PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My Pre-op Testing is complete! I am so anxious for all the results to be in so I can have my appointment with my surgeon!!! :glare: I am sooooooooo ready to get started with the whole thing. I have PCOS and this is the sure cure for all those horribly disgusting side effects. (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome) :sigh: I also suffer from GERD and this will surely cure that as well! I'm going to feel like a whole new person... Anyone have any ideas for Pre-Op liquid diet? I've already started to buy Slim-Fast, but I know I'll be starving! I love Jell-o and drink broth often- is that all there is to drink? I'm so lost and cannot even begin to think outside the box on t…

How do you control your stress??? When I am stressed - I smoke and eat... when I am stressed and can't smoke - I eat and eat. So now that I'm not smoking and trying not to eat how do I control my stress? My partner called me this morning at work to tell me that her company decided to downsize and she was "downsized" today.... My surgery is scheduled for next Friday (and paid for f.y.i.) So now what do I do? Because with a new job, probably means moving in a few months.... AAAHHH!!! Is this too much stress to handle right after lap band? Or maybe I'm just letting myself freak out? I wish I could go home to my mom and she would make me chocolate pudding... which I'm sur…

Here it is, day one of the liquid diet and i already have that evil twin in my head saying its ok to cheat just once! I had asked for diet pills to help with the hunger while i am on liquids only but my Dr. does not give them. Anyone have advice on how to keep the hunger from driving us crazy?:smile: My surgery is april 14 and i must drop some weight and change the way i feel about food.

:redface: I am so pissed off... My case hasen't even went to my insurance company I have records from 2002 to current..I just had to tell them that I have records from 2006 I don't need theirs... Why is it like pulling teeth to get your stuff? My major issue with them is that a release of information form was faxed over like 2-3 weeks ago and when I called to see why it was taking so long for it to be sent over they were like. Sorry we can't use their release of information form, it has to be on ours. :tongue::cursing::w00t: Ok when were you people going to let someone know? I'm off of my soap box for now... This really diggs in my skin because I am so ready to get th…

I had my appointment today with the surgeon and everything went well. I am going with an out-of-network doctor, so the insurance said they would leave it up to him to decide if I needed the surgery, with a BMI of 46 he said YES!!! I am now waiting for him to call me back with a surgery date which he said will happen before the end of the month, or the first week of May. After I get my surgery date, I need to go and see my PCM and get cleared for surgery. (just needs to write a letter saying OK). I can't believe it, I thought I would have a horrible time dealing with the insurance. I am now just a little nervous about the anesthesia. I will also be starting my pre-op…

Has anyone's family been negative about them getting this surgery? My mom and my brother who are skinny, think I should just exercise more and eat better. I just hate hearing these comments. Luckily I have a supportive husband and some friends who are supportive. It is just so frustrating!:huh2:

I was wondering, if you buy the chocolate protein shakes, could you freeze one and eat it like ice cream? Or does that like freeze out the nutrients and stuff like that?

My surgery is scheduled for Friday and the only aspect that has caused me stress is telling my friends and family that I do not want them at the surgery. If I was able to complete the process by myself, I would do it, no questions asked. I have a roommate, childhood friend, who is going to handle everything I can't over the next week and be at the surgery. Over the last week, its been a huge discussion point in my circle of friends and some took exception (I think). Most have asked why I feel this way and my answer is simple. I've never has surgery but I've been involved in 3 big surgeries involving 3 of the closest people in my life. We shared "Goodbyes" on thei…

I've been going to see a therapist for the past nearly three years, first to address some depression/anxiety issues (mostly related to a painful breakup). My mental health issues have largely subsided (still get some anxiety but nothing beyond the normal human experience) but I continue to see her for career and family related issues. We have a nice rapport and while I don't (and shouldn't) consider her a friend, our in-session relationship is very much like a friendship. She and I are basically the same size, and sometimes talk about clothes and fits and things (not as part of therapy but in the first 5 minutes, hi how are you blah blah stuff). She's comfortable with…

so i was supposed to go to my nurse consult, surgen consult, and psych consult on monday, and then get my surgery date...but i just got a call from the center and they have to move all my apts back 2 weeks to the 28th! i'm really bumed...i just wanted to get this show on the road and start loseing already! argh!! i'm fusterated.

