PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Which of the bands are better, my date is Oct 13, I can get either, are the port fills easier one way or the other, is the Realize online system much better, or are there not that many people out there who have had a choice, if so can you relate why you took the road you did? TIA- matt

Just wondering if anyone has been approved for WLS and suffer from Colitis? I was diagnosed with colitis 4 years ago. However, I have not had any issues and take no medications for the past 3 years. My insuance is CareFirst Bule Cross Blue Shield Open Access. I live in Maryland if anyone could suggest a doctor who might perform the procedure with my diagnosis I would like to hear from you.

I did not know that I would have to do a six month mandatory program prior to the lap band until I went to the siminar. Is this something that is now required for everyone?

so its it is 11:43 pm on wednesday. tomorrow morning i will be banded!!! im so anxious, nervous and excited. i finally made it!!! everyone wish me luck. i'll post as soon as i can to update and give feedback thanks for everyone's help through this process it has helped me so much samantha<3

My surgery is scheduled for August 15th and I would love to talk with others who have been through the process. Bottom line, I am wanting to know what to expect a couple of days after the procedures, a week, 2 weeks, etc. Will I be hunger? In pain? The surgery is on Friday and my doctor told me if I felt like it I could return to work (desk job) on Tuesday. Is that realistic?:biggrin:

Hey there everyone. Getting SUPER excited for the BIG DAY just one week from TODAY!!! YIPPEEE!!! :sleep2: I started my pre-op LSD on Monday, using the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder. I'm finding that I am feeling somewhat funny from it though. Monday it was a rank migraine :crying: (possibly from the big time cut back in food volume I'm guessing), yesterday it was this heavy, gassy feeling really low in my tummy :Banane37:, and today it's more nauseous than anything. Anyone else get that? I'm determined to not stop the diet because I want the safest surgery possible bu…

I haven't been to the seminar yet I go tonight, for those of you who didn't read my last post. I have been reading about having to thin out our liver...how the heck do we do that?

Can anyone out there who has had the banding, or knows the answer to this question let me know what kind of pain management program they put you on after surgery? When you come out of the surgery do they give you something like Dilauded? Or Morphine? Or something else? What about while you are recovering? What should one expect as far as post-surgical pain and how medications help? Can you ingest pain pills, or do they give it to you in a different form? Thanks.

When I did my labs they discovered I had a UTI. I didn't even notice because I had been using the bathroom more because of the heat, and my desire to drink more Water in preparation for having the band....I was on antibiotics for ten days!! But, now my surgery is on Monday and I really think it may have come back!! I am definitely feeling SOMETHING. I had my appointment today where I signed all the papers and everything. At that appointment they did another exam, but no labs. I need to have the last labs done Friday. I asked about a UTI and she said if I had one again, they would give me a big dose of antibiotics... but I am afraid whatever it is will mess everyth…

So, I've been on the board for a while, but I'm confused about initial weight loss. It sounds like many people don't lose very much right after surgery, but aren't consuming many calories. Can anyone explain this. I would think that being on the liquid and mushies diet would make you lose a lot initially and then you would taper off...

Hi All!! Can everyone tell me how long after ALL paperwork was to submitted to your insurance company did you receive your approval?? Thanks!! :redface:

Tonight is the Free Seminar in Biddeford, Maine! This is where we (my cousin and I) fill out the application that the surgeon reviews to see if you qualify for the sugery. We also are attending our first bariatric surgery support group after the seminar. I am so excited and at the same time so nervous,:crying: I have the worst luck of anyone in the world. So, when I hope for something good I get sick to my stomach:crying: because it almost never works out for me. I will post back again when if I hear anything from the surgeon later this week or next week. Wish me luck. Abbie:thumbup:

hello i was wondering if anyone has had surgury with them as your insurer. I was wondering what the co-pay is for it. Some places i have seen says $250...others i don't know. Anyone know?

