PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi there -- I am scheduled for surgery on 2/1. I am on clear liquid pre op diet (broth, Jello, popsicles, etc.) without any Protein, and expect to be on the same diet post surgery, so far it has been 5 days and I have 10 days ahead of me. I feel really weak and exhausted. Has anyone else faced this? I am hoping it is like other things where once you hit a wall and move on it gets better ... wishful thinking, I suppose. Thanks. Cynthia

Hello everyone: Today I am 12 days postop and had my first appointment since my surgery. I was a little disappointed that I only lost 3 lbs during this time and can't believe I didn't lose more. Did this happen to anyone else? I followed the full liquid diet but have not started exercising yet unless you count running after a three year old! I was told to move on the pureed foods which is better than full liquids. I am so sick of soup!!!! Anyway, just feeling a little depressed about today and hope to start losing more when I start exercising which will be today. I have lost 12 pounds total which I should be happy with but I want more!!!!! I'm very impatient!!…

How long was it for you guys from your first appointment to your surgery, and what sorta pre-testing did you have to have done? Thanks!

Ok...so I'm having issues with portion control when I'm out of the house. I'm still mostly eating purees, but I'm also slowly easing my way into soft foods due to the fact that my stomach and bowels weren't too happy with my first few attempts at soft foods. That could be the issues I have with IBS...but I digress. LOL Also, I have NOT had my first fill yet. I also have very little restriction. So when I eat out, I stick to the rules. But, I'm having a really hard time controlling my portions when I'm out away from home and I've definitely eaten over a cup of food on a couple of occasions. I try to visualize but I'm really bad at that, apparently. I'm hoping t…

Ok today i go for my preop appt. i sooooooo nervous, my diet logs are ok i guess, i have only lost a couple of pounds from the 8 i gained over oct,nov,dec. i hope he does not say anything like we cant do your surjery. freakin out. i was up all night. i'll keep everyone posted. AS OF TODAY, STILL SCH FOR FEB 5TH. SO EXCITED.!!:eek:

:ohmy:Ok, Today I had my first consult w/ surgeon. He said I need to go through a psyc eval, meet w/ diatician 2x, meet with trainer 2x, and wait for ins to approve. NO labs, no ultrasound, no preop livershrinking diet, no required wt loss b4 surgery... I'm not complaining at all, but I just don't want any surpizes at the last minute. He even let me pick my port site, and told me I could eat whatever I wanted up until 8pm the night b4 surgery. I will get my date when the reports from psyc and dietary are in. This Tuesday I go for dietary consult, but I can't get into psyc unti 3/14/08.:rolleyes2:. They told me first and foremost to expect 4-6 months before banding, and I…

I am 4 wks post op. I have been on the liquid diet faithful. On Monday it has been 4 wks since surgery. All of my nutritional papers say liquid diet 1-4 wks and then mushies from 4-6wks. I was suppose to see the Dr. this week for my 4 wk check, but he is going to be out of town. My next appointment isn't until 2/6/08. Should I start mushies or wait until I am seen on the 6th? What would you do? I am sick of all liquid, but I want to do everything right. I don't want to mess up. I didn't go through all of this for nothing.

HI, ok my question is : I can NOT drink that stuff, As soon as I start to drink it and it hits the back of my mouth I start to vomit. Thursday I went to do all my preop tests and a class about what to expect and the food stages. I asked the lady and she said that that is how the Dr. has to do fills!!!! I do not want to puke while I am still healing (well,really anytime lol) So, Did your Dr. do it another way?? Could it be done another way?? Sorry about the long post, but, my surgery is 2-6 and I really would like to know soon. Any advice would be swell. Thank you

I ate 2 sasuage links this morning. I was ok, then about 2 min later i had a pain where i guess my band would be. About 2 hours later is was gone..but man did it hurt. I havnt done meat yet other than canned chicken. Im on soft (not mussie) foods.

Forgot to ask this question of my doctor so thought I would throw it out here. Does anyone know when the new AP band expires? Has anyone had one long enough to know when it should be removed? Is the price less if you need to replace it due to just everyday wear? I am guessing weight gain would be a symptom of it starting to errode or just not work any longer? I know nothing lasts forever just wondering if I will be up for it to be removed when I'm 75?

Does anybody have a lot of stomach noise since banding? I can understand some of the noise from my band opening some burping sometimes, but my stomach and intestines make a lot of noise. It's usually after meals, maybe an hour or so.

