PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Well, after nearly a year of wishing, and hoping, and thinking, and praying, and planning, and and dreaming... okay, I won't break out into song here (Oh, come on! If you aren't old enough to know the original song, you had to at least have seen My Best Friend's Wedding)... I've finally been approved, cleared, and am scheduled for surgery on Monday. I'm really psyched, but nervous and scared too... With my insurance, doctor visits, etc, this has all been a pretty easy and simple process and I'm starting to worry that it's been too simple. I'm scared I'm going to get to the hospital, be knocked out on the OR table, and my doctor's going to start poking around and fin…

Getting right to the point: I have my first appt with surgeon in a couple of weeks. I have had chronic and hard to manage constipation problems for years. Currently I use 1 tbsp of metamucil once or twice a day. Once or twice every week I have to add in 1-2 docusate sodium caps also. I have to really stay on top of this or I get into big trouble. Can I manage this the same after being banded? Anyone else have this problem pre -band? thanks in advance

I was advised by the surgical nurse that I shouldn't use any type of hair products containing ALCOHOL 24 hours prior to surgery. She stated hair gel as well as hair spray. I've had many surgical procedures and never once has this been an issue. Has anyone ever heard of this? Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, but I have a HUGE public event the afternoon prior to surgery.

Be sure to do your research. I had my surgery 4/07. I am lucky my insurance did pay for the procedure as well as for the follow up. I tolerated the procedure well and have had no problems to date. I am down 68 pounds and am very happy; but I have heard and read many horror stories from self pay individuals. Examples: 1) Self pay patient had internal adhesions from other non related procedures. During the procedure they discover the adhesions. They had to remove the adhesions. This required additional medical care and follow up. The insurance company, which did not cover the procedure or related costs, stated everything stemed from the intial non approved pro…

Other then taking all danged morning the only thing pre-op I have left is the blood draws. :frown: They never told me to fast the night/morning of pre-op so I had my coffee, now Monday morning I have to go back in and give up my blood dang it, so another morning long and gone. They actually told me to expect to wait 2-3 hours from time of arrival until I actually get my blood drawn!!!!!! Not cool, but oh well. Other then that it is all still a go for Wed for me!! I call them Tuesday afternoon to get my check in time then go from there!! *dances* I just don't know if I will make it Monday going that long with out my coffee. Might get arrested for mass murder inst…

I am scheduled for my surgery on May 13!:biggrin2: I was just wondering how long you stayed in the hospital after your surgery?? My dr. said if I don't have any probs I could probably go home that same day.... Thanks!!

getting ready for my procedure on Monday. happy to say the least. but among the mountain of paperwork i signed today - one piece spoke about "possibly" waking up with the intubation apparatus still in my throat and to "remain calm". ok. sure. remain calm. got it. my question is - did anyone on this board, who had the lap band, wake up with this tool still in place? thanks.

Sorry the title is kind of confusing. I finally got my surgery date, May 12th, Yay. My doctor wants me to start Protein shakes Pre-Op diet tomorrow (May 1st). I was suppose to go on a luncheon with my co-workers on May 5th. I was wondering would it be okay for me just to eat tortilla Soup? Just the broth, no meat. If not, I would still go and probably just have Iced-tea thank you~!

When I was on my liquid stage pre-op, I would have bartered with the devil just to be able to have some mashed potatoes or eggs. I said to myself 'I would just be in heaven if I could eat those things'. Now that I am in that stage, my mind is not as content with these things and I want stuff like cheescake (you know cuz it's mushy). Obviously that is a bad idea cuz of sugar and stuff, but why am I not as content now as I was then. I just wanna take, take, take. I just wish I was happy that I am allowed those things now. Am I unreasonable?

Hello everyone! I just called my ins co and they said I was approved yesterday!! For being a not so patient person, I must say this whole process has mad me be patient to the end! Now I need to wait for a date! I have been walking 4 miles a day, but the nutrionist said that walking isnt going to help my wt loss at all, that I need more wt bearing excersise- So I joined the gym, and I must say, I',m addidcted! I never thought this big ugly body would be addicted to exersise! Is there anything else anyone can suggest that I do to pass the time by? thanx for the support!

