pre-op diuretics/water pills

did you ever use these to kick start your weight loss?

That's not really healthy---diuretics can mess with your potassium levels.

Sometimes diuretics are needed and are safe if monitored my your doctor. I retain fluid in my left leg and in my lungs from ARDS. I have to take Demadex 20mg twice a day and I also take a potassium supplement also. My doctor closely monitors my potassium levels and should I need extra she lets me know. However I wouldn't use an over-the-counter one and I really wouldn't use it without your doctor's advice.

i was and am on one put it is a prescription from my doctor 

I was on one pill per day (hyrdothoriazide - sp) in conjunction with my high blood pressure medication.  It was not for kick starting weight loss.  If you start it, it may kick star****er loss, but not actual weight loss.

I had to do three weeks of Optifast pre-surgery and when I started it, I had to stop the diuretic.

Judy

Not only can the diuretics mess with your electrolyte levels, they can also make you dehydrated, and dangerously lower your blood pressure.  Also...diuretic use prior to surgery can cause you to retain fluids more post op than usual.  Doing something patently unhealthy to lose a pound or two is dangerously foolish.  You asked, I give some facts, no judgements intended.