PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi Everyone, I finally got my surgery date :thumbup:I started my journey at the end of February. July 31st is my date. Can anyone explain to me how you put the ticker at the bottom of the messages. Thanks Sue

Ok, I'm waiting on Aetna to approve my Lap Band, I've met their guidelines and I feel pretty confident I won't have many issues (we hope). Anyway, I went to see my surgeon yesterday and I asked him what pre-op tests he does. He told me the only major one they do (besides blood work and chest xray) is the upper GI (can't wait - har har). Well, I also had an appointment later that afternoon with my PCP so I told her I wanted my heart checked (I know...I'm over-reacting). To make me feel better she's doing an EKG and a ECG next week, lol. I'm really not all "that" worried about my heart but, I do have high BP and I just want to make sure my ticker is doing okay before I h…

Well I got there at 11:30. They prepped me, I got into my gown, had to scrub down prior with a special soap. Then I spent a little time in a room, then off to holding. Where they put the iv in, prior to that in the room before holding they gave me a heprin shot in the belly, to prevent blood clots. Once the Iv was in, they gave me a med that made me feel rather better about going into surgery. About 1:45 I was off to the operating room. And they put massaging pads on my legs, strapped my arms down. The doc was great, so were his staff. Everyone was so nice to me. Next thing I know I was out. And waking. For me the surgery took about and hour and 20 mins. Afterwards, it wa…

I have BC/BS of Alabama (PEEHIP) and am using photos to document the past 3 years of being overweight. This is allowed when you don't have Dr. documented weight. Has anyone been through this process? What can I expect?:confused2:

I just had my sleep study last night. The tech said that she could not tell for sure if I had sleep apnea or not. She said most of the time she can tell right away. She said my doc would not have the results for two weeks. Uggggh. Long time. What has everyone else's experience been with the sleep study and the waiting and were you able to get a clue at least as to whether you had it or not? I am just not a very patient person is all today. I have a whopper of a sunburn (again, my fault) and just sort of wanted a real good good hint as to whether or not I was going to be heading to the "waiting line" or the "moving forward" line.

Well, I have officially been scheduled for my initial visit with my surgeon for July 3rd. I have ALL my paper work in that he needs. :blushing: Now, my question is...what do I expect at this visit? Is there anyone new enough at this to remember how their appt went and what kind of stuff you discussed? Thanks, Stephanie

Well I'm meeting my surgeon, Dr. McDowell, for the first time today. I think by the time I leave I will have a surgery date set and will begin my two week liquid diet. I want to thank all of you for your posts. I feel I am well prepared with questions and information. I haven't posted much, but have been reading what you guys have to say. I will let you know if I will be a July Bandster!!!:thumbs_up:

I have tried searching this, and I guess I just am not good enough at the search thing. Can someone please tell me what sliming is? :confused2:

I've been reading here all morning looking for some answers, but nothing so far so I'll just ask. I am 2 weeks post op and get horrible gas pain usually 20-30 mins after eating (soup) or drinking anything, even water. Yesterday I thought I'd change it up and tried to drink my water with a straw. Oh holy crap didn't even get 4 oz down before it started. I can't burp very easily, I have to stand up and contort my body to get even one burp out and it doesn't always work. Sleeping oh man I dread it, gas is way worse then. Last night I resorted to the "knees to chest, buns in the air technique" it did help for awhile I have to say. Am I going to have to live my whole "band" …

Hello to all out there! For anyone whom is interested, my Lap Band surgery date has been moved up from July 24 to July 17, 2008 YES!!! I have to go in on July 10 for my pre-op consult and after care instructions so this is it, 21 days until my Band Date.

I am overly excited, I finally got my surgery date. Drum Roll Please.....July 25. Dr. Treen of West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, Louisiana will be banding me. Okay what should I be doing to prepare:confused2:? I need your help and support. Thanks:thumbup::Angel_anim::thumbup::smile2::thumbup:

My paperwork has been submitted and waiting to hear from insurance. Did anyone call the insurance themselves to find out anything or did you wait for the surgeon to handle it all. I don't want to jinx it but I am dying to find out!:Angel_anim:

Yeah I know ask the cardiologist. I went to a cardiologist for my surgery clearance and he tells me I have a heart murmur and that I need a stress test. And since I can't run I have to have chemically induced stress. I am scared to death. Has anyone else been told anything regarding a heart murmur and will it affect my surgery or not? Also has anyone else had a stress test that was chemically induced instead of exercise induced? Help!

