Pre-op Question: How did you lose the weight before surgery?

I lost 25 lbs. in the 2 months prior to surgery.  It was really easy, but then, for me, losing weight (provided my head was in the right space) was never a problem: it was keeping it off for the long term. The first 7 weeks, I just cut down; more or less a modified Weigh****cher's lo-cal diet.  1200-1500 cal/day.  Lots of common sense: no fast food.  Skip fats. Lean meats. Etc.  Nothing magic.  And it was all very low-key.  I told myself that I wasn't dieting, just eating healthy.  I was successful enough that I seriously wondered if I could just tell myself that I'd had the surgery and keep progressing!  (I guess they hear that all the time at my bariatric center!) The final week, my surgeon puts everyone on a modified liquid diet: 3 SlimFast shakes (or equivalent) and one "plain food" meal at dinner (for me, that was a "Lean Cuisine"-type frozen microwave entree.)  Some people find this phase very difficult, but I've lived on this stuff before, and I actually like it. I didn't allow myself a "last supper" phase, which I really can't believe, now that I think back.  I just so wanted to be successful in this pre-op phase that I never let loose.  I went to a Korean barbeque restaurant just once, but I probably didn't eat any more then then I would today! /Steve

Pre-op I was always very good at losing quickly with Low-Carb. Bunch of meat, eggs, no&low-carb veggies. It allowed for larger portions which kept me from feeling deprived And kept me full. If you drop your Carb intake below 15 gms a day Your body goes into ketosis and it’s hard not to lose. The trouble was sticking to it for more than a couple of months. The “long range plan” of healthier eating in smaller portions Is recommended, but I always failed at sticking to that. Made me Hungry 24/7. That’s why my WLS has worked for me. Now I’m full on smaller portions, and prefer non-sweets. Hope all goes great for you. Best Wishes- Dx

Started pre-op diet about 6 weeks prior. Did high protein, low carb and cut out all caffiene. Last 10 days was all liquid diet. I lost 40 pounds pre op. 30 of which was from the high protein/low carb.

When I met with my surgeon he wanted me to lose 50 lbs...and the hospital I am having the procedure done offers the Optifast(al liquid) program. I knew about this prior to meeting with the surgeon so when he suggested the program, I said Dr. already have my appointment..he laughed a bit and said I guess you are proactive about the surgery. I started my all liquid today...6 shakes daily.  I am hoping to have a date by end of Aug...and lose beyond the 50 lb reqd. -Rob

Doc didn't want me to lose any particular amount of weight, just didn't want me to gain-and wanted me to "shrink my liver".  I did low-carb/Atkins for 2 weeks prior to surgery and lost 13 pounds. 

I did the liquid diet, atkins shakes mostly, (sometimes 8 a day) for the three weeks before surgery, and walked,...and walked,...and walked. Lost 22 pounds. Exercise now all you can. it pays off huge in recovery. JP

My saw-bones put me on High Protein Slim Fast Shakes (5 a day) for two weeks pre-op. That stuff will not only knock the weight off of you, it will also knock the crap out of you. 

I was lucky in that, as a relative "lightweight" (BMI around 42-43), my doc didn't require any preop weight loss... as a matter of fact, I GAINED 15 lbs in the 3 months from consult to surgery. I know this doesn't help you... but I wanted to post SOMETHING, and to wish you luck. I don't recall seeing you around before... but feel free to stop by the DS board as well... tons of Dr L's patients over there. Good luck

Dr. Clarke had me on Medifast shakes for 1 month (they like you to loose about 10% of your weight, I ended up loosing about 45 pounds, 10 pound more that required)  I had 5 Medifast shakes a day 1 for breakfast, 2 packages at lunch and 2 packages at dinner.  I had to drink at least 2 liters of water a day (the medifast is very dehydrating).  I was able to drink non caffeinated coffee & tea (but no milk or sweetner, no splenda etc at all).  No solid food etc.  The first two days were hard, but after that my hunger was really under control.  I was told that this program was used because it made the surgery safer and easier by shrinking the size of the liver.

I  am surprised your doctor did not discuss what type of diet he wanted you to have pre-op.  Why don't you call the office and ask their advice.

Jim