PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have been really sick the last couple of weeks and finally went to the express care clinic at the hospital last night they said I had a uninary tract infection and put me on antibiotics. Problem is tomorrow is my all day appt at the surgeon's office for pre op testing and I started taking the antibiotics and looked at the paper work from the surgeon's office a few min ago and found a paragraph that I missed that says I have to stop taking antibiotics 14 days before my appointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So now I don't what to do. The surgeon's office is 2 hrs away by car and my appointment is at 7:15 a.m. They have to test me for some kind of bacteria that lives in…

So, I went to the appt to see about doing this, actually talked to my surgon. I have to go to the phsy testing. Acutally waiting to get that doc to call with an appotiment time. So, the surgon says that since my bmi is so high 64, I may get approved without the 6 months of some sort joining something like WW for 6 months. I am worry that me going to the doc getting weighted and such wont be enough and I will have to wait for this. I am wondering if anyone heard about getting approve quicker with such a high bmi? Second thing that has me worried is that I have been reading Carnie Wilsons book, and she said she knew when to stop cause she felt full and this was the tool…

I'm 4 days into the liquid pre-op diet and i'm going crazy. I can use optifast,slim fast optima, or adkins shakes. I've tried optifast:smellie:, i've tried slim fast optima(cap. delight) and can't stand it either. I don't want to cheat but if i don't find something to eat soon.....I actually had un-natural thoughts about my shampoo this morning, why do they have to put a big picture of fruit on the front of the bottle.lol. I spoke with my dietician and she said I can have any of the high protien drinks as long as they are low in carbs and fat. Is there anything out there that doesn't taste like butt? I'm having surgery on the 19th. please help.

With only a few days until my surgery, during my pre-surgical testing I had an issue with my EKG. I had to go for an echo yesterday and Monday Im scheduled for a stress test (one where they inject the dye into my system). The doctor said it wasnt that bad but he will not clear me for surgery until I have the stress test done. Has anyone else had an abnormal reading and did they cancel your surgery? After everything we have to do to get to this point, Im so afraid that they are going to cancel my surgery!!

I'm being banded on 19th March I work as a family doctor so mostly sitting all day and at the moment I plan to return to work on day 6 post op. Is this sensible? How long did you take off work? How was it when you returned?

Hello! I am in the process of getting insurance approval, etc. I have a friend who had this done about a year ago. She still finds it difficult to eat salad and some raw veggies. I was wondering if this was an individual problem or is it something that most experience? I was wondering about raw fruit also? Please share. Thanks.

(first off sorry for the long post....) Ok, back in the 90's my doctor said she would bet her license on the fact I have IBS, but since I wouldn't submit for the colonoscopy she couldn't give me a real diagnosis. I was discussing that with my coordinator friday and she said that it sounded more like a gluten allergies cause it is controlled by diet. If I avoid white foods I am fine, if I have white foods I am in massive pain and have well .. lets just say I know my bathroom intimately. Now if she was just a civ coordinator I would have discounted her opinion as just that. But since she has been a RN (with her masters degree) it has gotten me thinking. Could she …

I was approved today by Aetna and have a surgery date of 3-14. I am so excited and in shock, but have started to panic too.

Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum and I have a question. Yesterday I had my first consulation with a surgeon that would perform the LapBand surgery. He told me that based on my BMI which is about 60 that gastric bypass would work better and that the success rate of the LapBand for someone of my size isn't high. I really don't want to have gastric bypass. Has anyone had good success from the lapband with a BMI around mine? Please help!!! Thanks, Keysha

We were discussing how fast/slow the weight loss was going to be. I made a simple yet true comment and she gave me the "you just sprouted 3 extra heads and two of them have horns" look. She told me to expect a "sudden" loss then it will slow down, and all I said was "I hope it isn't to fast, I would rather loose slow and steady then fast and stall". I guess she wasn't expecting it, most of her patients are bypass patients I am one of the few that are in for the lap band (she keeps pushing bypass and/or the sleeve (no thankee spankee)) and that is what they experience. I am not a bypass patient (much to her chagrin) and I don't want the sudden drop, I just want to g…

Starting to pack stuff and put a list together for the trip to San Diego. We bought our daughter her first travel case on wheels, she's trying to cram large books into it. I've been on a roller coaster all day. Is this the right thing to do? Can I handle this? It's good that I have a toddler running about the house to keep my mind off of surgery. If I have to look at another can of Slim Fast I'll throw it out the window. BLAH BLAH BLAH. I'd rather drink crystal light and tea and broth. I will probably write more anxiety ridden posts as we get closer to the date. So please just humor me ......:confused2:

