My surgery is scheduled for next Tues (4-6) and my surgeon does not require a pre-op diet; only that there is no weight gain between initial consult and surgery day. I didn't think too much about it until I realized the purpose of the diet is to shrink the liver. My doctor has been very thorough about everything. During pre-op testing I had to have an ultrasound in which they did check my gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and kidney. I've read that they can check for a fatty liver by ultrasound. I'm thinking that if my liver looked large during the ultrasound then they would have recommended a change in diet pre-op. I have modified my diet and am doing my own high protein/low fat and low carb diet for this last week.

I'm somewhat of a worrier by nature, and after reading about all the pre-op diets, I'm so paranoid! I've lost about 3-4lbs in the last two weeks by just watching what I'm eating and I'm sure this last week I can lose a couple more. I was so thankful I didn't have a pre-op diet before and now I wish I would have (to put my mind at ease)!

Anybody else not have a pre-op diet?

My surgeon doesn't require a pre-op diet either, and it was fine. I read in one of my books about WLS (I don't remember which one) that there is little research to back up a short term liver shrinking diet... but that anectdotally some surgeons swear by them. So, as I didn't write the book and have no knowledge of the actual research- take that for what it's worth... (?)

I was just asked not to eat lightly the last few days before the surgery. And I've seen others on the site who have also not had pre-op diets.

My surgeon just looked at me and said that I wouldnt need to do the preop diet. He says that he usually requires people with the highest bmi's to preop diet. I am not formally dieting but I am cutting back on portions which is easy right now. I am so excited about getting my band that eating hasn't been my primary goal.

I was banded and my doctor did not require a pre-op diet of any kind he told me he only requires those who have a really high BMI I would not stress about it. Lisa

The purpose of the liver shrinking to to make sure it's not too big because it will get in the way of placing the band.

My surgeon did not require a pre-op diet either. And, she's considered the top bariatric surgeon in my area and a center of excellence.

I am new to this forum and am so glad to find it. My surgery is April 2nd Tues. and my dr. didn't have a pre-diet either. Just to continue with low carbs and watch. I have been trying to be good :thumbup:. My bmi is on the high side but no pre diet.

No pre-op diet here either....3 weeks of liquid after surgery will be long enough!

No pre-op diet for me, either. And my BMI was high.

I asked about it and he told me that they used to require it and they found that it really didn't make much difference. My surgeon is part of a large bariatric practice and they have been doing this successfully for years.

When I read all the struggles over the pre-op diet, I am grateful I didn't need one.

Cindy