PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

:smile2: I'm so excited, my surgery is scheduled for June 3rd. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Ok I take Lasik twice a day, Potassium once a day, and over the counter iron pills due to being anemic. My question is after surgery am I gonna be able to take my pills immediately after surgery. I cant crush these pills really and dont know if I can get a liguid version of the lasiks and potassium.

All obvious health risks aside, is it required to quit smoking prior to having the lap band surgery? I will most likely try quitting soon anyway, but just wondering. Maybe it can interfere with the healing process?

I had my pysch eval today and for some reason I was dreading it more than anything. The guy was very nice, and as I expected asked lots of questions about my relationship with food and my eating habits, and asked questions to test my understanding about what a lap band entailed. But then he pulled out some of the "shrinky" stuff.....he asked me if I found a stamped sealed addressed envelope what would I do with it? The flip side of me wanted to answer "it depends on who it was from or where it was going" but of course I immediately gave the safe answer "put it in a mailbox". He then asked me to spell the word "world" and I was tempted to spell it "whirled" as in spun arou…

Well, in spite of my pcp's attitude towards wls, her staff is very efficient and sending the referral to the surgeon. I have the nutritionist then the psychologist and the 1st consultwith the surgeon wednesday 5/14. I am so excited! I hope this can happen by the fall.

Hi everyone. I am so excited my big day is tomorrow! I am #1 to have it done in the morning by my Dr. Can't waite for a new me to start to emerge. I have been using this sight for about 3 weeks now, but I know I will really use it now. I feel so relaxed because of this wonderful site. I wan't to thank everybody here. Because of ya'lls voice I knew what to ask and to look forward to. Thanks!

Hey guys. Just got my approval letter from BCBS. Thinking of scheduling my surgery end of June or mid-July. Cannot wait to get this show on the road! Thanks to everyone for the support and a thanks in advance for future support. I am sure to have questions from time to time.

So, my surgery is next Wednesday (May 21st)! I'm really pretty excited and looking forward to the future. But, I haven't told anyone other than a couple of family members (and only then because they're going to be there with me) that I am doing this. I feel like if I admit this I will be horribly embarassed (as if being overweight isn't bad enough). Problem part 2 - obviously having surgery, obviously going to be losing weight???? How do I explain that if I just can't admit it to people?

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I'm just waiting now for my "after 1pm phone call" from the hospital telling me what time to show up tomorrow for the surgery. Last night I told my husband that I thought I didn't need to do this. He just kind of looked at me and waited for the eventual, "no, I do need this" reply to my own statement. The commute was awful today. My co-workers are driving me nuts. It's been a bad morning all around. The stress of the day is eating at me and I just wanted to leave and go home. I feel like crying. What the heck is that about?! I KNOW I'm doing the right thing. I'm not questioning that...it's just that my emotions are so wonky. …

Now a friend of mine said that she was going to go with me, however she just told me today that she will have to go to work for a training session. My cousin said that she would go but she has to take her mother to the airport @ 1:30pm and im not sure what time I will be released since it is out patient. So I will be going alone, I know my mother & my brother will be there with me in spirit, but is anyone else being banded alone?

I have an EKG tomorrow afternoon and an echocardiogram coming up. I've had an EKG before but never an echo. What do they do during the test? I'm thinking I'm having one done because I took Phen-Fen and heart disease runs in my family. I hope everything comes out okay.

hello! my name is Shari and I am being banded on the 21st, I am on a 14 day liquid protien diet right now and it is really hard, actually while at work i am ok but this weekend posed a big problem, I have been home and getting bored so I wanted to eat...I have done pretty good, I did eat a few wheat thins yesterday because I was craving a crunch...I hope this won't hurt anything, I am really worried about it now...if anyone has cheated please let me know so I don't feel so bad.

I struggled with the pre-op diet, as month long last supper seemed more appealing, so here's some motivation for you all... (click to make it big)

Just wanted to let everyone know that my surgery went great. My doc put in a pain pump that will stay 5 days. Do all doctors do that? I didn't know he was going to do that but am glad he did. He told me to walk as much as possible so I have been up all morning moving around. When should I weigh for the first time?? What is the normal loss??

I got my surgery date of May 23. I was wondering how many of you are planning an overnight stay. I know that a lot of the surgeries are outpatient. How many of you would have preferred to have the overnight stay. I still have a hard time talking with the drs office, they don't get back very quickly if at all. I'm trying to check so see if I can have the overnight stay. I can't wait...

well its almost band day.....I am still so excited...my very best friend asked when was the nervousness going to happen I said I dont know....hopefully it want get too bad....I have a question though...dr has me on 5 day preop clear liquid diet.....does anyone know if it is ok to suck on some sugar free hard candy or not???the water, jello. popsicles and broth gets old fast lol....