Iam nearing the end of the 6 month diet and just heard from the surgeon. I have an August appointment and all testing has been done. Has anyone had there surgery done in the metro detroit area? Has anyone been turned down after all of this?? I guess I have a case of the nerves this process has been going on since November 2007. Thanks:rolleyes2:

I have my preop this afternoon and am wondering what kind of questions I should ask my doctor. Any advice?

OMG! I got my date today...July 24, 2008 with Dr. Naim of Top Surgeons!!!! I am sooooo very excited and nervous. All I need to do from now until then is my lab work and 3 day pre op diet. I have 97 lbs to lose and I know I can do this.

what constitutes sleep apnea? is it when you stop breathing at night? I have a feeling my 5 year weight history wont qualify me for surgery, but if I have comorbidities. I don't have any problems that I know of except I havent been able to sleep through the night in about 6 years. I had problems with sleep eating (most of the time I didn't even know i did it!) I get up to use the bathroom 2x a night and I toss and turn a lot. A couple of weeks ago I started taking melatonin and last week I started sleeping through the night. No more sleep eating and I get up to use the bathroom MAYBE once a night. I wake up feeling very well rested. One day this week I didn't take the me…

I was notified today by my surgeon that they had a cancelation and can fit me in for surgery on 7/8. I am soooooo excited (and a little nervous). BUT I need to start my pre-op diet on Saturday and I have not purchased any Protein drink products. The dietician gave me 3 samples of unjury. I tried the vanilla and it was okay, but I haven't tried the others because I was thinking I had another month before surgery. Does anyone have any recommendations for others products that you liked and your surgeon approved? Thanks!

For those who hasn't done the GI test as of yet. This had to be the worst medical test I have taken. They dr will give you this stuff that taste like alkselzer. And then followed by a chalky thick drink. After you drink it he will watch it go down your throat to your stomach and then tell you to lay down and turn over about 8 times. By then I felt like it was about to come back up. After the test is over you will have to burp abut 10 times. Just a lil warning for those who haven't taken the GI test.

I know he'll freak! I never thought I would consider WLS. I feel like it's a good option for me now. I just don't know how to tell him. I think I'll wait till after I see my PCP. Plus I have 3 young girls. I don't want them knowing I'm having WLS. I'm afraid it will send the wrong message to them. I don't want to offend any of you. Hope I'm not. Thanks for any input.

How far away am I from a fill center. I did not even know about needing them till I started looking into the lapband. I live between Bham and Cullman. I cannot find one in Alabama but Im sure I dont really know every where to look. Thanks

Does anyone who's been banded have UPMC Health Plan for their insurance? Did you have to do the six months of dieting?

I am getting ready to start my 6-month diet this week and I was looking at a restaurant menu on-line trying to figure out what I would eat once I am banded. The salads mostly had a chicken breast on top which I know is good, but not sure if the chicken would go down. I saw a chicken tortilla Soup (cup size) maybe, or french onion soup, or chili. What kinds of foods do you eat at a sit down restaurant? Thanks.

So my surgery is Wednesday!! Wow it happened so fast. My question is i read and hear so many different stories about pre op diets. Some people have them some dont some can eat some are all liquids. I know its to help reduce the size of the liver but I think ultimately its to prepare you for the couple of weeks after surgery you are on all liquids while you are healing etc. I mean there are people much much larger then I am who have the surgery who have very fatty livers and they still have the surgery which leads me to believe its more of a prep thing for after surgery. Seriously I am a bit worried my liver is not small enough or im still too fatty or something. I…

OK everyone be gentle with me, but be honest. The thing is that I have been on my pre-op diet for almost 2 weeks now. surgery is Friday. I have been doing really good and have lost 12 pounds. Then today (2 days before surgery) I cheated big time. I had a sandwich and some chips and that's it for today. How bad does this sound, and should I just drink water tomorrow? I even went on vacation through these two weeks and did'nt cheat once, I don't know what came over me today. Thanks!

What vitamins have you guys started? My doc told me that I can have either flinstones complete, or centrum. I have the generic brand of centrum... Do you think this is acceptable? What are you guys taking?

My surgery is August 1st at 8:30 am (but who's counting??). I had my 4th drs appointment for my monthly drs appointment today and she said I'm doing great! I can't wait! All of you Bansters keep me going everyday!!

