PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Greetings all. Newbie here, so here we go. 5'11"/460 and trying to get this damn thing done. I am trying to get the band implanted sometime during mid April. My doctor (who I just met today) tells me I have to lose 40 pounds before surgery. This won't be a big deal, but I have a timing constraint. This summer, my family and I are taking a cruise in early July. I want to be healed up and ready to go before we leave on the cruise. Looking at my book and from others, it looks like the "life back to normal" timeframe is about four to six weeks (when I say normal, I mean being able to lift kids/bags and run around after my kids like a normal dad and swim in the oce…

Ok guys I don't want to bring anybody down but what if you had the band and one day were driving down the road alone and got in an accident...Something happens to your internal organs etc.. and the ER doctor that is working on you has no idea you have the lap band?

Day one of preop diet and I am struggling terribly!!!!!!!!!! The Body Fortress protein shakes SUCK!!!! But I drank it anyway. I can't tell if I'm hungry or nausious. Anyone else feel like this? Is it all in my mind because I know I just can't go to the cafeteria and get some food? I am staying true to this diet though so I guess I'll eat some more Jello. Anything else you eat that is liquid and not sweet besides chicken and beef broth? Thanks for all who have gone before me who will help me get through this and pay it forward.

I had sent in my paperwork last Monday and was patiently....well kinda....waiting. I got a call today and my surgeon is going on vacation for a while so my first consult with him isn't until April 15 but when she asked if I wanted to do my psych evaluation the same day I said yes at first then I said no because I figure I might as well get it done. If I fail it at least I won't be paying to see the surgeon on the same day. I go next week for my psych evaluation.....don't know why that freaks me out. I don't like the thought of someone studying my psyche I guess. Feels good to have a start date at least!:thumbup:

I finally got the call from my surgeon's office yesterday afternoon and I am APPROVED!!!! April 31st.. Here I come..:biggrin:

I had my first dietician appointment on March 7th, for some reason I didn't take the whole thing seriously. I left the appointment, stopped and McD's and ordered a super-sized Meal with a coke. For some reason, yesterday I started reading the forum...I mean REALLY reading it. If I want to change my life forever and lose this weight that has plagued me for all of my adult life, WHY WOULD I WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY??? You folks helped me realize this, I'm taking this 90 diet thing seriously. I stopped at Wal-mart and filled my cart with fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats and lean cuisines. I'm eating healthy today and I feel amazing...it's not about the weight I will lose…

I will be having surgery on Apr 22 in Mexico. Does anyone have experience with getting a loan for surgery in Mexico? What kind of interest rates are being charged? Was it difficult to get the loan? What financing company did you go with? Thank you!

I'm in the process of going through all my preop. testing and I'm trying to think of a way to hide the fact that I'm getting a Lap Band from my work. I work with all women and they can be very nosey. Plus this is something I want to keep between me and my family. Has anyone felt the same way? How did you handle your coworkers? How did you explain a week off of work? Thanks...

Every morning getting ready for work, I would ask myself - "Is today the day?" and today was the day!!!! I got the call from my surgeon's office to inform me of the approval and to schedule the surgery. I was so excited I was shaking! There was a communication mishap with the decision for me to get the Lap Band and NOT the Gastric Bypass...I quickly straightened it out. My surgeon called me tonight to confirm ONCE AGAIN that I would like the Lap Band. YES, YES, YES! I am 1000% sure that I want the Lap Band and can't wait to start my post-op journey! Thanks for listening, I just had to share! :thumbup:

So... I'm in my fifth month of my six month weight loss monitored program. Then, BAM, my surgeons office asks for 5 years of medical history. I never had health insurance growing up (father was self-employed) and don't have 5 years worth of medical history. Has anyone else had to provide this information?? More so curious than anything else. I have followed this thing to a T and now they spring this on me. Ugh...

