PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Okay, everything has fallen into place. The insurance approval came in, the test results have been routed to the doctor and everything is in line for my big day Tuesday. I'm so nervous ... Yesterday I saw someone in my building who is rather large. But I swear if she hadn't dropped like 40 lbs in 2 months. I wonder ... seriously, if she got banded. I'm so messed up that I refuse to believe she was able to do it any other way. Anyways, while I wrap everything up here a the office the next few days, I am eagerly waiting for the big day ... my biggest concern is going under ... at the end of the day, it's still surgery. Wish me luck!

Okay here is a moment of honesty. Is there anyone out there that did not follow the diet exactly after surgery? I haven’t been following my post op diet the best, and everyone one else on here is like oh I’m day 11 doing the mushies like my doctors said. And I put this in the blender and this in the blender and me on the other hand I used my new food processor once and that was the time I got sick. So yea is there anyone else out that’s having problems sticking to the post op diet?:biggrin:

Help! I cannot stop hiccuping- It seems to happen even after a few sips of liquid! Often it happens when I havent taken in anything! Anyone else having this problem??

Hi All, I was just wondering if anyone was a smoker when they got banded and where they required to quit for a certain period of time before the surgery. Thanks.

My husband had the lap band surgery 9 days ago. Yesterday he noticed that the port started feeling like a small knot inside and by the evening it felt more like a golfball. Should we be concerned or is this norma? It does not hurt, but is tender if touched. No redness or signs of infection.

hello everyone, i have been banded almost 2 months and had my first fill 10 days ago i have a wierd feeling started few days ago , when ever i eat or drink i feel a bit of pain in my lower right side of my abdomen and sometimes in the lower left side , not a big pain that i cant tolerate, its a little bit of pain and it comes after i eat or sip Water and goes away after 15 minutes . has anyone experienced this ? i have 4 cc in a 10 cc band , regards,

I am 2 weeks post-op and feeling better everyday. last night I was watching American Idol. I laughed so hard at one point I hurt myself where my port is. It felt like (not that it was) I pulled the muscle there. Has this happened to anyone. Now it is sore and I feel like my healing has backslided. Do you think I hurt myself? Just irritated it? Thanks

:tongue: Hi I was looking for some advice. I was banded a week ago tomorrow (16/1) and am experiencing a lot of pain where the port is... a kind of internal ripping type pain. I've spoken to my doc and he says this is not uncommon and it will take a couple of weeks to settle down and to keep taking the painstop... which i have been. My question is .. should i try and go for walks or move about more? is this likely to help even though initially it seems to make it worse? Has anyone got any suggestions for how to speed up the healing process? ie is it better to rest in bed or move around? The site is quite tight and tender and it's hard to even just sit without fe…

After reading on the forum, I am afraid I might have a port infection. The area around my port started to hurt yesterday and today there is a red circle around it, it is still tender and swollen and slightly warm.... Does that sound like an infection? I've had my band since 10/26 and have not had any issues till this, now I'm worried. Do all infected ports end up being removed/ replaced?

I was told I have to do the 6 mo Dr supervised weight loss plan. I am just @ 40 BMI. (40.01) I actually had to gain 10 lbs to get there. Now I am worried I will put out all this money on Dr bills and just be denied because if I lose even 10 lbs I will not qualify . The surgeon I went to see said they do not submit anything to insurance until after I do the 6 mo diet because they said I would just be denied and have to appeal, but they will have to go w/ the weight I am after the 6 mo is up. I have HUMANA Insurance. I did not have any idea they covered weight loss surgery when I took out the plan . My past insurance company did not for any reason. So I had pretty much give…

I received the following note from my surgeon's staff and thought it valuable to share. I'd asked why I couldn't add Egg Beaters or Lean chicken to my 2-week pre-op liquids diet. (Most of the hospital's patients have more weight to lose and are on the pre-op diet for a MONTH.) "You are to follow the pre-op meal plan that was given to you. I know it's hard because it doesn't consist of a lot of substance, but it is a requirement from Dr. --- in order to have surgery. Every person whom is overweight or obese has an enlarged liver. The liquid diet helps shrink the size of the liver, fat around the abdomen and helps Dr. --- perform the surgery in record time and pre…

Hi- I have had the worst luck getting my pcp to forward a referral to the surgeon for my first consult appointment. It has been 2 months since seminar, and 1 month and 3 weeks since referral was supposed to be sent to bariatric center from my Dr. Today I called Bariatrics, and they finally got my referral (to the correct dr this time). They said for my first consult with the surgeon, their first available slot was in May!!! She then told me to hold the line- the other secretary was on the phone with someone cancelling their appointment for this Friday!! They asked me if I wanted it... No DUh!!! So, I am going this friday for the consult... I should be BANDED by May...whe…

