PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello all! I have been coming to this site for almost 4 months now and have gained alot of insight throughout my insurance process. I was approved by Aetna 2 weeks ago, and just met with my surgeon this past Thursday. He says I have to lose 20 pounds in the next 3 weeks. Since I gained weight during the insurance phase he wants to have me do pre-op for a total of 4 weeks. My surgery date is April 17th- so he'll meet with me the week prior (April 9th) to check on my progress and make sure I stuck to the pre-op plan, or else he says he'll move the surgery date up. I understand this is for my safety but ugh... It's soo tough! I have a severe headache and find that when I'…

I cannot stand to drink my protein drink which is made by baratric advantage and is vanillia flavor. I have added extra vanilla extract and cherry extract. I need a protein drink that is like a slim-fast. Does anyone know of one that I could tolerate. I think it's the consistency of the shake. I'm mixing 2 scoops with 8 ounces of water. Please let me know of something that I can purchase at a drug store, wal-mart, wal-green etc. I am scheduled for surgery on 4-3-09 and have to drink one of these shakes each day.

Okayy so I have a shopping list of somethings I need, but I would like to know (since I won't be leaving the house for a while) what will I need to stock up on to get me through my liquids and mushies phase?? Also anything you wish you would have had to help through the healing process (not pertaining to food...or even if it is). *I realize the wording of this post may be hard to understand, & i'm sorry for that...i just couldn't think of a better way to put it* any help would be appreciated ...thankss

I'm needing helpful ideas on the liquid diet. I was told clear broth, jello, and the recommended shake. What else can I "drink". :crying:

Hi, I am getting banded on 10/10/08, and I am looking for a cost effective Protein replacement. I did Optifast for 6 months, to qualify for the band, and I am tired of the flavor. It was also costing me $100.00 a week for the shakes. I am looking for alternitives for my liquid stage after getting banded. What was the best value you found out there?

I was banded a week ago today, and I had the most horrible experience today. I have to tell folks, even though it is gross, because when the doctor told me, I couldn't have imagined exactly what he was talking about until it happened. Excuse the description, but I just don't want this to happen to ANYONE unnecessarily. At mid-day today, I found myself stuck in a public bathroom, late returning from my lunch break with constipation so bad I thought I might have to go to ER. I am not joking. I am not being dramatic. It was so bad I chewed a laxative pill in desperation. I had a conversation with God because I wasn't sure I was going to make it. As sweat rolled dow…

Okay, this is probably TMI but here goes. I am scheduled for surgery at 7:15 in the morning. I have been on the preop diet for 10 days. I had totally forgotten that I was supposed to do Milk of Magnesia today for a bowel prep at 10, 2 and 6. I just remembered and took the first dose at 3:15. If I am off schedule with this a bit do you think it will have an effect on my surgery?

:tongue_smilie::frown: Hi everyone, I just found out that my job is going to lay off people, we will know something by the end of next week. They are dismissing people from every unit of our hospital. It's most likely the people that are laid off will not return to work after May1st. Just Great right when all I have to do next is do my history and physical on April 2nd. So if I am one of those unlucky people then I won't be having surgery, because it will take sometime for everyone to turn their paperwork in to the DR so that he can turn it all in to the insurance co. Please pray for me that I am able to keep my job and that I will be able to have my surgery. I…

Everytime someone new finds out about my lap band surgery, they are always saying things like...."Umm...You knooooow thats not an easy surgery...are you sure you want to go through with it?" Yes you dumb shit...I am 4 days away from surgery. Dont you think I've done my research???? They always act like because I'm fat I must be stupid. One person told me I was taking the "easy" way out. I told her, So what do you care?? I'm not hurting anyone, so piss off!!! Sorry about the language, I'm just venting. You guys are the only normal people in this world.:purplebananna:

Now that I'm on the liquid diet pre-surgery I'm having a lot of issues with Splenda. I've never used it before or if I did it was infrequent and in small amounts. Now I've been using Tirani syrups with my Protein Powder and soy milk. I have terrible diarrhea! I stress TERRIBLE diarrhea. Like I've never had it before!!! :eek: Also I've had a severe mood swing to feeling very down in the dumps. I had chalked that up to being hormonal and being hungry possibly. But then I burst out crying for no reason at the grocery store today... Thats a problem!!! Please tell me there are others out there that have had these problems!!! What alternatives do I have for my…

Hi Everyone, I've been going through the approval process since last September with my hospital. I saw my surgeon last October and completed all my insurance documents and appointments March 3rd. The last thing I completed was a support group at the hospital, where I found out that my Dr. is pregnant and going on leave in May (they didn't mention this in October), they are now booking her surgeries in July!!! I am very upset and their reaction is basically you waited this long what's a few more months. They supposedly turned my stuff into insurance last week (although I can't get any confirmation from the financial coordinator- she doesn't respond to email or vm). :thumb…

