PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

First off, I want to thank everyone for being so open and honest in the forums. I've been reading all morning, and I've learned so much! I even took a peek at some of the complication posts, but left before I scared myself silly! :thumbup: Now to my question: What do you wish you knew about the band and post-band life before you found out the hard way? I read a few posts where people couldn't lay flat in the bed for a few weeks, so I need to figure out a plan there. Some other people mentioned I should wear slip-on shoes to the hospital and stock up on broth and frozen juice bars in advance to make life easier. I'm sure there must be a million little tidbits that you'…

:redface:Hey Bandsters and Bandsters To Be! I need some advice please!! I've got my pre-op visit this Tuesday and will be scheduling my surgery date!! HOW EXCITING!! My Surgeon suggests the South Beach Diet however I'd like to know what else has worked for you? Also, looking back (if you are already banded) what would you have done to better prepare yourself for the band? Thanks for all of your support and posts each one helps more then you know! Steph

Hi Everyone, Well I have been placed on this 10 day pre-op liquid diet and I am having such a hard time. Sadly, I cheated the very first day! I did well all day and then late at night I was so hungry, I had a salad with low fat dressing. My liquid diet consists of 2 protien drinks, and no more than 3 1/2 cup servings of low fat cottage cheese or Dannon low fat yogurt, and sugar free popsicles, sugar free drinks and jello in any amount I want. Oh yeah, and all the clear broth I can handle.It seems so extreme and today was better, but I wondering if this is going to get easier or what. My surgeon says I have to do this along with physical activity 3-4 times a week for him …

These things are nasty. My doc gave me the Arbonne Figure 8 Protein shake. Nastiest thing I've ever drank. The diet instructions say to drink 1-2 a day but since friday I've only drank 1. Are these nasty things really necessary if I'm only drinking them for protein?

I've been reading this site for a while and today decided to sign up and post. I, like most here have decided to seriously consider the lap band for my weight loss. I just don't know where to start on finding a good doctor,any advise is welcome. Thanks, Beebi

I am a 38 y/o male with a BMI of 40 with sleep apnea, 5 knee surgeries, and Reflux (at least my doc said my upper GI showed that, I did not know) I have went throught the 6 month diet, psych, etc. at a relaxed pace over a course of a year. My wife was not supportive at first (did not think I needed it)but now is supportive of my decision ( i now weigh 280 I graduated high school at 145). I went through considerable obstacles(time and financial) to make sure I was doing the right thing. Was at peace with my decision until two days ago and have started to re-think my surgery. I have tried numerous diets and programs and have lost weight before but did not mantain. My concer…

My mom is in her sixties and is going for lapband. Has anyone had this done at that age? If so, did you have much success and were there any probs?

I am having the lap-band surgery with my hubby on Dec.8th. We got it approved thru Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We've been on a 700 calorie diet for a week now and we have a week to go. One diary, one fruit, two protien, and three veggie servings per day. My question is - what effect does cheating (say on a day like Thanksgiving) have on your liver? I mean...ONE day? Anyone actually know? I mean, I know the importance of the pre-op diet etc...etc... I just want to know if one day is going to make a difference.

My name is Anne-Marie Johnson and I have my surgery scheduled for December 10, 2008. I have not doubted my decision to get this surgery but I am really scared of the actual surgery part. I have never had a surgery my whole life. I am 39 years old. Does anyone have any advice on how to put my mind at ease. I am imagining all kinds of deadly scenarios. I want to go into this on December 10th knowing I made the absolute right decision to get my life back.

:grouphug: So i went to the psychiatrist to get my evaluation. 3 hours and 600 questions about whether or not i hear voices in my head. Never met the guy, just his secretary. I go back a week later for a sit down with the actual dude. He tells me that based on his 600 questions, i seem perfectly normal, BUT i have some depression issues. DUH, i'm 5'5'' and almost 400lbs. Who wouldn't have some issues ya know? So he wants to know how many diets i've tried, i'm much i've ever lost, how many pills i've tried, everything. Then he tells me after about 40 minutes that he is going to tell the doctor that i need to loose a significant amount of weight, between 5-20 percent …

my port is bother me big time it started Saterday moring and has not gone away, is this still part of the healing process, could it be TOM causing problems? Should I call the Dr.? I would say it is a 4on the pain scale

