PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am having second thoughts about getting the band. Has anyone had reservations about getting the band? Some days I think should I do this on my own and take alli. But I have taken oralstat before with results and gained back more after baby # 2 (2 babies in 2 years) I am at an all time dangerous high. I have my last pre-op (barium swallow) tomorrow, then I can schedule surgery hopefully for March. In addition I didn't like the personal trainer that my doctor had us meet. He was like you have to do everything I say or this won't work. It freaked me out. I will lift free weights but in no way will I become some kind of gym nut. I am a swimmer and a walker (anyth…

i've done tons of research... on the surgery, on the surgeon. i finally narrowed it down and they called me today to set up my consultation and since i live 4 hours away they're doing all the consults in one day... on March 19th... that's like 2 WEEKS AWAY! i asked the girl how soon after the consultation could i have the surgery and she said as soon as 3 weeks!! holy sh!t. i don't know if i'm ready. do i have the strength do follow thru with something? can i learn to view food as fuel instead of happiness? should i try dieting one more time? can i do this on my own without spending $12,000? i know there are SO many of you out there that probably have felt w…

Hi, I am new to this site and I love it! I am scheduled to be banded on 3/26 (nervous and excited). Great to see so many others in the same boat as me:redface:

I know this sounds silly, but I'm going to my informational seminar tomorrow. I went to one last May, but it's been over 6 months so I have to go again... Anyway, for the last week I've been wanting to just eat and eat and eat. I'm not usually an eater like that. Do you think I'm doing this b/c I know once I go tomorrow, I'm going to start the process to lose the weight and won't be able to just eat and eat and eat again? Sound crazy?:drool:

I am schedualed to have my surgery on March 11th. I am wondering what kind of fruit people have been eating once you can eat again. Which fruits work the best to eat and which ones to stay away from. Thanks

Has anyone heard of this new and improved lap band or know if anyone is currently using it? I just saw the commercial for it today and googled it. Just wondering if anyone who is going to be banded in the near future has asked their surgeon about it. Thanks.

my friend and I were just banded. we both got different bands, are the same and 3 pounds weight difference. does any body know why the 2 sizes, same dr. thx donna :rolleyes2: happy to be banded.

I have a BMI of 38.4 and am wondering if I lose too much weight will I still be able to get the surgery? I have to do a 6 month diet with my PCP and I am presently at 220 lbs and if I get below 204 I will fall below the 35 BMI requirement. I feel bad about my weight and want to start losing but I know I can lose weight.......keeping it off is another story. Has anybody lost enough to fall below the 35 BMI mark and still able to get the surgery? I have Health Alliance insurance.:thumbup:

:confused2:I am a mail carrier and am suppose to return to work in 1 week I lift heavy trays and parcels will I be okay to do this or will I be in pain. I am only allowed one week off.

Anyone have a clear understanding of how to take this? My doctor's paperwork says take 1.5 oz bottle. However, the dosage on the bottle says not to exceed 3 tablespoons in a 24-hour period (albeit without doctor's instructions). Three tablespoons equals roughly half the bottle. You think I'm meant to take the whole bottle like the paperwork says? :laugh:

i took some of my lortab yesterday to see how i reacted with it prior to my surgery. well i got horribly sick to my stomach and faint. now here is the question, my doc also prescribed a suppository for naseau. is this to counter the effects of the lortab or just being naseous in general? anyone know? i can certainly ask my doc before surg date but i would kind of like to know now. any hep would be great. g2s:rolleyes3:

Has anyone experienced loose skin or is losing the weight more slowly keeping from having a flabby midsection/ arms.

Hi all, I'm starting my pre-op diet. Wow...this is rough. I never realized how much I needed food. We went grocery shopping last night, talk about torture. :thumbup: I'm very focused on low calorie food with low fat content, keeping under 1200 calories a day. Progressive Soups are low calorie and low fat, and ease my cravings. Does anyone else eat these? Thanks much.

Hey all-- I am a LONG time reader, first time poster. This community answered many questions I was afraid to ask my doctor regarding my lap band, and I want to thank you all right now for just being so helpful and communicative. I am 23. Right now, I am 5'8" and around 350 *gasp* I finished my Pre-Op work up through Dr. Moran in Raleigh, NC, for those of you that are familiar. Saw the cardiologist, the nutritionist, the psychiatrist, got the blood gas, the chest xray, the blood work. I am good to go! They set my surgery date for March 19. Now, my Doctor is telling me that Blue Cross Blue Shield will deny me for lap band as my BMI is greater than 50 and only ap…

I have to go in for my last nutritional visit on Monday and I have to either maintain or be below what my weight was at my last visit and I can't seem to budge the scale. Now I have my period and it's even harder. What can I do? I only have 3 days left to lose 3 lbs. Now if I go and I'm over my previous weight they will make me wait another 30 days for an appointment and that's another 30 days for me to gain more weight. This whole process is very frustrating. When a drunk goes into rehab they don't tell them to stop drinking first before they'll let them in. Help me lose the 3 lbs FAST.

