coleycole127

Do all Blue Cross Blue Shield policies require this? It sounded like I just needed a letter from my pcp...I'm confused lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

Ooooooo ya I know for sure mine is enlarged which I think is aka fatty lol I'm curious to see if the doctor I'll be going to does a Pre-op diet.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

Is it supposed to prep your body/stomach for after surgery? Like smoother recovery?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon did not recommend a diet so I personally am not doing one. People keep saying it is to shrink the liver but studies show it takes a minimum of 8weeks on a very strict diet to see what amounts to a statistically insignificant difference in fatty liver disease so I doubt that is the real reason programs recommend it. I actually had a very interesting talk about this with a fellow member getting it done in March and her explanation was she wanted to "get her head in the game" which I think is the most valid reason I have heard to start it. There does not seem to be any large scale studies published that confirm it is beneficial but there are also no studies that say it hurts either so it so really is a personal preference thing. If you strongly feel like it would help I would ask your program/NUT for recommendations.
coco

Well, pain got the best of my head and I fell back to old habits! I have been making very poor choices on eating and haven't been able to exercise much. So, I come here to write this knowing it will be here for all to see and comment on. This way I know I will do something about it. Fortunately I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either. So, today I will take time to write up a plan and start all over again Monday morning.

@@retzlpa
Well, it happens! I am right there with you. Last week I did not make the best choices 3 days in a row. Unfortunately I gained 2 lbs!
Now, I certainly didn't go completely nuts but I ate a lot of salty chips and crackers so I am guessing I gained Water weight.
the important thing is that we recognize it and get back on track.
Give yourself a break, we are human......

@@coleycole127
I got some paperwork and kinda took it the same way. I see doctor for first time Monday so I will see.
All bcbs policies r different so I'm not sure if that's it or what. My friend didn't have to do any of the 6 months weight follow.. She did some reguakr testing and her 4 classes required by the facility and had surgery within 3-4 months of starting program.
So I guess all are different.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is what mine will be like, except I have a 1,000 calorie limit.

I was eating high Protein low carb 6 months before surgery but no liquid diet. I ate up until midnight the night before surgery with no liver issues. Just like everyone said, every surgeon is different! Mentally prepare yourself either way.

I had 2 weeks of a pre op diet.
Two meals a day replaced with a Protein Drink. One meal a day consisting of 3oz of lean Protein, 1 cup of non starchy vegetables & a small green salad with a tiny amount of a low fat Salad Dressing.< /p>
It honestly wasn't so bad. When you consider that you will be making a large change in the way you eat after surgery, it's kind of a stepping stone for your post op diet.
Plus if there's anything I can do to make my surgery safer
(less risk of liver damage) I would do it.

My Dr only had me do a 24 hour liquid diet the day before, but I started replacing 2 meals a day with Protein Shakes, a week before surgery to prepare myself a little bit for post op liquid meals!

Awesome progress!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

Two weeks of pre-op diet. Two Meal Replacement shakes, plus a little fruit, unlimited veggies and one modest balanced meal daily - about 1200 calories daily for men. Oh yeah, and taper off caffeine.

When you are laying on your back, your liver rests on top of your stomach. The pre-op diet is meant to deplete your liver's glycogen stores, which reduces it's physical size, making it easier to prop up out of the way during the operation. If your liver is too large, it can be difficult for the surgeon to access your stomach and there is a greater risk of knicking or damaging the liver by accident.

I'm logging on to my computer so that I can respond to you all. Thank you all so much for your input. It helps because I know that I am just thinking irrationally because I am upset.

Diva no no no. You pick your head up. Call your insurance company and find out just what it is they are missing. Or wait until Monday and call your surgeons office and speak with the insurance person to find out what is needed and have them get on it asap. It is not time to give up. Not yet. This is just a speed bump.

The purpose is to shrink your liver, as they assume it's likely enlarged and fatty if you are morbidly obese. The goal is to shrink the liver so that it decreases the risk of cracking or otherwise damaging it when they move it out of the way using the retractor.
Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm on my pre-op diet now...not everyone has to do it, it depends on your doctor. Pre-op diets vary from Doctor to doctor. Mine is a 14 day liquid diet, while others may be 3-4 shakes per day and one low carb meal. A friend of mine was sleeved last year and didn't have a pre-op diet at all.

It seems to be about 50/50 in terms of who has a pre-op diet and who doesn't. Also, the pre-op diets for different surgeons vary widely. Some people just doe high protein/low carb. Some people have to do liquids only. Some people have to do it for 2+ weeks. Some only for a few days. It's all just completely dependent on your surgeon's program.

I am Belgian and had my operation in my home country, I asked the surgeon if I had to do a pre-op diet and he told me it has no use to do so except maybe already getting used to eat smaller quantities. The operation went well and everything is fine now!