PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have been waiting since last year to have my surgery done. I FINALLY have a date for Jan. 20th. I am so excited. The only stinky thing is that my step daughter's 9th birthday is on the 26th of January....Oh well I will manage. This is the best way to start the new year. Yippy!!!!!!:laugh:

I'm a male who currently weights 421 pounds. I'm being banded on December 5th. I'm curious about what I can look forward to on weight loss in the long run?

I got the call today that I have been officially approved by my insurance to have the surgery done! It's a green light. My file has been moved to the Pre-op nurse and she will call me to set up the pre-op appt and any last minute testing that may need to be done. At this appointment, we will schedule the surgery, hopefully in January! Happy New Year!!

Hello! I'm only 2 days away from being banded and I am going crazy with worry. I have sniffly sinuses which have caused me a slight sore throat from drainage at night. I know that it is from the A/C blasting at night and sleeping with my mouth open, but I'm still scared to death that I'm going to drive 7 hours to the doctor and be turned away for surgery.... after 2 weeks on a preop clear liquids diet. Will the surgeion operate if I have allgergies?:tongue2::smile:

Hi-- I'm waiting for all of my paperwork to be submitted for insurance approval and am feeling in a state of limbo. I feel like I need to be on a diet program in order to keep myself from gaining goo gobs of pounds. I just finished my 6-month supervised program and don't want to continue to participate in that. I still maintain a membership with Jenny Craig and could do that or I could go to Weight Watchers or try a low-carb program on my own. I'm curious to know what other people did between submitting their paperwork and starting a pre-op liquid diet. Did you just eat with abandon or were you on a structured program? Thanks for any thoughts, Beautylocs

Hi all, I am scheduled for my first consult in early Dec. and hope to be banded no later than January. I (regretably) told my sister about my plans and she has had nothing but warnings for me about the risks. She also said that I would feel sick after I eat for the rest of my life. Is this true? I hope to lose 80+ lbs. For those of you out there who have lost this much weight (good job!), are you going to have to have more surgery like a tummy tuck or breast lift? I definitely want to lose this weight, but I am wondering if I am going to have to have MORE surgery when all is said and done. Thank you for any input on these two issues.

I've been on the pre-op diet for a little over three weeks, and have one more week to go. I've stuck to it faithfully with no cheating whatsoever, but it has been extremely difficult from day one. Headaches, lightheadedness, weakness, and exhaustion, to name a few. I've also recently been having increased diarrhea and stomach pain from the feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Anyway, this morning, I woke up with more of that sour/empty painful feeling in my stomach than usual, and went to have my usual morning medications and daily vitamin/mineral supplements, along with two glasses of Water (there were a lot of pills/supplements, so that amount of water was necessary, an…

I was wondering if its okay to smoke marijuana before surgery. I know your not supposed to smoke cigarettes. I smoke marijuana for medical reasons, and get it from the cannabis clubs (I dont buy from street drug dealers). If i have to stop for awhile, is it safe to smoke after I recover from surgery? If I were to smoke after surgery, munchies wouldnt be a problem because I dont get the munchies.This may be a stupid question but can smoking expand the stomach? The reason im curious is because sometimes when you take too big of a hit you can end up burping up a little bit of smoke.Any information is very much appreciated.

Dear members, This question is specially for Bandesters... I've a question regarding with Lap Band surgery, How many days i have to stay in the hospital, and how much down from work …

The girl called me from my doctor's office to tell me about an extended coverage plan I could purchase that covers complications (band erosion, port flip, band slip). It's almost $1000 for a year and about $1300 for 18 months. I really don't have the money, but at the same time, don't have the money for later on if the complications occur. Anyone have any advice or had to make this decision? Thanks in advance for any help!!

I will be banded on monday November 24th and I am really starting to get nervous. I feel like a kid waiting for christmas day to get here. It is all I can think about. I am even having a hard time sleeping at night and my stomach is constantly roaring. I am very excited to start my new journey.:drool: I will post after surgery to let everyone know how things went.

I'm going to call my Dr. tomorrow and clarify this but I would like your opinions. My pre-op diet instructions say: Reading that does it look like I can have any 3 of those on the list, either 3 cups of milk OR 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of CC, and 1 yogurt OR 1 1/2 cup of CC? Or does it look like I can on have just one of the items, 1 cup of milk or 1 yogurt or a 1/2 cup of CC? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

:help:Anyone have Tricare Prime?? Do they cover this surgery? I am cheduled for the seminar on Aug 14. I have already had the appt with my primary doctor and she supports my decision for the lap band. My psych appt is the 30th of this month. Are there more appts that I can go ahead and get out of the way to speed up the process??

