PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My surgeon doesn't require a pre-op diet, but since it seems to be the norm to do one for 2 weeks, I want to do it on my own, plus it will kick-start the weight loss. My question is what do other doctors normally give as the pre-op diet? I've heard a few different diets so as far as liquid diets go, what is more common: nothing but liquids, or liquids and a small dinner? Any advice would be great since my surgeon isn't going to give me any!

How many days after surgery can you go to work at a desk job?

AND I AM NERVOUS AS HELL. I WOKE UP AN HOUR AHEAD OF MY NORMAL TIME AND I STAYED UP LATE MAKING SURE I HAD MY HISTORY ALL FILLED OUT AND THATA I HAD MY QUESTIONS WRITTEN DOWN. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO READ TO SEE WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS VISIT BUT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. WELL WISH ME LUCK.:biggrin2:

Hi all: My surgery is scheduled for 7-22. I'm starting to hear things from friends who's surgeons are recommending bypass instead of the band and that they have been hearing from European doctors that the band erodes and has bad complications about 5 years into it and they are changing their opinion of the band.....anyone have any advice or resources that can tell me an unbiased opinion about the device?

Just curious about the endoscopy I am scheduled for beginning of August. You are completly anesthetized for this right? Just wondering what others have experienced during there endoscopy?

I'm 5'2 and 235. Have struggled with my weight most of my life. The lap band looks to me like a great option. My question is, i was recently diagnosed with bulemia, of course trying to lose weight, would this hinder my chances of getting the lap band?

Hey Y'all I Have A Question.......how Is It That food Gets Stuck So Quickly And Why Does It Get Stuck In The First Place? I Thought The Band Was Supposed To Make A Little Pouch That Filled Up While You Eat And Made You Feel Full. And That The Food Would Slowly Pass Through The Band To Your Stomach Making You Feel Fuller Longer. Well Sometimes When I Eat, Something Gets Stuck Right Away. So I'm Confused If The Food Is Slowly Supposed To Make It's Way Down Like An Hour Glass How Can Something Get Stuck Right Away? I Never Really Thought About It Until Tonight At A Bbq Someone Asked Me To Explain The Band To Them. So I Did As Much As I Could. I Explained That Somet…

WOOO-HOOO...I am getting banded next Thursday! I am super excited but this pre-op diet is hard! Anyone else going through this?? I have to do 2 Protein shakes a day, then a protein & veggies for lunch...I have never been so hungry! Can anyone give me ideas of things that I can eat now (& still shrink the liver) and things to eat after banded???:thumbup: Thanks

I was down 35 lbs at one point and bounced back up 4 the next day. Water weight I am assuming? Thats was 6 days ago and I havnt lost a pound since. I havnt even had 1000 calories a day!!!! 2 weeks out this coming Tuesday. Did this happen to you guys and then the weight starts coming off? Oh...and I can eat 6-8 oz of feed and still not feel full. I know that I dont have a fill yet but what is the food just falling through the hole?? Frustration is not even close.......

Hi i have got a date through to see the consultant at the hospital on the 21st july, I have already had blood tests done at my GP (doctor's surgery) & he said all were fine to them Normally this used to be done at the hospital but they are doing blood testing with your local doctors to cut the waiting list down as that procedure is normally the first thing they do at the hospital So my question is.... what will happen in the next stage when i go see them at the hospital ?.. when do i see a dietition ? etc Im from the UK & going to Derby hospital..any advice greatfully appreciated

Having my surgery on February 13th just in time for Valentines Day! No chocolate this year!!! For all of you who have had it does anyone have any last minute advice?

I turned 50 last week 62 lbs lighter thanks to this surgery! It is absolutely the BEST thing I have ever done for myself.:thumbup:

Could someone please explain the difference to me? In my paperwork it says after intial consult I will be referred to either a Clinincal Nutritionist or Bariatric Physician? Also has anyone seen a Nutritionist and lost weight and then been denied for surgery because of progress with the nutritionist?

Hi everyone, I'm on 6 month of the diet and just within the past month i've noticed that i'm kinda having problems holding it and this is embarassing but i'm leaking and am always going to the bathroom when I'm at work because i'm worried. I wanna mention it to my doctor but i'm wondering if it'll look like i'm fishing for co-morbities i'm really not but it does seem weird that its hitting me now. does anyone else have this problem, did they give you meds to treat it or is it something that you just have to deal with? thanks for all your advice, it's so nice to have other people that know what your going through!!!

