PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Is it okay to have? I have been having a little just to have some variety here and there. It tastes so good I feel like I am cheating! I am on the liquids stage, almost 2 weeks out, my nurse told me to just watch the carbs, it has less carbs than my Protein shakes and only 90 calories, and sugar free. When I read the posts about what to eat during the "liquid phase" everyone talks about pured Soups. So are there other things to have besides pured soups, Jello, pudding, and popsicles? I hope I am doing okay with having it. What do you think?

So i'm in the full Fluid stage adn did a stupid thing. After a bad day, i ate a bag & a 1/4 of chips. I felt so sick afterwards. Didn't throw up( ok a bit of flem) and had a few bowel movements but was in rough shape for the rest of the night. I still have my Soup for dinner and took some tylenol to help me sleep. So paranoid that i've moved the band? Also i had some bad Snacks during the clear fluid stage and when i got on my scale well my weight was the same as the day of my surgery. I was going down on the scale at home. I know different scales, but what am i doing wrong. Will i just maintain my weight till i get my first fill? Any advice....

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I was banded in the 2nd, and I'm on fully liquids for the next week or two. I knw thw importance of getting in enough protien and 64 oz of water but I just can't get it all in so I've been working on sipping from a 34 oz bottle of water(only drank about 1/2 the bottle so far) :faint:, then stopping for a protien shake smoothie or broth every couple of hours. Am I still suppossed to wait a half an hour before drinikng again or does that not matter at this point. IS anyone else getting in all 64 oz at this point???:help:

any one have any suggestions on a good alternative to the optifast soup. i can handle the drinks but not the soup. having surgery on the 16th. any help.

Hey, i am a couple weeks out from my surgery date and getting nervous. i have all of these thoughts in my mind!!! the big one now that i REALLY need someone to answer for me is.. what the heck does the port feel like after you loose your weight? im sure i wont feel it while im overweight, but when my body gets to a normal body fat percentage will it be clearly visible under my skin?? will i ever be able to wear a bikini to the beach without people staring? i realize that i will probably feel it forever inside of me, but i dont it want to be noticable to other people. Can someone tell me if it will be??? thanks a ton, :help: Lauren

I will be having my surgery in a few weeks, and I was curious to know if anyone had the same problem I do. I eat a lot of the time because I get headaches if I don't... Is it going to be very bad after I get used to my band? I mean, I don't want to sentence myself to a life of chronic headaches. Then again, the good outweighs the bad. Eh, I'm rambling. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Danielle

I WAS BANDED 9/5 AND HAS GAIN MOST OF MY WEIGHT BACK BEFORE SURGERY. I'M AWAITING TO GET MY FIRST FILL 10/15. THE DR. TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY IF I GAIN THE WEIGHT BACK THAT I'M STILL HEALING. BUT I THINK WHILE YOU WAIT FOR YOUR FIRST FILL THE DOCTORS SHOULD TELL YOU HOW MUCH TO EAT. MY DR. TOLD ME TO EAT UNTIL I'M FULL. SO THAT IS WHAT I'M DOING AND EVERYDAY I GAIN MORE WEIGHT. I STARTED CUTTING BACK BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO GAIN ANOTHER POUND AND I WALK 2 MILES EVERY DAY BUT IT IS SO SOOOO FUSTRATING!!!!!!:help::help::help::help::whoo::whoo::whoo:

Hello, I just joined lap band talk. I am so very excited. I am just doing all my pre-qualifying test right now. Im hoping to be banded right after the 1st of the New Year. My question is about how long do you feel good enough to go back to work?

Hello everyone! I'm new to the site and new to LapBand! Yesterday I got my surgery date scheduled (Oct 19 - 2 weeks from today!). I'm excited and nervous and everything in between. My question is regarding the pre-op diet. From what I've read and heard, generally the pre-op diet is liquids only. My doctor's pre-op diet is real food mixed with protein shakes?? For example, yogurt and a bagle for breakfast, shake for lunch, chicken/salad for dinner and a shake before bed. That seems very 'generous' and I'm wondering if anyone else had this experience? I'm using Dr. Marsden in the DFW Texas area. Any thoughts?

I just had my third fill... the other two did basically nothing... could eat like a horse. This time, I'm having painful swallowing of anything... including water. Does this get better? I really don't want to take out any fill since I want to lose weight... just wondering if the pain subsides.

Surgery was on 8-27-07 all of the surgical glue used on my incisions was finally removed on 9-26-07 (same day as my first fill). Immediately the day after my incisions became red, irritated and extremely itchy. Called my surgeon's office several times and they told me to visit my Primary Care Dr. My Primary Dr. believes I developed an allergic reaction to the glue used on incisions. Has anyone experienced this horrible terror?? Primary Care Dr. has prescribed me a wks worth of steriods and antihistamines.

