I am scheduled for 7/30, one week from today. The instructions I have been given are simply:

Try to lose weight

Don't binge

Replace one meal a day with a Protein shake, starting at least 4 weeks before surgery

Well, I have been actively working to lose weight since 6/1 by counting calories (keeping under 1800 or so usually) and exercising almost every day. I am down about 25 pounds since 6/1, 30 from my highest. I don't worry over where my calories come from (percentages or grams of fat, carbs, protein. However, I naturally attempt to eat more protein and less carbs because I find that more filling and allows me to eat fewer calories without being hungry. I obviously have not binged at all.

I have not followed the instructions about the shakes though. I have tried out several brands of RTD Protein Shakes, but I would say I've used them more as a snack replacement than a Meal Replacement. And not every day for sure. I've kind of taken the approach that what I'm doing now is working really well for me and I'll be constrained to only liquids soon enough. Truth be told I am also trying to use up food that I know no one else in my household will eat. I also from years of dieting (not consistently, obviously) have an aversion to drinking calories.

So did anyone else not have a strict pre-op diet to follow? If I'm counting calories, exercising, and losing weight should I be in good shape for surgery? Would there be any benefit to me following a full or clear liquid diet this week? My doctor does require Clear Liquids day before surgery. Is one week enough to make any kind of difference compared to what I'm already doing?

Comments and advice appreciated.

Yours was much more strict than mine.

My instructions were: clear liquids the day prior to surgery.

Mine were to eat whatever I wanted and if I was going to have one last big meal do it a week before. The last week, avoid spicy foods and then the day before all clear liquids and then nothing after midnight.

That was it.

My surgery is 8/6, and I was told only protien and veggies a week before. No word yet on what to do the day before surgery, I have my final paperwork and meet with my doctor on 7/29. I did try to watch what I eat now, and tried some shakes that I really like so far. I see on here how different all surgeons instructiosn are, and get a bit worried about the inconsistency with per-op diet, etc.

Mine was 2 protein shakes and 1 lean/ green green per day for 2 weeks. I told the surgeon on the morning of surgery that i had lost only 11 lbs. i was worried that it wasn't enough. He told me the reason for the pre-op diet is to shrink and soften the liver not so much to lose weight. That is accomplished with a low carb diet. Most weight loss surgery candidates have an enlarged/ fatty liver. Surgery is much safer for the patient when it is softened and smaller be ause it must be lifted out of the way during surgery.

The only prep I was told was 24 hrs of liquids (full till 5pm and clear till midnight)

No preop diet for my band 4 yrs ago either. Same dr tho

There seems to be as many plans as surgeons. I think you must first research your surgeon, know you trust your choice completely then follow his/ her instructions to the letter.

My doctor said the pre/op diet was helpful in 2 ways. Gets you in the right mindset for your new lifestyle restrictions & the weight loss helps with the surgery. He said they blow your stomach up with air like a big glow worm for the laparoscopic procedure & the looser your skin the more they like it / easier to see & maneuver. Clear liquids the day prior is so you don't throw up a thanksgiving meal from anesthesia & less junk to worry about spilling out during removal of excess stomach. I've heard horror stories of people throwing up during the procedure & getting it in their lungs. Do what your doctor tells you. He can cancel the procedure if he's not happy with you. LOL. The doc is the boss. Good luck! No regrets here!

Definitely only liquid 24/48 hrs before surgery. Your stomach needs to be empty when they cut it open so food doesn't get stuck in the incision. Make sure you are doing your protein, because I didn't & now I've lost more than 1/2 of my hair.

My surgeon doesn't require a pre-op diet if your BMI is less than 40. I will need to fast while I am flying in - but was told to bring a protein bar for after the testing. Then, I can have dinner, and start the surgical fast at 10pm. Of course I have to remember to change my watch to PST.