Does anyone who has been banded take cymbalta? If so, how do you take it whole, or open it and sprinkled on applesauce, etc.? Thanks, Alice

in the past few days i have this lump in my throat, it feels like a peice of bread. i think that i will call the doctors tomorrow but what could it be? its not in my esophagus like when you get food stuck or when you eat to fast or much. it feels like my epigotis is sticking to the back of my throat. it may not even be related to the band but has anyone else had this happen? andrea

Hi everyone my name is Jeremy. I am 22 years old and decided to have the lap band surgery about 2 months ago. My surgery is on the 15 of January and i have just begun my 5th day of the pre diet. It consist of three 2oz cups of pudding a day. The more i do this diet i worry about if i made the right decision with the lap band. Since my surgeon leaned more towards the sleeve or bypass rather than the band. I am worried i have made the wrong choice with the band. Will i always be hungry like this for the rest of my life. Always eating this little amount. Or will it be more like eating like mormal people eat. Thanks again to all.

I would like to know approximatley how many calories, on an average should I consume a day? I would really appreciate some insight on this please. I don't want to eat too much.

My surgery was December 17th so that makes me just over 5 weeks outs... I have had NO restriction for the past couple of weeks.... The only thing that I have really changed since my surgery is I have added exercise and am in week 3 of that..... the weird thing is I feel like I have more restriction then I did.... I'm not as hungry and things are not going down as easily... (they are still going down but I have to chew chew chew and eat super slow which I didn't have to do yet) anybody else experience this? :biggrin:

Ok. I have a couple threads out there and it is hard to try to keep track of them all so I thought I would ask a few questions in one place. I feel like these are general and may help lots of newbies. Any answers/advice is appreciated. 1. How do you know if something gets stuck and if it does, how do you dislodge it? How small should a pill be to swallow it whole without having to mash it up? 2. Why are we suddenly gassy after eating when that wasn't a problem before and why can't I burp AT ALL? 3. I am running on willpower now with my food intake. I am eating things that I should but I am having no problems keeping things down. Am I normal to not have PB and…

I was banded on January 10, 2008 and things are going very well. I have started mushies but I am more just liquid. My mushies have been mashed potatoes and oatmeal. My question should I be eating more mushies? I have only been hungry one time... during the playoff game... you know football snacks! I feel good about my weight loss so far just don't want to do anything that will mess me up later. Thanks everyone.

This is a two parter so bare with me....I have a girlfriend who is beautiful, and i mean a bombshell...aspiring actress blah blah blah...not to mention pencil thin (the relationship is just like the show "king of queens" lol) she supports me with this, but thinks i dont need it...as still an athlete etc...its easy for her to saw shes gawked at and visually undressed everywhere we go lol...and for me, im just a big football player...is anyone in this situation with me? Secondly, I have to go on a two week fast before my surgury...is there anything you guys recommend to take my mind off eating or something to drink to feel full? I mean a few days wont be tough but my day …

Hi there, I was banded in Sept 07, and to date I've lost 30 lbs. Not as much as I'd hoped, but still I'm happy with it! I've gone through a divorce and the holidays in the same time frame and haven't gained weight so that is something to celebrate! My problem is that I puke a lot... a lot. Some days it's worse than others and I'm getting sick of it. My last solution is to just chew up my food and then spit it in a napkin before swallowing. Gross, but at least I get to taste it. Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong or what will help??? Maybe it's the wrong food? Maybe I'm not chewing good enough? too fast? Thanks for your reply to come, GAyleepoo

I just had the appt with the surgeon and I still have 7 pounds to lose of the 5% required and i am having surgery on feb 13th. If i weigh in on the 11th even 1 oz over the dr will cancel the surgery! Anyone have any weight loss advice?

Hello everybody, Anyone ever heard of someone being banded twice? I've had my original lapband taken out aprox 12 mos ago and have gained almost forty five pounds. Considering having another one placed but am worried about another possible slippage. I have talked to a couple doctors and am taking every step to educate myself. What Im looking for is actual experiences. . . Any help anyone could provide would be appreciated. Thank you soo much! g

I had surgery on Dec. 21, so I am about a month out. I lost about 5-7 lbs after the operation but I have gained it back. I feel like I have no restriction right now, I can eat pretty much anything I want, the amount of food I can consume really is upsetting (although still not as bad as before the operation). I have started exercising and feel good about that but I feel like a big loser that there are no results so far. I am hoping this is pretty common and when I get a fill it will help. Any advise or silmilar stories I really need any inspiration I can get. Corinne

Hi all, My husband was banded in July. Since then he has had horrible smelling belches. He calls them sewer gas belches. This embarrases him terribly. He has tried taking charcoal tablets to no avail. Has anyone else expierenced this? Does any one have any suggestions for what he can try to aleviate this problem. Thank you in advance for your help. Robin- A supportive spouse.