I am going on Monday for my phyc evaluation. I really dont know what to expect but I guess I am as ready as I can be. I was reading about the vertical lap band surgery and was confused. What is the difference between the both of them. Does anyone know? Right now I am calm and ready to get this all started. I went to the seminar and am going to another on the 8th. I have emailed someone there that has used the same dr. and had lap band done in Oct of last year. I will get to talk to her and get some more first hand information. I am really looking forward to having the surgery. I just feel it is right for me. I want to be healthy and thin. I just cant imagine that I w…

Hello all, I am hoping to get the Lap-Band in April and I read here and there different people had to stop taking their birth control pills before the surgery. I am on Depo-Provera (the 3 month shot) and I don't know if this could prevent me from having surgery when I want to? I am due for my next shot in April so it wouldn't be a big deal to get it after the surgery, but would they make me wait an extra month for all the hormones to get out of my body? Any insight would be helpful! Thank you!

Hello All, So my surgery is 5 weeks away and counting... and I have to start my pre-op diet in 3 weeks. My pre-op diet consists of 3 meals a day, 2 of those are Protein Shakes. Any suggestions on the best tasting Protein shakes/mix and any great ideas for making the shakes more interesting???

I am getting banded on Monday and I am very excited. My doctor however has me on a pre-op diet for 3 days that has no food whatsoever. Just splenda drinks and no sugar popsicles. Yikes- I am very committed but this seems ridiculous. I have never not eaten for 3 days in my life even when I was a hippie in the commune yuk yuk. I'm not sure I can do this and I feel bad. I'm thinking maybe a few Protein shakes. Will I go to Band Hell for defying my doctor? Sadie

I am the type of person since my GB removal gets nauseated very easily. I asked my surgeon if there was any higher incidence of nauseau with the band. He stated no, but I was wondering if any of you experienced bandsters agree or not. Do you get sick to your stomach alot or easier since being banded. Thanks I love this site!!:w00t:

My surgery date is scheduled for April 4th. I was just wondering if there is any advantage to starting the preop diet now. My surgeon requires it for 2 weeks before surgery since it shrinks the liver. I know that the more weight I lose before surgery decreases my risks of obesity related surgical complications. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? Has anyone done the preop diet for longer than two weeks? Thanks, Kim

Hello All- After obsessing for weeks about my appointments that I had today (nutritionist and my surgeon) - it was wonderful. I expected to be judged and told that I was a lazy slob, but everyone was so very nice and non-judgemental- it was great. The nutritionist wasn't a 90 pound 25 year old (couldn't face another one of those!), the PA was very personable and listened to my history with understanding and the surgeon was amazing- very straight forward and accepting. I have Harvard Pilgrim Insurance and was seen today at the Faulkner Hospital in Boston (may have surgery at Brigham and Women's) and it was just assumed that all would go well. After reading so many h…

Ok, I have searched and searched and I just can't find this web site. Something bariatric and its food, drinks and stuff for pre and post op diets. Its driving me nuts, I did a search for 'bariatric' .. oh what a mistake .. after 20 minutes my eyes crossed and I gave up. ROFL Anyone have it? Or can you link me to the thread with it? I am this >< much closer to my hopeful surgery date so I want some stuff on hand JUST IN CASE I forgot to get something from the store. help... LOL

I went to the seminar thinking that it was for Gastric Bypass Surgery. The Dr. really pushed the lap band. He was well know in the New Orleans area for doing the Gastric Bypass Surgery but he no longer does it. He began the seminar by telling us all of the negatives of he bypass surgery then went on to the positives of the lap band. One thing that disappointed me was that the weight loss process is so slow. I have a few friends who have had bypass surgery and they look great, but one of them have gained significant weight since her surgery 5-6 years ago. Can someone please tell me how much can I expect to loose. I love food, I love to eat, I need something to help me to …

I just got instructions for what i got to do before surgery and i have to go see my primary care physician for medical clearance. anyone know what they do, or test? just want some kind of idea what to expect. any feedback is greatly appreciated. thanks

I'm going to a lap band seminar on 3/6/08 as a first step in my goal which is to get the band. But from what I'm reading and hearing, you have to go through months and months of mental and physical testing. This worries me. I am overweight and have been most of my life, but I'm a scared they're going to tell me that I didn't try hard enough at my diets and my stress level is too high to get the band. I don't exactly know what to say to make them understand that this is more than likely my only hope to a happy life. I would like to hear from ya'll about the types of testing that is required and about how long all this takes. Also, if some of ya'll can tell me what they…

Hello all. I have a weird question... I am day 6 of my 14 day optifast liquid diet. I don't even feel hungry, but I also don't feel like I'm losing much weight. The only thing I've had besides 4 optifast shakes and water each day is two cups of broth (total) between 2 days and one diet sprite, I'm chewing sugar free gum, because of the nasty taste. I'm wondering why I'm not hungry, and why I'm not losing faster? Has anyone else experienced this?