I am wondering what I will feel like afterward? Not so much the ouchie part because I have had my gallbladder out laproscopically and I get that part but how will I really feel? Will I feel hungry? Will I be so hungry it's painful or will the band be what relieves that? How will I feel before my fill? Will THAT be hungry? I guess I am really worried about ravenous hunger working against me. I am just starting this whole process and these seem to be my biggest questions. What will I feel like???

Here's my story ... Started persuing lapband seriously 12/07. Did six-month medical weight loss and was denied by insurance in June 08. Got more info and resubmitted - was denied again and lost my motivation, figured it wasn't meant to be. In the meantime, my employer changed insurance carriers so I contacted my surgeon with my new info ... I was approved in 3 days and have a surgery date 12/1. But where is my motivation? Why am I not excited like I was this time last year? I know I should be more diligent about breaking old habits like grazing and gulping (and I did pretty well today) but all I can really think of is that I'm losing my bff food! and how am I ever going…

I am not sure if I should be excited or not. I have been pencilled in for surgery January 5th. I have one more appt on Dec 1st. My Nurtion DR said if all goes well I will be signed off for surgery and good to go. (she said that in a matter of fact way) It has been such a long journey I just don't want to get too excited. Any advice? or comments? definetly welcome!

Hey all! I am 4 wks post op and doing well. My office goes on a starbucks run every Friday afternoon. I havent participated since before surgery, because I don't know what to get. Any ideas? I love chocolate.... Thanks in advance.:w00t::drool:

Hello - I have decided to move forward with lap band surgery and am scheduled for my consult with two doctors: Dr. Kirshenbaum and Dr. Chae. I'm having a hard time making a decision. Dr. C requires an overnight stay at the hospital and Dr. K is outpatient. I have had nothing but positive experiences at Sky Ridge Medical center, although my experience with Dr. C's scheduling is not stellar. Dr. C teaches other docs the procedure and to achieve Excellence ratings, but all the comments I've read about Dr. K are thoroughly positive and glowing. The cost difference between the two is about $5,000 - probably because of the costs of staying overnight at the hospital. I'll pay th…

:sneaky:My surgeon and I are at odds on this test. I cannot find anything useful why he has this as a requirement for all his surgeries. Has anyone heard this test was routine pre-op? Has anyone had to have it done? I am having the lapband done in February 2009.

So I am finishing up on the 5th day of my pre-op liquid diet. My doctor requires us to be on it for the 2 weeks before surgery. While I am doing well (have already lost 10lbs!), I am SO BORED with this food. I need recipes! I've got the shakes down, I would just love a good hot and healthy cream of something recipe! Any ideas??? I would love to hear from everyone!

I finally got my date. Of course its pending insurance approval but still. December 30th or 31st depending on their schedule! I'm scared! Mostly of the fills believe it or not. Needles really are not my friend and especially in the belly. I found out yesterday that they do not numb the area nor do they find the port with the scope. Just fingers and a jab...ugh So ANY words or advice is welcomed by me. My question today to everyone is do I need to purchase any special items for after surgery? Such as little cups, or measuring spoons or anything really? I was looking at a youtube video of someone showing what she had purchased in preparation for surgery. She…

Oh my gosh, I am really excited. I had my appointment with the bariatric coordinator today and had most of my testing set up. I go next tuesday to have lab work, EKG, echocardiogram, stress test done. Then I go December 5th for the psych eval. December 17th for the sleep study. Then after that I go see my doc. I so hope my insurance approves me. She said it could be possible that I could have the surgery by the end of December or the first week of January! Wow!! What a way to start off the New Year!! I admit while waiting to see the coordinator, I got really nervous and "thought" about backing out. But, I thought Heck no!! I know I am doing this for a healthier …

Hi you supportive wonderful people out there. After almost two years of being on the outside I will soon be an insider being banded. Surgery scheduled for 12/2/08. I must be crazy but I have to be on the Optifast diet during Thanksgiving week! I figured if I made it for Jan. i'd have even that much more to lose. It's going so fast now ... My mind is searching for the negatives now or dangers as is expected. The one thing I don't know about this band is what happens 20 years down the road. I will be 70 and will I have to have it removed? Don't want problems at that age. Justing wondering. I know obesity kills but our bodies get weaker and just wonderi…

Hi, Laura here from Ireland. Has anyone had the op in Belgium with Dr Chris??

Hi all! I'm having my surgery on December 29 with Dr. Arturo Rodrguez. I wanted to find anyone who has had surgery with him and see if the experience was positive. Was there anything you wish they'd done or told you or arranged that they didn't do? In general, is there anything you wish you'd known either before or after the surgery? Thank you!

