Pre-surgery diet

I am having lap band surgery in one week, and I find it somehow ironic that I am currently on a very strict pre-surgical diet. I mean, if I were able to adhere to a strict diet, would I be in this shape to begin with? It makes me wonder if they expected me to really stick to this. Actually I have stuck to it, but I am embarking on seven days on just protein shakes before the surgery and I guess I am just thinking about how tough this is really going to be. I have read people's stories online who did not do a pre-op diet, so I am curious how many doctors are like mine. Thanks for all the kind words of encouragement, and I wish all of you luck who are applying for surgery and having insurance nightmares.

Christine, I understand your frustration, but the diet serves at least 3 purposes -- first, it helps to shrink your liver, which is very helpful for the surgeon when doing any laparoscopic surgery on your stomach, second, it helps to shrink the fat cells, making them denser and easier to sew back together to close your incisions, and third, it helps to get you ready for the very strict diet to which you will have to adhere post-op. The surgeon wants you to understand just how difficult WLS is post-op and by forcing you to adhere to a very strict pre-op diet, he is doing just that. I wish you all the luck in the world with lap-band, but you must realise that that is the WLS that REALLY requires willpower to succeed. Your stomach is still intact, which means that those chemical signals that tell your brain "hey, I'm hungry, shove a Snickers bar in me" still happen. You must be really dedicate to the weight loss to succeed. I know that the dieting is hard -- heck, I know size 4 girls for whom dieting is hard, not that they need it! As long as you take it one day at a time and remember that NOTHING tastes as good as healthy and thin feels, I think you will do just fine. Drink those protein shakes and remind yourself why you are doing this. You will do great! --joanna 325/239/125(someday, I hope!)

I agree with Joanna there are reasons. But we all know on this board that you will make it, Christine. To get this far is a miracle in itself. Just remember why you are doing this and drink your shakes. Keep thinking positive that it's for a better healthy life. Besides in this hot weather, I would prefer to just drink shakes instead of eating. You will be in our prayers and thoughts. Any questions don't hesitate to ask the board, these are your online friends and we're all here to help you. May God travel with you on your journey. Kathy

Christine, Being a nurse I really do understand the need for this pre-op diet. I would be uneasy if you were not on one. I have read many of these profiles and I am amazed that so many doctor's do not require this pre-op diet and some form of behavior modification. The after care programs are really just as important for us to follow as all the things we have to do before surgery. My surgeon recommends highly all the after care programs. We are strongly recommended to attend the support group meetings each month. He knows if we are there because he is there. It really sound's as if you have a great doctor. I am waiting on insurance approval at this time. Good luck. Gloria

Thanks to all of you for the good information and kind wishes. On this, my first day of no solids at all, I need it, lol... As I cooked dinner for my son and my man it was SO hard to smell the turkey enchaladas when I was having only a shake, but I did it and hopefully the next few days will not feature quite as much gnawing hunger pangs.

I can understand how hard it is-I also did a self imposed diet-to shrink my liver-and make it easier on Dr and my self-- I am up and going great one week after-and am so glad I did the diet--it really helped me! Your in my prayers

I am on day three of liquids only, protein shakes four times a day, and I am surviving but will be so glad when this surgery is behind me. My co-workers have learned of my surgery now because my substitute from Kelly services talked about it in our lunch area when several people were present. I do not look forward to being questioned by them, but I know I can handle it. Would anyone like to address issues they have had with well meaning friends or co-workers who ask too many questions?