PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I'm Denise from NJ. Just got my surgery date Jan 5 09. I am really excited. I have a question though. I had my upper endoscopy done on mon. My Gastro says I have reflux and he doesn't think the band is right for me. I have never met this guy up until then. Don't many of us banding patients have reflux?

Did you have to have a scope done prior to being banded? My doc requires one to check for hernias, though I don't have any symptoms. Is this something that is done under general anesthesia (sp?)? I didn't think much of it until I started reading on line about it and now I'm worried it will take a long time and/or I won't be able to drive myself home.

Hi, I went through ALL the testing, 3 month diet etc....I had my approval and I had one last thing to do. A edg, my doctor said my esophagus and stomach was nasty, to take prilosac for 6 weeks and have a repeat edg. On Monday had the edg and the nurse said I have erosion in my stomach. I meet with my doctor next week to see if if got better or worse. I don't think his going to to my lapband until it clears, he took a biopsy both times. the first was good. anybody heard of this????

Hey all, I've been "lurking" :cool:about and have gotten a bunch of great information from everyone. My journey began in August with the Seminar I attended and made decision that the band is for me. Now i have met with the Phys. therapist, Phychologist and the nurse coordinator. i now start my 5 behavioral classes on Wednesdays starting the 22nd. The only issue with this is that my classes are being held an hour and a half away from where I live:rolleyes2:! i have 3 kids 15,11 and 3. The last week of this month I have to be in Portsmouth, NH (where my surgery will take place) on Monday at 6:30pm, Wednesday at 6:30pm then on Thursday I have my first appt with my dietician…

I have been working with a Doctor locally which was an out of network doctor trying to get banded for almost a year. I had to do the 6 month diet thing, completed that. Then my doctor sent paperwork in to insurance and while I was waiting for approval, I was calling trying to find out how much $$ I would have to come up with before surgery. They told me today I was APPROVED and would have to come up with $3000 for surgery with the out of network doctor:eek:. The closest in network doctor I found is three hours away.. I called my insurance and asked what I would have to pay if I used an in network doctor, and they said after I meet my deductible it would be covered 1…

:thumbup:I just talked to the surgeon's office and they gave me an early appoinment so that I might be able to have the surgery before the first of the year. My out-of-pocket doubles on the 1st of January, from $1800 to $3200. So I was really worried. I might also be able to skip the seminar, save me a three hour trip. Anyway, it is on the 13th. Wish me luck!:smile2:

Just wondering if anyone used a Dr reyes in McAllen Texas? I have an appointment with him tomorrow.

I have been reading so many post that show the excitement of getting that dreaded insurance approval. I don't have any insurance yet feel like the debt incurred will be okay because it will change my life forever. I would like to hear from those of you out there who, like me will be shelling out the bucks to make this life change. We are making a financial sacrifice for our family, yet in the long run will be making a positive change which will make us a better person.

I have surgery tomorrow at noon. Little nervous but that is expected. Starving because I can only do clear liquids today. I will let you know how it goes.

Hi all. Last night I got winded going up 4 stairs at my parents house. This made me feel just miserable. I am realizing how tired I always feel and how winded I get doing the most simplist task!!! I can't stand it anymore. I feel like I am jumping through hoops doing everything the insurance company wants me to do - once I have completed everything and paid hundreseds in copays - then everything is submitted to see if I am approved for the procedure - which bothers me a bit. I wish they could tell you ahead of time once they get the letter of necessit from my PCP - but the surgeons office told me I have to get the report that I completed my three month nutrition prog…

I am in a very difficult situation right now. Before, when I began persuing the surgery, I was almost totally sure it was what I wanted. My mother supported me, and my father accepted it. I am one of five shildren and one of my older sisters is almost finished with her degree in Oriental medicine. My family as a whole are into natural remedies. We are not extremists to any degree, but just prefer the natural method if it produces results. My dad is openly against the surgery because he says that if all the band does is restrict what you can eat, then I could do that myself. I could just decide to eat less and make the diet changes you would if you had the band and …

I meet with my surgeon and his team yesterday.The surgeon has talked me out of banding and suggested a bypass.I'm happy enough with this.It is all happening really fast.I have been given a date,25th November,3 weeks from today.I have all sorts of emotions going on.I'm excited and I'm frightened but I'm sure I'm doing the right thing. Jackie.

I get banded at noon but I have to be at the center at 10. I am so excited!! I went through all the emotions and nerves;do I really need this? am I doing the right thing? I cant wait to lose weight? I am just soo excited. All of this was going through my head the moment I woke up this morning. I am assuming that this is normal so I am not backing out. I will post my experience as soon as I get home. Any advice?

