PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I've heard that lapband is for people who dont' have that much to lose. I'd be starting at 300 and would ideally like to end up at 160. I'd like to hear from people who have lost 150 pounds with lap band, how long it took, why they didn't do bypass, etc. Also, do you keep getting your band adjusted forever, or do you reach a "sweet spot" after a few fills and just keep it that way?

:help:Hello. I just joined this group. I have spent hours reading posts and threads. I have also spent endless amounts of time on the Lap-band web-site. I have met with everyone necessary for the surgury. Everytime I meet with a provider I get different information about the process and expected outcome. So, since NONE of my providers have lived through it, I am asking your help. How long after the banding do most people need to miss work? I know that everyone is different but, if I keep hearing that answer I am going to scream. I want to know what is average, how much time should I anticipate not being able to work?:phanvan Weight loss- O.K. this is the most troublin…

Hey all i am really concerned i have just had a big drink of water and now i have the hiccups.... they dont hurt but i am worried that tey could make my band slip... anyone know about this? Cheers

Hello I have another question pertaining to the band. I have dropped from 155kg's to 75kg's and am starting to feel a lump on my stomach. It is quite large and I assume it is the port or band, has anyone else started to experience this as they gradually lost weight? Occasionally I have difficulties sleeping as when I am on my stomach there is some discomfort and pain. I don't know if this means my band has slipped, I think it might all be OK just need reassurance that it's normal.

Hi everyone, I have a question. I've been banded since May 10th and this is the first time this has happened to me. Tonight at dinner I am assuming I ate to much and now the food feels stuck. I feel like I could throw up but I can't (not the food anyway) I keep spitting up my saliva. This has been about 1 1/2 hours now. Is there anything I can do to help this and help the pain go away? I tried to drink something about 30 minutes ago and all I did was spit that up as well. Thanks for any responses!

This is my first day home since being banded and I just got up from yet another nap. I want to burp so bad to avoid the gas building up, do you have any advice. I am walking around the house because it's to hot for me to go outside right now and I am trying to get my lunch shake in because I was just to full off of the 2 ounces of juice that I drunk over an hour ago.

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone knows how soon after your lap band surgery you are permitted to take a shower??? Thanks!:rain:

Hello, I was banded yesturday and I have severe gas pain, I never imagined that gas could hurt this badly. I have tried gas-x, it doesnt help at all. I have walked today. The problem I have is that my belly at teh port site hurts so badly that I cannot strain to get any gas out. I heard that the gas they inflate your belly with has to absorb into the tissue and be released, I suppose that explains why the gas is gettig worse not better. Do you have any advice that you could share ? Also I cannot believe how bad the port site hurts ! I am pretty tough when it comes to pain I am surprised at how sore I am wow it hurts. Did you feel miserable also and how long does the terr…

I am 3 days post op and every few minutes I want to come to the board and ask another question. I realize its not interesting like the intimate ones however, I need help. I am trying to get my protiens in but my question is can I drink to much of shakes, water etc while on the liquid stage?? I am full and still do not have the protiens in yet for today:help::help::help::help:

Hi everyone, I lost 30 pounds my first month. Nothing since then. I have had 3 fills. I feel I am still able to eat too much. The last 2 weeks I have eaten poorly(vacation, daughters hs graduation party ect...) I am exercising and strength training. Could I need another fill? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Robin:help:

hi all,i have recently been approved for the lap-band through my insurance and the only thing left for me is to set a date for the surgery,i'm at the very nervous stage,does anyone out there have any regrets at all about having the sugery done?? i have heard mostly all good abot it,but i want to hear it all,,,,,,,please let me know thanks,,,,,,,,,Bobby 35yrs. old 270lbs. at 5'6 i want to reach 170lbs. feel free to e-mail me cooperr1234@aol

I'm deliberating between lapband and bypass. I've read that with theband you'll lose less -- I've seen from 30-50% of excess weight. For me, this wouldn't be worth the risk if I'm going to only lose 30% or maybe even 50%. As long as you keep the band tightened, why wouldn't you just keep losing til you reach your goal? I understand that it would take longer than with bypass, which is understandable, but why would the total amount lost be lower than bypass? I'd start at 300 and don't want to end up at just 225 or someithing.

After Reading Everyone Elses Experience With The Lap-band Im Very Excited To Finally Have A Date Set. I'm A Little Worried Aboout That 30 Days After Sugery Where There Will Be No Restrictions For A Couple Of Weeks But I Just Can't Wait. I Think That Its Just A Dream And That Its Never Gonna Happen. Well Wish Me Luck!!