Wow, I think, I am getting closer to realizing the dream of having a lapband! I began exploring this process a year ago, and when I found out that I would have to go through a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program, I sort of fizzled out...for about 6 months. Finally, when I should have been completing my 6 month program, I began it, and now... yes, now, 20 lbs lighter, but still morbidly obese, I am wrapping up month 5 and have made the next required step with my program ( NYU) I've scheduled the required appt with the psychologist! Woo hoo. This appointment won't be until 9/5, but it is on the calendar and will be here before you know it! After…

I just wanted to vent. I read posts almost daily. I have been researching the band for about 2 years. I decided to do it! So, I begin my journey. I have done several tests and my psych evaluation. I get a call today from the psychologist today. He is very sorry but at this time he can NOT give me a referral. When I asked him why? Because I am depressed. NO kidding? I am 100 #'s + overweight... blah blah blah.... So, he said I have to go to a therapist 1 x a week for 6 months and then go see him again. I spoke with the lady at the surgery center, she said this was very rare that someone gets denied for depression. She said the evaluation also showed a history of drug and a…

So as many of you already know I'm looking into getting the lap band surgery early next year. I've been researching constantly. They say you can never research too much. hehe.. Anywho.. I was just wondering....... Would you guys recommend me trying to do a liquid/mushy liquid diet for a week or two? I just want to see what it's like and test the waters. I know that post surgery my stomach is obviously going to be a lot smaller so I won't have the hunger pains, but I know that before surgery most docs have you have a liquid diet like 10 days prior to surgery. If you guys DO recommend me doing this, what do you suggest I do as far as what types of liquids and whatnot?…

Hello, hoping someone will answer this question for me. My mail came a lil opened last week from the doctor and I think the pre op bowel cleanse may have been in it. Are we suppose to drink the liquid all at one time or throughout the day-the day before surgery? Also they said to purchase Citrus of magnesium for this.....but I only found magnesium citrate....Is this the same thing? I a pretty sure it is....Please help, thankyou, Debbie :teeth_smile::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::wub::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I will be banded on 8/22 (my 38th wedding anniversary!) My doctor does not require much of a pre-op diet so I thought I would try to change my bad habits starting today.. I bought a toddlers fork & spoons. So I used them to eat my scrambled eggs. Tried to remember two chew chew chew and took small bites. I soon learned it wasn't as easy as I thought. It took so long that I actually lost interest in what I was eating. Now that is a first! I now understand why people post that you have to concentrate while eating or you will get in trouble! Please share your experiences. Thanks

I've heard there is difference between getting the REALIZEBand and the origianl lapband surgery, but I don't know what it is. Is there a difference really at all? the reason why i ask is because I found out about he lapband surgery itself on REALIZEband.com and they advised me to go to a seminar. Now I don't midnd doing that. But the only guy near Raleigh, NC is 70 miles away that specifically does this "realize band" -- would i be wasting money to travel or is this REALIZE band any better??

I have been approved to move on to the nutritionist, but because I had asked my pcp about my anxiety, and she sent me to a shrink, and the shrink said I should see a Cognitive Behavior Therapist (CBT) for my anxiety. The social worker at the Bariatric Center agreed.. and so do I for the most part.. it just seemed that our conversation was more about the past then where I am now. I have been through a lot and have gotten through it for the most part alone. I know that they need a little history but I am looking for ways to deal with anxiety should it happen and felt we kept getting way off track.. Anyways, has anyone had CBT therapy before bariatric surgery? Most of the…

I am in my waiting period per my insurance which is 6 months before having my procedure I am in my 5 month alrady.Since I have been having to wait I have had lots of questions in which I dont know anyone who has had the procedure to ask so maybe someone can help me?? What do I have to look forward to the day of the surgery? the first week? How soon were u able to go back to work?? I have a sit down job so I am planning on returning to work with really no time off but for maybe 3 days? Will I be able to do this?? Vomiting is my worse fear can this be avoided?? I would love some feed back if possible thanks austex

I can't remember the title of a book about lap band surgery - something like the before and after of living with a lap band? There is a moderator here that usually suggests it. Anyway, I'm only a week or so out from my surgery and I should have ordered it already! I had it saved on my other computer but it bit the dust. Can someone please tell me again what its called and if you know of anywhere I can get it cheaper than amazon? Thanks!

Hey guys. I plan on attending a seminar next month about the lapband sugery. However I’m just confused on what the qualifications criteria is. I received a packet on the eligibility and it said the following: 1. Must be 100 pounds over ideal weight or have a BMI of 40 or above for 4 of the past 5 years (without co-morbidities) or BMI over 35 for 4 of the past 5 years with documented co-morbidities….ie. hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, etc. 2. Must be able to provide physician documented weight history for the past 5 years. (2004-2007) So here’s my question.. I DO have a BMI of 41.6 which makes me qualify for the surgery. Howeve…

medicine can you use after the band? I have painful knees and get back pain. After you have the band are you unable to have Advil? I know I've read this somewhere and I can't find it. Any ideas? Or links?

