PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello everyone thought I've give you an update. I was banded on yesterday and doing quit well. I did a lot of walking around while I was at the hospital now I'm home and trying to wait for the weather to change, it's to hot outside right now, I will have to wait until the late evening. I'm am a little sore on the stomach but my back hurts more, I believe that is due to the terrible little hospital bed and me having a bad back.:clap2::clap2:

Hi, I'm new here and would like to know if this surgery is also good for an old fart like me. I'm menopausal, been fat my whole life (currently 255 and 5 ft short) and my MD asked me if I had considered lap banding. I was shocked that she mentioned it. I have no co morbidities yet, all my values are normal so far, but I am so tired of carrying around this weight. I have two active grandkids and I get exhausted after a few hours with them. Sometimes I chalk that up to age but I also know it has to be my weight.:faint: I am embarrassed that I walk so slowly, when walking with a group of people I'm always last. I have a lot of anxiety about all things surgical so I'm doing…

Any suggestions of how to get rid of the scars from the incisions? Janice

I had my normal mash pots and peas for dinner 2 oz each but i had some meat loaf ( 1 tsp) is that ok to have hamberger???:omg:

<p>I went to a seminar about the Lapband procedure and the surgeon there said that one of the draw backs of the lapband procedure is the developement of reflux. Has anyone experienced that. I currently don't have it and don't want to start to experience it. Any information is appreicated. Thank you.</p>

Has anyone had the problem of weakness in your legs if you have eaten too much? This has happened to me 3 times now. Legs feel shaky like they are not going to hold me up! Goes away really quickly, but it is odd. I see my doc on Monday (June 25) for a check up and fill, and will be sure to ask him, but thought this group might have some thoughts. Thanks. Margaret

:help:I had surgery on Tuesday, and its now Friday night. My largest incision (which is about the size of my pointer finger and is much longer than I was expecting) seems to have developed redness around it. I don't have a fever, and it isn't ozzing anything. I looked at my discharge instructions from the hosptial and they don't mention this as a reason to call the office. Did anyone else have this redness? How long did it take to go away? Do you think I should call the doctor?

Hi All, How soon after surgery were you in the pool? I'm assuming I will be glued shut. Its over 100 degrees in Arizona and my pools my best exersize option, not to mention I Love it!! I'm hoping I wont miss the swim season.

I have been on my low fat low calorie liquid diet for one week. I am having a terible time with leg cramps! They get worse every night. I had to fast for a series of blood work this morning and I hurt all over. I think my potasium level might have gone low. I know I am not suppose to, but I ate 2 bananas today. I wasn't able to call the doctor today, but tomorrow I will. Has anyone else had this problem on the pre-op diet? Thanks for the info. Patti C

Just wondering if anyone else experienced this. I had my band fitted two weeks ago 28th April. Over the last few days I have noticed that the port site and all along where the tube would be coming from the port, is a bit red and feels hot to the touch. I do not feel unwell or have a temperature or discomfort or anything, in fact I feel great! Did anyone else have this, is it normal? Do you think I might have an infection?

Im only on day 2 from being banded and man does it hurt to cough! Also my port area is swollen. It doesnt look infected its just swollen. Is this normal?

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FLIP PORT? I CAN START EXERCISING MONDAY AND WAS WONDERING IF ANY AB EXERCISES CAN FLIP A PORT? MY PORT IS LOCATED BETWEEN MY BOOBS AND FOUR INCHES DOWN ( DOES THIS MAKE SINCE? LOL ) I AM JUST WORRIED IF I DO THE AB MACHINE, CRUNCHES OR ANY EXERCISES THAT DEAL WITH UPPER ABS, THAT IT MAY EFFECT MY PORT. THANKS~

I work at a power plant and have a pretty labor intensive job. Im wondering about returning to work. I can get two weeks off pretty easily, will that be enough? Im hoping so, cuz I'd like to just do that and without much question from anyone at work. Im trying to keep this pretty much to myself. soooo.... what do ya think? Thanks! CJ

Can anyone tell me where I can find a dr to perform a band in Charlotte nc. There are many listings for gastric bypass but nothing for the band. Thanks:think:o:speechles

Does anyone have any experience in returning to any activities that use the abdominal muscles and/or breathing, like singing or yoga? I'm considering when I want to schedule my surgery, because I'm concerned about recovery time. I'm a professional opera singer, and I have to be sure I'll be able to sing when I'm contracted to. I've seen that most people are able to return to work after about a week, but I have a feeling that might apply mostly to people with desk jobs. So, my situation is a little different. Thanks for your advice and insights... this forum is a great resource!

