PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi! I have decided to get banded and I have discussed it with my husband in length. Since our discussion, we have coincidently seen several TV shows depicting women that have had some sort of bariatric surgery and went on a new found quest to seek attraction from men outside of their marriage. Now my husband is afraid that this will happen to me and our marriage will be ruined. I have tried to reassure him on several occasions that this will not happen to me, but he is not convinced. I have never had any self esteem issues due to my weight, and have always thought very highly of myself, so I do not forsee any issues, yet I am beginning to see this phenomena happening with…

Hello! I just wanted to post a "small step victory" I had this morning: I'm being banded on June 8th by Dr. Curry in Cincinnati, OH. On April 14th, I weighed 325lbs and was put on Metformin for insulin resistance by my PCP. Dr. C told me (the next day) that he wanted me to lose 15lbs by my surgeon consult on May 27th. When I weighed myself this morning (5/6), I weighed 304.4lbs. :thumbup: I was soooo pleased w/ myself! On my way to work I remembered that I promised a student I work w/ a breakfast sandwich from McDonalds for reaching a goal. Instead of ordering a combo meal w/ a large OJ for myself, I ordered the student a breakfast sandwich and a yogurt pa…

Hi. I was just wondering if anybody knows if I should qualify for the lapband surgery with a BMI of 37? I have sleep apnea, high cholesterol and GERD. I know it depends on my insurance company, but I have already received a referral to lapband surgeon from my pcp and have "started the process"....am waiting for my psych consult then nutrional consult before the surgeon's office sends for surgery approval. I am just wondering if anybody has gone through all of this and been denied? I know it's not a waist of time to try,...but I don't wanna get myself psyched up for the surgery if it looks like its not gonna happen? Anyone know qualifications? Thanks....bye

How long did it take from the time your insurance approved your surgery to get it scheduled? I am hoping to get mine scheduled for the 21st, which is only like 2 weeks away, my husbands first day of long weekend at work. If I can do this he will be here to help me with the girls for 5 days after. I go Friday for my pre-op teaching class.

I have had a stress test , blood work , EKG, and chest x-ray. I have also had a psyc. evaluation. I go may 11 for a nutrition class. Did everone else have to have all of this befor you got a surgery date? I am starting to get exited but for some reason i am eating more than ever. LOL guess its like my last chance to binge.

I have an appointment tomorrow for the lap band orientation. They have already called me and confirmed that my insurance(if approved) will pay 90%. But I don't know where to begin... What if I don't like the surgeon, I didn't go through my regular doctor because I work with them and they believe in the good old fashion weight loss program.. (Tried and failed.) Is there anyone here from Bakersfield, California area.. This group of doctors also work in the Beverly Hills area. Just looking to see if anyone has any information.. I wonder if this is really going to happen...:rolleyes2:

OK... here's are the questions... If you are a person who hates needles do the fill needles hurt or does one become immune to the pain after having had the surgery? Also did any of you have to drink a barium solution for pre-surgery tests? I had to drink this stuff 30 years ago and I am still traumatized. Honestly, has the solution consistency and taste improved during those years? Any feedback is appreciated as I "mentally" prepare myself for the gag reflex

Hi Everyone!! I was just approved for surgery yesterday and I have a surgery date of June 15, 2009. I am sooo thankful that my insurance is paying for this gift! My doctor requires all patients to have a chest xray prior to surgery. Can anyone explain why the need for this? Thanks!

Hi All, I have my consult with the surgeon on Thursday morning I have a few questions to ask but not very many. Should I ask a lot of questions while there? I just don't know what to expect. Any ideas out there that can help? :thumbdown: Thanks,

Hello all!! I had my pre-op appt w/ Dr. Fox and I was so impressed with the time he spent and the detail I got of the procedure. He spent a little over an hour with me explaining EVERYTHING! Has anyone here had him as a surgeon and already has the band? If he is as good at surgery as he is informing his patients of ALL possibilities, then I have nothing to worry about! I would appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

Hi Everyone, Well I have been on my lap band journey since the end of December. I did my three month required diet/exercise, nutritonist, and psych and so far I have been passing all test with flying colors. I lost fifteen pounds! yay :thumbup:I turned in my medical records last week and for 07 i have a bmi of 40 and for 06 I have a BMI of 38. The next step is submitting it to the insurance company (Aetna) and that is happening this week!! I am so nervous and I need your support please keep your fingers crossed for me or say a little prayer for me, I NEED to get approved, I NEED to change my life I am tired of being FAT. Thanks for your support, I will keep you guys post…