All this waiting, waiting, waiting, and testing, testing, testing. I thought the day would never come! I am starting to think that the day before may be worse than the day of. My doc required citrus of magnesium and I have been at work in the bathroom for a good chunk of the day. Silly question - what does one use on one's tush when it feels like it is on fire? I am certainly "cleaned out.":eek: Why am I not totally nervous? I feel pretty calm, almost surreal. Perhaps it's no food! I am really happy:tongue: with my decision to have this surgery. I leave for the hospital at 7:30 tomorrow! Here I go! Karen

Hi All, Banded last Monday. Did a bowel prep the night before - YUCK!, followed Clear liquids for 4 days, full liquids for 2, and today on to pureed foods. Should have been clear for 7, full liquid for 7, and pureed starting the 3rd week. I am not doing this out of hunger. Several days ago, I began to get weak and dizzy. Yesterday, my doc told me to make sure I drink ALOT, so I drank 120 oz of Water Sat. No better today, so I called him again. He still said I'm dehydrated (and told me to start sipping Pedialyte, or he could bring me into the ER and I could have IV fluids). Starting the Pedialyte a couple of hours ago. It didn't help. So, my next meal was puree…

Hi All, I am a self pay and I went for my first fill yesterday. Silly me forgot to ask how many fills I am good for before having to start paying... Are there any other self payers that had a package deal and a certain amount of fills were covered? Thanks! JJ

I've complained many times that after surgery I lost 12 pounds in a week and then NOTHING. I actually kept going up and down by 3 pounds for the next 3 weeks. Then last week the three pounds went away and I was back where I was the week after surgery. I stayed that way for several days and then yesterday woke to a .7 loss. I was in heaven!!!! Went and got my first fill yesterday and this morning I awake to a 1.9 loss! Seems that all of my hard work paid off and I am thrilled that I did not give in like I used to. Instead I stuck to my diet, added exercise and rode it out. That's a first for me, in the past I would have gotten discouraged and thrown it all away by cho…

I've tried to find the answer so please be patient with me if it's in here somewhere and I missed it. I'm wondering just where food gets stuck. As I understand it, when we have restriction the food will stay in the upper small pouch longer. When we chew well enough and eat slowly we don't get stuck. So does that mean the food is passing easily into the lower part of the stomach and not getting stuck in the passage way? It's not susposed to go into the lower part for awhile. So what happens when it's stuck and the person has a PB? I've had surgery, 1 fill and no restriction. I just got thinking about this and can't figure out the answer.

Hello, This may be a silly question. But are you still able to gulp water and other fluids?? I am almost 2 weeks post-op and while I did sip slowly for the first few days, I have found myself drinking large sips at once. I'm pretty sure I could drink 120z straight down shotgun style if I tried....Is this the norm?? and if so why was my Dr. so insistent of slow sipping??

Hi folks. I need some advice. I feel like I have pretty good restriction - don't eat much - but have stopped losing lately. I've been trying to get rid of the last 20 pounds for the longest time! How do I get off of this stupid plateau? Also, sometimes, when we eat dinner, I have to excuse myself and dislodge the food that has gotten stuck. So far, it hasn't been difficult, but I'm concerned (as is my husband) about this constang PB'ing. I think I'm just eating too fast or not chewing well enough. I feel like I'm getting good nutrition, but sometimes I'm so hungry I inhale my food. Any thoughts? Thanks. Steph

I have a collection of fluid under my skin (over the muscle). It's between my belly button and pubic area on the left side. I was banded 2 weeks ago Tuesday. I called my dr's office. They said it was common and not to worry about it. It's worrisome to me. I've never heard anyone else talk about it. It doesn't hurt, I don't have a fever, It's not red. Has this happened to anyone else? How long before it went away?

Hello everyone: I was banded on Jan. 17 and I read that I have to have 64 ounces of liquid per day. Do I count the amount of Water I use in my Protein shakes towards the 64 ounces? I am having a hard time fitting in my Protein Shakes plus 64 ounces. Thanks for anyone's help. Jeni in PA:redface:

Okay I started my liquid diet yesterday and I am using Isopure, I dont knwo if any of you are familiar with this but its a high Protein (50 grams per serving) no carb powder that can be mixed into almost anything (they also have ready made drinks that are only 40 grams per serving). I was wondering if anyone else used this or has her of it:confused:??? If any veterans have any good advice, suggestions about what you used and worked for you and or what might be somewhat drinkable, PLEASE SHARE:drool:. Thank you all in advance

:confused:maybe this is a silly question, but after you lose a significant amount is the port noticeable? i guess in pix i've seen i was curious if there is a bump or something. also, does it affect ab workouts, does it hurt or pull?(i know of course to wait to do this after it heals) i don't want to be skinny, i dont have that body to be skinny. but don't want to be huge anymore.

Hi.... I am exactly three weeks post-op. I have a question that I need a FAST answer to. I heard the rule with the mushie phase is anything you would give to a 6 month to 1 year child. Does that include saltines? I was hoping...YES! You know, it turns to almost nothing when you put it in your mouth! Thoughts?????