I am going in tomorrow @ 9:30 am!:becky: It's a new day, it's a new life for me...and I am feeling GOOD!

I know there has probably been a thread about this....I am supposed to see my family dr. for surgical clearance soon and they just called because they got my labs back and my thyroid is still out of whack so they are upping my dosage of synthroid. I asked the nurse if it will keep him from giving me surgical clearance and she said she didn't know. Does anyone know if this is a major issue that will keep me from being banded? I am not seeing him until the 18th and I am going to freak out between now and then!:help:

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this? I have been fine had no pain for ages and then this week I was starting to introduce more texture to my mushies ready for proper food starting tomorrow but I have had this startbge pain and I can't work out where it is coming from! It is in the area of my port site scar, maybe just bit below, and i is like a short sharp stab that occurs after a few mouthfulls-although all I ate tonight was mince and I stopped as soon I felt it incase I am doing damage! Do you think this could be my full sign? I hardly ate anything and it only seemed to start this week? I have been good about following the rules from my surgeon so I don'…

Hello all! I'm having surgery on 10/19 with Dr. Marsden in DFW. Anyone else on the site use him? He seems very nice and I know he's done thousands of procedures - just curious if anyone else has used him? Any advice, or what to expect would be much appreciated! Looking forward to my last diet ever

Does anyone have any tips for reducing the belly swelling post-op? It's driving me crazy! My pants are tighter than before! How long will it take to go down?

:hungry: OK lots of people say that they have a full signal. I thought I would make a little survey to see what everyone here in bandland recognizes as "their" quirky full signal be it a sneeze, hiccups, burping or whatever else you might experience. This list may be helpful to newly banded folks to help them notice anything that may be happening so that we may be able to recognize our new signals.

Hey all, I met a woman and she asked me to post this question. Is there anyone out there who was on blood thinners prior to surgery and did this have any impact on their surgery? Starting weight 319 7/5/07 surgery weight 314 8/30/07 current weight 289 9/28/07:clap2: 1st goal 40 lbs by 12/8/07 (my 47th b-day present)

My surgery date is 10-15-07. My DH and I have had a reunion we have planned to attend on the 19th out of town. He wanted to bring the Harley along and wondered if I could ride while we were down in San Diego. Thats 4/5 days after surgery. It would be just around town but what do you all think. What are you feeling like 5 days out of surgery? Still really tender? I appreciate your feedback. Valerie

had surgery on 9/11 lost 19 lbs so far but since i started on mushie i have gained 1 lb but i only eat once a day and its around lunch time and its a 1/2 cup[like mash potatoes,pinto Beans,tuna salad,cottage cheese].has anybody else had this problem ,am i doing something wrong,tell me what i need to do ,only eat once because after i eat i am no longer hungryfor the rest of the day,should i try and eat more,So Confused:help: [

i have to say that since ive gotten my date for surgery ive been starting to think about the bypass. For almost 1 year ive been focusing on the band and when i went to see the surgeon he was persistant on the bypass and i actually was upset about how the visit went because i wanted the band. a few weeks passed and he called me and said that i should have the bypass and i was very strick on why i wanted the band, he said that i seemed very dedicated. well now i have a new surgeon and will be meeting with her on the 30th and have my surgery date on nov 19th. i think the reason why ive been distracted is because my friend at work had the bypass and has lost 61 lbs in 4 mont…

This is a serious post! I was lying in bed with my husband today and it occured to me that I would be breaking up with my lover tomorrow...my lover being food! Sure we can still be friends, as I will eat differently: smaller portions and paying more attention to what I am eating. But there is no more passionate eating! No more careless late night romps with ice cream! No more eat now and think later episodes. I will not be able to hide behind my fearless fork and spoon for comfort. I have had to admit that this relationship has been dangerous and harmful, and we should have broken it off sooner. But in all honesty he is so sweet at times and spicy at other times. He was…

Hey y'all I was banded almost a week ago and have been perfect with the exception of gas:eek: but have continually had the swallowed pill feeling. I am on full liquids at this stage so it isn't stuck food! Is this normal? I would like to hear others experiences with this! Cheers, Lindy JC

Hello, I am fairly new, I think I have only posted one other time. I had my surgery on Mon. and am getting over the sorness. I am loosing weight everyday since I started my liquid diet on 9/14 and post op I am down 19lbs. Which is AWESOME I know, but here is my problem Of course I am loosing weight, I AM STARVING! :faint:I cant' get that "full" feeling. When I was on the Clear liquids all I could think about was things that I could eat to make me feel full. I was totally craving my Homemade Cream of Brocolli Soup (YUMMY) so the first day I could have other liquids I made it (yesterday) well today it is still delicious to me but now I need variety. (I am so sorry I know …