I'm going to be banded tomorrow and already, I've gone down one clothing size through walking and dieting prior; fortunately, I didn't throw out my smaller sizes; before hearing about the lapband, it was just wishful thinking. I've got clothes across 4 sizes: 16-22. Just wondering how often people have to purchase new clothing? I'm thinking this will be a fun thing, watching the sizes go down rather than up, up and up!

I got banded yesterday and I'm home today. The procedure went well. The surgeon discovered and repaired a hiatal hernia which should take care of the reflux I've had. Like almost everyone following surgery, I'm having some gas pain but it's not unbearable. I also have some soreness around the port and the inisions but I am tolerating that OK too. I appreciate all the advice about walking to releive the gas pain. My wife and I are going to walk to the drugstore to pick up my meds. Good luck to everyone that has been recently banded and continued success to those that have been at it awhile. I have a 350 lb. uncle that I hope to be an inspiration to. Adventure-…

Hi all, I am very knew to all this and I am hoping to get the surgery soon, but I have a really dumb question; What is the port and how big is it? What does it look like while it is there and will it always be there? I figured that is where you get filled but I have no idea waht or where it is. thank you in advance

I have been banded 2o days and i have lost 21 lbs!!!!!!!!:clap2:

I was a relatively low BMI patient at just under 40. The main reasons I chose the band is that I wanted to permanently lower my BP and cholesterol enough to get off of my meds. I also have sleep apnea and have used a CPAP every night for over 5 years and I would like to lose enough weight to be able to sleep without it. Does anyone have experience with being able to accomplish these goals? Adventure-Riser

I have my mental health evaluation on Thursday... Any advice?? What do I need to be careful of?? I am a pretty honest person and have some issue in my past (Mother's mental health and she was somewhat abusive).. But am a firm believer and pulling yourself up by the boot straps and keep on keeping on.. That's the way i was raised... You can't blame your whole life on your past. There comes a time where you have to take responsiblity for you Thanks for any advice...

Hi i am 21.. getting banded in august..if all go's well.. still have to get 2 more things done... i need some friends.. i dont know anyone personally that has had the band PLEASE SOME ONE TALK TO ME:) oh just to let ya know im freaking awesome... even before being banded

I was banded on the 31st of May. I am already on a regular diet and everything is going well. I just have the sensation that my stomach is growling all the time. It's like I have a tons of air still trapped inside and the only time any of it comes out is when I eat or drink. The problem is after about thirty minutes my stomach is growling again and if I don't keep something in my stomach it starts to hurt. Did anyone else have anything like this?:cry

I had the procedure about three weeks ago and have had no complications. I haven't even come close to vomiting and have had very little pain. However, I feel really hungry. I have given in to temptation three times since my surgery eating whatever and pretty much as much as I used to and felt fine. The problem is I don't want to be able to eat this much. I am supposed to be on a puree diet and am obviously struggling with it now. My first adjustment won't be for another three weeks but I want to get it now. I have lost 15 lbs which is encouraging but I know if I am able to eat this much I will keep giving in to temptation. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I thought tha…

I was banded 3 weeks ago and am feeling pretty good. The only thing is that my port is still sore. I am pretty sure this is normal but I get a funny pulling feeling in my side almost like I ran too much and got a stitch in my side. Anyone else experience this? It goes away and comes back periodically. It feels like it could be a muscle maybe???:help:

hi guys, i know that this thread has been posted plenty of times. i haven't found your answers. I wanted to know if i should call my nurse and ask if i can eat some soft food. i am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry:hungry: and yes this is hungry pain. she did mention that I need to stay on liquid diet for a little while, my first update since surgery is friday. i don't want to do anything that will cause trouble to the stitches

I am 2 weeks post0op, did anyone not have any restriction? I clled the doctor and they said that this is normal. There is nothing in my band so my stomach is back to were it was before the surgery. I am a little frustrated b/c I can eat like I never had the surgery. I had restriction the first week after surgery but then it went away. I get my first fill 1/10. Please did anyone have this? Am I abnormal???