I am so incredibly frustrated... Over the last 2 weeks, since going through the mental debate of going through with surgery, I finally decided to take the steps towards LapBand. The very first thing I did was call my insurance company. For various reasons, I have spoken to 3 different people - ALL of whom told me my benefits for weight loss surgery, the coverage criteria, etc. Every single one of them said it would be covered at 100% after a $350 hospital deductible. Sounds great, huh? I went to the seminar and everything- got home - and find a letter awaiting me from Health Partners stating that weight loss services, including bariatric surgery, is excluded from our…

My band has slipped due to an assault at work 5 weeks ago. In a whirlwind I find out I am having the old band out and the new one in on the same day on the 25th so do I rewelcome myself to the banding club ahhhhhhhhhh this is all happening so quick now im beside myself and nervous!!!!

I just recieved my surgery date April 24. Im gettin a little nervous that I dont know enough or something. And well time is just creeping by like the day will never come. Mine is scheduled at an outpatient clinic. Anyone have any tips?? I will appreciate anything!!!

Years ago, I had my gall bladder removed. It was an "open" surgery, as the Dr. said it was the "gall bladder from hell'. Over time, my navel became an "outie" because of the gall bladder and other prior abdominal surgeries. My LB surgeon said he can fix the outie at the same time he bands me. Between that and losing 120 lbs, I could look a lot better in my speedos a year from now (lol). Just curious if anyone has had that procedure? Did it work okay? Thanks.

Well guys this is my first day on my liquid diet, and I must say the 1st day seems to be really hard. My husband decided to do the liquid diet with me so I could have some support. One day down and 13 more to go. Crystal

Hi all! I met with the nutritionist yesterday. My last appointment with the doc is next Friday (3/27th) and hopefully, we will pick a surgery date!!! :thumbup: Anyway, the nutritionist showed me a dime and said that my bite size had to be the size of that dime! I tried to do that this morning and there was no way I could chew a dime size piece of food 30 times!!! :laugh: 1/2 a grape dissolved before I chewed it 15 times...:w00t: Is this the reality? Or is he just going over board trying to get me to take smaller bites (which wouldn't be bad seeing how I can eat a piece of pizza in three to four bites --- I know, gross!)? :smile: Thanks for the advice.

I just met with my doctor for the pre op visit. I was thinking that surgery would be in 2-3 weeks but he had a cancelation on Monday and can put me in that slot. I have to do a liquid diet starting tomorrow and report at 10:30 on Monday morning. My surgery will be at 1 pm. Very excited. I started my lapband journey in August 08 when I attended the seminar, did the 6 month diet and got my approval from insurance on March 9th. Lap band surgery scheduled: 3-23-09!!!!!!!! Lost - 16 lbs 6 month diet

Hello everyone, Well my appointment is set for March 17th at the Mercy Hospital in Chicago, IL.....and I have to say that now the time is near I'm pretty darn nervous. This appointment is just the seminar letting you know about the procedure, but it's freaking me out right now, and I can't figure out what's wrong with me. I'm so ready to be smaller. Did anyone else feel this way, maybe had second thoughts as the time got closer? Thanks Kiddow:confused:

I am excited and a little nervous about the surgery. My wife had it 8mos. ago and is doing good. I'm ready for a new beginning. Shawn 5'8" currently 278lbs my goal is 175lbs.

I have been on my preop diet now for 16 days and have averaged about a pound a day up until today when I stepped on the scale and had gained a pound! How could this be? I have not cheated one bit! Did any of you start the yo yoing in the preop stage?

Saw the doc today and my surgery is scheduled for April 9, 2009. I'm so excited!!! :ohmy::thumbup:

Hello - I hope to be banded in April, and I'm so excited! One thing I would love to know from you all - Are you / or / have you told (most) people about your banding? So far, I have only told a couple of very close friends and a couple of family members. And I'm thinking that once I'm banded, and people start to notice my weight loss, if they ask "What are you doing?", I'm just going to say "eating less..". That won't be a lie, but is it wrong? It's not that I want to keep it a secret or that I'm ashamed, but I just don't think everyone needs to know. I also don't want to be the subject of debates/gossip at work, family gatherings, etc. If you've been banded, how a…

I have an appt for april 9th to get started with getting approved for the lap band I'm worried about all the tests involved and i am terrified of anestisia . to the people who have gone through all this please help. how bad is it ?? any advice or comments would be greatly appriciated. :ohmy:

