PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

sooo :thumbup: anyone want to show them to me? LOL. i can't find them on google. haha. :thumbup: this may sound weird. buttttttt...... lol. i am obsessed with butterflies and i feel like i have been in a cocoon all my life, so, once i get cut, and have scars, i think i want to turn them into butterflies LOL. :thumbup: (tattoos) i've never had surgery or tattoos before..BUT..? :thumbup: who knows. haha :thumbup:

I asked my doctor how long I would have to stay out of water after the surgery and he said "four weeks." Did anyone go swimming sooner than four weeks after their surgery? Kat

I received a voice mail today saying that my ins has approved me. I'm so excited!!!! The message said for me to call tomorrow and make an appointment. It said to have a couple of days in mind. Do you think it meant to have days in mind for my surgery or just for an appointment for some more preop tests. I so excited. I know I'll find out tomorrow exactly what she meant but I can't wait. BTY I'm using Dr. Felts with Lapband Solutions in Richardson, TX.. Thanks!!

Hello Everyone I just made the decision yesterday to go for the band! I am very excited and I DON'T want to wait! :thumbup: My question is... Since I have PPO insurance (UHC Choice Plus) I am able to avoid the 6 months of nutrition classes, etc... What is the typical time frame between the first consult and the actual procedure? I know every doctor and situation is diff...Just looking for general time frames. Edited to add: My initial consult is May 23rd in San Diego, CA (http://www.lajollasurgical.com/) I will attend the seminar on June 3rd.

My insurance requires a year of trying to lose weight on my own. Seeing a Dr every 3 months in a structured plan. Okay, I can do that. I will probably lose weight too. I've done it, oh, let's see, ABOUT 300 TIMES!!! Now the problem: I'm sure you have all lost weight on your own before you got banded. Probably as many times as I have. BUT, if I lose more than 15 pounds in that year, then my BMI would be less than 40 which is below the insurance company's standard for getting the band. Sooooo, What do I do? :thumbup: Dr wants me to join weight watchers, but that's going to be hard seeing that I really don't want to lose much weight. I could always lose, I could never kee…

I'm nine days post op and have followed the food and nutrition plan outlined by my Dr to the letter. I weighed a nice weight the day of surgery-30 pounds exactly lost. But then I gained 10 pounds overnight in the hospital, and while I have taken that off, I am only back to my presurgery weight. I eat only dabs of this and that, and protein shakes, but not one tenth of a pound lost in nine days. I find that discouraging. Anyone else have a similar experience, or explanation? I'm back to my job, back to normal exercise, so it's not from sitting around. My surgery went great, so I was up and walking within the first day. So what's the problem?:thumbup:

it will be three months next week since ive lost anything. i lose 5 then gain 4 . its been like this for three months. i had my third fill on april 15 and i do feel pain when i eat to fast or to much so i know its working but im not losing. i took two weeks off from exercise and started up again. now im walking out side 2 miles per day 5 days a week. when i eat i use my sons plates and bowls to measure how much i eat. i went for a calorie intake last week and it showed that i have a fast metabolism and i can eat 1567-1987 calories a day and still lose. how can i lose 5 then gain back 4 when im not going over my calories? i also havent had any fast food, pizza, or chinese …

I received a call this afternoon from my doctor's office. They are postponing my surgery (which was scheduled for May 21) until I have the abscessed tooth taken care of. I go see the oral surgeon on May 20...my antibiotics will be done by that following Saturday. Hopefully they will get me in quickly to get the tooth out. My lapband surgeon won't even talk to me until that's done. I don't blame him and I understand why he won't do the surgery until the tooth is out and the infection gone. It's just sooooooooo, depressing. :thumbup: I was so excited and focused and now I feel very lost. I know this is only a minor set back, but it's just frustrating. I know right n…

I saw many of my family members today(We buried my Grandfather, who died Dec 28:frown:) We gathered for lunch and I told them what my plans were. They were all very supportive and are excited for me:) I was worried how they would react.

