PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was just wondering how long it took you all to recover? I am trying to decide how long I need to expect to take off. I am in college, would a 5 day break be long enough for me to take off and then go back to school? Thoughts anyone? :confused2:

Is there anyone out there that has Harvard Pilgrim Health POS? I was wondering if you could tell me what they require before being approved for the surgery.

In the pre op FAQ section of this site it says this---- Will I need to have blood drawn ? Yes. One of the requirements that most insurance carriers ask for are thyroid function tests (TFTs) to make sure that the reason for your obesity is not a sluggish thyroid gland. A few days prior to surgery you will need to have routine blood work done. If you are on any special medications (such as Coumadin) your MD might require additional blood testing. __________________ Alex ------- Okay, so they test for it. What if my obesity is related to a sluggish thyroid? Does this mean they won't want to do surgery, but fix my thyroid (which I'm on meds for)?

I am attending the free seminar in Maine next Wednesday. I also have a doctors appointment the very next day to talk about a referral with my doctor. I was wondering if you some of you could share your stories about how long it took after the application process, before the surgeon called and then how long after until your date was scheduled?

can u guys tell me the reason for chest x-ray before this procedure? are they checking my lungs because i have asthma? lol. or my heart? thanks in advance. :biggrin: so, on the 5th, i will be doing stress-echo, ekg, chest x-ray. wew. big day, huh? lol. (i think.)

Hell all .. So my surgery is tomorow morning and I am sooo nervous/scared/excited/ wanna get it over with... ahhh... LOL

OMG!!! Has anyone had their surgery during their female time of the month?:thumbup:

My educational whatever thing is next week, but I can't wait that long! The reality of this thing is starting to set in and I've got some questions. 1) How long is the pre op diet? What is it like? Did you take anything to curb your appetite? 2) How long before your consult did you have to wait until your surgery date? 3) Did it take a while to get in with the psych and dietician?

Okay I need some help from anyone currently doing Optifast or have already gone through it. Today was my first day (13 to go) and all I can say is blah! I put ice in the chocolate, then three strawberries in the vanilla (couldn't even taste the berries), then I put a tablespoon of decaf instant coffee in the chocolate and it was "tolerable". Any ideas how to make it a little more flavourful? I'm also wondering is it normal to be peeing ALL the time? I've gone about 8 times already! The only way I'm keeping myself out of the kitchen is by chewing a piece of gum, is this okay during the pre-op? I know that gum is a no-no after banding but would one piece a day hurt d…

HI, I am going to be banded on Friday 08 Aug. 2008. I need to take a lot of medication (about eight different tablets per day.) I understand this may be a serious problem with bockage when the band is installed. Does anyone know the best way to take drugs/meds/vitamins, etc. Are we talking about crushing in a mortal and pestle or some form of cutting or ??? Thanks for any help!!

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so my surgery is exactly one week from today! im kinda nervous but im so excited!!!i know i will do well on this attempt to loose weight. but i have a sad story...to remind us all of how bad we sometimes have it being overweight. my girlfriend and i work at the same place. we work at a park giving out directions and information. a heavy set woman came up to my friend this morning and asked where the cafe was. my friend pointed it out. she told me this woman was really nice and was goooorgeous. there was a father and his son (maybe 15 or 16) bhind this woman. the boy said (laughing) "ohhh now there isnt going to be any food left" the woman heard and my friend s…

I am researching getting the lap band, and I currently work in the ER at a local hospital...I have seen patients come in with serious problems with the band and gastric bypasses. I am curious what serious complications have happened to you or people you know? How often do these complications occur? I really want this, but I know there are risks with every kind of surgery, and when something foreign is put into your body. I'm just trying to look at all avenues. I am really afraid of going through this and fighting the same struggles I'm going through now. Thanks

I was wondering what I can do now to move the Insurance process along? I am attending the seminar next Wednesday. I am going to my PCP next Thursday to get a referral, cholesterol tested, blood pressure, etc.. I have writen a letter for the insurance company about all my attempts ("supervised and un-supervised") to lose weight. I am 5'7" and weigh 264 pounds, I only have two co-morbidities, lower back pain, and pain in my feet. Is there anything else that I can do now to move along the Insurance process? I have Harvard Pilgrim Health Care POS. -Abbie (Hopefull)

Ok, so with my first visit to my Doctor we discussed my smoking. Then, I was smoking a pack a day, now I am able to make a pack last a day and a half. Just wondering if anyone else out there smokes and if my smoking will complicate the surgery?