Just had my first weigh-in .5 kilo/day..Dr. Mohammed very pleased. I have 'waist line obesity" a real killer. Banded 15/1/2008 Doha, Qatar 131 Kg 23/1/2008 126.7Kg

I am just taking the first steps toward getting the lap band now that Tricare is paying for them. I am in a situation where I can't be off from work for too long and I am wondering what anyone's experience is with getting back to workpost operatively.

Unless you have money to throw away. First I want to say that I am extremely thankful for this forum. I found this site a couple months prior to surgery and I learned so much and went into surgery with my eyes open. My surgeon even commented that it appeared I had done my homework. But when I first found this site I went gung ho. Found the pre-op shopping list and got pretty much everything on it. Here's a list of the things I have that I would not have gotten if I had it to do over again because I didn't need them: Two ice packs. Two different kinds of gas-x (the nurse told me gas-x does not help eliminate the gas that you get following surgery that is caus…

I'm 10 days post-op and have some serious health food cravings. I've never been a sweet or junk food eater anyway, but I was a carb & fat addict. Anyway, I want veggies. Crunchy, raw veggies with hummus (sp?). I'm also craving fish, chicken, corned beef as far as meats go (all lean and broiled or grilled of course). I really would love some broiled seafood, a fruit salad or a huge chicken Caesar salad. Is there something behind this? I'm still on full liquids and I'm really doing okay with it. I just get cravings, but I'm really surprised at how healthy my cravings are! That's not like me. Usually I'd drool over burgers and fries, cheese-covered enchilada…

Hi everyone. I started mushies this past Saturday. My family took my mother out yesterday to Steak and Ale for her birthday. I had one beet from the salad bar, about 4 tbs of french onion Soup (just the broth) and a 1/2 of a small baked potato - I mashed all food up with my fork. We went back to my sister's for dessert and I had a paper thin piece of cake and about 8 cheese doodles. Last night, I had the other 1/2 of the baked potato. In between I drank, drank, drank. Not a great day but nothing like it would have been pre-band. My question is...what are the signs that your pouch is stretching?

I just can't get a break. I have been trying to get my first appt w/ the surgeon for 4 weeks now. I have done my homework, and attended the required seminar. I have gone to the Dr's for referral, but their referral person has been sitting on it forever! I have been bugging the Bariatric center every day to see if they have faxed it, YET, after the Dr's office insists they did- they had the wrong fax #. Then I called Bariatrics back, and the @#%$ Dr office had put the name of another Dr in another center in the state as being referred to!!! To top it all off, the only thing she sent was my insurance info- none of my records or items they needed- back to square one! I am ju…

That's my main question - I know I have to do SOMETHING about my weight... and I've requested online information in order to get a consultation.... I've been reading quite a bit and my question for all of you is: are any of you sorry that you went this route? Seriously.... is life afterward with all of the eating restrictions just "too much"??:help:

I am seeing all kinds of posts about damn port infections and having to be in the hospital and having to have port taken out etc....I'M REALLY STARTING TO FREAK OUT HERE NOW!!! I was all set in my mind to have this surgery done, but seeing all these problems with the port and infections etc...it's giving me second thoughts BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes2::tt1:

Last night it leaked so much, it was all over my sheets, I know that's gross! But I need to know is this normal? It's got a red ring around only part of the incision. Also, did anyone's stomach poke out around the port site?:rolleyes2:

I have seen many posts about people not being hungry at all for 2 weeks post-op. I feel hungrier now than I did on the pre-op liquid diet. The doctor says that I didn't swell like most people. Did anyone else feel starved after the band? I made it through the pre-op diet (barely), anticipating not feeling hungry on the way out. Now I am hoping that I can get a fill on my post-op visit, but that is still 2 weeks. :help:

Hi everyone, I had my surgery on 1-15-08, 6 days ago, and I have already lost 13 pounds. Is this average? I am certainly not complaining, but am worried that it is comming off too fast. Also can someone please tell me how to insert my weight loss ticker in my signature? Thanks!!