I went today to have some of the lab tests done necessary for pre-op. While getting the EKG done, the technician asked me if I had ever had a heart attack? When I responded "no", she asked me if I have been experiencing any pain in my heart. Again, I responded "no". Because she is the technician she isn't allowed to explain the results of the EKG...but her questions and tone made me feel very anxious. She ended with a statement of "hopefully its nothing to worry about" and then left the room. Aside from being 80+ lbs overweight, I have been relatively healthy. No high blood pressure, no high cholesterol...I exercise 4-6 days/week and do weight training. The ide…

Hi everyone, I am still not sure whether I will be able to get banded (don't know if my insurance will cover me) but I was just wondering if the prep stuff (psych evaluation, nutritionist, consult) required time off from work. I only plan on telling my family about it and plan to use vacation time for the surgery so I don't want to take too much time off from work. TIA

Hi all. I was banded a week ago today. I know everyone is different but I hope I can provide a positive story and alleviate some fears for those who are still waiting for their band. I lost 22 lbs on a mostly liquid diet for six weeks pre-surgery and I've lost 6 lbs in the week since my surgery for a total of 28 lbs lost since March 18. I went in at 7 am last Tuesday and my surgery was scheduled for 9:15. I was taken to a pre-surgery prep room to get into a gown and get my vitals, take a pregnancy test (required for all pre-menopausal women), etc. My husband was allowed to be with me during this part and my daughter (age 20) was able to come back after the first 20…

:biggrin: They are awesome!!! Taste is great!!!! The mix itself is 21gms of protein plus the milk is 29gms! It also has 7gms of fiber! It did not taste gritty or funky as some protein drinks can... my nutritionist also said i can add 1/3 cup of dry powder milk to this for 36gms of protein!!! I was able to find mine at our local Kroger store, but you can order them online..

Unfortunately, I think I am going to have to put my LB plans on hold. After contacting the loan centers, I just don't think I am going to be able afford the monthly payments in addition to all the other monthly payments I have coming out of my check ( I just bought a new house last month). This sucks, but I guess I'll just have to save up my money until I can afford to pay for the procedure up front. Everyone just keep their fingers crossed that I can do it. Thanks for all the support you all have given me so far in my decision to do this. I'll stay in touch.

Getting Banded Soon!!! I stole this list: LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-food ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check ear…

Hooray! My surgery is first thing tomorrow morning!! I'm very excited and nervous...I haven't packed one thing...it's been a strange day. I've been very tired (prob. due to the low cal liquid pre op) and I dont really know what I need for my hospital visit. It's supposed to be outpatient and I have to be there at 5 a.m. which means we will leave home around 3:30!! Any advice??

Before you go for your "banding", please make sure you have a will, your living will, your funeral wishes and make sure all your personal affairs are in order. My husband was "banded" the end of Nov, against my wishes. He died on December 7th at 1:30 pm with me holding one hand and the nurse holding his other hand. I watched him die over 5 days, all in the name of "wanting to loose weight" His surgery was done in Mexico, he died state side after 6 days in ICU. Oh, and in that 6 days, he gained 75 lbs, was on a respirator and had 10 - 14 iv's going into him at any given time............oh, and I'm now a widow at 45, I have medical bills of over $120,000 to deal with al…

Ok, I really hate to go here, so read no further if you didn't have to go here the night before your surgery. My dr. requires you to have a "fleet enema" the night before surgery. I've had 5 or 6 surgeries under general anesthesia before and this has never been required. I think it is a personal preference of my doctor?? Anyway, I'm reading the box and it looks like this is a two person event, LOL?! It has you "assuming position" before using it and the box speaks in context pointing out what the person receiving treatment should be doing, as if you'll need assistance when you're in this position? Anyone, did you do this yourself? Did it work the first time (Go…

Dumb question maybe, but here goes...My surgery is Aug 1st and I need my pre-op testing done within 30 days of surgery. Someone told me I can't do pre-op testing until I'm APPROVED for surgery, because what if I'm not approved. The hospital said I need my medical clearence by 7/17 from my PCP. The problem is, I'm going on vacation the week before my surgery, therefore I was going to get the pre-op testing done at my July 3rd doctors appt, which will be my 6th & final PCP appointment which is required by my insurance. Does this make sense? Can anyone shed light on this crazy situation for me??? Thanks! :confused2:

I can't make up my mind on whether or not to tell my co-workers about getting the lapband surgery. On one hand, I don't want to tell them because it's very personal and I don't want to be judged by others for taking "the easy route". But on the other hand, I fear that by keeping this secret, I'll feel like I can't be honest with people and that may affect me. Also, I wonder if people will be more supportive than judgmental and by me not saying anything, I'll be missing out on their support. Have those of you told your co-workers? If so, were you happy with the decision to open up to them? Have those of you who haven't told your co-workers? Do you regret it and feel "al…

I have been reading the forum a lot and it seems most people were put on a pre-op diet for 2 weeks before thier surgery. My surgery is 3 weeks away and no one has said anything to me about a pre-op diet. Is it weird that my doctor doesn't require a liquid diet before? I am trying to ween myself off the foods I know I can't have after the surgery now, but should I be doing more?