I started looking into hospitals in my area (there are at least 4 in DC alone that do LBS, and probably more in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs), and first went to what is generally considered the "best" hospital in the area--Sibley Memorial. I went to their information seminar and really liked their program and staff and generally got a good feeling about the whole thing. I just went to obesityhelp.com to read reviews, and there aren't any. This is a pretty new program for the hospital (less than 2 years) and I'm sure that's the reason why. Another hospital, George Washington University Hospital had over 100 reviews and every single one I saw was positive and appa…

I have been looking for surgeons, and noticed that some are NOT board certified, or not board certified in bariatric surgery. Is this possible? What does it mean? I am looking on the site of a hospital I used to work for, so am very surprised. I know a couple of the doctors personally, and didn't know you could practice and not be board certified (obviously my field is NOT medical, or I would know this sort of thing.) Any ideas about this? How important is it? I like the location of the hospital because it is within walking distance of my parents home, and I could stay there during my recovery.

Does everyone that goes to a nurrionist get weighed in? When I had my first initial visist with the nutrionist, I was'nt weighed now I'm wondering if this is something that I should be concerned about as I havent been able to maintain my weight and I meet with them tomorrow afternoon.

I have been thinking about my weight over the past 5 years. I'm not sure what my medical records willl show since I had them faxed straight from the doctors office. I have been up and down from a 38 bmi to a 45 bmi during that time. Do you think dropping below a 40 a some point in the past will hurt me in getting approval or show how much I've struggled with it?

Hi, I am new to the whole forum thing. I am really really shy. But I think here goes.......................My concern is getting turned down. I am going through BCBS of TN and my BMI is 34. I start weight was 241. I am going on the 4th month of seeing my primary doctor for the 6 month diet plan. I am at 234 as of now, but think if I loose weight, insurance will turn me down. I really want to do everything right. So any suggestions would be appreciated. Did anyone out there go to the support group meetings or recommend it?

Hello.. this is my first thread... I am new to this site and I have to say that I love it!!!! I was banded in April 2006, I have to say this has been a trying expierence for me. I have lost about 100lb to date and I feel really wonderful however, food is such a challange for me. Seems like one day I can eat pretty well and the next day, not soo good. Does anyone else have this expierence? I have been adjusted twice just to have it all taken out. I have nothing in my band and have had nothing in my band since July 2006. I continue to lose weight, not extemely fast but fast enough. My biggest question is, will food ever be something I can enjoy again? and what stops you f…

I had stomach stapling 30 yrs ago. At that time, no counseling afterward was offered. Needless to say, it all came back & then some! My fault. I was apparently not grown up enough to behave on my own. I was wondering if I can still have this done considering the previous procedure. Has anyone done this after another weight loss surgery?

I have a friend who is participating in a "biggest loser" contest at work, she is trying to lose 10 llbs in 2 weeks. :eek:I have seen preop post where isopure drinks were mentioned, and I want to get an idea on how much wt was lost. She works out approx 1hr--4 days a wk and daily caloric intake is approx. 1000. I know this is not a healthy idea but....any help in appreciated

my banding is 3/19, I'm on the pre op diet, any suggestions on a good tasting drink?

Did your surgeon recomend or require anyone to see a cardiologiest prior to surgery? I'm just curious as my surgeon has not said anything about it and I would think it would have been part of the testing routine. Thanks... Dan

Hello All, I will be banded late March and have an 11 month old baby. I have read that I cannot pick up anything that is heavier than a gallon of milk, which I think is about 8 lbs??? So, of course I have enlisted some help from others while my husband is at work. How long can I expect to need help with my daughter? When is my weight limitation lifted? Also, aside from not being able to pick her up, is there anything else I should know? Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?

I was wondering if any of the cash pay patients have regretted paying the money. My husband and I are taking a loan of $12500 to cover the operation and I am in favor of him having the surgery, but our insurance flat out will not pay for it. I guess I am just a little nervous. Thanks. On a side note, we have the appt for all the pre-op stuff on April 10 and see the surgeon on April 16 and our very excited for this. I guess I needed a place to just put it all out there. Thanks. Leslie

I understand why the Dr's would want to stop soda but does anyone have an idea about caffeine? I was a diet pepsi addict until last weekend when I quit cold turkey in preparation for my surgery. I did really good but I have very little energy and it would be nice to have some form of caffeine, even if in tea. Thanks for the replys.

Does anyone know anything else I can eat on liquids besides jello and broth. I feel like I'm getting weak, I have no energy. I even have a really bad head ache! I don't mean to whine already, but I'm hoping there's something else I could be eating. My surgery is Tues. 11th, and Ive been on clear liquids since Monday. So that's a little over a week! Anyone have any suggestions??