I just had my pre-op appt, and I'm getting so excited (and a little nervous). My surgery is on the 8th! My doctor, Dr. J. Cribbins is great! He's laid back, and I am completely comfy with him! Which is great! I told him I was hating the pre-op diet, and he said just keep trying, and that it really does shrink the liver. He said just keep it healthy and I'll be fine. I feel so much better, and I'm really looking forward to getting banded!! Ash:thumbup:

So, my husband and I are both stressed about the surgery coming up (7/2). He's stressed because I'm an emotional wreck right now... but he had no right to say what he just said to me. You guys are really my only real-time support b/c my family is so far away, so I'm going to spill my guts, even if no one reads this! We were talking about his lack of interest in my surgery - he hasn't asked any questions and hardly knows anything about it. I told him that it upsets me that he hasn't taken any interest and that it may be best if he knows a little bit about the life change I'm making. I also expressed my saddness that I've gone through this entire process by myself (…

I have been going to my appointments for my six month diet with doctor for my insurance purposes. I found out in the last few days that my Iron is low, prescription for iron pills 350 2x a day. B12 is low taking a pill under my tongue 1x a day. My Vitamin D was already low and been taking 50,000 units a week for the last 6 weeks. I am concerned about what is causing this and is this going to keep me from having the surgery? Cheryl:crying:

I have MAMSI / Optimum Choice and they require documentation of 6 months of dieting prior to approval of the procedure. I am trying to find out how anyone else did this. I have been on weight watchers and taking diet pills forever but have not seen my doctor monthly while doing this. If anyone can tell me how they did this, I would appreciate it.

Just asked my surgeon if I could get my tubes tied during lapband procedure? I have been wanting to get my tubes tied but didn't want to go through the whole ordeal of procedure. Now that I'm getting the lapband, I thought this is the perfect opportunity. Has anyone else out there had other procedures done during there lapband? I'm currently awaiting an answer from doctor.

Argh! I just started the second week of my 2 week preop diet and I can't stop dreaming of food. Last night I was trying to liquify a cheez-it then this afternoon when I took a nap I was chowing down on ice cream. Dreaming of food only makes me feel guilty and hungry.

Tomorrow I get banded. Finally! The liquid Pre-Op diet has been surprisingly enjoyable. Anyone worried or nervous or frustrated Stick to it! Keep motivated by reading this web site and thinking positive. Since startign the pre-op liquid diet I have lost 11 lbs. (about a pound a day) After the first 3 days the diet was pretty easy and hungar lost. Along with the 11 lbs. lost I have saved a lot of $ I am not buying breakfast on my way to work or going out for lunch. No trips to the store to pick up a few things for dinner (and buy more too). I think mentally it is good preparation too. food already feels like a thing of the past. I did go though a stage around …

My doctors say I will lose weight very slowly,maybe only 1 or 2 lbs a week. It would seem that if the calories are so restricted due to the size of the pouch the weight loss should be faster. My goal is over 100 lbs. I have never had a problem losing weight with most "diets' and excercise, but keeping off has been the problem. :tt2: Can anyone enlightenme on this?

Hello! My family doctor said I needed labs done before I had a consult with a surgeon. My thyroid came back at 9.8 (which is apparently not good) so I have to take thyroid meds for 2 months and be rechecked again before I can have my surgery consult. Is this normal? It seems that the insurance paperwork and all would take a while, so I am wondering why I can't get the ball rolling so to speak while I am waiting on my two month recheck. Can anyone explain this to be better? Thanks in advance.

Why do you have to get a chest xray? Ekg? (not even sure what that does!) Is it to check for pnemonia? I had cosmetic work done two years ago and that wasn't required, so I'm just curious.

I'm currently taking 2 diuretics for pitting edema in my lower extremities. It's been so bad I've ended up with wounds that required a wound specialist to heal them. I'm getting compression stockings next week to help draw the fluid to my upper legs. Have any of you had this problem and has the banding helped? Do you still need the diuretics?