I was just wondering if anyone has lost a significant amount of without having a fill? I read somewhere that there are the "rare" few that lose quite a bit w/o needing a fill. Just wondering if any are out there.

I was banded last Thursday (24th). I gained 5 pounds in one day while I was in the hospital. I'm following the diet carefully but still haven't lost any weight. Is that normal?

:help: I take 6 pills ever morning and I am having problems fetting them down. The smaller ones are ok I just drink plenty of fluids behind them. However, they seem to come back in my throat, the teaste is horrible!:eek: The worst ones are tricor and gloucouphage. how in the world do you get them down. I have tried crushing them but the teaste makes me want to puck:omg: All suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Beverly

I am going to my consultation on July 2nd. It has taken me a while to actually decide to meet with the surgeon. I am paying out of pocket and metting with him is $260! I just received the information they sent in the mail and I am getting pretty nervous about the surgery. I read something that says you souldn't eat shrimp or peanutbuter. The peanutbutter makes sense but these are my favorite foods. :think I am also really scared about the post-op diet. No solids for 4-6 weeks?!?!?! AHH I really hope I can make it. If I am having resevations about these seemingly little things, does that mean I shouldn't do the surgery? Any words of wisdom you might have would be helpful. …

:help: Ugh, I'm having the HARDEST time with my pre-op diet. I've been cheating a lot... I haven't scheduled my surgery yet but my doctor said I needed to lose 10 lbs at the least and I don't think I've even lost that... Any suggestions on good food to stock up on for the diet? :think

Hey all. I got banded in Wednesday the 27th!!! Yippee!!! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:I am on my way. I was sick sick the day of surgery but have been doing fine since then! Just a little sore!! Thanks for all of your prayes and good wishes, I will be writing very soon witr tons of questions!!!

I didn't get the impression that his pre-op diet requirements are very strict, did you? I mean, Brenda basically said, "Here's the diet but don't worry about it too much...a lot of people don't follow it." And since I am self-pay I could schedule my surgery anytime I wanted to. I could have had the surgery within 4 days if I wanted...so how would that have allowed for any kind of pre-op diet? I don't mind going low-carb, but I can't go low-carb and low-fat at the same time!!! My hypoglycemia would give me FITS! What were your impressions?

Can you lift weights after Lap Banding? I know you will more than likly have to weight, but can I go back to working out so I don't get the flabby skin?:help:

Kind of scared, big descision, it is the right one though. I have to travel by myself, my wife is pregnant, and we have a 3 year old. Need I say more!!!!My Schedule is very flexibile, I really like about 5 or 6 different Drs. so I'm pretty flexibile there also. Anybody that is doing this alone and would like some companionship, support, etc, I would really like that. Male/female it makes no differance, I would really like to go trough this procedure with someone. I'm from North Florida, so I will probably travel out of Tampa, orlando, Jax, or Atlanta. I have my passport, I'm ready, I hope you are to, I need to get healthy for myself but most important my family. Thank you…

:help::help::help:Hi, I'm a newbie here. I read some post and find them interesting.Maybe some one has some ideas for me. I'm into my fifth week post op and I'm finding it very hard not to be hungry. I'm not satisfied at all with the small amounts 2oz Protein and 2oz of vegtables or fruit at meals Any suggestions on how to survive till a fill. Thats not til the 17th of July. if I eat more than this I gain weight but I'm not loosing either. I'm walking approximately 30min a day. But I'm not loosing anything. I know I'm not suppose to be concerned with this, only healing. But I feel great no restriction but great. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, sj

I got the email today I have a date!!!:whoo:August 15 at 8 am. I felt my stomach flop and I could hardly breath. So much to do so uch to think about. Oh my gosh my boss is going to be so mad I am taking time off. I suppose she will have to get over it. I can hardly wait to be healthy again.

I've read alot about pre-op diets. What is the purpose of trying to lose a bunch of weight in a short amount of time on very low calories? It just dosen't seem like a safe thing to be doing right before haivng surgery. Dosen't your body need the nutrients to heal? Or is there something to do with the anesthesia or something? Your input is much appreiciated. Thanks!!

