PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have a question about medication and the band. I take effexor xr which is a capsule and it is the extended release. I can not break it in half, and i am not sure if it is to big to take after the band. I can not just stop taking. Anybody have any experience with this. ????:confused2:

Hello! I am scheduled to be banded on August 12th by Dr. Ortiz. I’m am very excited, I can’t WAIT to go through with this! But I wanted to get some people's opinions... Here's my situation: I just turned 20 years old. I am 5'3" and 190lbs. I have a very stocky build (lots of proportionate curves and all muscle). People would never guess that a weigh as much as I do, I carry it very well (no protruding belly, etc) I am a size 12. I became 'overweight' at puberty (just kinda chubby I guess). Since then I have perpetually been on diets. I lose some, then gain, then lose, then gain, etc. I am extremely active. I love physical labor and work on farms and ranches. Even thou I…

Hello there Does anyone know if you can use slendertone belts or vibrogym's at the gym once you have had a band fitted???

I am planning to use short term disablity to cover my time from work. I have never had to use and I am waiting to get a packet from my HR department . How does the short term work? Can anyone let me know what their experience has been? Thanks!

My surgery is Friday and when I look on this site I see that a lot of people have had some sort of trouble with their band, like one of the posters stated that the doctor couldn't find her port and this was her first fill. I know we are a small group compared to all the people who have had the Lap band surgery. But sometimes and probably more now since I am getting close to the surgery it scares me thinking what if and should I really do this. How did you ease your nerves? I am not sleeping now I lay and worry but I am a worrier by nature. Dr okayed the ativan to help with nerves.

Hey everyone my doctors office told me today that my insurance might ask me for 6 months of diet before they approve me lap band surgery. When I read the documents that insurance sent me it does not say anything about having to have 6 months of documentation. I did do 3 months of adipex with my doc and they have that record. I hope that is enough to get me through. Have any of you had this happen? They will be submitting my info to the insurance company tomorrow. Please say a little prayer for me!

I noticed a lot of people are struggling during their pre-op diets. Since I just found out my liver is enlarged, I will need to be extra strict on my pre-op diet to make it shrink as much as possible. So I thought of a way to avoid cheating during the pre-op diet. My idea is to plan a huge last dinner party - with whichever family and friends who know you're doing the lap band and who support this decision (no naysayers!). Make it a big bash, you're celebrating your new journey, your new life. This will truly be your last huge meal ever (unless you get the band removed). Either have it in your favorite restaurant, or get take-out of your favorite foods from several…

Did anybody here gain weight or use ankle weights, fishing weights, etc. to add to their weight? I'm considering it as I only need a few extra pounds to be a shoo-in for approval. Wanting to know others opinion on the subject and if anyone else has ever done this.

I'm fairly new to this whole process and right now I'm finishing up my 6 month doctor supervised diet (last appt in Sept) and my bariatric surgeons are beginning to send me off for the pre-op testing. I have been scheduled for a pulmonary function test which is no biggie since I've done that before. They are also doing the labwork that day which is no big deal. My question is about the cardiolite stress test and echocardiogram they have ordered. I've googled them and know what they are, but I'd like to know from a patient's perspective what its like to go through them (don't hold back). I'm a little concerned about the camera they use for the stress test. The picture from…

hey yall, i have just completed my 6 months but have been advised that it would be better to go an extra month to be on the safe side. BC/BS of Ala. apparently wont approve if not exactly 183 days under doctor supervision. I'm so glad that I found this site. It is good to be able to talk to people who are going through the same thing and really understand how I feel.:smile2: I hope that I will get a chance to talk with some of you soon.

I just viewed a complete lap band surgery on Youtube. If you go to Youtube and key in " Live Lap-band surgery - Kansas City ", there are 5 parts and it takes about an hour to watch. It is a quality video of a complete lap band surgery. I am having my lap band surgery in February and feel a lot more comfortable knowing and seeing exactly what happens. This is a MUST to watch for anyone thinking about or planning to have the surgery.

Hi everyone, I'm post op and expecting my surgery the end of August so I am posting this for a friend of mine. She had her surgery on Tuesday 7/22/08 and has tried the Unjury Protein but doesn't like it at all. Can you please give us some input as to what you all do to get you proteins in daily. She is going to try some other types however she is afraid that she won't be able to tolerate any of them and wants some ideas of other things to try. Thanks all!!!

