NO pre-op Liquid Diet...Anyone else?

[JazzyJess20 32]

Unlike many others that I have seen on this forum, my doctor is not requiring that I do a liquid diet pre-surgery. I don't have any questions or concerns for this doctor, as he is pretty renowned in New Jersey and Connecticut.

But has anyone else had this experience? I still plan on taking it easy, beginning two weeks prior. My liquid diet will not begin until post-op.

[Tim C 336]

So you are doing a liquid diet the week or so prior to surgery are you not? That was all my surgeon required and today is day 1 of my pre op liquid diet.

[ecugsplgrl 34]

My surgeon does a liver reduction diet, no carbs and low calorie. I don't remember the specifics but it was not sheerly liquids until the bowel prep 2 days before.

[Creekimp13 5,841]

They're all different. Best to do what the surgeon likes best...since he/she is the one doing the cutting. Sometimes a doctor will look at your blood work and the amount of weight you're losing and figure your liver is doing ok. Sometimes they're using tighter instruments and need all the space they can get. Sometimes it's a judgement call, and your doctor is the best person to make it. My doc did a hellishly strict two week liquid diet and I followed it to the letter cause it was what made surgery the safest/easiest/best for him to do. Other folks have good luck with reduced carbs, skim milk diets, calorie resticted and no diet at all. Listen to your surgeon. That's the only person whose opinion matters on this one. Following presurgical instructions is important for your safety.

[HealthyLifeStyle 351]

50 minutes ago, JazzyJess20 said:

Unlike many others that I have seen on this forum, my doctor is not requiring that I do a liquid diet pre-surgery. I don't have any questions or concerns for this doctor, as he is pretty renowned in New Jersey and Connecticut.

But has anyone else had this experience? I still plan on taking it easy, beginning two weeks prior. My liquid diet will not begin until post-op.

I did not have to do anything prior to surgery, other than stop drinking diet coke.

[Jaelzion 1,129]

My cousin had a bypass at the same time I had my sleeve. When I asked him how he was finding the pre-surgery liquid diet, he had no idea what I was talking about. He went to Benihana's the day before his surgery, LOL. Different doctors take different approaches.

[JazzyJess20 32]

1 hour ago, Tim C said:

So you are doing a liquid diet the week or so prior to surgery are you not? That was all my surgeon required and today is day 1 of my pre op liquid diet.

No. I plan on definitely being more mindful of what I'm consuming 2 weeks before, but my doctor has made clear that an all liquid, pre-op diet is not necessary. However, I was told to have a "light" Breakfast and dinner on the day before.

[Tim C 336]

Wow...You are having Gastric Sleeve surgery? You wouldn't think you should have food in your stomach. I am learning a lot on here. First I have heard of anything like this.

[JazzyJess20 32]

Yes I was surprised by this too. I am getting the Gastric Sleeve.

[LaoDaBeirut 158]

I only had to do a liquid diet for 24 hours before surgery and then consume nothing the 8 hours directly before it. For the week before surgery I did a low fat diet to shrink the liver. I had a lot of grilled chicken and fish and some bean or veggie Soups.

[2Bsmaller18 437]

Same here however I would recommend at least trying a few Protein Shakes to find out what ones taste best to you. That could change post op but at least you would know ahead of time.

It wouldn't hurt to try and eat better pre op just so your liver is in optimal condition for surgery.

[mweiss1998 79]

I am also in NJ and I did not have to do any pre-op diet. I finished my 2 week Clear Liquids and am now on pureed foods. I wonder if we are using the same surgeon.

[Wild13 10]

I am in NJ. I just had mine last week on about to go into phase two tomorrow. I did not have to do a pre liquid diet except for clear liquids a day before surgery. Literally the week prior I stuffed and ordered out everyday foods I knew I wouldn’t be able to ever consider eating n I even lost 5 pounds preop I don’t know how lol because all I ate was Pasta and fried food 🤷🏽‍♀️ but it all depends on your surgeon. I wouldn’t personally eat the day prior it helped during surgery in my opinion but other than that it worked for me to eat prior to that. Good luck !! First week stressfull though but you can get through it

[new-name2020 5]

(Successful & Extremely Happy VSG Patient) Like most have said, go with what your surgeon suggests... I am clearly not a surgeon -*HOWEVER*- I will share my real life experience. I may be a bit bias, however I believe I had/have one one of THE BEST SURGEONS in the industry (Dr. Joseph Green, Maryland Bariactrics). My Dr. did prescribe a pre-op liquid diet which not only helped clear my gastro-intestinal tracts, but also help reduce the size of my liver. Fatty liver is a common co-morbidity many of us may have going into surgery and an enlarged liver may complicate surgery, by extending across your abdominal cavity, obstructing access to the stomach as well as diaphragm if hernia repair is also required (I had both hiatal and umbilical hernia repair). Apparently by surgery time I had remarkably small, smooth and healthy looking liver (never thought I would brag about that - even got a photo! ;-). I am convinced this detailed preparation and measures were key to my success.

On the contrary - I had a colleague who also had VSG and their surgeon's office said "enjoy it while you can" and only required them to fast the night before surgery. Their overall surgery did not turn out as un-eventful and ended up with months of additional procedures and recovery.

Anywho, hope this helps. I would ask if liver reduction is a concern and a liquid diet would definitely help.

[Tim C 336]

Thanks for the info. My blood work says my liver is spectacular which is surprising actually. I am following my surgeons advice and trust him. I have heard from alot of folks about this issue. I am good to go and ready for the challenge. I wish I had been able to do this back on 12/16 when originlly scheduled...I would already be thinner. I hope to lose 100# in 9 months. That is my personal goal and I believe is doable.