My Dr. put me on a two week pre op diet of Optifast only. Five small shakes of 160 calories each day. This is day four and I'm really hungry. Dr. says it shrinks liver, quicker surgery, quicker recovery. Any Comments?

I am looking at a June surgery date. One thing though...my clinic has not told me if I will have to pay anything! I know my insurance is 80/20 after my 2k deductible...but I am gonna need to know when I will need to pay this and at the end, how much? How does this all work?

I found out on Monday that i was approved for surgery and yesterday they set my surgery for Monday. I am so happy.

I just found this site and signed up. I was approved to get my band. I will be getting this done April 24th and I am a little nervous. Is there any advice you guys can give me for between now and then. And what to expect after I get it done. Thanks.

i went and saw my surgeon today to schedule my surgery date and i asked my docs opinion and he gave it to me. He said I was the perfect candidate for the RNY gastric bypass. i am just soooo confused I don't know what to do and feel like I need to make a decision and have no one to really talk to. Anyone have this situation?

Hi can someone give me some insight about how I go about getting approved from step one and so on..... Thanks, Gina

I start my pre-op diet on Good Friday, March 21st and have questions. I've read some folks are on a liquid only diet but my nutritionist has a different approach. We are to get at least 90-120 grams of protein per day from our protein shakes but we must also get 100 grams of carbohydrates each day. Was anyone else told to limit their carbs?

I went for my intro meeting last night and that went really good. Now the surgeons office will call me today to set up an appointment to meet the actual surgeon! I did call my insurance company and they require six months of working with your primary caregiver and then we can go from there. I'm guess i'm just a little disspaointed to get so much information last night, and feel like I'm put on hold for six months. Anyone else have to wait like this.. Kristen

I am going to my first day of "monitored dieting" today. I could only loose about 3 pounds to stay within the 40 BMI range and do not have any co morbidity's. Does anyone know what exactly the insurance company will look for? I know I can loose weight, but I can never keep it off. I am afraid if I get under the 40 BMI they will not cover it. What should I do to make sure my insurance will cover my surgery? Thanks for the help!! Roxy:confused_smile:

What is the best protien drink out there. I am about to start my pre-op diet and I am woundering what is the best tasting thing to drink?

Here I am again 4 years later, much heavier and wondering what my options are. I had the lapband 4 years ago and ended up havign to have it removed 2 weeks later as my port incision got an infection which was spreading and making it difficult for me to breath. My doctor rushed me in to surgery and removed it straight away. He said that antibiotics would not be able to clear up the infection around the port as the port is plastic and the drug would not clear that part up (is this true?). Apparently I was the first case in thousands of patients he had treated who had this happen. I was truly heartbroken and $20,000 out of pocket. I had not planned on having to pay ag…

I GOT APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My surgery is scheduled for April 3rd and I am approved and everything!!!! I can't believe it's finally here! now tell me everything i need to know. lmao!

I am on my first day of my 2 week pre-op liquid diet and I am HUNGRY! My shakes don't taste all that terrible, but there not all that filling either. I am in this for the long haul and determined to stick it out. But please, someone tell me my hunger will ease in a day or two!

Does anyone know why we have to lose 8 to 10 pounds before the surgery? If you do not lose it will they not do the surgery? I am having a hard time losing the weight and my surgery is next wed. Help!:confused2:

So yesterday I began my monitored diet with my personal doctor. I have been overweight my whole life, and have tried every diet out there. I actually went on my first diet when I was five!! I have been successful before when dieting, but my problem is that I cant ever keep it off. My question is what do the insurance companies look for? I know I have to stay within my 40 BMI for them to cover it, but I only could loose about 5 lbs to stay within that range. If I do not loose weight, will they still cover it. I am just wondering what they look for?!? Thanks for your help!!

I ordered some samples but they havent arrived yet. Are they good? They seem convenient in the little test tube bottles.

What should I expect? What questions should I ask? DH is actually taking part of the day off work to come with me. I'm not 100% sure I want to do this, but I know I have to do something. I'm nervous!