Talking about weight is never easy for me, but I just wish I could talk about it without crying! I met with my surgeon today and it went pretty well. So far I only need 1 group and 1 individual counseling session. He said I am a great candidate for RNY or LB and told me not to make my decision til after my couseling sessions. I have been so set on LB and to think that I have to consider either or is kinda frightening. Oh goodness... March is going to be a long month. Have a great day guys.

I have COPD and adrenal insufficiency and take hydrocortisone. My endocrinologist has been trying to get me on the lowest dosage possible before lap band. My surgeon wants me to be on 10 mg of hydrocortisone before the procedure, but I can't get that low. Anyone else take these meds and had the surgery?

I just spoke with a Mexican surgery center and I asked them about fills. I am not sure that I am comfortable with their answer and I wanted to get others opinions. When I asked about fills they said that it is different with everyone, and that most people should only need 2 per year. They also said that if I follow my post-op diet, I should/could not need any, and that it was dependant on me stretching my stomach. This seems way off from what I understood. I was under the impression that it may take several vists to "dial in" the band and that they adjust it to adjust my weight loss, even under normal circumstances, so I am not sure who they can state that it shoul…

i am just started my process with the lapband , i am schedule for orientation for april 9th , 2008 . What i would like to know from those who have already gone through with the surgery , is what can i expect ,how long is the process before i can have it done , and how did you feel after the surgery . My sister had it done about two weeks ago and has already lost 14 lbs but i still want to hear from other people who has done it , because everyone's experience is different . Please feel free to write me at zabrim@aol.com , good luck to everyone , i hope you achieve your desired weight lost .

I am all set to have the adjustable lap band on March 17th but now am thinking about the vertical lap band instead. I know several people who haven 't had good results with the adjustable lap band. I know a lot who have had great results from the vertical lap band. My doctor does both. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Have any of you considered the vertical?:rolleyes2:

Hi I'm in the very early stages of this. I've gone to 2 seminars and I'm just trying to decide if I really want to do it. I keep thinking I can do it on my own without surgery, but my track record indicates otherwise. I'm so afraid of never eating anything but soggy pulverized food the rest of my life. I also have this fear of something getting stuck and not being able to breath. Can you eat normal food (most of it) only smaller amounts? Is that how it works? I'm confused. Also, they gave me a pre-op diet that looks like about 1,200 calories. In you guys' experience, do I have to follow that diet exactly, or can I do my own thing? I'm still attending Weight Wa…

My suregon Dr. Waldrep gives out the surgery date before the actual approval from the insurance company. Does anyone else find this backwards?? It is really messing with the planner side of my personality...I haven't got word yet how long does it take for approval. My surgery is scheduled for March 25th---19 days!!

Does anybody know if you have to have a passport to go to Mexico to have surgery, and also, what happens if there are complications? Will any insurance cover you if problems occur? Even if complications occur months later?:shades_smile:

Received a letter from Ohio State University Bariatrics program yesterday stating they are referring me to behaviorial modification classes (12 wks) before they will consider my application again. Anyone out there ever experienced this. If so, I'd like to hear from you and about your outcomes. While I believe it will be helpful I'm concerned that they want to "re-evaluate" my case after the 12-weeks. Then what? I've battled my weight all of my life and have 3 comorbidities so I'm not sure what this is all about. (maybe something was triggered in a freakin online psych eval) :thumbdown::bored::mad2::mad2:

It seems all doctors are different. I'm getting banded on March 6th and as of last wednesday I have been on a protein drink diet (one week before surgery) and water. That is all I can have! My problem is that the protein drinks are not bad except they all leave a chalky after taste in my mouth. I have to drink 3-6 a day and I'm finding it really hard to just drink 3. Any suggestions? The only other thing I can have is water and the bad part is that I'm still hungry (doesn't help smelling the food other people eat either). I know it is all worth it. I just can't wait until my surgery.

I went to the doctor for the first time yesterday. He told me that i wasn't a candidate for lapband. That he thought I would benefit better from Gastric Bypass surgery.

Hi I'm interested in all your experiences of the pre-op diet. I'm due for banding on 19th March and have been told to have yoghurt only (along with normal fluids) for ten days before. I see there are a number of other recommended pre op patterns. My surgeon says that the yoghurt diet makes the liver smaller and so makes the surgery easier from a technical perspective. Has anyone else heard this? The cynic in me suspects that the pre-op diet is designed to get me mentally prepared for the first few weeks post op. What have others done in the week or two pre-op? Gordon

I have jumped through all the surgeon and insurance hoops and am just waiting for a surgery date. I was referred a book called "The Emotional First Aid Kit: A practical guide to life after bariatric surgery" by Cynthia Alexander. I am half way through and having serious second thoughts. I am prepared to make a life style change and adopt an exercise program. I lost over 80 pounds with diet and exercise several years ago, and it took me over a year to get it off. I was proud, but it could have been faster if not for my "lapses." Sometimes, no matter how well I am doing, I just want to eat...everything!! And I will eat until I can barely move. Sometimes it will go o…

Just wondering how anyone's handled this. I have a 5,7, and 9 year old and am a stay at home mom. I lean toward not telling them at this age, but it will be pretty obvious I'm not around and then recovering.