Hello Everyone, It has taken me a year to decide to get banded. I finally told my doctor my plans and she is super supportive but dragged her heels on all of my paperwork and as I'm researching more myself I'm finding she hasn't even paid attention to the pre-op requirements (BCBS) I need a psyche eval and a pre/post nutrition appointment, etc. So any advice? I am 3 months into my 6 month medically supervised diet with this doc but I'm worried that she's not doing much work and I'm not sure I know how to file the paperwork my insurance is claiming she should be filing... HELP

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY SURGEY...LIKE IN MY OVER NIGHT BAG:lol: AND ITS EXTRA CUTE SEE ...WANTED TO TREAT MYSELF WITH SOMETHING ESLE SWEET OTHER THAN food =) Flower Power Weekender - Betsey Johnson Official Store

Got my approval today for April 7th. I've had surgery before so not terrified but not and idiot so cautious nerves. I'm a teacher so I'll be off work til the 20th. With everything I've read that should be fine. I've got an aide who knows what is going on so she'll be there if there is a problem. Oh I teach kindergarten. I see the doc on Wednesday for all the pre op info. Pre op testing is Monday. Lindasqd51

Like what happens from consult to surgery? How long does it take to get a surgery date and what happens in between. I have Anthem so I'm not sure what there requirements are yet as far as pre-op dieting is concerned. Thanks so much!

I had my surgery 2-24 and have done really well. i feel great and i've lost 18lbs. the only problem is the last few days i feel hungry all the time i've been having a really hard time not eating eating and i am really getting frustrated with mtself.. is this normal? my 1st fill isnt until 4-3 and i dont wanna gain any weight back.

I was reading where many had to almost starve themselves it seems with the pre-op diets...many just liquid protien shakes.... I thought for sure that would be the same that the hospital we're going to would give but... the one told by our hospital was basically eat only Protein. So patcients here can have meats, eggs, etc.... of course they want us to cut out sugar and starches like bread. why the difference? will it still work?

Has anyone used this company to help pay for their surgery? I got the information package from my dr.'s office and applied and was approved but not for nearly enough to cover the surgery. I am wondering how easy it is to get a credit line increase?

I'm still pending insurance approval, but the doc's office called to give me a date because the insurance company needs a date to approve. April 16th! I had doubts about the operation up until I met with the surgeon just recently actually for the first time. Now I feel more positive about everything even though I still have just a general fear of surgery which I guess everyone has a little. Just that something will go wrong and I'm leaving behind my beautiful 14 mo old. Anyway..sorry to be morbid there for a second. Keep your fingers crossed for approval! I should probably know something early next week.

Hi guys, I'm new to the board... I went through the whole 6months diet documentation, and was actually approved by my insurance within days!!! I was sooooooo excited. My Surgery date was suppose to be for March 13! Unfortunately, the doctor had an emergency and had to re-schedule the appointment for surgery. So, 3 weeks later, while sticking to my liquid diet, people are already commentating how well I look that I've lost weight. And many are saying that maybe the doctor will not want to do the surgery since I've lost weight, and probably can stick to it... but lets be realistic, who can be on liquids forever? My concern and worry is that is this true? Can the d…

I have my pre-op tests on April 3 and the surgery is scheduled for April 4, if all goes well with the tests. I keep reading about people's pre-op diets and everything and I wonder why it's so different here. My doctor wants me to be on liquids for two days before surgery, but he didn't put me on any other kind of diet. I think I might go on liquids for 5 days or so before the surgery. I'm a little worried that things won't go well. Hopefully this guy knows what he's doing. I'm starting to get a bit nervous, mostly about hair loss, though. That and I'm alone here and don't have anyone to go to the hospital with me or help me while I'm recovering. My family is in th…

hi everyone, I have highmark security blue insurance......quick question do anyone else have and how long did it take for you to be approved? also did not do well on 6 month diet....lost then gained then lost...back to orginal weight. am worried about being oked. finished up everything this week, doctors office sending to insurance today. any replies are greatly appriecated. thanks

:huh2:I haven't given up my diet Pepsi, or my coffee (cafinated, of course!), and I have a question. I understand about having to give up the carbinated drinks, but why the cafine after the surgery? Will it make my liver stay fatty???

:frown:It's been four days since surgery. I've been getting these bad cough attacks. I get scared, I feel like the port is going to move out of place. Did anyone experience cough attacks after surgery? If yes, did the port stay in place?

Ok, I am going in in two days, and am having this as day surgery. Anyone else do it this way? What can I expect? I am not worried about my "life" after banding, but I am scared to death of the next 2 to 4 weeks! Wish me luck!

I am about to start my pre-op diet and I am wondering if anyone has an oppinion on what the cheapest and most reliable store is that carries Slim Fast Low Carb. I have noticed that they are deff. exspensive around $8 for 4! Any better ideas out there?