Last night I began the first step in the process by attending the seminar at Silver Cross hospital on bariatric surgery. One of the two surgeons who do all the surgeries was the one who gave the talk and all the information. He seemed very nice and was very informative. so while I was about 98-99% positive I wanted to have Lap-band before, after this I am 100% sure and very excited that we're getting started! The doctors who will preform the sugery (he said they always work together, so there's two of them) are Dr. Brian E. Lahmann & Dr. Christopher D. Joyce at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL. Naturally since the seminar was just last night I don't have anything …

I met with my surgeon today and got all set to be banded next month! YEAH! Having read so many posts, I naturally asked him 1) do I have to do a pre-surgery diet? and 2) What is the post-surgery diet? He said no to a pre-surgery, just Clear liquids the day before. My tests were all good so I am happy with that. As for post, he said 7-10 days clear liquids, an office visit and then right to solids - no mushy food stage. He said his reasoning was that he doesn't want his patients to get into a mindset of what they can "sneak" through so he likes them to feel full sooner and on track sooner. Solids meaning flaked fish, scallops, etc. (that consistency obviously not frenc…

I just got a call from a friend and the first words were, "I hear you're getting weight loss surgery". First, I've told NO ONE, not even my own mother knows yet that I'm going to get banned. I just told this friend, that I was thinking about it, and where did she hear it from. She told me someone from church. We'll, a woman from church also works at my docs office where I made and appointment to get approval. This could be the ONLY place she found out. I'm not a doctor, but the last I heard is patient information is private, not for public gossip. In addition there's this little Federal Law called HIPPA. Not only could I have her fired, I could bring legal charges against…

Ok....for the liquid diet....it sucks for sure, but it isn't really all that bad if you just set your mind to it. My doctor let me have scrambled eggs with low fat cheese on top, cottage cheese, and the low fat yogurt....so I was able to eat that and feel like I was really eating something. I also ate a LOT of the Campbell's Soup at Hand's. I love the Creamy Tomato and the Vegatable Beef. The Veg Beef is even good without heating it up (which I found out when i was starving and no microwave nearby) I kept those in the car all the time. I got the Slim Fast Optima shakes...they have more Protein and the Atkins ones are good too. I really like the No Sugar Added …

I just spoke to surgery clinic today and they are sending out papers to me to give to PCP to fill out and submit to Insurance. I have Health Alliance Plan (HAP)HMO of Michigan . I am going to my PCP on 5/28 and will bring these along. Do you know if this "paperwork" is what the Dr. will fill out to get me pre-authorized or authorized? I am wondering if I can bring anything along to up my chances when it's sent in? I know six months of diet/exercise is required (not sure to what extent),BMI w/co-morbidities, psych eval, and I think that was about it. I thought maybe like Weight Watcher booklets, copies of gym memberships, any personally written letters..not sure if that ev…

Ok, I have gone to the seminar, I have quit smoking, I have had a sleep study (sever apenea 108 events/hr) and now I'm on a cpap, I have just went through and got my psych review, and I have an appoint with my doc to get his approval. He's the one I worry about the most. He's 45, looks like he's 25, and he's an marathon runner. He believes in all natural everything. I would hate to have come this far and get shot down by him. I should go to some rent a quack and just get it done, but he's been my doc for some time, and I do like him, and want to keep him. Anyway, keep me fingers crossed. Has anyone ever heard of their doctor turning them down, or not writing a letter of …

I had to go to the doctors today to get some antibotics as I was getting a sore throat and feeling a slight fever,. everyone at my work has been sick with a nasty cough and sore throat... So anyway I get to the Doctor and he says no antibiotics, we will know this out with steroids.. made me take 7 pills tonight and 7 tomorrow spread out through out the day... he said that should stop anything I have started in it's tracks...keeping my fingers crossed..never heard of taking prednisone to get rid of throat infections... have you? Anyway hopefully it will work and I will be fine for Monday, CUZ I am going even if I have to fake feeling good. :party: Good luck to all of…

yes, I am banded!! yesterday morning, arrived at the hosp at 5:00 am. Everything went really well and I was released at about 6:30 p.m. Pretty sore today,not too much gas.... but other than that I'm feeling great. sipping my water constantly! :thumbup::thumbup:

I went to the info night tonight and I am convinced this is the right thing for me. I saw all of the people that talked about illness and are no longer eligible for the surgery and realized that now is the time. I'm excited and terrified at the same time. The only part the scares me is pureed food...It will be worth it in the end. I'm going to weigh in tomorrow...wish me luck!

