PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Ok, so I am 8 days post op and still on liquids and will be for another week. I must admit that I have cheated here and there. I have occasionally needed something substancial to chew on. Nothing major. I have not had any meat or anything. I have had a piece of toast and at one point I had a couple of bites of scrambled egg. I am so ashamed!! Has anyone else cheated? Have I jeapordized anything by doing this? :help:

I just had my band placed on 7/19- and am now home from hospital. I live in Chicago and had my procedure done at Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village, IL. Everything is going good so far - i even mangaged to walk around 3 blocks this morning and then my wife and I took our 2 dogs to the dog park this afternnon and got much more exercise. Other then stomach pains and HATING to have to sleep on my back - this is going better then expected. I'm pretty much on liquids for the next 6 weeks- and i have to say - everytime I turn on the tv - there is commercial after commercial for Taco Bell, Wendy's , McDonalds, etc, etc, etc. Driving me CRAZY!!!! How do you guys cop…

I've just spent 30 minutes on google trying to get answers, so now I think I'll ask you wonderful people! WHAT all tests and exams have your doctors ordered prior to Lap band? It only makes sense they need a Blood type/cross match, Complete Blood Count w/Differential and an EKG. I also understand the 'Nut' consultation and the Psych consultation, but what is this about a 'sleep apnea' evaluation? Oh, and a Barium Swallow????? HELP!

Hi All Been banded for 3 days now and i have to say it's getting uncomftorable to sleep at night on my back only. How long did it take the rest of you to start sleeping on your side or stomach post-op? tHANKS Brad

I was supposed to have the surgery on the 19th of July. I went into the hospital and did all of the preop stuff. They took me into the surgery room, put me to sleep, and put the tube down my throat. But before the surgeon started, he noticed a small sore on my stomach that he said was infected. I also had some heart palpitations that he wants to check out. All I remember is hearing "She is not going to be happy when she wakes up". The surgeon chose not to do the surgery. Now I have to start all over with the pre-op diet and hope that this doesn't cause any problems with the insurance. If everything goes okay, I should be banded on the 9th of August. I am just ve…

What is slime? I frequently spit up frothy saliva, but sometimes it is tenacious. So, I am guessing this is slime. Where does it come from and how is it formed? I do not throw up at all. I occasioally, after much spitting up, will bring up a little food. I guess that is a PB? Your knowledge and answers are much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi I was approved for my band and due to have surgery on Sept. 10 My insurance company lists that my Dr. is on their in plan and his name is even in my health plan manual along with a lisiting of all the other bariatric surgeons/general surgeons in thier group for they fall under the same address at least. Well anyway yesterday I got in the mail a letter from the Bariatric Group telling me that I need to sign the enclosed document in order for them to submit the claim to my provider which is no problem however as I am reading this over and over again not to miss anything I read the partWaco Bariatric Surgeons and physicans are non-participating providers with insurance c…

Hi out there, My surgery was 4/4/07. I followed instructions to a tee but after the alloted time I started eating normally again. It feels as though I have no restriction and I have been filled twice. The second one just a 4 days ago and still hungry and can still eat large quantities. Can anyone tell me how many cc's they have had. I am up to 2 cc.

I went for my first fill today and thought I would only have to do 24 hours of liquids only to find out that I have to be on liquids for 4 days. It's the pits since our family reunion is tomorrow. I wanted to at least try to eat a grilled burger but I guess, I'd better fill up on Protein Shakes. Did anybody else have to go back to the shakes for 4 days? I wanted to eat a salad from Quiznos but I guess I should have ate it yesterday because I want be able to now for 4 days.:help:

I went yesterday for my consult with the doctor. Of course, they weigh and measure your height too. Well, I was shocked to learn that after 20 years of thinking that I was 5' 7" I was only 5' 5.5". Now my BMI has jumped from 41 to 51.:omg: Now I feel fatter than I originally thought. I had blood work done about a month ago, and was pleasantly informed that I didn't have high blood pressure, high or bad cholesterol, high blood sugar or any thing negative. I'm just fat.:faint: So now I'm just waiting for the approval of my insurance company. I do know that my insurance company covers 90% after my deductible, I am really lucky, especially if they come back and say "Yes."

My Doc put me on a 2 week Pre-Op liquid diet. It has been really tough but I have almost done a full week. :clap2: I jumped on the scale today and I have lost 20 Lbs in 5 days! I was just wondering if anyone else had similar results with their Pre-Op diet. Thanks everyone!