Just Started my liquid diet And don't know what to eat? so far i drank the nasty shakes. I've been told that i can eat only 2 cups of vegetables a day. what can i eat? beside vegetables? I'm not satisfied.

I am 3 days post-op and everything is great except my back. I think it is from the gas and how I am getting around. Trying to protect my incisions from pain that maybe I am sitting/standing funny and now my lower back is killing me. Any sugestions would be very helpfull.

I went on this forum trying to gain a vast understanding of how my recovery would be once I got the band. I prepared myself for "bandster hell" and knew it could be a very demotivating factor for me, but I hoped that since this was my chance to turn my weight around that I would be strong and stick to the program. When I started mushies 3 weeks ago I immediately put on 2-3lbs even though I was eating the right amount. As my discouragment continued and my weight stayed the same I felt more and more defeated and started increasing my intake. I'm so ashamed to admit that I'm almost back to my surgery weight and cannot bring myself to change my ticker. I'm scared that I stret…

This is so silly but I must ask..... I had my band surgery 17 days ago and today I chewed a piece of gum which I ended up unconciously swallowing. I am not experiencing any problems with it....but my question is this. After a fill when you have restriction what would happen? Would that gum get stuck? I am eating normally at this point with no restriction (my doc says normal foods are ok after day 14...so those of you on liquids for 4-6 weeks after surgery, please dont fret). Anyone with a gum swallowing experience out there to share?? Thanks

I'm going to start the pre-op 2morrow. I am very nervous it's coming down to the wire. I have been looking at clothes and forming a wish list for closthes I want whenever I wanna snack. No more food for awhile ... LOL since I will only be on liquids after surgery. I need help I'm scared and I want to know how you all survived your pre-op. I need a smuch support as I can get ... my family is supportive but they kinda don't care ... they just think it's my "lastest diet" that I'm trying LOL since they are so used to me being on some type of diet anyway and never following through with it. But what they don't know is how discouraged I used to get when I would not see results…

I know my doctor recommends 2 days of liquids after a fill, but do you think that is 48 hours, or do you think it means to eat a mushie/solid Breakfast on the third day after a fill? Thanks for any input -

:tt1:Could you tell me where you started in this process? Any adivece on what to make sure I do first, second, third, and so on? What is the most important thing i need to know? Please help me with any advice that you can give.thanks:lol:

Hi- My surgery is scheduled for February 1st and I started the low carb, high protein liquid diet today that I have to stay on for the entire week. I am not even a full day into it and have a headache and feel nauseated. I am drinking the protein shakes/soups/etc. (unjury brand, which tastes pretty good). I just don't know what to do about the nausea. Any advice? Thanks!

I got approved Friday and was going to call the dr's office and find out about my preop diet.....they were already gone.....Do I need to be on liquids??? My surgery is Thursday 1/31?????

After a year I finally got my intial visit with the Surgeon. I can't believe how hard and tendious it was just to get qualified to talk. My appointment is for next tuesday and I'm very anxious, but ready to see him. I thought a second poem would be fitting for such an occassion. It's called... THE WAIT I waited all my life for things to happen... for my mom to give birth to me, so I could see what this world was really like. for my sister to stop reminding me of how fat I've become, and how miserable my life would be. I waited for that one guy to love me and be proud to be seen with me. I waited for the encouraging …

I have seen a few threads on similar topics, but maybe this could help us get through this. I was banded a little over 2 weeks ago, and am feeling no restriction. I lost 18 pounds since surgery, and then once I started on the soft stage foods, the scale hasn't moved. My doctor doesn't do any fills until 6 weeks post-op. What would be a good 'sample menu' to eat during this stage, to continue a moderate weight loss? I can do light exercise, but have not been given the OK for solids. I can do eggs, Soups, tuna salad, hummus, mushed up Beans...basically anything pureed. Any meal or menu ideas that have worked for others during this post-op time would be helpful. …

how long did yours stay on? did they fall off on thier own or did your dr have to remove them? i am 7 days post-op and the ones in my belly button already fell off, but they didnt seem to be attatched to well either, but the ones on my port incision...wowsers...i dont see those suckers falling off on thier own EVER lol

I had my lap band done on 12/26/07. I have a total of 5 holes in which the only one that has not healed shut is the one over top of my port area. The surgeon put me on something for infection for a week, then amoxicillin for another week, and now I am on Bactrim after going to see her again yesterday. At first I had my incision covered because it would leak and ooze all over my clothes. Then my surgeon told me to wear an old t-shirt around the house so that the air can get to it. It started to heal but as soon as I make one small movement, it opens up again. I asked the surgeon if this had happened to anyone else and she said, "Only two other people". She also note…

Another dumb question I know...... but do you actually feel the band around your stomach? How long until you don't feel "someting" in there? My Dr. says the port will be sewn on to my abdominal wall so it wont move around but what about the silicone tubing? I know it will hurt for the first couple days and I'm ok with pain (4 c-sections and hernia repair/tummytuck with drains) but how long can you be in pain for? Thanks so much for any and all help you can give. All the advice in the world won't hurt either, lol.

