I'm on day 10 of a 14-day pre-op diet. The pre-op diet my doc uses consists of only 3 Protein shakes, 1 Protein Bar and unlimited sugar-free Jello and/or popsickles. On Tuesday 9/13 I weighed in at 10 pounds less than I did on 9/06 -- and was really excited! But today, I'm actually UP 3 pounds from my 9/13 total. Freaking OUT!! How can you possibly be eating nothing but Protein Shakes and GAIN weight?? I'm anxious that my doc will cancel the surgery -- she's been a real stickler for rules. (No diet sodas or carbonated drinks, no smokers, no marijuana - LOTS of pre-surgery hurdles to jump (EKG, blood work, pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy, chest Xray on....and on...and on...and on. It took me from February to September to get a consultation.

Surgery is scheduled for September 2, and I'm so worried that she'll cancel on me.

Anyone else gain weight on a pre-op diet?? Any suggestions?? I've cancelled out all but 2 very small (1/8 cup) additions of SF jello, but still on the upswing.

What kind of protein shakes are you drinking? You have to be very careful because some of them are formulated for weight gain.

I can see EKG and blood work but pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy and chest X-ray? None of that has anything to do with this surgery! What, is she getting a kickback from the lab? I would seriously consider a different doctor. Be careful with the protein shakes. Some of them are loaded with calories. I make my own so I can control what's in them. Plus they taste better! Good luck. I'm sure she won't cancel your surgery as long as you follow her rules. If she does or you change your mind, Port Huron isn't that far from you and the best and most experienced lapband doctor in Michigan practices there!

I don't think you doctor was out of line regarding the tests. My doctor required the same things. Are you over 50? The colonoscopy was the only thing I did'nt do as I was 40. Regarding protein shakes I would check the ones your using. The powders should be less then 120 calories, less 4 g of Carbs, and less 3 g of fat, and have around 25 g of protein.

You're losing tons of water at the moment, and all that's happened is that you've retained a little water - at the end of the diet you're going to be lighter than when you started, how is your doctor even going to know that you've fluctuated? Fluctuation on a daily basis is normal, diet or not.

Similar thing happened to me. I have been weighing myself daily while on preop diet for motivation. One day the scale was up 2 pounds and the next day it was down by 3. Go figure. I would check your shakes though, make sure they are appropriate for weight loss. Also, could your time of the month be coming? I always gain a few days before that. Hang in there!

Thanks much for the replies! I'm certain that the shakes are not my problem - they are New Directions Weight Control shakes - they are mandatory purchases in the pre-op surgery stage - sold by my Drs. Office. Very Low Calorie - High Protein etc.

I'm just hoping that by some miracle, the pounds drop off before Monday (day before surgery) - and that she doesn't cancel me out. It's been such a long haul to get to this point, I'm so ready to just "do the deed" and begin the process of becoming a healthier me.

Wow, mandatory that you purchase your preop shakes from her office. I don't think thats legal or ethical. How sad.

I'm using Total Lean shake from GNC. The premade one. ( Best I've found so far) It's suprising the range of calories, protien, and carbs that are in the different brands. I'm on 2 Protein shakes, 1 bowl of Soup for supper and sugar free Jello, sugar free pudding, v-8, yougurt (I don't eat) for 1 week and lost 10 lbs so far. So check your labels on those drinks.

I'm on day 10 of a 14-day pre-op diet. The pre-op diet my doc uses consists of only 3 Protein shakes, 1 Protein Bar and unlimited sugar-free Jello and/or popsickles. On Tuesday 9/13 I weighed in at 10 pounds less than I did on 9/06 -- and was really excited! But today, I'm actually UP 3 pounds from my 9/13 total. Freaking OUT!! How can you possibly be eating nothing but Protein Shakes and GAIN weight?? I'm anxious that my doc will cancel the surgery -- she's been a real stickler for rules. (No diet sodas or carbonated drinks, no smokers, no marijuana - LOTS of pre-surgery hurdles to jump (EKG, blood work, pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy, chest Xray on....and on...and on...and on. It took me from February to September to get a consultation.

Surgery is scheduled for September 2, and I'm so worried that she'll cancel on me.

Anyone else gain weight on a pre-op diet?? Any suggestions?? I've cancelled out all but 2 very small (1/8 cup) additions of SF jello, but still on the upswing.

Let me/us know what happens with the weight gain and surgery date. I am on the diet and am worried also,,,thx.

You don't need shakes etc 3 pints skimmed milk 2 no fat yoghurts per day was my pre op diet given by consultant surgeon in bariatric surgery. Only do it for 9 days though no more

Well, my surgery took place despite my weight gain. I literally STARVED myself for the final 3 days of my pre-op diet, drinking almost zero -- this resulted in a net weight loss. Surgery happened on Tuesday, September 20 and I am now BANDED. The surgery went off fairly well - I was able to get up and about walking on my own - pain was not too bad. A bit of discomfort, especially in the incision where the port is located. The only problem I had was with the oral pain meds -- when I swallowed the meds hit the band and just STUCK there. Burned like mad. It just wasn't worth taking them - so I decided to stick with just ice bags and forgo the pain meds.

Now the real work truly begins -- I'm hoping that this "tool" will help me to FINALLY get control of my weight. I've been overweight to obese my entire 56 years - and am really ready to be over it.

Luck go all others as they begin this journey.

Congratulations!!! how is your recovery so far

For anyone else who reads this:

Listen to Jachut - you're just retaining Water.

Women's weight can fluctuate up to 5 lbs a day (that's about 2 L) - men can fluctuate up to 20 lbs due to salt and water retention. Shocking isn't it?

If you want to confirm this get a scale like the Omron and it will show you all of the factors you need to determine if it was fat gain or water gain.

Oh - and regarding the tests:

Pap Smear - is usually to ensure you don't have an underlying cancer that could prevent you getting a lap band.

Mammogram - same thing.

Colonoscopy - same thing.

Chest X-Ray is for TB or cancer - same as the above.

They are all precautions.

What kind of Protein shakes are you drinking? You have to be very careful because some of them are formulated for weight gain.

I'm using Optifast HP shakes

Banded 9/20 - day five of recovery and all seems to now be going well. I had to return to my surgeon's office on Friday (day four) and have some of the fill taken out of the band - every time I tried to swallow anything - even Water, it burned like my chest was on fire! Took 3cc out, now all seems to be going well - although I must say, I'm certainly not quite ready for public display -- all I've been doing today is expelling gas like a machine! Its really gross, but it feels so much better to release than to retain! Good thing my family has gone out for the day -- this would be a topic for much discussion - and it hurts still to laugh.

My surgeon orders a full week of Clear liquids following surgery - I must admit, I'm beginning to really look forward to a bit of yougurt and cream of tomato Soup is something I'm absolutely dreaming about. With two weeks of only Protein shakes pre-surgery, week of clear liquids post surgery - anything that resembles actual food is sounding marvelous right now.

BUT ....down 25 lbs from September 6, so the journey has definitely begun. I saw a couple of friends just after surgery, and they told me I already need a new reduced size of jeans -- my old ones are getting baggy. YEAH!!