I will be getting banded on July 24, hooray. But I have a question about "restriction." Basically what are you guy talking about when you say you have no restriction, some restriction, or good restriction. Not quite sure I understand the concept. :confused2:

I'm interested to hear how the band has improved peoples co-morbidities. I do have diabetes and there is indications that with bypass surgery goes away, but I have also heard that it can get better and off meds with the band. My doctor is trying to push me toward the bypass surgery. Also what about sleep apnea? I have all the co-morbids so besides wanting to look better and be more comfortable, I really need the weight loss for health reasons. I really need some more insight. I desperate to get this surgery. Anne

I went to the doctor Friday and I am a excellant candidate for lap band. I went yesterday and I had a body scan. I dont have to do the stress test, sleep test or endo. I have appointments on July 18 for thenutritonist, psychologist and exercise person. So all i need is Barium swallow and H-pylori test. And the surgery date. But.................. need my financing to come through. So wish me luck. I am so close. thanks in advance. Renea :lol:

Hi,I am on my pre op medifast 5 and 1 diet. Does anyone have any ideas for the lean and green meal I get each day. I need some new ideas so I don't get so bored with the diet. I have to be on this diet till Surgery which is July 22nd. Thanks for any help you can offer. Moocatschade

I have been "housing" a hiatial hernia since my middle 20's. Now that I am researching this procedure I have found that this type of hernia may cause problems. I am looking for anyone that has one, or one that was discovered during surgery. I have been on Nexium (for reflux and heartburn) for as long as I can remember...how will I know the difference between reflux and PB. Thanks for any help you can offer! Kimberly

Hi All, I finally had my first appointment with my surgeon (Dr. Snyder in Denver). It went great, he was really nice. He talks a mile a minute, but in a good way. He seems like someone whose brain is always working. He summed up me and my life pretty well based on some observations; either that, or he says the same things to everyone! The best part was when he looked at my psych eval, and I got a "Good" rating on it. He says that particular psychologist almost never gives a Good rating to anyone (Fair if you're lucky), so I must have done something right there! I asked him about the Realize band vs. the Lap-Band, and he had just finished training for the Realize band…

Today I ordered some powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury samples online to try out for flavor purposes. I'd love to start trying the Isopure Fruit drinks but the only available online are purchased by the case. I really don't want 12 of something that I "may" not like. Does anyone know if GNC sells these as singles to try? We have a GNC that just opened close by and I'll probably go check it out for myself next week but, was curious if anyone knew offhand. Thanks!

Hi, I'm a newbie and am having my consultation this Thursday, July 3rd and will soon begin my preparation for lap band surgery. I have been doing lots of research and reading on all these posts and keep reading about the protien issue and how everyone is using protien powder (whey best?). So I am a little confused as to why the main focus of our new diet will consist of all this protien. I have done just about every diet available and Aitkens was one of them, which did not work...so why would I want to do that again but with a band? Please help me understand this.:thumbs_up:

I'm hoping to be banded soon and was just curious as the how bad the pain from the surgery actually is? Also what type of medicine does the doctor usually prescribe to help with the pain? Also, can anyone feel the band inside of them? Or the port? I was just kind of curious about these things! Thanks! Amy

My sister, who is a RN, is picking me up and taking me to her house after surgery. While I love my sis, and she's great, I really don't want to be there more than a day or two. I'm just way more comfortable healing at home. She lives about 40 miles from me. What are the chances I can drive home the day after my surgery?

What are some good books/magazines to read prior to being banded, and going through the whole process up to and after surgery? I'd like to be as prepared as possible.

I would like to know if any of you started a diet early to try and shrink your liver for surgery. I would like to go ahead and do that even though I haven't had an appointment with the surgeon. How can I get access to this? Also, does insurance keep on paying for your fills?

I got banded on the 23rd of July. I just want to have other folks to be able to chat with and loose together with and support eachother! Please let me know if there is any of you out there! Melanie:scared::clap2::whoo:

Hi everybody I had my first dr appointment on Wed June 25 with Dr. Merriman from Shreveport LA. It went great and my husband and I just loved him.:sad: They told me that all they were waiting for was the insurance approval on the surgery and that my insurance pays 100% (thank God) they should no something in the next week. :redface: Is there anyone out there that can give me any insight about the way Dr. Merriman does things like all the testing, is there a pre-op diet that has to be done if so how long and whats on it, whats the recovery time usually, how long before I can drive or go back to work. :confused2: I know these are question that I should have ask dr. M but …

I went to the doc 10 days ago because my calf was bright red, swollen and hurting. Turns out I have a staph infection and am on 2 antibiotics. Well, I have another appointment this morning because it has gotten better but is not 100% gone. Now I have a rash on my leg and in my trunk area, a yeast infection and diarreha from the meds along with a constant headache from one of the meds. One of the worse things is that I'm eating more than usual because I get naseated if I don't have food in my tummy from the meds and I've gained 6 lbs since my visit with the surgeon a week ago. I'm also trying to eat 4 oz of yogurt 4x a day to help with the yeast. Grrr... I just hope…