So.. my surgery is on Monday. And I CHEATED on my pre-op diet, yesterday. BADLY. I ate a burger, I ate fries, I ate chili. I was stuffed and miserable and bloaty. And then today, I ate cheese. I'm worried now that my liver has regained all the mass it lost while I was on the Optifast, and that my surgery is going to be cancelled. It's on Monday. Does anyone know anything about ketosis and liver shrinkage? How easy is it to plump your liver again? I'm gonna go feel miserable in a ball now.:think Thanks for listening.

I really appreciate the honest comments from people on this board. I am committed to moving forward with this procedure and appreciate that most do not regret their decision. But I want to be prepared for the realities of living with a band. So... What would you say your biggest complaint is or what is the hardest part of life with a band? I am not looking for data to make me change my mind, just really trying to be completely prepared! Thanks!

Hello - I was banded on April 30th. My health history (while relatively good) includes a 25 year battle with gout. My first "attack" was at age 18. When discussing banding with my Dr, he almost promised me a post surgery attack. His promise came through 5 days after surgery. Due to banding, the Dr really discouraged the use of any ibuprofen and strongly discouraged any of the indocin products. Well, I had already flushed my indocin when the gout attack reared its ugly head. I tried liquid ibuprofen and then tried cutting ibuprofen capsules. It was a mess for a few days. This leads to a couple of questions: 1. How many of you deal with gout as a complication to ba…

can someone tell me what I can expect when it comes to pulmonary testing as part of the pre op testing goes and respiratory testing I am sure I know these answers but just wanting to check and heck I am sure everyone had to go through this. Let me know Thanks Sharon

any one heard of the new lap band out on the market? let me know

Hi all, This may be a bit taboo..... but I read so much about people's positive experiences on this website, I can't help but think that someone has had a different outcome. So, two week's from being banded, I have to ask - does anyone regret it? Is there anyone out there who wouldn't do it, if they could go back in time? Anyone who wishes they would have stuck it out with more traditional dieting routines? For those who don't regret it at all, feel free to comment as well.... I would also like to know where I might find before and after photos.... is there a thread for that? :funscale:

I am a self-pay, because I live in Canada, which means that I don't have to worry about insurance approval. What I am wondering has anyone been turned down by the WLS doctor? If so, what were the reasons? Any advice you can give to me to better my chances of success tomorrow? Thank you.

questions: Have any of you been in the situations where your insurance covers it but your employer did not? I was told that aetna covered it but Jabil circuit - my mothers company did not. I freaked out, cried ya know.. Then I called my surgeons office and explained it to her after talking to the insurance lady. The lady at my surgeons office said Jabil might not cover bariatric surgery but that does not mean they wont approve it? Is there a super low chance Ill get approved now? Confused..

Hi - I have a surgery date for next Thursday! I'm NERVOUS! I'd like to know how much weight I can expect to lose in the beginning and at what pace. Can you please post your pre-surgery weight, surgery date, and how many pounds lost since? Also, I'd like to know if anyone is having any issues with their skin from the weight loss. Thanks so MUCH!

I was wondering why they have you on Clear liquids on the day of and after a fill? Is it because of the actual filling of the band itself, or is it to allow your pouch to adjust? Thanks for the info!!

I've been hearing over and over from my docter and nurses not to drink from a straw. Something about the air that you take in going to your pouch. Is this true? I've been too scared to even get near a straw since I was banded last week. And I'm definitly one of those girly girls who has to drink threw one when I'm out at a restaurant. Has anybody been able to drink threw a straw after a bit of time or is that something that's simply off limits?

I am considering Lap Band. I have been overweight most of my life. I am only 22 and I need to loose around 100 pounds. I have many concerns about lap band. 1) I want more children and I am affraid that the lap band can cause problems. Can there be problems during delivery? 2) I am scared of having excess skin. Has anyone else had a problem with this? 3) I am really scared I will regret it. 4) I will be misserable watching people around me eat the foods I enjoy, and not be able to have them too. 5) Can you feel the band, does it hurt? 6) I am diabetic. Higher risk of getting an infection. Any diabetics had this done. 7) The doctors I am going to use have only don…

Check out "Today is my day" thread in General Lap BAnd discussion room. I gave you a story 12 hrs after surgery!

Hey everyone...well I am now on the banded side! I have a question, right now I am in the clear liquid for a few more days. Can I have the protein powder in water, I have EAS vanilla flavored whey protein with 23g protein. I was not sure if it is allowed on clear liquid but I want to get in my protein for healing of course. After the clear liquids when I can have milk, can I drink protein shakes or do they want us to opt for actual meat. I am not much of a meat eater so I am afraid I wont get in enough protein. thanks a bunch!

