Pre-Op Diet Differences

I know that each doctor does things different, but it seems to be consistent theme on here where most folks are placed on an "all liquid" live shrink diet prior to surgery.  My doctor has a standard live shrink diet that consists of protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, with a small fruit in between each meal, and a very strict meal plan for supper which consists of a 3 oz meat, a non-starchy vegetable, perhaps a small plain bake potato, a salad with vingrette.  Basically a very low-carb, low-fat. low-calorie diet for two weeks.  It makes me wonder if my liver will shrink enough by being allowed to eat fruit as a in between meal snack, and a descent supper!  Strange to see so many commenting on this "all liquid" pre-op diet and no one commenting about my type of diet.  Has other post-op folks on here have a similiar diet as me?  Were there any issues with the liver being too fatty?  I have tomorrow as my last remaining day to eat before Monday's all clear liquid diet, and a wake up for Tuesday's early morning surgery!! 

My surgeon had me to 800-1000 cal a day for two weeks, I had protein shake twice a day and a small lean meal at night. I also lost 13 lbs. Good luck on your surgery

Even among patients from the same surgeon, pre op diets are varied. I only had two days of all liquid and when I asked, I was told that diet is determined by pre op labs. Not everyone needs an extended liquid diet.

Some docs don't recommend any special pre op diet.

FYI, though, potatoes are starchy.

I did not have a pre-op diet as I was told to really do any significant shrinkage of the liver you'd have to be on that type of diet for a lot longer than two weeks. 

The day before surgery I could only eat/drink clear liquids and had to do two lovely bowel preps (invest in flushable wet wipes if you have to do this, trust me on this one). He noticed during surgery my liver was a little fatty and he took a biopsy just to be on the safe side and all came back fine. They had no difficulty maneuving around my liver and surgery went well. I was told the best thing to do for the fatty liver was to lose weight so hopefully it's in better shape now. 

FWIW, baked potatoes are a starchy vegetable. A non-starchy veg would be green beans, asparagus, broccoli, etc. I only mention that because many of us steer clear of starchy vegetables after surgery because of the simple carbs. Your plan may differ - follow YOUR plan. 

Best wishes with your upcoming surgery! 

Reading on OH about pre-op diets made me wonder if I missed something cause I was unaware such a thing existed.  Wondering why my surgeon didn't have a pre-op requirement has been a mystery up until yesterday when someone posted her liquid diet made her feel like strangling the munching husband.  Mystery solved...this Minnesota surgeon probably figures keeping the spouse alive is in everyone's best interest :)

Hahaha, you are so right! It was bad enough listening to my husband eat and smell his food a week or two after surgery let alone 2 or more weeks before surgery. 

Many surgeons believe that it doesn't do anything to shrink the liber in only a week or two, but that what it DOES do is send you into major surgery in a weakened physical condition.  Those things are why my surgeon did not require one.

Lora

I didn't have any pre op diet, just quit eating my midnight the night before my surgery.

3 years ago when had my surgery I was on a 20 carbohydrates a day diet with clear liquid the day before.

DeeW