Bibbygirl

Your original question was "BUT really why?"

Anatomically, the stomach is partially hidden by the liver, which must be retracted (pulled aside to get it out of the way) to access the stomach. The liver is a VERY dense, highly vascular organ. This means that if it is fatty, it is even more dense and difficult to retract. This increases the chance of rupturing or lacerating it interoperatively, which can be very serious, leading to hemorrhage and peritonitis. At the very least, as mentioned, it lengthens the surgery (adding more chance of complications related to anesthesia, clots, stroke, etc...). At the very very least, it's a pain in the ass to the whole surgical team, who are there trying to give you the best possible surgery. Stick to the pre-op diet that THEY give you (not us- i posted mine for those who were never given one). It will make your liver smaller, floppier, and easier to deal with in the OR. This is not a root canal. It's major abdominal surgery.

If you have questions, ASK them of your doctor. If you don't understand the answer, ASK again, and ask her to EXPLAIN them until you understand them. Don't let them rush you or discourage you from asking. This is YOUR body and YOUR life. There is a reason that you sign an "informed" consent. Your doc is legally, professionally, and ethically obligated to make sure you are fully informed, but only you can determine if you understand everything. Speak up, and good luck!

Thanks for this info. It will certainly give me all the more inspiration when I go through the pre-op withdrawals. I will just keep a mental picture of a "floppy" liver in my mind and will not go near any baddo foods.