PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I just got an approval for a consultation w/a surgeon through my ins co, which it tricare prime. I was diagnosed, via endoscope, w/a hiatal hernial around 1994. I tend to forget about it, unless I eat or drink something w/true mint in it. I've read where many times the hernia can be repaired at the same time as the lap-band surgery. Just wondering if it'll throw a monkey wrench into the apporval process. :welldoneclap: Thanks Kristine

I am soooo excited for my journey to begin. 13days till surgery. 4/13 I start my pre op they have me using Bariatric essentials? Any advice with that stuff? Not sure how I will like it any flavors better then others?... Bunny Bandster here I come:smile2::welldoneclap:

Hi everyone - I am new here and am looking into getting a lap band. I have gone to an informational session. The next step is to make my appointment. I cant wait!!!

I have a surgery date of April 22, and my pre-op is this Friday, April 3. When I first met with my surgeon last month, he said I should try to lose 10% of my weight prior to the surgery. That's 24 pounds in 30-days! If I could lose 24 pounds, I wouldn't need surgery!!! However, I have cut out all fast food, pastries, etc., and have been eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish. This morning I got on my scale and I've actually gained a few pounds. I started crying because I literally cannot lose weight. Do surgeons normally give you an actual pre-op diet to follow? I'm just concerned he might cancel my surgery because I've gained weight. I'm pretty scared because I've been…

Hi! I'm completely new here, and I have a question for you all. I'm planning on being banded over the summer (I just started the process with my doc) and need to know: does the band really help? I guess what I'm asking is: If I haven't been able to lose weight before without the band, is the band really that helpful that I'll be able to lose the weight after I'm banded? I guess I feel somewhat hopeless after trying so many times to lose weight, and wonder how helpful the band really will be. I'm willing to make the commitment and change my eating habits, but does the band make changing those habits any easier? Thank you for your responses!

I am on my liver shrink diet and I am to have a protein shake for breakfast, fruit mid morning, protein bar lunch, fruit mid afternoon, salad and 3 oz leat meat for supper, fruit and 6 unsalted crackers. fruit for evening snack. My surgery is April 6. Would it hurt to have a little extra lean meat? I am talking boneless skinless chicken strip marinated in fat free italian dressing done in the george forman. What do you think? :welldoneclap:

Ive posted this topic as it was a very valid point I had to consider prior to my get my band fitted , Get fitted in UK or abroad in Belgium as was the cheaper option. UK Price £7000 , Belgium £4,100 ( 4,500 Euros ) , obviously for belgium trip travel expenses and hotel expenses post op for a few days extra costs. Now I struggled with this for a while , what if this what if that , the clinic and consultant both been very highly rated , but finally I decided with the UK option and pay the extra , it included 1 year after care , as many consults , monthly dietician and free fills throughout the year to get me started. Still a little much but I finally decided nope Local is…

hello all, I go for my pre-op in a couple of days and I am trying to make sure I ask all the right questions so I am not surprised after surgery. So far this is what I have come up with 1. What size band will you be using. 2. Will you do a fill when you insert it. 3. When do you expect to do the first fill, will it be under Fluro, and what is the charge? I only met with the Dr. once before and it was brief and mostly a screening appt to see if he thought I was a candidate. If anyone has a list or other questions or even one other question, please send me a line. I am getting a little overwhelmed (in a good way, but still overwhelmed) with the details an…

Well I had my first visit with Dr Woodmans Office yesturday I had to watch this boring video and go over what else I need before we send in to the ins comp. for approval. I thought I would have at least got to meet the Dr. But I only saw him on the video. My hisband and friend have both worked with him at Methodist Germantown but I think it would make a better impact if he meet his patient on the first visit I myself would rather ask him about any concern then his staff before I putting all this time into it if I had doughts. Anyways It went good alls my ins request is medical record ( which i took with me), a letter from my dr (which was faxed to them while I was there…

I'm scheduled to be banded on 4/15! Looking forward to starting that yummy pre-surgical diet . . . hmmm, maybe not. I'd rather chew on my shoe than eat a dry chicken breast so I'm making friends with Protein shakes. I've gone through a lot of back-and-forth thinking about the surgery, researching and questioning everything, weighing all the pros and cons. Could gastric bypass be a better choice because I’ll lose weight faster and, as an added bonus, explode if I eat too much sugar (apparently an excellent deterrent to eating a dozen donuts for breakfast)? And what will that little alien plastic thingy be doing to my stomach when I’m not looking? All the noise aside, I’m…

Any tips or suggestions for making it thru the 2wk pre-op liquid diet? My first day wasn't too bad but, I did have visions of sugar-plums dancing in my head. This is tough!