I am wondering - how "naked" will I be during the surgery? I know this is a dumb question to ask, but I am really, really freaked out about being totally exposed during the surgery. I know the doc has seen hundreds of women like me, but still...the thought just makes me nauseous.:thumbup:

Hi Everyone (first post), I am in the process of trying to aproved for the Lap Band but one of the requirements my Dr wanted is for me to get a Vena cava filter. (I had a pulemonary embolism a few years ago). Has anyone else had to get one? Just wondering what is involved with getting one. Thanks, Tom

Anyone else had an abnormal EKG ??? Mine is abnormal and my MD is sending me to a cardiologist :tongue:. I am a little worried but, have been told that it is normal for many overweight persons to have a bad EKG test. Anyone else have to go through this?? My bariatric nurse says even if I had to have angioplasty or a stent put in I could still have my band surgery ! I am just scared :redface:.

Hi everyone, I am having second thoughts about getting the lap band. My surgery's scheduled for May 9th, but I need to know this - at 347 lbs is the lap band going to really be enough to help me lose SO MUCH weight? I want to get down to 180, so that'd be 167 lbs to lose. Should I consider a more drastic option, like a gastric bypass? Thanks.

I got the call today to schedule my band surgery...when the lady asked me when i was looking to have it, i asked her what she had available, well to my surprise she said "i do have an opening MAY 7th" I looked at the calandar really quick thinking thats next week, she cant be talking about next week so i asked her well when would i have my PAT's then...she said "how about tomorrow morning at 7:30am" in my mind im thinking omg omg omg this is what you wished for lol...so now that my heart isnt beating out of my chest anymore, i thought i would share my great news with everyone...as long as everything goes as planned tomorrow at PAT's i will be having my band surgery exactl…

Dr. Husted has 3 Seminars coming up in Northern California. He discusses all current weight loss surgeries. This Saturday, May 3rd. The Petaluma Community Center 320 North McDowell Blvd. Conference Room 2 11 am. Next Saturday, May 10th, at (CPMC) the California Pacific Medical Center. 2333 Buchanan Street in San Francisco. NEW LOCATION: In the Board Room. The seminar begins at 11 am. Monday. May 19th in Fairfield CA at the Sutter Fairfield Medical Facility, 2700 Low Court, Fairfield (near the Budweiser factory.) The seminar begins at 6 pm in the Conference room. You DO NOT have to be one of Dr. Husted’s patients to attend these seminars. Please ca…

Well ladies and gents my pre op appt is done. I have a whole in my arm from taking blood (3 dang vials) on my first day of preop diet...talk about dizzy. Atkins shakes arent bad, love the cafe mocha..the vanilla is not the best but I drank it. I ate a banana and some grapes, cottage cheese and then I drank broth and boy oh boy does it need salt..but I didnt add it, instead I use Mrs. Dash's table blend. So I am going a little crazy...no nicotine, no real food and my boobs hurt so bad that I think I'm getting ready for my period...which of course is probably gonna show up the day of surgery. :sad::blushing: how embarrassing!!! So for the next few days I'm gonna…

I am in the pre-stage of trying to get the lap band and I gained four pounds at my last visit with the doctor and I am worried that my insurance will not approve the surgery. Did this happen to anyone else? Is there anything I can do? Please Help!

Anyone allowed to have coffee on their pre-op diet?

