I have my first visit scheduled with the nutritionist on Monday, September 17th. Does anyone know how this will differ from all of the diet and nutritional guides I have already been given? I spent a few days reading and re-reading everything the surgeon gave to me about pre-op and post-op diets, along with lifetime nutrition guidelines, etc. but I am still required to meet with a nutritionist before they can schedule my surgery date.

Basically, I went ahead and started (re-started again I guess I should say) the South Beach diet on Tuesday, 9/4 (after Labor Day) and am using FitDay on my computer to log all my food. I am planning on printing out the daily logs and putting them into a binder to bring with me to my first visit. I also hope to have lost maybe 5 or so pounds to show that I am serious about this lifestyle change. But I am still a little nervous.

I guess my question is if anyone has met with the nutritionist and they determined that you weren't eligible for the surgery??? I have already been pre-approved by my insurance and have a team of doctors supporting me. I can't see the nutritionist being any different, it just seems like that's is an awful lot of power for one person to have. If for whatever reason she wants me to do some crazy diet or something for the next 6 months or so, is there anyone I can appeal to or will she have the final say?

I have already had bloodwork, upper GI x-rays, EKG and Ultrasound done. Those were the last of the tests I needed to be cleared. I have a psych eval in two weeks, but that'll be no problem.

Thank you for any advice anyone can offer. It is much appreciated.

To my knowledge, the long pre-op diets are an insurance requirement. Some plans (like mine) do not require it. I could be wrong, but I don't think the nutritionist would require it if your insurance doesn't. Some sort of pre-op diet is usually called for in order to shrink your liver and make your surgery easier and safer. With the right approach, you can accomplish that in a week. Best wishes to you!

Hi DWBrown- For me, besides going over the diet plans (Pre-op, 3 weeks prior to surgery and after surgery diets), my nut. gave me some protein powders to try and some web info (MyFitnessPal- was on the suggested list if things to do- love that app.!) They also make sure we understand the procedure and what to realistically expect to eat eventually afterwards and the ramifications of not following the plan. I know a few people really struggling with losing and keeping off any lost weight who've had the lapband. We have to be educated as much as possible - insurance liability, ethics, etc. I wonder how many people get turned off by the fact they can't smoke or have alcohol for a while before and after surgery and don't go through with it. It probably weeds out those who truly aren't ready! But I am (10/11/12- date of surgery) and you will be too! Good luck!

For me the last NUT appt was to see how i was doing on the diet to lose weight and if i hadn't lost any weight or was showing no progress then she wouldn't have recommended me to see the surgeon. I had to jump through all the hoops with testing, my insurance and the NP and NUT of the bariatric dept. Once i had that completed then i met with the surgeon and he went over everything and i asked questions and he said ok...your ready lets get you a date! I was having surgery within 2 months.