I just had my endoscopy this morning and the doctor thinks I have GASTRITIS:eek:! He took a sample and said for me to come back on Feb 7. Will this cancel my surgery?? :rolleyes2:

Well I have my psych eval on Thursday the 24th that the bariatric surgeon requires. Now my insurance company doesnt require this stuff..but I just was able to make an appt to get in to talk to my PCP about seeing if he would recommend the surgery as well. I also called my ob/gyn that diagnosis me with PCOS and Insulin resistance to write a letter also. So I'm covering all my basis before I send this in to the bariatric surgeon along with my packet they want me to fill out about my medical history etc to get a consult. I'm making sure there wont be any question of me getting this surgery. That way the insurance company has no problems seeing that I have issues and need thi…

I am 3 days post-op and having a "popping" sensation in my stomach whenever I stand up from a sitting position or try to sit down. Is this normal? Did anyone else experience it? And does it last forever, or will it go away? Thanks!

I'm set for surgery 1/29 ... and for the most part I have been good with preparing myself for the surgery and life after. But I do seem to be eating many 'last meals'; overindulging with burgers, chocolates and carbs. Anyone else go thru the same pre-opt craziness?

Not sure what to do....especially since last fill (7 cc in 10 - 5 mos post) I have this uncontrollable bubbling up, obviously of gas but it's definite sounds coming from the throat (yes, I know starting in the stomach). I've tried GasX; no help. It's mainly when I wake up; and that's if it's intentional (the waking) or not.....almost like revelee (sp?) in the morning. Everyone nearby can hear it. At first I thought okay, shouldn't have had that glass of wine....but that wasn't it. I'm barely eating after this last fill. So I can't attribute it to being full; and it's not stomach growling. If I open my mouth and try to force it; it's a little bitty burp - so I know…

I wanted to let everyone know my story, so that my experience may make others more aware of things that can happen. I had my band put in 12/31/07. My incision began to drain at the same time a small area of my abdominal incision had began to look as if it had come apart. I went to my doctor, and he put new steri strips on it. I was to keep changing the outer bandages if it continues to drain. It kept draining, and draining. I was almost positive that I had a hematoma. The draining continued, it was so heavy I had to cover the outer bandages with a Kotex to stop the draining from ruining my cloths. Last Wednesday 1/16/08, I went to the bathroom, and I felt a wierd fee…

Hi there! I am an EMT and I do lots of heavy lifting and 12 hour shifts. Should I go back to work at 2 weeks post-op or wait longer. I don't want to rush things and get hurt but I need to return as soon as I can. Any suggestions or opinions would be GREAT! Thanks:rolleyes:

After all the "pink elephant" stories and the 400 question quiz stories, I was really nervous about going today. All my appt entailed was 45 mins of talking about my childhood, my struggles with weight and different diets & reasons why I chose lap band. That was it, no questionaire, nothing. Dr said I was a perfect candidate & she felt I should get it done as quickly as possible. She will have her report over to my surgeon by 8 am tomorrow & then everything goes to ins tomorrow morning for final approval. Feb 8th may not be my surgery date if ins doesnt put a rush on it since I have to start my 10 day preop in 8 days, but I will definately be banded somet…

Hi all, have read some of your chats and thanks for the info, but I can't seem to find anyone in my position...I'm 42, have been working out hard for just over 3 years - I am the fittest fat person I know. In order to get my lap band I had to do the South Beach Diet for around 6mo. I did it and was really happy with the results; I went from 220 down to 200. And I thought that if I just continued I could reach my goal without surgery. Ha! Then we had some financial problems and I couldn't be as strict with the diet -( I call this period my food bank diet). I did, however keep going to the gym. This is the hard part, because I work out really hard - I can do an under …

How long after the surgery does the soreness last?

Hello, I am getting banded on February 13. I have found a protein shake that I really like that uses 1 cup of frozen furit blended with skim milk. Can you have fruit that is blened in a shake duing your post op diet? Thanks!

Hi! this is my first time on the website! I am 36 yrs old live in Missouri and have my surgery scheduled for 2/1/08. I am also going to have my gallbladder at the same time, I am really scared! I had one Dr tell me he wouldn't do the two procedures together. I sought a 2nd opinion and my current Doctor will do them at the same time. I am paying for my procedure because my insurance would not cover the band. So I will save money with having the gallbladder at the same time-but I hope this doesn't backfire! I don't know how to do my weight loss tape but currently I weigh 243lbs would like to lose 100lbs.:girl_hug:

My surgery used robotic instruments. I'm curious if anyone else had their surgery done this way, and if they had any problems with gas. I had no gas pains at all and was super surprised by that fabulous side effect!!! I do however still have serious abdominal pains near some of my incisions. Does anyone suffer from intense pain even five weeks post-op?

Atkins Advantage Chocolate Caramel and Fudge Brownie protein bars. 160 calories, 12g protein, 17 carbs, 1g sugar, 9g fiber, 230 mg potassium & lots of other vitamins. They taste better than regular candy bars!! They qualify as "mushy" according to my nutritionist. What an awesome way to get protein & feel like you are eating candy bars without cheating! These are terrific!