I have the same problem. I have been told so many different things and what I read is also different. My husband and I will both be banded 1/11/2011... We started the liquid diet today 1/3/2011 just to get a start on weight loss and to cut back on the things we will have to give up for a few months (coffee, soda's etc.). Our physician said it was up to us on wether we do the liquid diet before. Dr. Trahan usually doesn't require this unless you are over 50 bmi which neither of us are. This is just day 1 so hope we both can continue the liquid boost Hi protein during the day and a sensible dinner at night for 8 days...