Help, can someone help with some info? I am 46, am 192lbs (my goal would be 135)am 5'3 with prediabetes, high blood pressure, and sever arthritis (especially in the spine). My thought was to look into this procedure to aliviate some of those conditions. I wonder has anyone had any relif with those conditions after the procedure and weight loss? I think after the procedure I would look into a breast reduction as I am in a DD. What do you think? Thank you

I can't believe I'm having this issue in my head. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow morning (7 days) and I just keep thinking all day, yeah, I'm going to eat this, this is the last time I'll be able. Tomorrow starts a new me. Now I know why they make you do a pre-op diet, otherwise I'd probably be eating a giant mexican dinner the night before! Did anyone else do this? Key question, and then were you able to be successful. I know in my head tomorrow is the beginning of a new me so I really should be able to not want to eat some ice cream, huh?

Hi, just curious if anyone else developed a hematoma after surgery. I have one under my big incision which is slooooowly starting to shrink. My surgeon's PA told me that was what it was (which I sort of had already figured out) and she didn't seem too concerned. I'm not really concerned either, it is just annoying. When I look down, my belly still looks lopsided because of it (my main incision is to the left of my bellybutton). I certainly cannot feel my port under all that, and it is quite sore (like a bad bruise which is basically what it is). I haven't seen anyone mention anything like this on here, so I was just curious if someone had had this and how long it to…

Well, Today I met with the surgeon the psychologist and the nutritionist. It all went very well I confirmed my feeling from the seminar that this was the doctor I wanted to go with. It's nice to feel good about choices. The office was very efficient I was called for my 12:00 appt @ 12noon. I like it when people respect my time. The doctor was respectful and very honest, even though my BMI is 53 he's ok with my chioce of banding. He also mentioned that I could have the Lap -Band or Realize band he doesn't really see a difference (some thing new to think about) I also had a preop test to see that i understood the risk benefits and alternatives of the banding…

I'm trying to remain calm, but so far not having much luck. My surgery is scheduled for May 21, but I may have to reschedule it. On Sunday I started having some pain in my mouth. I thought it was the bottom right wisdom tooth giving me some issues. To make a very long story short, I ended up in the ER last night. The entire right side of my face was swollen, as were the glands on that side, and that side of my face was flushed. Basically I think the wisdom tooth is absessed. They put me on an IV with antibiotics and sent me home later with more antibiotics and Vicodin. I called my surgeon this morning once I got out of the Vicodin fog and told them what was going o…

Okay, I thought I had all my pre op screening done, but since I turn the big 5-0 on Saturday and thus will be 50 when I have my surgery on the 12th, my dr. wants me to go to Cardiovascular Assoc. for a stress test. Is this where I am going to be highly embarrassed because I have to run on a treadmill and will be in really bad shape? Also I have a bad knee (bone on bone) so am concerned about running. The orders say 'stress test of your choosing for pre op clearance' are there other types?

I am just in the preliminary stages. I have done my research, attended the seminar, made consultation appointments with surgeon, nutritionist and psychologist. My PCP, however, recommends that I take Byetta instead of having the costly Lap Band surgery. This really confused me. Is he saying this works just as well? Is he saying I have Type 2 diabetes? Can I get another opinion? I really want this band and my doctor has thrown a major wrench in the puzzle. Any suggestions? I need advice.

My husband and I had our first consultation apt. at the surgeon’s office. We went to our first seminar 3 weeks ago. For lap band, our BCBS insurance requires: 5 years documented obesity 6 months documented weight loss attempt. psych. eval It is going to be very difficult to get the 5 years of documented weight record for my dh because he hardly ever goes to the doctor. The surgeon said photos may count. It will be hard for me as well, but I can go to my ob/gyn, chiropractor, etc. I am just worried because I'm going to have to go to all of these doctors in person to sign a release then ask for my records to be sent over. I'm shy and feel weird telling them why. :c…

Ok the day has come finally....after 9 long months......I have to be at the hospital at 9....been on nothing but clear liquids since Saturday...only good thing is I have lost 10 lbs in 5 days...lol...yippeeeee....I am so excited but starting to get nervous now......all kind of things running through my head......anyways, I have to have a avernight stay in the hospital but post as soon as I am home and feeling up to it......:thumbdown:

Hi everyone, I'm new around here - have made a couple of posts but haven't gotten around to introducing myself. I'm 55 and have yo-yo'd with my weight ever since my early 20's. I've lost 100 lbs. three times over the years (Jenny Craig, Atkins, low fat) but have always gained it back. I know how to lose weight, I don't know how to keep it off. And now that I'm getting older, and have "been there, done that" so many times, it's really hard to find that "zone" I have to get into to stick to a healthy routine. So finally now I am at my all time high weight (235, down from 255 a month ago) and it has really started to affect my health. When I was younger, I always wanted to …

My BMI was not high enough 5 years ago. Do I have to wait until my BMI is at this level for 5 years in order to qualify?