I was banded 6 weeks ago. My first fill was supposed to be today but got postponed until next monday. I think the radiologist went on vacation!!LOL! Anyway, I can pretty much eat anything now except bread which gives me that stuck feeling. The scarey thing is that at times, it doesnt weven seem like I have a band!! Sometimes I can eat more and sometimes less. I lost 20 pounds post op and have managed to keep it off but by the skin of my teeth!! Anyone experience this feeling before their first fill? Will it feel so much different after the fill? I hope so!:help:

I'm 6 days post-op and currently on the thick liquid stage (yogurt, smoothies, creamy soups) and anytime I eat anything I worry that I'm going to cause my band to slip. It's ridiculous. I had a bite of banana pudding earlier and afterwards I worried even though the consistancy of the pudding is almost the same as yogurt. My post-op appointment is tomorrow but until then I just need reassurance that I'm doing okay. I've cheated, but not on solid foods, just other foods that are basically the same consistancy as yogurt and pudding, maybe a tad thicker. Is this okay? Help!!

So I just had my second fill and I feel some of restriction. It could be tighter, but that will come in a few weeks. The problem is that all the desire to eat, and taste yummy things, and fill myself up (in some emotionally tied way) is all still there. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I didn't think it would be like this. Does this go away? How do I change my brain to view things differently? I'm confused and a little discouraged. Nicole

I'm sure we've all seen those Nutrisystem meal ads on TV, with Don Shula in one and the 'really hot mom and grandmother' on the other. Has anyone tried those meals following LBing? And if so, what were the results?

Im scared to put my weight i lost back on before my fill any ideas? Im trying to get enough protein in but man IM Hungry and wanna eat eat!

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the good advice so far. I have my surgery scheduled on August 23. I have a few questions now that it's almost "go time". 1. The breathing tube/catheter..... Is this done while your asleep? Placed and removed? I hope so. How bad was it? 2. Alcohol- I'm a social drinker, and I have a few trips comming up this fall after my band with a drinking crowd. Does alcohol affect you differently with a band? Lower tolerence? Vomiting? I'm not going to blow it out, but do hope I can have a few drinks with friends. Any clues would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I had surgery a week ago. I have been bloated and have not had a bowl in 4 days. Is this normal? Will it pass?

Hi I am 18 years old obese and have 12 days until my lap band and I am getting nervous!! :rolleyes I just spent 2 of the most humiliating weeks in Thailand were fat people are rare! I was asked what I eat how did I get so fat and many more 'fat questions' loudly, in front of lots of people that really left me feeling crap! Im scared of needles but I think everytime I have to have one I will be remembering the little Thai men and their comments and it couldnt be as painful as that. If anyone has any advice or things that were helpful to them before the operation let me know cos I am getting So nervous and scared! Thanks everyone Chubby Chloe

Has anyone been approved by United Health Care Insurance and if so, how long did it take and what requirements do thay ask for. I have noticed that not everyones journey has been the same . I have United Health Care. My Appt. isn't till the 30th of July and I know I will probably find out then, but I an anxious, I want to know now.

I met with my surgeon on Friday. he was explaining the differences between the bands and the sizes. I asked about the VG band. He said he wasn't currently using them, but plans to switch to them in September. He said that VGs are a "low pressure" band and the possibility of the band breaking or leaking are much higher in a high pressure band. It's also harder to get the saline into the port. He was switching because he felt the VG band was a superior product with less chance for problems, and a little more advanced. He also said that travel or changes in pressure in the cabin of an airplane would be less of an issue with the low pressure band. I told him I was considering…

Hi all I am scheduled for surgery on Tue 7/17 and now I am worried about complications during surgery due to the fact I that I did not follow the preop liquid diet. I started with a low bmi if that matters but I went from not being sure I wanted to do this to a set date in 10 weeks and during this time my Father passed. I also went nuts eating all the high carb foods I have been depriving my self of mostly pizza and bread.:hungry: I did still managed to loose 5 lbs but not the 20 that was required. please save me from the "what if monster" :omg:

I went to a consult 6/30...received insurance approval 7/16...I am so excited!! I'm also a little nervous. Reading the various posts has been very informative. I wasn't given a pre-op diet. Any suggestions? Any other pre-op advice would be appreciated! :whoo:

What is causing the rumbling and growling in my stomach. This has been going on for 3 days now...I have drank and eat and nothing stops it much. Hope it is a sign of stomach shrinking LOL

Can anyone feel their band when it is inside them? I don't mean to physically touch it and feel it from the outside. But, do you feel it's presence within you? Or do you just feel like you always have?

