Hi there,

I am struggling to get through my pre-op diet (on day 3), and I recently spoke with a friend who had the same surgery and did NOT have to go on a pre-op diet. Has anyone else heard of this? Our BMI's are similiar, but we are using different doctors. I will follow my doctor's orders, but I am TERRIFIED of slipping up and having surgery cancelled. Any thoughts?

I have to do a two wk one n I just saw a post that motivated me that said the more u lose b4 surgery the better results in the end. ;0)

It is very common to have no pre-op diet, just as it is common to have one - it depends upon the surgeons' preferences.. I don't know of any survey as to how many docs do a pre-op diet versus those who do not, but both are common practices. I didn't have a pre-op diet and have done just fine - I'll be hitting goal weight around month 6-7. Some docs insist that patients lose X amount of weight pre-op or they won't operated, while others who use a pre-op diet just want patients to be low cal and/or carb and hopefully lose something as they feel that it helps with the patients' liver condition (since the surgery is going on in close proximity to the liver.) My doc is a liver specialist aside from his bariatrics and doesn't do a pre-op diet - I guess that he works with livers in much worse condition on the other side of his practice. Some docs use a liquid only pre-op diet (though I could never understand why,) while others just go restricted calorie or carb and hi Protein.

It's just one of the program variations that we see, and is one more factor that can be considered when choosing a surgeon (though a bit late for you now,) - some people may not feel that it's worthwhile while others may find it helpful. Another variation that you will find as you progress is the wide variety of post-op diets from extensive liquids for weeks to puree/soft Proteins from the start progressing to firmer foods as tolerated. Some docs are high on the low-carb forever fad while others go for the basic hi-protein but otherwise balanced nutrition philosophy.

The two common factors that they all have is protein first, protein first, protein first and sip,sip,sip your Water most anytime that you aren't eating or sleeping.

Goodl luck with your adventure,

Thank you guys for answering. Ironically, it makes it easier to stick to a pre-op diet knowing that there may not be life threatening consequences if I have a cracker or two :-). Any additional thoughts are welcome!