My doctor gave me a pre-op diet to follow that is mainly higher in protein, lower in carbs. I know that I probably won't be able to eat bread, etc. after I'm banded, so there is definitely a part of me that wants to eat some before I have surgery. What is the purpose of the "pre-op" diet other than to get "ready" for a new way of eating?

Most will tell you that it is designed to shrink your liver which can create issues if it is enlarged during the operation.

that is exactly the reason my doc gave me...to shrink the liver....

Good luck

The low carb high Protein diet, usually calorie restricted, is to get you to lose fat from your liver. If your liver is too large at the time of surgery the dr. may not be able to perform the surgery. I have read on the forums of a couple of people that couldn't have it done, because the dr. found their liver was too large. Depending on how large the liver is, they may be able to do the surgery, but you may end up with larger incisions. I have also read that if the liver is on the larger side it is harder for them to stitch the band all of the way around, and so they may be able to place the band for you, but not stitch it in as well as on someone whose liver was smaller. The more fat you can lose off your liver before your surgery, the better for you. The more likely you are to have a succesful result and less complications. A calorie restricted diet that doesn't restrict carbs will not take much fat off the liver, it needs to be a low carb diet. Best of luck to you!

XO

Leila

Yup, it's all about the liver. Shrinking the liver results in a better surgery...all around. It makes it easier for the surgeons do the job and it makes your recovery easier!

Stick with it if you can; it can make all the difference in the world!

It's the liver. Part of the liver lays on top the upper stomach. They have to pull it aside for banding. Fatty livers make for more difficult surgery.

This is a video and isn't for the squeamish, but it's very informative

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3190472028990485080&q=lap+band

It's really for your health and well-being. They aren't just being persnickety.