PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

i haven't gone to talk to the doctor yet, but i qualify for all the prequalifiers. i'm sooo excited!

i went to my gastro appt today and i am scheduled for an endoscopy on May 26th... now im nervous as hell... should i be... ?? how is it???

I Finally got my surgery date (May 4th), its been a long road and I hope its worth it, I have started on the shakes and they are a lot better than what I first thought, would like to hear from others in the same position and let me know some of there travels through this journey!!

I had my mental health evaluation today. It was ok. She said she would go over her notes and send the result to my PCM. I answered all the questions honestly. What I want to know is, Can the psychologist stop you from getting the band? Can they be like "She didn't know enough about the band or stuff like that. They asked me how much I knew about the changes I will have to go through and about the sugery. She asked me about portions, what I can and can't eat. She asked me all kind of stuff. Thank Goodness I found this website because almost everything I learned was from here. I just hope everything goes good. I just have to keep my fingers crossed........ Jennifer

I am curious if all alcohol consumption is forbidden after you've had surgery. If after 6 months post op are you allowed to have a couple sips? I know a whole cocktail is not possible. But a couple sips?

I'm being banded on Monday! Friday I have to drink the stuff to "clean me out", so tomorrow is my last day for real food for a while! I've been so darn excited about this for quite a while, and funny that the last couple days I have barely thought about it! I can't believe the date is coming up so fast! I am SO done with the pre-op diet. If I don't see another steak or piece of chicken for a year, I'll be good. I can't believe that this is really happening!! YAY! :ohmy:

Hi, I am scheduled for surgery Friday morning. Just got a call that I was moved up a few hr which is fine but also that due to equippment problem instead of a "Filled Lap-band" Single incesion they were going to do a regular Lap-band with 3 small incesions and one larger. The woman said this is what she and her husban has and that the single incesion actualy hurts more than the 3 small and one large. Untill yeasterday I was not sure what type band I was even getting as they gave me alot of information on the realise band but yeasterday they gave me the actual post op package for the Lap-band. Seems I should have asked more questions but the two bands seem quite sim…

(Gastric) Bypass after a (Cardiac)bypass God must have heard me wrong. I went through all of the steps and was approved for Gastric Bypass Surgery in June. All he heard was that I wanted a bypass. March 4th, I went to the ER with shoulder blade pain. (I had googled it and came up with only gall bladder and I had mine out in 2000). I had been playing the piano a lot and at the computer a lot (and I have bad arthritis in the neck). So I figured I would get a pain pill or a shot and go home. The next thing you know I am on an EKG then an ambulance to the next town where they have the heart stuff ( catheter lab etc.) Two days later I have a triple bypass. I believe I a…

I just started the process and would really like to find someone in Westchester that is also going through it.

Help -- I need this procedure badly And I don't know where to turn. I live in Edmonton Alberta. I would like to find a place to do the surgery as close to home as possible, but looking for a decent price also. a winnipeg manitoba clinic said I was not heavy enough (BMI of 33.5 :biggrin:.) I feel heavy -- I look heavy -- and my clothes are huge, shouldn't that be enough ? Any ideas ?

Ok i my be jumping the gun. But i have been reading that two weeks before surg. You go on a diet that reduce liver size? So i am trying to make sure i can aim for a week my husband is on vaction to have my surg done. As long as all my test come back ok for the preop testing then it should not be a problem. So i want to go ahead and start this diet so there is not reason why they cant do the surg in this time frame. Can anyone tell me what it is. My doctors office has not said anything about it yet. But they dont tell you much before its time to have the next step done. So i wanted to know if anyone can tell me what it is? And if i should start it prior to the pre op testi…

Just curious as to how hard it was to get approved at 18/19? Thanks!

Hi, I got the referral from my dr and have to take it to tricare so I can do the initial appt with the surgeon. Wondering if anyone one here has gone to Frankfurt or Mannheim for their lapband. tell me your experience with Tricare. What documentation do you need for approval. do you need proof of weight loss attempts? etc...my BMI is 43, I have high BP, prediabetes and slightly elevated cholesterol plus a HUGE family history of heart disease. thanks in advance

Dr. David Kim is going to perform my lap band surgery on May 21, 2009.:drool: I can hardly believe it. I've been researching the lapband for over 2 years. I guess I got the date quickly because I'm a self pay:eek: I'm sure it will be worth it, though. I actually nearly scheduled the surgery 2 years ago, but dh got laid off and we lost our insurance. Now I have insurance, but I didn't want to wait anymore at my age. I want to live my life now! Looking forward to being able to post about my surgery day. Susan

