My doctor didn't order one.  Just wants me to eat only liquids the day before surgery and then, of course, nothing after midnight the night before.  Is there any benefit to me doing one anyway?  I want to ensure that my surgery is as safe as possible.  Or would a low-carb diet be good?  I've heard that helps to shrink the liver??

FYI - he also doesn't believe in protein supplements....at all.  Says they just slow weight loss at the beginning and your body has all it needs vitamin/protein wise stored up to last you the first few weeks as your body is adjusting.  Weird??

My surgeon required one for 2 reasons. He wanted to get me accustomed to the post op lifestyle and to shrink the liver. Shrinking the liver is extremely beneficial so that they are able to get around inside, especially if they are doing it laproscopically.

As far as the supplements. There are quite a few doctors that do prefer patients getting in their required protein from food as opposed to shakes but I have never heard of them not suggesting protein shakes immediately affter surgery. How is he expecting you to get in the required protein right after surgery. Becaue directly after surgery, even doing protein shakes, it is still hard to get in the required amount for a couple of weeks. When is he suggesting that you start taking your vitamins?

wow every thing he said goes totally against every thing ive been told and have heard from friend ??? very strange very strange ... if you read in here i bet 90 percent of the ppl here did low or no carb diet and then 2 days liquids and a bowl prep so i would maybe ask more question about him or try to find somebody hows used him and see how it went with them good luck

He is a great surgeon...she made a good choice..

What you heard is right. The object of a high protein/low carb diet prior to surgery is to help shrink the liver...granted it takes longer than 2 weeks..but if is dangerous to perform the surgery with a slimy enlarged liver.  So trying to get as much time on the diet is beneficial.  I am just saying that there are doctors that don't require it but they should.  You want a surgeon that understands all aspects of the surgery, I don't know why they wouldn't want to shrink the liver if possible if it makes for a safer surgery.   


Apologies to the buddman...I was reading through these posts late at night...and I have reread it and you are correct.  It is a good idea to go to Low/No carbs prior to surgery and up your protein for the reasons I talked about.


My opinion is that a bowel prep is a great thing, since the are operating on your intestines.

Well...I know he's good.  He's actually considered one of the best out there.  He was 2008 president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.  I'm not worried about his competency.  I was just wondering if it might be a good idea to do a low carb diet at least for a few weeks before my surgery.  I'll definitely call his office tomorrow and see what they say.  I just thought it was strange that he doesn't require it.

As for the protein supplements.  He doesn't expect us to get the required amounts in right after surgery.  Says he's more concerned with staying hydrated for the first week or so...and that there is no need for all that protein in the first week or two after surgery...your body has enough stored up.

There is not evidence that a liquid diet is any better than just a high protein/low carb diet.  If I were you..I would just try to eat protein and reduce your carbs before surgery. 

Eggs, lunchmeat, chicken/fish/meat, low fat cheese.... and cut out on the white flour and starchy veggies.  I would have a slice of wheat toast with breakfast and get some low carb wraps for to make for lunch...and a healthy dinner. 

He sounds like a good surgeon..I didn't have anything but clears for the first week..then full fluids for the second week..pureed the third and soft for the next 3 months.

You don't want to load a healing tender pouch with heavy protein..get some sf popcicles, sf jello, crystal light...and you will be great!

good luck on our journey
chili

I had no pre-op diet requirements at all. Surgery went smooth as silk. I've seem posts from others that didn't require the pre=op testing as well, so not really all that strange.

My Surgeon only required clear liquids for two days prior to the surgery.  Any weight you can lose prior to surgery does shrink your liver making it easier for the surgeon to operate.  However, pre-surgery it is very difficult for some patients to do two weeks of just liquids.  Why don't you do 1 or 2 protein drinks for meals and 1 low-fat solid meal?

Consider yourself lucky.

And talk to a nutritionist about what you should and shouldn't be eating, not your surgeon.

 My doctor does not require the two week liquid diet, only to lose a few pounds between now and the surgery.  He's a really great doctor too..