Insurance doesn't cover the lap-band surgery,i have inquired about Obesity Control Center,the clinic is in Tijuana,Mexico.Has anyone on here gone the "over the border" route? If so,how was your experience?Also, I am a smoker,is there any way to get out of smoking 2 weeks prior to surgery date,as that is what i am being told by the OCC.?

I have to be at NYU at 11 a.m. I'm surprisingly calm, and can't help but wonder if the jitters will set in once I get there. I saw the kids off to school, and have another hour until I leave for the city (even though it should take 30-35 minutes to drive there, the reality is a whole lot more than that, of course!) My husband is bringing me there, and will stay until he needs to head back to be there when the kids get home. His cousin is on stand-by, and my friends and neighbors are aware and will check in on me when he goes back to work on Wednesday. I can't believe that soon I'll be posting in the post-op section of this forum!

Help! I am about a month out from my surgery and I am looking for a psycologist, councelor, that specializes in weight control. I live in Ft. Worth but I would drive to big D because I feel this is an important part of my theropy. I really want this to be sucessful and I feel that it may help to reach down into my inner thoughts to find the root of what makes me a emotional eater. I have a very positive attitude and no fear of the operation ( because I've done my rearch), but I want to go the step further and really make this work. Any help is welcome Please comment

I started my pre op diet today and its a little harder then I was thinking it was going to be. Anyone out there that has been on this same diet with him have any advice on what you ate? Did you ever go over on the 3 cups of salad veggies or more then 3 oz of cheese? Did you have a lot of chicken broth? What were some of the items you ate??????

Hi everyone, I'm sure you have all heard this before, but I'm going to put it out there any way to vent!!! I know this process is long and grueling... but the hoops you have to go through are ridiculous...! At this point I have gone to 3 support group meeting, gone to a cardiologist 2x's, gone for blood work and an upper GI, met with the nutritionist, went to two nutrition classes, met with the nurse practionier and oh let's not forget the informational session... This Friday I have to meet the surgeon and on Monday I meet the psychiatrist and then the following Friday I have another nutritionist appointment... Plus I have lost my required 5% of weight.... and yet wi…

Hello, I'm new here and just wondering if anyone else had to put weight on to qualify for lap band surgery? I'm nearly there according to my GP. How fussy are the surgeons? I am wide but also quite tall! Doing lots of research, ....Lisa

Hi Everyone, I am not sure if this should be posted on the insurance section or here, if it's in the wrong place I apologize. I am in the pre-approval stage of surgery. I have gone to a seminar, had my surgical consult, gone to my PCP and had him write a letter, I have my nutritional consult on Tuesday and my Psych consult next Thursday, blood work tomorrow and my follow-up with my surgeon on May 2nd. I was told that my original insurer Blue Cross of California takes about 3 weeks to approve and then I would schedule surgery for 2-4 weeks. However, my benefits department at work decided to drop a bomb on me today and tell me that they are changing insurers from Blue Cross…

I went to my third visit with my PCP (6 month diet) and he told me today that he thinks I should just try to loose the weight on my own again and is not going to submit anything to my insurance company at this time. I guess I am going to need to go find a new Dr that will back me on my decision to have WLS. He has been my Dr for over 10 years now. This really really sucks!

I am meeting with my surgeon on May 1st. I haven't decided on the band or the bypass yet. I have done everything to get the surgery my insurance is covering it. I know he will probably want to do it in May, I am just not sure which one to do. I have been trying to look up as much as I can. I know people who have had both. Any suggestions or input?:confused2:

I was up half the night because my nerves wouldn't let me sleep!! The three day liquid diet was coming out all night as well. Now I have a tickle in my throat and a slight cough. Could just be dry mouth and allergies. Should I worry or call my surgeon? Have I turned into a hypochondraic? I have never had surgery before and I am soooooo freaking nervous!!

