Ok, yes I am new here, but I got great news today. My referral was approved for the Lapband. I go next week, to an one hour seminar, then the doctor appointment will follow. My question is, this pre-op diet, does it cause you to just empty your insides? Like when you get ready for a colonoscopy? Complete cleanout. I know thats crude, but I don't think there is no better way to put it.

I am so excited I found this site. Great questions, great answers. Lots of points of view and opinions. I have struggled with weight since 7th grade and I am now 47. Now, it is my time and I feel the lapband is what I need to help me take control.

Hope to get to know alot of you and have you all walk with me, down this new road to a wonderful, new life.

Darlene:thumbup:

No, it isn't a bowel prep. For me, it is a 10 day liquid diet to help shrink the liver and make it softer so it is easier to work around during the surgery.

I was put on a 14 day liquid diet to shrink my liver. I was allowed up to 5 slim fast shakes a day. I was able to subsititue one shake with low fat soup. They had to be chunk free. The first few days were rough, but then I got used to it. I liked not having to figure out what I was going to eat. Plus, it was a great jump start for weight loss.

GOOD LUCK!

The pre-diet is designed to shrink your liver as this sits over your stomach. Theres more of a risk of something happening if the liver is in the way so they like it to shrink about for easier access and to avoid accidently injuring the liver.

Some Dr's won't operate if you haven't followed the diet.

Believe me, I wasn't trying to be rude or crude. I have more reading to do. Thanks for all the imput. Have a great day.:biggrin:

I just wanted to add that as you read here you'll see that there are a lot of different pre-op diets -- but they do all have the same purpose as others have mentioned. For the record, mine was 10 days and was basically the induction phase of Atkins (no sugar, bread, pasta, rice or potatoes). Many have liquid diets and have them for longer. My surgeon set the length based on my BMI, which was 43. Good luck!

Hi, first time here, also scheduled for March 12 & just starting my liquid diet. I've been reading some of the Q& A section & it seems like almost everybody has a similar emotional process they go through to prepare for this surgery! I alternate between scared silly & being elated about FINALLY getting rid of this weight. I'm in my early 50's & about 7 years ago I started gaining weight with no change in diet or eating habits, now in the last year I have developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, acid reflux, & arthritis. The doctor basically told me I am a walking time bomb! Any young women out there contemplating this surgery, just remember that the older you get, the harder it is & the more co-morbidity factors you develope. I never thought I would have surgery for weight loss, but I can't keep going this way! Just want to say thanks to all who are willing to share & give support to us "beginners"

I WISH I had a liquid diet pre op. Instead I have a strict diet of mostly protein (I can handle that) and vegetables (HATE them). I understand the importance of the pre op diet, and would be willing to drink veg. juices, even going so far as to juice them myself, but that's not allowed. So far I'm on the "Pre" pre-op diet as I'm still working through the preliminaries. Still heavy on veggies, but a little more doable--I'm managing two servings most days, but must have 3-5 later on. So, does anyone have any ideas, recipes or advice about how to prepare these mass quantities? I love spaghetti sauce, even with chunks of tomato. I've bought some canned stewed and diced tomatoes, what can I do to make them taste like the sauce? Carrots I can mash with potatoes, but won't be allowed potatoes later. Soup? How to season it? I'm not much of a cook.