I have been sipping soup, juice, and water and I am frustrated. It's bad enough I am extremely hungry, but now I cannot finish anything I start, not becuase I physically can't I just get annoyed and give up. I know I need to have at least 60 oz of water a day but how can anyone really do it when you are sipping all day long. My soup always gets cold before I am done, and instead of reheating I just save it for later. And between gas pain and hunger pangs I think my stomach is going to explode. I am feeling a little dizzy so I bought a liquid multivitamin to put in my juice but guess what sip sip sip...frustration sets in..... I need this nourishment, but for some reason m…

Hello! I am wondering if you could give me some idea of how long it took from when you had your initial appointment with your surgeon to when you had the surgery. Did you hit any roadblocks and if so, what were they? I am seeing my surgeon for the first time on Thursday and I'm very excited, but I want to have a realistic idea of how long everything takes and what kinds of obstacles there might be. I have insurance and they do cover the surgery (although I don't know yet if they have any requirements). Thanks! Amber

Anyone have problems with excessively dry mouth, even with lots and lots of Water drinking? I am two weeks post-op and all else is absolutely going great, not sick or nauseated, not throwing up or feeling uncomfortable, and not even feeling hungry. My mouth is just so darn dry!!!! Would love your thoughts on this! Tx!

To anyone listening: I'm very excited, my surgery is scheduled for Oct.18th with Dr. Daniel Huacuz in Mexico. I'm going with two other ladys and a hostess with the company ( Lapbandtrips.net) Has anyone used this Dr.Huacuz or this hostessing company? If so,would you please tell me about your experience. Like how was the facility? How was Dr. Huacuz? Would you do it again? How was the hostess? Would you recommend using them? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Mary Katherine:whoo:

Dear Lap banders. i hope this email finds you well.... i haven't been on the site for so long. as i feel such a failure with the whole band process.. but decided i would re-visit,, my story goes on a bit .... but has any one else shared my experience. as a private paying patient i had my band fitted in May 07. Post op i had no restriction what so ever and ate an egg sandwich on day 11 which went down fine.. Had my first band fill. still no restriction. had the second one in july, and i had a tight feeling, and some restriction but not much. however this tight feeling mostly left me after a week or two. i never forced food down, and never pb'd,, but if i ate a sandwic…

Hi . I am just starting my process and going for consult soon. I was wondering, can you actually feel the band and/or the port?? Does your stoamch actually feel tight or anything??? Or do you not feel anything at all?? Any input would be appreciated! Thanks a lot :help:

hey can someone please tell me what some of the abbreviations mean on here? 1. slimming 2. dumping 3. pb''s How do you avoid these problems? Thanks for your support. Debbie

(FYI... For the uninitiated, DW = Darling Wife) 5:00 AM (ok, more like 5:20 AM...) - WAKE UP CALL - Shower, Shave 5:25 AM (wake up DW) 5:30 AM (wake up DW again) 6:00 AM - Depart for Weight Loss Center - KC to Overland Park @ 6:00 AM = 33 minutes 6:30 AM - Arrive - Some paperwork - DW is cranky so I tell her to leave and get herself some caffeine. 6:45 AM - They take me back to the pre-op room where I change into my lovely gown. The anesthesiologist has a University of Kansas cap on. Not a good start to the day. I get dressed and the nurse starts to draw blood and start an IV. Turns out, not good on the veins to drink only Water for a day. She had a helluva t…

I am on "liquids"" for my pre-op diet. I can have yogurt and cottage cheese, even though I don't consider them liquids. What else is considered a liquid? Can I have broth with veggies in it? One person I know that was banded by the same dr. that is doing mine ate cottage cheese and tomatoes. I am confused.....:help:

I was banded last Thursday, and I am scheduled to see my lap-band surgeon this Friday. On my discharge papers, there was a mandatory request I call another doctor, as well, for an appointment. I called, and the nice receptionist told me he is a Nutrition & Metabolism specialist. Well, that's just spiffy, but he is also not a part of my insurance plan (not that it might matter, since Horizon denied my claim for Lap Band), the initial visit is $175, and I would have to come back every 4-6 weeks at $110 a pop. This was not a cost I anticipated. I've already spent $19k (not including the still to come anesthesiologist fee) and am getting the suspicious feeling I am g…

Hi guys, I'm having my operation in Prague soon in Nov. I havent stopped eating since I've known I'm going. I've gained about 10lbs and I feel really uncomfortable. I've got a constant stitch feeling on the right hand side of my chest which means I've gone too far, my body just can't take it. Did anyone else eat like this before the operation?