OK, so my journey started not too long ago and moved very fast. I am scheduled for 8/18 and had my pre-op class yesterday. Here is where I am struggling. My husband has decided he will have nothing to do with it. He will not take me to the hospital or pick me up. He does not want to talk about it or hear about it and I cannot expect any help from him with our three kids while I recover. He says I am lazy and have no discipline and I could just diet and exercise on my own. I swore to myself I would do this for my own health but I am starting to wonder if it is worth it? My mom will take me and pick me up but I will have no one there when I wake up in recovery or…

I was scheduled to be banded here in my city and was very comfortable at first. However, I ended up cancelling my original banding date and my doctor's whole attitude has changed. He has not rescheduled by surgery. I had all the pre-op tests and had been approved by my insurance. I am now looking for another surgeon, hopefully in So Cal, but if I have to go out of my area I do have some questions. I noticed many people go to various centers in different states or even into Mexico for Lap Banding. Does that mean you do meet your surgeon until you arrive for the surgery? What about your pre-op testing, how and where is that scheduled? What about fills and follow-up…

Hi All, I am scheduled for surgery on August 11. I had my pre-op on 8/4. My White Blood Cell count came back high, I don't have any symptoms or anything like that. My surgon wants me to schedule an appt with my PCP for a pan-culture. Problem being, my PCP doesn't even know I'm having surgery and she is 2 hrs away from where I live. Does anyone have an opinion about whether or not I will still be able to have the surgery as scheduled? Thanks for your input!!

I made it... I met my 8 week weigh in goal. In fact I did so well I'm a pound under my goal. I had to loose 5% of my weight before the surgery could be scheduled. I've done it! I'm so proud of myself. Teri:thumbup:

All of a sudden I get this twist in my stomach that tells me I shouldn't do this (lapband). Even though I have made up my mind to go thru with it I just get fleeting thoughts about if I made the right decision, if I am going on the right path in life...etc. It took me a long time just to decide to go thru with it and I still have 3 visits to go before I can even get it authorized by my insurance. Anyone else have this happen to them and should I be concerned? Thanks:huh2:

My question was answered. Thanks!

I just got the news from Tricare today that I have been denied for the Lapband. I'm really upset about it because it was something I was very much looking forward too, I even saved some of my "skinny jeans" just incase I would loose the weight. They denied me because they said my co-morbidities were not severe enough. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Plantar Fasciatis and Arthritis in my knees. But that's not good enough. Even though I wake up in the morning and can't walk because my feet hurt (the fascitis), it has to get bad to the point where I would need surgery for that before they would approve me. Or I would have to contract Diabitis from the Ovaraian Synd…

I am in the process of getting my advance directives taken care of. I know this is a simple procedure but, well I guess you have to have these things. Are there forms that I would fill out, can I just write them down? I am not sure how to approach this. Any direction will be appreciated. Thanks!

Make sure you have completely understood the changes you are about to put your body through. Make sure that your mind is insinc with what your heart is doing,. Ask ask ask questions, don't think you got the answer ask some more. Remind yourself that this is a decision that you have to live with you can't go home and change your mind after its done.. Yeah its reversible but does the cost out weigh the means. Find a confidant, ask ask ask questions... Not happy with your surgeon change remember this is your body...

Hi, I just want to say to goodbye to all! I was approved for the gastric bypass and I rarely see anyone on here that has had the bypass so I guess I need to bow out gracefully. I wish you all the best of luck with getting banding! I was denied because my BMI was too high. We ran it through for bypass basically just to see what BCBSNC would do, and sure enough they approved it in 2 days. I know this was meant be because I've had this in the lords hands from the very beginning. I wish everyone the best of luck!!!!!!!!

So, I just returned from a fun four-day weekend in Vegas! I lost but had a blast with DH. I hadn't been online until this morning and saw that Tricare Prime has denied my approval. :biggrin: I can't believe how upset I am. I have a 35.6 BMI and have asthma and PCOS. I did a sleep study a week ago but those results haven't come through. My question and I'm hoping for some help is . . . has anyone appealed? Any pointers on how to get APPROVED? All help is greatly appreciated. Sad day for me. Thanks so much! Just me, Brenda B.

