PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I just attended my first informational seminar. I've been reading some posts on here and I have a question. Why does your doctor want you to lose weight before surgery?

I have been lurking around for months now - am in the process for surgery - right now the paperwork has been sent to my insurance for approval and am waiting to hear back from them - anyway - I went to a class last night (Pre-Operative Dietary Counseling) which is required through the hospital - some of the things the dietician said freaked me out big time..... help me with these questtions..... There were 4 people in this class and the other 3 are all wanting to have gastric bypass surgery - so I am the odd man out - is portion size for the band the same as for bypass patients - I thought it was much much smaller than a normal portion - but not shot glass size - and …

Hey Does anyone know of a good online diary or tracking program? I find it hard to keep a written food diary on me all day at work so an internet based food diary would be great. Has anyone ran across a good web site to do that ? Banded 6-21-07 First fill 7-3-07 1.5cc 2nd fill in one month

I was banded on 2/4/07 and filled twice. I never feel full unless I eat like a truck driver. The only experience I have had is that certain times dry food gets stuck and I feel like I'm gonna choke. Other than that I can't really say this is the best way to lose weight. I have gained 8 lbs. Sure, my doctor says to eat only certain foods and then I will lose. Well, hell, if I followed what he says I wouldn't have needed an operation. I was under the impression that satiety was going to be felt. Since I never feel full unless eaten a lot or am afraid of choking to death. Whats the purpose?

Hi All, I'm a newbie so please be gentle at first. My question is concerning pain around my "port". I'm 2 weeks post op and cannot sleep on my left side due to pain around the Port area. Has anyone suffered similar symptoms and when can I expect the pain to ease?? Cheers Jeannie

I am only 8 days after surgery and I can tolerate regular food. Is this ok, normal, or bad. I am eating very small amounts, and I am never hungry, what gives? I started with liquids and progressed through soft foods, but have now over the last couple of days tried oatmeal, a couple of small pieces of bagle, some cut up chicken, a scrambled egg, and everything has gone down fine. I am sticking to very small amounts of everything, but so far no complications. Am I lucky, or is because I have had no adjustments? Any comments would be welcomed. Steve

Hey, all! I read a lot about folks with high blood sugar who've opted for the band, but I haven't seen much from those who started out hypoglycemic like myself. Although I know my dips are easier to manage when my weight is normal, I worry about the process...if my foods are quite restricted (which I'm assuming they will be during healing, and possibly later depending on my own tolerance), will my dips be worse? Right now, when I have a big dip I can take a glucose tab and get through it. What if I can't tolerate them afterwards? I'm a little concerned here... Any comments appreciated. ~kat

Can head hunger make your tummy rumble? It's my first day on my Medifast diet. I'm supposed to have 5 Medifast nutritional suppliments (choice of shake, pudding, oatmeal or soup) and one lean and green meal. I didn't really feel hungry today but the sweet, sweet, sweet thing got to me. I just ate an oatmeal and some water and I feel super hungry, like rumbling in my tummy. I want a carrot, half a plain mini bagel, something not sweet, but I can't figure out if this is real huger or head hunger. What do you think?

I think I am going cuckoo because I am on day 5 of the preop and the scale keeps saying the same amount:cry. I dont know if its what I am doing or I think I need a new scale. I weigh myself at the same time each morning. Ideas?? Rose:help:

:help: I had my initial meeting with the manager of our wellness program where I work. Part of my "homework" prior to getting started is to attend a seminar and support group meeting for both the lapband and gastric bypass procedures so that I will be fully informed when I make my decision. I had pretty much made up my mind to have the lapband prior to attending any of the meetings, but I also have a friend who did the gastric bypass in April and she has now lost over 80 lbs and looks great. So my question to those of you who have had the lapband, what were some of the deciding factors in choosing the lapband as opposed to the bypass?

I am in the beginning stages of this. I went to the seminar, had my really, really, really long psych eval and I have the appt with the RN and Nut on Thursday and it's KILLING ME. I am a naturally inpatient person and this is really kicking it into high gear. I also have some other things I am waiting for to come in the mail and phone calls from people to line things up for the school year and haven't gotten those. It's all too much for me this week! I know that my surgery probably won't be til November at the earliest, in my head, I am ok with that, but just getting passed this stage is totally making me crazy! Tell me all the great things you can do now that yo…

