PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

YAY...as of today I only have 23 days left until my surgery!!!! :cursing: So I want to start getting everything together for before, during and after surgery and I'm wondering what everyone stocked up on. I know that I should get Protein shakes, gas-x strips etc, but what else should I get so I can be as prepared as possible. Ideas on products, flavors, etc would be much appreciated as I know there are things I haven't thought about and I would love to know what they are. :frown:

Hello everyone. I have kinda of a problem and i need some help. I have to do the 6 months of supervised diet. Im on my second month. Now my doctor is really getting on me because im not loosing weight. I havent told her that the surgeons office told me not to loose weight because the insurance would not pay for it. If this has happened to anyone plaease help with some advise. Should i loose some weight or stay the same. Its a embarrasing getting on that scale and having the doctor give me dirty looks like im not trying.

Hi all, Just wanted to let everyone know that I made it! I'm a bandster, and I'm doing pretty well. I came home yesterday, and have been drinking and walking. Just a little discomfort with gas pain, but nothing that isn't manageable. I can't thank everyone who has helped me, enough. Everything I've read, all the information, advice and support, helped to make my surgery a pretty smooth one. A lot happened on my surgery day, but I'll post that later. Again, thanks to everyone. this site is fantastic! Debbie

I was so excited a few weeks back about getting the lap band. Insurance is paying for it. :tongue: But I started to read the post under lap band removal and all the people who say it does not work after 3-4 years and the erosoin of the band and how they had to have it removed and never wish they did. My friend said her neighbor got the band a year ago and has only lost 40 pounds. I can do that on WW. I am really freakin out if this is the right thing. I have been overweight on the up and down roller coaster of dieting for almost 20 years. Anyone else go thru this?

:frown: Hi everyone....my surgery date is 2/23/09 with Dr. Geiss in NY. I am so happy that my time has come.:cursing: I started my journey back in may 08. This Dr. has a the psych and nutrition associated with his office but they are not covered by the insurance, so that is an out of pocket expense that I just couldn't afford. Cost about $350-$400. This week I had to go to the office with about 10 other people scheduled for the up coming weeks for I guess I will call it a Pre-surgical what to expect class. It was good, but the nutrionist was up last, had been there for over 2 hours late in the afternoon and needed to get home, so I didn't get to ask a lot of questions. …

I finally got my surgery date 2/25/08. I have been doing to Dr. appointment after Dr. appointment and my time has finally arrived. I am so excited. I go for my pre-op test and nutrition class on the 18th. I don't think that my surgeon requires a pre-op diet. If so, I will find out at the nutrition class. I am trying to do my own diet though, Atkins shake for breakfast, Start Ones WW meals for lunch and a small dinner and next week I plan to start walking at a local church. I am ready to get this started now so that I can succeed later. Everyone on this site has really been an inspiration to me. Thanks!!!

So I am here for extra support. So far I have told my DH and boss about the surgery and that’s it. I am very close to my family and I don't think they would be supportive. My Mom actually realized my fears last week. I asked her to watch my daughter for an appointment and told her I was going to see a psychologist, which is sort of true. I am seeing one to work out the mental issues that got me here in the first place. Anyway here is what she said “I am so glad you are going this route instead of that ridicules stomach surgery, that’s such a cop-out!” This from a woman who has been trying for YEARS to lose a good 80 lbs and has not managed to lose one pound. It’s funny to…

hello if its determined i have gastritis/h pylori is it possible to still get the band?

hi everyone, will i ever get this surgery......been 5 months.........have breathing problems (mild to moderate copd) went for sleeping test last night have sleep apnea. now i need to go for another sleep study. then i need to wear a maask for 2 week.....and then maybe surgery. question anyone else have to go thru this? also was going away april 8 with family, was hoping to have surgery, before i leave and a few pounds off, but not looking good. so depressed and preplexed. just seems like another problem keeps popping up, trying to keep positive.:biggrin:

This is the way to listen! I am a newbie to this whole process and I am ready to listen to the individuals who have gone thru the process. Whether it be 10 days ago to 10 years ago. I feel the best place to get advice, the truth, the bad and ugly are from the bandsters living with the band. No story will be to short, so please let me have it.. Tell me everything. Where I am in the process: I attended a seminar (with a surgeon) I have Humana Waiting on Humana to call back to let me know about eligibility requirements (if you have questions that I should ask, please let me know) That's it. I will be waiting to hear from all of you experienced super stars!! Th…