Did anyone have a hiatal hernia repair at the time of lapband placement?

Hello everyone: I was banded on Jan. 17 and have been reading a lot of posts about life after lapband. I am concerned because reading some of the posts makes you realize how hard this process is going to be and sometimes it seems that even if you try and do everything right, you still don't lose weight. I would love to hear from bandsters who have been sucessful with a consistent weight loss and how they are doing it. I was thrilled to lose 9 lbs on the preop diet since I can't remember the last time I lost any weight but am worried now that once I start to eat, I won't lose any weight. I guess that after going thru the whole process of being approved for the band, …

I'm scheduled for surgery on the 30th of Jan. How long were you off from work? I've read on this site some have gone back to work in a week. Is that average?

Well today was my first visit with the surgen and half way through the apt they told me that my insurance plan had changed. So we called the insurance company back and they gave us 4 diffrent stories in 45 min on the phone with them. The final anwser is they now only cover a COE. So I have to start every thing over again with new docs at a diffrent hospital. I was in luck and they did have a seminar tonight. But my first apt with them isn't even untill Febuary 13th. I would have been about to have my surgery by them. I was just really settled with who I was going to use. The worst thing is right before we found out about insurance, they told me that my surgery would be do…

I would like to know on an average about how many calories I should be consuming a day? And what are some of the foods you guys/gals have been eating on here. Thank you.

Hello all, I was banded 6 days ago (01/15/08) and here is a synopsis of my journey this far: 01/15/08 - Home from surgery at 5:00pm, no problems - urinating okay. 01/16/08 - No problems, taking it easy. 01/17/08 - Gas pains from surgery! OMG - I was warned about these ... 01/18/08 - Still gas pains, Gas-X and heating pad provides comfort 01/19/08 - Gas pains gone - dry heaves at 7:30 pm, first bowel movements 01/20/08 - Nauseous all day, dry heaves from 10:00 pm to 10:30 pm 01/21/08 - Nauseous all night, dry heaves at 6:00 am and 11:00 am My liquid phase consisted of chicken broth, apple juice, crystal lite, SF Jello liquid and SF popcicles but I was so hungr…

it feels like i am losing slowly now. the first month i lost 20lbs then i went 2 1/2 weeks without anything. i then had my first fill and lost 5 pounds that week and another 3 the next week. this week i have stayed the same and havent lost. i have cheated a few times but that shouldnt ruin me losing seeming how i am keeping my calories around 1000. it may be due to the fact that i am eating a cup instead of 1/2 a cup. it really seemed like my first fill was working and i think it still is but not as good as in the beginning. if i eat around 6oz of fish so to speak i am way to full but somtimes 3oz doesnt fill me up. if we are eating better and less than before surgery th…

I am just a week post op. Everytime I drink/eat something I feel incredibly bloated and gassy (in my mind) Could this still be from the post op gas or is this what it feels like to be full with the band? I feel really burpish but cant burp. Am I drinking too fast? I'm wondering will this pass or is this what I am going to feel like forever?

Today was my first appt with my surgeon. I know I'm very overweight (or why would I be in the surgeon's office right?), but almost fell out of my chair when I saw my BMI on the sever obesity scale!! :ohmy:WOW...what a wakeup for me. Did anyone else have this reaction? I've lost 5 lbs so far on the preop SugarBusters diet and still have a long way to go before I'm just very overweight and not severly obese.:smile: I WILL MAKE IT! Thanks, Kat

Hi All, I've read on the board about people being on a liquid diet for 10 days or more pre-op, and am wondering if this is accurate? I am scheduled for Surgery on January 11th and my doctor is saying with my BMI I only need to be on liquids for 3-4 days. I just was wondering if anyone knows why the difference? :help: Lori

I am scheduled to be banded on 2-4-08, I received a telephone call from my surgeon, and they got my results from EKG on Tuesday. According to the doctor, I had a slight abnormal EKG, so they want me to follow-up with a specialist. My question has this happened to anyone else on this site.

Hi everyone. I had my lapband procedure done on Thursday January 17th and now it is almost the end of day 6 postop and it is really really hard sticking with the full liquid diet they recommend. I actually started feeling hungry for food yesterday and resisted and I will continue to but the question I have is my stomach feels like I have bad hunger pains and it's making me feel a little nauseous. I am racking my brain to think of what else I could have that would be considered a full liquid but I can't think of anything I'm not already doing. How the heck am I going to make it 2 more weeks like this? Does anyone have any advice and tips for me? I didn't feel this h…

I am 9 days post op and have not yet had a bowel movement? Is it time to take some docusate? How long did you all take till your first BM?