Hi everyone, I was banded yesterday feeling really good. Sore at port site. I had no nausea or vomiting. I am not hungry. Got up and took a walk last night and going to again today...The journey has begun...:clap2:

hello again, i will be attending a seminar on july 10th(finally found it) and made sure that the seminar was still planned. thank God pretty much everything is covered by Blue Cross and both doctors are in my HMO list. but i've read so many of you all's post that i was wondering how often do you need to be FILLEd?... and congrat's to everyone that has had this done.. i'm currently 5'3 and weigh 300.. so i def.need this.. thanks

Hi, My nutritionalist wants me to loose 30 pounds in 5 weeks. Im eatting 800 calories a day. I went to a website that says you must deny yourself or burn 3500 calories to loose 1 pound. Further, their calculator says that I must intake 2600 calories to maintain my current weight. That means, even if I take in zero calories, I would only loose about 22 pounds in that time. If I eat 800 calories a day, I would only loose 17 pounds. Is it possible to loose that much weight that quickly? Im currently at 330. THanks V.

<p>Hello everybody. I'm looking for people who had a BMI of less than 35 before surgery. I'm 5'6" and 207. I aready have Diabetes, high blood pressure, high Colestoral and hypothyroidism. I have lost about 10 lbs since the Doctor put me on meds but the weight loss seems to have stopped. I ask my doctor about having lap band surgery, her answer was I'm not fat enough. I then ask what I can do to get off all these pills she has me on, her answer was to lose 60-70 pounds and become a vegan. Now I have been trying for most of my life to lose weight, how does she think I'm going to do it this time? I feel like Humpty Dumpty.<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/…

I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE ON THIS SITE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND CONCERN...THIS IS SUCH A GREAT SITE AND I LOVE TO READ ABOUT EVERYONE AND SAY THATS MYSELF...I WILL BE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU WHILE I GO UNDER..LOL LOL...I WILL BE HOME FRIDAY SOMETIME; DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME TOMORROW (WILL FIND OUT AFTER 4PM)...SO FOR ALL THAT ARE BEING BANDED BEST OF LUCK AND REMEMBER TO WALK WALK WALK...BYE BYE FOR NOW...:clap2:

I was wondering how long after surgery before they start. I was banded yesterday and I haven't had any yet. Am I lucky or do they start later?:kiss2:Debbie

Hey everyone. I am still scheduled for Wednesday the 27th! However, have not had my post op drs appt yet nor is it scheduled. They got the last form I needed on Friday afternoon at 4;15:faint:My hubby has schedlued to be off Tues, Wed and Thursday and the hopsital is 4 hours away!!!!:rolleyes I need prayers from the people that understand how important this is to me!! All of you ar just great. I get all of my inspiration, help, hopes and answers from this site! PS. Do you think I need to stay in Hotel close by hospital the night of my surgery, or travel home since the next day will probably be worse??? The town I live in does not offer lap band, so I wonder if there are…

I go to my pre-op app. tomorrow and I can't find the list of questions that someone posted on here. Can someone point me to the right direction. I searched MD questions, but I can't find anything. Thnaks for your help. I love this sight and I'm looking forward to joining the wagon on July 24. YEH!!!!:help:

So I have been heavy most of my life so this is a big change for me. My surgery is scheduled for July 11 and my pre op appointment is for the 27. I have already started cutting back on carbs and fats and lost 10 pounds. I am 29 and happily married to a wonderful man who accepts me the way I am. My fears and frustrations however, are with other people. It concerns me that as I lose the weight people will start treating me differently. People who may not have taken the time to get to know me will. Someone who would associate with me because I was heavy, may now want to be a friend. Being treated with more respect by strangers when out in public where ever it may be. It bo…

I know I saw someone had posted a great list of things that you need before having your surgery. I looked through past boards and couldn't find it. If anyone has it please post it for me.

I cant believe its here already!! I waited a long time for this....1 week from today...im so scared....liquid diet started and no stopping:omg: now... I know everything will be fine; im just lost with all this....so please need some support.....

will i ever be able to sleep on my side? i had my surgery june 13, so it is still new. i have to sleep on my back which is hard. but if i try to sleep on my left side i feel the band pressing. if i try the right side i feel the port. will this ever change or will i have to sleep on my back forever???? other than this i am having a great band experience and have already lost 20 pounds.

