Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Not Your Typical Pre Op Diet Post



Recommended Posts

I have read COUNTLESS pre op diet posts about the difficulties and the cheating. So I pose the question......

Are people who had supervised diets ahead of surgery more successful AND have a less difficult time with pre op diets?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Overall, studies suggest those who lose at least 8% of their body fat before surgery have better long term outcomes--https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/892400 I imagine these folks also did better with the pre-op diet.

I am too new to the sleeve to really comment, but I had to see a nutritionist for 6 months and lose 5% of my weight to get approved for surgery. If I gained anything, I was out. I lost 10%. I also only had a 2 day pre-op diet. And my surgeon said my liver was "beautiful" (thx I guess); he even gave me a picture...ew. The entire two weeks on liquid is cruel! Unless you have a fatty liver, it just seems like overkill. JMO.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, YeahOkay31 said:

Overall, studies suggest those who lose at least 8% of their body fat before surgery have better long term outcomes--https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/892400 I imagine these folks also did better with the pre-op diet.

I am too new to the sleeve to really comment, but I had to see a nutritionist for 6 months and lose 5% of my weight to get approved for surgery. If I gained anything, I was out. I lost 10%. I also only had a 2 day pre-op diet. And my surgeon said my liver was "beautiful" (thx I guess); he even gave me a picture...ew. The entire two weeks on liquid is cruel! Unless you have a fatty liver, it just seems like overkill. JMO.

See I was the opposite. My insurance didn't require any of that. All I had to do was 1 nutritional visit and psych evaluation. My program required a bariatric class and pulmonary clearance. Needless to say, I actually gained weight from my first visit with the surgeon in October until I started the pre op diet. I put on 10-15lbs easy! I also quit smoking in October which didn't help matters. But by the beginning of November, I was on track and gave up everything else. I had a rough time on the pre op diet, but my worst offense was eating a few slices of cucumber in the first few days. Def not, doughnuts or cheeseburgers, ect. I don't know if my liver was huge or not, but they did my surgery with no complaints.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I lost 9% body weight prior to my sleeve and I think I fall into the "typical" category. The first 4 days of the pre-op liquid diet was truly difficult for me. I think I am doing pretty well now, but I wish it was happening faster.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

26 minutes ago, SleeveinIL said:

I lost 9% body weight prior to my sleeve and I think I fall into the "typical" category. The first 4 days of the pre-op liquid diet was truly difficult for me. I think I am doing pretty well now, but I wish it was happening faster.

I think you are doing amazing! We all wish it would fall off overnight *sigh* but alas we make the best of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, AshAsh1 said:

I think you are doing amazing! We all wish it would fall off overnight *sigh* but alas we make the best of it.

Thank you. :D Waiting for things was never my strong suit. LOL

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only requirements I had was a 2 week Optifast and quit smoking.

The pre diet was not a rousing success, there were a few food farewells. My surgery date was 3 weeks after my first consult with the nutritionist. The surgeon had a cancellation and I was lucky enough to be there when it happened.

How that will work out in my post life... I’m hopeful. At the moment I’m having no issues on the liquid phase. I sometimes think I’m hungry, I’m not, so I distract myself for a few minutes and the moment passes.

Prior to looking into WLS I did do a lot of ‘me’ work with a therapist to understand my habits & behaviours, that’s given me some tools in addition to the WLS

Will see where I am in 6 months.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 6/8/2018 at 1:04 PM, YeahOkay31 said:

Overall, studies suggest those who lose at least 8% of their body fat before surgery have better long term outcomes--https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/892400 I imagine these folks also did better with the pre-op diet.

I am too new to the sleeve to really comment, but I had to see a nutritionist for 6 months and lose 5% of my weight to get approved for surgery. If I gained anything, I was out. I lost 10%. I also only had a 2 day pre-op diet. And my surgeon said my liver was "beautiful" (thx I guess); he even gave me a picture...ew. The entire two weeks on liquid is cruel! Unless you have a fatty liver, it just seems like overkill. JMO.

I just did the math and I've lost exactly 8% so far... surgery is in a week. Cool! But I'm jealous they checked your liver before surgery -- they didn't do that with me. It's just an automatic six-to-two week pre-op diet for everybody that they work with, depending on BMI. I'm really curious what my liver looks like, and if it's gone down in size at all since starting my pre-op diet three weeks ago.

