PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone! I am on my pre Lapband journey and feeling very overwhelmed. I have been seeing my PCP since November for my 6 month supervised WL thing and have only to date lost 10 lbs. I have been killing myself with diet and lots of exercise. I asked my dr again about her feeling of wls surgery and she was like I think you should try at least 3 more months (which is mandatory anyway) "before you put yourself through a surgery" She said it's not like you are wanting to get down to 120lbs??? I was like no but under 200 would be super. My dr is awesome but she also weighs 120 lbs wet. I just expressed to her how it is discouraging to have to deal with weight issues your who…

I am looking into LB, but I am terrified that something will go horribly wrong. I have an 11month old son and I am afraid that I would die in surgery; then again I’m afraid that being unhealthy will take him from me as well… My husband ran out of us when he was only 6weeks old and so its up to me to take care of him (his dad does see him its just me that he didn’t want anymore, I got trade up for a younger, dumber, thinner girl:broken_heart:) and I am afraid that I wont be able to lift him or take care of him after having this done. I do have a bf but he works opposite shifts than me. I would probably be able to have my mom come stay with me for a week, maybe two. …

I just got the results back from some blood work that I had done a few weeks ago. The tests indicated that my cholesterol level was normal, but my triglyceride level was high and my hdh was low. I am doing a low carb diet to try to bring my Triglyceride level down... I am scheduled to have lap band surgery on 03/28/2008 and I am worried that my liver will be too fatty to do the surgery. If anyone has any advise it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone. I had my Psych Eval today, which lasted maybe 10 minutes. The Dr gotta call that her sister was 10 cm dilated. She saw me, then flew out the door for the hospital, cancelling all her other appointments. Glad I got there EARLY!!!!!!!! The paperwork was the longest fill out, but no biggie, just general things. Then I went for the Nutritional program, and met with the Bariatric Coordinator. During the meeting with the dietician, I kept smiling as she was explaining things, I was thinking, "I'm doing this, I'm REALLY doing this!"

Hi- I just had a question to throw out there. Do they consider you a candidate from your first appt weight, or your final appt weight? I'm losing alot in the months before surg, but will they cancel me if my BMI goes below 40? I know it seems rediculous to have the band when I am losing by myself, but I really need that tool to keep it off! What do you think???

I have UHC and I do know that they cover the lapband at 100% does anybody know what are some of the other requirements beside the BMI? I am so neverous that I might not have what it takes.

ive noticed that my hair is thinning out on the top of my head. you can look right through my hair and see my sculp. my hair is pretty thin anyway and it runs in my family but wow what a difference in the past month. i have gotten off track with how much protein im eating and ive made some bad choices this month so maybe once i get back on track it will help. i want to take some hair, skin vitamins but im not sure if i should where they are pretty big. any suggestions on how i can stop this? andrea

I had my psyc consult the other day and I said something to her about casually smoking pot. She told me to make sure I didn't smoke anytime near my surgery date because the anesthesiologist will require a drug test. I haven't smoked in awhile and am not worried about it but found it curious because I've never heard any mention of this from anyone else.

I am getting banded this Tuesday and my only worry is that my Liver will be too fatty for the Dr. to perform the band. I don't know why, I mean my last liver enzyme test came back fine but when I went to see my surgeon in my last visit before my surgery he told me I went up in weight but I did lose 3 lbs on the slim fast 2 week diet I did until tonight. Tomorrow I am clear liquids and then surgery Tuesday. Has anyone had this problem?

I'm on day 5 of my 2 weeks of pre-op diet (just shakes) surgery is on 1/16/08. I find it hard to drink as much water as recomended. Also do they catheterize everyone before or during sugury? Thanks some questions are embarrassing. Pike:confused:

Hi everyone, I just wanted some advise about my surgery for tomorrow. I started getting a chest cold on Friday and I am not sure if I should go through with it or if they will even let me. Any advise?