<p>Hey Y'all!</p> <p> </p> <p>My Band surgery is scheduled for Wed., 7/18, at 7:30 a.m. I will have a 50-mile ride back home afterwards; hope it isn't traumatic.</p> <p> </p> <p>Wich me luck.</p> <p> </p> <p>TenGal<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/happy.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" smilieid="60" class="inlineimg" /></p>

I am so excited! I just found out that CIGNA approved my surgery. The Obestiy Law and Advocacy Center (Walter and Kellie Lindstrom) were WONDERFUL! I have now started my practice diet and exercise routine. I have my required post-op appointments set-up. So, once those are completed, I will be on my way to scheduling a date. Hopefully it will be in early September, if not sooner. I have strugggled with my weight all of my life and it feels so good to know that the struggle has just gotten easier. I know it will always be a struggle, but the Lap-Band is such a great life tool that will make the journey seem so much easier. To all of those who have come before …

I was just banded this week and the healing is going well. The reason why I am writing is because I just spoke with my family about the conversation that they had with my surgeon once he was done with my procedure. The things that my doctor told my family are not only odd but a little scary. He told them that he does not support the surgery and that the risks of me being sick are high. He informed them that I am way more prone for infections and such. He then told them the high likely hood of organ erosion because of the band or stretching of the band, all of this right after he was done with my surgery. Now I have done my research on this procedure and nothing made it so…

Ok...so I am starting on this wagon AGAIN!! I have done 2 supervised diets in the past with my doc but they were over 2 years ago so the surgeons office suggested restarting one with my doc. They told me that insurances usually make us do this to 'prove' that we are capable and commited to change. I understand all of that....I really do....my problem is...I just can not get motivated. I feel like I have been down this road so many times in my past and even if I loss the weight I have regained it and then some. There is a reason I am where I am now and asking them to cover surgery. I done my first visit last week and honestly I have been trying but then I think this one…

Does anyone have any good recipes for the soup/thick liquid stage? I'm starving! Does really mushy chicken salad fall into the mushy stage?

Hi everyone, It's been 5 days since I've had my surgery (7/11) and I've been reading these posts religiously each day. I've noticed lately a lot of questions regarding post-op eating plans and I thought I would share what I've been instructed as part of my post-op recovery. Day of surgery and the following day--Clear liquid diet...My diet for these two days consisted of clear broth, Jello, gatorade and Water. I had no appetite and took my time drinking fluids. Full liquid diet for 1 week...my diet this week consists of milk, Protein shakes, thinned or liquid yogurt, jello, pudding, strained Soups, broth. I'm required to eat 50 grams of protein each day, low fat and suga…

I was banded in July, 2006. I've lost about 60 pounds, but have had to be "unfilled" after each fill. I suffer from extreme acid reflux after fills and can't keep any food down. After 4-5 days of vomiting and literally starving, I always return to my doctor to remove the saline. I just had an upper GI done to see if something was wrong with the band, my stomach, or my esophogus...all were clear! Has anyone out there suffered from this or anything similar? I need help!

Hello all. I was banded 4 days ago. The surgery went well, I stayed overnight. When I came home I was very stiff and sore, felt like someone had been kicking me the gut all night. I did not get the gas pains until the next day.I've read about these gas pains and figured it can't be that bad. LORD HAVE MERCY:eek:, please forgive me for ever thinking that. I'm 4 days out and they are still kicking my butt. The pains are in my stomach and in my chest. It hurts to take a deep breath and it sounds like someone is having a house party in my stomach. I've been walking around the house, I've walked outside, gas-x and phayzyme(which seems to work the best). One thing is I figured …

Does anyone know if we can apply heat or cold to the incisions? I'm swelled up in a lumpy way; just hoping to help reduce swelling -- I'm guessing cold?

Does anybody know why I am supposed to be off any milk products for three days(pre-op) and have a bowel prep the day before surgery? Surgeon also told me that I will have a catheter in for 24 hours until I go home the next day.

I started my 2-week pre-op diet on Thursday: A.M.: pick two of the following: fruit, Cereal, oatmeal, egg, toast Noon: Protein shake (may use milk/soy milk and add fruit for taste) Dinner: one serving lean meat and one serving green vegetables P.M. Snack: another Protein Shake I am sooooooo tired. :notagree All I want to do is sleep! Is this normal? I am also still taking my regular multiple Vitamins.