My surgery is one month from TODAY!!!! Woohoo... Im so excited!!! I have my surgery consultation on the 30th!! Any suggestions on questions you wish you couldve asked if you knew it during your consultation??? I start my pre-op in about a week.. and i have a few questions: 1- Is there anybody who is loctose in tolerant?? If so- what kind of protein power are you using for your protein shakes??? all that i have seen are not soy based. 2- I have to drink 2 slim fast shaked a day- i found lactose free ones, yeah! But my question is what flavor is better?? strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla??? Also- any other suggestions that you may have about the pre-op diet, i would LOV…

Hi everyone, I am due to be banded on wednesday the 30th and I am almost 6 days on full liquids and I noticed yesterday evening that I was having bad breath. It is like the "ketosis breath" from adkins. That is what I think it is, has anyone else had this too? Does it continue after you are banded? This is horrible. I brush and swish and it comes back! OK just wondering, thanks for any replies!:teeth_smile::thumbup:

Did anyone have a tummy tuck at any time PRIOR to surgery? I had one after I was sure I'd stay at the weight I lost 8 years ago. Now my tummy is relatively flat, but I have gained a HUGE butt and thighs. Does it make the banding surgery more difficult? Did you lose weight proportionately?

For those of us about to be banded... I realize each doctor has different criteria and each person is different in what they experience... but... What things would you do differently if you knew then, what you know now? For instance, one person said they would have bought multiple gas relief products... To help us prepare.. should we stock up on certain foods, meds, dos and don'ts... that kind of stuff... Also a side question... has anyone used Reglan for the gas? I use those sometimes now, I'm wondering if it will be okay after banding.

Hi everyone, My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 24th with Dr. Kirschenbaum. I am really excited about it but I am starting to scare myself with worries. I realize there are risks with any surgery but I can't stop thinking "what if I die?". I have read there is a 1 in 50 chance of dying during gastric bypass. Is there a death percentage for lap band procedures? Is it rude to ask your doctor if anyone has died while he was operating on them? Did any of you have this worry? Thanks, Michelle

I should be scheduled for pre-op this week, but yesterday I came down with a flu:frown: Does anyone know if they will postpone the pre-op for this reason? Thanks!

Hi everyone, I am new here. I am going in for a consult on Mon. with Dr. Jerry Simpson in Phoenix. I have been reading as much as I can on the Band. But what can I expect? Will I be hungry? How long is long recovery, really? I had a TT/MR 2 yrs ago and my dr. said it would be about 6 wks recovery, it was more like a few months before I could work out. I am self pay so this should happen fast. Any one else in AZ? Oh, how do you survive the pre-op diet?

ok group i need answers i binged on a cheesesteak and 2/4 lbs of fudge 5 days before surgery im on a all slim fast diet with clear the day before can i do all liquids from here on out and be ok im also taking saline laxatives i need advice please ty mike

Ok folks, I am a long time lurker/reader and first time poster... I got approved on June 25th and my surgery is scheduled for July 30th.. I started liquids today.. The most extensive thing I have ever had done was I had my wisdom teeth taken out so needless to say I am TERRIFIED/NERVOUS/EXCITED.. all at the same time.. I actually didn't know that was possible but it is.. I just wanted to come on here and talk a little to get the nerves in check.. It seems when I have a moment of "OMG, I can't believe I am doing this", I come on here and read and i relax.. My biggest fear is making it through the liquids part.. That is what I am channeling all my energy into.. I don't know…

Hi All, Is it possible to have the Lap Band when you have a tummy full of metal and mesh? I had 3 hernia surgeries within 6 months of each other 3 years ago and heard this might might disqualify me for surgery, is this true? Tiny Girl

K so I have like 3 days (july 29th) till my surgery. I'm just wondering if I will be able to drink my protein shake (made with water) during the 3 days of my clear liquids before my surgery...?

I have some questions I'm hoping those of you who have had the LapBand can answer. While I know there is less chance of vitamin deficiency with LapBand, do you still need to take multi-vitamin or any other type of daily supplement and do they have to be chewable or can they be crushed? Also, I have PCOS and my hair is thin and sheds easily. Do those of you who had PCOS and maybe had this symptom see an improvement or did it get worse because of lack of nutrition or whatever? Thanks in advance for any information you can give me!

OK-So I have 7 days left until my surgery date and I am sooo mad at myself!:cursing: I just can't get it together! My pre-op diet isn't even as hard as everyone elses...I can have meats! I am on a low carb high Protein diet and although most days have been good..today was a FLOP! After eating my dinner-steak and green Beans...I began having a HUGE "sweet tooth"...typically I can have some fruit or a diet dr pepper and be good.. Soooo, I had both and it didn't work so guess what I did....:sneaky: i went to Mcds...I know I shouldnt have but the sweet tooth turned into a craving for sweets and a cig!!! I dont know what happened..next thing i know i am at the drive thru o…

Did anyone prepare and freeze their mushies ahead of time? Were you still feeling sore or dizzy from the surgery at that point? I wouldn't want to have to cook if I was feeling sore/dizzy, that's why - but if I weren't feeling sore/dizzy, I think I'd prefer fresh food that I'd just cooked.

