I am having the lap-band surgery with my hubby on Dec.8th. We got it approved thru Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

We've been on a 700 calorie diet for a week now and we have a week to go. One diary, one fruit, two protien, and three veggie servings per day.

My question is - what effect does cheating (say on a day like Thanksgiving) have on your liver? I mean...ONE day? Anyone actually know? I mean, I know the importance of the pre-op diet etc...etc... I just want to know if one day is going to make a difference.

I was sanctioned by the nutritionist to 'cheat'. I've been on my pre-op diet (Optifast, 4 shakes, 1 bar, Jello, broth) for nearly two weeks now. 1 week into it, I went a little nuts. I was cranky like a mofo, walking around snipping, sniping and actually growling. I wasn't hungry, but I wanted to put my teeth into somthing substantial. I behaved, but I was feeling so crazy, I called the nutritionist, and she OK'd me to have a small meal or two, like I did when I was on opti lite (2 shakes, 1 bar, small meal (4-6oz Protein, 3 servings veggies) jello, broth, and 1 piece fruit). That night, I had a small meal, and the next day, I had a slice of Thanksgiving turkey and a slice of yam. It settled me down, and I've been back on track, full opti liquid (5 shakes and jello, yum!) ever since.

But I wouldn't have done it with out my nutritionist's ok, since I want to, and have been, doing the right thing.

See, I finally realized something about 'dieting' and eating well. When you cheat, the only person you hurt is yourself. And I want this to go well, and to stick to it. Cheating will only screw it up.

I couldn't bear to cheat on my pre-op! I've come SO FAR to finally get to have this surgery... been wanting it for, I don't know, 4 years... when my doctor said Optifast only, that's all I do. Then again, to satisfy insurance, (and to prove to myself I could do it), I have worked my hiney off since beginning this journey on March 28, 2008, to lose what I have so far. I LOVE to cook, and this Thanksgiving holiday was no exception - I cooked for folks at the office, and I spent today cooking and entertaining out-of-town guests. Not once have I even licked my finger... though, rest assured, the temptations were there!

My sister, who is banded, and her boyfriend, who had gastic bypass, both told me I should eat turkey, dressing, etc., on Thanksgiving because this was my last opportunity to do so. However, they are not my doctor. Call me anal, but I am a rule follower, and, like I said, I've worked too hard for this for anything to get in the way. (And I have plans for the rest of the month, so I don't have time to reschedule my surgery, and Cigna was very particular about the date range for my approval).

The demons we battle (and face it, we all have them or we would never have known about this website) will always be there, and this "tool" will not conquer them alone... Think about it. Would you go to "battle", face your enemy, and hold your sword out in front of you, throw it at them, or lay it down, expecting that to be what it takes to win the war?

Stay focused, keep your eye on the prize - a thinner, healthier you - you can do it! We all can! :wink2:

This is absolutely how I feel about it too. It can be a very unpopular opinion around here though. :thumbup:

Good luck with your band! It sounds like you are going to seriously rock it.