So, I managed to fill my day yesterday as much as possible. I had my barium swallow (not too bad afterall!) and chest x-ray (pulmonoligist requested it for my consult because I used to be a smoker), and signed up for my 3-month pre-op program (New Beginnings). So the nurse gives me my diet plan (1500 calories, and the distribution of starches, proteins, etc.) and today I am just sitting here with my stomach growling thinking how hard this is. I have to motivate myself that I can do this. I have blown through all my pre-op requirements so quickly that my case worker said she would send my chart in a whole month early (after I complete my last check in appt with the nurse), so I have shown the drive and commitment to jump through the administrative hoops, but I guess I just need a little push to motivate me that I will get used to this! I knew it wasn't going to be easy and hate to sound like I'm complaining, but I'm just worried if changing what I'm eating causes me to second guess myself, how am I going to get through bandster hell? Any advice, ladies? :cool2:

Diets without the band and losing with the band are two very different animals. What's hard, following your 3 month diet? Is that an insurance requirement?

Many of us have "preop" diets to shrink our liver, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and I've heard of 3- and 6-month diet requirements for insurance before they'll approve surgery, but never heard of a 3-month preop diet. Is this just a confusion of semantics?

Sorry I wasn't being very clear. So, the 3-month pre-op surgery program is required by my insurance company. Part of that is the nutritionist--they want me on a 1500-calorie meal plan (which isn't a problem for me), but i have to make sure I have a mix of 7 starches, 3 fruits, 2 dairy, veggies, 8 oz protein, 4 servings of fat. I'm not sure which is more important--the calories or the mix I'm getting them? I'm going to just call and find out. I'm just so new to this. Not to mention, I have to catalog and write down the nutritional info for everything I eat every day. I understand why it's important, but it's just something I need to get used to right now. I know this is all new and I need to just take one day at a time. I feel better today, I think I just had a weak day on Friday and needed the support of people telling me that I will get through this and everything will be okay.