My name is Bruce and I am thinking about the lapband surgery. I am looking everywhere I can for helpful info. Because I am thinking about the surgery, I have changed my eating quite a bit. No burgers, pizza, chips etc... My question is about something that I have heard very little about, drinking water. When your stomach is the size of a dixie cup, how can you drink enough water to keep hydrated when you are doing yard work or playing sports? The smaller amount of food shouldn't be a problem bacause I want this very much, but I do a lot of outdoor activities and drink a lot of water or crystal lite type drinks. Once you get thursty how do you drink enough to quench your t…

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a couple of months ago and just saw that it can be a reason to be denied. I am on synthroid. This is frustrating to me as I was NOT hypothyroid a couple of years ago but was still morbidly obese--obviously, my thyroid is not the problem. I have heard that it can sometimes take a long time to regulate--how long? Does it sometimes regulate quickly? My TSH was 5.4. THANKS! ~~anne

Hi everyone, well i went for my consultation at Derby hospital in the UK last week, Bloods are all normal, cholesterol from 7.5 to 6.9 which im pleased about, They have told me i have to start eating 3 meals a day properly for 2 months, as im not a good regular eater, for years i have not eaten breakfast/lunch..i tend to eat at night..just the way i am.. So they said for the lapband to work i must eat normal..to which i am now.. I even lost 7lbs from last month without me realising,,big bonus.. So im just waiting for them to except me, to which they all said..surgeon/dietrition/nurse they could see no reason as to why not & over here the NHS waiting time is no…

Hi All - I am scheduled to have the lap band surgery in three weeks and all this waiting makes for too much thinking. Do you all really think that the body will accept a foreign tool being placed inside it forever? Do you think that a port being sewn to the stomach for years will not cause problems? I read all the literature and it all sounds so do-able but I can't help thinking about "down the road a ways" Any thoughts? Thanks for any and all input Mary Scheduled for surgery August 19 !

Hi everyone.. its almost here.. I have to be at the surgery center at 530a tomorrow morning!! someone please tell me this is all worth it because I am so nervous!.. my husband who is a medical student was explaining intibation to me yesterday and I was like a little kid with my hands over my ears going 'lalala' its interesting stuff.. until it happens to you!! I have so much to do to get ready and I am fighting off all these fears.. eeeeek!

Hi everyone! My name is Anne and I am from the Chicagoland area. I just called today and setup for my first appointment at the wellness institute out of Northwestern Memorial in the city! I am so excited, if anyone has any advice for me to take along with me to my visit on Thursday that would be great :crying: Also..does anyone on here have BC/BS PPO ICHIPS Plan?? If so how was your experience with them?? Thanks everyone!!:thumbup:

I just got insurance approval today!!! The surgeon's office called and scheduled my pre-op appointment with them next Friday! I hope it's not much longer after that!

I am 25 year old male and weigh 246 pounds, 5'11 tall. My BMI is only 34.5. I don't know what to do. My insurance doesn't cover ANY weight loss procedures. I am getting fatter and fatter and am sure by this time next year I will be 260 pounds, however, I don't want to get that fat. I have thought about the Lapband for a long time and believe it would give me the freedom from food that I have needed for so long. At only 25, I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. What do I do?

Okay...I have returned...we have been "properly" doing my doctor's visits for the last 5 months and next month will be my last visit and time to schedule my surgery. I know I've been marinating over this for the last 7 months and going through the process, but when Dr. Guth said next month we'll send off your stuff (again) and we'll be scheduling your surgery...there was two emotions...1) WooHoo...it's about time (2) Oh wow here we are...we're really going to do this aren't we. I feel like we've been talking about climbing a mountain for so long to do this amazing journey down the mountain and I'm finally about to the top and I'm in a little panic. Anyone felt like this? …

Hello everyone. I am thinking of getting the Lap Band and have a couple of questions.... My BMI is 36, now I know that is a little low, but I have high cholesterol, major back pain, and joint pains, and a few other minor issues. I have tried everything under the sun to lose the weight on my own but the weight never comes off. I will admit I have an addiction to food (since I quit smoking) and I know this has led to much of my weight gain. I have a family history of morbif obesity, and other major health issues. I am wanting to get my weight and health under control before it becomes majorly out of control and I have major health issues. And I am on the path to it! So h…