Ok I know this might seem like something silly to be worried about but here we go, I love my breast and they're one my better features and the thing I was wondering is, for the ladies who have had surgery have they gotten smaller? and if so was it by alot? Again I know it's probaly silly but it's just something I've been wondering about. :smile:

I'm so nervous!! Thank God my boyfriend found his birth certificate today - otherwise he wouldn't have been able to go into Tijuana with me and I would have had to be alone. We're leaving L.A. tomorrow in the early a.m. to be in San Diego by 10:00. Testing and other stuff tomorrow and surgery on Saturday. How romantic! (not!) I'm afraid of a few things: I hate to admit this, but I am fiercely scared of needles. :thumbup: It usually takes 2 to 3 nurses for a blood test. I know that's stupid - but that's me. So I am therefore dreading the pre-op blood work and the insertion of the IV. I had an IV 6 months ago for something else and it hurt SO BAD. Next thing …

So the bariatric center called me today and told me the only thing they are waiting on is my doctor's release/approval. I've got an appt with him tomorrow. I'm kinda nervous about it. He and I talked about it last spring and then I ended up pregnant. I can tell he's not all about wls. Did any of you have a doctor who was against the surgery? Will they do my surgery if he doesn't approve?

Cigna approved my lap band surgery Hip Hip Hooray! I am going to meet the surgeon on February 26. I cannot wait :smile: By the way, I have to be on liquid Protein diet + one lean cuisine meal for 2 weeks then 4 liquids diet (no solid) for the week before surgery. Any advice on which Protein Drink will not make you hungry that much? What I need to prepare before I see the surgeon and the dietitian? Any recommendations is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Alisa

Good morning all, about to get ready for my appointment. My surgical consult is in a few hours. I have done a lot of stuff (see my sig) and I'm very hopeful that the doc says "time to submit all this to insurance". Hopefully no delays or extra things I have to do first. I WILL UPDATE this afternoon, good or bad.

Hi All, I have a question for those of you who had to do the supervised diet for 3 to 6 months. I have to do mine for 3 months, but today I went to see my surgeon who is doing my 3-month supervised diet. He asked me what part of dieting is the hardest, and I told him hunger. If I feel hungry I will eat. So, he asked me if I had ever tried a suppressant. Of course I have, but he told me he wanted me to try Pristiq, which is an antidepressant, but he says it blocks the hunger area of the brain. So, I will get my prescription filled tomorrow, but I just wondered if anyone has tried the Pristiq while doing your supervised diet? He also told me that a lot of people…

anyone work out during the pre-op or post-op diets?? if yes, what exercise do you do?? Please be as detailed as possible...

I just found out that my surgeons office submitted the request for surgery to my insurance today. I hope I get an answer back soon. How long did it take for the insurance to get back to you all? I am so excited and very anxious.

I am a newbie, and just contemplating the LapBand surgery. I have a 37.8 BMI, with multiple comorbidities. I have lost weight many times before. Weight Watchers was my biggest success. I lost 89 pounds, only to gain that back, and then some. I have tried everything to no success. :cheers2: I have my informational seminar with Dr. O'Malley at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY on March 26. Does anyone know if a seizure disorder excludes me from being a candidate for this surgery? (Have not had a seizure in five years) I would appreciate any of your help during this process.:bananalama:

Should I be worried that my surgeon doesn't do this for any of his patients? When I asked he said...'we don't check by xray'. Does that mean he can check a different way? What should I do?

Hey all, I've been a 'lurker' for a month or two and went to a lapband seminar in january and am scheduled to have my first consultation with the surgeon tomorrow and I'm petrified! Is there anything I should or shouldn't say?? Is there anything I should make sure to ask? I think I've done my homework and have been reading up on it and my parents have both read through the info to see if they have any questions (I'm 31, lol) but I want to see if the pros have any advice. Don't want to say something 'wrong' to get this thing derailed before it even gets on the tracks! Thanksfor any help!

Steak Double Double Tri-Tip Burrito Monsters and Rockstars Coffee more Coffee Pizza Popcorn more coffee That's my pre-op diet!

