PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My surgery is only two days away...I am so happy and yet so nervous. Does anyone have any advice or tips to getting through the hospital stay?:help:

Went in to see my dr. for my post surgery appt. All is going good and now I just have to wait till Oct 15th for my first fill Checked out the accuracy of my scale with the dr's and they were the same, so I guess I am doing ok with the weight loss. Plus I got the ok to swim, so I will be adding that to my daily walking. Hope everyone else is doing good too.......Dave:whoo::whoo:

two more days.......Finally...after fighting with Blue Cross for three months....I am finally approved and ready to go....at 465lbs...to me, this is my last chance so I'm determined not to blow it....but I'm still scared silly. What if it doesn't work ?....I know the band is just a tool to "help" you lose weight and you still have to practice behavior modification. But if I WAS disciplined , I wouldn't be where I am today...my wife and daughter are very supportive but they simply cant be expected to understand where I am or what this means. I sit here and wonder....can I do this ?...will I be disciplined ?....what is a realistic goal for a guy at my weight in 6 months....…

Dr. Tells me clear liquids for two weeks. So please tell me what this means? I am sipping water, crystal light, and flavored water and clear chicked broth Can't imagine doing this for 10 more days. Am weak, and dizzy and shaky. They tell me to get up and move around but I am too weak. Banded Sept 11

Just started mushies and I was wondering if it is normal to not feel any restriction? When I was first on liquids and had swelling I could feel restriction but as I have healed I have not felt a thing. My Dr has said to have 3-6 tbs of mush at each meal and not to exceed this which I have not but I cannot feel any fullness or anything? Is this just a sign of healing? Will I feel restriction on solids before my forst fill or will I have to wait? Thanks.

My doctor never really prescribed a pre op diet of any kind. The Nutritionist suggested I try to lose on my own but there was never any mention of any issues with Kidneys. I met with them both about two months ago as I have been fighting with my insurance company for approval. With the combination of stress from the insurance co and me mentally thinking "I may never eat that again", I sure haven't been on any big preop diet. Am I at risk for complications with my kidneys ? I am finally having the surgery the day after tomorrow and now I'm a bit scared. Should I postpone it and do a liquid preop diet. There was never any mention of a preop liquid diet or even any particu…

I've always wanted to be thin and toned,and I am so excited about the reality approaching. But the other day, I was thinking about it, and I realized that deep down I am actually terrified of being thin...I'm afraid I won't stand out in a crowd, that I won't have jokes to crack, and that I am going to be judged on how I look... I'm afraid that my relationship with my fiance will change,too...How can somthing so drastic not? Has anyone else had these fears, or experienced any of these situations??!! It's funny how the one thing I have wanted for so long is terrifying me now!

i just got a letter on friday stating that i need a supervised medical letter stating for 6 months that ive exercised. i did go to the gym for 4 months and had a personal trainer for 3 of those months then i started working out at work 3 times a week and my boss who is a doctor would exercise with me but i dont think that is proof enough for what they want. i am so upset. when i first got into the program last nov. the director told me that i have everything i need for the insurance and that i should be approved now i may not qualify. if i have to wait another 6 months im not sure if ill go through with surgery and i may not have insurance by then anyway. has anyone had t…

I have this pulse ox to wear at night for a nocturnal study to see if I need a sleep study. Only problem is that I don't see how they expect this thing to stay on my finger? I woke up in the middle of the night and it had come off who knows when and the machine had shut off. Anybody else had this problem or have advice?

Looking and asking who's commited in this step? Who needs a good friend to help during the highs and lows of the surgery? I know I need someone! what about you? moving4word!!!

I just wondered how much you lost prior to a fill.

I've never had any kind of surgery & I'm worried about the insisions. Is there a standard number or does it vary by doctor? Are they always all stitched or can they use strips or glue? I also wondered where the port is put and does that depend on the doctor also? Since I've never had surgery or stitches (only an episiotomy) I'm concerned about how painful the healing is.

how long does the pain in your left shoulder last? was banded Sept 11 and the pain in shoulder is worse than the surgery, heating pad works while you have it on but as soon as you get up moving it comes back any more suggestions willing to try just about anything:help:

I read a thread where someone said they could not drive for 5 days after surgery. Is this the norm? My surgery is on a Thursday and I was planning on going back to work the following Monday. I do commute 25 miles to work. Is 4 days too soon?