Has anyone had to lose 5% body weight before the surgery? If the answer is yes, can you tell me how it was done and how long it took?:help:

Help, I am a dope! I finally had a chance to meet my surgeon today, and I got my surgery date of 4/28 and there were questions I forgot to ask her. How much pain will I be in after? Does someone need to take care of me afterwards? since I live alone!!! Will I be able to move at all on day 2 after I am released from hospital... Will I have diarreha? after surgery? Will I loose more weight, since she decided to use the smallest band? She said it was due to me being small.. 4'11/ 232 lbs. BMI 47. I chose the date of 4/28 so that i can enjoy my favorite foods one last time and learn more from you other banders... sure I am scared too.. But this is my 3rd major surg…

So, I have surgery 03/18/08. I went to a 3 hour class at thge hospital yesterday and now I am sooo freaking out. One of the things that was said is that there will be 7 little incisions. Now this class was for people getting lap band or gastric by-pass. Is is true that they have to make so many holes or did I just misunderstand? I'm also second guessing my decsion.........I am afraid that I wont be able to do it right and it wont work. Like every other "eating plan" I'll loose it to gain it back and then some.........I don't want to fail at this too.:shades_smile:

I feel great that I finally found a dr. and had an appointment to begin the 6 month monitored weight loss program with a dr. It took me six months to get to it and find someone, as my first 'informational session ' was in September. Anyway, I have a bmi of 44 and have about 120/140 lbs to loose. I was quite suprised that the Dr. prescribed Merdia . Wondering if anyone else has been on Merdia and wondering if you lost weight. I am all for losing weight, but hoping to NOT go below 40 bmi. experiences? comments? I appreciate all!

Hi everyone, I need some suggestions/advice, etc. I am having a very early appointment with my surgeon tomorrow (not being banded until April 10th) and intend to use his time to ask questions about my upcoming surgery such as: Realize vs. Lap Band (APS, APL) Incisions (how many? where? where will they be after weight loss and TT?) Port Placement (higher? lower? I'm looking ahead to TT and waistband comfort) Fills (how soon?) If you had it to do over again, what would you ask? What would you want different? (or would you?) What did I leave out? Thank you! ~Carol :thumbdown:

:unsure:Hi everyone!! I know I am lucky that I am scheduled so soon (one week from today!!) but I am suddenly scared - that it won't work, that I'll be really sick and feel awful. I feel like everything I learned in my pre-surgery classes has gone from mind - guess I better read everything over again and go shopping for some liquid protein. I am nervous! What if it doesn't work? Or if the doctor weighs me and I've gained a pound before the surgery! Will he still do it?

I just joined today this forum, after weeks of reading all the topic on here i have started my journey towards surgery...no date yet...but i have had the meeting and i have done my Psych Eval...(VERY LONG APPT). I am awaiting formal approval (my insurance has confirmed they cover it). I will keep everyone posted on my progress, but i wanted to join and say everyone seems so helpful and informative on here, I look foward to speaking with you all and helping me get through my journey towards surgery and a brighter future.

Hello All, Been a while since I posted. I was so discouraged with the long wait for surgery. I was approved the first week of December, but my surgeon was booked until March 27th. Other surgeons required me to start over so I decided to wait it out. Lo' and behold I can actually see hope. I am posting now because I need to go to the grocery store this weekend to stock up on "skinny food". Can you please share the things you bought to get you through the pre-op and post op diets? I am really worried about the Protein shakes. What do you recommend and what is the easiest to purchase? I start my pre op diet on the 13th. I have told my coworkers that I am going on vacati…

Is I can't bring myself to eat Breakfast yet .. I just can't stomach the thought of eating in the morning. On the days I do try, I wind up feeling so sick to my stomach I can't hardly eat the rest of the day. HELP! How can I work myself up to breakfast???

How does the doctor know what size band to put inside you? How does he decide?

Hi everyone. I'm still real sore and with every move it feels like I'm pulling or tearing someting so I'm going to make this brief. Yesterday I had my surgery at approx. 1:30 ish. I remember getting wheeled in the hallway to OR then they put some "stuff" in my IV and that was it.:biggrin: I woke up in recovery still drugged, throat killing me and begging for pain meds. Got to my room, slept off and on all night mostly off though, lol. Had upper GI this moring (the crap you have to drink for that is soooooo disgusting:scared2: ) no leaks and Dr. said everything looks great so I was released from Hospital. I have read on here how people go back to work in like 2-3 days. OMG…