I'm the person who was wondering about singing and lap band earlier today. Still waiting for more response on that. the other thing I was wondering about is , "is there anyone out there that is wheelchair bound that did lap-band? I have a spinal cord injury and am paralyzed from the waist down. This limits my ability to exercise and as a result, I use much less calories than I once did. Has anyone dealt with this issue? Does it change the way one approaches the surgery? Someone has recommended I do gastric bypass because less calories can be absorbed with it. I don't want to do such an invasive surgery and perfer lap-band. Thanks for any and all responses.

Hi everybody just got banded on the 21 of April. I was an outpatient. Came home 2hrs after surgery. I've been doing okay. Of course I have pain and soreness which is to be expected. I am not hungry but I try to keep dinking water and shakes with a 4oz limitation. Today I am more exhausted then yesterday. but this is the whole healing process i must go through.

I am just starting the lab band process, seeing the surgeon for the first time tomorrow. I have Cigna POS and have printed out all of their requirements. I picked up all of my medical records today and have been looking at them. They all have me listed as 2 inches taller than I am. This is really stupid, but at some point, I was told that I was 5'7" and since I wear heals anyway most of the time, I never disagreed with it. When asked how tall I am, I've always told everyone that I was 5'7" (hence, how it ended up in my medical files). I had my husband measure me in my sock feet, and I'm actually just a little bit over 5'5". So, here is my question. If we go by the…

Hello all, My Surgery is scheduled for May 8th! Very close now. I had my lab work and testing on Wednesday last week, and the scheduler called me today to tell me there were abnormalities on my EKG and I had to get clearance from a cardiologist and my surgery could be postponed. So I go tomorrow to a cardiologist and I think I'll be doing a stress test. I'm so upset right now. I almost don't care about any of the heart issues at the moment, it's just taken so long to get to the surgery I'd be so upset if it got postponed or canceled.

Hello All I am tentatively scheduled for surgery on June 11th. I have all my testing done so far and called the Dr office yesterday and they have recieved all my Tests. I have to go in MAy 13th My birthday of all days to go over all the test with them. My question is this do alot of people wait until theey tell you to go on the pre-op diet before they start it or do most peopel start to watch what they eat at the transition stage where I am now. I went for my first Appointment at the end on February and I know I have put some weight on since than (scared to know how much weight exactly). I know that this is somthing that I have to do and I definetly know that t…

Hey everyone, I'm getting my surgery done May 11th 2009. I start my clear liquid diet tomorrow for two weeks .. does anyone have any suggestions on what I can have otherwise I'm going to be living on sugar free jello, water, crystal light, and fat free chicken broth.. also what kind of vitamins should I take in these two weeks leading up to my surgery .. I was going to take one adult multivitamin once a day and Co-Q-10 50mg 3x a day..I need help!:laugh:

I am wondering about others experiences with the cardioligist & stress tests. I had a treadmill stress test & was told before I left the office that everything was okay & that I was cleared for surgery from the cardiologist. Now a week later I get a call from the "appoinment maker" that I need to schedule a nuclear stress test b/c my first one was negative & had results of abnormailities (murmur & cardiac dysthrytmia & I cant remember what else, at that point I was kinda numb). Why in the world would the test look good then & now its not. WHat if i CANT complete the nuclear stress test, being that it is so much more strenuous. Is this a sign …

and they say they will pay for it! :thumbup: No additional info on the letter re: requirements, so I guess there are none. I've actually been going back and forth on whether to have the surgery or not. I'm "only" 185 but my acceptable weight range is 89-119 (due to me being so short! There are 10 year olds my height) But after this weekend - gall bladder problems - I am just ready to get "everything fixed." So scheduled my GB surgery for within the week, and my doc says I have to wait at least 6 weeks for LB surgery. Oh, the gall bladder attacks were good for one thing - they made me realize I CAN find other things to do besides eat. It's like I'm on a pre-op diet …

Im very very new to the whole idea of the lap band and have been doing some reading here and noticed that lots of people are quitting before they have the surgery, can someone please tell me why? Is it a requirement? or just something that helps out in different ways. Thanks Tina

Anyone have any "special" ways to relieve the gas pains after surgery. I will be banded on April 28th. Just trying to be prepared. So far the only thing I know to do is walk, walk walk!