I was just wondering if anyone had a sample menu of what they had each day in order to mix it up. The idea of having a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch & broth, and a shake & broth for dinner is kinda saying "boring....." to me, how did you guys mix it up? :frown:

I thought it might happen. I've been going to my pcp for 6 years now went in with headaches and diagnosed with HTN and I was 318lbs @ the time. 2 years aago after telling me again that I needed to control my weight and changing me to stronger meds she said "and don't think you going to do it the "cheating way" with a bypass". ok no problem by that time I was 322. I'm doing my research and I'm hoping the lap band is the thing for me, I'm certainly ready to give it my all and I just did 1 year of nutrisystem losing 30 lbs and gaining 35lbs. I go in yesterday (my birthday) for my annual. I mention that my knee is killing me I aviod stairs, and lo and behold 1 weigh 328 …

Tomorrow is the day before my surgery.....and I have been so excited I kinda forgot whether Doc said clear liquid or just any liquid the day before surgery....Yes I have called them and left a message, but, they havent returned my call yet. What did you guys do the day before???:confused2:

I am sure this has been answered before, but I was unable to find it in a search, what is PB and slimeing (not sure of the spelling)????? I am still in the process of getting my insurance to give the go ahead, but I have seen it mentioned a few times. Thanks.

TO be an April Avenger but I am now a May Flower!!!! I GOT MY DATE!!!!!! May 7th!!! :thumbup::thumbup::tongue::thumbup: *dies* My mom just got her plane ticket she is flying in on the 6th, my surgery on the 7th. Sadly she can only stay a few days, but that is ok, I have tons of friends ready to pick up where she left off. (ok not tons, but a few is enough) I am excited!!! Pix

I had my EKG, Chest X-ray, Upper GI, Barium Swallow and Ultrasound. I have a fatty liver, no surprise there. I was surprised that my x-ray showed mild degeneration in my thoracic spine... WTF?? I'm only 28! I guess that is what carrying an extra 100 lbs will do for you. I always found out that I have a duodoneal diverticulum (sp?). Form what I found on the web, this is a sort of herniation of the intestines... rare in people under 40... causes reflux... rarely needs surgery... antacids to be used for treatment... blah, blah, blah! Has anyone else had this or any medical professionals out there to shed some light??? Is this something I should be concerned with? i don't …

I will have the last of my scheduled appointments tomorrow [heart ultrasound & oxygen test] and nobody has asked for my proof of my previously medically supervised diet. I'm getting concerned because my last appointment was Nov. 04. I called BCBS and they require in the last 4 year. Well, I started in July 03 but ended in Nov. 04. Oh boy, I'm starting to get stressed now. How did you validate your supervised diet?

Hey everyone :purplebananna: I've currently been on a liquid diet for 11 days (Surgery on Friday!) and I have some questions. The liquid diet hasn't been too difficult for me.. but the last couple of days it seems to be wearing me out. I know that this liquid thing (before and after the band) is the hardest part of the process.. and I can understand that. I guess I'm just getting a little "blah" about it all. Everything is so sweet. The Protein drink is sweet, Jello is sweet, popsicles are sweet... and I hate broth. Is there ANYTHING that I can have that isn't so sweet? I know I just need to get through the next two and half to three weeks.. but goodness, it's …

Has anybody attempted this? The 14g of Protein per shake is just *not* cutting it for me on this pre-op diet (I'm supposed to be doing the 3 shake/day preop thing and the 'whopping' 42g/day of protein just isn't enough):thumbup: I'm considering taking a ride over to GNC tomorrow to pick up some unflavoured Protein powder so that I can add it to the Optifast stuff I have. Any input? TIA -m

