Why do doctors use different pre op diets? for example a common one is the 14 day liquid diet. I am on the 14 day 800 calorie diet. A buddy of mine who is much larger only had to do a 7 day 800 calorie diet. Just wondering what the differnence and why

Why do doctors use different pre op diets? for example a common one is the 14 day liquid diet. I am on the 14 day 800 calorie diet. A buddy of mine who is much larger only had to do a 7 day 800 calorie diet. Just wondering what the differnence and why

Other than different BMI's dictating, I think it's just a surgeons personal preference. Some like to really only have you do liquids, while some have you also eat protein n veggies, others have nothing but maybe a 3-day or 24 hour liquids. And everything in between. I think some have their personal "gold standard" and if it works for them they stick with it. Of course, this is just a personal opinion.

I agree, I think the surgeon does the research and works with their team to develop a plan that they think their patients can work with.

My surgeon has a very strict 2 week liquid diet pre op, and the same diet for 3 weeks post op. But I have friends whose doctors tell them the same thing that I've seen on the boards: you can puree just about anything and have that.

What I would add is that if you're looking for a doctor, and don't understand the how and why of their diets, ask questions. A good doctor will be able to explain why they think two days works just as well as 14, or why they stress low carb to bump up initial weight loss. And if it sounds like they haven't put enough thought into their recommended diet, look for a different surgeon. There's no sin in wanting a surgeon with a nutritional philosophy that works with yours (though clearly, they need to be challenging your past eating patterns a bit).