When I told a "friend" about my desire to look into the Lapband as a tool, She became very angry with me! and almost hateful. She said, i was copping out! along with other hurtful things. She is a ministry major in college. Well I actually began to doubt my thought process, I mean i've prayed about this and all, as I do rely on my Faith for daily decisions..... well a story i heard in Church years ago came to me..... and I wrote it in my Lapband Journal at Home....... i'd like to share the entire entry with you, ~ one day a great flood hit a small town, A man was able to climb onto the roof of his house, the flood Water rose higher and higher.... the man prayed "dear L…

I was referred to Dr. Ren in NYC and, to see her, I need to get a referral from my GP, then see a psychiatrist, when approved by the psychiatrist, I will see a nutritionist. After the nutritionist approved me, I will get to see the surgeon. What is the nutritionist looking for?

Hey ALL Lovely People, Okay sooooo I feel soooo gross... I have been eating everything in sight for the last 2 plus weeks.. (I know, not good)... I know that I will not be able to eat like this ever again.. and I am doing the surgery for a lifestyle change... Did anyone else pig out?? Or is it just me?? LOL

I am a self-pay patient. I have done every test, every lab, everything they asked. I am a teacher and have the summer off. I started this process in May. I realize some people take a year or more to get this done, but with self-pay I think it would be faster- and should be. I don't have a certain date yet. Once I was told they would TRY to schedule me for Aug. 18th, as this is the last possible date I could have the surgery before I have to go back to work. I still have to have I think 1-2 more pre-op appointments and have not been given a diet or anything. Last time I needed an appointment I waited a month!!! I don't have time to wait a month before time runs out. …

Well I contacted the surgeon after not hearing back from them VIA Email like they said they would send after the seminar, seems tho a letter was left out of my email address... Anyways While I was on the phone... She said she looked over my insurance info and since I have met my deductable for the year, that all i will have to pay the surgeon for my surgery is 600 DOLLARS!!! This is great news to me since i thought i would have to pay like 2400 which was my out of pocket expense. The dr said i would also have to pay the hospital a bit, but from what I know of experiences with hospitals you can work out a payment option with them and it deffinately still wont be more than …

I've been on a bit of a roller coaster this last month. First the insurance was going to pay but I was going to have to do the six month doctor supervised nutrition and exercise program. Then I found out that my company directly excludes bariatric surgery...I was SO BUMMED! My hubby and I decided to self pay and man! things are happening so fast! I went for my psych eval yesterday and met with my surgeon. I'm having pre-operative tests done Thursday and my surgery has been scheduled for August 22!

:biggrin:I got a call this morning, they had a cancellation and asked if I could come in Friday afternoon to meet with the social worker... sooo excited, hope she didn't think I was a flake, I think I let a crazy giggle out!!! I went to the seminar June 18th, it took 7 weeks..wow Sad thing, I don't feel like I had anyone to tell that would be really happy for me or that would understand the significance of this but all of you!! I was going to their offices that day anyway to attend a support group, now I can do both... Do they tell you their recomendation right away?? or do I have to wait?? I really feel like I am ready for this now, where a month ago I was still contempl…

My surgery is on July 30th (I can't wait!!!) and I'm starting to think about the meal replacement shakes for the pre-op diet. Any suggestions? (brands, flavors, tips and money savers!?) Thanks!:cool2:

:confused2: Hello Everyone, I was originally going to get the gastric sleeve, but found out my insurance didn't cover that procedure, even though a Representative originally said they did. I had done all my pre-op appointments, but now my doctor wants me to do the lapband. I was wondering if the success rate was as high on the lapband as the gastric bypass. I tried doing a side-by-side comparison, but not much is really out there on the internet. I worry about finding places to do the "fills" in case I ever move or will the band have to be replaced after 20 years. Any information would be great! Thanks.

Hi everyone, I have a concern about the pre op diet. I have been on it for 1 week with 1 week to go and I have only lost 6 lbs. I am very worried that it is not going to be enough and I am either not going to have my surgery or wake up with a big open incision mark on me!! I have been pretty good on the diet, only cheating a little bit yesterday. So I don't know what to do!! I am scared that I am not going to have my surgery.:smile::confused2: Has anyone else had this thought/problem? Thanks

Hey All... Soooo I am having my surgery on Friday... my surgery is outpatient... I am scared... can anyone give me insignt on how your outpatient surgery went?

