Pre op diet

I am researching having WLS and am currently checking into the Lapband. Can you tell me what the pre op diet is and how long you have to be on it? I was thinking since my biggest problem is self control when it comes to eating would I even be able to get myself through the pre op diet? I know that sounds bad but lets face it - not being able to control myself is what got me to this place. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks. Kat

Katrina, It is great that you are starting researhing as much about the lap band and how it works prior to getting surgery. Remember ALL surgeons are different with each patient in terms of a pre op diet, some surgeons don't require a pre op diet, but MOST do, and this is to shrink the liver to make surgery easier for the patient and the surgeon. But if your surgeon does ask for a pre op diet, it can vary from a liquid diet to just a low carb high protein diet, it just varies on how much the surgeon is asking you to lose prior to surgery. I have heard some surgeons ask higher BMI patients to lose between 20-30 pounds before surgery, and some lower BMI patients only have to lose between 10-15 pounds. But if your surgeon ask just do the best you can, remember this will be the toughest part, once you are banded and properly restricted you will no longer fill hunger again, unless your band loosens up and then you will require additional fills to keep hunger at bay and your band tight and snug to keep your portions small, remember MOST don't have much will power in the beginnging, but the band is SO worth it....you can do it! Good Luck! Naomi 326/228/180

Since eating to right amounts is a problem for you, as it certainly was for me, I reccomend you reconsider the lap band and consider gastric bypass RNY. With the band your stomach is larger and you can eat more. Personally I NEED the restriction of the small stomach pouch. MY BIGGEST FEAR WAS NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPLY---EATING EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT HUNGRY, BUT SINCE MY SURGERY I HAVE DONE VERY WELL. At 7 1/2 mo post op I am down 108 lbs and from almost BMI 56 to 35.3. Sometimes I still fight my head, but I am sure that will take awhile yet. I usually do not even feel hungry unless I have not eaten for over 3 1/2 hours or more. FAT CAN DEPOSIT ON THE LIVER MAKING SURGERY A BIT MORE CHALLENGING, WHEN WE DIET THIS AREA IS ONE OF THE FIRST TO LOSE WEIGHT WHICH HELPS THE SURGEON. I LOST ABOUT 9 LBS BEFORE SURGERY AND IT WAS HARD BECAUSE IN MY HEAD I KEPT THINKING" I BETTER EAT CHOCOLATE WHILE I STILL CAN...ETC" BUT I JUST PRAYED MY WAY THROUGH IT. YOU CAN DO FINE.

I was required to lose 5% of my total weight which was 15 lbs. I lost the first 8 to 9 lbs o.k. Surgery was approaching and decided to put the walking shoes on and the rest dropped off. As a result of walking before hand (30 mins) a day I felt stronger. 3 days prior to sugery my doctor put me on a liquid diet to clean me out...I'm sure that took off a few extra pounds as well. I like you thought this was an insurmountable task, but it worked out.