I called the surgery center, and the only requirement my insurance has is that I have been morbidly obese for 5 years or more. Unfortunately, I've been only morbidly obese for 2 years, but overweight my whole life. I really need this surgery, so I would appreciate your thoughts. They haven't denied it yet, so they say it's a good sign... Thanks so much! Ann

Hi everyone! Well I finally did my psych evaluation and I past it. She send my results to my insurance company for her approval so they called me the next day and told me I was approved. Only thing is when I called my surgeons office they schedule my next step appointment for February 10. So I was very excited about it but I didnt know I would have to wait another three months just to meet with the nutritionist. Then I will get my surgery date. Guess patience is a everything. So have anyone else been going thru a 6 month process of just waiting months and months for appointments.:eek:

Hi, I am being banded 9/23. I need to go out this weekend and make sure I have everything at home that I might need the first couple of days I get home from the hospital. My sister will be there for me to run errands if needed but I want to be as prepared as I can be. Any suggestions? Thanks. Counting down the days. I can not wait!

hi.. i have been going for all my pre "things" for the surgery... I am confused because i am paying all these co pays and still dont have the approval from my insurance... what if i do all this and pay all this money and they deny me!!! should i get my insurance app. first??

Hello All- I am looking for a Bariatric Surgeon in Austin, Texas that accepts Tricare Prime. I do not have a Primary Care Manager yet either if you have suggestions for that as well. Thanks, Ana

I was curious as to how long it took from the first time you go to the dr for a consultation to the actual date of the surgery. I am in the process of making and appt to go get my first consultation and I wanted to know when I might be able to get the actual procedure if everything goes well.

I am scheduled to go the orientation November 11. I called my doctor this week to get another referal because I did not go through with the last referal because I was sceptical, and that was last year for the first referal. I have waisted over a year procrastinating. Anyway back to the orientation. After I called my doctor for the referal I got a call the next day for me to choose my date for the orientation. The day after that I got a call from my doctor's office stating that she already scheduled my blood work and for me to go have it done asap. I am going to Richmond, CA Kaiser and this is all through Medi-cal. What's next?

I am looking very hard at Bariatric Surgery, and I am still not sure which way to go, Lap-Band or Bypass ? I have been big all my life I have been as big as 525, down to 250, and I am back at 385 with a BMI of 43. I have been a type 2 diabetic for about 9 years. and I had a 5 way cadiac bypass a year ago. I have done alot of reading, a great deal has been done in the last 24 here on this site (Great Site !) I have been told I can beat the diabeatis in a few weeks with the bypass, longer with the band. There are good and bad with both procedures I am just trying to get some more insite before I go to the clinic in a few weeks for my first interview. I would like to h…

Hi Everyone I put my name on the list for surgery 2 years ago. About 4 months ago I started a weight loss program and lost 13 kilos. I still have 22kgs to go to be healthy. This week I got my letter to say my surgery date is 17th Nov (day before my birthday). Now I'm really scared. I have everyone telling me I don't need it stick to what I've been doing and I 'll be fine but I haven't lost anything in the last month and I know I will just slowly put all the weight back on again. I know if I don't do this I will regret it but I am so scared. I have severe sleep apnoea (I stop breathing 100 times per hour) and I really want to stop having to use the CPAP machin…

I'm curious as to what blood tests are done before a lap band surgery. I have had thryoid problems in the past but can not find a doctor willing to treat it. If I can't pass these test I'm afraid I won't be able to have the surgery. Are thyroid test on the list of pre-op blood tests? Thanks.

I am a 45 year old male who played college football. I have total knee replacements in both knees. When active, my optimal weight was between 210 and 220 pounds. My body fat percentage averaged 15 percent as measured by water. I currently weigh 325 pounds with a BMI of 52%. I am currently disabled and on Medicare. I have an appointment with a Bariatric doctor this week to discuss if I should have lapband or gastric bypass surgery. Due to my knee limitations and prolonged disability, I am concerned about not being able to maintain a healthy weight long term with the lapband and the possibility of eventually getting a gastric bypass. I would appreciate any and all o…

I started the liquid diet and will have surgery on Friday the 7th. I'm dealing pretty well with it. I expected to starve. My only concern is eliminating caffeine. The pre-op diet doesn't say and I'd like to kow before tomorrow morning whether or not drinking coffee would be a bad thing. I'll call the Dr. tomorrow but ususally drink before going to work around 6:00. Anyone know whether this is a no no??

I could really use some help - my wedding rings are too tight to remove. Just had my pre-admission testing for my surgery next week - they told me the surgery will be canceled if I cannot get my rings off! Any suggestions on how to get my wedding rings off without cutting them!! THANKS!!

My surgery is 3 weeks away - I received the surgical instructions in the mail today and began to cry because the thought of having surgery scares me. I have been waiting since January 2008 for this - I'm afraid that on the day of surgery, I'm going to start bawling my eyes out just from fear and I'll be so embarrassed! For those of you that have been succesfully banded, please share your stories with me.