Now I have to get up the courage to call and make an appointment. lol I googled them and went to their website and it talks about the surgery being a necessity if you have one or more co-morbidity issues.. and I have none... I have nothing negative health wise related to being over weight? My joints don't ache.. no sleep apnea, no diabetes, no heart issues.. cholesterol is just about normal and so on and on.. so I may not be a candidate. I talked to a lady who has tricare for their insurance she said they would deny me once the surgery was requested because of that fact so I don't know. I'm gonna try and make the appointment next week or after... nothing this week beca…

I'm starting to get really worried... my throat is starting to hurt, I have a bunch of mucus coming up, my nose is stuffy and I've just started coughing! :thumbup: What should I do to hurry up and get rid of this my surgery is August 21st?

Has anyone had any experience with the center at Ellis Hospital? I am scheduled to attend the weight loss seminar there and was wondering if anyone had any inside information. I have been there before to visit a nutritionist but never met any of the doctors or surgeons.

Okay I guess i am really getting nervous now since Tuesday is my day. But can anyone tell me about "the tube"..............I don't know what to expect and I am getting scared.....I here some say that their throat is sore after the surgery..etc. So I just want to know the experiences from others. Will I be awake or under when they put it in?? What can I do to minimize the pain after the surgery? Someone please advise i am really scared right now and I need to know more to be at ease.............Thanks!:biggrin:

On August 26th!!! Finally! Not as soon as I would like but I will take it. I have no further pre-op labs needed so I will meet with the surgeon again. I also will be allowed to do a modified version of my pre-op diet as I have lost 15 pounds already.:thumbup::biggrin::wub: I am ready to being this new chanpter!

Hello, just wondering what I can expect tomorrow at my initial consult with my bariatric surgeon. I know every dr. is different but just wondering in general what to expect. Thanks!

Hi there I have a hernia ( sliding) which causes me no probs at all. Would this be a contra indication for being banded? If so, can anyone tell me why? Has anyone had a hernia pre operation? Thanks Arran

OK everyone, today makes it exactly 2 weeks until I start my weight loss journey. That's right, I have 2 weeks until I am banded. I was just wondering, does anyone know how long it takes to have the surgery done? I watched it being done on youtube, (which was really cool) and it only took like an hour to watch. So, I'm thinking 45 minutes to an hour to perform it? Anyone wanna let me know how far off I am? Also, if you don't mind, can someone tell me what I need to take to the Hospital with me? I'm staying overnight so I'm thinking I'll need to bring something. Good luck to everyone out there that is joining the banding community this month, it's going to be a …

I have been considering the lap band for a long time, and attended my first seminar back in January. I went to my PCP, got a referral, got my psychological evaluation, met with the surgeon, and then just... stopped. I think that it was a combination of getting a bunch of confusing insurance statements that made me think I was thousands of dollars in the hole, and a consultation with a bariatrician who seemed to think I would fail no matter what. I decided that I wasn't in the right head space for a lap band. And yet, several months later-- I have realized that without consciously trying, I've given up carbonated beverages, cut WAY back on alcohol (from 2-3 drinks per ni…

I am sooooo mad right now! I just got off the phone with my sister who tells me that I just need to diet. I dont need surgery. I have been big all my life. Every diet I have tried I have lost and then gained it all back plus some. How is it that everyone else thinks it is just so easy to diet? She is overweight and diabetic. I do not want to ever have diabetes. Why cant they be just be happy with my decision to change? Any words of wisdom to help make them understand?:laugh::drool::eek:

and this has me worried, I don't have a fever bout my throat is sore and irritated... I'm popping vitamin C (1,000 mg) in the hopes that that and rest will have it clear up in time. but you think they'll still do surgery if there's nothing in my lungs and I dont have a fever?

I thought Dr. Kurian was fantastic - I loved her sense of humor! The insurance coordinator said that depending on which surgeon you choose it's a 3-4 month wait. Was anyone else from this board there?

okay so as i've posted, my surgery is set for aug 14th 2008. im very excited and could not wait for this stage. but now im getting nervous and i need some words of encouragement. what if i dont lose weigt? ive seen posts of people who have had the band for months and have only lost 10 lbs. what if my band slips or something? what if this whole loosing weight experience isnt at all what i built it up to be in my head? is it really goin to feel THAT good when i loose weight? my hospital mandates this very intense pre op testing. i had to go to a neurologist, cardiologist (echo & stress test), gastric(colonoscopy & endoscopy) psych evaluation, abdominal sonogr…