One of the doctors that is part of the LB program I am going through asked me if I ever snore. Ah, yes? I have allergies (and a cat who sleeps on my head), a partially deviated septum and adnoids, of course I snore a little! I always have, when I was a kid, when I was thin, etc. She immediately said I need to be evaluated for sleep apnea. There is a HUGE stretch between a little snoring (which doesn't even disturb DH) and sleep apnea. But this woman is a bull dog and there is no convincing her, so I play along. They schedule the sleep study (wonder how much this is costing my insurance, and what it will cost me?) and they send me a letter beforehand telling me most…

I'm going on thursday to see my primary care dr to see if I qualify. I am so nerovus about this. I guess I'm really embarrassed to go in there and tell him all my issues. My experience with military drs hasn't been that great though. They've always dismissed my probs. My husband is going with me. Is there any advise on just how to put things? or what to say?

Is about 5-feet tall and has told me that she wants to loose weight.. she wants to loose about 30lbs.. however I think she is addicted to food.... OMG when u talk about food her eyes light up... :tt1: and she starts to moan.. and say things like yeahhhh that red lobster was amazing.. or this and that was out of sight..:eek: and i sit next to this chick... while trying to drink a strawberry-n-cream slim fast she is shoveling chezzy pasta and chicken down... r u serious.... and then has the nerve to ask me hey are WE:cursing: going to workout after to work today.. and sits and rub's her stomach and says uhhh i am so miseriable... :tt2:. This is not sometimes.. serious this…

I am thinking about doing to Lapband surgury, my first appointment is Monday. I have one child already and would like to have more in the near future. I am aware that they recommend waiting a year post-op before becoming pregnant. I just would like to hear how some lapband pregnancy's have gone.

This time tomorrow I will be in prep for my surgery at 8:00 a.m. I am a little nervous but I keep focusing on the beneficial changes to my health and wardrobe down the road. I know I need this to help me get there! Thanks for all your posts and support during the process. I think I would be much more nervous, if not from hearing from all of the experiences good and bad. I'll post again soon. Alice

I got my approval letter on 3/31, and I'm scheduled for surgery on 4/15. I'm so excited!! I go in for my pre-op on 4/11. What should I expect for my pre-op diet considering my pre-op appointment is only 3 days prior to surgery?

I have had my first pysc visit done today. It was interesting. Lots of questions, then quizes, and I have another appointment on 4/21 to go over the results of what they find, and discuss what to include in my plan!!! I am soo excited. I really was nervous about the entire thing because I did not know what to expect...the Dr. had left the room, and I was with her "student" and he was so nice! Felt very very comfortable talking with him. Tomorrow is cardio....wahoooo we are getting there!!! :thumbup:

Hi everyone, My surgery went well, but the anesthesia knocked me for a loop. I was so dizzy for a couple of hours. The pain was bad at first, but is much better tonight, although I am taking tylenol with codeine. I slept when I got home for about 3 and half hours, so I've been sipping gatorade all evening trying to keep hydrated. I can see how tomorrow will be better after a good night's sleep. Good luck to all of you who are waiting. It is scary, but we have to keep our eye on the prize! Alice

:confused:When you lose weight, where does it go? I've never really lost a significant amount of weight besides like 1 or 2 lbs, so I was just thinking. Let's say 3 years from now, I'll be at my goal weight, well, where did all that weight go? Dumb question I know, but I think my brain is fried for the day....

hi everyone...just trying to prepare ahead of time...i was wondering if anyone takes liquid Vitamins out there and if so, how gross do they taste? i know i wont be able to take the regular tablets anymore once banded, and yet i cant tolerate chewables (gag :drool:)...i bought some Centrum Liquid from cvs.com but havent tried it yet...not sure how gross it will be. also...is anyone out there taking citracal Creamy Bites for Calcium? are they gross and do you know of a cheap place to get them? do your doctors prescribe vitamins for you or are you responsible to buy them OTC? thanks everyone for your anticipated advise :frown: gingin