I was out with some friends this last Friday night and my friend introduced me to this girl who is also getting the lapband done here in Memphis. I am excited for her and we start talking about the whole process and surgery. She tells me she "already has approval from her insurance" but she still needs to attend a seminar and have her psych eval. So I tell her about this and a couple of the other websites I have found helpful. She says once she has met those requirements she is just waiting on a surgery date. That is bad enough that here is this other person just skippin right through and being approved for surgery with hardly any effort ( I KNOW I SHOULDN'T BE ENVIO…

Well, over the weekend I finally put in my personal blog ~~ I am Just Sayin'~~ that i was in the beginning stages of preping for the Lap band.. I've had some negative feedback and some positive feedback from a few close friends and family that I already told. I have been faithfully blogging about my weightloss journey for over a year now, and suddenly for the past few months i sorta have been "skirting" the issue, I have decided that what i am doing is right for me, and whether you agree or disagree I am going to do what is best for me. I feel good not being ashamed that I may be getting the lapband to asst me with my journey to better health. i have a few people…

Bought this before my surgery and have worn it everyday since. Seems my regular bras are still a little tight (swelling) and this has been so comfortable! They fit true to size and stretch a mile!!! Anyway, thought I'd share: Plus Size Front Hook Bras at WomanWithin.com

I have been wondering two things: 1. Do we have to get a catheter for the banding operation? 2. Do you wear underwear during the operation/what if TOM is here?? Thanks! Amy

Hi, I have my first appointment Tuesday with the surgeon's PA. Does anyone have any ideas on what questions I should ask her? Thanks! Lisa

How long after surgery was your stomach bigger from the gas? When did you start noticing that it was going down and the gas was gone? What did you do to help with the gas? Sorry for all the questions--I'm being banded on Thursday, Aug. 14.

Hey everyone. This may be more of a blog thing instead of a thread but I am needing some serious help here. It is now 1 week and 1 day until my surgery date. It's 12:11 a.m. and I can't sleep. I am so nervous right now, that I am just about sick at my stomach. I want so bad to have this surgery. I look at the before and after pictures of the men and women on here and I can just picture myself thin again. I can see myself a happier person, a better wife, and a better mom. I don't want to be afraid to look in the mirror anymore because I know that when I do, I will feel nothing but disappointment in myself for letting my weight get so out of control. So what'…

Is everyone taking their vitamins? I am 2 months post op, I just relised I am not taking my vitamins, oops feedback please:confused:

i am new to this group, i am on the second month of the diet, i am doing ok, i have lost 10 lbs, not the greatest but that is ok. is anyone on the tricare insurance? good luck to everyone.:wink_smile:

The bariatric center I went to insists that my insurance requires a 6 mon medically supervised diet and probably won't get approval without it. My insurance says it is not required but if sent in, they would use it along with other documentation provided to determine if the LB is medically necessary. My BMI is 43 with several documented co morbidities, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe backpain. I feel I definitely meet the criteria without the supervised diet plan and hate to wait another 6 months but I would also hate to not be approved for the LB. I don't know what do do.. Please help.... thanks....

I come to this site everyday to read what others are posting about their bands. I read questions and concerns that others have. Sometimes I even have information to offer(but not often as I am not a bandster yet). If I gett approved by my insurance I plan to be banded in October. I should have everything submitted to Insurance by next week.(I hope) Right now my obsession is the post op diet, how to make it as easy as possible for something so hard. I know how much Fluid I need to take to keep hydrated and how much Protein I need, but how many calories do I need? How do I get all of those calories in and keep my intake sugar free. I was planning on reg. Gatorad…

Anyone have United Healthcare? If so, what hoops did they make you jump through for approval?

So I talked to my ins company yesterday, to find out the specifics on my requirements. I have been gaining weight for 6 years, but I found out that I have to have a BMI of 35% or more for 3 years. I am not sure if I have. I went from 140 to 218 in 6 years, and 3 years ago I was 196. I have not been below 196, but I am not sure if my BMI was 35% at that weight. Did anyone else have this problem?

Monday Nite On Oprah Focuses On Teen Who Undergoes Wls & Their Parents Who Went Along With It...Tune In Everybody.