I just read the literature (80 some pages) the surgeon's office gave me. How does everyone keep track of how much Protein they eat/drink? It's overwhelming to me that I am going to have to try to get all that in. It also seems like it is going to be a constant issue getting in all the fluids during the "fluids only" stage. Am I making too much of this? I know everybody seems like they get thru this period fine but have any of you also been overwhelmed and survived? Can you provide any strategies? Thanks, Carla :confused2:

we attended our seminar today and came away with a ton of information. the dietian mentioned a couple of website where you can buy different sample packs of protein drink mixes but i didnt get them written down. would anyone know what she was talking about, or can you recommend some good ones to try? thanks!

hi will be banded feb 28 and i am not on diet yet dr. told me to start diet 3 days before cirgury, i am so nervious can somebody tell me what to espect about cirgury, sorry about my english i am hispanic. thanks

Hi I 'm Queenie I am being banded March 27 and I have a party the week before surgery. Can I drink or is this definately a no no? thanks

Just approved last week can't wait to get started. Now I'm afraid!! Hope that what I've been wishing for is going to work!!:eek:

I have a bulged disc in my back and I just finished up my vicodin several days ago. So, now I can feel my back again! My back doc gave me tramadol, but that was before the lapband. I know we can't take anti-inflammatory's or advil..anyone know if we can take Tramadol? Thanks!

Can anyone tell me what the deal is with B12? I ordered the suggested pack of vitamins from my doctor and there is a sublingual B12 pill and a multivitamin that has 1668% of suggested B12...Also, is this a vitamin that sticks in your system or makes its way out?

I was told by someone today that there are actually urban legends on here about side effects and complications and stuff. I just can't believe anyone would tell stories about those things. What do you all think? I choose to believe that most everyone here tells it like it is the good along with the bad.

Hi all, I am two days post op and pretty much have been wondering what I have done to myself. I was so completely unprepared for the amount pain I have been experiencing. Now, as a disclaimer I am a weinie when it comes to pain. On top of the pain, I am so HUNGRY!! I know it is because I am not getting in my protein. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel like a could choke down a protein drink. I have also been fighting nausea. I do not want to discourage anyone who may be considering the band, but basically just need someone to tell me it will get better. So, did anyone else out there have a rough post-op period immediately? Are you better? Not regretting? thanks, just needing …

Can anyone tell me what their preop psych evaluation involved? I just made my appointment for next Wednesday and they said to allow at least 3 hours... that seems like a long time to take for this. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ok im trying to make sure im going about this right. I havent really done anything. I went to a seminar in nov 06 about the gastric surgery. Well I know that my insurance has to have a 6 mth supervised diet and stuff. So I started going to my family dr in January she told me to just watch my portions and to exercise and come in every month to be weighed. Do I need to call whomever Im interested in doing the surgery and let them know Im starting the 6 mths, and is this the proper things to do in the 6 mths. What did yalls 6 mths consist of??? Im just afraid Im gonna go through all of this 6 mths and it be for nothing and have to go through something else u know. And shoul…

Can someone please tell me what the 6 month doctor supervised diet consists of? Are there specials papers to fill out or is a doctor's note sufficient? I have BC/BS NJ...help!

To some, a warning. This is an actual procedure video. I found it on the web here OBGYN.net Roberta's Gastric Lap Band Surgery For Weight Loss It helped me understand the pre/post op and the surgery itself. Check it out if you can. Dont be fooled by the link name. This woman, Roberta, is a publisher of obgyn.net. You need real player {avail from site}. Also note the doctors are German, but they speak English and it was easy to understand.

I figured that I'd write this for pre-ops and fellow newbies...when your surgeon says to take your time when trying something new, do just that. The consequences can be pretty awful. My surgeon allows you to progress in the post-op diet "as tolerated," with going from clear to full liquids around day 4-5. I have had no appetite since my surgery one week ago -- of course I have also been sure to get in about 60g of Protein a day using protein powders and shakes, so I haven't allowed myself to get hungry. Full liquids includes "pureed meat thinned with broth." I've had some thinned meat baby food a few times with no problems. Last night, I cooked up some lean beef…

Hello Everyone! Today is day one of my liquid diet with Optifast and I'm so excited about the surgery which is scheduled for 2/26. Although Ive been satisfied drinking the Optifast, Ive been enticed by the smell and preparation of food that i've been preparing for my Husband and children. Ive been encouraging myself not to give in. Its difficult, but Im trying to train my mind into thinking, "I don't need it!" or "You can do this!". Ive been thinking of all of the food that I have easy access to. Praying I can make it for another 13 days of just a liquid diet (11 days optifast/ last 2 days of clear liquids). Has anyone been where I am? :biggrin:

so i'm starting to freak out a little bit about the whole surgery part! i feel it's the right decision to get the band but the surgery part...being put to sleep...having holes in my stomach...etc etc...that's freaking me out! is this normal????

