I was banded on October 15th, 2009. I was on a liquid protein diet for 12 days prior to surgery. The last 2 days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet. I have been on clear liquids since surgery. I will see my surgeon on Friday, October 23rd and hopefully be placed on full liquids again.
My understanding the reason for the liquid diet is to make your liver smaller and hence surgery easier.
So far so good. It has been an experience.