Uh-Oh. I had my pre-op testing on Friday morning, and went to the surgeon's office for my Case Management appt yesterday. It seems there is some sort of "shadow" on the chest x-ray, so they want a Pulmonary CT scan to see if anything of concern. The nurse said it may just be a rib shadow, but just in case... Anyone had one of these? I don't feel like I have heart problems, but I guess one never knows.

How long does it usually take to get all the necessary pre-op testing done/setting up a surgery date? I'm just curious because, well, I attend a seminar at the hospital on wednesday, then I have to go in and talk to my doctor again to get the ball rolling. I'm wondering if there's any possibilty of me being able to have everything done and have the procedure done before summer ends and fall semester begins. (since my days are decently full with babysitting for 3-5 small chikldren every week day during the school year for 5 hours each day, plus taking night classes.) It would be great to actually use some of this summer break to rest and recover as needed and start getting…

I am seriously considering having lap band surgery in Mexico with Dr. Oritz. I am completely convinced that this is what I need to do; however, convincing my husband, family and friends is a different story. Did anyone else run into lots of negativity from others when considering the surgery? My husband says so simply..." just eat less and exercise more." It seems so simple to him because he is tall and thin. He has tons of energy and can eat anything he wants and not gain a pound. I, on the other hand, am only 5'1" and am quickly gaining more and more weight. I now have a BMI of 32 and am worried that if I don't do something now it will only get worse. I am frustra…

Hi everyone. I am currently jumping through the insurance hoops of psych consult, sleep study, nutritionist, and having to lose 20 lbs. (Insurance wants 15, but my doc wants 20). I am stuck. I haven't lost a single pound...not gaining which is good, but I have appointments this week and then it's back to the surgeon next week. I was hoping to have made SOME progress. I have a really really hard time losing weight, and right now, I am feeling like an idiot. I am going to get this lap-band and not lose anything:frown: then I will feel like a complete and total failure *sigh* Any tips on losing this weight quickly???

I have to be at the hosp. at 6am in the morning. I just want to say thank you to everyone on here that posts things to help us, the unbanded. I also want to say thank you to all that have sent me thoughtful messages about different things I have gone through. I can't wait to walk through the bandsters door. I am about to pack a bag.....tell me what helped you while you were in the hosp. Again thank you for all your help!!!!

I have fatty liver disease. I had a liver biopsy 10 days ago so we know that it is only fatty liver and not cirrhossis. I have alot of pain where my liver is. They can't tell me why and pain pills don't help. My surgery is Monday and I'm on clears. It seems to have made the pain worse. I would have thought the "shrinking" diet would have made the pain lessen. Anyone else experience this? Any ideas? I know it will get better after I lose weight. I've had my gallbladder taken out. I do know my spleen is slightly enlarged due to my liver. Thanks Carol

:biggrin: I was banded yesterday morning in B'ham, AL with Dr. Miles and spent the night at the hospital, came home today and I'm feeling better than I thought I would. Not having a problem keeping down liquids. Very sore in the stomach as is to be expected. The ride home was painful (over 2 hours) but overall I'm great. I was very freaked out about being put to sleep, though I had surgery before so I was so happy about just waking up that I think my attitude is very good and that I can handle this! To all of you pre-banders, go in with with a very positive attitude and lots of prayers!:thumbup:

I have bcbs of mn they said they cover Lap Band but I need the 6 month diet. So I am doing it with my reg. dr because she is in my town. My bariatric center is almost 2 hrs away so I am not using there nutritionist. So I am on my 4th month of the diet and my patient advocate is saying that my dr is not taking the notes right and I should drive to see the nutritionist also for 6 months. Even the nutritionist says thats ridiculous. So this is what I am getting to I am so worried that by only seeing my reg dr for the diet that I wont get approved. But I am doing what the insurance asked the 6 month diet. Does anyone have experience with bcbs of mn? I am so excited about this…

I have my surgery date and in my excitment didn't realize till today that there is a good posibility that it will be that time of the month around my surgery date. Does anyone know if they will cancel or reschedual the surgery? Everyone is gone for the weekend at the doctors office and it is driving me crazy to know. Thanks, you all are the best!