I was wondering and worrying about having to travel so soon after being banded. When I look at the driving and flights, it's between 7 - 10 hours of travel between getting on a plane, waiting in airports, switching planes, etc. Of course this isn't a problem on the way there, but how miserable is it going to be coming home by myself like this? Isn't it really hard to do this so soon after surgery? Thanks!

I was banded on Sept 13. I can hardly get up and down without really bad pain on the side where the port is. I am looking for reassurance that this will get better! It hurts much worse than I anticipated.

my lapband surgery is THIS Friday, Sept 14th. I went yesterday (Tuesday) and bought tons of flavored bottled Water, Gas X strips, Benefiber chewable tablets, advil, and anything else i could think of that i might need. Like applesauce and sugar free Jello. the thing i'm most concerned about at this point is the liquid Vitamins that I was told I would need to start taking daily w/the lapband. i had a hard time finding it at the pharmacy. I ended up buying Viativ Chewable Multi-Vitamins. Well, i thought i'd try one tonight to see how they were and the one i ate practically melted in my mouth, so it seems like it would be considered a liquid. WHAT FORM/BRAND OF MUL…

I hope to have the surgery before the end of this year. I have been thought the 6-month nutritional consult for my insurance. I read a lot about people out there that start to eat less before their surgery. I have continued to live my life the same way I always have. In fact, last night I went to a buffet. I just want to hear if others out there who are now banded did the same thing. Did you continue to eat like normal until you were put on your pre-op diet? If you did, do you regret it? I am just wondering if I am going to be shocked after I have the surgery and realize at that moment that I cannot eat the same ever again. I could make it easier on myself and start to…

Alright, so I think I know what PB-ing is now.. Is it when you eat too fast, swallow air, and an air bubble gets trapped under the food and it's achy or stabby and you start producing a bunch of thick mucous and hit your chest and burp and it's better? Wow, I hope not, because even when I eat slowly, all the chewing makes me swallow air and causes it. Also, if you don't have any restriction can you still PB? I've PB'd (if in fact the aforementioned is PBing) and I don't have any restriction. Why? I really don't want that for the rest of my life.... I'm almost certain it's not good for you.

Okay, we're waiting to hear how your day went! Fill us in on how you are doing after being banded by Dr. Spivak Friday!

Hello everyone!!! My surgery is scheduled on Thursday and I am ohhh so nervous!!!!! I am ready to change my life but this is drastic you know!!!! Any words of encouragement and advice would be great.

I just had surgery on Monday and I am planning on returning to work this Monday. However, the recovery room nurse told me that I couldn't drive until the DR. cleared me (after my first post-op visit in 2-4 weeks! ). This can't be right (no driving for up to 4 weeks)....or is it? I tried to call the dr office today but they are closed.

I am 1 month post-op. Yesterday I had a tummy bug and vomitted several times. I did not eat or drink all day yesterday, because I would throw up anything that went down. I am able to drink and eat mushies today. I am so worried about my band and slippage. How do you know when it slips? Can you tell that something is wrong?:help:

Hello, Group! Please know that, while I realize that I'm not as ill as some, I am on a collision course with obesity and all that comes with it. Diet and exercise are keeping the extra pounds at bay with less success as the years go on. I know that my age may make others view me as "just a baby", but I feel that it is never too early to plan for a healthy, happy future. I am a 31 year old female with a BMI of 33. My concern is that there is a lot of obesity-related illness in my family and as I age, I'm finding it harder to get and keep weight off. Both of my parents and my sister are morbidly obese. My maternal grandfather was diabetic and heart disease is rampant …

I'm two months out from surgery and two weeks out from my first fill, 2.02 in a 10cc band, I have restriction and there has been a drastic reduction in the amount of food I am eating. I also take 3, hour long aerobics classes a week and work out on the elliptical 2x per week, 45 min. each time. Why have I not lost any weight? My fill was done under fluro and with barium, I know I have a good fill, but is it possible that my body can adjust that quickly, in just 2 weeks and I already need another fill. Or is it possible that my body has gone into starvation mode and is storing everything that I eat?? I have called and left a message for my doc (at his house, in Mx), I…

i feel good

i was banded 9-6-07 ive been on liquids for over 1 mnth now what will happen if i eat some solids

MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I HAD A HURNIA, SO MAYBE THAT'S WHY I'M IN SO MUCH PAIN. HAS ANYBODY OUT THERE HAD A HERNIA ALSO??

