PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I emailed a friend of mine who is a "gas man" and asked about the function of the spirometer that is given at the pre-op seminar. Below is his response. I think this could be useful to anyone with lung issues, and underlines the importance of quitting smoking before surgery: ------------------ "The most common post-op complication that we see is a pulmonary problem. There are multiple reasons for it, and surgeons are quick to point the finger and say "it's the anesthesia." The cause is much more complex than that. A quick physiology lesson: Think of your lungs as being a bunch of tiny balloons at the end of straws. When you exhale, you compress the balloons using…

I need opinions here. I am on my 9th day of my preop diet. I have done well except for a binge the evening of day 6. I ate 2 corn dogs. I really want to do well on the preop diet to shrink my liver, etc. Here's the deal. I LOVE CHINESE FOOD!!!! I really want to have one last meal of chinese food. I understand that with my band there is a chance that I will not be able to tolerate rice. How much damage would I do to go eat chinese food tonight?? Will it add taht much fat to my liver, or do I need to just "put on my big girl panties" and follow the diet like I am supposed to. What do yall think???? My band date is October 24 (Wednesday) __________________

Hi, I went for a consultation with the lap band surgeon. Since my BMI is slightly over 50, he wants a vascular surgeon to insert a vena cava filter two weeks before my surgery so I won't have the risk of a blood clot traveling to my heart post surgery. Has anyone else had this done? What was the procedure like? I'm going for a consultation for the filter next week. Thanks!

I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop i…

Im a hairdresser so I stand a lot so how soon can I resume work after my surgery?

My surgeon requires an EGD to be done.. Has anyone else had this test done. And what should I expect?:help:

Hi - I was banded on 7/17 by Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico, and am following up with Dr. Fielding at NYU. I have had 2 fills, 2.5 cc and am not doing well at all. With the first fill of 1.5cc I didn't have any restriction, and with the second fill of 1 cc just 5 days later I had great initial restriction, but it quickly wore off. I'm back to overeating after feeling discouraged because I have lost only a little weight. I feel a nutritionist who has worked with lapband patients could be very helpful to me and would prefer to go here, in Westchester, rather than NYC. However, I will consider anyone in the tri-state area. The nutritionist in Dr. Fielding's office seems a little on…

Has anyone out there had to have their band placed surgically instead of laparoscopicly? I may have to have mine done surgically due to scar tissue from a previous surgery. Just wondering how long you were in the hosp and how long you were out of work. Oh yeah and the pain level. thanks

I was banded on 9/28/07. I have been on medication for hypertension since I was in my early 20's due to a combination of a hereditary condition and the extra weight. I am now 39. The hereditary condition causes me to have a rapid heartbeat, so I'm on a medication for that as well. So in total I take 3 meds. Since the surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago, my blood pressure has been right at normal...around 120/80. Then last week even though I was taking the medication for my rapid pulse, it was still going too high and racing (over 120 beats per minute). My doctor had switched me before surgery from a capsule to a tablet so it could be broken up and taken now that I'm banded. I still h…

I realize insurance companies have different requirements as do doctors for this procedure. But I'm soooooooo frustrated!! I have had my psyche eval. Next is two appts. with a nutritionist....fine. BUT, I just got my packet today and understand that I have to have a doctors supervised weight loss for 6 months!! The only doctor supervised weight loss I have had was when I was on phentermine for about 3 months with no success. They will not count all the other methods I tried like Jenny Craig, Weight watchers, etc. I thought I had read someone on this board that some people can go from first appt to surgury in a month or less. How long did it take you from your…

Hey, I'm sure this has been addressed before, but can I ask the more experienced folk -- when did your belly swelling go down? My port is on the left side of my belly button and I am pretty swollen still ( 7th day). I call it my little alien growing insided me... When did this go down for you guys? I have to go back to work on Monday, and I dread people checking out my lopsided belly, most of them don't know about my surgery. Thanks!! Jenne

Here is what I can eat from 8 ccs in my band with a 10 cc band.. 6 fish sticks piece of lemon herb fish 14 crackers piece of cheese chicken noodle Soup the whole can 4 sugar free popsicles 14 crackers with cheese. Is this too much you think?:help:

