What does the pre-op diet consist of?

 Hi, 

I'm very excited because my lap band surgery has FINALLY been scheduled!! My doctor told me that I needed to start my liquid protein diet and shot out a couple of names of powders. The thing is - there are so many different kinds. I am completely overwhelmed! I don't know what to choose, how to make the shakes, or anything of that nature. Are we "allowed" anything else but shakes and water? Help!

Any advice/sameple menus/tips would be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks!!!!

Though docs can be different, the dreaded liquid phase is usually open to broths, soups (like tomato, not chunky ones), gatoraid, etc.  If water retention is an issue for you, watch the sodium content.  My favorite protein drink comes from GNC, and it's their brand of an AMP Whey Protein drink.  But I'm a chocoholic, so I go for the chocolate flavor.  With vanilla you can add your favorite berry.  For energy to either flavor you can add 2 T of p. butter and half a banana, and blend.  I bought a small version of a blender, cause mine was so old and large.  It has it's own cup that it blends into.  Then you pop on it's top and your good to go.  Good luck and keep us informed!

I only had to do clear liquids for one day before surgery, so I can't be too much help on how to get through this.

Your doctor really should have a better teaching program.  Do they have a nutritionist or dietician to meet with the prospective surgical patients?  Call and ask. 

Some docs do allow one meal a day, some are only liquids.  Depends on what the doctor learned when they were learning to do bariatric surgery.

Some suggestions of brands that aren't horrible:

RTD (ready to drink):   Muscle Milk Light in vanilla creme or strawberry creme.  It also comes in chocolate, but I think the chocolate tastes funny.  EAScarbvantage is a close second and the nutrition is almost the same.  I have to pour the EAS in a glass and add s/f syrup of some kind.. but that's me.  

Powders:  Syntrax Nectar is very good.  And the company will send you samples at a very low cost if you email or call them.  www.si03.com  Be sure and specify Nectar.. as they make many different proteins and not all are for weight loss.  I like the Lemonade, Fuzzy Navel, & Pink Grapefruit the best.  Lemon tea isn't bad.

This morning I made a smoothie for breakfast with 16 oz Strawberry-Orange-Banana Crystal lite, 4 strawberries, 4 ice cubes, about 4oz of plain greek yogurt & a scoop of the Lemonade Syntrax.  Pretty tasty and kept me satisfied for 4 hours, whi*****luded nearly 3 hours of workout at the gym.

Unjury (www.unjury.com) is pretty good and they have a chicken soup flavor that may appeal to you when sweetness becomes too cloying.

Best of luck to you.

I agree with Lisa you doctor needs to have a better teaching program. Before I was even approved I had to go to a nutrition class and then the doctor flooded me with printed instructions in a nice folder for each phase. I literally had no questions because I had everything in writing. Every doctor is different and you need to discuss each phase with your surgeon.
I will give you an example of my journey as I am new to this.
Two weeks prior to surgery: Breakfast and lunch: protein shake made with water, dinner: 4 oz. fish, chicken, turkey or beef, unlimited green veggies with no sauce or butter, salad with fat free spray dressing.
surgery day: if tolerated...water, clear sugar free liquids, broth, sugar free Popsicles, sugar free jello.
Post op day 2-14: full liquids. Cream soups, plain Greek yogurt, thin grits or cream of wheat, protein shake, sugar free pudding.
Post op day 15-28: pureed/soft food.
Hope this gives you an idea. Good luck

 Thanks for the ideas everyone. Really appreciate it. 

I'm actually not going through insurance (mine doesn't cover it). I've spent the last few years saving up for this procedure and I can finally afford it. So... pretty much I wasn't made to go through all the other steps everyone else has. I'll be seeing my doctor again on Thursday, so I'll ask him more then also. 

Again, thanks for the input!