Okay..here's the deal (hi everyone by the way..this is my 2nd post) I currently have Aetna..and it seems like my surgeon's nurses and everyone is being so negative about this process. At first I needed the 5 years of weight history..I could only find 4 years..I called them and they were quick to say well..it will probably be denied (I remembered I had an ear infection for the missing year and went to the ER so that issue is resolved). Then my mom called them to ask them a few questions and she was told (I was on the phone with her) that if the insurance company denies me for the surgery they do NOT appeal it! THEN just today I called the surgery scheduler and was told tha…

Hi to all, I'm new at this, and I've chosen a Dr. for my lapband but I'm waiting for the consultation. Any help or suggestions on what I should do next is greatly appreciated. :thumbdown:

I haven't been banded yet but have a question for those of you who have. I just had a bad case a stomach flu and got to thinking that with the band, throwing up can not be good and even more uncomfortable than without the band. Has anyone experienced the stomach flu with the band and if so were you okay afterwards? Sally initial appointment 3/6/09

I am almost ready for my surgery but I'm a little concerned about the information I have received from the nutritionist. Is there an online source I can check as well? I will probably be having my surgery in March, as soon as the doctor sees me again. He comes highly recommended and is certified to do this proceedure so I have the most confidence in him and the hospital.

My doc talked about a procedure where they go down your throat. I just watched a video of it at www.satietyinc.com. That's amazing. I believe my doc has performed this surgery but it's still in trials as of now. Can you imagine? I was amazed. Not much more invasive than getting my endiscope for my stomach that I've had to get a few times. I just have to say to everyone in the St. Louis area that my doc is fantastic. Dr. Scott - I'm one week out - feel fantastic and I will barely have a scar. One incision and it looks perfect.

Help everyone!! I keep cheating on my pre-op diet!! I can make it thru the day time fine but I get home at night and just HAVE TO EAT SOMETHING!!!! I'm afraid I won't be able to do this. I eat healthy stuff like I boiled eggs and only ate the egg white part. Or I have a slice of cheese. The diet is suppose to be all liquids. Does anyone know if this cheating will not shink my liver enough or what solid food does to the liver that might make it not shrink? Any advise is needed!!!! :scared2:

Hi Everyone I have a strange question or situation to ask about.... I'm a 24 year old morbidly obese female, I'm trying to get back into having sex after a 3 year dry spell... the guy I'm with is great only one this sex is just not enjoyable or as fun as I think it is for others. It's okay or I describe it as "eh" see the thing is it's not the guy he's doing everything to make it great for me but it's just not It's like my whole sex drive has gone straight out the window although I want to have enjoyable fun sex....I try and nothing happens. Does anyone else have this problem I feel like I'm a weirdo because I don't enjoy sex

I'm scheduled for surgery on 2/18 and am having SERIOUS second thoughts. I'm 24 years old, just got engaged and am considering a job change to be closer to home. It's been a hectic start to the year and I'm feeling overwhelmed and terrified. I didn't have any doubts until I got approved a few weeks ago - then the anxiety set in. I want to be healthy and eat 'normally' which I have never done. I know I am a compulsive eater and get my kicks from eating sweets and carbs. I know I need to deal with this. I want to walk down the aisle healthy and fit, not overweight and self-conscious. I want to be healthy for my husband and to be able to carry children. I know I …

I have heart palpitations and I'm on meds for it. Do bariatric doctors want people getting the lap band to have a stress test? Im scared to death to do a stress test because 1. I don't think the tread mill will hold 420 lbs. 2. I cant run up a hill. I cant even run. I can barely walk a mile fast. Any advice would be great

Hi All. I just came from my preop meeting with my suregon and he went over both the lap band and the Realize Band and wants me to decide which one I want?Does anyone have any information on which one is more comfortable and or works better? I have no clue.Any information would be greatly appreciated.jackieStarting 260Preop Meeting 253

Hi, I am in the process of getting everything together to submit to insurance I qualify based on my BMI and have a few ?'s for ya. 1. Anyone else have BCBS PPO out of MA and do they really not require the monitored weightloss? how fast did you get approved? 2. Anyone else in Charlotte NC? and if so what Dr are you using I'm using Dr. Melkonian 3. What can I expect at this pysch eval? thanks for any answers you can give me. J

UHC, my insurance, only requires someone to be at least 21 yrs old (I am), have a BMI over 40 (I am at 44.4) and have a history for 5 years of being morbidly obese. What if you have been in varying levels of obesity (well documented), have documented weight loss attempts in those 5 years (was on Fastin for 2 years, lost 65 and have regained 130 as of now) for the last five years but have only hit the morbid category for the last year? Anyone have experiences like this and got approved?

