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Eating prior to Da Vinci

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Posted 3/13/2008 6:03 PM (GMT -6)
My father in law is having surgery next friday.  He told us that his doctor said he could eat anything up until midnight on Thursday.  Kurt couldn't eat solids for 2 days before his surgery, and as I remember, that was the normal protocal with everyone here.  Has anyone else not had to do the dreaded Liquid Diet?  Thanks, Courtney
Posted 3/13/2008 6:30 PM (GMT -6)

It varies with the doctor.

In my case, I had surgery on a Tuesday morning.

Was told to take an enema Sunday afternoon or early evening, then no solid food....only clear liquids (including jello but not red or orange) from then until my surgery.

Posted 3/13/2008 6:46 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Courtney & Kurt,

I'm not certain what kind of surgery your father-in-law is having but, having had a half dozen abdominal surgeries, a shoulder-repair, and a tonsilectomy myself, I'll comment:

Yes, the primary reason for the food ban is anesthesia and while midnight seems to be cutting it closer than most, it could make sense- from just an anesthesia point of view- for a surgery planned maybe after 11am.

However, if there is going to be any extensive abdominal work (even if it is a possible thing, such as an unplanned aborting laperascopic to open the patient up) - then I personally would take some caution eating anything that might be constipating - beginning Wednesday after breakfast.
Even with the often planned pre-surgery enemas, this is a VERY helpful precaution for the patient that might have extensive abdominal or pubic cavity suturing.  
I personally switch to some green gatorade-like drink (not gatorade as it has yucky fructose now) at least 36 hours before any procedure - and stay active to "work things through."

Again, just from my personal experience, I wouldn't be surprised if an O.R. nurse doesn't call before Wednesday and go through a bunch of questions and give more directions, including moving some dietary restrictions back a little.


By the way,  ... you joined this forum about the time I had my surgery (in Austin, with Drs. Karnik & Shaw) and had your surgery about the time I went back to work.
     ..... Happy 12 months!

Your Friend,
CCedar
ICTHUS!

Posted 3/13/2008 6:50 PM (GMT -6)
I was told liquid only for the 48 hours prior to surgery. I had robotic surgery.
Posted 3/13/2008 9:49 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Courtney,
I ate light at dinner but was able to eat until 9:00pm the night before surgery, and was operated on by 11:30am. So I guess to say twelve hours prior was not a concern from my team. And I had no problems, but I would like to know what happened to the dinner I had the night before. I didn't have a bowell movement for three days after that dinner, and I ate OK the rest of the day and in the hospital.

Tony
Posted 3/13/2008 10:01 PM (GMT -6)
I had the complete clean out before surgery and liquid diet for 36 hours. Doc said it was because he would be close to the colon and if he had to repair it he didn't want anything in it. Said if I didn't get it clean and he had to fix it, I could end up with a permanent tube attached. I cleaned it out...

Jim
Posted 3/13/2008 10:09 PM (GMT -6)
I talked about this subject on a post during 2007...we saw mention of enema on the website instructions, but it seemed like a thoroughly uncomfortable step, and for what reason???? So, we called and they said, "oh no you don't have to do that!" The food had to stop at midnight, no problem...it was nice to keep it simple in a very complicated time.
Posted 3/13/2008 10:43 PM (GMT -6)

I had Davinci and was only told to have no solids or liquids after midnight the night before.  My surgery was scheduled for 3:30 the next day.  I ate a very light meal the evening before and had no problems.

To be honest, I didn't have much of an appetite the night before my surgery and I doubt your father-in-law will either.

Posted 3/14/2008 1:00 AM (GMT -6)

Like Biker... I had the complete clean out... drinking what seemed like 5 gallons of that "tasty" fluid the afternoon before the day of da Vinci surgery.  tongue

That was followed by a clear liquid diet.  Broth was okay to have too.  I had surgery the next morning... less than 24 hours after the big purge.  Before the purge, I could eat anything.

I was back on solid foods the evening of the surgery day.

Idaho

Posted 3/14/2008 7:38 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Kurt and Courtney.  I had open surgery on Monday, Feb 4 at 7:30 AM.  My surgeon told me I could have a regular breakfast on Sunday and then only liquids after 8 AM Sunday morning.  I also had to take several pills along the way on Sunday.  Then nothing at all after 10 PM on Sunday night.  I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM Monday morning and he gave me an enema to do just before we left for the hospital at 5 AM. 

After surgery I could only have clear liquids through Tuesday (the day after) and then had a soft breakfast on Wednesday morning before they sent me home midmorning on Wednesday. 

I told some of my friends my prostate must have weighed 11 pounds because that is how much weight I lost between Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon.  By the way, I am now 5+ weeks post surgery and my surgeon still has me on a stool softener.  I guess I am in one of those groups that is very concerned about the bowel and making sure everything works.  I can't complain - all of my doctors have treated me very well throughout this whole process and I am doing really well.  I'm sure your father in law will as well. 

Best wishes that all will go well.  We will be praying for you and your family in these days.  David

Posted 3/14/2008 7:57 AM (GMT -6)

Hi!

Bob too had the "big cleanout" . . .was on only liquid for 2 full days before surgery, special liquid and tablets the night before.  Surgery was at noon the following day.  The doctor also mentioned surgery being easier with a colon that is completely empty as it's so very close to where he's working.

Best of luck!  Our prayers go out to you and your Dad.

;o) Linda & Bob

Posted 3/14/2008 8:24 PM (GMT -6)
Hi all! Very interesting and congrats cedarchop on 1 year also!!!!! Kurt is one year out today!!!!!! YEAH!!!!! So what I am hearing from this blog is that it is doc related. No need seen for the 2-3 day liquid diet. Very interesting!!!! We as patients have to take control!!!!!! This site taught me that. We must take control over our lives, and I have seen this more and more over this last year. God Bless you All! Courtney
Posted 3/14/2008 8:53 PM (GMT -6)
Big congrats to Kurt!
Woo~Hoo. Dang I don't do that as well as Lee. Yipppeeee. Dang I messed that one up too.

How 'bout this:

God Bless you guys! You certainly have my hope and prayers for your continued success! scool

Tony
Posted 3/18/2008 5:09 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks Tony, Right back at you!!!!! You and your wife our in our thoughts and prayers often! Keep up the good fight. Courtney
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