I am currently researching the lapband and realize band. I have seriously been considering this for about a year. One of my concerns is Soda. I am a huge soda drinker. I am trying to start now by quiting soda. I know I can do it, but I know it will be hard for me. I need some tips from those who have had the same problem to over come.

Does anyone know if their doctor puts the band in empty then goes in later to fill? Is this normal or does it depend on the doctor?

I had my pre-op tests today and everything is fine. My heart is fine, good blood pressure, good blood sugar, etc. My triglycerides are a teeny bit high, but those will come down later, I'm sure. My liver is a bit big, but one of the surgeons didn't seem to think it would be a problem. The surgeon performing my operation hasn't said anything yet, so as far as I know, it's a go. They did discover a really big gall stones during the ultrasound, though, and I don't know what is going to be done about that. I guess I'll find out today or tomorrow.

After one year of trying my insurance finally approved for my weight lost surgery. I have BCBS IL HMO insurance and it look me so long to get approve. I have diabetes , high sleep apnea (780.57) and I am also over weight. I hope my insurance will approve my surgery if Dr Sarker would like to perform it. Please pray for me .

So i was told I wont see the actual surgeon until i am approved for surgery. But this friday I have my 1st class/orientation, and I was wondering what to expect? the office coordinator told me it will be about 2 1/2 hours. Im going to the office of Dr. Peter Leport and SMart Dimensions.

So tomorrow is my first class/orientation. Im so excited, but i dont really know what to expect. Any advice, or ideas? Im getting all my insurance stuff, and my WW weigh in records, and everything put together right now so I make sure I bring everything I need. They told me to expect to be there about 2 hours or so. My appointment is at 7 am tomorrow. How is everyone doing, waiting patiently?

so i am new to this my surgery is set for april 20th and I can say that I am a little nervous does anyone feel that way...... I never been under the knife or been anestised before so can anyone shed some light over here. :smile2:

I just checked the Tricare website and I was approved. So why did a flood of apprehension wash over me - :smile2: I started thinking that maybe I should postpone for a couple months and try on my own again but I know in my heart it would probably be another failed attempt. Probably just general nerves about surgery. Anyway, anyone else getting theirs done around that time??

OK So March 2nd I went to the doctor to get another refill on my depression/anxiety meds. He had to up my dosage because I was starting to get hives from the anxiety. Well I also discussed the LapBand. He told me I had to wait a month so I could get used to taking the higher dosage of my meds. Well my appointment for my meds evaluation is tomorrow. Then my appiontment to talk to him about the lapband is the 6th. Well I am still having trouble with getting hives from the anxiety but I am affraid to say anything because I might have to wait another month to discuss the lapband. What should I do? Should I just keep quiet about it for now so I can get started on proceedin…

Surgery scheduled for 04/14/09. Started pre-op Opti-fast today. Just wondering how much everyone lost on pre-op / post-op liquid diets. :wink:

Trying to decide which band to go with. From what I gather the realize can hold more fill, but it takes longer to get to restriction. So I am leaning towards the LapBand. Which did you go with and why?

I have a very narrow esophagus that my gastro doc has been unable to dialate. Do you think this will eliminate me from the banding? I also choke on food occasionally because the opening is so narrow. Another question - I take a lot of medicines. How will I be able to after banding. Susan

Ok, So today I get my first fill! I am kinda nervous. I am worried that it will hurt. Also worried that I still will not have any restriction. I had surgery on 2/20/09, and have lost around 20lbs. So wish me luck! :wink: :confused:

Tomorrow I am going to the hospital for the bloodwork, x-rays, and whatever else needs to be done. The surgeon has scheduled my surgery for Saturday morning at 11:30 am. I'm not nervous yet, but I'm sure I will be! I guess I just can't believe it yet.

Hey Banders … I’m a long-time reader, but a first-time poster and I’m very excited to be joining your awesome community! With that, I am seeking some advice. I had my initial meeting with my surgeon today and it went great. He seems like a very good doctor and comes highly recommended. He said that I am a “beyond ideal” lap LB candidate. YAY! My stats are: 5’8’’, 248 pounds (BMI around 38), hypertension and PCOS (insulin resistant and pre-diabetic), and thanks to LB Talk and friends, an understanding that LB is a tool to help my reach my weight loss goals. Needless to say, I’m super excited to be starting my journey into health! And when I asked him about metabolic is…