All that being said, I didn't have a supervised diet though my insurance did require I lose 5% within a specific time frame (and keep it off until surgery day). I'm not having any terrible problems with the pre-op diet now though. I have cheated a few times, but I've only had a couple of those little cups of sugar-free pudding and some beef Jerky. My biggest problem is drinking all the shakes they want us to have on top of all the Water we're supposed to get. It's a lot of liquid and makes me feel nauseous.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My pre-op diet was just a healthy eating plan. It was meant to mimic long term eating post-op. Protien first, then veggies and fruit, carbs last if you have room. Nutritionist visits to educate on healthy eating and post-op phases.

No weight loss mandates for me, just couldn't gain. Some loss is preferred.

No liquid diet pre-op except for 1 day of Clear Liquids the day before.

My program is very critical of programs that require 2 weeks liquid diet bc it does not teach healthy eating, just starvation dieting. And I totally agree. If I could starve myself thin, I would have done it already.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Sleeved36 said:

My pre-op diet was just a healthy eating plan. It was meant to mimic long term eating post-op. Protien first, then veggies and fruit, carbs last if you have room. Nutritionist visits to educate on healthy eating and post-op phases.

No weight loss mandates for me, just couldn't gain. Some loss is preferred.

No liquid diet pre-op except for 1 day of Clear Liquids the day before.

My program is very critical of programs that require 2 weeks liquid diet bc it does not teach healthy eating, just starvation dieting. And I totally agree. If I could starve myself thin, I would have done it already.

That being said, did you have a shell shock afterwards with the diet progression stages? Because regardless of your program's opinion on liquid pre op diets, you still end up on liquids for nearly 2 weeks after surgery.

I have a friend who had RNY, and she had a program similar to yours. She had a really hard time emotionally. I think the biggest difference between us, was our pre op diets. I "grieved" food prior to surgery, which I felt was beneficial since I wasn't being flooded with hormones and trying to recuperate from major surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was definately grumpy about not being able to eat post-op, but that was head hunger and grieving for food.

My program allowed scrambled eggs and yogurt/cottage cheese on the liquid diet. After I tried scrambled eggs I felt immediately full and it was tough to digest them. This helped me to see that I really needed just liquids for a while and that it was head hunger bc my body wasn't ready for anything else.

It was probably better for my family that I wasn't a grumpy, hangry b***h for 2 weeks before surgery. Just for a little bit after. 😉

I did a low-carb diet once a few years ago (Way pre-op). One day when I got home from work my husband had made mac and cheese and poured a glass of wine. He told me to eat it bc he would rather me be round than bitchy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Sleeved36 said:

I did a low-carb diet once a few years ago (Way pre-op). One day when I got home from work my husband had made mac and cheese and poured a glass of wine. He told me to eat it bc he would rather me be round than bitchy.

My poor best friend's husband does the same thing every time she goes on a diet. He more or less sabotages her, not saying your husband did that, but her's does.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My husband has been supportive through this process. He just loves me for me, doesn't care about a few extra pounds, just doesn't want to be married to a hangry b***h.

He doesn't understand bc he is naturally lean and buff. He eats a ton of bad food, works out a little, and still looks like a fitness model.

I hate him a little for it. My body has changed a lot over the years. He wears the same size pants as when we married. A little more ear hair tho 😉

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Sleeved36 said:

My husband has been supportive through this process. He just loves me for me, doesn't care about a few extra pounds, just doesn't want to be married to a hangry b***h.

He doesn't understand bc he is naturally lean and buff. He eats a ton of bad food, works out a little, and still looks like a fitness model.

I hate him a little for it. My body has changed a lot over the years. He wears the same size pants as when we married. A little more ear hair tho 😉

Sounds like my husband. I still buy him his fruit Snacks and ho-ho's. He still finishes a whole pizza to himself. And I nibble on a carrot in jealousy. But I know we are different people and I'm ok with it now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not have any preop weight loss requirements at all and saw the RD once, cardiologist for stress echo and the psych for a total of 3 visits. When I started the preop diet (two months ago today!!) I was determined to follow it to the letter and I did. My program allowed one small meal (3 oz. Protein and 1 cup veg) a day until the last 2 days which were liquid only. I was already a good Water drinker so no issues there.

Surgeon said my liver looked "fantastic" with no fatty liver at all even though my enzymes were slightly elevated before surgery. I had a pretty easy recovery with 2 weeks full liquids followed by 4 weeks pureed and just started regular foods last week. I have been completely compliant with their instructions and maybe that is why I have felt great since 4 days after surgery, had very little nausea and no vomiting , a little Constipation at first and no difficulty tolerating any foods I have tried. I feel very lucky. I am not losing as fast as some but I am 60 years old and very happy with my progress thus far. I feel following all the rules has been helpful to me even though some are a PITA.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×