I am ready. the pre opt is going pretty well I get to eat food on mine so it is not bad. I am ready for the week to be over and and surgery day to be here.

I had my EGD done on Saturday in Beverly Hills and was told I have a ulcer. They gave me some Nexium and told me to just keep taking it for a month. I was kind of out of it so I don't know if this will postpone my surgery...anyone else have an ulcer??

I am scheduled for LBS on May 18. Looking for anyone who has been on NSAIDS for a long time, and either got off of them or are using something else in place of them post surgery. :smile2:

Hi everyone, My name is Erika and this is my first post here. All of my life I have been overweight and after failed attempts, one right after the other, I am seriously considering getting the lapband. I have made arrangements to go to a lapband seminar with a doctor I am considering getting the procedure through. The problem that I think I may have is that I haven't had medical insurance for years so I do not have any medical documentation that shows I am apparently unable to lose weight. All I have is medical records from when I was younger and went to the doctor all the time. Those files will show that I have always been overweight. My question is do you think tha…

Hello Is there anyone in Oklahoma getting banded? I really love this support system. The only problem is that I have not seen anyone from my state on here. I live in Tulsa Ok, getting banded on 3/30/09, I am getting pre-surgery jitters....:cursing:

I got my approval from the insurance co today, i will see the surgeon on the 28th and will get my lap banding date then. I am so excited. Where is everyone else on their journey?

My son is 4 1/2 years old and a total mama's boy. He wants to be with me all the time. He knows I have health problems and he worries about me if I show any signs of pain. I'm wondering what I should tell him about my upcoming surgery. I have not discussed it openly around him at all. I don't want to worry him, especially about the surgery and overnight stay at the hospital. What did you tell your child(ren)? Thanks! :smile:

My surgery is May 11th & they've not given me specifics on pre-op diet. I'm eating like it's my last meal over here and not feeling too good. :smile2: I'm assuming this is normal, but then again, that would be a FIRST for me!! Should I be more pro-active with getting directions from my surgeon? We are awaiting authorization, which shouldn't be problem from their experience with my insurance. Thanks! Beth

Hello! I need to lose 15lbs between now and May 27th. I go to have my pre-op surgeon consult, dietician mtg, and psych eval at JourneyLite in Cincinnati, OH on the 27th and my surgeon wants me to lose this weight. I have done lots of reading about protein powders. During my research, I have read that MYOCEL powder is recommended to shrink my liver and to help me lose weight. I was just wondering if onyone on this site has used MYOCEL.

Hi everyone,I have two more sleeps till i am banded omg!!! i have not done any pre op diet and i havent given up smoking i know this is rediculas but i wont be smoking on the day as suggested by my surgeon. WISH ME LUCK EVERYONE! LOL I am travelling today via plane trip i have 1700kilometers to travell we are staying in a five star hotel and i will be flying home two days post op hopefully without to much pain.Anyone else have to do some travel with there op ?? How did you go !! Anyway take care all next i write i will be on the other side of banding whoo hooo bring on the new me... Bye Hayley x x x

I am 50lbs overweight and i tried everything to lose it on my own. Are there any doctors that will band me with a bmi of 30? I am willing to travel and pay cash. Signed, desperate

Who can recogmend the best protein drink/suppliment? Having surgery in exactly 1 week from today!!!!

Ok - I am 6 days into my pre-op liquid diet. I am trying different Protein powders for my shakes - and I am about Jell-o'd out. Please post your favorite protein powders, shakes, allowed foods and recipes for the liquid diets (Pre and Post). Thanks - I need to get my shopping done and would appreciate your comments, ideas and recipes!! Getting banded = 8 days!!!

I am not sure how many people have seen this, but I came across it on youtube... YouTube - Lap Band Surgery

Hello Ladies, It appears that I will be on my cycle at the time of my surgery. Has anyone else had this issue? And if so was there a problem with it? Should I let my doctor know at the risk of him re-scheduling? Please advise me.

I originally had my EGD scheduled for 5/10. I have been calling every day since 4/15 asking if there are any cancellations for Saturday appts because I work Mon-Fri. I finally got someone to fit me in on 4/25! WoooHooo! Wish me luck. Anyone who has had it done yet, what should I expect?

