I was just approved for the lap band earlier this month, my surgery is scheduled for September 14th, but I just started the pre-op diet on the 17th of August, for a total of four weeks! Anyone ever heard of this? I'm down 5lbs in 3 days. It was explained to me that the reason for the pre-op diet (not the reason for the length) is to shrink the liver and abdominal area and to show commitment to the program. But, on average I see 1-2 weeks, not 4! I am very motivated and excited, but I just wanted to know if anyone else has gone through this. I'm 5'6.5 and as of now I weigh 246 (starting was 251). Thanks for your input!

My doctor wanted me to do an open ended liquid diet of 500 calories a day. A special mix that you bought at the hospital. 1) It made my throat tingle, 2) it was $200 for 12 days so I stopped. I was losing weight on my own which included protein shakes made with whey Isolate. Anyway in 7.5 months I lost 50 pounds.

Mine is only 2 weeks of 2 protein shakes a day, one 300 cal meal, veggies when I wanted and water or crystal light.