At the beginning of my research

[plc 0]

I'm just starting to seriously look into doing LAP-BAND. I'm going to Dr. Spivak's on Wed. Can anyone tell me what the process pre surgery? How long does this process take before you can have the surgery?

thanks, PLC

[FarmerE 0]

Welcome to our world. You'll find a lot of great information here. Just search the site and you'll find answers to most your questions. A lot of what you find is person/doctor specific and also kinda depends on if you go the insurance route or are a self-payer. You'll find most doctors require some sort of liquid pre-surgery diet to shrink the liver. It varies from days to weeks though. How far out the surgery is set also depends on various things like insurance or how busy your doctor is.

Mine was a week of liquids with less than 50 grams of carbohydrates and more than 70 grams of Proteins prior to surgery. I was a self-pay so I didn't have to jump through the insurance hoops and took me roughly four weeks from the date of the first consulation to the actual surgery.

Like I said though, everything varies for the specifics. Just make sure you follow the rules of your own surgeon.

Good luck to ya!