Hi....I got banded yesterday and now that I'm home I have some questions. 1. Can I crush my Vicodin in some Water and drink it vs. taking the pill whole? 2. I don't have much of an appetite and when i do eat I can barely get a couple spoons of cream of wheat down this morning? How am I going to get 60g of Protein in at this rate? 3. I have some Atkins shakes but I can't imagine getting the whole bottle (11 oz) down. 4. How long will I have this feeling of indigestion right in the middle of my tummy? 5. How do I create the weight loss tracker? Thanks.....Jeff

My surgery is July 8th!!!!! whooohooo. you know whats funny, 8 and 7 are my numbers! my bday is 8/7/87 i was born at 7:08 am! haha so it makes sense that my surgery is 7/8 lol anyway, im sooo excited and the countdown is here!

I know this may sound kinda weird, but here it goes. Do I need to remove my navel ring for surgery? My friend asked the same thing also. So I guess it's a valid question.:biggrin: <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/whS9Vvm/weight.png"></a>

I finally have my surgery date, June 1, 2009!! I am excited and anxious. I so look forward to getting my health back. I have many co-morbidities and they are sucking the life out of me. I want to live life abundantly. God only knows why it took me so long to realize this is what I needed. But I am thankful just the same. I have begun a low carb/sugar/fat diet so that I will be in good shape for the surgery and I start a Water aerobics class tomorrow. I am soooo excited. Can someone tell me how to add the bar that charts your progress, please? Any other advice you might think is helpful is definitely welcome! Many thanks!

So we submitted again and Tricare wanted radiological reports of arthritis. I am 100# overweight by the MetLife table for medium frame. I've been treated with Enbrel for psoriatic arthritis, have GERD, benign hypertension and thankfully radiological evidence of mild osteoarthritis. Letters from two doctors recommending Lap-band as the way to deal with these issues. My husband is coming home from Iraq in a few months and I don't want to have to gain 10# just to meet the 200% overweight criteria. Vibes I get approved please.

So, I am about to start the final month of my required 6 month diet for insurance approval. I am so scared though! I am just feeling so negative about getting approved from the insurance company. The doctor seems positive that there will be no issues with approval but I just don't know how I will handle it if I am denied. I have myself so worked up thinking this is going to happen and I don't know how I will feel if I am denied, I think my whole world will crash down on me.

I have seen a few threads asking if people were getting banded on certain dates so I figured why not. I live in Alabama and I leave on the 24th going to Tijauna and will have my surgery on the 25th. Just wondered how many out there had the same date and where they were having their surgery.

Ok, I have been doing way too much research about the Lap Band on the net. I keep reading all these horror stories about not being able to swallow, vomiting, complications!.... Is there anyone out there who has had none of these problems??? I was all ready to do the procedure before I started reading all of the problems people are having. I feel like I just need to talk to someone who has actully had the surgery and is totally happy with it. Please help, I have tried so may diets and the weight just never stays off for very long, I really wanted to try the procedure, but now I'm kinda freaked out! Any encouraging words would trully be appriciated! :drool:

I am awaiting approval from my insurance company. Does anyone know much about Cigna Health Care Insurance.

how soon after surgery can you have a salad? i am just dying for one, but so afraid to eat anything not on my list. i am on mushies.....surgery date was april 20. also have not lost a pound in 1 week actually gained 3 ozs after went on mushies. really upset with the slow process, pre op 1 week liquids post op 1 week liquids - full liquids after 5 days just started mushies last wednesday. thanks

So, my surgeon is dedicated solely to bariatric surgery. Has 2 nutritionists on staff, a PA and an NP. He seems much more pro bypass vs. band. His stated reasons were that most patients undergoing bariatric surgery lose most of their weight during the first year and since bypass patients lose more in the first year than band patients, it is a better remedy for obesity. I am firm on my decision for the band. I am just a little frustrated with all of the services/advice at my surgeon's practice being geared toward by pass patients. I have been told that the instructions for post band patients vs. post by pass patients are virtually the same. The only exception being that…

My surgery is scheduled on June 30th at UTSW with Dr. Rivas in Dallas. I would love to hear how everyone is doing with a month or more out!

They changed my surgery date to July 13 so im am no longer getting it in May. Man I cant wait.

I'm going shopping later today for everything I will need for the liquid and mushie stage of post-op diet. My surgery is Wednesday 5/6!! I need ideas of what to get. Any and all ideas appreciated. Thanx!! ~Joanie

I was wondering... what if your body rejects the lap band? (since it is a foreign object in your body) what are the chances of your body rejecting the lap band? What are the signs? Is there a time period after the lap band? Just wondering, if you know please fill me in Thanks :smile:

I started my 10 day pre-op liquid diet today. I am HUNGRY. I keep thinking about eggs. Sure hoping someone has some advice! I am so happy about my surgery though and picturing myself in some new ski pants has gotten me through the first afternoon. I have three children, so staying out of the kitchen is not an option. I won't eat, but I might complain a little.