My doc just put me on new meds. Will I be able to take them after surgery? One of them comes in a capsule form so I can't cut it or crush it. Will it get stuck?:mad2:

My 10 preop diet of liquid only says I need to drink V-8 juice, regular only no Splash varieties. I tried it today & OMG it is so GROSS! Tastes like bad tomato soup that has an entire can of salt dumped into it. I cant do it! Any other ideas on getting in veggies during liquid phases? I even tried plugging my nose & gulping it down & it almost came back up. I know after surgery I cant even do that since we cant gulp stuff down, so what can I do?

I got the insurance referall from Tri-West for my Psych eval. Bout time they sent it I knew they would. The hospital here has a bunch of loonies locked up so they don't have time for us insane people yet (ok that was wrong... but it made me smile). My appt is this monday, so by next week *crosses fingers until they bruise!!* I will have my surgery date!!! Cross your fingers they don't find out my secret that I am really nuts ... :biggrin::thumbup:

I am so nervous and apprehensive. I am self pay so having this surgery is a huge financial burdon on my family. However, they insist that they are willing to sacrafice for me. That is a gigantic responsibility. I am also nervous about procedure itself and afraid of failure. I'm sure these are just presurgery jitters but someone please tell me it's worth it before I back out!!!!!!!!!!! :shades_smile:

I know I need to buy a good one. Digital I assume. I've looked at a few, but does anyone have any advise or opinions? I also need to buy a kitchen scale to weigh food. I like the ones with the removable plate/bowl. Thanks, Barb

I feel like I am losing my mind! I am currently on day five of a fourteen day liquid pre-op diet. I have had nothing but Optifast shakes, sugar-free Jello and broth. Well, I did "cheat" last night at my mom's house. I sneaked one chunk of tomato out of a salad when no one was looking. Anyway, I find myself thinking of food alot, especially cheese! eggs with cheese, popcorn with cheese, mashed potaoes with cheese! I think that I could be convinced to eat my own hand if it had a slice of colby-jack melted on it!!!! Is this a bad sign, that I won't be able to break the hold that food has on me, or just a natural process that we all go through?:thumbup:

I know it sounds so stupid, but I am very afraid of needles and especially of getting my blood drawn. I faint just even talking about it. I have my full physical on Wednesday morning and have to get all of my pre-op blood work done. Does anyone else out there feel the same way?

I know I'm not alone.....but DAMN....since I got back from my last pre op appointment yesterday I have been on a total feeding frenzy....even the dogs look afraid. I suppose part of it is nervous eating, part of it is knowing I start the clear liquid phase in two days....... Hmmmmmmmmm, a box of girl scout Cookies, prime rib, pop tarts....mostly just crap..... I had lost six pounds in the two weeks between my doctor's appointments.....but I'll bet I've gained it TODAY....ugh

Is it the high protien or the low carb piece of the puzzle that does the lilver shrinking? I know that most high protien diets are automatically low in carbs... but is it the protien or the lack of sugar really doing the work? I am so freaking tired! In the last 3 weeks I have given up my Pepsi addiction so to add the low carb on top of that is just draining me! I'm not asking for a piece of cake just throw me a wheat thin for goodness sake! Grrrr!

My surgery is scheduled for April 30th:thumbup:.. now I'm playing the waiting game with the insurance company.. Please oh please approve me... This is sooo stressful.

Hi, I had my pre-surgery consultation and was found to have H. Pylori by breath test (no symptoms). I was given a prescription to fill (no other info). My pharmacist said they have to order the med because "it's an older med...not used very much anymore." Now I'm wondering what is the current recommended treatment. Anybody been treated lately? What where you given? My prescription is for Pylera, a combination of two antibiotics and bismuth. Anybody have any thoughts?