I have attended the seminars and checked with my insurance and there are 3 different doctors and programs to choose from. I just don't know where to go now. If you had a choice, why did you choose the doctor you are using?

I went through the Pre-op process with the surgeon that I would like to do my lap band surgery about 4 months ago. Back when I had United Health, the surgeon's practice was not IN Network so they did not submit to insurance. I have since changed coverage (my husband got a new job). March 1 we will have Blue Cross Blue Shield, who is contracted with my surgeon's practice. The insurance department has seen 100s of surgeries approved with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am so very anxious to have the surgery done, I would like to submit the claim for the Lap Band March 1, the day coverage starts./ Do you think that is a good idea? I am pretty sure I will be approved, my BMI…

I don't know what to think right now, I am 95% sure I will be approved for the band, but just reading about the weight lost and how some bandster loose great within a year and other don't, plus the sagging skin, do think excerise and staying active well help with this problem? I really want this to work for me but I want to see result also? I need some encouragemnet?:tongue2::smile2:

Hi everyone. Happy Saturday! Did anyone have to stay the night after their Lap Band surgery? My Dr said he makes all his WLS patients stay at least 1 night and 2 if GB. Just curious to why??? If you did stay, what did they make you do or not do that couldn't be done at home? TIA

I am still in the beginning stages, figuring out insurance and what not. The biggest fear that I have is that I am a single mother to a five year old little girl. I do not have anyone to help me with her or myself after the surgury. Is it something I will be able to manage on my own with my daughter? I was raised in foster care and have no family to speak of, no close friends and her father has never been in the picture. Any ideas or experiences would be greatly appreciated. She is a very good little girl, very smart and very advanced mentally. She has been very good in the past when I have gotten really sick and I have thought if we could just have a few quite day…

March 3rd is the day! I'm nervous and excited but SOOOOO scared. I'm worried that I'll be in pain 24/7 for the rest of my life and wont be able to go back to work, etc...... I told my boss today that I needed 3 weeks off but what happens if I'm not OK at 3 weeks post-op? I lift very heavy boxes and stuff like that. Also, I have my pre-op appointment next Thursday, are they going to do an EKG? I hope they do, ya know to be safe, lol. In the paperwork I got it talked very briefly about my diet after the surgery and it said Water, chicken broth and sugar free Jello for 2 weeks. I thought you HAVE to be on liquids for first 4 weeks??????? Also it says I'll probably be staying…

Hey all....how long is the wait typically for the surgery? I have just gotten names and numbers from my primary care doctor of the surgeons they work with. I have to make the appointment, but since I have made the decision to have this done, I want it done ASAP. I feel like my life is stalled and I want to begin. Can any of you give me a typical time line from consultation to surgery> Thanks! WannaBeMe:crying:

Okay I am being banded tomorrow morning...my doc requires a 10 day pre-op liquid only diet. BUT...ummmmm I cheated....was with my daughter at the hospital (she has the Flu) and without even realizing it I ate a bag of chips. Am I in trouble? Is the doc gonna open me up see chips and not do it? OH MY....stressed a lil........

Ok, yes I am new here, but I got great news today. My referral was approved for the Lapband. I go next week, to an one hour seminar, then the doctor appointment will follow. My question is, this pre-op diet, does it cause you to just empty your insides? Like when you get ready for a colonoscopy? Complete cleanout. I know thats crude, but I don't think there is no better way to put it. I am so excited I found this site. Great questions, great answers. Lots of points of view and opinions. I have struggled with weight since 7th grade and I am now 47. Now, it is my time and I feel the lapband is what I need to help me take control. Hope to get to know alot of y…

I started on Optifast on Tuesday Feb 19. On Saturday I had a migrane and on Sunday. This morning at 2am I woke up in pain, but luckily no migrane, just a bad headache, which really I don't think I ever have. Today I feel like someone punched me in the head. I already took two more tylenols this AM. My surgery is on next tuesday, and I am super excited. Do you think it's the optifast? I live in Florida and the weather has been cooky lately, cool, hot, muggy rainy, do you think the weather? HELP ME!!! I want to feel better. I can't even say that I have headach because I'm hungry, because when I have the headache's I'm not necessarily hungry at the time. I must…

I started my pre-op liquid diet - two weeks, in theory, six SlimFast Optima shakes a day. I understand the aims and principles of the diet. And I know that getting in adequate protein is key, so I bought a grain silo-sized bag of unflavored whey protein isolate, as I'd heard it was the best one to get. But now that I have it, what do I actually DO with it? I added some to my chicken broth tonight, and it was a bit icky but basically edible. But the broth was hot - would that affect the protein? I noticed that the package specified adding to cold milk or water. So, what do you Bandsters DO with your protein powder? F.