Hi, I am 51, mom to four, nanna to 8 grandkids. Married for 28 years, and ready for my date to get here. When I started thinking about the band, I also found I had a malignant melanoma. I have had three surgeries since Aug. and am now Cancer free. I am so thankful for another chance, and I want the Lap-band more than ever. My husband is great support, but I am glad I found this sight. Good luck to everyone waiting, and to all those who are already banded. Thanks, TF:thumbup:

Hello everyone. I'm new here, and I would like to hear all the good and bad about the lap band. I am going this Dec 9 to a consultaton. What do I need to know? And is it worth having done? Is the sucess rate, a good one? Thanks. Lori Anne

I'm on the dreaded pre-op diet now, and I'm not doing too well. My saviors have been broth and sugar-free Jello. I'm cutting down the broth to reduce sodium, but I ate way too many jello cups today. They are sugar-free and 10 calories a cup. I seriously must have had 10 cups today. Is that way too many? Could this interfere with my weight loss? I'm really starting panic about next week's surgery now!

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know that I got my approval letter today. I am soooooooooo excited. My paperwork was just faxed over on Monday (24th), and the letter is dated for the 25th. That is quick. I was thinking I wouldn't hear anything til the 2nd week of Dec. I will give my surgeon a call on Monday. I will keep everyone updated. Thanks for listening, Dawn:thumbup:

I would love to hear from anyone with any info on each surgery. It's a big decision and I hope to make the right one for me. Thanks. Lori Anne

I was just curious to see who all went and ate everything they craved one last time before they had to start the high protein diet before their surgery's? I have 1 week left until I start mine and I am eating to my hearts content..But I have begun to eat differently too..I have lost 3 pounds, and I haven't even begun, really...I am SO ready to get the surgery over with and start my new life..I am gonna miss my dearest friend though..As if I have to say it; FOOD!

Hello all, I have my pre-op appointment with the surgeon next week and I am trying to put together a good solid list of questions I should/want to ask him. I was wondering if anyone had tips or advice? Also if there was a question you wished you had asked? Thanks so much!

I am having a lap-band done by Dr. Cavazos in San Antonio, Texas at Foundations Surgical Hospital on 12/2. I have had to put it off a couple of weeks because of work. Started my 1 week pre-op diet and lost 4 pounds in one day. I am a little apprehensive about surgery, which seems silly since I have had 5 knee surgeries. I guess never abdominal. I am a 38 year old male that weighs 278 and have a bmi of 40 (the doc says I am a very low risk patient) I do have a couple of questions. Thanks in advance I love this site and I am going to get more active. 1. The scars do they get better with time, and what have you done to help them ?( I would like to have my shirt off in the …

How long was everyones psych eval is you had to have one?? I got there at 7:50 am, in almost immediately and didn't get out til 12:30!! The worst part was the little block puzzles, I felt like SUCH a complete moron.

So, I'm doing a happy dance, sorta. I have my "seminar" or whatever that is on December 15th. I will get weighed and photgraphed for my "before" shot during that session and the doctor will talk about AGB and RNY. I got a nice surprise in the mail today:letters from insurance company saying that my surgeon's office requested that they cover my psych eval and nutritionist consult and I gt approved--I thought I was going to have to cover that myself. 2 steps closer to thinness! Yippee!!

Last night after stuffing myself with Turkey and resting watching TV late I had "that moment". it was like something came over me. I start my pre-op diet today as my surgery is 12/3. But what came over me last night was that I was at peace with food. It was kind of weird but I knew my journey was starting and my old way of eating and being fat was going away. But i physically felt at peace and calm about this. I had "that moment". Does anyone know what I am talking about? Or is it just me being weird?

Hi I am new to LBT. I have been coming on here reading the different post for about a week now. I am now in the proccess of getting the Lap Band. I attendted the seminar on Nov. 22, I had my consultation with the Doc Yesterday(Nov.26) and had my paperwork sent to BCBS Fed the sameday. So I am just praying that they approve me and soon. The Dr. said that BCBS Fed is pretty good with approving patients, I hope so!:grouphug:

If so, for how long? I'm have so much back pain now, I was hoping I'd have the surgery in a couple of months the most. But I'm just going to meet with the nutritionist tomorrow for the first time and the other 3 specialist next week... then I'll visit the surgeon for the second time in 3 weeks.