Moving to Post-op....

I am currently in month 4 of my 6 month diet. I am worried about gaining approval because of the 24 month BMI over 40 check (PCP) I started the 6 month diet at about 42 BMI and am still over 40 and should stay here. I was about BMI of 37.5 at my last doctors appointment before that however and may have been as low as that 2 years ago (cant remember for sure) would I still be able to be approved? My surgeon doesnt seem worried but then again it isnt her band at stake. Does anyone know any other requirments CIGNA PPO has?

This may be somewhere else, but I can't find it. I'm going out today to try to buy the things I'll need for the pre and post op diets. What's the best tasting Protein powder you've found and where do you get it? And please share your favorite recipe! Thank you so much for saving me from taste-tests gone wrong!

Hey everyone I hope your all doing well. I am getting so nervous as I have one more of my 6month diet doctor visits left an then the paperwork will be submitted for approval. Here are some things I am nervous about. 1) I am healthy other than being obease I have taken all the test and they were all good. 2) this is the big one I have 10 yrs of documented obease weight (they only ask for ) so these are who gave me the info 1) my GP doctor and 2) from my cardioligist. There are heart issues in my family so I have the heart doc right at my fingertips just in case. Now one thing all of the documentation is there except there is nothing from 2007 not one doctor visit…

I have a business trip scheduled during the pre-op 2 week liquid diet phase. I was wondering if anyone has encountered this obstacle or has any suggestions about how to do this. I've found out I can request a fridge in my room, so I'm not worried about Breakfast. lunch is served at the conference site and dinner is generally at various restaurants with colleagues. I cannot cancel this trip and do not want to postpone my surgery date. It's already taken so long to get through the ins approval process. Thanks for any advice you might have!

how can you tell if your band slipped or strectch or if tissues got into your band.

So frustrated. I am at 39 BMI but am the healthiest darn obese person around apparently. I don't have any of the serious comorbidities--diabetes, high bp, cholesterol, or heart probs. What I do have is a complete disability in my feet. My insurance has already paid for several years of podiatrist appts, months of physical therapy, several medical devices, and 3 surgeries. I am unable to walk for more than about 5 minutes at a time. Currently my future is bleak and my insurance could end up paying for more foot surgeries, and my inactivity is putting me at risk for clotting. Insurance has already also paid for an ER visit and multiple tests for a suspected lung clot…

I am scheduled to get banded 5-18. wondering about having food cravings after banding. Do you still get them? are they bad? Any input would be appreciated. Can you have chocolate a little at a time a few times a week? thanks jennie

Anyone else going to Mexico anytime soon to get their lapband? Im going May 5th, and all the media swarm regarding the swine flu is concerning my family and friends....are any of you concerned?:thumbup: I'm going to start taking my Multivitamins, especially A and C, and ofcourse wear the mask while I'm down there....but wanted everyones' opinion here. Thanks!

I have been overweight my entire life. I only remember a couple years right before puberty that I was a decent weight. Since I started my period its been irregular. I took birth control for about a year, and afterwards had a bled for 6 months strait then not at all for about 2 years. Since that time I have been having a period every 6 months on the dot. My last period was 3 months ago. I started today 4 days before my surgery. Although I spoke with the surgeons office and they said no problem. Just one more thing I have to worry about. About 8 years ago (I can't believe its been that long) I had Emerg. Appendectomy, cut one side to the other for exploratory as …

Everyone seems to think that just because you are overweight that you are an emotional eater. That is not the case for me, I don't eat to feel some type of way... I eat because I LOVE FOOD! So, by me saying that am I just in denial or what lol? I have been overweight my entire life, I was never small, not even when I was 5. I guess I just get so pissy when people say well what are you dealing with that causes you to eat? NOTHING is the answer, I just want to eat because I love food! Ahhh ....

So my surgeon submitted the letter on Wednesday, and I was approved today! im sooo flippin excited! I will get a call next week to schedule my appointment. Yay for me!