I got banded last Friday. Feeling sooo much better now. I do have a pain question though, that I don't see mentioned here. My port is located right on/below my bra line in the center of my chest. I've been coughing up stuff from the annesthesia. Everytime I cough it feels like someone is stabbing me below my port. I have to stand up and push in with both hands to aleviate some of this sharp pain. If im sitting or laying down and cough, even if im holding it in.... I feel like my port is gonna fly out of my chest and hit the wall. Hiccuping and sneezing cause sharp sabbing, tearing pains as well. Getting out of bed is not fun. I have to use one hand to pull and o…

Just curious how sore everyone felt 1 day post-op? I had a c-section with my daughter and that was a bit tough. It was about a week before I was moving around really well but still had to be careful. If anyone has time and cares to write and can remember.... What was your first day post-op like??? Pain, sleeping, moving etc...

My insurance says you must have a BMI of 40 or greater. I fluctuate around 39.7-39.9. I have my consult Monday. So I've been eating alot just to make sure I'm at least a 40. Is this the weight they use for approval? I actually feel terrible eating so much!!

i've been reading so many useful, helpful posts on this site. but, so many doctors opinions vary. so, i'm just curious what everyones food STAGES where and what they consisted of. my surgery is in 2 days! i'm reading over my post-op STAGES and here is what i have. STAGE 1: liquids (first 24-48hrs after surgery) STAGE 2: SOFT FOODS (next 4 weeks of healing time) STAGE 3: SOLID FOODS of course each stage comes w/examples and suggestions. PLEASE SHARE YOUR STAGES AND THE LENGTH FOR EACH. THANKS!

I'm scheduled to get banded today, well in 9 hours. I'm both excited and nervous. I'll be staying over night at the hospital so that's somewhat of a relief. But I am soooo thirsty right now. My Dr's rule is nothing after 9pm. How on earth am I going to make it to 1:30pm without any Water. I am a big time water drinker. Oh and I just realized my period won't be over by the time of surgery either. Can I wear underwear and a pad? This is the first surgery I'll be having as an adult so I've never run into this problem. I have an IUD so I'm not on a regular monthly cycle, more like every 2-3 months I have a light period so scheduling surgery around it would have be…

Or it will fade until they can barely been seen? (I doubt it):paranoid Which Scar medication works best? Or perhaps treatments? :cry Thanks:cool:

my lapband surgery is scheduled for the morning of THIS friday, Sept 14th!!! i'm so excited and anxious but now feeling as it comes down to the wire that i'm also getting VERY VERY NERVOUS! i keep thinking that i need to take myself out to dinner tonight (WED) for a sort of a "Last Supper", if you will. But i can't seem to figure out what type of food i might miss the most or what i really really want to eat in case i can't eat it Post Op. I've heard that some things like rice, bread, and Pasta just aren't for everyone and that until i'm banded i won't know what i can and can't do. so, now, i'm stressing a lil over the surgery just in general nervousness like w/an…

I was banded on Sept 6th, and I keep getting this tickle or pick in my throat awake and alseep which causes me to gag and gasp for breath. I don't know what is causing this. Is this going to stay with me forever. How can I get relief? I am not over eating I only drink broth, jello, and water in very small amounts. Please help I am miserable.

Is it possible to start my second week diet a bit early. I can't drink anymore I am starving. What will happen if I eat a couple of teaspoons of cottage cheese, or yogurt? I had my surgery on Sept 6th.:help:

Hello Group, I had my surgery on 09/04/07 and after my surgery the tip and upper portion of my tougue has been numb. The Doctor said it should wear off in the couple days following the surgery, yet, it is a week later and I still have the numbness. He said it is anesthesia side effect. My question...has anyone experience this same side effect? If so, how long did it last? :help: So far all has went for me...the only other side effect I have is the gas, especially in the left shoulder - chest area. And I'm really bloated... Also, I just found this site the other day and let just say it has became a really good friend/support system for me!!! Keep up the…

