Pre-op liquid diet necessary?

[RogerF]

I understand that the the benefit of the pre-op diet is to "shrink the liver" to aid the surgery and recovery. I'm still about three weeks out from my band date, but in the last three weeks (since 8/2) I've managed to lose 12 lbs on my own.

Is there any other benefit to the pre-op liquid diet? Does your system need to be prepared for the liquids only phase afterwards? If it is important to lose quite a bit in the last in the week before banding, should I back off on what I'm doing now?

Roger

[LoriBecky]

I would speak with Dr. Miranda at the clinic just to be sure, email me and I'll send you her email address.

I would say the benefit is... you keep your liver "shrunk" and you'll also have less to lose on your journey to your goal weight.

[nita57]

I understand that the the benefit of the pre-op diet is to "shrink the liver" to aid the surgery and recovery. I'm still about three weeks out from my band date, but in the last three weeks (since 8/2) I've managed to lose 12 lbs on my own.

Is there any other benefit to the pre-op liquid diet? Does your system need to be prepared for the liquids only phase afterwards? If it is important to lose quite a bit in the last in the week before banding, should I back off on what I'm doing now?

Roger

Hi Roger, Dr. Miranda started me 2 weeks ago on Atkins induction. She called me and she also told me if I do well enough with this she might not have me do the liquid diet. I believe we have surgery the same time.

I am sure this has to do with the fact that I have so much to lose but you might give her a call. She's really nice. I am down 25lbs since I signed up for surgery in May. Only a drop in the bucket but a start. Nita

[Rid]

Since they have to get under your liver to do the surgery, it REALLY is a good idea to do what they say and do the pre-op diet.

It has another unexpected side affect, especially if you do the liquid fast. It makes it a lot easier to do the first week of liquids. My pre-op diet was two small meals a day, then all the clear liquids I can drink. I've been drinking Isopure protein water that has 40g of protein per bottle, no carbs, and about 170 calories. I've lost almost 20 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm not dreading the week of pure clear liquids any more. I've read a lot of posts from people who complain about how hard the liquid diet is after surgery. I really think that a good pre-op helps a lot.

[dixie darlin]

Since they have to get under your liver to do the surgery, it REALLY is a good idea to do what they say and do the pre-op diet.

It has another unexpected side affect, especially if you do the liquid fast. It makes it a lot easier to do the first week of liquids. My pre-op diet was two small meals a day, then all the clear liquids I can drink. I've been drinking Isopure protein water that has 40g of protein per bottle, no carbs, and about 170 calories. I've lost almost 20 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm not dreading the week of pure clear liquids any more. I've read a lot of posts from people who complain about how hard the liquid diet is after surgery. I really think that a good pre-op helps a lot.

Hi Rid, I was real interested in reading about your success with your pre-op diet, I have been concerned about that myself. I am to be banded on Sept 22, so the closer it gets the more anxious and nervous I feel. I was wondering where did you find the Isopure protein water you spoke about?? I really want to go into this the best I can and it sounds like you did. How are you doing now and how long has it been since you have been banded? Dixie Darlin

[cleo6666]

WOW Rid....you are doing fantastic!!!

Good Luck

You have inspired me to keep up my new lifestyle. I have no restriction yet, so it's tough most of the time.

I was banded on July 26th and am going for my first fill on September 7th. I can't wait!

Michele

[Rid]

Thanks! The pre-op is going great, although with only about 12 hours until surgery, I guess the "pre-op" is basically over. I found Isopure protein water at a store in Thousand Oaks called Vitamin Shoppe. I went into more detail about it on my newly banded thread at

http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=657

I really think it is a good thing. Some of the other things I've tried include Top Ramen flavor packets and apple cinnamon decaf tea with some splenda in it. Plus, sugar free Jello and tropical flavored sugar free popcicles have been Godsends. Of course, we can see how I do over the next few weeks when I'm REALLY on liquids. I've been able to have some solid food so far, so it hasn't been the real test.

Thanks for the support!

[mysterymachine]

I'm having a heck of a time on the pre-op diet. I've had a headache for 3 days that I can't shake completely. This is probably due to the cold turkey of caffine and severe reduction in caloric intake. I have no energy at all am so tired. On top of that, i'm having to work 12 hour shifts (night shifts) all week up to the morning of my departure (sunday aug 27th). I know its only a few days away but sheesh!

Anyone think it would be ok to have some soup? Im just looking for something close to real food that may give me the needed energy that i need.

I was totaling the numbers the other night and i've cut my caloric intake from almost from probably 3000/3500 calories per day to under 800! No wonder i feel weak

Thanks!

[karenlynn79]

Hey mystery,

I know how you feel. I tried doing the pre-op diet earlier than I needed to and I have been really tired this week. (today is my official start day). The caffeine headache is totally normal and should start going away soon. Good luck! Have you been eating lots of green veggies? Dr. Miranda told me it's possible to eat up to 4 lbs of salad or green veggies. Seems like ALOT but it might help to actually chew food and swallow, even if it's veggies!

Karen

I'm having a heck of a time on the pre-op diet. I've had a headache for 3 days that I can't shake completely. This is probably due to the cold turkey of caffine and severe reduction in caloric intake. I have no energy at all am so tired. On top of that, i'm having to work 12 hour shifts (night shifts) all week up to the morning of my departure (sunday aug 27th). I know its only a few days away but sheesh!

Anyone think it would be ok to have some soup? Im just looking for something close to real food that may give me the needed energy that i need.

I was totaling the numbers the other night and i've cut my caloric intake from almost from probably 3000/3500 calories per day to under 800! No wonder i feel weak

Thanks!

[mysterymachine]

Hey mystery,

I know how you feel. I tried doing the pre-op diet earlier than I needed to and I have been really tired this week. (today is my official start day). The caffeine headache is totally normal and should start going away soon. Good luck! Have you been eating lots of green veggies? Dr. Miranda told me it's possible to eat up to 4 lbs of salad or green veggies. Seems like ALOT but it might help to actually chew food and swallow, even if it's veggies!

Karen

Thanks Karen,

No i haven't had too many veggies. I've only had the shakes/salads. I've added some broth tonight so hopefully that'll kick my cravings

[cole]

Well as of oday I have lost my 14lbs. yahhooo!! next week i start my pre-op. I talked to Carolyn today, my patient assistant, she told me that i really don't have to do the pre op but to keep doing what iv been doing. Im getting excited and can't wait for sept 6th.

My best friend had her surgery aug 14th and is now down 20 lbs. Im so proud of her.

My Webpage

[Rid]

It's Saturday, and I was banded Thursday morning. I have to say that the pre-op diet sure helped me deal with the all liquids now. My pre-op was a little different than Dr. Miranda's. I had two VERY small meals a day, small enough to fit on a desert plate, and nothing fried, greasy, or sweet. Then I had as much clear liquids as I wanted. Now that I'm in my first week post-op, it doesn't feel like that big of a difference. I really think that if I had not done a pre-op liquid diet, this would be a lot harder.

My take on it is this: if you are truly ready for this surgery, then why hold onto food that much longer? I think that surrendering to this new diet and way of life is something you do sooner, rather than later. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy my last few meals before the surgery. That's also not to say that I don't really want some cinnamon donuts this morning. I'm just saying that MY way of doing things got me really fat. Maybe it's time to try someone else's plan.

Off the soapbox, and back to liquids.