Got banded 4 days ago and though I have zero regrets, the post-op stuff I was made aware of is starting to get to me. Laying down, I'm gravy...I just extremely tired of being in bed all the time. I stand up...pain in the chest. Once it subsides, my heart starts to beat a little faster. Then it all goes away until I start the cycle all over again. I was told this is from the residual CO2 in the abdominal cavity and that it would go away. But it feels like it's my heart that's the problem. Spoke to my nurse and he says that that is, in fact, the gas - in time it'll go away. I haven't had a painless burp, well...I can't even call it that, since the procedure. I canNOT stand …

I was banded 10/2 and initially had a lot of gas, as expected. It seems like it has moved from being in my chest and back to my left arm and shoulder. It REALLY hurts. I've been feeling great otherwise but this is really painful. When I take a deep breath I can feel it in my shoulder and into my neck. I tried to pick up a glass of Water with my left hand and I could barely hold up the glass. The only reason I can type with my left hand is because my arm and shoulder aren't moving, just my fingers. I've been using a heating pad at night and I took some Tylenol a few minutes ago to see if that would help. I've been off my pain meds since Friday and don't want to take…

I just had my first big "stick". Without thinking I popped a piece of pork into my mouth and didn't chew much and swallowed. Immediately I was in a bad place. It hurt. I slimed a bit and had to stand over the sink for fear of throwing up. My question from this worrier to you all is this: Did I do damage to my band? I've been scared since it happened. And I'll tell you this, I will do my darnedest to make sure it never happens again! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I am getting banded 1/18 by Dr. Ortiz. My BMI is (was) 53.6. They want you to be 50 or below for surgery! I need to lose 30lbs. At first I was like, if I could lose the weight, I wouldn't be doing this. I was feeling frustrated! Then I realized that all the times before when I dieted, I could lose the weight, just not keep it off. 30lbs in 3 months is a challenge. I cut out all the junk food, drinks tons of H2o, and started walking 30min three times a week. In 2 weeks I've lost 7lbs. I decided to make a time line of my journey so I could see my progress. My timeline starts at zero in PA and goes to 2700miles for Mexico. Each 1 pound equals 90 miles. I even made a …

do you buy? I can only find childrens - do they make liquid advil for grown ups?

I was seeing a naturopath before my surgery and taking all kinds of Vitamins. Now that i can't swallow pills, just wondering what vitamins is everyone taking or if you have any suggestions. I was taking stuff for my thyroid, Iron, to regulate my cycle. thanks:help:

My port's steristrips aren't sticking at all on the actual wound. The first time I walked at the hospital this site bled a lot and they covered it with a bigger bandage. Unfortunately it also made the strips not stick to this cut at all. You can see the actual wound under the strips and it looks like the skin is overlapping the skin below it.... like.... instead of the skin of one side of te cut butting up against the other side, it looks to be overlapping.. I'm worried this may cause it to heal really weirdly and if notinh else, make a giant scar... Any thoughts? I hate to go in if this is normal but I don't want it to look like a giant scar of I just need it re-tap…

I am in the stages of all of the pre-op clearances required by my surgeon's office. Even if my insurance company doesn't require these, they do. The physiological evaluation is not covered by insurance and is $250! I don't really have that kind of money and will need to move some things around to pay it. I want to get it scheduled asap, this is 1 of 3 last things that I need to get done before the surgery can be scheduled. (physc. eval, nutrition class - which is also NOT covered by insurance and is $200 - and last support session) All of a sudden, I have been having thoughts that my insurance isn't going to cover it (UHC, choice plus) - and I would hate t…

I started this process last July after having a gallbladder attack. My surgeon suggested the lapband and sent me off to see a dietician and psychiatrist. A month later he asks if I've seen the cardiologist (he never told me about that). So, another 6 weeks go by and I've done that. Then I find out I have to also see a pulmonologist and lose 15 pounds! I saw the pulmonologist today assuming it was a lung check and I find out I have to spend the night there tomorrow night to make sure I don't have sleep apnea. Am I ever going to get there? Am I going to be able to lose that 15 pounds in the next 5 weeks? I am trying but frustrated with all this although I do understand the …

just found out that I have to have a pulmanary test - anyone know what this is? I know that I have to get an xray but what else?

I have a 4mL band and have always had the problem of throwing up the mucous food about 3-4 times (if not more) a week. My doctor tells me that my pattern does not fit any other pattern that they have heard of. I can eat a bag of cookies like no other, but if I would try to eat half a banana, then I am doomed. It's weird that the crap food can go down, but the healthy stuff can't. I am however trying to find more healthy foods that go down easily. I have my band filled with 2.2mL and I didn't know exactly how much my pouch holds. Does anyone really know? Am I really supposed to stop eating after 3 bites of something?:help: Thanks!!!

