Question?

I have been reading on the main board about all these pre-op liquid diets their surgeons require right before surgery. Does anyone know if the doctors at Suburban Surgical Care require a liquid diet immediately preceeding surgery and if so how long? Any info would be appreciated. Just like to get myself prepared and geared up for it. Thanks for all your help, Alan

Alan some require 2 weeks some 1.. I don't go to west suburban but I do know there are a few on here so hopefully they will give you a definiative answer on this. I would add though if the prospect of this scares you or worries you in anyway you need to make SURE your ready for surgery cause you will be on liquids only for a couple weeks after surgery too then full liquids.. etc.. ALso I know of one person who I wont mention who DID NOT do the liquid before hand the surgeon knew it the minute he saw his liver and he ended up with an open incision.. So its important that you follow it IF your surgeon requires it.. Good luck!! Debby

Debby, Thanks so much for responding. I am more than ready for surgery. Actually I have been dieting for surgery and have lost 19.5 pounds so far. the prospect of a lengthy liquid diet pre-op doesn't scare me.........though it doesn't thrill me either. I just like to know whats coming so I can mentally prepare for it. Thanks again fo the support, Alan

Alan, I am a patient of Dr Kane Jr at Suburban Surgical Care and was not required to do a liquid diet before surgery. They did recommend a 2wk plan of supplements called "Impact Recover" which I believe had a LOT to do with my speedy recovery.. the coffee flavored one was the easiest to get down.. it wasn't a bad flavor.. but you have to make sure it's ICE ICE COLD.. otherwise, it's kind of thick and a little gritty.. I was, however, required to do a bowel prep using Fleet's Phospho-Soda and it was AWFUL!! It was also the worst part of my pre-op experience and it was quickly forgotten.. although I tried to drink it in my cranberry juice and to this day I get queasy when I think about cranberry juice. Who's your surgeon? Stef Lap RNY 11/12/04 390 -> 310 -> 175

Thanks Stef, My doctor is also Dr. Kane Jr. I really like him alot so far. I have been dieting and I know the post-op protocal. Not looking forward to bowel prep, but I ahve been through that before for colonoscopy's. I'm really excited and can't wait, only 50 more days. Congrats to you on your weight loss, you are doing great. Can't wait to join you as a loser. Thanks, Alan

You're in great hands, Alan (and thank you for the kind words.. the loser's bench is pretty awesome, I must say!).. Feel free to email me if you ever have questions or even if you just get nervous and want to talk to somebody. I work in Itasca, which is about a stone's throw from Alexian Brothers.. but I live closer to the city in Oak Park. Anyway.. it sounds like you've got a great attitude and that's going to carry you a LONG way.. Stef

Alan - I did the liquid diet for 7 days pre-op. The first few days are the hardest. I had diluted gater-aid, water, sugar free popscicles, water and broth. It makes it easier for your sugeon especially if it's laproscopic. I'm all for making things easy on my surgeon. And I lost 23#'s in a week. It's hard and it sounds impossible but it can be done. I still think walking a couple weeks b4 surgery is important too. The lung excersising can make for an easier recovery. Good luck Phil -155 8-11-05

Hi Phil, I agree anything that makes it easier for the surgeon and then ultimately me. Guess I am just trying to be a good Boy Scout and be prepared. Walking alot right now is still a little difficult because of my arthritis. I'm hoping this gets better as the weight falls off. By the way what an inspiration seeing your pics. Congrats! and good luck on the rest of your journey. Thanks, Alan

Alan My surgery is scheluded for may 5th Dr made me start protein diet April 4th he said it will help shrink the liver and make surgery easier. I will be having surgery at Mac Neal Hospital

Hi Alan, Congratulations on your upcoming journey!!! All surgeons are different, mine only asked I didn't eat anything after midnight before my surgery... So it may not be bad, just ask and see where your surgeon stands. Good Luck and keep us posted! Take care, Kathy 330/299/171