Hi all :laugh: just got my first appointment at Luton and Dunstable hospital to see the obesity nurse about treatment options , can any one tell me please what to expect and what will happen next , any one been to Luton and Dunstable before i would love to hear from you ,

Hello everyone: I guess this is a typical case of be careful what you wish for, for when you get it, you may still not be happy. My surgery date is scheduled for December 2nd 2008. I've been wishing, praying, hoping to be able to get banded with the Lap Band for over 2+ years now. Recently everything fell into place as if by a miracle. Money I didn't know I had turned up in a hidden bank CD where the bank didn't have my new address. (for real.. not from a crazy email from Nicaragua :-)) I found a low BMI study near my home that accepts patients under 40BMI and the price is affordable! I found a great follow up center with caring wonderful people. I couldn…

For the pureed part of the diet did anyone opt to use baby food? I have a problem with eating pureed food LOL so I was wondering if baby food is an option? I have not had the surgery yet....but hoping to soon...so I was wondering peoples ideas on baby food!

What do I do now?? They denied me because I had to have a BMI over 40 for 5 years, and I've only had it 2 years. Should I file a grievance, or because I definitely don't qualify, should I just try to pay out of pocket? (I'm super poor so that won't happen!!)

I have jumped though all the hoops.... did all the tests.... seen all the doctors... waited impatiently for insurance and I now I finally have a date! I am getting banded on December 3rd 2008. I am very excited and super scared. By the time of my surgery I will have been on the preop diet for 2 weeks. I am trying really hard and when I am working I do fine. But the weekends when I am off its horrible. I want to eat every thing in a 10 mile radius. Anyway, I am hanging on trying to be strong. I am just ready and I wanted to share my good news....

O.K. you guess have taught me about why having a fatty liver is not good but how do they determine that because several of you have mentioned a surgery date and then you say no surgery fatty liver....do they like open you up and stuff and then say ewe can't do it...or is it determined before and how??????(if this wasn't a blog I would feel like a pest with all these questions)lol

Hi everyone,I was wondering if anyone knows how the surgeons handles someone with severe sleep apnea. I have a C Pap,but even with it I still have to use positional therapy and sleep on my side. I'm scared that this will disqualify me for the surgery. If you or someone you know has gone through this I would love to know how it was handled.

I was banded on Monday, 12/3/2007. I was on clear for 48 hours then only fluids (like shakes) until today. Today I get to have mushies. My question is...when did the hungry start for everyone? I'm not hungry. I have to force myself to sip my shakes, Water, etc. I nibbled on scrambed eggs this morning. They were yummy; but I wasn't hungry and knew I had to eat so I did. Thanks!

I was reading through the pre-op diet instructions, and it says we can have broth, but it doesn't say how much. Is there a limit?

My doctores and nurses say they want me to be free from caffiene before surgery. Why is this? I can't give up my caffeine totally, I will for surgery. But I gotta have my diet mt. dew or dt. pepsi!

trying to make up mind lap band or surgery

Ok, I want to get the lap band and doctor told me today that he will refer me to a clinic that will take my insurance, the only thing is, the clinic is 6hrs away. I want to get this done but need to know how many days it takes before they will do the surgeory ex:what are the steps and how long for each step?:rolleyes2:

Weightloss has always been 90% mental for me, as I am sure you all too! So what do you do when those food demons show up? I think I should get out my "skinny" jeans and pictures of me when I was thinner and pics of me when I was at my biggest to motivate me. I feel sometimes like the fat girl is going to have to be mourned at some point??? My birthday is in July, I am trying to see where I will be when that comes along. I am also watching "the secret" dvd and following the works of Abraham Hicks(www.abraham-hicks.com) Thank you in advance for your advice. I sometimes feel like I am way over analyziing this whole shabang!

Ok sooo I'm really excited I went to my pre-op appt yesterday did all the last minute testing for my surgery on Dec. 4th ...told me to start the liquid diet, filled out paperworkmet with the doctor again THEN... a girl came in to give me all of prescriptions for antibiotics and pain meds and informed me of ONE more prescription for 2 WEEKS of Heprin shots that I am to give to MYSELF!!!! after surgery!!!WTF.......I've spoken to a lot of people, no one ever said anything about this??? The girl said I took the news better than most people but I'm wondering what the purpose of doing it for so long??..........I don't even have ANY comorbitity's (SP?) I'M just FAT!! Anyo…

