If so, why?

I did not have to do the Pre-Op diet. My doctor said that if I had more weight to lose I would. I guess my liver was not that big, I think if the liver is big they need to reduce the size before surgery or they will not be able to move things around in there. hugs

I go in Thursday for my surgery and my doctor is not requiring a pre-op diet. I am doing one anyways but my has only been for 4 days.

When I asked him about the pre-op diet he said there was no need.

I had to do one, but I do know people who's bmi was like 55 or so an did not have to do one. So I don't know the rhyme or reason, except that it is done to shrink the liver, and it seems the heavier you are the more that would be needed. But it must depend on the Dr. too.

~~~Stephanie

There are SO MANY variables between the different doctors. As much as some of what we read doesn't make sense (based on our own doctor's protocol), it's best that everyone follow what their own doctor prescribes.

I did not have to do one! The only reason I can think is that I went through a private Dr. and also my insurance didnt ask for me too? Really not to sure. I didnt want to ask and then have to do it! LOL

Fatty liver is common with obesity. When doing the surgery the surgeon needs to clamp the liver out of the way to access the organs underneath. If the liver is too fatty the surgeon won't be able to get it out of the way easily to view/work on the organs underneath. By doing the pre-op diet most people lose weight and lose some fat off of the liver thereby making it easier to move.

On that note, I'm not doing a pre-op diet per my MD and nutritionist. My BMI is barely under 35 so apparently that reduces my chances of having fatty liver. I will probably do something a few days before anyways just because I'm paranoid and don't want a surprise fatty liver.