I started on the Tufts/NEMC program three weeks ago. There are a LOT of requirements including 5 weeks of behavior classes (group therapy basically), 2 nutritionist appointments, 2 physiology appointments, 2 psych appointments, 2 medical consults, 1 surgical consult, 1 "intro" session and now I've learned 2 group physiology classes. It takes a lot of time. They make no effort to bunch appointments together, so I'm spending a lot of time driving to Boston. Here's the reason I'm peeved today. I had my first medical consult. She asked me if I snore. Yes, so? Now she is going to make me stay overnight in their sleep center to determine if I have apnea! I do not have…

Well tomorrow am is the big day!! I can't believe its here. I have to be there by 5:30am. I am excited, nervous, you name it I am. Any suggestions for the first few days post-op? will I be up to doing anything? How about traveling 4 days later? I can't believe its here. :thumbup::crying:

Maybe I'm just having a big self-pity party, but today I'm feeling so ashamed about the fact that I'm even to this point. I've been overweight all of my life and I chalk some of it up to genes and some of it up to PCOS - but I know it is also a result of poor food choices, excuses, and inactivity. It's a sad cycle. You need to lose weight, to lose weight you need to be active, but then you feel too self-conscious about the weight to get out there and be active, so instead you sit home and self-medicate with tv and food. Sometimes it gets so bad that I feel like a shut-in. I don't live my life the way I should. And at 29 I'm starting to see/feel some scary changes in …

My insurance (Humana) requires that I see my doc every month for 6 months before my surgery. I now understand that this is a pretty typical request. My question: I saw my doc on Jan 31, and then because of his schedule - not mine, I didn't get to see him again until March 17...Is this going to knock me out of being considered? Will i have to say that I started my journey on March 17 instead of Jan? I work for the school here in Kentucky and need to be able to have my surgery during our summer break. Anyone have any experience with this???? HELP!

I chose UCSD to go through this process based on the surgeon's expertise, the information on their website, and the information presented at their mandatory seminar. Today was my "surgical evaluation" and I have to admit, I think I am kind of regretting my decision to go with them. I don't even know if I am stuck here or if I have any options. I have two problems with the process so far. One is concerning weight/timelines and mis-information. At the seminar, because I have no co-morbities, I was told NOT to lose any weight and was told that maybe I'm not as tall as I think I am -- because I have a borderline BMI for insurance approval with no co-morbidities. That…

Is Mexico a good idea? I am single mother and I am wanting to adopt my foster son. I keep saying I wont be able to keep up with him since my kids are grown, I feel that its bad enough that he will have an older mother I dont want to be the fat mother at all his events. I have never been thin, But all my friends think I am crazy and will not support my decision, of course they are all thin. I dont have insurance so having it done in the US is out. I will also be going by myself because noone will go with me. I really want honest opinions please:smile:

Was anyone denied for not losing weight (or gaining) on the insurance required 6 month docotor supervised diet? I am so concerned about this. I lost about 9 lbs the 2nd to 3rd month because I had my tonsills out but ever since then, I have been adding maybe 1-2 pounds a month. I may be exactly the same on my last appt. as I was on the 1st one, or maybe a few pounds more at the most. Will this be a problem???

Hi, I have recently found out from my Dr. that Medicaid now pays for the Lap-Band surgery. Does anyone know if they will also cover all of the fills and all that goes with it as well ? I am new to this and I am very excited about having this done, because I want to not only have better health, but I want to live again ! Also, is there any thing that I need to ask my Dr. when I go for my up-coming appointment ? It is a consultation and I have to take records of my weight for the past five years so they can see what it has been like.

hey everyone im getting my surgery done at staten island university hospital in staten island, new york city. i've been through the whole pre op testing to make sure i can withstand surgery. now im waiting on insurance approval. im hearing from some different people that it took up to 8 months for approval! i dont want to wait that long. i really thought insurance would only take maybe 3 weeks tops. did anyone wait less than that? does anyone have the Empire Plan (NOT blue shield blue croos) insurance who has gotten the surgery? how long did you wait for approval? someone please help my pre op testing took 7 months- i really dont want to wait anymore!!!! all a…

Hi all.....I am scheduled for banding this monday 6-30, and I have just started showing symptoms of the stomach flu that has gone around my family and friends!!! I am throwing up and incredibly sick. Any insight or thoughts?? I know they DO NOT want you to throw up after banding so as to not rupture or cause slippage....can anyone help me? thanks! Renee