Hello everyone....I am new to this forum and since I have officially scheduled my labband this morning for Aug. 20th I have had butterflies in my stomach. My question is about the fast b4 surgery....I know you have to do liquid diet and was told about Medifast or Isopure. Would you use this liquid diet as three meal replacements and do they actually make you full. I will need to do this for 3 weeks and am exremely worried that I can't do this for that long. How could I possibly not eat solid food for three weeks. I would love everyones ideas or own experiences.

I had to use Optifast drinks - 3 strawberry and 3 chocolate plus per day. I'm actually feeling kind of full. I used alot of crushed ice to feel like I'm eating something.

Uusally on a liquid diet, you can have sugar free - drinks, Jello and popsicles for Snacks. I had chicken broth for dinner every other day. Ask you doctor if you have have these too.

So you have had around 6 drinks a day plus snacks if needed? How big are these drinks? Have you had your procedure? Did you lose alot of weight on liquid diet?

I'm starting my preop diet tomorrow. I'm allowed any liquids with single digit sugars and I can't go over 1000 cal/day. I bought a wide variety of things. Atkins shakes, 100% Whey Protein from GNC in unflavored and chocolate caramel flavor, Kellogs K2O water and All Bran tea packets, lots of sugar free jello . I also bought soups that I will blend and strain,

I wish you the best of luck. I'm awaiting a packet from my surgeon and will see what final plan will be. The problem with my husband and myself is that we enjoy eating out as something to do. That is the first of our problems. I need to make eating just as important as getting out and moving around. Please let me know how your doing and any tips along the way will be great.

Yes, I had around 6 drinks a day plus snacks if needed. Optifast are ready to drink protein box drinks. All my information is on my signature. I was banded on May 13th. I lose 50lbs before the surgery and lost about 25lbs afterwards so far.

Just checking back in. I was banded 11/4/02, but due to mechanical failure (slippage), I am being banded again on 7/14/08. I have to do Optifast for 2 weeks prior to surgery which means Monday! I am quite nervous because when I was banded before I just had to follow 1000 cal per day for the week prior to surgery...so much has changed.

Hi, Frazzled,

You sound like you are doing all the right 'mind' things to prepare for surgery. You talk about eating out...something that my hubby and I enjoy, too.

And, I am finding it just as enjoyable to go out for dinner when we share an entree...tell the waiter when you order and they will bring two plates. We usually order an extra dinner salad. When the food comes, I take a small portion, and have even included a very small portion of the baked potato! By doing all the processes we are supposed to follow after surgery...chewing slowly, putting the fork down between bites, and concentrating on the conversation, I still enjoy an evening out, and go home feeling very pleased with myself, and not uncomfortable because I ate too much.

I'm scheduled for banding in July.

ooohh! You get 6 shakes a day? I only get three! I am so jealous!!!!!

i can have 5 slimfast optima plus s/f jello and popsicles

So on the preop liquid diet, what are we talking about in calories? About 1000?

My doc wants me to do Optifast but it's $180 for two weeks...that's more than my regular grocery bill! I have soy protein powder at home that I was using when I would get a fill. I think I will ask if I can use that instead of Optifast.