Hello All: I am scheduled for LapBand on 4/14/08; although I have not been through all of my doctor consultations. (Those are scheduled for next week) I have a BMI of 37 and I am self-paying; so I do not have to hassle with insurance approvals. Just trying to decide what's the best choice for me. Both of my parents had Gastric bypass 5 years ago and were very successful. I am using the same doctors and surgen who I thoroughly trust. My questions include: 1)- Does anyone know if Gastric Bypass is reasonable for a lower BMI person? 2)- Did anyone look into this other option? if so, why did you choose lapband? Thanks!!

Is there any reason why my surgery would be cancelled if I have a cold??? I do have 2 days to go but right now I have a sore throat and stuffy nose! I am very worried....:smile:

I must confess....I have been on a lower carb diet for the past 5 weeks.....1 extra week, becaue my surgery got pushed back a week for my doctor being out of town for my original surgery date on the 10th. I totally messed up this week and have been eating normally, and after reading Tom's post about his steak issue.....I have to say I am so incredibly down on myself now for messing up this past week. I was limited to 40 carbs a day on the pre-op diet, but this past week has been hell. Someone tell me I totally haven't messed up my surgery scheduled for Monday! Or just some reassurance is needed. Its been a rough 5 weeks, but didn't really get to me until this past week - …

All my doc requires is a 2 day full liquid diet. And I hear some that require none and some that have to do it for two weeks? WHy are they all so differnt?

Hi, I am new to this forum. My BMI is 35. I have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and triglycerides. In fact the lastest results of my blood test showed my triglycerides at over 5000! The doctor said they are so high because of my diabetes. Do you think I could get approved for the surgery?

Hi all, I am going in for my band tomorrow the 17th March. I will keep you all up to date hopefully of my weight loss. What do you eat after you come out of hospital? I have been told only to take sustagen and vitamin supplement. Can anyone let me know what to expect in the first few weeks.

I just finished day 9 of the all liquid diet pre op - I have 5 more days to go and CAN"T take it anymore - I've lost 13 lbs - I need a break - I already decided - Tomorrow night, I'm going to buy myself a big fat juicy steak and smother it in sauteed onions! It my last chance to eat real food! Tell me its ok!!!! Tom in Seattle:cursing:

I am having my surgery on April 1 and my 21yr old daughter found out she has ecoli. Not sure how she got it since she had just urinary track infection syptoms. I am concerned going to surgery if this could be dangerous if I had the bug in my system.

Ok now that I feel like a total nut case...I went in today for my Counseling, Psych eval and nutritional counseling today and both the counseling for surgery and nutritional went great...The therapist for the clinic referred me for more counseling because I'm bi-polar (stable and on meds) and because I told her I grazed. Well Duh..I didn't get fat eating 3 small meals a day! I've thought this surgery through and realize what a huge change it will make in my life and that I will have to break ingrained habits but I'm willing to do this. I came home and got on the phone and after calling EVERY physciatrist in the book finally got an apointment. Problem is what if he …

I'm going for my consultation and testing next week. I have a (relatively) low BMI of 36-37. I'm worried he's going to turn me down. Do you know of this ever happening? I have no co-morbities. Thanks, Kris p.s. i will be self paying.

I went to my doctor today for my second appointment for my 6 month doctor supervised diet and according to the scale I lost 16 pounds in a month. When I started with all the doctors appointments I weighed 368 pounds and now according to the scale I weigh 327. When I mentioned to my doctor that I had a scale at home that the max weight was 330 and I get an error message on that when I get on it at home, she said that the scale might be 5-7 pounds off which would put me at 332-334 approximately. Which I still have a hard time believing especially since my clothes don't fit any differently at this point. I had talked to my mom earlier and told her what happened at the docto…

I was reading the post about flunking the shrink eval, and I was wondering if everyone told the WHOLE story. I don't plan to, I"ve been through a world of s*** but I don't think he needs to know that. I'm sticking to fat topics only! I know what makes me fat, I eat too much and I"m NEVER full! So do you tell the whole truth during your eval and risk flunking?