YAHOOOOOO! I've got a date for my lap band surgery w/ Dr. Curry of JourneyLite in Cincinnati, OH. I'm going to the seminar in Columbus on May 7, pre-op workup and nutrition class on May 26, surgeon consult and psych eval on May 27, and... (drum roll please) SURGERY ON JUNE 8 :ohmy: The surgeon wants me to lose 15lbs (I've already lost 6lbs) by my May 27th consultation and I have to do a 2 week pre-op high protein/low carb diet prior to surgery. I am soooo psyched! :thumbup:

Hi everyone! Here is my second attempt to post this message as my other one went poof and froze up on me :biggrin: My name is Cyndi, I am 30 years old and live in Nebraska with my husband of 7.5 years and our two kids; Emily, who will be 7 on Sunday, and Gavin, 17 months. I have been struggling with my weight all my life and have always felt fat, even when I wasn't. I was never a skinny minny, but I didn't look as bad as I thought I did. I am close to my highest weight ever at 270lbs. I am about 5'5" or 5'6" (not sure) and a size 22 is getting tight on me. I am tired of being overweight and I am tired of being paranoid that people don't like me because of the way I …

Hi there, I have a May 18th date for the surgery in Tijuana. I was told I don't need to do the pre-op diet but I have been trying to compel myself to follow some sort of diet to get revved up for compliance post surgery. I desperatly don't want to be one of those people who keep overeating and then stretch out their stomach after all is said and done. However, the past two days have been terrible eating for me and I feel like I am failing a test I was giving myself. I don't know now if it is "fantasy thinking" (as my therapist says) to think this surgery is going to help me get my weight and eating issues under control. Kinda sad today...

I have gone the 3 months that is required by my insurance company. Kept all my appointments, had my tests done and have my appointment with the doctor on May 6th prior to a surgery date. BUT......I am missing a weight from 2005, 2008 and 2009 plus now the insurance company wants a note from another doctor stating the surgery is medically necessary. What is being over 100 pounds overweight, if not medically necessary?? I am and have been very non-compliant with going to the doctor. I am just beside myself over this. The worst part is that I realize it is due to my own stupidy!!! Does anyone have any suggestions for me??? Thanks a bunch Dot

If you don't already have one, I highly suggest getting one! I am able to make Protein shakes that don't taste like cardboard in a matter of seconds, and it's super easy to clean and everything. I am truly amazed at how easy this thing is! It only makes one cup at a time, so it's perfectly sized. Plus, you can do many other things with it, like ground coffee, make salsas, etc. I truly believe this one little product is what is getting me through the liquids only phase! Plus, I just made a 52gram Protein shake that REALLY tastes great! No chalky taste at all. I think this will be my new Breakfast of choice, even after I can eat real foods! I just had to pass this…

My surgery date is tomorrow and I have followed my 2 week liquid diet. I only cheated twice and it was in the first week. I am just afraid he will get in there and say my liver is to big! I have read some of the diets on here and a lot of them isn't as strick as mine. I have lost 20 lbs in two weeks so that should do it right? i just need some reassurance!

I am just beginning this process. My consultation appointment is May 11. I am 66 years old and have been fighting this battle my whole life and have finally decided enough is enough. Are there any other people my age or at least close to my age that have had this procedure and if so how are you doing??

Hi all, this is my first post. As part of my pre-op tests I recently had a Bravo Ph Study where they attached a monitor to my esophogus. Post EGD I noticed being able to feel the little device everytime I swallowed, and took a breath. It was very strange to feel all of these "natural" processes. Thankfully the monitor falls off after several days. With that, I'm worried that I will have gone through all these tests and then the procedure, and then be able to never get used to it. Has anyone else experienced this, and do you notice that you feel the band, not just the restriction, but the actual band being inside of you? My surgeon is Dr. McMahon in Seattle, but he c…

Does anyone have any experience with doing the surgery and singing? I am set on doing the surgery but suddenly I realize - what about my singing? So much of ressonance comes from the "larger chamber" if you will. Also, what about breathing. If my stomach is "squeezed', will it be harder to get a really long and deep and relaxed breath? Good question for life as well as singing. I have about 50 lbs to lose, for reference. That will set me about 140. I sing semi-professionally but it's vital to me - and as I get older (and a woman), I'm at peak performance age and would hate to lose the opportunity to SING OUT.

So I just found out yesterday that I am approved for a vist with the surgeon. I'm getting so excited.

to ever get this far, and then have second thoughts. I've done my seminar, first doc's visit, seen the nutruitionist (love the Protein shakes). My doc said I had to lose 10 percent of my body weight, which for me is 33 pounds. By the end of the first 3 1/2 weeks, I've lost 21 pounds. I've never been on a high protein diet before, and I seem to be thriving on it. I'm not hungry, and, so far, no uncontrollable cravings. I'm so confused. I had myself prepared and ready to have this surgery, and now I find myself wanting to back out and keep on dieting. I didn't know that he would put me on a diet like this. I only knew about the very strict diet I would be on, a couple of we…