Hi everyone!! My name is Gaby and I'm 27 years-old, I have a 3 year old daughter who is EVERYTHING to me. I am 5'6, 298 lbs. I started putting on weight in 1997 when I was super happy at 169 lbs... and since then I just haven't stopped gaining weight. My family doctor and I both agreed that LapBand was a good choice for me and so I was referred to a LapBand surgeon who I met once 3 weeks ago, and he seems great. I have to meet with a dietician tomorrow. I also have to meet with a cardiologist, pulmonary doctor and a psychiatrist before my next meeting with my surgeon on December 17. I can't wait to get going with this. My insurance, so far, has approved to pay for…

I'm 22 and weigh 333lbs, I've had two misscarraiges and my husband and I are thinking of trying to have a baby. I'm brand new to this site so sorry if I'm posting the wrong place...I'v been researching the lapband for about a year and I think I want to have it done. I know my insurence will not cover it (insert very not nice word here) but I am willing to forgo the cost if it helps me get this weight off.... I have some questions though, number one: Am I too young to have the surgery? Number two: should I have band before or after trying to have baby? number three: can you drink liquids while you eat after you have the band? someone told me you could never drink liquid w…

well, all the tests are done and the surgery is slated for December 3rd...the liquid diet begins tomorrow!!! anybody else starting tomorrow? like the other thread about mourning food...i have been having last supper syndrome for the past couple weeks and scared that I am going to sabotage my success...if there is anybody crazy enough to start the liquid diet a week before thanksgiving like me.. let me know you are out there!

Hello All, I am getting banded November 19th. I am very nervous. Not about the surgery, but about missing food. Has anybody else gone through this mourning process. I find it logically rediculous to miss food, but I am really feeling some anxiety over what I am saying goodbye to. Any advise would be GREATLY appreciated. I don't know anyone else who is going through this, so I am glad to find this website! :thumbup:

Hey, I haven't logged on in a while so I'm updating. I will go for my 6 mo dr visit on 8/28 and I'm very surprised at how fast it has went by. I must say though I have really struggled to lose weight and have tried (and have failed miserably).Will my ins. co hold it against me for not losing? I haven't missed any of my appts. I wish everyone lots of luck with their journey!

Hi everyone! Well today was a big day, I began my 4 weeks of Medifast shakes...5 per day for a whopping intake of 500 calories a day! So far I have had 3, one chocolate (of course) one orange cream and a strawberry. Blah blah and blah LOL!! Oh and the best part is I have to add 2 tablespoons of canola or olive oil to one a day so my gallbladder has something to do!Nice oily taste in my mouth! The nurse told me if I lose a lot this week she may let me have a piece of turkey and a spoonfull of veggies on T-day! Ok it's not much,but I'll make that goal #1, this is going to be one long month. I can't understand why some Drs don't require any pre-op diets and mine is so …

OK so I am new here and I have a referral from my PCM to go see talk to a surgeon about having the lap-band done. I'm scared he wont think that I am big enough for it. I am only 5'2 and I weigh 194. My BMI is 35.4. I have read many places you need to be 100lbs over weight and have a BMI of 40 or more. I am so close to that and I will be devistated if he says I cant have the surgury. I have PCOS and I have been steadly watching my weight climb for years. I eat well and go to the gym daily with no avail my weight keeps climbing. I have two young kids that I want to do more with but I am embaressed to do anything because how much weight I have put on recently. What are your…

I was reading through all the seminar info. I received yesterday so I could compile info. for a post on the seminars I attended. One of them, Magee, gave out a paper that makes a sweeping statement for everyone (no matter the insurance). "Your weight must be identical, or less at month six, when compared to month one. Many insurers discourage even modest variations in weight throughout the six months. Do your best to keep your weight constant each month (or even a modest loss of 1-2 pounds a month). We have found that even weight increases of a pound or two have been grounds for insurance denial." I've read here not to go below the minimum BMI (35 or 40 depending on the…

I found this website cause I was looking for ANY answer as to how to make the 10 day pre-op diet easier...and I don't think it can be! It's hard to feed four little kids and not want to suck all the peanut butter and jelly off their fingers! Help if you can!

Hello Bandsters-- I attended a support group at my surgeon's office this evening. The group consists of pre-op people (like me) and post-op folks, 99 percent of whom have had gastric bypass. There's a woman in the group who, when someone says they've chosen lap band responds by saying, "Why? You know you can only lose 50 percent of your weight with that surgery." I have spent several months on this site, reviewed a number of other sites and read 2 books about lap band. I find no evidence that her statements are true. I know that you lose weight more quickly with a bypass, but I've read that at the five year mark, the loss is the same regardless of the type of sur…

I feel that I should be able to lose this weight on my own...but I just can't. My BMI is 31....I have 55 pounds to lose...and it seems that surgery is so drastic. But I need to change my life...soon. Another question is where to go. I have many people I know that have done this in Mexico. They are all very happy. There are so many doctors performing this surgery now it is hard to decide who is right for me.