Whew! Finally my 9 month journey is coming to an end! I started researching lap band about a year ago after yet another failed attempt at weight loss (and about 1200.00) with yet another weight loss center. I quickly found this site and read, read, read. What a great place this is! I had to go thru a 6 month "physicial approved" diet, which was in my opinion stupid because I had been weighed 3 times a week for 8 months..anyway. I finally got approved this last Wednesday, met with my Dr. on Friday and am scheduled for December 17! I'm very happy, nervous, scared, and ready to get this show on the road! :cool: Whoohooo! to all the December bandsters! Can we ke…

I am very interested in the surgery and I want to know more about it at a seminar or from someone who has had it done or any info

I was scheduled for 12/1, but called my surgeon's office this morning and asked to reschedule. It was partially practial - I work for a religious organization and was scheduled to help lead a retreat in a city three hours away on 12/5 through 12/7. At first I thought I'd just tough it out but I didn't want to commit to the retreat and have to back out, nor did I want to have surgery and not be able to take good care of myself. I just figured driving for three hours and working very long days when I was less than a week out was just slicing things too fine. It means I'll have to be recertified, but I'm glad I postponed. I went a long time when I didn't think I was going to…

has anyone had problems stopping? I'm having problems stopping.I have gone from a 30 plus a day habit to a single puff but i just cant seem to stop altogether.Are you tested pre surgery?:cursing: I don't have cigs in my house but I do have friends and family who smoke.

Hello all. I've got a guestion that has come up after doing a LOT of reading on here. I've noticed that there is a period of time that most everyone has to do a "liquid diet" pre surgery. I've had surgery to remove a kidney (gave it to a friend in a transplant) and knew that I had to be cleaned out pre surgery. Why the liquid diet for so long? What purpose does it serve?

Hi everyone, I am just wondering how long it generally takes from insurance approval to surgery schedule? I have to do that 6 months of dr supervised weight loss thing. I just had visit #5. I am 'assuming' that after #6 the surgeons office will submit the stuff for approval and that should get the ball rolling, but wondered how it goes. My docs office is not the most communicative- that kind of bothers me. I am considering looking else where but hate to start over. I know that I am required to do a few classes but I guess those do not get started until after the insurance approval. what is everyone elses experience?

Has anyone had to write a letter to their insurance informing them that you are considering LapBand and you know what it is about, why you are having it, the dedication. If so, when did you do it?

Okay, I have a question. My surgery is the 8th of December and I'm on my pre-diet. I'm doing great but I have a question about eating on T-giving. My diet now consists of : Per day 3 Protein shakes 1 lean cuisine with <300 calories,<45 carbs, >14 Protein 5 ounces of lean protein 2 cups of salad 2 tbsp. dressing 1/2 cup green veggies Okay, my question is do you think instead of the lean cuisine, I could just substitute turkey and a salad? I would think it would be okay but I don't want to do anything that could jeopardize my surgery and my Nutritionist is off today. Help please.

I was told that in our area we cannot have access to the Optifast Chicken Soup. I found some on Ebay from Australia and ordered it. My husband is concerned about why I wasn't able to get hold of any in our area. Does anyone know of any reason to doubt the safety of getting this product from Australia?

Hello, Does anyone know if latex allergies could cause a problem for the lap band procedure? Thanks for your responses.

My surgeon thought my liver seemed to be rather large, so sent me for a liver/gallbladder ultrasound before surgery. They called today and said that I have gallstones and will have to have my gallbladder removed before my lap band surgery....:drool: Has this happened to anyone else?

Ok in the past I have studied the VSG procedure which was my surgery of choice but I am trying to use my insurance and they dont cover the VSG. I am stuck between the lapband and the RNY..I am sooo scared of the lapband...It is because I have heard sooo many stories about slippage, erosion, revisions, failures etc..that I am not sure that I want to go thru all that. My husband doesn't want me to have any WLS but stated that if I just had to have one then he would rather me go thru with the lapband because the RNY is too complicated...I am so terrified about foods getting stuck, terrified of PB-ing and vomiting....Is this normal??:thumbup::ohmy:

I got stuck in dilemma while reading about Lap Band surgery...found information on Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery...Is there any difference between all these? Dear members, Can you please explain about types of weight loss surgeries? Source: Lap Band Gastric Bypass Surgery Is it true? Regards, Alice

Hey i started Sept 12 and go to my Month 3 Next week, I am excited that i am half way. My only concern is the 6month weight loss program isnt going so well for me, but i still have 3 more months. So next week, i will talk to my doctor and nutritionalist about whats been going on. Anyways i thought it might be good to find other people going the same speed (around month 2-3) and taking the same route (lapband), kind of like a support group. That way we can see how everyone else is doing and their progress, and we will also all pretty much have the same surgery dates.. Who's in??? First off, Im Heather , 25years old mom of a 4 year old boy. From Sacramento California but…

Hi everyone! I'm a first time poster and I want to start by thanking everyone for the wonderful material on this site! My question is: I've been approved by BCBS for surgery pending a psych and nutrition evaluation. I have both appointments next week. Can anyone tell me what I should expect? I just have no idea what these meetings will be like. Thanks!!!