Hello! I just received a packet from the Surgeon's office (consult date 21st) in the packet there was a list of 7 required tests one of which is a Esophageal Manometry. Has anyone had to have one done, I don't like tubes or anything put down my throat. Now before I was trying to go through Tricare and was going self pay that was not a requirement of the other Surgeon I had planned on going to. Has anyone else had thier doctor order one of these as a requirement? Thanks

OK - I am not sure what to do here. Any advice...would be appreciated...I called April 23 to UHC and the Claims rep told me that I was approved for bariatric surgery as of 4:45pm. Yeah! Yippee! Woohoo! So, I called April 30 to find out if a letter had been sent to me regarding the approval. UHC Claims Dept. told me that yes I was approved and my surgery date was May 6 and they were looking at the notification number. But they didn't know why documentation had not been sent to me regarding the approval. WHAT?!?!?!? :confused2: I didn't even schedule surgery b/c my surg told me that I needed a precertification # in order to schedule a preop appt and surgery date. I asked…

Here is my question. :confused2: I read a lot about the post-op diet and not eating to allow the stomach to heal. If the band is around the stomach and there is no restriction and they do not cut the stomach or intestines what is there in the stomach to heal. I understand that there are incisions and the band is inserted and tissue is moved aside, but why do people keep saying the stomach has to heal? :cool2: I will be banded on June 6 and I can't wait. I intend to do exactly as the doctors order, but I just don't get this part. Help?:tongue:

Hi All - My surgery is cheduled for Tuesday. I was on vacation the past 10 days so I really didn't think about it much, but now that I am home I am totally scared. I know in my heart that this is the right thing to do for me, but yet I keep asking myself am I doing the right thing. I have been over weight my entire life - so this will be a huge lifestyle change for me and I really need it. I am sure there are many people out there who felt the same way right? Like why do I have to do this? Why can't I just do it on my own??? Any thoughts?

I had surgery on Monday and am thrilled! I feel great. Tons of energy! But, I feel very bloated and full. I could only get down 2/3 of my bottle of isopure so I'm way behind on protein requirements. Is this normal in the beginning?

hi, has anyone actually gotten (and carried) a pregnancy after a lap band? i know they just say that they can let the band out some , but i'm wondering if its really that easy? i have my 1st appt next month, and would like at some point to have a 3rd child, but i do wonder how easy it is after being banded? thanks pattie:smile2:

Ok so question..... How long were you off work after your surgery? I am just curious because I am putting in my medical leave request and I am not sure how long to tell them I will be gone?

I went for my sleep study last night. I probably slept an hour-an hour and a half all night. Early on I fell asleep and the tech came in to put oxygen on me, I wasn't in REM yet. I could not fall back asleep. I layed there from midnight to about 4 AM. When she cam in to wake me at 6:20 she said I finally did have about 1/2 hour of REM sleep. She gave me the impression (though didn't come out and say it) that my REM sleep was OK. I know they need 3 hours of REM with so many occurances to consider you having apnea. Has anything like this happened to anyone...and were you called back for another test?? I am really hoping this happens...since having apnea will help …

Hi all- I've read the posts regarding support from friends and family members when you have your surgery. I see the need to have this support after you get home, but I'm one of these people that when I'm sick or having surgery I just want people to leave me the heck alone! Are you required to have a support person at the hospital if you don't want one? Thanks for any input....

This is my first time posting here. I've been read all your comments and find this site very helpful. It's currently 6 a.m. and surgery is scheduled for 11 a.m. I keep on telling myself that this is the right thing to do and that everything is going to be OK. I'm a bunch of nerves and scared to death. :smile:

Well, I finally had my first surgical consult today. After reading all of these posts, I thought it would be an incredibly long process. Well, basically, since I had all of my ducks in a row and was self pay the doc was basically like, after you have your nutritionist appt and get your psyche eval in we can set a date. I am excited, but scared too! I have decided to not get it done until after my trip to Africa in July, so it is just a matter of working out when I can take off of work again. Part of me wants to put it off, but then part of me wants it to be done NOW! I'm trying to think of things that I can do as activities that don't revolve around eating because I think…

I thought it was hilarious...I finally had my consult yesterday with the surgeon, and after taking my history, she looked at me and said, "well, i think you are a perfect patient for this surgery". i thought that was pretty funny...when was the last time you'all were considered a 'perfect physical specimen', heh?:blushing: i didnt know there was such a thing as perfectly fat