I have my CPAP study scheduled for next Tuesday evening. I don't have to have the "initial" Sleep Study because I had one 2 yrs ago and insurance accepted it. The Sleep Lab just called me and told me my score is not high enough. Mine was at a 3 out of 24. Insurance only covers it if its a 10 or more. So the sleep lab changed all my numbers. She seemed surprised that I don't fall asleep doing little things, however I would not sleep at night if it weren't for Ambien. I just don't understand why they are making me lie about this. I don't feel comfortable doing it at all. I was borderline on sleep study until my roomate told them that he can hear me snore from down the hall…

i made the decision last year to have the surgery. my husband lost his insurance and i had to wait for his new insurance to kick in... now i am back to pre op testing. In the mean time while waiting for insurance... i joined a gym and lost over 30 lbs.., which is great. My best friend was totally against the surgery and tells me all the tme how glad she is that i am not doing the surgery. Little does she know i have decided to do it. More for the reason of keeping it off and maintaining. I have alot of people around me that will think its a cop out or the easy way out... How are you all handling this???

I'm not scheduled for the surgery yet. I'm going to a mandatory seminar on Wednesday, then we shall see how it goes. However, I have my heart set on this and I am going to do anything I can to make it happen. I have told only my mother and my husband. After being overweight her whole life, my old sister recently lost about 75lbs in the last year from diet and exercise. I am so proud of her, but I know I just can't do it that way too. I live in a different state, so it would be easy for me to do this surgery in secret. I know if I told her, she would be furious with me and accuse me of cheating or taking the easy way out while she works her but off at the gym five days …

Ok I have 2 days decide which band I wanna get and still can not make up my mind. I've done research on both bands the new lap band AP and Realize. Now the information that the Realize band website gives on the lap band is on the old lapband that didn't go around 360 degree it isn't on the new lapband AP. My doctor won't tell me which band to get he says they perform the same job. (pepsi to coke, or ford to a chevy). now from what I personally saw in the bands is that the realize band is softer and has a wider port, and the lapband AP is also soft not as soft as the realize but softer than the original one and has a smaller port that kind of sticks out a little. Ca…

hi everyone, ok i am in big trouble..........been going to pcp doctor every month for 6 months now. (have done all the other testing). i gained 10 pound in the last 6 months due to just not watching, no one told me i had to lose weight. ( i changed doctors after my 5th month due to no one getting back to me on difference things). duh should have known!! oh doctors name dr colella (pittsburgh):thumbup:...there office was awful. now going to dr ramanathan (much better with info).:thumbup: new doctors just informed me on weight loss, now i might have to go another 3 months before surgery. big chance of being turned down. i am so upset. has anyone else had this …

Hi there, I was wondering if any women out there were on their monthly cycle during the procedure? My surgery is scheduled for May 19, and at that time, I will be on my cycle. My surgeon said it was fine, but I was just wondering what anyone who went through this thought? I'm kind of nervous about it. Thank you!

I am going through my pre-op testing. Today I had the abdominal ultra-sound, chest x-ray and an upper Gi series. In the GI series the Dr told me he saw a hiatal hernia. I have seen a few things on this and I think that it needs to be repaired prior to - or at the same time the band would be placed on. But am wondering if this lengthens the hospital stay, or recovery time. And how does the insurance porcess handle this? Any one else have this? Any advise would be appreciated!!

Hello everyone.....please help! I am on my 14 day protein diet...and with that I mean protien SHAKES ONLY! UGH! :smile2: So day 1 - I messed up "slightly" had 1 cookie + my 3 shakes . Day 2 - messed up again...:laugh: 1 tostada + 3 shakes. Today i'm okay just scared that I may have ruined everything for myself. But this diet of shakes only is the HARDEST I ever imagined. :tt1:

Hello, I have not been on here for quite some time but Monday the 20th is my final weigh in for the 6 month diet and I will be submitting for approval. I had been on the fence between the RnY or the Lap-Band. The decision was made by the surgeon that I will be doing the band for medical reasons. I am so excited and yet nervous at the same time. I have seen so many success stories, I want to join in with the losers club. Anyway, if all goes well I will be having my surgery by the end of May. I know I will have lots of questions and will be on here looking for help quite a bit. Good luck to all others on this journey.

Finally get to have my intial consult this coming Monday 4-27 and am more than ready! I am anxious, curious & excited. Just hoping I don't have to wait some 6 months more to have the actual surgery done. Wish me luck! Jason Hopeful in WA