I got my date for banding surgery today which is next week Tuesday, October 7.

The standard pre-op diet my surgeon uses for every lap band patient is 7 days of 3-4 Protein shakes plus unlimited calorie-free liquids. Haven't I seen some others on these boards who are allowed to eat food in the pre-op week?

Don't get me wrong, I am going to follow his instructions to a T and gladly. But I was just wondering, what do you think the reason for the all liquid diet is. Is it to get you in the routine of your post op diet? Did anyone else have to do Protein Shakes only preop?

Mine was two weeks liquids and I actually started a little early because I was so excited to be finally, finally getting there -- and I knew every pound I lost on pre-op was one I'd never EVER see again -- for the first time in twenty years! One thing we have to totally get from the get-go is that our process is our own, no one else's. Some people have lost more than me In the last however many months -- others wish they had my success -- can't go there. It's what I'm doing right now that matters. You, too. And YOU ROCK! You've chosen yourself and your healthy future first, way to go. That's what it takes!

My surgeon requires 7 days of pre-op liquid diet.

I lived on Protein shakes, broth, SF Jello, SF pudding.

I know you will do fine... Remember this is YOUR JOURNEY...

Mine is 14 days of liquids and shakes and 2 cups of certain veggies per day. Ugh

it is to prepare the insides for surgery (liver etc)

being larger people, what my dr told me, is their livers are larger and hence

the liquid fast to help make it smaller and for the dr to navigate inside better.

one thing, liquids in means liquids out....so ask your doctor if you can take immodium AD as

you will need it as your body is (cleansing) for lack of a better word.

do not worry about how much you lose here as @@Bandista said....its about you getting ready for surgery

i am wishing you all the BEST.....good luck and congratulations on having WLS and making a choice to get well and healthy......that is what it is all about....

I did about three weeks of pre-op diet, but mine was a mixture of shakes & protein bars. Think I had like 5 small shakes & 4 small protein bars per day.