I got a fill yesterday and my doctor had to dig for it then said it had dropped the nurse asked did it flip and the doctor said no it just dropped. Has that happened to anyone? :faint:

I was banded 3 weeks ago and have had some bread. I had toast, a piece of pizza, and some wheat bread on a sandwich. I had no problem with it but have not had a fill yet either. Does bread become much harder to eat or impossible after a fill?

I have been reading posts about people having the lapband surgery with an omnipaque band. I would like to know if there is a difference in the bands. From the profiles I have been seeing, the people who have the omnipaque band have lost more weight. I could wrong, but just wondering if someone could clear this up for me. Does anyone have this type of band that could speak on this matter. Thanks Caramel :ranger:

Alright we talk about clear food and mushy food after surgery, and I think I have the hang of it now.:hungry: But my question is this: What will it be like when I get home? You see I was picturing myself all tucked up in bed with my blender, TV, and books just chillin' like a villian for about a week after my surgery. (You see I did not want to do anything that would cause further discomfort, pull stitches, or mess with the band.:crutch:) I even planned on renting on the DVDS I haven't watched all year! Man it was going to be a sweet deal! sleeping, watching, drinking, and reading...yeah. But I have been reading some of the posts you folks have been posting and my d…

Hello, I am to be banded on 8/27/07. I live alone, and wanted to know is it best to have someone stay in the house with me that first week?

Just checking in to see if my "cheat" to make chicken broth taste palatable is ok. A little black pepper (less than a pinch) and a drop of Tabasco. It doesn't upset my stomach, and I've always been an eater of very spicy foods, so this barely ranks on the spice meter, but it certainly makes the broth a lot easier to take. Now if there was just something I could add to the nasty Jello cups. :eek:

I went looking for adult strength Tylenol liquid today and can't find it. I stopped at 2 pharmacies and neither had it. Where have you found it? Did you have to order it? My doctor didn't say I couldn't take the pills but I wanted to have liquid on-hand for right after surgery. Thanks!

Hi All, I'm new to the board but over the last fortnight you have provided a wealth of information and support to every other person who has posted. I'm looking forward to being able to support people in the same manner. Well on to me, I've got my first appointment to discuss the lap band on Thursday and to be honest I'm literally packing myself. I have a history of severe depression and undiagnosed anxiety and the idea of seeing a new doctor and them touching me is a bit overwhelming. I know they are trained to put you at ease but I'm still nervous. I know what you are all thinking that with those psychiatric illnesses that things may be slow going and that Im going …

Alright so here is the deal... and it is a very GOOD deal. I decided that since there was a long delay in getting the lapband that I would take a journey of "self-discovery." I started out with the woes and the moans, and the pity party (no one came but me and my dog.) Then I decided to meditate, and look deep within. Yep I did that, and I realized that I did not like what was in the deep crevasses of my soul. I think I didn't like myself too much. Well I had to have an all out pity party with that new revelation...you will be happy to know my cat showed up, but looked bored and left early. Then I don't if it was the cat's departure or getting some brains- I decided th…

I am suppose to be on a CLEAR diet 4 two weeks. I am on day 3 can I take red liquid tylonol? Thanks CG

i got a call today with an appointment date for oct 30 with the surgeon, this will me be with a different surgeon than the first one i had gone to. my first surgeon has talked to this surgeon and explained everything and she said that she would do surgery on me and gave me a date of nov 19th. i am surprised that i have a date without even meeting with the surgeon but seeming how the two surgeons have talked about my case she must be comfortable with it. i just hope that her and i click and i feel comfortable with her because if not ill have to travel a ways to see someone else and possibly do a different program all together. so wish me luck and ill keep you all posted. …

I am having surgery on Thursday, 10/11/07. I am anticipating going back to work on Tuesday (after my husband's surgery on Monday, 10/15). I work at a desk but have the flexibility to get up and move around, if needed. Is this a reasonable amount of time to give myself? I will worry about work getting done if I take off longer so I really want to minimize the amount of time I am gone.

I was banded on 9/24/07. I have had no problems with my incisions at all(of course I had the On-Q pain buster until yesterday) but I have had terrible shoulder and neck pain. Has anyone else experienced this? What can I do to get rid of it. I have tried gas-x and it did not help much. :help:

Here's what I "ate" today... AM... Sips of Water. 8:00 - Walked 1 mile outside 9:00 - Took a shower and took my medicine (diovan - larger pill) 10:00 - Popsicle - sips of water... feeling pretty good 10:30 - 2 Tums Okay, here's where the wheels fall off. PB - Tums came back up in about 5 minutes... pretty bad pain in my stomach for the next couple hours. Didn't drink anything. Feeling is like stomach cramps. 1:00 - Took some liquid hydrocodone and 3 sips of kool aid. PB - Kool aid definately came back up - probably some of the medicine. Called nurse - he said to take sips of cold water to see if it's any better in a bit. What should my level of concern …