I've read alot about pre-op diets. What is the purpose of trying to lose a bunch of weight in a short amount of time on very low calories? It just dosen't seem like a safe thing to be doing right before haivng surgery. Dosen't your body need the nutrients to heal? Or is there something to do with the anesthesia or something?

Your input is much appreiciated.

Thanks!!

from what I have heard, is that it is help shrink your liver. That way there will be more room in the abdominal cavity to place the instruments safely. The more room the better. Also I am sure it also helps to get you into the mindset of eating differently also for after the surgery. Good Luck.

Ditto, it is to shrink the liver. It makes surgery easier, however my doctor doesn't do preband liquid diets.

My doctor did a pre-op diet of low carb, low calorie, high protein. They stressed making sure there was at least 60 grams of protein per day. I, too, was told it was to shrink the liver so it doesn't get in the way during the procedure.

It's true, the pre-op diet helps to shrink the liver making surgery that much easier. They actually have to work close to your liver and if I'm not mistaken the liver is somehow sewn to the band I wouldn't say the whole thing but a part of it. You should view the surgery on line and you can see what I'm talking about.

Its to shrink your liver. These diets are designed as pre surgery diets for a variety of surgeries, you're right that in general its not a healthy thing to do that to yourself, suddenly cut calories to nothing and lose weight very fast. Its not great fat loss, it involves a lot of Water and lean body tissue - but its not FOR weight loss, its for liver shrinking.

They dont stitch the band to the liver but the liver being enlarged can mean they cant get around it, its a delicate organ, they cant bend it and be rough with it and if they cant get under it they'll either have to cut you right open or worse, not be able to do the surgery at all.

Thanks everyone! It all makes some sense to me now. I am in the very begining stages of the process. I am one of those people who has to have all the facts in place before I make a decision. I am sure I will have many more questions!

Brenda:biggrin1:

When it comes to nutrition your body has plenty of stores for nutrition. It won't affect anesthesia in the least if you have been doing a pre-op diet.

The more weight you lose the easier it is for your doc to work around in your abdomen. One incision is for a trocar that holds your liver back. If you lose weight it is easier for the surgeon and safer for you.