My cousin was banded a few months ago and she was able to eat normally before surgery so I'm wondering what is the purpose of the pre op diet? I see most people are doing a liquid/soft diet pre op. Why is that?

My cousin was banded a few months ago and she was able to eat normally before surgery so I'm wondering what is the purpose of the pre op diet? I see most people are doing a liquid/soft diet pre op. Why is that?

How it was explained to me is that they need to shrink the liver which has a lot of fatty tissue. The liver is over the stomach and it has to be moved in order for them to do the surgery. Too large of a liver no room to get to the stomach, surgery can then be cancelled.

The liver hold stores of glycogen (the most readily available sugar for energy) and in us obese people it can hold a lot of glycogen. Going on a high Protein, low carb liquid diet uses up the liver's storehouse first. Then it is less likely to be damaged by moving it to put on the band.

It also gives you and your doctor a chance to see how committed you are. It is not easy and every surgeon has their own expectations. I looked at it as a challenge to see if I was really ready to make life changes. I really wanted the best chance of an easy surgery.

The surgeon and nutrionist told me it was to shrink the liver so that the surgeon could see the stomach. But the nutrionist told me to call her if I have any problems following the liquid diet.

Edited June 29, 201016 yr by eyd
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