Just wondering?

So as some may know, my surgery is scheduled for April 30.  While I was in the hospital this past week, by coincidence, 1 of my nurses happened to have had gastric bypass so we got to chatting about it.  I mentioned that my biggest fear regarding the surgery was actually the liver shrinking diet pre-op.  She informed me that she wasn't required to do that and she didn't have any knowledge about that.  I thought it was a bit odd because I thought for sure that some on this site had to do the diet too.  I was just wondering if it is most that have to do the diet, or just some or is it depending on the doctor?  I know it is silly to be nervous about just the diet, lol.  Any help or information is appreciated. Hugs, Theresa

Good Luck with your surgery!!  I am not sure if it is madated for all doctors or not.  But my doctor did not have that requirment last year when I went.  They do now.  I was told I will be on it.

All doctors are different - I did not have to do the diet but then I was open RNY - one of the last patients to have it before they changed to lap RNY......... so I never knew what the diet was like... Jackie

My doctor told me that I should have no more than 30 carbs a day for the three weeks prior to surgery and to avoid having  a "last meal" that might cause the liver to expand to process fatty, carb laden foods.  I can tell you that they really didn't make a big deal of it.  They DID make me understand though that if I did NOT do the carb restricting that it could make my surgery more difficult.   The reason they have you do this is to make your surgery go more smoothly.   My thought is that you probably want to do your best to do whatever your doctor thinks is best for your particular situation.  It can only benefit you in the long run.   There are some who had to do five days of clear liquids, I only had to do one.  I think it depends on your procedure and what your current health and weight is.   My last week before sugery, I was SO tempted to have a "last hurrah".  But every time I thought about filling my gut with delicious but unhealthy foods, I thought to myself,  'may as well start making the decision to do what I'm supposed to do NOW, this is a huge change coming!"   Its always scary to make a big change, but you can do it!! Its for your health and you are SO worth it!  

It must be different from surgeon to surgeon...I never had to do it, but I know there are others who have.  My guess is the best approach is to follow the directions given by your surgeon...he/she is the one who is going to be with you throughout the surgery and post-op and will know what is best for you.  Good luck!

Hi Theresa, It's absolutely a physician-preferred requirement. I had my lap RNY done at VCU medical center in Richmond and they require a 2 week pre-op liquid diet specifically because of the enlarged liver issue. They are quite strict about it and I was given a printed detailed list of what I could have during that 2 weeks. The first few days are hard to get used to, but then you get over the "hump" and you're on your way through the rest of the time and then on to surgery. You'll definitely be able to manage it!

I'm not 100%, but I think I have to do a liquid diet for something like TWO WEEKS before my surgery (in July) and I totally understand your fear!!! That part freaks me out, too.  I know that sticking to my new diet won't necessarily be easy after the surgery, but I'll be feeling kind of yucky when I do the liquids thing and with the pouch I won't be so hungry....but to just go flat out liquids for two weeks PRE-op? Yes, I'm completely terrified.  My doctor talked about doing it to shrink the liver to get it out of the way while he performs the surgery.  Here's what I'm going to do: make myself a big huge ribbon that says "SMALLEST LIVER EVER" and write on it, "Thank you, Sarah! You made my job so much easier!" I'm going to stare at it for motivation and give it to my doctor and tell him he has to give it to me after surgery if I did a good job. And, yes from what I've heard it varies wildly from doctor to doctor.  I wonder why that is? But we can do it!!!! Sarah

My doc did not require (or suggest) a pre-surgery diet (I had a mini-open RNY). As said above, some docs require it, some don't, but each patient should follow the instructions of their doc. Joe

I have noticed that tho all doctors are different, it seems to me that the majority of those who are NOT asked to do the diet are those having an OPEN surgery, Where as those of us having LAPRASCOPIC are asked to be on the diet to shrink the liver to create more room to work and visabilty to see .... Makes sense anyway Last day on my liquid diet today!!!!! Surgery in a few hours LOVE YA'LL! Brandi~