My surgeon has his patients do one month of the post-op diet. I think I lost 2 pounds in the month. However, it was enough for the dietician to reccomend me for the surgery, which was good enoughfor me. I had my surgery December 8th, 2006 and I'm down about 40 pounds so far. I was interested when you said you are a vegetarian because since I have had the surgery I eat lots more veggies and very little meat. Meat does not agree with me at all since I had my surgery.And that's ok with me. Good luck to you with you upcoming surgery.