I finally got a date for my surgery 6/23.My question is Does there seem like there is more pain when you have the 2 surgeries done together?:crying:I know it has to be done to put the band on.It's a small hiatal hernia thank god.I would appreciate any feedback I can get.I am so excited I have a date.:smile: Donna

can anyone help me and tell me how to put an avatar by my name???? THanks

...and I have to say I'm a little nervous. I only have to do it for 10 days but geesh, if this was going to be easy, I wouldn't be fat in the first place!! I feel very confident that I won't mess it up or cheat, it's my nature and strong will to follow through. I'm just a little nervous though. I know hunger isn't going to kill me but it does make me uneasy, like many of you - food is a comfort to me. Well...here goes the security blanket! Wish me well.

Ahhh, I'm so excited. I've been living in LBT for about 2-3 months now. Monday is my surgery date. I'm excited and nervous, just a bit nervous though. I'm trying to get everything ready at home so my hubby (who is taking 2 days off work to take care of me) wouldn't have to do much. Can't wait! Any May 12th Bandster? I would love to keep in touch with people who is getting the band around the same time with me. We can be each other support!! Funny storry though. My general doctor called me today after I faxed over the Weight and Blood Sugar Log to her. First thing she said to me was " I need to see you, your sugar is horrible!" Then she paused and goes, "oh wait, …

As of today I have 37 days left until my surgery date of June 16th. I need to lose 6 lbs before June 2nd or my surgery will be cancelled, ugghh.... so I am basically doing my liquid Protein diet a bit early and excercising to lose this weight in time for the weigh in. I am excited, nervous, nauseaus, thrilled and anxious all at the same time. I want this surgery so badly and I can't believe that it is within my immediate future. Every day I wake up and worry - oh no what if the insurance company reverses their decision? what if I don't lose the weight in time? blah blah blah, my typical anxiety ridden emotions pouring forth. Thank you to any one who reads this, I j…

I live in Atlanta. I went to a seminar yesterday and the cost is $16,500. I'm self-pay, so this is NOT possible. I found Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. He'll perform the surgery for $7900 (this will not include the fills I have to get in Atlanta). I've read excellent things about Dr. Ortiz. Apparently, he was on Oprah and has written a book regarding Lapbands. I've only seen good things about him...but of course...I'm still scared. Any advice would be appreciated...thank you.

I went for pre op yesterday and everything went fine or so I thought. There was student doing my EKG alone but I didn't think to much of it. Now I have never had a EKG done but the placement of the leads seemed to be a little off but like I said I had never had one done. She placed a lead on each leg, 2 under each boob and one set on my chest, does that sound right? Anyways the hosp. called today and said that the EKG didn't come back good and I need to have another one done tomm. Can someone tell me if those are the places the leads go and should I worry about this? I don't have any health problems other then my weight. I am a little worried something could really…

I was denied by the UMASS doctors. The reason was that I did not have a BMI of 40. My BMI was 37 and they did not factor that I have high blood pressure. They refused to listen and had me denied at the first orientation even though I went as far as seeing the nutritionist and physiologist. From what I got from the whole ordeal at UMASS was that I was too young and that I should continue to diet. Gee; why didn't I think of that? I have been dieting since I was thirteen and only got short term results. I felt they thought I was lazy. It was disappointing to get the denial letter. I did not give up. I did my research on this website and others about the Dr. that denied …

Ok, so I just made my psych appt, the lady said that it will be a 3 hour appointment!!!! OMG, what could I possibly talk about for 3 hours.. Anyone else have there appt last that long?? or Do you think she is just over exagerating??

I have been reading threads and I seem to keep hearing about the gas pain. What is everyone talking about is it farting all the time, heart burn or both? I also will like to know is this all the time or when I eat certain things also people are saying right after surgery they have gas bad fill me in on this ok?

Can anyone give me advice on the best protein powder to get? I would like something flavorless that I can add to broth, drinks, etc.

Went to my pre-op appt yesterday and found out that my insurance will only pay for the Surgery Center here in town. I thought all along I'd be at the hospital, you know, in case something horrible happened during surgery like something was wrong with my heart or my foot fell off or something!!! Is the surgery center ok? any one had surgery at one? experiences? I had a bad time when I had my gallbladder out at the center - in recovery the nurse was on the computer and nobody checkin' me out, so I was forced to projectile vomit to get someone's attention! I am really nervous!!!:thumbup:

My insurance co requires 6 month diet with pcp, my question is though.. Do they count full months or just 6 visits within the 6 months? The reason I'm asking is I started 6 month thin 4/1 so 10/1 would be my 6 visits, but 10/30 would be a full 6 months. Any idea of which the insurance would require???? I'm trying to squeeze this in by the end of the year....So any shortcuts I can muster would be good.

