Low carb pre op diet?

[-Erin]

Hi all, I'm scheduled for surgery in two weeks from today, December 3rd. I've been on a low carb diet for the past week and a half and I was told to continue this until my surgery (they haven't mentioned anything about a liquid diet, I have my last pre op appt next wed). Everyone else I have talked to and read about has been on a liquid diet which has resulted in a good amount of weight loss. I've lost around 5-6 pounds now but was wondering if it would be a good idea to start on a liquid diet for the next two weeks just to make sure my liver has shrunk enough? Has anyone else only had to do a low carb pre op diet? Just a bit worried!

[Bufflehead]

My preop diet was low carb, not liquid. It's not as uncommon as you think. I would say follow your surgeon's instructions and don't worry about trying to follow someone else's. And the low carb/low sugar is what makes your liver shrink, not the fact of liquid vs. solid. So you will be just fine!

[Pbran21]

My pre op is all liquid shakes broth crystal lite water

[lornadoone629]

our docs all give us different ones. I started low carb/high protein just over 2 months prior to surgery. One month before surgery, I had to switch over to protein shakes twice and day and one lean protein meal. The last week prior to surgery, I went on 5 protein shakes a day only, and the day before I was on clear liquids. My friend who had a different doctor in the same practice only had to do 2-3 weeks total. I just happened up the strict surgeon! lol It actually helped me (not just in losing weight), but in getting rid of my carb and sugar cravings. I had that out of the way before surgery.

[ThisIs4Me]

I agree with lornadoone629, follow what ur Dr told u. He/She has their reasons 4 their diet. Good luck 2 u

[SeasonsChange]

I would stick with what your doc gave you. I would love to have that pre-op allowance. Mine is all liquid. Day 4 and managing. Missing the chewing part. Best of luck to you!

[Steve Webb]

be sure to get lots of sugar free gum and chew, chew, chew! I still pre-op without a date yet and I'm chewing the gum to try to curb some of my impulse cravings. Best wishes to you and keep us up to date on your progress

[jm1952]

Great that you are doing this with your husband. 7 days - Good luck!

[gregorygirl]

I was not put on any type of pre-diet. Only to only have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before surgery!

[lgutenberg]

I was on a low carb diet for 3 weeks before surgery, and could eat right up to 6pm the night before surgery. Then only water until midnight. Nothing after midnight.

[Marvinator]

The fact that every doctor has their own pre-op routine and their own post-op routine makes one realize that no one knows for sure what the right routine is since they apparently can't agree on a standardized routine (that may have some variance based on size, sex, etc.). I found it frustrating myself. My doctor was pretty liberal post op while I read from other docs on web that you absolutely should not go to this stage or stage until this amount of time. Well, if he is right, then why is my doc having me progress earlier? One of them has to be wrong, right? The truth is that they must not really know what goes on in your stomach for certain or they would be able to develop accepted standards.

[karen p]

I quickly learned that each situation is somewhat unique. My doc had me on liquid for 2 days prior to surgery and the standard, nothing after midnight the day of surgery. I was on clear liquid for the two days in the hospital and since have been on full liquid. I don't know that this is a situation of right vs. wrong way of approaching, but rather what your labs are telling the doc about liver function, size, etc.. Best to listen to the doc, but also ask for explanations regarding the protocol he/she is prescribing. Best of luck on your surgery !!!

[-Erin]

Thanks for the replies everyone!! I decided to substitute protein supplements in for breakfast and lunch and then have veggies with lean protein for dinner. My main concern was that I only had around a 3 week period from my first nutritionist visit (start of low carb) and the date of my surgery. Also I thought it would be good practice for my diet after the sleeve. 11 more days now!