Saw my surgeon (Dr. Emma Patterson) last week. All is a go so far. Am waiting now for the insurance pre-auth for the surgery itself and then that all important date.

At this point, I have been asked to lose 10-15 lbs prior to surgery. That is ok with me. I do have a question though...

Are lettuce/vegetable salads a no-no?

Am looking forward to this new step in my lifes journey. Have been walking 3 times a week as well as slowing down my food consumption and listening to my body as it tells me I am full.

Thanks in advance for the information regarding salads.

Did your doctor give you specific instructions regarding pre-op weight loss? Some doctors require a specific diet, such as liquid only or liquids plus one meal a day.

My doctor gave me two different choices and I selected two Protein drinks and one high protein low carb meal.

As far as now, at post op, I eat lots of veggies and salads without problem.

I would recommend you follow your doctor's orders regarding pre-op diet.

"Are lettuce/vegetable salads a no-no?"

If you talking about liver shrinking pre-op diet, I was allowed, for the most part, unlimited green vegetables, but you have to go with your doctor's menu. Mine was very specific about shakes, Protein, etc.

Stringy vegetables (ie. celery, asparagus) don't go well with the band. I haven't tried raw carrots because I've read about too many people having problems with them, but vegetables on a whole are great. I eat them every day. I know most doctors push solid protein first, but vegetables aren't off the diet. My doctor doesn't recommend lettuce the first three months because it's hard to measure and he really wants us to stick to solid Proteins and firm vegetables, especially at first (ie. cooked broccoli). I eat raw and cooked spinach every chance I get. Hopefully, your doctor or nutritionist will give you a diet list, because the food recommendations for bandsters vary greatly from doctor to doctor.

Edited March 2, 200917 yr by kiz