Ive been in a program for awhile for overweight teens & you have to go threw 6months of it before they actually tell u if ur able to get surgery or if you'll just continue the program if its not severe.. the problem is Im not just overweight Im obese & have lots of weight to lose I get Back problems Problems Breathing Borderline diabetic & so on... Diabeties/Cancer/Obesity & many many others things like heart attacks/strokes & so on.. all runs in my family & others things I dont like to talk about! After only being in the program for 4months My doc told me that shed refer me as a canidate for it & thinks I need it & deserve …

I am so impatient. I have another 4 mos to go before i can see the surgeon about my lap band. doing the 6 mos supervised with my doc first. Have the sleep study done, tons of blood work in my records, have a psych who will sign off after i try with reg doc for 6 mos, and have a dietician in doc's office so unless they want me to see someone in particular I set. Probably some more hoops on the way but hopelfully they will fly by and I will be ready to go. Soon, very soon. Hoping for a Feb or March date. Some days it goes really fast other days it is so SLOOOOWWWW!!!

WOOHOO I got a date!!!! Pre-op apt on 8/15, surgery on 8/18! AWSOME...I have been jumping insurance hoops for over 6 months, got approved on 7/30 and now have a date! Seems like waiting forever, and now running full speed! I'm not complaining thou! New me....here I come! :wink_smile: :tongue: :thumbup:

Omg!!! Im getting so frustrated!! Im supposed to start my 2 week diet and I have specific instructions to use Optifast and I can't find it anywhere. Does anyone kno where I can buy it? ~Thanx Bunches

Hey everyone...I am not proud of myself today! I had a set back and I allowed my emotions to take over and I went with a friend to a hot dog joint and had a greasy spinach pie and cheeze fries. :cool2::cursing::confused2::cursing::tt2: I am very upset with myself. I was banded 7/29 ...9 days out and I let myself do this....and the thing is ....I have no restriction at all yet and nothing happened.....accept having to go to uh em...the washroom.... I was waiting just hoping that something would kick in and nothing at all! If I am going to do this for me I cannot do this to myself. HELP!!!! Im not ashamed to say I need encouragement n advice!!! I need a good kick in…

I'm new to the site and going to a seminar next week to see if lap band is for me and if my insurance with UHC Choice will cover the cost. I come from a big family that loves to eat and now my brain has lost the ability to tell me when I'm done . . .until my pants feel too tight and I feel sick. I'm a mother to a 10 month old and need to do something to change my life for myself and for my little girl. I have a slow thyroid and no energy as it is being 100+ over weight with a BMI of 40.3. I'm scared about what my future holds if I don't get in better health and feel like a failure for not being able to lose weight with Dr. Atkins, Scarsdale, Dr. Phil, cabbage soup, water…

This book is a new 2008 publication on the lap band which I have just read and would HIGHLY recommend to anyone considering having the procedure. The book is titled, " Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band ". It can be ordered online from Borders books. 295 pages. Tom

Just a few questions about what and how I will be able to eat after surgery.. -I hear you have to eat your proteins first, can you do sandwiches? Pizza? Sushi since they are combinations? -What happens if something is really dry, can you take a sip of water? -Is it ok to snack? Or do you have to just do the 3 meals a day? -Do drinks make you full at non meal times? -How does alcohol affect you? Thanks!

Right now all I can think about is how nervous I am about being "put under". Has anyone ever been given a xanax or some other nerve pill pre op to chill out? I'm all good with surgery and I know life isn't going to be roses and sunshine for the first week (or two... or month..), but I'm just so nervous about that.

Just need to give myself a little boost here. I know you all will understand. First, let me say that I hate exercise. I will find ANY excuse, even scrubbing a toilet, to not exercies. See, I used to be a competitive powerlifter and my demon-coach made me work out 4-5 hours a day 6 days a week and since I gave that up, I can't stand it. WELL, after my pre-op class, I was determined to try. I can hardly do anything because I get out of breath and my knees and feet hurt but I am doing it!! I did 10 minutes on the treadmill followed immediately by 10 minutes on the bike. And not only did I do it once, I have done it daily for 3 days now. I just feel so good and for t…

Does anyone know the incidence of hernias after surgery. I want to push on stomach exercises after surgery and time to heal, but does the surgery prevent anyone from heavy weights and lots of ab exercises? Tnx

I am 1 week post-op and seem to be unable to sleep on my side any longer. When I do it feels like a weight is sitting on my chest. I'm worried because I just can't sleep on my back for very long, so I've been sleeping in my recliner. Is this normal? Do I just need to wait & let things heal a bit longer?