My stomach isn't feeling so great. Today at lunch, I was at the salon, getting my hair done. My stylist was going to get lunch at Chipotle (don't know if ya'll have these, but they're Mexican Grills). She offered to get me s'thing, so I said okay. I told her to get me the following: refried Beans, a little cheese, and sour cream. I said if the chix is shredded, get me a little. One lady said yes, it's definitely shredded. Well, this is what they got me: pinto beans, cheese, and a ton of sour cream...and some cubed chix. AAAAAHHHH!!! I didn't panic. I picked through and ate all the pinto beans, making sure to chew them extremely well. They were spicy. I had a few bites…

Well everyone....I am in the land of the living...I was banded yesterday. It was so funny as I was watching Big Medicine the night before my surgery and saw a lady that was doing the lap band surgery...I love that show. Listen anyone who has not done this surgery...It is probably the best thing that could have every happened to me. For many years I suffered from an eating disorder and it got out of control. For anyone out there that may feel that binging and purging can make you loose weight (trust me there are people out there that feel that way). You will not you were looking at at a previous bulimic that gained 50 lbs! It's better you do what you have to do and get t…

:help: Today is my 25th Wedding Anniversary and my 1 month post op anniversary. :clap2: To tell the truth I almost forgot and so didn't make plans. We always go to dinner to Celebrate. I know my wife is NOT expecting to go out because of the new me, but I would love to surprise her with dinner out in addition to the flowers I ordered. Should I try dining out? Just order some Soup or maybe go somewhere and order a diet plate with tuna salad or something? I already tried some mushies (egg salad, tuna salad) at home this weekend and did fine. Any advice is appreciated.

Hello all, I have finally been given a date for my surgery of 24th October!! :whoo:but ever since I decided to go ahead with surgery I have been in a strange 'eating limbo' where I have alternated from going on fad diets to binging and eating anything I can lay my hands on. Has anybody else experienced this? It is like I don't know what to do with myself while I am waiting for the surgery! Part of me thinks I should be really good and try to lose as much as I can before I have to go on the pre-op diet but the other half of me (the naughty half!) is saying 'go on, eat what you want now, the surgery will sort you out!' I hope I get my head straight before October…

I have been away for a while. I was banded on 03/06/07. I have lost 25 lbs. I have had 4 fills. First on 04/24/07 and the 4th today. A total of 2.8 cc's. I actually gained 2 puonds. I have been hungry for the last 2 weeks. I misundersttod my Dr. I thought he told me to come back every 5 weeks for a fill. No, you come back when you are hungry. Espeicially when hungry in between meals. So I have been a little discouraged, but happy to know I was wrong. Until next time!!!

I am going to be banded on Sept 5th. DH just told me he might not be able to get off from work to go with me! Nuts! I am traveling from Florida to Colorado. Would it be realistic to think I could go by myself? Would I have problems driving myself back to the airport when leaving several days after surgery?? Anyone have experience doing this on their own? Thanks! Jenn

I am on day 3 of my preop. Surgery date is Aug. 17th. I have had 2 major headaches. My head is killing me? Is this normal? Am I stressed or is it part of the diet? Not enough Protein? Help??? Rose:think

Did anyone have their gallbladders taken out at the same time as placing their lapband? And if so, did it take you longer to heal?

I had intially looked into this 2 years ago By march i was ready to start the insurance process the first week of july it was approved, got a pretty recent date of July 30th, really excited did the pro op diet went to the hospital with no worrys, after surgery i was in recovery for hours aware of people comming and going but i was still there, got home aftera 30 mins ride and was getting sick from just swallowing my saliva, did not sleep a wink monday night was in the worst pain of my life tuesday though an elephant was standing on my chest, tried a diff pain medication helped with sleep but made me feel to funny wednesday morning went to dr office have any Fluid that was…

Hello All!! Well, I was banded on July 24, 2007 and I return to my Dr. tomorrow for my post-op (he was out of town last week) has anyone ever heard of getting a fill at 2 weeks? I just thought I would ask. I know, I know it's the healing time, but I am HUNGRY. I understand I can start soft/mushy foods on tuesday and that will probably help, but I don't want to gain the weight I have already lost in between tuesday and the fill. Which I think is normally 6 weeks right? Well, I just was wondering if anyone had heard of a fill that soon or if I shouldn't even worry about it (safety wise). Thanks for the input. I love everyone on here!!!! Kelli:help:

My surgery will be on July 30th - HOORAY -- When I saw the doctor I was told that insurance (Medicare) will pay the hospital fee for having fills in the x-ray department, but that there is no insurance code for the doctor's fee for the fill. Therefore, I must pay the doctor his $175 fee for each fill before it is done. Does anyone have any more information about this? Do anyone know if there is an insurance code for the doctor's portion of the fill procedure. What is being done in your part of the country???? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks Sheila

I was recently banded and I have noticed that I haven't been losing over the last week... I was just wondering what other LBers did to make the weight progress better. Is there any kinds of foods I should be eating to make the weight loss progress better. How many calories should I be eating in a day. I know it can't be what I'm eating because I have never gone over 600-700 calories. I don't know what the problem is?

