wants me to lose weight before the surgery. I am having such a terrible time trying to stick to it. If I could just diet and lose weight, why in the world would I even be having the surgery! It seems really pointless to me, but I have to do it they say. I am so frustrated, Im afraid that if I dont lose the weight, they will cancel my surgery. Did anyone have to do this and if so, how did you get thru it?? Im feeling very helpless and out of control.    — Brandee W. (posted on November 5, 2002)

November 5, 2002
Brandee, my dr required a 10% loss before surgery. I was 299 and this seemed unreachable and unfair. I found out later that what he really wanted was an effort and commitment. I did lose the weight because I had to have a breast biopsy and had to be under 280 to get on the table. That was a true incenitive and after that I just did the best I could. Good luck, Tawnda
   — Tawnda C.

November 5, 2002
There are usually two good reasons to lose some weight right before surgery. #1 is that it decreases the pressure in your abdomen and in turn decreases your risk for complications. #2 is that it helps your liver kind of clean up, a 'fatty liver' can cause problems from what I have heard. I know that this seems like an impossible thing to do, going on one more diet after failing at so many, but think of it this way: You don't have trouble losing weight in the first place, it's the gaining back that is the problem. All you have to do is lose one more time, and then the surgery will take care of the rest. It's only 3 little weeks, and you can find the strength do do this one last diet one last time, I promise. Postop life is worth it, I guarantee you! 21 days, just go one day at a time. Good Luck!
   — Cara F.

November 5, 2002
the DR likes to have u lose some weight b4 surgery coz it makes the liver smaller and so its not in the way for when hes inside..if the liver is in the way it can make it difficult to perform the lap surgery and it may instead hafta be open..if u really want the surgery bad enuff u WILL stick to that diet..just think its the LAST one u will ever have to be on..
   — christine S.

November 5, 2002
I had my first consultation with my surgeon on 19 June. He told me basically the same thing as yours told you, to lose some weight before he saw me again in a month's time. He told me to eat three small meals a day of protein and fiber and to drink lots of water, especially when I was feeling hungry between meals. This is truly the best method I've ever used to lose weight. It is relatively painless as the high protein takes longer to digest so you feel fuller for a longer period of time. The water seems to just wash the fat away. When I went back to see him five weeks later I had lost 25 pounds which is very good for my age. I have a surgery date of 17 December and I'm continuing his regimen so as to be as healthy as possible when I get on the operating table. Hope this helps, just remember, small meals, high protein, and lots and lots of water. Blessed be, Gwynne
   — Birdie59

November 5, 2002
Brandee, I agree with the other posters, the reason is mainly because of your liver. My surgeon said even as little as a 10lb weight loss can make a huge difference in the success and ease of surgery. But honestly, knowing that really didn't make it any eaiser to do! I bought small 1/2 C rubbermaid containers with lids and filled them with Jello Suger free chocolate pudding. When I felt I HAD to have something "yummie" I would grab one of them and savor it. Sometimes I would even put a bit of Low Fat Cool Whip on top. The other thing is sugar free fudgesicles. They are also good. Another thing I did was tell myself that this diet was part of my surgery. I had made the commitment to have the surgery so this was just the first part of that surgery. It is only for a few weeks.. you can do it! Just take it one hour at a time, and make good choices with your foods. Stick to protien, and Fat Free and Sugar free items.
   — Tami D.

November 6, 2002
OMG!! is right. I have to be on clear liquids and CIB for 2 weeks and I was freaking out. Now that I have read your question, I do not feel so bad. All I can say is hang in there it is almost over. Now let me take a sip of water. :-)
   — sharon E.

November 6, 2002
Well sweety just be glad its only 3 weeks.. my insurance is making me do a 3 month supervised diet before they even consider giving me approval...
   — Boricuasoul1980