My surgery date is scheduled for January 25th. I am happy and excited about my decision to have this surgery, but at the same time I have a few doubts. I have heard from my brother, my best friend and my boss that maybe this isn't really necessary. "You've lost weight before." "Couldn't you just watch what you're eating and hire a personal trainer instead?" While I don't think they quite understand the effect of their statements will have/nor do they intend them to be negative(?), it still hurts! These statements make me doubt my decision for the long term. I have debates with myself all the time. Bottom line - I have been overweight for 20 years, I have sleep a…

Good News! My Pcp is giving me a referral to a surgeon. I weighed in at 224.8 and bmi of 41. I'm nervous of course wondering what the surgeons requirements will be. But I am so excited to have made it past step one. Woohoo:w00t:!! I believe this means I am on my way to being a bandster. Wish me luck with the surgeon and the insurance. Does anyone have any advice for me at this point...like don't lose any weight til I see the surgeon? Stuff like that.

I recently learned that I have fatty infiltration of my liver. I've already had one CT scan, and I have to have another one on Tuesday to evaulate the damage. What I've read about FLD states that it is inadvisable to lose weight quickly, as this can actually make the condition worse. WLS is contraindicated for this reason. Have any of you had experience with this? I'm afraid that I will not be able to get the surgery done now because of this. I am not surprised that I have a fatty liver, as this is a common occurrence in the obese population, but I am worried it will affect my chances of having this surgery. Anyone with experience, please help!

I'm interested to know what everyone's "process" was from the moment they decided to look into the surgery to the actual procedure...how long did it take? Any special diets before surgery? How many different appointments? I"m just begining my journey and i can't get enough information about people's different stories! Thanks for sharing!! Barbie:thumbup:

Hi all, I am due to have my band fitted on the 28th Feb but I have not had any pre op tsting. Is this normal?

Hello everyone! I have been going through all of the testing and such for my surgery, and I am having the most difficult time getting through to the doctors office. They told me about all of the insurance procedures...I followed everything. My surgery was scheduled for 3/24, and I called yesterday and they said the doctor was going on vacation......She told me that she would call me back, and never did. I am very anxious to get this done. I am drinking the slim fast shakes and have been preparing....and now I am frustrated. Is this typical? I am scared, anxious and do not know what to expect. Please help! Joe

I keep reading here about how someone has X size band and Y amount of fill. Can someone explain the different band sizes to me and why one size is used over another. And if there are any advanatages to certain band sizes. Thanks.

My insurance BC BS of Nj requires a 6 month diet plan before approval. Well....today I got a letter from my Psychiatrist stating he has been treating me for anxiety and weight issues since 2004. (He even wrote all 16 dates). He said in the letter that "She has been given instruction over this time for weight reduction" and "She has been unsuccessful in using diet and exercise to achieve a normal body mass"...Do you think this will be good enough??What if my PCP write something similar and includes weight??? Helpp...I need opinions! Thanks!!:cursing:

I have my consult tomorrow and am very nervous!! I guess I'm worried the most about the insurance not covering it. My PCM gave me the referral for "morbid obesity" and I was excited! Kind of sad that I was excited to get a referral for that. I have tricare and have been told that they don't go by bmi but by weight. If they go by the lowest weight on the scale I am 100lbs over weight. But I don't know how they will figure it. I guess I just have to wait and see what the insurance says. Sorry for rambling! Just kind of nervous. Does anyone have any advice for the first visit to the surgeon?? All would be appreciated. Thanks Amy

I have my first appointment at Tufts/NEMC next week. On the phone today they were telling me about requirements before surgery (psych eval, group counseling for 5 weeks, nutritionist, exercise physiologist...) including the requirement that I lose 10% of my body weight before I schedule surgery. I thought I heard that wrong and asked for them to repeat it, LOL! She said they are flexible if the 10% loss will make you drop below 40 BMI, but for me that's not an issue. I've been reading these threads and haven't read of anyone having to lose that much. Based on my weight I would have to lose about 29 pounds. What are your experiences with this? How much did you have…

So this is going really fast… Today I went in for my consultation, and they told me to go ahead and start the protein shake twice a day and that I would have my Pre-Op meeting with my doctor (our first meeting) then next Friday the 29th will be my surgery date… WOW That’s Fast!!! I’m So Excited; and a little scared to tell you the truth. 3 Days Till Pre-Op 10 Days And Counting To Surgery

I have my surgery on Wednesday and Have not stuck to the liquid diet except for during lunch, How bad is this?

