Is it a good idea to start the liquid almost 4 weeks before getting the band? Im getting my band on march 8th, and i'm thinking of started the diet sooner then later.

any suggestions?

iamcanadian25

that's a long time to be on liquids. however, it might be as beneficial to begin the protein, then veggies and chew chew chew diet. then, maybe do liquids 1-2 weeks before?

I was on a liquid diet for 9 days before my surgery. I thought I was going to die but knew it was for a good cause. I don't think I could do it for 4 weeks. Maybe you have more will power than me:) I did lose 11lbs in that 9 days!!!! I think you should just follow your Dr's. orders just to be safe.

Good luck,

Terri

Canadian, what has your doctor advised regarding a liquid diet? Some of us didn't have to change our diet at all before surgery, only after. Patients with high BMIs -- say, over 50 -- may have to go on liquids for a couple of weeks before banding; I understand this is to help reduce the size of the liver to make the operation easier for both surgeon and patient. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Personally, I wouldn't start a liquid diet any sooner than I had to. Check with your doctor.

My BMI was high at 51.6 and surgeon had me start on a high protein/low fat diet 10 days prior (not an all liquid diet). And, yes, I was told it was to shrink the liver making it easier to place the band on the stomach. I think it was a good start for me as well in learning to make some different eating choices. According to my surgeon's instructions, the all liquid phase came after the diet for 2 weeks -- which was long enough! You should follow your own doctor's orders, of course.

There was a girl named Emily getting the Band at the same time as me. We were both the same height and only a few pounds difference. She had to do a liquid protein shake diet for a couple weeks prior to the surgery, but I didn't. It depends on what your doctor says. We both got through the operation with no complications.

Does your Dr. Require a liquid diet pre op?

Mine did not unless my BMI was over 50 which it was not. I ate right up until midnight the night before surgery..Yummy carnitas, rice beans and tortillas...

Wow if you can do it it's prolly better than having the 10 'last dinners' I had....they say it's better for your liver cause it shrinks it, but man 4 weeks is a super long time...I couldnt do it, but if you can good for you...let us know what you decide and GOOD LUCK!!!!