I am scheduled 2/16, First, should I be on a "special" pre op diet? I know they told me to keep my diet low fat and low sugar two weeks before, but I've heard of people having to do protein shakes....?

Also, did any of you wake up with a Foley Catheter in place? I'm getting nervous!!!

Thanks, Carmen

There's plenty of people around who didnt have to do a pre op liquid diet.

I was one of them, but I thought I'd have a go anyway for the "kick start". I sucked at it, lol and fainted after 3 days at which point my surgeon said the only reason for it is liver shrinkage and that he didnt consider I needed that. Therefore not to do the diet because the weight you lose is muscle tissue and Water, and very little fat and therefore it's not really that great a kick start. It's done for medical necessity only.

Not all doctors agree that it's necessary and not all doctors recommend it. I didnt have to do it because I had a relatively low BMI of 36.

I had a BMI of 43 and was not on a pre op diet, but it really depends on your doctor. EVERY DOCTOR IS DIFFERENT IN PREOP AND POST OP INSUTRUCTIONS. This is the person you should be asking since you put your trust and life in his hands.

GOOD LUCK.....

Yup, every doctor is different on this. Definitely call your surgeon asap. You're down to less than 2 weeks to surgery - you should have been given your pre-op instructions by now. Be assertive and make sure that you get the information you need.

I honestly can't remember if I had a foley in when I woke up after banding, but I have for other surgeries and the removal wasn't painful at all.

You should call your SURGEON and ask for clarification. They told you your diet was low fat and low sugar so you really answered your own question. But you should call and ask for clarification. When you call them you can ask them about the Foley as well. I had one for 24 hours then it was removed. It really is painless.

Thanks for the replies. He really did give me pre op instructions, the diet is virtually VERY low fat, low calorie, low sugar. I was just curious if that is what you guys had to do. I did hear of some people having to do the liquid protein and was curious if that was the norm. My Dr. is GREAT. I trust him fully. Thanks for the continued advice. I'm excited,,,,but VERY nervous. Everyday the twinge of doubt crosses my mind that I should do the bypass instead but I know it's more risky, I just hope I don't get discouraged at the slower weight loss. I'm just not patient I guess. :bananajump:

If its just to satisfy curiosity-

I was on liquid protein 3 weeks pre-op for liver shrinkage because my BMI was above 45. It was kind of hard, but after the first week, tolerable.

I did wake up with the Foley Cath. Removal was done the next day and was painless, just weird and burned for a second. I was just grateful it was inserted after I had been sedated. Not so sure I'd have been as relaxed if the tube was headed toward me...

I understand about the impatience. Me too, for the whole pre-op phase. It seemed so surreal. With flights to arrange, luggage to pack, needs to anticipate... 2 years of research and longing coming to a head. I was mostly afraid I'd miss a flight and have to start all over again. I am sure things will be fine. Deep Breath.

Take care Carmen and Good Luck :bananajump:

My wife's surgeon does the pre-op diet. As stated in other posts here - the focus is on shrinking the liver. It holds a great deal of fat and a 'fatty' liver can be quite obstructive for the target area.

Infact, our surgeon made it clear that if he opened her up and saw her liver was massively fatty, he'd close her up and try again later.

Every surgeon does things differently (despite what 'some' surgeons might have you think) and what they want - is what counts :bananajump: