I just started the whole band process at the end of June. I had finally saved up enough money b/c I am self-pay :frown: I went to the seminar after doing tons of research. I loved the lady I talked with and she made me feel like I was right at home. I have picked out a doctor even though I have yet to meet him b/c this has been such a quick process. I am scheduled for surgery on the 29th of July, 2009. I go for all my blood work and to see the nutrionist on the 17th which is Friday. I am very nervous but excited. Don't really know what to expect with the pre-op and post op diets. Also if you have any suggestions as to what liquids you had to help you thru will help me. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for all your help!

:thumbdown:

Your nutritionist will no doubt tell you exactly what he/she wants to to eat but I will offer a few tips.

People will tell you which shakes taste the best but it is really a matter of personal preference. So buy a few different brands and see what you like before you stock up on something you don't like. I went with Atkins and like Ensure High Protein as well.

At first I used regular chicken broth, then someone here mentioned that strained Soup was more satisfying. So I bought some Progresso soup and strained the chunks out and it honestly was better both with taste and hunger control.

And sugar free popsicles can be a life saver. After a few days you will want to chew on something and they will help to satisfy that need.

Every doctor's pre-op diet seems to be unique. Mine was two Protein shakes per day (and they had to be whey protein shakes) and two lean meals consisting of 3-4oz lean protein and vegetables. Carbs were not on the diet. Others are on Optifast for 2 weeks. Some don't do anything. You'll just have to find out what your doctor chooses.

A couple of things to remember. (1) Whey protein is derived from eggs so if you are one of those who are allergic to eggs, tell them it will have to be something else. (2) GNC sometimes offers tasting with their various shakes. IF you have a GNC and you are supposed to pick your own Protein shake, go in and ask "what does that one taste like". (3) For most doctors, the purpose of the pre-op diet it to shrink your liver so that it won't be in the way when they do the surgery. Ask Restless Monkey....her first time in, they closed her back up because her liver was too thick. So, the moral of that story is follow your doctor's instructions

Post-op, when liquids are all you can have, Jodi is right about the canned chicken and beef broth -- they're not that good. But instead of straining Soups, I suggest buying a whole chicken, put it in a large pot and cover with Water. Add some salt, some pepper, a bay leaf, some chunks of carrots and celery, and an onion, quartered. Don't even bother to peel the onion. Simmer until the chicken is done. Strain off all the solids and you'll be left with some yummy chicken stock (or beef, if you use a cheap cut of beef). You can puree a small can of diced tomatoes (and I mean really puree them) and add to the beef stock and that is really good.

I'm surprised that your surgeon's office hasn't already given you instructions for pre-op and post-op diets. Have you had loads of pre-op testing done? Your surgery is so soon. Most people have to have pre-op testing done because insurance requires it - but even without insurance coverage, it's a good idea.

I'm not trying to be critical or freak you out. Just worried that you're not getting all of the information you need and your surgery date is very near.

xoox

Well it was kind of a fast paced deal. Everything seems to be going well. They said I would probably only be on the pre-op diet for a week. They will only do blood work and a EKG. They said that is very normal if you are self pay. They don't have to do all the testing that they have to do for insurance companies. I have talked to several people who have used this company and they seem very content with it and very happy with the way things went.

Well it was kind of a fast paced deal. Everything seems to be going well. They said I would probably only be on the pre-op diet for a week. They will only do blood work and a EKG. They said that is very normal if you are self pay. They don't have to do all the testing that they have to do for insurance companies. I have talked to several people who have used this company and they seem very content with it and very happy with the way things went.

Well it was kind of a fast paced deal. Everything seems to be going well. They said I would probably only be on the pre-op diet for a week. They will only do blood work and a EKG. They said that is very normal if you are self pay. They don't have to do all the testing that they have to do for insurance companies. I have talked to several people who have used this company and they seem very content with it and very happy with the way things went.

I'm glad to hear that you've done some asking around.

Call to ask their nutritionist or nurse about your pre- and post-op diets. They should be able to help you out.

It must feel good to have saved all of that money and now be moving on to the big day! I'm really impressed with anyone who wants it so much to save (and then spend!) that kind of money. Good for you!