Aloha All I will be banded on July 11th. and these silly questions just jump into my head. After I'm banded and in a few weeks or months when I get back to solid foods will I be able to eat spicy foods or use hot sauce? I like to put tabasco (can I use a brade name here) on a lot of things. please advise. BWD:hungry:

Hi everyone! I start my pre-op diet next Saturday and could use some suggestions for the protein drinks. What's good? What has the correct amount of protein? Any help is appreciated.

I have a lot of pain in my abdomen where the port site is. Has anyone had this. I had my surgery in October and had no problems with the site until now. Anyone have any input?

I had no idea that there are different size bands, I was told during my post op appointment that I have the big one that holds 10cc's I am very sore and havent bounced back as quickly as I hoped for and wondered if it may be because my band is bigger ? My Dr said that they now are trying to use the big ones on everyone I didnt know there was a difference and kind of worried that the big ones may cause a more uncomfortable feeling, just wondered if anyone else knew there where different sizes and what size you have ? Thanks for your reply Kim

I was just talking with my nutritionist earlier today about my issues with the protein powder. She suggested instead to try nonfat dry milk powder instead of the protein powder. Of course, I couldn't add it to everything, but it would dissolve better than protein would and add 8 grams of protein per serving. Have any of you been told to do this?

I'm struggling with my protein powder at the moment. I don't have a small fortune to spend on trying all the different types of protein out there. I hate the gritty protein powders that don't disolve in my smoothies and such. Does anyone have any suggestions for protein powder that disolves, especially if it comes unflavored so I can use it in more things without altering the taste?

Well, I finally got word this morning that I will be banded on Wednesday!!! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:That is only 2 days away:omg: I am so excited!!! Yippee I get to start my new journey and hope it will be a smooth ride. Although I am used to have a little bumps in the road, so hopefully I am prepared. Can anyone help with questions to ask my surgeon tomorrow?? I can't think!! Beverly

OKAY GUYS, I REALLY NEED SOME ADVICE. I DON'T YET HAVE A DATE. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON INSURANCE APPROVAL WHICH I WILL HOPEFULLY GET SOMETIME THIS COMING WEEK. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM STARTING TO FEEL VERY NERVOUS AND SOMEWHAT DEPRESSED. I CAN'T SEEM TO RELAX AND MY LEFT SHOULDER IS HURTING I GUESS FROM FEELING STRESSED. DID ANYONE ELSE FEEL THIS WAY, AND IF SO WHAT CAN I DO TO CALM MY NERVES AND RELAX. I AM VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT THE SURGERY AND I CANNOT WAIT TILL I GET MY SURGERY DATE. I WANT TO BE RELAXED AND CALM UNTIL THEN. PLEASE HELP.

Ok, I am only 3 days post op, and have just discovered what a big old whimpy baby I am! Shoulder pain is terrible & worse than that is I have this horrible metallic taste in my mouth that WILL NOT, repeat WILL NOT go away. And lets not forget this little fact: I'm hungry:hungry:. Does anyone have any sugestions for all these complaints?? I would greatly appreciate it. TTYL:think Tgirl:faint:

:faint:Ok, I live 4 hours away from the surgeon, hospital etc. I am scheduled next Wednesday. Nut every day they come up with just one more thing I need. Today it was an EGD. I was never told I needed one but thank GOD I had one in May and was able to get a copy and fax in before I left home and drove 4 hours for my nutrition class in the morning. They have yet to give me a time for the surgery, no appt for the pre-op visit, but I am penciled in for the surgery on Wednesday??? Go figure. They took me off my hormone pills and I am about ready to give it all up. I have spent a fortune coming back and forth, hotel rooms, meals, gas and I am a self pay:faint:I need words of…

I was banded on June 21st and I feel like a zombie. I don't like the protein powder I got, so I'm going to try to find another one I like. I hate the gritty texture of it or the vitamin taste. I feel like my head is in a fog, which I'm sure is from the lack of food. It's going to be a long two weeks of full liquids for sure. Plus my port site hurts and so does my back. In fact, I can't hardly sleep at night because my back hurts. Does anyone have any suggestions for this stage? Does this last a long time? :think

I havn't seen much on this, I'm wondering if anyone was given orders on what not to lift or how much for how long after surgery. I have a 10 month old baby at home so I'm wondering how long I will need help with him. He weighs about 20lbs.

i am just starting all this, calling ins.tomorrow, 3 dr.s have suggested the lapband,hopefully ins.will see it the dr.s way?? my ? is normally(right!) how much time are you off work? i have a desk job, but high strees, lots of responsibilty. so what do ya think? thanks, nancyem