Im not one who overeats at meals. Im at home most of the time and eating constantly small bites. A handfull of nuts, a little piece of candy, ok two, fruit bites, and on and on. If all the lap band is going to do is keep me from overeating, when I dont overeat now at one time, will this really help me lose weight?? My mom's argument is you still have to diet, why do this to your body? I snack constantly, carb addict. All these folks saying to journal etc, that wouldnt stop it. Im bored and so I eat. Even when I take my sister out to eat at fast foods, we share one meal. I really dont eat much at once. Its the continuous eating with me. Will a lap band help me at all t…

Hello everyone....I am new to this forum and since I have officially scheduled my labband this morning for Aug. 20th I have had butterflies in my stomach. My question is about the fast b4 surgery....I know you have to do liquid diet and was told about Medifast or Isopure. Would you use this liquid diet as three meal replacements and do they actually make you full. I will need to do this for 3 weeks and am exremely worried that I can't do this for that long. How could I possibly not eat solid food for three weeks. I would love everyones ideas or own experiences.

Hi everyone! I recently was approved and have a date for LB on July 16th. My questions is this, when I went today to sign all the required paperwork, my doctor told me something that after all my years of research I had yet to hear....he said that LB patients usually only loose 40-60% of their EXCESS weight! I was really taken back by this information since I have NEVER heard that before. Has anyone else had their DR. inform them of this statistic? I really have to say that he seemed to be more in favor of the GB which I AM NOT! Please, info would be helpful! THanks

Ok, so I'm getting banded on July 2nd and am already losing sleep. I kept dreaming that I've already had my surgery and my "incisions" were hurting. I'd roll over on my side (I'm a stomach girl, but am trying to get use to sleeping on my back) and it "hurt." So I kept waking up to tell myself that I haven't even had my surgery yet. The dreams are starting about my surgery. I had a stupid dream last night that I slept thru the entire recovery and I was upset because I wanted to remember what I did right before I was put under and what I said when I woke up. ??? I had a check-up with my PCP yesterday and she was asking about the surgery date and then checked my heart r…

I got my surgery date yesterday!! :sad_smile: It is August 18th. I am a little nervous because I start my student teaching the next Monday. That only gives me 7 days to recover. I am a big baby when it comes to pain. I have never had surgery before and am a little nervous. I am also nervous because my dad had the gastric bypass seven years ago and he died from a massive heartattack after the second surgery to repair stitches. Can anyone tell me what to expect the day of the surgery and about the pain afterwards? Do you think I will still be in pain when I start my student teahing?

Er, I feel a bit embarrassed asking this question, but my partner's body scent seems "off" to me. It's kind of like she has "old lady smell" all of a sudden, kind of sourish. I don't know if it's because of the soy Protein shakes or something else, but she didn't have it before. She's dropping weight like a stone, and she won't be banded until Monday. Ideas? BadgerMom

I called today to get information on my Lap Band meetings. The May meetings are full...and I signed up for June. I don't mind postponing. I am losing the pre-op weight so far 3 lbs. out of 12. More is better they said. I also sent for a adult tricycle. Very cute. I have some balance problems due to my eyesight and that is safer. I also sent for a helmet. It will arrive in a few days. Also my husband had his physical and an echo cardiogram. It showed that his mitral valve has gotten worse. They have been watching it for years. It's something he was born with. He and I are seeing a heart doctor on April 30th. Meanwhile daughter's baby is due anytime in the ne…

:sad_smile: My concern is that the doctor will look at my age (21) and the fact that I don't have documented proof of trying to lose weight and deny me even though my BMI is 53.3. Although I am clearly unhealthy, I don't have many specific problems other than joint pain, high BP and pulse, and shortness of breath. Also, aside from Atkins, I have never tried a 'fad' diet because I know it takes a lifestyle change and not a trendy diet to fix things. I have tried eating healthy and exercising numerous times, but they are not documented. I also worry that since I'm so terrible in interview-like settings that I might say the wrong things about why I need the …

Need to get some ideas. Can you do tomato soup too or is that a no no?

I don't want to start a "my band is better than your band" debate. My question is, if you were able to pick Realize or Lap-Band what band did you pick and why. Thanks for sharing!

I have made an appt. for initial consultation in Alexandria, Va. I am 5'2 and weigh 200. My BMI is 36.5. I am not sure if they will allow the surgery since I am not 100 lbs overweight. I don't have any real weight related health issues. I would be self pay because my insurance will not cover. I have read here that some have gone to Mexico for surgery. How much cheaper is it there? I think but correct me if I am wrong that my surgery would cost between 11 and 15k? Just wondering if I am wasting my time with the consult if it isn't allowed. Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks!

