So does anyone else have a doctor who doesn't require a major pre-op diet? I met with the nutritionist and her only instructions to me were to substitute a protein shake for breakfast, reduce carbohydrates to 1 serving per meal, drink 64 oz water per day and not drink when I eat. That's it. I only have a clear liquids restriction the day before surgery.

My doctor is highly respected and I have utmost confidence in him, so I'm not questioning it. I am, in fact, grateful for the easier process...but I was wondering if anyone else had similar experience?

not all surgeons require a pre-op diet. Consider yourself lucky - mine was hell!

Well, My Dr. Requires a one week, with the last day a clear liquid. He is the doctor that teaches all the areas drs how to do these procedures. I disagree that it has to do with an inexperienced Dr. I think the reason they do this is to get you used to the idea of not being able to eat solid foods for a while, as well as to change your eating habits entirely so that you do not damage your new stomach. Now, one week before will help the liver shrinkage, but if its a multi week, maybe its to teach better behaviors........

I'm jealous! I started my pre op diet yesterday. It's 12 days of liquids only (2 prepackaged smoothies per day, sugar free jello/pudding- 2 allowed per day,- and the BIG MEAL- a can of broth-based soup).

This is then followed by 2 days of clear liquids only. I'm a little nervous to see that the thought is inexperienced drs require this level of pre op [emoji52]

I am not going to lie- I'm miserable and trying very hard to NOT think of how hungry I am or food at all. I have a 10 year old so it's hard when I still have to prepare her meals. I'm really, really trying to stay positive.


- No idea what I'm doing but I'm here!

I'm jealous! I started my pre op diet yesterday. It's 12 days of liquids only (2 prepackaged smoothies per day, sugar free jello/pudding- 2 allowed per day,- and the BIG MEAL- a can of broth-based soup).

This is then followed by 2 days of clear liquids only. I'm a little nervous to see that the thought is inexperienced drs require this level of pre op [emoji52]

I am not going to lie- I'm miserable and trying very hard to NOT think of how hungry I am or food at all. I have a 10 year old so it's hard when I still have to prepare her meals. I'm really, really trying to stay positive.


- No idea what I'm doing but I'm here! [emoji4]

I don't know why some doctors require it while others deem it unnecessary. I don't know if it is related to experience since from what I've seen on these forums a LOT of doctors do it.

My doctor doesn't find it necessary and I trust him. But we all need to trust the team we have chosen!

Dont think is has anything to do with experience at all-that doesnt even make sense to me. I think the two week pre op diet i had-liquids only-prepared me for what came after surgery. Not being able to have any solids-by the time i had surgery it didnt affect me at all. Also think it prepares you to eat to live and not live to eat.

24 minutes ago, ReadyforChangeChan said:

Dont think is has anything to do with experience at all-that doesnt even make sense to me. I think the two week pre op diet i had-liquids only-prepared me for what came after surgery. Not being able to have any solids-by the time i had surgery it didnt affect me at all. Also think it prepares you to eat to live and not live to eat.

My surgeon also told me that it's partly about compliance. They want to know--really know--that you can resist urges and cravings for chewing before they cut and rearrange your guts. She said they also want to know ahead of time if we're gonna experience problems with the protein drinks. (Plus the whole liver shrinkage and transitioning into a low carb world while still a normie.)