My lapband package is combined w/ Rny info, not for sure if all the vitamins listed are for banders.... the list is pretty long. Multi-vit w/ iron, calcium 1000mg-1500mg w/ vit D, and mag, B-12 500mg, vit c 500mg. Some of these are in your multi but not strong enough. :thumbdown: I heard at the last support group the drs wanted you to be on o-mega fish oil. I had read today a lady started taking Biotin 2000mcg for her hair not to fall out:eek:.....Please help if you can.

how long will i be in the hospital after surgery?

One of the centers that offers bariatric surgery charges a fee of $2500.00 for the support group, nutritionists, exercise center, etc. It says right on the website that the fee is NOT billed to insurance and is due in cash on the day of the consultation. Is this type of fee normal?

I have been on here only one day, and feel like I have asked so many questions. In looking through the post op forum I notice a lot of questions about pb'ing. What does that mean? :thumbdown: I guess I don't know everything about post op complications.

Well I'm almost there start full liquids tomorrow then clear liquids on Tuesday and then Wednesday is the big day, very excited:thumbup:

Anyone else on here that has had, or is scheduled to be banded in Springfield? If so, who was/is your surgeon? Have you found a support group locally?

Okay, so I had my consult with dr. yesterday, and he said that because of my diabetes that HE WOULD approve me for the surgery. My BMI was 34.6.. grrr... anyhoot. The nurse told me that my insurance required a 5 year weight history report. So, I have to go to my drs. that I've seen in the past 5 yrs and get how much I weighed. My question is this... how many reports will they need during thos 5 yrs. Like, is there a certain amount of times during those 5 yrs that I should have been weighed when I went to the dr.? Does this question make sense? I think I am confusing myself now... so sorry. Thanks anyway!!

hi everyone, well i am hoping to have the surgery in the next 6 week or so, but i did run into a problem and was wondering if anyone else has had this. when going for all my testing they found out i have copd (breathing problems). i have to go for 1 more breathing test and if ok...........i can have surgery. all other testing came back fine. anyone else with this problem and did you get surgery? one more thing i am 61 so on the edge of being older, never had a weight issue until about 6 years ago. anyone else in this age group and how did it go? thanks everyone!

Did anyone else have this terrible side effect? I am only the 5th patient at my surgeons office to have the surgery so they were "unaware" of that complication. I ended up dehydrated, getting IV fluids and moved to a clear liquid fast. It just amazing me that they didn't know this could happen. I had blood work ran to see if it was virus/bacterial infection of some sort, but everything came back clear. Just wondering who else had this problem, and what they did to overcome it. I tired over the counter meds and fiber additives but it didn't help.

What if I can't eat cheese after the surgery? What if I can't eat a grilled cheese ever again? I LOVE CHEESE!!! I just had a thought that I might never be able to have a cheese sandwich again. Anybody have a favorite food that is making them take a 2nd look at getting the lap band? :confused:

Can any one tell me about the pre lape band diet I wanted to see what I will need to get. I am hopint to have lap band before march.

Hello, I am a little curious,has anyone had gallstones taken out while having lapband surgery? I was informed that I have a lot of little ones.. surgery scheduled for 3/5/09===whohooo...

I would love to have some banding buddies to compare with and give/receive support. I don't have a great support here and will be very happy for some new friends online. :thumbup:

Hi All, I am hoping to have my sugery sched. for late Jan. or early Feb. I was wondering if anyone here has used Dr. John Nye in Pensacola Fla. I have not met him yet but was referred by a friend who's husband used him to remove a gall bladder. I researched his credentials and he seems to be a premier surgeon in the weight loss field. If anyone has used him, please tell me what you think. I am in desperate need of encouragement here! Thanks, Karen

Hi all, Just found this site while looking for information on Lap Band. Anyone out there being pressured by your doctor for bariatric surgery? I weigh 321 lbs now. I gained alot when I left the Sheriffs office. My blood pressure is great, cholesterol is below 200 but the good one is low. I have a strong feeling that this surgery will cause me more harm than good. I am getting older so losing weight is getting tougher. Any advice from others facing or have faced this decision?

I Have some Questions my Questions are: 1. I have a condition called Gastroparesis and I am looking in to Lap Band Surgery possibly in the Month of April or May When I can see the Specialist for Lap Band Surgery - Can someone who has Gastroparesis have the Lap Band Surgery? 2. Is there anyone who had Gastroparesis before their Lap Band Surgery that can give me some answers? If you know the answers please message me: Channing