Hello everyone, I just joined the forum and made an appointment for my initial evaluation with the Surgery Center of Richardson (true results). I am hoping to have my surgery with Dr. Benavides. I am 29, only 5ft and weigh 206-207. I am just tired of constantly losing 30-50lbs and then gaining it back. I have spent the last 6 years yo yo ing and am finally ready to have a more permanent resolution to my weight issues. Reading all of your posts and seeing your weight loss is very inspirational to me. Although I have alot of worries- my biggest one is about having loose skin and needing a tummy tuck. I have also heard the people's faces change and can look "saggy." …

SO HERE IT IS AT FIRST I WAS ALL EXCITED ABOUT GETTING THIS DONE. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 5 MONTHS AND RESULTS??! WELL I HAVE LOST 24 POUNDS. AM I HAPPY?? YES AND NO. YES BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF CONTROL GAINING 4 POUNDS A MONTH AND ONLY 24 YEARS OLD WITH A LITTLE BABY. I KNOW THAT IF I WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THIS PROCEDURE DONE I WOULD HAVE BEEN WELL OVER 400 POUNDS BY THE AGE OF 30 AND AS IT WAS I BARELY WANTED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE AT 264 POUNDS. PREOP I LOST SOME WEIGHT AND I CURRENTLY WEIGH 235 YES IM EXCITED BUT AT THE SAME TIME DISAPPOINTED. WHEN I EAT THERE IS THAT POINT WHEN U KNOW U NEED TO STOP OR YOUR FOOD WILL GET STUCK BUT AM I FULL? NO IM STILL HUNGRY IT JUST CAN'T EAT!…

I've been lurking on this site since August of 2007, but have never posted. However, I needed to share what happened to me today. I've done EVERYTHING the doctor has wanted. I sat through 2 of the orientations because my husband couldn't come to the first one. I called my insurance company twice to verify the surgery was covered. I was told both times I would have to be pre-certified (evidence of medical necessity from the surgeon's office - I have a BMI of 43 & 2 comorbidities), but that my insurance would cover it. I even got copies of ALL my medical records incase they needed weight records. I went all the way back to 1994! I could come up with 13 years of we…

I have gone through all the hoops and now my insurance company is denying me because the hospital I chose is not a center for excellence??? :smile2: I just want to cry. Any ideas on whether I can appeal this or do I just have to start over at another hospital that is a center of excellence. I will not let this stop me but I need some advice.

What protein drinks or mixes do you recommend?

Hello........ I am a little scared to start even asking questions because I am so overweight and afraid to even put myself out there. I have finally decided to have the surgery and now I think I have picked a surgeon. I live in Florida but I think that I will go to Texas for the surgery. I haven't told my husband but he thinks I'll be in Dallas shopping with friends. I attended a Lap Band Solutions presentation but feel like I am just a number to them. I have left 4 messages and had not received a call back. All I wanted is more information on the doctor that I chose from their website. So I am now asking the people on the Web. If you had surgery in Dallas who was …

I got health psych approval today and went to speak to the program coordinator about what's next and she got on the phone and got me a date!!!! OMG!!! APRIL 28TH is my date!!!! WOW! I have TWO WEEKS before I start the liquid diet on the 14th and then it will all begin! WOW. I can't say it enough :thumbup: I'm thrilled! WOW!!!

I am one week away from my surgery, and just started my modified liquid diet this morning. I have had a lot of "lasts" this past week. My last beer... last soda... last number two large with a coke... When I got on the scale this morning I had another "last". Today is the last time I'll ever weigh 310 pounds. I'm much more excited about that than I am upset about not drinking beer ever again.

I was wondering how long the surgery process has been for some of you. From seminar to surgery. I have seen some really quick turn over times. example Went to seminar 1st of Feb, have a surgery date end of March. Are those of you who are getting in quick self payers? The reason I am asking is because I went to a seminar in Oct of 08. I was thinking surgery would maybe be in February at the latest. I personally handed in all my medical records within days of the seminar. After that it was January before my 1st appointment. Was approved by the Dr. who did my psych eval on Feb 2nd (at this time they were supposed to submit to my insurance for approval) Called my …

Hi all, I've given up soda and I don't drink coffee or tea. I'm having nothing but Crystal light (I'm about a month away from surgery). Well, I LOVE Crystal Light but the acid I guess is giving me cold sores (which happened to me in college when I drank nothing but Gatorade). Anyone have any suggestions? Please don't say plain water - I just don't like it plain. If I have to I imagine I can force myself but I was hoping someone had another suggestion for something that is not so citrus-y. Thanks!

Hi everyone, i have read alot of the post surgery comments and it seems that most people have lots of problems after surgery. Is there anyone who you know that has gotten along fine??? Need to hear some positive comments!!

