Freaking Out A Little (Pre-Op Diet Worries)

[Sassy Gizmo 2]

Hi Guys,

I'm scheduled for Gastric Sleeve surgery on 12/28/22. I am reading all these threads where people are stating that they are on pre-op diets/liquid diets for 2 weeks or so. Neither my surgeon or nutritionist said anything about this. The only instruction I received was Clear Liquids only the day before surgery. They didn't even say it has to be sugar free.

After reading through a whole heck of a lot of pre-op threads, I'm kind of freaking out & feeling like I'm doing something wrong or jeopardizing my surgery in some way.

Am I wrong here? Should I postpone? Did anyone else not have to do a pre-op diet?

Edited December 24, 2022 by Sassy Gizmo

[Tammi J 4]

Good morning Sassy,

I was just introduced to this website by my now bariatric Dr. I am 12 years out from a full gastric bypass, after having the lap-band originally. I switched to the full bypass five years after having the band because the band slipped and was shutting off my esophagus. For either of those surgeries, my bariatric doctor did not have me do anything different as far as dieting prior to surgery except liquids the day before as well. However, this was a very long time ago...2005 for the band and 2010 for the bypass in CT and the same surgeon. Fast forward to today, actually yesterday I saw my new bariatric doctor because I am going through the procedure for a revision surgery and she has informed me that I will be on full liquids for a week prior to the surgery. I am going in for revision due to complications with GERD and trouble swallowing. Although I have gained some of the weight back - 15lbs of the 132 originally lost, the goal is to alleviate my symptoms of discomfort.

So in answer to your question, maybe it is a doctor preference about dieting. I wouldn't be overly concerned. However, being it that you have surgery on the 28th, enjoy the holiday and on the 26th keep it light as far as intake if you think that would ease your mind.

Best of luck,

Tammi J

[summerseeker 1,842]

Every surgeon has his or her own pre op diet and you are one of the lucky ones. In the 18 months that I have been regular on here, there have only been a few people who were so very lucky. You are also at a lower weight so will not have the same issues as someone a hundred pounds heavier like me. The pre op diet is more to shrink your liver as it gets in the way of this surgery.

Surgery teams don't make mistakes like not telling you to do the pre op. You would know well in advance if you needed to start the pre op. Just enjoy Christmas and good luck with your surgery

[catwoman7 10,853]

Not every surgeon requires a pre-op liquid diet. Some, like yours, just require Clear Liquids for a day before the surgery. Be glad for it - the pre-op liquid diets are a huge PITA.

[Spinoza 1,162]

Also a hater of the pre-op diet here (mine went on forever too, because my original surgery date was cancelled at the very last minute)! Your surgeon does this for a living, they'll keep you right. Best of luck with your op.

[Sassy Gizmo 2]

Thank you guys.

I know all surgeons have different protocols, and I wouldn't think he'd steer me wrong, but I guess it's the nerves talking.

I appreciate the feedback.

Merry Christmas!

[qtdoll 534]

I see you're on the lower end of the BMI scale when it comes to bariatric patients! I had a few "exceptions" too because I got down to a certain size. It seems it varies person to person

[Sassy Gizmo 2]

1 hour ago, bbykitty said:

I see you're on the lower end of the BMI scale when it comes to bariatric patients! I had a few "exceptions" too because I got down to a certain size. It seems it varies person to person

I got the same feedback from some other people too. I guess that, the fact that my labs are ok & the surgeon's preference are all factors. I just didn't know if I was sabotaging my surgery in some way.

Congratulations on your progress so far! That's amazing in only 3 months.

Edited December 26, 2022 by Sassy Gizmo