Question:
Please tell me more about Pre-op wt loss.

I was curious if all pre-op pts are required by thier doctors to lose wt before surgery or if it depends on the type of surgery you are having. Also how much do they require you to lose. Thanks in advance for your help!    — Cheryl S. (posted on January 23, 2000)

January 24, 2000
I am one of the patients of the MN doctor. Yes it is required that we loose 10 pounds before surgery. The reason for the loss is that it will shrink your liver and allow the doctor to make a smaller incision (about 5 to 7 inches long). Losing the weight will also help you have less pain after surgery. If you have any other questions about it feel free to email me at [email protected]
   — Sarah D.

January 24, 2000
My surgeon wanted me to loose a significant amount of weight before surgery. He said every pound lost would make it that much easier for me to recover after surgery. He also said that it would make it easier for him to perform the operation...he wouldn't have as much fat to dig through. he gave me a diet which I try to follow the best that I can. At first I was upset, but afetr I thought about it, it made sense. I will do WHATEVER my surgeon tells me to do if it means that someday I can live a normal, healthy life.
   — Holly G.

January 24, 2000
My doctor did not require me to lose weight pre-op. However, he did require me to go on an all liquid diet the day before surgery. This caused me to lose 6lbs before surgery.
   — kris R.

January 24, 2000
My doc told me I needed to lose 10 lbs -- I just assumed it was the 10 lbs I gained since I last saw him. I've heard about "pre-op dieting" to shrink liver, be healthier for surgery, etc. before -- makes sense.
   — Toni B.

March 1, 2000
My doctor had no pre-op requirements about weight loss. I have really no idea why doctors do that because to be honest, once you learn you are having the surgery, your first instinct is to eat all those things that you know you will never eat again.
   — BARBARA R.