I was wondering is anyone's goal weight within the healthy BMI range? I was talking to the friend that first got me interested in Lap band (her sister had it done a few years ago) and I told her that I was hoping to get down to 115-120 lbs which would put me in the healthy BMI range (I'm only 5'2) She started laughing and said the there's no way to reach that with lap band? I was crushed, I know the band is a tool but I didn't go through all this to still be considered overweight. I am willing to work my @$$ off at the gym and eat healthier but what's the point if I'm still overweight. If I wanted to still be overweight but a little lighter then I would have tried an…

I had my lap band surgery on Sep. 6th. I have been on clear liquids up until today. I was allowed to introduce liquid yogurt. I sipped on it on and off throughout the day and after I had finished it I began feeling some serious rumbling in my stomache and have had the runs ever since. :sick I mean in the bathroom like every 20-30 minutes! Is this normal? :nervous Should I just not do the yogurt? I have always eaten yogurt/dairy products in the past with no problems! Help! I don't know what to do!!! Thanks~

Hiya, Does anyone here take flaxseed oil? Is there any reason to not take it with the band? Thanks! Wen

Hi everyone, I just got my band date (October 2nd) and I'm trying to avoid or lessen the farewell tour. So here's my question. What food did you or do you think that you would never eat again? I'm not trying to come across like I'm already defeated and will miss those food but I realize that certain thing I will need to stay away from like Kryptonite. For me, I will miss the delicious Stake and shake milkshakes especially the banana Split, the super high calorie coffee drinks, and the oversized Panera bagels. :eyebrows: What's your kryptonite??

I am kvetching! Just had my telephone pre-op and when asked about my pre-op weight loss, I proudly announced that I've lost 16lbs since August 1st. I met with the doctor on 8/9. He apparently wrote down "must lose 20 to 40lbs" on my chart. 20-40lbs BEFORE surgery. Saw him on 8/9. Surgery is 9/19. I've lost 16lbs and was feeling pretty darn good about that, but now I'm like they just debited my account 16,000 dollars and I might be turned away for not losing enough weight beforehand? I've worked like a trooper to lose 16lb in a month's time. I have 10 days until surgery. I might lose another 2-3 lbs, realistically--but another 20? This is Bandster Hell, huh? …

Can ya'll feel the port when you lie on your stomach? Mine is actually pretty painful and it is uncomfortable to lie that way. Also, I have pain in the port area when I do crunches. After about 20-25 it starts feeling "strained" in there if that makes any sense. I decided if it hurts, I probably shouldn't be doing it. I am 6 weeks out from surgery and don't see the dr. again till the end of October, but I will definitely bring it up.

Hi! I am going to Mexico on Thursday Sept. 13th to be banded on the 14th. Can you please tell me what is a MUST to bring. I want to pack light, but I don't want to forget anything. :help: Thank you!

I tried to puree the tunafish but it did not work. Did any one else have success with this? Please advise. shelli:help:

Hi all, I had to update my pic so I could show ya'll. I have cheekbones again!!!!! Surgery was on the 25th and I lost 12 pounds the first week, so that makes 16 total with pre-op measly 4 pounds. I can only see it in my face as yet and my hands since my wedding ring is really loose now. (angling for mo betta sparklies soon) Now you know why I'm smiling so big in my pic! lol xoxox:bounce:

I just got my band on Thursday and have noticed that I am burbing much more than ever before. Fortunately, they have all been NPB's, or non-productive burps, and that's the way I want to keep them. My question is, Is this increased burping normal, and if so, how long after surgery does it continue, or is this a "forever" thing? Is it a precursor to you're getting full, or you've already reached the limit.....stop? My unrealistic goal is to never PB or slime. Is that possible? Any help from you experienced "bandsters" would be helpful. Thanks!!

Hi everyone. So far, so good...3+ months out and just over 48 lbs lost. I feel great and am exercising nearly every day. My question is - I chew a lot of sugar free gum. I also have been having problems with my stomach for the last two weeks or so. I saw where someone else called it "unconstipation". That is a very good way to describe what happens to me. It's several times a day, very nasty and somewhat painful. It just occurred to me in the last few days that it could be from the gum. I've always been sensitive to the sugar alcohol in SF candy, etc., but never really thought about the gum. Is it possible? Any opinions? Thanks! Stephanie

This is me "pre-op":clap2: Can't wait for my "Before & After" post! :biggrin1: Tomorrow is the big day! I am a lil scared but I think it's normal! I'll keep you posted