I had my 1st appointment today, and the surgeon wants me to save a sleep test to see if I have a sleep apena has anyone done this and how long does it takes?

I have started the process on this lap band journey and have realized that if I want to do this it will have to be self pay. Any one have any suggestions? Anyone with some creative solutions?

Hi All...this is a great site! I am so glad I found it! Anyway, I am 36, a mother of 2 great boys (one only 6 months old) and I have recently after pregnancies packed on more pounds than I ever thought possible. I am short, 5' 3", and weigh 240! While many people don't think I look "obese" the fact is, I am. Recently, the arthritis in one of my knees has been acting up horribly. Can't sleep, can't get on the floor with my boy, can't walk around the block. The doctor said, "loose weight or get a knee replacement!" Uggghhhh. I have dieted for the best part of 12 years, I have lost and regained the same 30 pounds over and over. My metabolism is very messed up. My …

We attended the seminar this weekend and turned in the packet they needed filled out. At the end of the seminar, they mentioned that they would review the info, call our ins. company and be in touch with us. I wrote on the packet that we are cash pay, so i'm just wondering how long to expect the wait to be before we hear back from the surgeons office.

I haven't had my surgery yet. I'm seriously considering having the lap band surgery done in Mexico because it is less expensive and less red-tape, documentation, etc. I will be a self-pay patient. My question is: are doctors in the U.S. cooperative concerning follow-up care such as fills if you have the procedure done in Mexico? I'm finding that my family and friends are not happy that I am thinking of going to Mexico for the procedure and have told me that I must be crazy to even consider it. Those of you who are experienced, is there anything else I need to be aware of before making arrangements to have the surgery done in Mexico? Is there anything I need…

I am having surgery on March 20 and my surgeon's office called last Friday to schedule an Esophageal study for me. However, the nurse couldn't really tell me what it was. Did anyone else have to have this done? If so, was it painful? What does it entail? I couldn't really find anything definitive on the Web about it.:thumbdown:

When I go in for my mandatory pre-op pscyh evaluation, should I let the psychologist know that I'm on anti-depressants? I have had very mild depression for the past few years, and I know it is because of my weight and the constant daily pain I am in as a result of my weight. I've been on a very low dosage of anti-depressants for about 6 months now. I just wasn't sure if a history of mild depression could cause a person to fail the pscyh eval? Even when the depression is weight related? I don't want that to be what stops me from having this surgery. Should I be honest about it or deny,deny, deny?

Is there anyone who's on about the same schedule as me? I go to my 2nd appt at the surgery center on Thurs. I meet with the nutritionist and the insurance coordinator. I should have my band some time in the summer. And it would be so nice to talk to someone doing it at the same time.

I've been waking up in the a.m. dizzy since Sunday. I haven't been eating as much since my fill. My friend also said that I may also not be taking in enough liquids. I am going to the doctor tomorrow to have him run some bloodwork. Has anyone else had this symptom and what was it from?

So I have done everything that I can possibly do, all the tests are done, psych, nutritionist, phone calls made to get any and all information that was required. Today I had my follow up appt with the nutritionist and was asking if they received the psych report. I know it will be a recommendation based on what was said in the appt but Im not a 100% certain they have it yet. Well I was told that when they have everything and the insurance approval, they will call me to schedule. I cant stand waiting. I have very little patience when it comes to these things. I realize I am not the only patient but then again.... its me and I want everything now. I read another thread on h…

I am not telling anyone about my surgery, I just realized that 11 days before my surgery (and I am suppose to diet for 12) that I have a school auction/function/dinner to go to. Will it matter if I nibble as to not be obvious or should I not eat at all????

Hi everyone! I am getting banded March 4 and I am looking forward to joining your ranks and am very excited about the process. I've been trying to space my water intake before and after eating and haven't been doing so well. It seems that when it's time to eat I often don't have the time or the will power to wait the half hour before eating. Also, I find it very difficult not to drink water with my meals and while I'm at it, I'm also pretty slack at not waiting the sixty to ninety minutes after a meal to drink. Does anyone have any suggestions? Have any of you experienced banders noticed any differences in your appetite if you don't follow this rule? I would appreciate an…