I am scheduled for my life changing surgery on March 3rd. The question that I have is, what pre-op supplements are other banders taking? Are there any over the counter medication that can help the wounds heal faster? My doctor has not given me a pre-op diet, but I have read on the this and other forums that they are on Protein shakes. What are some good Protein shake that can be brought over the counter or at GNC? I plan on starting a liquid diet this week. Thank you for your advice!!! "The choices we make, and the chances we take, determine our destiny."

I am looking for a Dr. in Lincoln who can document my 6 month diet. I have to have this for insurance and have already done one 6 month diet that was not done correctly and want it done right this time,

I've been told by my nutritionist that i'd prob be on a liquid diet for 1-2wks bf surg, but my surgeon has'nt metioned it at all and the scheduler at his office did'nt say anything about it when she gave me my dates (PAT's, and surgery). Is this absolutely necs??

Hi All, I am prone to fever blisters/cold sores when I have an upset stomach, under a large amount of stress or even too much sun. Anyway, I was banded on 12/27/07 and have been dealing with them. I know it's not because of the sun, maybe it's stress from the band or a virus, but I feel fine. I called my doc, and he said he didn't think it had anything to do with the band. So I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Thanks! JJ

Ok, so I'm new here and really looking into having the band. I'm 26 years old, 5'9 inches and weigh 245lbs. My family doesn't seem to think I'm big enough to have the surgery. I'm still looking into the insurance part of it to see if I'm covered, but I'm curious to see how tall and how heavy everyone was before they had their surgery. My goal weight is 145 so to me I'm 100 lbs overweight. Am I dreaming that I would ever be a candidate for this surgery?? I would be thankful for your input!

but oh so cool at the same time. I am still on the pre op weight loss bit, but the rate I am loosing and such, well I think by the time my surgery date (NOT scheduled YET... :cool2:) rolls around I will have officially disqualified myself. That would suck majorly. But at the same time I am dancing around seeing the scale down another 5lbs (well it was more, but I don't count PMS weight). I mean its cool and all that the pre op diet is working (not hard core diet just changing little things, and upping my exercise) but at the same time, I don't want to disqualify myself. LOL I mean how trippy is that, all my life this has NEVER worked for me but now that I am d…

Anyone have advice on how to best avoid scarring from the 5 incisions that I have on my abdomin?

I have had a long hard road on the way to insurance approval... Probably not as hard as some but we all have our issues. I have BCBS of Minnesota. I was required to: Have BMI over 40 (I am 43) Medically supervised diet for 6 months Letter of recomendation from my doctor Proof of overweight for 5 years or more The medically supervised diet is the worst thing in the world it's taking forever and I resist the urge to call insurance daily to confirm that I have to do it lol. I have been to 4 appts for the diet and my 5th one is in less than 2 weeks! But I am going insane :thumbup: I guess I am just venting because it's hard not to do a tour of foods!

My doctor told me to STOP drinking protein shakes. His reasoning was that the liquid goes straight through, you don't feel full as long and your stomach isn't doing the work. He suggested that I get ALL of my protein from food. Has anyone else been told this??

i'm curious about the type band people are getting in mexico. I hear there are some great ones used that aren't fda approved here. wondered if anyone had one of these, like french midband? If so do you get your fills in the u.s. ? I'm thinking of returning to the Dr. in Mexico but worry about things like emergencies (???) I know that in a true medical emergency and doctor could remove the band, which is somewhat comforting.

:ohmy:hi can any one tell me what sort of foods to eat on my 7day pre-op as i have not really got a clue i am self pay and all it says on the paperwork is meat 1 potatoe and veg but no root veg ?? i am getting a little worried as i should of had this op on the 7th feb but i could not due to unforseen problems so i am booked for the 13th march i went to see my surgeon in oct was weighed etc but i have put weight on since :wub: with xmas . birthday. and a 2 weeks hol in the meantime :tt2: do you think i will be ok still or will they tell me i cannot have it i have gained approx 6lbs since i 1st saw them mnany thanks