Hi Everyone, I'm new here and I have alot of questions. But first let me tell you a bit about myself. 25 years old and married with no kids yet. I am graduating from culinary arts school in december. I went to the doctor today, because I hurt my back nearly 2 weeks ago and it still isn't 100% he said that I probably sprained it and STRONGLY suggests that I look into bariatric surgery. I told him that for about 5+ years that I've been thinking about it but I'm kind of scared of the risks and not sure how I'm going to afford it. I do have insurance; United Healthcare. I called them about 8 months ago or so to find out if my policy covers any type of bariatric surgery…

I made the absolute mistake to go onto youtube and see lapband success stories which I did find a few (very uplifting). But one thread I did fall upon was a video of some women who is getting her band removed and having a mini gastric bypass. There were many comments about how the bands are failing now and people who arn't able to eat properly and are constantly throwing up. They even have statistics that lapbands have a high success rate of removal by the five year mark. My heart is really palpatating now and have extreme doubts. Please I need to know that people have been able to live comfortably with this band for many, many years with no complications. :smile2:

Anyone from Oklahoma who had their surgery with Dr. Gornichec? I am really impressed with their pre op education and information and am just curious if anyone could give me their post op story. Thanks, CJ

I haven't minded most of the preliminary testing and evaluations. I understand the nutrition eval. I understand the psych eval. But the 6 month doctor approved diet is silly, in my view. Look, we all are considering lap band partly because we have dieted for years, only to put the weight back on. Whats more, if I am even remotely successful at dieting, I could disqualify myself for insurance coverage. My bmi qualifies now, but what if I improve it during the diet? Will I be denied?

I have been dieting and losing slowly but I am one of those people that weighs myself several times a day. I have noticed that my weight flexes between 3 & 5 lbs between times I weigh myself. I have been going by my morning weight but was wondering if this is normal. I got up this morning and weighed myself but when I got done working out at the gym I was up 5lbs. I am trying to make my weigh in so I can get my surgery date, this is all driving me crazy. I know I shouldn't be obsessed with the scale but I am and my appointment is this coming Tuesday but in the afternoon.:biggrin:

Hey Everyone! Okay so I went to the doctors yesterday for the blood work, etc.. Now I am waiting for my insurance to clear me..The nurse that is doing most of my paper work says my insurance is very good with approving people... I don't always have the best of luck.. so i am a lil nervous.. LOL... (breath Lisa) okay so.. hopefully I will get approved ASAP because my surgery date is 8-8-08..

The RN at my doctors office told me yesterday that the last two people who have had my insurance have had to do 6 months of doctor supervised dieting. When my insurance sent me the paper work about the surgery it did not say anything about having to do 6 months of doctor supervised dieting. I will be really upset if that is the case. Has this ever happen to anyone else?

Is there a maximum you can be overweight to qualify for the surgery? I'm seeing some people saying they're losing weight so they can have the surgery and that seems very odd. Anyone in Arizona had or having a LapBand done and if so, where, advice? I've been yo-yo dieting for almost 20 years now. I've tried several WL programs, both medicated and non. Had the most success with WW's but it never stays off and the last few times I lose and gain the same 40#'s 3 or 4 times. I am ready to take harsher measures! One of my sister-in-laws has had the LapBand for 3 or 4 years and is doing REALLY well with it. I think it might be for me too! My mother had her first heart att…

I weigh 404lbs what would the pre-op diet be for me? Pepper25

Hello all, I just got a fill Friday and not been so great. No Pbing, but just a generaly tightness. And then I noticed it went away a bit ago. I called Dr and they said some people have more restriction in the a.m. and they don't know why. I have been contemplating an unfill of some, but if it will be tight just in the morning I can deal with it. Anyone else have this or is it just me?

What you use for surgery and recovery? I have not be banded yet but possibly in Sept after planning time off. Any info would be helpful.

Wow, this has all happened so fast! I went for my psych eval today and when I went to check out, they gave me my date! I knew it would be quick once I got approved since my insurance changes on 9/1 and I need to have it done by then but oh my....now the butterflies start! Anyone else being banded that day?

Ok what the heck is sliming??!!:eek:

I have to have my morning coffee otherwise my family doesn't want to be near me! lol Are we allowed to drink coffee. I have read that if your band is tight in the morning to drink something warm so how about coffee? Please let me know because if it is a no no then I need to start weaning myself off before I have surgery, Right now I am just waiting for insurance approval. Thanks!!