Hi All, I've decided to get banded, but am sooo frustrated with the insurance process. I am being laid off in April, and starting a new job 2 weeks later so I can't even start the insurance approval process until late July/August. Which is such a bummer because now that I've decided to do this, I just want to move forward! Anyways, I've been reading a lot about this OCC center in Tijuana Mexico and wondering if anyone here has been banded by Dr Ortiz or his fellows there? Was it a good experience? Bad experience? How, Why? Surgery in general makes me nervous, esp in Mexico! Just wanting to sort of cover my bases and hear what folks have to say! Tha…

I am excited and a little nervous about the surgery. My wife had it 8mos. ago and is doing good. I'm ready for a new beginning. Shawn 5'8" currently 278lbs my goal is 175lbs.

First of all, I always come and look at your posts, and you guys are amazing and very supporting! I just decided on on signing up lol... So my surgery is set for April 1st, an April fools band lol.. I started my pre-op diet on Monday, and it's ALREADY starting to get to me. My doctor wants me to do 3 Protein shakes a day, with one main meal of 4-6oz of chicken or very lean meat. 2cups of starches, 2cups veggies, endless salad with fat free dressing, but not drenched in the salad. I thinks its 2tsps not sure :sneaky:..... TodayI went for pre-admission testing and my scedule was totally MESSED UP, I was so mad. So I messed up my diet but let me tell u what i di…

Hi all, I am scheduled to be banded on tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous and excited all at the same time. I've heard a lot of success stories as well as the horrible things that can possibly go wrong. Is there any advice from anyone recently banded?

I'm not telling anyone else I am having my stomach banded. They feel they need to tell me I'm not that big, I don't need it, I can diet/exersize and loose it and go on with my life. Last week I was told I was Huge by a patient now different ppl are telling me I don't need surgery... NOT happening..I have made the biggest decision of my life and I'm not going to let Anyone change my mind!!! Diets don't work for us...Infact I'm trying to do the 6 months diet and cannot even kick the sugar/ junkfood habit. I need extra help !!! Hope I can kick this Sugar / chocolate habit... Any Tips??? Anyhoo...I vented...I'll be much better now

Hey guys, i have been a reader of all the threads for months, probably since october. I finally decided to write my first one. I had been a temp since September 4th and finally got hired on at my job on Feb. 17th. My insurance starts today, I will be calling tomorrow to choose my pcp and schedule an appointment. My company offers 5 health plans, 3 bcbs, 1 kaiser, and 1 pacificare. The only one that covers the surgery is pacificare so i chose my insurance just on the fact that they cover the surgery. I also am choosing my pcp solely on the fact that its in network of the surgeon i have decided on. So literally everything has been based around the surgery. and of coarse pa…

Okay I have my band date and it's 3 months away...in the meantime I am in a frenzy attempting to eat everything that I won't be able to eat once I have been banded. I feel like a dying woman...last chance for souffle! It's rediculous! I want this and I know I need this especially for my health and well being. Has anyone gone through this?

When my Nutritionist told me it was time to begin the 21 day pre Op Bariatric diet, I did not think much other then this was getting me closer to my surgery date. No one told me that those liquid Protein Bullets and Shots tasted like the something from Planet MARS. I quickly learned to hold my nose and downed them, followed by a flavored water, so not to taste that nasty bullet.:w00t: Three days into this, the "brain extracting" headache fell upon me. Oh my and nothing releived it! After three days, it passed and the south end of the digestive track was having issues.Another thing no one warned me about.:tt2: Oh and by the way, I was told this south end issue will last f…

I am getting banded on March 23, and started my Pre-Op Diet on Friday March 13. I met with the nutritionist on Thursday, and was in AWE about everything I CAN eat this week. I was given a menu of foods to choose from with an list of UNLIMITED veggies I can eat. Loving the Muscle Milk Protein drinks, going to try the pure protein ones next. The ready to drink is so much easier. After the meeting I am not so apprehensive about the life long change I will be making. We were told if it comes from the butcher, tree, garden or the sea....in it natural form it can be eaten....I just cant believe it is only 9 days away!!!! :thumbup:

Quick question, at how many pounds down did people start to notice your weightloss?

Wow I was the one complaining about waiting so long and finally was scheduled for June 1st. My wife had an ovary and a growth removed on February 10 and on March 4th I went to the ER for back and shoulder pains. I ended up on the ekg, then an ambulance takes me north 14 miles to where the nearest catheter center is. There is a table round people waiting for me. Tjhe next day I have all sorts of tests and on Friday the 6th I had a triple bypass. I had had a stress test about year ago and they have always come back fine. I take a small dose of Lipitor and my cholesterol always comes back picture perfect (except my HDL is just 4-5 points low)> This came from out of th…