I HAVE MADE IT..... :tt1: I JUST WENT TODAY AND I DID MY PRE-TESTING FOR MY SURGERY THEY TOOK BLOOD, THEY DID A EKG AND XRAYS. MY SURGERY IS NOVEMBER 14TH @6AM:thumbup:I CANT BELIEVE THAT 6 MONTHS ARE OVER. BACK IN MARCH I COULD NOT SEE THIS DAY FOR NOTHING. AND NOW ITS HERE PART OF ME IS SO HAPPY :smile2::thumbup: BUT THAN HALF IS SO NERVOUS :tt1: I KNOW THIS IS THE RIGHT THING FOR ME ITS JUST I HOPE MY BODY THINKS ITS THE RIGHT THING AND IT DOESNT REJECT IT. I HOPE EVERY ONE ELSE IS DOING WELL WITH THERE JOURNEY AND YOU TO WILL POST YOUR SURGEY DATE...:tt1::wub:

things went exactly as Dr. Champion said they would....Aetna initially did not approve the surgery because my high blood pressure was under control with meds......(Dr. C said they would turn it down and he'd have to get on the phone with them)....sure enough -- he did a peer to peer -- and they called to say they've reversed their decision. Just waiting on the official letter now to schedule surgery!

How much did you lose during the first week of your preop diet? How much in the entire preop diet? Also what kind of diet were you on? I'm required to lose 5 lbs in the first week on a diet consisting of Protein shake for Breakfast, Protein Shake for lunch, and lean meat and green veggies for dinner.

Hello everyone, I had a long talk with my cousin and she think that I can lose weight on my own. She said I move around a lot but I make the wrong choices with food. I went to Jenny Craig and weighed in at 278.8. I am averaging about a pound a week, I am losing weight but it is not enough. I do not want a quick fix, I just want to finally lose weight. I want to be under 190, not for sure yet. She also has a friend that has the labband and had difficulty with it and she had to be hospitilized, I am not for sure why, but she is scared for me to get it. She said that her freind is not as happy as she was before she got and sort of regret it. What do you think?

I’m interested to hear, from those of you who have RA, (a) did you have to stop taking the medication before, during and/or after the surgery, and on whose advice - rheumatologist or surgeon; and (:thumbup: has the RA improved or worsened since surgery? I am on methotrexate and prednisone (steroids), plus sleeping tablets to help me sleep through the pain at night, and find if I don’t take my medication at about the same time every day, within a couple of hours I am in considerable pain - so I am not looking forward to a few days (?) without the medication, if that is what it takes. I realise these are questions I should really be asking my rheumatologist and the WLS s…

Hi, my name is Petra. I'm new to this site and hope to find lots of support. I will have my band surgery on December 9th. Next week I have to go see the Nutrionist and I guess start my pre-op diet. I think I will go with the Optifast. I'm hoping to loose 120 pounds and get my blood pressure under control. I would love to hear from anybody on their progress with the lap band, does and dont's etc.:rolleyes2:

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the doc started me on Optifast this week. I pushed until this morning (after having a really nasty gallbladder attack last night) and am trying to hold it together. No, the ribs in the fridge aren't calling my name but it is getting interesting around here (especially with all the damn Halloween candy). And no, meditation, walking, keeping busy isn't really helping. I'm craving meat, something substantial and of course, can't. Surgery is November 26th now (doc pushed it two days due to my gallbladder getting yanked at the same time). 25 days....

Howdy, I am looking for a support group Woodland, Davis, Sacramento area. Anyone know of ay good ones. Hopefully geared more towards Lap-band Thanks, Rob

Does anyone else dream about food, or am I just plain nuts? I have not been banded yet, but I am on a six month supervised diet which has me on a 1200 calorie diet (and I have been strictly adhering too). Just today I had a dream that I was gorging down cheesecake lol. It was crazy and so vivid that I woke up thinking I had sabotaged my entire diet! I wish I could say this was the first time I've had these sorts of dreams, but it's not. Since starting my diet, I've been having at least 3 a week. I guess I shouldnt be all that surprised though. When I quit smoking I dreamt of cigarettes too and woke up thinking I had smoked lol. Anyway, I hope I'm not the only one here…

Hello. I'm new to the boards and wanted to say hello. I also had some questions about anyone that had to do or is doing a medically supervised diet. My insurance will cover the surgery if I complete their WL program that is similar to Nutrisystem but with weekly Dr visits and counseling sessions. The problem is that I have a $30 per visit copay and the food alone is $100 per WEEK. That's $130 per week just for my food alone, not to mention the other 3 people in my house who need to eat other things. Now I'm scared. Scared because I can't afford $520 per month just for me to eat, and that doesn't even include fruit, veggies or dairy. For 6 months!!!!! They say that…