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I have a date.....the drs office called late this afternoon and said they have me set up for May 15th....I go on the 7th for preop visit and all the formalities at the hospital......OMG I never thought I would be so excited.....the day has finally come......anybody else being banded on the same day let me know please?????:thumbup:

Yeah, after over 2 years of waiting for Tricare to approve Lap Band. I'm finally on my way. I have a family appt. with Dr. Koura on June 5th and my surgery date is JUNE 16th. I'm so excited I can't stand it. Take Care Everyone. Soon to be in a bandster, Leah:lol::sad::blushing:

Hi, I wanted to introduce myself, Im 30 years old, 5'8 and 326lbs. I have been going through a long process for this surgery, and Today the information was finally sent to my insurance, which is BCBS of NC. From what I hear they are pretty good about getting things approved. I am really excited, and very nervous. But, importantly, I cant wait unti Im a lot healthier, so I can keep up with my 2 year old girl. So, as far as the status goes, Im just waiting on insurance. The longest part was therapy, for some reason, they had to take the longest. Im kinda glad Im keeping them, and are going to continue to go to them. I have researched for 2 years on this surgery. And finally…

My surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday. I'm wanting to hear from any other post op-ers that have sleep apnea. My question is at what point in losing do you need to have another sleep study done, or how do you know if you CPAP level is too high? I'm hoping my apnea goes away. I have a love-hate relationship with my CPAP right now. :wink2:

that are capsules or tablets? I'm a male with BPH (enlarged prostate) and without medication, I would be in the Emergency Room in less than 24 hours. The medication does not exist in liquid or injectable form. I would have to be able to swallow (and keep down) a capsule twice a day, every day, from Day One. Am I wasting my time?

My doctor does not have me on any kind of a pre-op diet. Nothing. Nada. I'll be on liquids the day before surgery after 3:00 pm. I keep reading about people who are on a week and 2 weeks of liquids only before surgery. Could it be because my BMI is not extremely high? It's 39. Am I going to be OK for surgery???

I have been contacted and told that my case was submitted to my insurance company for approval! I am sooo excited! Seems like it has taken forever to get to this point! Now everyone please please please send happy thoughts and wishes for a quick turn around! If I hear back early enough this week I will have surgery May 5th... if later in the week then I'm looking at May 12th (The surgeon only does lap band on Monday)... Ugh.. the torture continues... I'm ready now! Waiting for my official date! Shannon

Hello, I am so glad to have found this site, as it has already proven to have some very useful information. My husband and I are both planning on having the surgery and we are hoping to do it at the same time so that we can support each other. I have a BMI 39/40 and he is 44/45. He also has diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Due to the cost, and insurance non coverage, we are considering doing it in Mexico. How often do you do fills/unfills during the first year? How long do people usually keep the bands? Do most people remove the bands after reaching their desired weight? How difficult is it to remove the band?

I'm waiting on approval from Tri-Care for my lapband and my PCM did a blood test I just got the results today and they are as follows: Red blood cell count Low 3.65. Hemoglobin Low 9.1. Hematocrit Low 28.2. MCV Low 77.4. MCH Low 24.9. RDW HIGH 15.1. Platelet Count High 407. DHEA Sulfate Low 28. Bun/Creatinine Ratio High 23. Folate Low 3.9. Sorry for all of the info!! But it's a little scary. It seems like everything is out of sync! Does anyone have any explanation? Before I had these results I completed a saliva (hormone test) last week, so before the doctor acts on these test she wants those results also. But she did give me a B12 shot and a prescription for Niferex u…

I am meeting with a new surgeon at the end of this week, and he requires a food and exercise diary before surgery to show him that your committed to the band requirements. So, I've been a very, very good girl and I've lost 13 pounds. It's kind of funny, but I was thinking it and DH said it . . . something to the effect of, if I'm doing so well losing now, shouldn't I just stick to the program and keep losing weight without the band? Hahahahaha! Okay . . . so I KNOW that I need the band. I KNOW that sticking to something long-term is nearly impossible for me and I need that band to get me through those times where, without the band, I feel absolutely starving. Bu…

