pre-op diet question..yay or nay?

Rose, My surgeon did not require a liquid diet put I put my self on one for 2 weeks before. (HMR shakes). I had no gas after surgery and the extra weight loss was great. Some people have the last meal syndrome which this helps with. Just remember that you will be able to eat anything you want once you are on solids just not as much as before. Good Luck Sharon

I was required to do one week liquids before surgery. The good thing about it, was there was less to think about the week after surgery, when thinking isn't always the best. I had planned to have a big farewell to food before I started the liquids, but when it came time to make reservations, I thought to myself, I have eaten enough for my lifetime and I was sick of eating so much food, so just started the liquids. I thought I might do it an extra week before, but couldn't get myself ready, but one week was good for me. good luck, Steff

My surgeon required a liquid diet 1 week pre-op. The reason being that it shinks the liver and reduces some fat around the liver, making it easier to insert the band around the stomach. I was told that if I wanted an easier surgery, then do the liquid 1 week pre-op. It also give you a jump-start on weight loss.

Rose, If it is a psychological issue for you, and you truly believe that it will help you, go for it! You can always change your mind. Just be sure to get adequate vitamins and minerals! I was of with 3+ weeks of liquids after surgery, but some people have a really hard time with it. You should really ask yourself if you can do it or a total of 4-6 weeks, because after surgery, you must stay on the liquids. cheers, KarenK

Hi there, my doc ordered me to do a 2-week liquid diet. First three days were rough, but it was well worth it. My doc was extremely impressed with my "petite, shrunken liver"! He said I was a "drive thru banding"-quick, easy, no muss, no fuss. If you can do it, I'd HIGHLY recommend doing two weeks, or at least 10 days of liquids. I was allowed very small amounts of fruit and cottage cheese. Good luck, Lacey

Rose - We are not required to do a pre-op liquid diet but we are required to lose 10 lbs before surgery. I just replaced my breakfast with a protien shake, had soup for lunch and a normal dinner. I tried to cut out all snacking and lost 25 lbs before surgery. Dr. Jones said the difference was noticable on my insides (he did my gallbladder a month before being banded). Just eat sensible and you should be fine - if you really feel the need you could do one week but the three weeks of full liquids after surgery are a killer and I don't know if I would make it 4 weeks. Good luck! Lynn Banded 9/12/05 299.5/275/???/140

Only do a liquid diet if your surgeon instructs it. Many do not...mine included and she's been banding since the beginning of the FDA trials. Losing a little weight pre-op is fine...but do it sensibly, not through a liquid fast. The "right frame of mind" is simply following your surgeon's instructions. Nancy 394/260/180

Hi Rose, I am having my surgery just one day after yours and was wondering the same thing. My doctor does not require and pre -op liquid diet either. I have decided to do my own about 10 days before surgery. I think it will put me in a state of mind ready for liquids, plus maybe lose the 3-5 pounds I was told to lose. Being on the liquids also has pushed me to try different protien powders. Let us know what you decide to do. Beth