I have had the band for 3 mo. now. Never had anything like this. This morning I took my medication (a new one was added) and had a slice to well toasted bread. Within 30min I was feeling nausous. I gaged several times but nothing came up. I still feel nausous. Anyone know what this is or how long it will last?

Hi, another new person here. Thanks for such a valuable site for information on this procedure! Seeing my surgeon this week; hopeful I'll get an approval for January surgery. I've read several of the different threads, and I'm curious about those complaining about weight gain. Why do you not mention returning to your doctor's offices on a regular basis for consultation - and what about fills to assist you and get you back on track? Isn't that the purpose of the "adjustable" band?? Thanks - and good luck to all of you!

I have never vomited, I have never PB (in the 3mo of having my band) and now today I have been sick. Can a person go from one day being fine and the next day slipped?

I have chronic heartburn as it is, and I hear things about how you get heartburn for a while post op.. I take Prilosec once a day and it keeps it under wraps, I will still be able to take Prilosec post-op, correct?

<p>I'm 58 and I've been overweight most of my adult life. I weigh 268 and am 5'6".:help: I had this scheduled before,but I have no support. Everyone thinks I'm crazy and they say I'll probably get an infection or something. I had one staff infec with knee replacement surgery, so I guess I see their concern. My knees and hips are really bad with arthritis.I've had 2 knees and a hip. I'm scheduled for Oct. 28, 07. People have me so scared I'm about to back out again. Can anyone give me an encouraging word. Thanks so much<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Hi Everyone I have been banded for 5 days. I haven't been able to have a bowel movement for one week. It was getting pretty intense down there. So last night my body decided it was time. The only problem was I haven't been taking in any fiber so that has caused a major backup. Without going into too much detail I gave birth in 33 minutes I was in the bathroom for 3 hours. I had to work with the same intensity of giving birth to get the "job" done. So I would say that giving birth was way easier. Just so you know this is SO embarassing to write down, but I totally need the feedback... My abs are sore, and we won't even discuss my bu...never mind. My port is on the lef…

Hi, I am new to this board and will have the lap band on 10/17..I will also have my hernias repaired..has anyone had this also? My Dr is requiring a 2night stay in the hospital because of the hernias. TIA

I need a little help, I had my surgery about 4 months, after 2 fills i complained to my dr. that i could eat anything and wasn't getting full, he let me know that it could take upto 4 or 5 fills, so i got my 3rd fill, and boy oh boy is it working, i cant eat anything only mushies, i think i have a overfill if thats possible, but i dont want to complain again. Can someone let me know what happens if your overfilled.

I started my liquid diet on Wednesday. I have felt ok until today. I am on myoplex shakes and they keep me full. I woke up this morning feeling aweful. My head is stopped up, I have a headache. I just feel kinda flu like. Is this coincidence, or does it go with the whole liquid diet thing. I remember feeling kinda like this a few days after beginning the atkins diet. Any suggestions??????

I am two and a half months out and i still have terrible problems with gas. Anyone else have this problem??? Donna

Help me! what am I doing wrong? Had band "installed" on May 9th and I've only lost 10 lbs. I'm stuck at 248! Have had 2 adjustments, but still not losing anything. Any suggestions? I am desparate to get this extra weight gone.......:help:

and my appetite has returned. I try sugar free pop cyles and jello but even the shakes are not lasting as long as before. Today has been a bad day for the hungries. I see my surgeon on tue the 16 and I pray he will say I can go to the mushies. I need suggestions for the mushies. <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/hungry.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Hungry" smilieid="262" class="inlineimg" />

I am going to my information session tomorrow and have done so much research already that I am pretty sure the band is for me! My greatest concern at this point is I have a 2 and a 3 year old and I wonder if I will be able to care for them after the surgery. I have read that some people have a lot of pain. I know I need to quit sleeping on their bedroom floor when they wake up in the night....that already makes me sore and I haven't had surgery! But we are about 2 weeks out from finishing a second bedroom (one just isn't working...they never go to sleep) and I plan on breaking the floor sleeping habit at the same time). My husband works long hours so after a few days…

That's right, my husband said since I got banded 10-12-07, that I have bad breath. I brush daily! Never had this problem before. Am I dehydrated? The most liquid I can get down in one sitting is about 3 oz. and I'm not even sure I know how to sip. I feel bloated and uncomfortable after I drink and it doesn't go away for hours. :help:

I know this is a stupid question...but how do you know if you have stretched your pouch or of the band has slipped off all together? I don't feel any restriction what so ever. :faint:

Ok, on my diet we can have one can of broth based soup with the chicken and noodles in it a day. Do you think I could make my own chicken noodle soup instead of the canned stuff???