From what I have been reading, it seems like a lot of people go through this, but I am seriously having second thoughts about having this surgery. I actually can't believe I feel this way. It took me 3 months to get Cigna to approve it, and I was even denied twice. I was approved last week, and I thought I would be happy, but I am not. I have a lot of problems with IBS and nausea now, and I am worried that it will get worse with the band. I just got accepted into RN school for the fall, and I am scared I will be sick all the time with the band and have to drop out of school. A million thoughts are going through my mind about being sick all the time. I also keep thinking o…

Okay, I have a question. When I saw the nutritionist, she said that if you do this diet faithfully and "cheat" for any reason that you have completely undone the good that you did and have to start all over again. I honestly don't know whether I believe this or not and wondered if anyone knew FOR SURE. I have been straight-up faithful with the diet but my wedding anniversary is this weekend and we are going out of town. I have made lots of plans and am prepared to continue the diet while we are gone but we are definitely visiting a restaurant that we LOVE while we are there. I have already thought of an item I can have from the menu which would not be cheating EX…

So i went to my 2nd nutrition appt today, and gained 4 lbs! Granted it is during the final weeks of classes and finals are coming and I am a stress eater. I have been very stressed! But I have been eating healthier than ever and exercising much more than ever too. I have to admit I am having trouble keeping to te 350 cal meal/150 cal snack regimine. If I could do that easily I wouldn't need the band in the first place. When I do follow it stictly, i am starving and preoccupied about when I get to eat next. AUUUGGGHHHHH!!!

Hi to all, Just starting the process.1st appt is tomorrow.6 mo. of programs before an OK for surgery.And I'm fine w/ that, it seems like the right way to go.Having a bad time getting records together.Been trying a month now and I just get shuffled around.I plan on going personally to the office and getting my files to make my own copies.The ins. co wants documentation of failed supervised programs (3min) that incl.among other requirements, exercise, counseling etc. the list is 2 pgs. long.Do others have this problem?I am determined to use the 6mo. time frame to get everything together and it looks like I will need it.Any suggestions?

I went to my primary care doctor for the last of my six month appt. He still will not send my paperwork to the surgeon. Why? He says I am too healthy. I am 5'3" tall and weight 290 pounds. I have no diabetes, my cholesterol is 136, my blood pressure was 111/64, blah, blah, blah. I am morbidly obese, have been fat all my adult life, have tried ever diet under the sun and then some. He says to "get my head on right" and just lose the weight. Duh! Yeah, I am thankful I have no health problems but I know it is just a matter of time. I am 45 years old. What do I do?

When saw the number come up on my caller id screen the first thing i said was this has to be good news... My band date is set for May 15th @9am... and I have to do a 1-week pre-op diet...and swear my stalkin... calling on the phone every other day day butt better follow it to a T...lol..I have actually started eating way less anyway... so hopefully it will go pretty smooth....

I was scheduled to have surgery on April 30th. However, I have a staf infection on my stomach and the surgery has to be cancelled for now. This isn't the first time I had this. I was hospitalized in January for MRSA, and since then it has come back 2 times. The nurse where I go says I shouldn't have the surgery right now because the band can get infected too. Now I am scared to have the surgery at all because this infection seems to keep coming back. Also, I know someone who had a hernia surgery and got MRSA and it keeps coming back and its really bad. I don't want to end up like this. Right now my head is going crazy. I go to see my regular doctor tomorrow about the infe…

All - Tomorrow is the big day at noon. I have been on liquids today am I am so hungry now. I was fine all day really, now that I am home I am starting to get a head ache from being so hungry. I am going to have some more surgar free Jello in a bit. I am not really nervous about the surgery itself, just bout life afterwards. I know this is all for the best so I am thinking positive. Any last minute words of advice?

At one point someone emailed me the link to where I can find all of the questions to ask the surgeon at my appt and now I can't find them again! I am going for my first appt tomorrow and want to make sure I cover everything! Thanks!!!