Why do some doctors require the 14 day liquid diet?

[uromanager72 0]

Hi!! Its me again!!! Just anticipating my pre-op visit on 9/16/11. Im sitting here wondering why some ppl have to do the 14 day liquid diet and some just do the npo the night before. Just want to know what the doctors told some of yall was the purpose of it. ......thanks bunches!!!!

[MelissaAnd 3]

My doctor required it to shrink the fatty tissue around the liver.

[Kami 9]

My doctor said that it was to shrink the liver itself. He said that they have to shift the liver out of the way to do the surgery. When the liver is bigger, which it inevitably is in obese patients, the liver would sort of fold over and crack a bit and bleed. When they had patients do the 2 week liquid pre-op, the liver became small enough that it wouldn't crack and bleed during surgery. I have no idea as to the accuracy of whether the liver can actually crack and bleed when 'folded' back, but that's what the doc said.

[savinggrace 6]

My surgery I did the liquid diet as well, but it was 7-10 days prior. I was surprised how I lost weight just with that, but still pleased nonetheless.

[NikiS 31]

Like MelissaAnd, my doctor also told me that it would shrink the fat around my liver - which is always a great thing before this type of surgery. I am always amazed at how much weight people lose during this time. Yesterday was my first day of the pre-op diet. I hope I am as successful as the others.

All the best,

Niki

[uromanager72 0]

When i had my abdominal us for pre-op the us tech told me that my liver was normal size so I might not have to do it...? Thanks for your reply. I was just trying to see if my surgery would be put off for the liquid diet. Im just being impatient. Whatever will be will be. Ill let you know what happens...

Sarah

quote name='MelissaAnd' timestamp='1315375803' post='204461']

My doctor required it to shrink the fatty tissue around the liver.

[kipepeo 0]

I only had to do 5 days pre-surgery and it was to reduce the glycogen stores in my liver. I did some research and reducing the glycogen stores equates to less fatty liver!

[bikerchick519 202]

Shrinking the liver makes sense, if you've watched the surgery online you can see they lift the liver up out of the way to operate on the stomach. I watched it 5 times, I was that fascinated.

[SittingPretty 16]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the full 2 week diet because I am low BMI, but no luck. I started it yesterday

It's going to be a looooong time until the 19th!

[uromanager72 0]

Thanks. I will watch a video and see how that works. Great idea!!!!

Sarah

Shrinking the liver makes sense, if you've watched the surgery online you can see they lift the liver up out of the way to operate on the stomach. I watched it 5 times, I was that fascinated.

[uromanager72 0]

Thanks for your reply!! I will just go to my appointment assuming that I am going to have to do it also that way it wont be a shock to me. What do you have to drink and how often?

Sarah

I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the full 2 week diet because I am low BMI, but no luck. I started it yesterday

It's going to be a looooong time until the 19th!

[SittingPretty 16]

My Dr. uses a milk diet. Since I am lactose intolerant I am drinking 2-3 glasses of light soy milk 3 x a day and as much water/propel as I want. I also take all my regular Vitamins but add an extra multi. Nutritionist said if I get too lethargic I can add a scoop of my Protein in a day or two. I am using Syntax nectar.

Thanks for your reply!! I will just go to my appointment assuming that I am going to have to do it also that way it wont be a shock to me. What do you have to drink and how often?

Sarah

[Shalon 10]

My paperwork says liquid, but my doctor said he doesn't care what I eat as long as I stay under 800 calories each day.

And the day before I can't consume anything but Water.

[Penpen 28]

My surgeon said it was to shrink my fatty liver. Also, to help make the surgery faster and safer....and my recovery would be faster.