I saw my surgeon today for the final step in the whole process (which I started on March 7th). I was ELATED when he told me I could be put on the schedule for next Friday, May 18th. I've been waiting so long for this to happen (okay, it only feels like forever...it's been two months). The WLS program I'm going through really impressed upon us that people always start with 2-4 weeks of a Pre-Op diet of nothing but skim milk, 24 oz, 3 times a day, plus any other zero calorie liquids you'd like. Most people lose 10-15 pounds in the Pre-Op diet phase. Honestly, I was a little excited to jump start my weight loss.

After meeting with the surgeon today, he said that my BMI was so boarderline that the full 2 weeks of the milk diet isn't necessary, and that I should just follow a high protein, low calorie eating plan before surgery up until the day before. Just clear liquids the day prior, nothing after midnight. He said I could do the milk diet for a few days if I wanted, but it wasn't necessary.

So I'm thinking....should I do it anyways? I think it would be good to jump-start my weight loss and ensure that I'm in the right frame of mind. Start practicing the discipline I think I've learned Plus, I think I would feel better with less chance of surgery being cancelled due to a fatty liver (which he said they have done and will not hesitate to do). I hear people *HATE* the pre-op diet but I feel like I'll have greater success with it.

Thoughts?

How strict is the post op diet? The post op diet is not optional so keep that in mind. I was on clears for 7 days and full liquids for another 7. I did my own voluntary preop diet of 2 protein shakes with one low fat/cal protein based meal daily. While I would do my preop diet again I don't think I would volunteer for the one you listed knowing I would be on liquids for two weeks post op.

I was only required to do the low fat/high protein, but did choose to do a more rigorous plan.

I did low fat/high protein about two weeks and then did a pseudo liquid for one week with 2 protein shakes, two Greek yogurts, and one protein bar a day. I was allowed full liquids after surgery, so I wanted to get used to doing liquids before I had to (minus of course the protein bar).

The Post-Op diet is pretty strict. It's two weeks of clears, two weeks of pureed, then two weeks of soft/easy food.

I decided to start today with doing a modified version of it...focusing on milk as breakfast and lunch, zero-calorie clear liquids in between, and a low cal/high protein dinner. I've had a "fatty liver" on ultrasounds in the past, I just want to make sure I'm doing my part, and the milk diet is supposed to help reduce the fat around the liver.

Plus, I think this will really help me sort out my "head hunger" and "real hunger".