Hey everyone, I am very embarrassed to say this but I did not loose much weight on Optifast...I cheated on the occasion but nothing to my usual callibar due to being so hungry at sometimes nauseous. My surgery is tomorrow and I am scared they will cancel it. I lost 12 lbs and in one day my scale says I gained 5 how is that? Yet agin I feel like I failed myself. Has anyone experience this?

Ok so now Im getting a little worried.:cryIm having lapband surgery Monday and found out today I have a hiatal hernia. Just wondering what everyones recovery experience was like? Repair vs. no repair I hope I explained that right.???? wc_lady

:angryI am so frustrated with the 6 month supervised diet. My surgery will be covered by my insurance if I complete a 6 month supervised diet first. Now I know that I should be thankful when so many people have to self pay but I have been on diets for the last 19 years, and I have only gotten heavier. I am afraid for my health and I finally found something that may help me get a handle on things and now I have to wait. And I don't understand all the details yet. Do I have to do the diet and then in 6 months when it hasn't worked well enough then do I start all the other things I have to do before the surgery or can I do them while I am dieting. I am afraid I will lose all…

I was just going through the board again. It dawned on me that here and there people mention dieting before the banding and pre op liquid diet. Is this normal? What is the reason for this? Does every sergion what something differnt or is this a general rule of thumb. And what is the purpose? To cleane your system out. I thought I read something about the liver. Any info would be helpful. I haven't talk a sergion yet still doing my foot work. Go to the seminar next week. Loving this board! It has been a God sent. Thanks:clap2:

Hey I'm new here. Problem is ... I had my surgery in 2004 and was able to lose 50 lbs ... after a lot of struggle.:help: However I became pregnant 10 months into my surgery and has gained a lot of weight since having the baby ... a year ago. I just can't seem to get any weight off no matter what I try. My doctor thinks that I distended my pouch since I am able eat a lot despite having had a lot of fillings. He's recommending a liquid diet for a month. Has anyone had this kind of problem?:help: Does anyone have recommendations for liquid diet that is tastey? Any other tips will be very appreciated.Thanks

Hi folks: I am wondering about exercise. I heard at one of my appointments that working out at the gym can begin 4 weeks after surgery. Yet, I've seen here that some people begin working out 1-2 weeks after surgery. What is the deal with this exactly. isn't it dangerous to workout right after banding?

I was banded on Friday and I still seem to have swelling around where the port site is. Is this normal? Also still some tightness in my chest and it sometimes feels like I need to burp but it is not comfortable to do so. Everything else seems to be going good except for the burning in my stomach muscle when I move to fast.

I'm having the hardest time with eating with no liquid, Every time I eat, I have liquid close by and end up drinking during my meal. I've gotten food stuck & I felt is if I was going to choke without the water to push it down. Sometmes I spit up when I'm too full, or eat too fast, or It's just not going down. Does anyone else have this problem with liquid and meals? :help:

I am getting so nervous about the procedure. Does anyone have any advice on how to get through it? If you could do it again, what would you do differently?:guess

Hi everybody, A little about me and where I'm at, then a question. I've got my pre-op appt. this thurday, Aug. 9th at Evergreen Hospital here in the Great Northwest, Washington. I've already met with the dietician and psychiatrist, and had a sleep apnea study done, as well as an echocardiogram. If all goes well, we set the surgery date at my appt. I've been trying to get my insurance co. to make an exception, which has taken over a year. Each quarterly meeting they bring it up only to find yet another way of delaying a decision. They've now gotten a professional to make recommendations at the next meeting for a criteria that would have to be met. I can see the writ…

I have just received paperwork to fill out for the seminar I am attending on Aug. 30th. It asks me questions like how long I have been over weight, What programs I have tried, The reason I am asking for the lap band. I am afraid that my reason isn't reason enough. I totally hate the way I feel, look. I have never been this big and I have been this size for about 1.5 years now. It seems like just diet and exercise doesn't work anymore. I can't move the way I used to. I can remember being in 2nd grade and going to the doctor to have my thyroid tested. I have always had issues with weight. Can anyone help me with these questions?:think

YIPPEE!!!! I have a sugery date!!! August 21! I'm even excited about my 2 week Medifast diet! LOL :whoo::clap2::bounce::high5::rockon::becky::banana:cheer2:

Got banded 3 days ago and doing well. I am bouncing back well did not even need any pain meds while in the hospital. I am just rather sore by the port area. I am having unusual feelings like I cannot tell If I am hungry or what. I know I need to take in calories but am supposed to stay on full liguids for 2 weeks then onto the Soft diet. I so far had a crean soup some protiene shakes and such. I can say so far so good.