:drool: surgeon put me on Phentermine 3 weeks ago to get the max loss possible b4 surgery & I went for pre op appt at the hospital this morning & anesthesia Dr refused to do my surgery because a pt went into cardiac arrest last week on the table & anesthsia found out that it was due to diet pills. Apparently they have found out that all diet pills counteract the drugs they give to put you to sleep & cause heart arythmias & skipes in blood pressure. So now I have to be off the phentermine at least 10 days before they will do it. So now I am resched for 4/18 instead of 4/11. I am so bummed, this is my 2nd time doing the 10 day liquid diet & 2nd time …

Does everyone have to get a sleep study for sleep apnea prior to surgery? Or is it just if you have signs of it?

I have a new date for the lap band evaluation at Lahey Clinic. I was scheduled for March but my insurance got screwed up. And bumped to June, I got a call on Friday, they had a cancellation and would I like to come in on April 8th, hey I was thrilled to get it so soon. I am scared to death that they won't approve. I had my sleep tests and I have severe sleep apnea now. I went back last week (another cancellation I took advantage of) and had the night with the "mask" I felt like freaking darth vader LOL. But it worked. I will get my own set up in a few weeks. So.....I will bring in all my paper work and hope and pray they select me as a candidate. My primary care…

Ok, so having been on here for a few weeks and getting answers to many of my questions, I finally made the call to the surgeon thinking that I would meet with him, make my final decision, then go through the necessary steps to get my date. Well, I was told I had to attend a seminar before i can even see the doctor, which only happen once a month. This month I will be away when it is held, so I won't even get to attend the seminar until the end of May, then who knows when I will see the doctor. Is this common? I'm feeling a little discouraged...

Has anyone had to do the three protien shakes a day , 4 oz meat protien , 4 oz veggies ,and 4oz fruit ? That is all my mom is alowed for the whole day any meal ideas ? so far she has only done steamed meat and veggies because she can not have the fruit (diabetic)she still has a week to go before surgery and I am waiting for my authorization for a surgery date for my self ,so we could really use any advice to help stick to this diet . Thank you !!

I read somewhere on here yesterday where they advised the person to go to the dentist before their surgery, and I was just wondering, why? Is there some reason why you can't go afterwards? Just curious and wondering if I should try to get in before I have my surgery on the 29th.:frown:

I would like to know what brands of liquid shakes people are using that they like. I had an Atkins today and I thought I would throw it up. It was terrible. There is no way I could drink 5 of them a day for 2 weeks. Thank you for any suggestions.

I never thought to ask anybody but will my irritable bowel syndrom stop me from having band surgery?:ohmy:

Just wanted to ask everyone to keep me in your prayers tomorrow for the big day. I'm so afraid I will fail at this like I did at all my diets. I mean I guess we all failed at diets or we wouldn't need the band but I just lost confidence in myself. All the repeated attempts to lose and then failing has been internalized. All I'm asking God for is to help me regain control again. I gotta believe I can do this with the help of God and the band. Did anyone else feel like this????

Hi, I am having surgery 5/6-out of town. We are taking our 5th wheel and plan on post op having a vacation. We wouldn't wander far from Hospital. Are we only dreaming?? I have no idea and after reading posts it looks like it's more or less a personal experience-differing. I have a bad back and leg--so my first concern was if I could struggle up the steps of our RV without hurting my surgery. I got a yes on that one--"just don't fall".. If we just take it easy, could it be possible--does anyone know? OR will I probably be miserable? Thanks, and if I don't hear from anyone we'll see... dicev:unsure:

Talk about GROSS!! I was wanting come carbonation and instead of my usual once a week diet dr. pepper I got sprite zero. It is GROSS!! It tastes like carbonated Water with table salt!! Normally if I get a new "diet" drink I will share it with the kids if I don't care for it, but not this one it was disgusting!! Now maybe I am just sensitive to sodium, but damn that was nasty. My advice .. DON'T GET IT!!! You will regret it ....