Is The Pre Surgery Diet More Effective Than The LapBand?

[Brittney365 0]

I have always wondered about this. Before surgery, I was on the liquid diet like most of us on this site. I lost 20 pounds within 2 weeks before surgery. Then after surgery, I lost weight but it was extremely slow. I am almost contemplating going back to the pre op diet! Have any of you thought the same?

[BetsyB 9]

Well, the band certainly doesn't do the losing for you--it just makes it easier to limit your intake. So I guess, in that sense, it might be easier to follow a diet that is so rigid that all real accountability is removed.

It also is pretty boring!

I would never go back to the preop diet. First, I didn't lose much on it--I had already pared my carbs way down, so I didn't get a dramatic loss like many do.

And secondly, I can find lots of ways to creatively eat the same number of calories--and get as much protein--in a way that is much more satisfying to me than drinking Protein shakes and excluding food.

That said, I am eating in a way that is very, very different from the way that got me to the point of needing a band--and am losing really well with this approach.

[illuminationlady 7]

The Presurgery diet may be very effective however one cannot sustain it for very long. In the long run it is better for our bodies to eat normally and lose weight slowly. I tried liquid diets before the band and lost, only to regain the weight again. Losing weight slowly is a much healtier way to lose. So, no, I would not consider going back to the preop diet and am happy with the way I'm losing now.

[shadst8 8]

No, I would not consider going back to the pre-op diet. The simple fact is it is not sustainable. I get well-balanced meals--I have learned to change the life-style and mindset about eating. The way I was eating on the pre-op diet was not "normal" so eventually I would have returned to my regular eating habits.

[onikenbai 33]

The pre-op diet is not healthy to stay on for extended periods of time. Once all the energy in your liver is used up (the whole point of the pre-op diet), your muscles start to break down and it can severely weaken your heart, and even possibly cause a heart attack.

[DodgerFan 0]

I've read some people will do a kind of "reboot". liquids for two days, mushies for two days. I don't know the specific structure but maybe someone else does and can post.

Your signature says your first fill was in June but you don't show any after. Are you keeping up with them?

[Brittney365 0]

Thank you all for your responses!

@ DodgerFan

Yes, I have definitely kept up with my fills. I have not updated my info. I have had 6 fills since surgery. I am at 6.5 cc's in my band. I have not reached my "sweet spot" either. Hopefully i will at 7cc's.