Hey everyone its been a while since i've been back on here but yeah im backkkk [= Oh FYI i was denied then i sent in an appeal and i have been accepted so im very happy my surgery is schedualed for the 27th of May and i have been told that i have to use Lovenox after the surgery for 2weeks;self inject 2 times daily, this really scares me and i havent heard of it before has anyone had to do this? And does anyone have any suggestions for pre-op diet stuff? and what to wear to surgery and has anyone had vivik prachand before how was he? what were his pre-op and post-op requirements? What were ur nutritionists recommendations for how much Protein to intake? I'd greatly …

Hello, My name is Ellen and I was so pleased to find a forum all about the lap-band! I'm 21 years old and have been trying different diest and eating plans for the past 10 years, with only temporary success. My doctor, who normally is more conservative methods and does not always advocate bariatric surgery, has decided it's time to look into this. My weight has affected me for a long time, physically and mentally, so the thought that this may be more helpful is very exciting. I know it's going to be a huge lifestlye change, and it's a little scary, but I'm excited too. at almost 280 lbs, I'm tired of being big! So I decided to join here in the hopes i could learn more ab…

I feel like I am going to scream I went to my first visit with the surgeon last week and he asked me why I did not want gastric bypass, and I told him well I have seen many people have side effects to this, and have many health problems afterwards, and he was very suportive, however I have some so reading on the internet and I have read that gastric bypass is better for people to loose more than 100 pounds. I have about 140 pounds to loose. can people with lab band loose this much weight? When I went to the group information day, everyone else wanted gastric bypass and they could not believe that I wanted lab band, So I am so confussed know. If anyone can help me out than…

Hi Everyone, What tests did you need pre-op? I had bloodwork done, a chest x-ray, stool sample and other blood work where they took blood from an artery. I also have to see the nutritionist and a psych before I have my appointment pre-op with my surgeon. I have to go on a five day liquid diet prior to surgery. What were your pre-op requirements? Kat

I just got my surgery date today for June 27th. I am really excited about this because this has been a two year fight for me. But I am the kind of person who over worries. I am just worried that I am going to go for these pre-op tests and they are going to find something wrong, that will delay my surgery even more. I know all the nerves are normal and everyone questions their decision, I just needed to vent.

I figured I would start a thread for all of us having surgery locally. Hopefully we can network and maybe get a bit of support and knowledge from each other. I'm getting mine done at St. Alexius in STL by Dr. Van Wagner

I cannot believe this. Yesterday was my birthday and what did I get? A cold! I spent last night with a fever, sore throat, and runny nose :eek: My pre op is tomorrow morning! What do I do? It's not really bad but my throat is really scratchy. I heard about the nepi pot. Where do I find one? I took a million vitamins and will get some tylenol cold today. Any other ideas? pray for me please :thumbup:

Hi Everyone, I have been reading the board for the past couple days. I think that everyone has a lot of GREAT advice to offer and I thank you for that. It is nice to be able to share our experiences as we go through the procedure. I have my surgery scheduled for 6/11. For example, I have read that getting the gas-x strips is a good idea. I would like to put together a list of items/things that I need to get pre and post surgery (this is the project manager in me). So, can you'all make suggestions and after I a compiled them, I will repost for others...unless there is something already. Thanks in advance for all of your help :smile2:

:confused:Has anyone had surgery by dr coon in riverside,ca? I'm getting nervous, I have my consultation on 5/15. But, I've heard & read alot of bad things, but am trying to focus on the success stories. Just the band seems painful, especially when trying to eat any kind of food or drink water! Throwing it up all the time?? YIKES! Now, that makes me feel like wow! Is it really worth it, are we going to be basically starving ourselves to lose weight...I'm caught up in I want it so bad, to help me, & yet I'm scared to live the way people kinda seem unhappy with not being able ot keep food down. Help!!! I'm at a point of should even go to my consultation or not?…