Pre-Op Diet..

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forums. I'm 19 years old.  I am having Lap-Band, and my surgery is next monday, July 11th. I have been on the pre-op diet for a week already and I am feeling quite discouraged. My surgeon told me I can have my protein shakes 3 times a day, and 2 protein control bars. Then he said I could have some fruit or veggies if I was still hungry. I went back to my surgeon's office to buy more control bars because I had only bought 4 for some reason. The receptionist told me I should only have one bar per day and only let me buy enough so that i could have one every day until my surgery. She also told me to try to not eat anything else like fruit or vegetables...but honestly I think those are the only things keeping me going right now. So she's telling me completely different things than my surgeon told me. I haven't cheated once so far, but when I step on the scale I've only seen about 3 pounds gone..and I've been working out hard and sticking to my diet as strictly as I possibly can.. Why does it seem like everyone else I've known who has had this done, lost 15+ pounds on the pre-op diet?

Brianna,

Don't get discouraged! I was on clear liquids prior to my surgery and gained two pounds from the salt in the chicken broth. I had surgery on Wednesday and have lost well over 10 pounds. Look at the pre-op diet as just that, getting you ready for surgery. Do not compare yourself to others as this is your journey, and it is a journey. Not to be disrespectful, but I would contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns and let the receptionist do her own job since she is not the one with a medical license.

Best Wishes,
Carrie

I agree with Carrie. Do what your doctor told you to do. Also, I would let him/her know that the front desk is giving conflicting information about preop dieting. I know on this board you will get that because everyones surgeons have different guidelines but you shouldn't get it within your doctors office.
Seems like you are doing great with following your doctors orders and working out. Don't fret my dear it will come off.

Did you get a writen pre-op diet? If you did I would reread it then call the office with any conflicting directions.

I have a paper that says this verbatim "1 scoop Bariatric Advantage Protein Meal Replacement mixed with 8oz of skim milk 3 times/ day. 2 Control bars/day as snacks." and then he told me I could have fruits and veggies, but not to overdo it because he wants to prepare me for not eating a lot. Thank you guys, I'm going to call the office tomorrow and talk to Dr. Marley and see exactly what he wants me to do. :)

Hi Brianna, 
I am new to the forums as well.  I am seriously considering having the lap band done but I have not called the surgeons office yet to start my 3-month preop testing.  If I decide to have this done it will be done in Nashville, TN I think by Dr. Houston.  I am very nervous about having the lap band done as I am afraid of not being able to stick to the diet.  I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and please keep me posted on how you are doing. 

Thanks.
Melissa

Hi Brianna
I am also into my fourth day on the liquid pre-op diet. My surgery is July 15. I'm struggling as well. I am on Meditrim which is mixed with water, and only 250 extra calories from veges like broccoli, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, and a very few other veges. I find if I drink water throughout the day, almost constantly, I am getting through it. I want you to know someone else is out there with you, and once you clear it up from your Doctor, hang tough ... we'll make it, and the end results will be worth it in the end.

I was on clear liquids and protein shakes for 2 wks before and 2 wks after surgery but there are some Drs who allow even a low carb and lean meal once a day so the fruits and veggies probably will not hurt as long as they are not fried or prepared with alot of fat or sauces. If your Dr told you it was ok it probably is. You are right to call and clarify though ! The preop diet is mostly to shrink your liver for surgery day.
The pre-op diet is the worst part of the whole thing in my opinion and we all got discouraged and angry and evil and depressed and wanted to quit and .... hahaha but it sounds like you are doing everything according to your Drs plan and you are on the downhill slide now! YAY !  Hang in there ! I did not lose immediately on the liquid phase either and the NUT told me my body had gone into starvation mode and that is why I was not dropping weight . The 2nd week I did though ! Watch your sodium levels and up your water drinking ( I know more things to drink! yuck ) and I bet you will see a drop soon :) Good luck on your journey!