Anyone here had their gallbladder removed at the same time they had their band put in? If you have, how long did you stay in hospital? Please let me know, this is what I am facing and I am a bit nervous. Thanks in advance Teal

The mainstay of my now preband diet are salads -I love being creative with salads and bring them to work; baby greens, spinich and every veggie in between I can find in the fridge along with cheese, bacon, salmon, tuna, walnuts, etc....the reason I'm so overweight is I love them too much and eat way too much of them. MY QUESTION: Will I still be able to eat salads... in smaller doses of course?? How many of you eat salads now and now that we are on the topic would anyone mind sharing what is the mainstay of your diet now that you are banded?? :hungry:

hey all i had my surgery 7/26 and doing ok except im starving all the time i have my six liquid meals a day and my gosh (a pools worth of water) 64oz.+ a day can i add an extra yougurt or something i go for my check up 8/9. Also what does PB mean ive seen people write it a few times and why will i do it?

OK, so here's my story....I have been banded almost 9 weeks and I am not losing weight anymore. I haven't lost a single pound in 2 weeks. I admit that I have cheated (twice with icecream) in the last month, but other than those 2 occasions, I have been doing very well. The last 2 weeks I feel like eating all day long, I don't (thank goodness), but when I do eat I can eat a whole lot...like 2-3 cups of food and barely feel full! I am due to see my surgeon this Monday and I am hoping that I will get my first fill at that time. My question is, when I have received the appropriate amount of fill, will this feeling of wanting to eat constantly go away? And when I do eat,…

I haven't been on here in a while... funny how life takes control of you sometimes instead of the other way around!!:faint: But really here's my question- is there anyone out there that has MMO supermed plus and got approved for surgery? i feel that i may be getting the run-around about how my weight i need to lose in my 6 month documented weight loss attempt required for approval. so i guess i was just hoping for some feedback from people that got approved with them and how much weight did you lose in the 6 month thing? thanks a lot!! Laurel

Hey guys...I am 23 yrs old and have been obese for 8 yrs now. I am tired of being disgusted by myself, so I have decided to band; however, I do have some concerns. Are there any lower bmi patients? I am 5'6" and 220 with a 35 BMI. I want to get the band done by Labor Day, but since my initial seminar isn't until aug 10th I have a feeling that it won't happen. I have an event coming up Sep 29th and I am reuniting with my old college buddies. I am not a heavy drinker, maybe once a month if that; however, will it be too soon to drink if I am banded labor day weekend? I also have a wedding coming up on December 1, is it plausible for me to be down my first 2 10%'s?? Thanks fo…

Are there arny places where banded people get together?

Since returning home from getting banded and being on liquids, my urine hasn't been a yellow, but more of an orange color. Is this due to the weight loss? Anyone know?

sorry about the insensitive subject but I would like to know how you handled this problem. I am 5 days post op and nothing yet - don't want to let it get out of hand! I have tried stool softners but don't seem to be working - I melted them in cream of rice. Thanks for any ideas!:help:

I started experimenting with a couple different kinds, tryign to buy different flavors to see what I liked or didn't. I know everyone has different taste but can you all recommend something that tastes good? I have tried the atkins advatage caramel latte drink and that was horrible. I tried the slimfast vanilla creme, and while I did drink the whole thing, I felt like I was drinking baby formula the whole time with a hint of vanilla in it. Before I go spend a ton of cash, I would like some experienced opinions about these things. Has anyonehad the Isopure drinks? I thought of getting an assorted case of all the flavors but didn't want to waste 40 bucks if they a…

I need to lose 10 lb by surgery date. What did ya'll do to lose weight preop?

I can't believe it is actually happen. Had my final check-up and received word that I was pre-certified! Who else is scheduled for 8/8 ?

I know I am only a week and 5 days out but I just feel bored with food and I am basically forcing myself to have meals. I get hungry but I look at the stuff in my fridge and I just feel bleh about it. Did you guys go through this?:help:

Hi: I'm scheduled for surgery Aug. 6, 2007 so I started the liquid diet yesterday. I am so hungry I'm ready to gnaw on my own arm. I was actually hoping we would have communion at church last night so I could eat something. Any suggestions? I'm trying not to cave. I know I can't if I want the surgery. Will it be this way after the surgery as well? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Marcy