:thumbup:I just got my surgery date today and it is November 10. I'm so excited and I can't wait. Is there anyone else planning on having their surgery in November? I would love some support!

Been lurking for a while, but I thought I'd make my big debut and say hello. My surgery date is 12/12/08, and I'm getting really, really apprehensive. I know, everyone says it's hard work... but really, how hard is it compared to going without the band? I've been fat my whole life... Surely this is going to be a huge help, no? As a self-pay, I've got all these doubts bouncing around in my head about if I'm doing the right thing for my family. I mean, we can afford the payments, but what's the cost-benefit analysis? Would the money be better spent elsewhere? I don't know. My primary reason for doing this is my diabetes. I don't want to die relatively young l…

Looking forward to today getting over with. Tomorrow is surgery -- yay!! I have to be at the hospital at 5:15 am and surger is at 7:15. :thumbup::thumbup:

Hi all- I was wondering if anyone here had fallon insurance in MA. I was wondering if the require the 6 month diet prior to surgery. Thanks for your help!

This is more work than I expected. I contacted my primary doctor who I see every three months. They are preparing a letter that list my 6 month consecutive weight loss. I sent him a copy of my weight watcher records that have 9 consecutive months of weight loss from Oct 2007-April 2008. He is constructing his letter with this info. I hope this is what ins wants. I have an appt tomorrow for the psych eval and in 2 weeks the nutritionalist eval. I was also going to send proof of a gym membership and my attendance for 3 months from 2006. I also have records that I attended nutrition counseling about 5 years ago. I am also gathering some of my mom's medical records showing a…

Wow the time flies. Tomorrow is my surgery. I have to be at the hospital by 7:45am! I am freakin out right now. Thanks to everyone on this site. You have all helped me a lot even if you don'y know it. Talk to everyone soon!!:laugh:

Hello, Well I have pretty much made up my mind about whether or not to do the GB or lapband. I want the band. I think I can work it and my ONLY concerns are the usual slippage, port problems, needle pain and also if I will still be hungry. Does anyone know what happens to those hormones in your stomach after lapband? I know with GB they are literally gone so you are not hungry at all. I just worry about feeling hungry since I am mostly :cool: a healthy eater but a LARGE eater. The other thing I wanted to ask is does anyone have a somewhat nonsupportive spouse? (probably a good thing I am opting for the band too) He "doesnt want it to effect him or his meals o…

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this site..I've been to the seminar and have decided to go thru with the surgery. (hopefully I'll get approved). I have my nutrition eval today and pysch eval Saturday. Tonight I'm going back to my former Weight Watchers meeting to get my 6 month "notes" or dates of attendance. Kind of uneasy about showing up there.. but it's gotta be done. Any advice about this or words of support are appreciated..

Hello LBT members, I have two children, younger one is little fatty. I’ve read few things for the same that’s why would like to share with you. The problem of obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 15 and 35 percent of children and adolescents are obese. First of all do lot of care, avoid fried and junky food. Give him/her juice. Go for morning walk with your children. To read more…Lap Band in Teens

This is my first post here! I've been a lurker for a month or a little longer and I'm so excited to begin this life-changing journey. My name is Christine and I'm married to a wonderful guy (for 13 years) and we have a daughter that is 4 1/2. I've been overweight since shortly after getting married...what's that about being fat and happy? It's totally true! I was just diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and my doc agreed and is totally on board with me getting the Lapband. I'm so excited, I have my orientation tomorrow morning, I'm with Kaiser (Richmond location) and I'm hoping it will be a smooth process that will have me on in operating table SOON! They said about 6 month…

I am even more worried now that I won't be approved because I don't think I'll make the 100lb overweight mark now. Sad thing is I've been trying to maintain my weight, if not gain about 5 pounds. However I lost a couple after I started my current job since I'm on the go constantly (nurse). Then somehow in the last week I managed to lose 6 more pounds! What the heck?? Had I been trying to lose, certainly I would have gained. Cross your fingers that between now and Monday I can get those 6 pounds back.