So, you know how there's been so many controversial posts lately about the differences in physicians' post op instructions? Sally can only have Clear liquids for 2 weeks but Mike can have pureed immediately? Or Deb can't eat beef for 3 months but Dave is eating Wendy's chili week 3?

I had my first post-op appointment yesterday and was talking about this with the nutritionist and NP. I asked her to level with me.... I suspect that there is more to it than just being cautious about damage and healing of the sleeve and I really wanted an explanation. It was driving me crazy because it just did not make sense ( my husband says that I try too hard to understand EVERYTHING and always look for logic) I asked if it was also to make sure patients stay on calorie restriction for as long as possible ( I mean, how many calories can you consume in clear broth??? ) She said yes, that Dr. Lavin's post op conservative philosophy is really not just about the healing process ---it is also to help patients see significant weight loss immediately and once patients transition to more complex foods their weight loss tends to slow down.

This makes perfect sense.....

Thanks! That's great info.

Good to know!

Ok....i'll buy that....sort of. I think some docs go the extreme to be really cautious. Preventing a leak is a lot easier than fixing one. Docs also don't want to get sued.

But beyond that, after the surgery we ARE swollen. And it's hard to tell when we are full. And also, our stomachs were just chopped up and staples inserted. So it just makes sense to let our stomachs rest and allow them to heal. That's my 2cents.

:-)

I have been wondering the same thing. You'd think there would be standards in place that doctors would follow but it is crazy how everyone is doing things so different. I start a pureed diet of alternating 800 and 1200 calories for two weeks prior to surgery. Also my doctors don't have us using any protien powder, but relying on milk, powder milk, greek yogurt and cottage cheese. I have thought about getting some protien powder to help get the protien in anyway.