Hello everyone! This is really just a "venting" session, and I know many of you are dealing with this as well. Doesn't it seem like we lose weight at a snails pace compared to everyone else? Even worse, it seems like we GAIN weight faster than everyone else. Have you ever been on a diet, stuck to every single little rule and didn't cheat even just a little bit - then, one day you have a morsel of something "bad" and gain 2 pounds?? I'm so frustrated I could scream! I'm on my pre-op liquid diet, been good as gold for 8 days and I've lost 5 measly pounds! GRRRRRR! I remember when I could lose 5 pounds in 2 days, now it takes me 8 whole days of nothing but liquid??!!…

Ok, today I begin week 6 of post-op recovery. My surgeon said this is when I can start eating like I will for the rest of my life. I'm really at a loss for what to eat. I really liked the soft food stage and so for Breakfast ate 2 egg whites. I know my list has whole wheat/whole grain breads on it but I'm afraid of getting something stuck. I can also have fruits and veggies, but don't want to screw anything up. Ok maybe this is more psychological than anything else. But I tend to get really full with the soft foods. Do I really need to move on? Thanks, Leena

(in general, i know everyone is different) and how can i tell when its going away? is that why i am starting to feel hungry now? and i am SO freakin thristy, this sip sip sip thing doesnt seem to keep me hydrated. any suggestions on what to try?

Hi, I am currently awaiting insurance approval for the past 3 weeks and I feel like I am on an everlasting "last supper". I usually am on a diet and try to eat kashi Cereal for Breakfast and a lean cuisine for lunch. However, now that I know I am going to have this surgery, I have been eating everything I know I won't be able to post surgery. Like I will stop at mcdonalds for breakfast, have chips with my lunch, and I have been drinking regular soda. Is this normal? I feel like I am out of control, but that I have a right to be bc any day I will have to start my 2 week pre-op diet. Any advice? Thank you! Martie DFW, Dr. Marsden

My surgery was Thursday, Oct. 11, which was 3 1/2 days ago. Please tell me when you finally went to the bathroom...and I mean number 2. I know I haven't eaten a thing, so why would I need to go? But dang. (I have had water, tea, chicken broth popsicles and other CLEAR liquids)

Hi :help:. I'm having my lap band put in on the 23rd of this month and i was wondering how i go about taking my medications everyday. Does anyone have any advice? I have to take a fair few medications everyday as i have a mental illness and this requires alot of different tablets, some small and some large. I'm so scared that i'll muck it up and that it will stuff up my lap band. Do they tell you when you're in hospital? I'm thinking surely that they won't make me crush up my contraceptive pill as it is so tiny, but if they do will that make it less effective? Any advice would be wonderful. Thanks for your time Naomi

I had the lap band surgery in Aug. At that time, I was taking Detrol la, for a bladder problem. When I was release from the hospital I was told to find out if it came in liquid which it did. But could you tell me why I could no longer take the little pills. I much rather take them than the liquid twice a day. I think that the nurse said it had to do with its being 'TIME RELEASE'

I don't think I have any symptoms of sleep apenia but my surgeon is requiring me to go to a sleep apenia doctor to be evaulated. I'm hoping that the doctor can just review my symptoms (or lack of) and not require that I go through the sleep study... mainly because it is expensive! So my question is.. and I know all patients are different and all doctors are different.... but has anyone just went through a counsult with the physician and not required to go through the actual study? Anyone gone through the study and NOT diagnosed with it? Thanks!

I was banded on Oct. 9th. I won't know if I've lost any weight until Wed. when I see my Doctor. I am worried that I'm drinking too much. Is that possible? I don't want to stretch the new pouch they created. Does the 2-4 oz rule apply to liquids too? I can drink an entire can of Slimfast (11 oz) with no problem. Is this ok? How many should I drink a day? Please help!!!!

Just wondering if anyone has been able to eat Sushi?

I was banded last Monday, 10/1, and I really expected to be back to work by the following Mon. I have been very sore in the port site, and have a lot of chest soreness. I called my boss Friday, and said that I would need another week off. Is this normal? I thought I would bounce back within a week like most people I've talked to. karely:sick