Hi all, I am just beginning this process although I have considered lap-band for several years. I am going to my first information seminar with the surgeon in a few weeks. Right now I am at a qualifying BMI for the surgery. I know that surgeons require you to lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery, which I don't have a problem with. My question is -- will an insurance company reject you because if you at the qualifying weight but lost, say 20 lbs before surgery and no longer met the BMI? What weight goes in with your paperwork, your first visit weight? I'm just worried because I have lost 20-30 lbs literally a dozen times in the last 10 years. I can get …

This fri morning. I'm going prepared w/all the info. He asked me to do the research, so I did, as far as what my ins covers, doctors in my area, ect. I have a question, though. I read some where that if you have the realize band, you can't eat stuff like salads. I'm a vegetarian! Has anyone else been told anything like this? Thanks Kristine

I am probably going to have the surgery mid-April and I'm still struggling with the thought of losing my relationship with food. I have dealt with all the issues with my emotional eating in therapy over the past few years. I know my triggers. I know why I do it. I don't want to live this way anymore, but somehow I still feel afraid of losing it. I guess it's been such a big part of my life for so long that the thought of it being gone is scary. I know it's killing me and I know the dependence on food has been a bad thing, but it's still hard to face the fact that it will no longer be an option. Plus I am so afraid of failing! Has anyone else felt this way? If an…

This is my story, I was banded by one doc and he left the practice so his paartner has been doing my aftercare. I like both docs so all is good there but doc # 2 asked me what my goal weight was and I didnt have an answer. My goal for having the surgery was to eliminat diabetes meds. How should I determine a realistic weight goal. Did you do it or did your doc do it?? Thanks for the input!

Im Tuesday.. anyone else???

I have an appointment for the "weight loss surgery overview" class at Kaiser South Sacramento the first week of April and my BMI is currently 38. I know Kaiser is pretty strict and since I don't have any co-morbidities that I can tell (all my bloodwork came back ok), my BMI should be 40 for me to qualify. So dare I even say it, should i gain some weight?? 10 pounds would put me up to 40 BMI. I feel terrible thinking this but what do I do? Wait another 5 years until I really am that heavy or heavier? Has anyone been in this situation? If so, some advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!!:w00t:

I am currently waiting to be approved for surgery, and I don't know what it is but for the first time I just feel so motivated. I feel like I'm actually going to be happy about excercising tomorrow and every other day. I feel like I can do this, like I'm actually strong enough to create a new me and I love this feeling. Just had to share this, I am so excited. :thumbup:

I am having my surgery on 4/3/09. I am on a protein rich diet for two weeks and am having a hard time sticking to it! Do you think this is an indication as to how successfull i will (or will not) be with the surgery? Opinions please.

Well, we're down to the final week. I'm supposed to have my pre-op tests on Friday. It's basically a physical, from what I've been told. If all goes well, I should have the surgery on Saturday. Right now, though, all I can think of is, 'What if I don't pass the pre-op tests? I feel like I'm healthy enough to have the surgery, but what if they find something?' I'm so nervous that something will go wrong and I'll have gotten my hopes up, only to have them dashed by not being able to have the surgery. I have to stop driving myself nuts! :thumbup:

Hi Everyone, Is anybody being banded on April 1 like I am ? Just curious if I can have a banding partner.

My doctor does not require us to do a preop diet. When I ask they said no, there facility does not require that. I've been reading all the posting that say it is better to have your liver shrink b4 surgery. Well my surgery is on friday April 3. Do u think from today til friday is enough time to reduce the size of my liver some? And if so what suggestions do u have as far as meals or meal replacement. Thanks for ur help

Hi Everyone Today is Day 12 of my All Liquid Pre-Op diet and I'm up one pound. I've seen posts here where people get worried and upset when this happens. I'm here to tell you it's OK. I'm ok with it. I was feeling very weak and lightheaded yesterday. I drank my last protein drink rather late (10pm) and finished off the night with 2 sugar free popsicles at midnight. So the fact that I was up 1 pound today doesn't alarm me. Go easy on yourself. The willpower we have found to do this is astonishing. Not sustainable (which is why I'm getting the band, but astonishing nonetheless). The little fluctuations can be frustrating and perplexing and unexplainable but not failure.…

I am not required to be on a liquid diet, but I am required to loose 10lbs prior to surgery and I am having a hard time. I would like to go on a liquid diet on my own and was hoping you could tell me what yours consisted of so that I can do the same thing, since I didn't get one from my own doctor. I would appreciate it greatly! Thanks everyone!