Question:
Surgery in two weeks. Should I stay in ketosis?

Hello, I started Atkin's 2 days before I was approved for surgery. Luckily, I got a surgery date right away and was wondering if it was safe to stay on Atkin's and in ketosis right up until surgery time. I am doing very well losing weight and am already used to the "protein first" mentality. I would hate to stop now and start eating carbs again. Any fast advice will be helpful! Thanks.    — Jennifer D. (posted on October 29, 2003)

October 29, 2003
I had to do the "Atkins Diet" for 1 week prior to surgery in order to shrink the size of my liver. So there is no problem with being in Ketosis prior to surgery and would probably be better for you. Congratulations on your "protein first" mentality. Sounds to me like you are right on track and will do very well post-operatively. Best of luck to you. Char
   — Charlene W.

October 29, 2003
Hi, my surgeon (I'm pre-op) says it is a good thing to lose weight before your surgery to shrink your liver, and that being in ketosis is okay and all in all, it helps you post-op. You are doing the right thing. Stick to it! It can only help.... my thoughts and prayers are with you for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery..... best wishes!! (((hugs)))
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 29, 2003
In my opinion the last thing you want to do is eat a bunch of carbs now and make your liver fatter. My pre-op diet was protein and veggies only for 2 weeks before surgery which provided a 21 lb weight loss. If you haven't even been eating veggies and fruits then I would say it's okay to eat non-starchy veggies and small amounts of fruits, but now is not the time to go back to other carbs. JMO
   — zoedogcbr

October 30, 2003
Just be aware that you probably won't be in ketosis when you come home. The IV's will likely have Dextrose in them. I was doing low carb before surgery, and brought home an extra 15 lbs of fluid, and I always retain water if I over do the carbs, so I am sure that is at least part of the reason I retained a lot of fluid.
   — koogy