Can anyone recommend a good blender to purchase... Some say the Magic Bullet, some say the Wand, some say just buy premade food... What's a girl to do??? :huh2:

I FINALLY got my paperwork showing which tests and bloodwork I need to have done pre-op. I'm surprised that I don't have to have an Endoscopy (EGD) and treadmill test, but have to get an EKG and Echocardiogram, plus some other tests. Hopefully I'll be banded the last week of May or the first week of June... I am so ready.

Wahoooo:thumbup: i am done with all my insurance requirements! Now, the waiting begins. My paperwork is going to be sent out either today or monday...I don't know how long my insurance company will take to get back to us, but I am excited!! I have been working on "personal" food issues, and I am proud proud proud to say I have not had a soda since last week Thursday!!!!:thumbup: That is a BIGGGG deal for me...i was a 12 can a day cola girl!! I also have started experimenting with foods that I will be allowed to have. Another big deal...i am outside my comfort zone! I have some carb master yogurt (store brand of atkins) and I really like it. I am ordering Kashi shak…

I have been overweight my entire life...with the exception of 4 years of popping illegal diet pills...now I am considering getting banded. I have my first dr appointment on May 19. I found this website which I think is great but now I have more questions...any replys are appreciated... 1. What the heck is PB?? That some people talk about 2. Can you still enjoy a cocktail every once and a while? 3. How long did it take you to recover afterwards? 4. Is it worth it?

I am scheduled for surgery on May 19. I am for it and then I change my mind. I think "why can't I try WW once again and really work at it?" I have been a member on and off of WW since 2000. I lost 75 lbs and ended up gaining it all back, plus some. I think I need something that says "hey - stop eating - you have had enough." I could use some wise words of wisdom and advice from those that have done through this. Thanks!

Hello everyone. I am scheduled for surgery on May 14. Started the liquid diet yesterday. Anyone elce out there drinking you nutrition? If so I thought we could support one another. We can all do it!!!

Hello All- I am four days before surgery and nervous. Nervous about changing my life and nervous about not having everything ready. So, to clear at least one things off my list - what did everyone wear during recovery week. My mom insists that I will want nightgowns, but I hate those- what did you wear? What is uncomfortable or hard to get into or out of? Thank you!!

Short Background: Sept 07: Starts liquid Diet. Nov 07: Meets Pre-op Weight Goal (330lbs.) Dec 07-Mar 08: Long Story Mar 6th, 2008: Failed Lap-Band Surgery. asked to lose 30 more pounds. Mar to Today: Back and forth struggle, upset, anger, courage,etc. Now weigh 315 lbs. Okay... If all goes well, I will be at around 300 lbs. by the end of the month. My surgery will not be scheduled until July of this year. They want me to stay on the liquid diet until then. If all goes as planned I will be in the 270-280 range by the time I go into surgery. My ultimate goal is 170. I guess my thoughts are, I will have lost over 100 pounds by the time I get back into surgery …

Ok...I am on day 5 of the liquid diet...which consists of 4 low carb slim fasts, and all of the broth, sf jello, sf popsicles and water I want....I am a teacher and this week is teacher appreciation week..every day there's been food!!!! donuts, snack mix, popcorn, candy, pasteries!!! It has been tough! I have my surgery on the 13th so 5 more days! I just bought my chewable vitamins and calcium chews....I took them a few minutes ago and they tasted wonderful (how pathetic is that):thumbup: I can do this right????? :biggrin::huh2::cool2:

As my last thread, I was approved, after calling and calling the clinic, I got a surgery date. June 9th, and I start liquids on May 26th. Im so excited. I have a feeling Im going to be on here a bit more!!!

HI all I was just at my PCP today discussing the possibility of getting a Lap Band referral. The PCP stated he would give me one but told me to not be surprised if the Dr refused to do the surgery because of my spinal stenosis, hip and shoulder problems. The PCP has ordered MRI of my spine, hip and shoulder and feels that I should wait until those problems are taken care of first. Has any with spinal stenosis, hip, shoulder or even knee problems had a Dr who refused to do the surgery?

Hey guys, I'm sitting here with a buddy who is planning on getting a lap band. He has several obesity related issues and his BMI is plenty high-- might the VA benefits cover it, or help cover it?