My GP shot me down today. I was so excited after months preperation of going to the intro seminar, getting my sleep study, getting a cpap, getting my psych study, and last was getting my GP approval. He denied me saying that I hadn't done enough. He wants another six months with a detailed journal of my exercise. He prescibed wellbutrin, and said to come back in a month. I'm really dissappointed. Anyone else have this happen, and if so, is there anything that can be done? I'm really commited to this and I feel confident I can make the necessary lifestyle changes (I have already began). Any suggestion? BTW, my insurance dosen't require ANY of this. All they care is if yo…

I had my class yesterday and started my 2 week pre-op diet today. I just feel so overwhelmed with all of the changes in my life that are to come! Anyone else feeling discouraged with the pre-op diet and have any advice? I know this is broad for discussion but I am new to this and wanted to share my feelings! I am sooo excited for the outcome! I will be banded July 8th. Thanks everyone! :thumbup:

Ok I am going out to get some and I am able to go to Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS so can someone give me a name of some good ones. I never, ever have drank one so I need a good tasting one so I can stick to it!!!! Can someone help me out. I am not a fan of chocolate I like vanilla mostly and are there other flavors? Thanks so much!!!!

'Tis the night before surgery, when all through the house Not a potato chip in sight, nor gravy stain on my blouse; The Klondikes were eaten by my son with such care I hoped the empty calories I would not have to bear; The Snickers were nestled, all snug in their wraps While visions of Milky Ways danced in my lap And hubby in his bandana, and I in my sweats Had just settled down with our favorite little pet. When out in the kitchen, there arose such clatter I found our son eating leftover pupu platter Away to the treadmill, I'll make a mad dash, To walk off the franks and Beans, and corn beef hash. The frosting on the cake was making me drool Eating that n…

I am super excited..I finally got my date & I am being banded July 10th! After much search I have found a Dr. I love, Collier in The Woodlands, TX! Anyone else use him? He works with Journeylite so I hear there is a lot of support after the surgery, which I will need to make this huge change in my life! :thumbup: I hear there is a huge list of things I will need to be comfortable after the surgery...like liquid pain meds...anyone have a list for me?? Any other advice or things that worked for you would be great! Can't wait!

I'm going to apologize in advance for posting and running, but I'll be back in the morning. :cool2: As of 24 minutes ago, I'm officially on my 2-day Clear liquids for my surgery on Thursday. I'm scared to death. First of all, there's a very real possibility that the doctor might postpone my surgery because of an infection I have near the operation site. I'm OK with that if that's what's best, but he told me today that he won't be able to make the call until I get to the hospital Thursday morning. Ugh. The worst part of that is that my mother is flying in to help take care of my son while we're at the hospital. I'd hate to drag her down here for nothing. I'm just ter…

Did anyone have the last supper (dinner) before they started the pre-op diet?

Hi, I'm super excited about getting Lab Band Surgery...but, I'm alittle worried about feeling it inside me. Does it hurt to lay on it? How bad are the scars afterwards?

I was under the general impression that the doctor attended/hosted information seminars. Is this correct? I just found a doc who doesn't attend, the RN does them. This kinda turns me off because I would like to meet the doc before I start making any commitments! Doesn't the doc usually attend?

I got a letter from my surgeon's office that said his nurse would talk to me about bowel prep when i went in this past tues for my last appt. well she didn't and he did'nt and i forgot to ask... i reread my letter yesterday and saw that part and called the office and was told that there is no bowel prep for lapband surgery... i'm shocked. it doesn't seem right...is it???

Since I am so overweight, even walking up and down the stairs to do the laundry leaves me out of breath. I end up just staying in my room, laying on my bed and watching TV, everything else is too strenuous for me to do, does anyone have any advice as to how to get a full blown "bed potato" into doing something that won't leave me afraid that I won't be able to make it thru. Walking is hard because I am disabled and have a bad left leg, in a pool, I can walk but to get the energy to go to a pool seems like an enormous effort, everything I do is an enormous effort, even a shower, any help is needed, I'm tired all of the time also.:smile2:

Just read a few of the posts about keeping lap band surgery to myself. I have told my husband, parents, one coworker and one friend about my plans, and as far as I'm concerned nobody else needs to know. However, I need to book time off work for the surgery, and because I don't tend to take a lot of sick time it will be noticed by my coworkers and friends. So, what do I say? Especially if I'm in pain in the days after surgery, they will KNOW that something is amiss. I'm trying to think of something that I can tell them...for some of them "none of your business" or changing the subject will work, but for others I think I'm going to have to be somewhat more economical with t…