So I got my surgery date finally (8/5, woohoo!) and have a question. My doctor is planning on having me on a one week liquid diet. Apparently, some doctors recommend two weeks instead. I'm wondering if one week is really enough to prepare my head for the postoperative diet. Any opinions?

Thanks

I've read so many different things from different surgeons. 2 weeks pre I was to just watch what I ate and chewed my food really good. The week before was on liquids and cream soups. It may also depend on your weight and bmi.

It'll be enough. My liquid diet was actually just the day before surgery, and I'm fine!

So I got my surgery date finally (8/5' date=' woohoo!) and have a question. My doctor is planning on having me on a one week liquid diet. Apparently, some doctors recommend two weeks instead. I'm wondering if one week is really enough to prepare my head for the postoperative diet. Any opinions?

Thanks[/quote']

The pre op diet is to prepare your liver and loosen your belly some so the doctor can do the surgery with less risk....some require one day, one week, 2 weeks or none....as far as your head the moment you decide to have surgery you should been getting that prepared.

Some pre-op diets are tied to BMI numbers. I also do not require a liquid diet beforehand, only a high protein/low carb for a week. But, I am on liquid for 3 weeks post-op which is longer than many Dr.s require.

Dustin, if it's any help, what I did was start substituting shakes or liquids for a few meals the week before my diet started (even though mine is a two week pre-op liquids only diet that will be done TOMORROW - thank goodness!) to get me in the habit of being on liquids. Then the transition to full liquids won't be quite as jarring, especially if you can alternate shakes with some broths or protein soups for the week you're on it. Good luck!!

Oh, I didn't read carefully enough. You are concerned that not enough in pre-op stage will not prepare you for post op. Are you an over achiever? Ha. I know the feeling. Although my Dr only required the week of high protein/low carbs, I started at three weeks out and I started out substituting a lot of meals for Protein Shakes in anticipation of life after surgery.

There is no harm in doing more as long as you are still getting enough nutrients etc., and your Dr. knows about it. In fact starting early could be beneficial too, because if you slip early on, you can correct it when it doesn't officially count yet. Does that make scene?

Makes sense. Thanks. Replacing a few meals with a shake sounds like a good plan.

My understanding is that the high protein diet pre-op also helps protect your muscles so that when you can't get enough protein in immediately post op your body will take its energy from your fat and not your muscles. Then you won't feel so weak and muscle depleted. My surgeon also said that it would shrink my liver by about 20% which would make his ability to do a good sleeve better. Does that make sense?

My understanding is that the high Protein diet pre-op also helps protect your muscles so that when you can't get enough protein in immediately post op your body will take its energy from your fat and not your muscles. Then you won't feel so weak and muscle depleted. My surgeon also said that it would shrink my liver by about 20% which would make his ability to do a good sleeve better. Does that make sense?

Yup thats what my doctor says also

I am supposed to do one week prep, my husband was asked to do two even though his BMI is close to mine. They said because of his meds, his overall weight, and a sneaking suspicion that he carries most of it on his belly (he does) they thought it would be better for 2 weeks for him. So I suppose they adjust it based on individual needs. I will do the 2 weeks with him to support him because I love the dickens out of him . But I've already started substituting one shake a day for one meal. Especially since I'm traveling all the time, it's healthier, I get a feeling of accomplishment, and it is giving me the confidence I need to approach the next week of full liquids. I'm also trying to cut calories gradually so it won't be a huge shock.

Follow your doctor's instructions. Everyone is different. If you want to do more - go for it!

I started by substituting one meal also before my 2 week preop diet, it gives you a chance to sample some different shakes before crunch time. Good Luck