Hi Everyone! I am sure this have been thought of prior to me but I wanted to share some ways I am surviving the liquid diet. My Dr. put me on the carnation Breakfast diet and I have been getting bored with chocolate and French vanilla (strawberry was aweful...in my opinion) So I went to the baking section of the grocery store and purchased flavored extracts. The orange extract mixed with the French Vanilla taste like a Dream Sycle. The banana is delicious!!! Peppermint extract, French Vanilla Carnation and warmed milk for breakfast...so good!! There are tons of flavors to choose from. All you need is a couple of dropped so I dont think it's adding more than 5 or 1…

Hello all, I am now scheduled for surgery for Nov 14th! My birthday! I havent met with the nutritionist yet, or even been given a pre op or post op diet but with this forum I have a general idea of what's to come. I keep reading about "shrinking the liver" before surgery (sounds like a bad disco song :tongue_smilie:....) and I was wondering if any of you folks had tried using the weight loss pill Alli to help in aiding the shrinking of the liver? I'm hyper paranoid about anything going wrong or impeding the surgery so I want to make sure I am doing everything possible for the surgery to go as planned :tt1:.

As I'm sitting here sneezing with my allergies, does anyone know if swallowing the post nasal drip will affect the band? Every time I get a head cold, the post nasal drip gives me an upset stomach. I am not banded yet and am wondering if it will be worse with the band-

I am trying to make a shopping list of what will be needed for care after surgery. anyone have a list or can think of anything I cant live without?? 1. Protein shakes 2. s/f popsicles 3. s/f Jello 4. gas x 5. broth 6. pinapple juice (if stuck) 7. liquid tylenol does anyone recommend wearing a girdle after surgery???

Hello, I understand the reason for shrinking the liver. I actually gained weight from when I first went to the dr so now I have 18 pounds to lose instead of ten so I started a little over a week ago trying to lose instead of waiting until the two weeks before as I was told by my doctor. So I am doing slimfast or herbalife for Breakfast and dinner and eating one meal a day with two Snacks. I am doing healthy snacks like yogart, Jello, etc. I am slowly moving away from soda and I have already cut my coffee to half/half and when this container runs out will switch to decaf. I am not perfect and have cheated some but am trying to get used to eating this way. I am also a…

Hey everyone...thought I would see if anyone had a situation like mine. When meeting with the nutrionist last week he told me my BMI was high 57. He told me that my dr might not do the surgery because they like to have your BMI below 50. All of my test results were great...blood work was fine..he said my liver level was a little elevated that was it. I go to see my surgeron Next Thursday 10/30. The nutrionist has put me on an 1500 Calorie diet that I am sticking to like glue and the weight is coming off. Im so scared my surgeon is going to tell me I have to wait until my BMI is below 50. I will be so disappointed. I have been waiting a long time for this surgery. …

So I've all but decided on where I'm having the surgery (OCC, in Mexico) and am just waiting to see my dr. tomorrow before I set the date for sure. I had been hoping to get a date in the third week of November, mainly to avoid the US thanksgiving travel rush as well as give myself time to recover and get through the liquid diet phase before Xmas. However, I was warned that I needed to lose 18 pounds before I could do the surgery, and I'm anxious to get it done no later than the end of November. Is this a realistic amount of time to give myself? 18 pounds in 4 weeks? Have any of you accomplished this? I do have a way out in the sense that if I am not able to lose the wei…

Can anyone who has had a band on for awhile tell me how many fills approximately you have per year, what they cost and does your insurance normally cover the cost? Thanks:tongue:

IM really confused, are we meant to sip liquids forever? no more big gulps? im 9 days post op and i dont really sip my water, im gulping,,is that bad? will my pouch stretch? im sipping everything except water!

I'm getting banded by Dr. Gonzalez on Nov. 1, Sat., and wondered what everyone's opinion of him is? Please tell me both the good and the bad! I'm Nervous!

Being a newly turned 21 year old I was just curious how alcohol consumption and stuff has changed. Are you still able to drink and what is the best thing to drink if your going to do so? please let me know

Sore, scratchy throat. Coughing. Sneezing. General body aches. I am definitely getting a cold. What do I do??? Is it true that if you've got a bug they won't do your surgery??? Is it possible the doctor would call in a prescription of some kind in order to wipe out this cold before it starts, or does that kind of medication actually exist??? I'm freaking out - HELP!!!

I have been reading and it looks like there are 3 options, Lapband, Lapband AP and Realize. I would love to have feedback on this from all of you. To me it looks like the Lapband AP may be best. Is the true?? Thanks, Dreamer