:help:HI YA'LL, I am considering Lap Band surgery and attending the seminar July 11 in Madison. However I'm confused if this is the right step for me and I am looking for advice from you bandsters. Here are a few facts and question to consider: 1. I have dieted "Naturally" and lost weight twice within 10 yrs, 80Ibs lost and then 70Ibs lost but I always yo yo back up with even more weight than I started. a. If I can lose weight "Naturally" but can't keep it off, is banding my solution? b.Will I need even more self discipline with the band? 2.I'm a coward to pain, is it to painful? 3.I will be honest I am a bad 'Coke" Soda" drinker, food JUNKIE …

I just got banded today and i was feeling good but now not so much. Im afraid i wont be able to eat anyting good ever again and that really depresses me. Any thoughts? I cant wait for this pain to go away!

Ok, I've been reading things for a few days now, and I've got another question or two for all you bandsters! First, I keep reading about when people get their fill and feeling "tight" what exactly are you saying? And secondly, when I read about people at the ends of their threads, I see where they get filled and then unfilled, then back and forth. I guess I don't understand that either?? Sorry if I sound stupid, not meant to. Im on the way to being banded, and Im just trying to find out what to expect. Thanks, in advance for any answers and advice you can offer. CJ :hungry:

I know its a gross subject, but how is it? Are they pretty normal or has anyone experienced anything out of the usual? Thanks

I am in the process of approval for the Lapband Procedure (BCBS PPO of Michigan). Referral criteria has been completed on my part just waiting for approval and hopefully contact from the Barix center in Yipsilanti shortly there after. My question is... I've not heard/read any threads from anyone with circumstances similar to mine. I have a BMI of 37 with 80 or so pounds to lose but because of hypertension, sleep apnea and family history of severe diabetes and cardio problems. I've researched this for a long time and went for two different consultations (different docs & location)before deciding that this is the tool I need to be successful in my weightloss effo…

:scared:I feel great today! I have a little pressure from gas in my shoulders but im actually really suprised how good i feel. I already got a walk in and now drinking broth. The worst part for me was the heprin shot in my leg for blood clots and the IV. I got a little woosey but after that it was all a blur! I had a hiatal hernia which they removed also. Had no clue it was there! Anyways im lookin forward to the NO INDIGESTION! I used to be so bad! Anyways wanna thank everyone for being there and its been a great journey so far. Who knows how the next couple weeks will go when i start wanting all the food again! :scalesno:

Has anyone experienced any problems due to a fatty liver or elevated ALTs, liver enzymes? I want to make sure I am a good candidate. Thanks!

I too am very nervous about having this surgery done. On some days I'm convinced that because I have a thyroid problem, not even this will work. But then I go through my mental list of all the things I look forward to after the surgery and it helps!! I look forward to: 1. getting in a canoe or kayak with my husband to go fishing 2. fitting in a movie theater seat without the armrest up 3. getting the seat belt on an airplane to fit and buckle safely 4. reaching to clean myself appropriately 5. walking upstairs to our guestroom without being completely winded 6. not having to lean over to drink out of a glass with a stem because my boobs are in the way 7. not cover…

Ummm ok been banded since Jan 30th, Ive officially lost 50lbs and had a friggin blast cleaning out rubber made containers and closets this weekend. Bad news? In a relatively routine discussion with my Gyn on Friday she says, you need to have a thyroid panel done, bone density scan, etc... Have the blood work done yesterday, choloestroal (sp) is freaking awesome and very normal!!!! wooo hooooo, butttttttt she says, my ths was low which is indicative of hyperthryoid...reading symptoms on the web, some fit some dont, but the one that caught my eye was that treatments will make you gain weight back....UM HELLLLLLLOOOOO I dont friggin think so.... Helppppppp has anyone had th…

How is it my Feburary 07 EKG test was normal and my EKG test last week shows Eurhythmy? My surgery scheduled for June 25th. Waiting on the surgeon to call to decide whether or not he wants me to go to a cardiologist? Case manager will set up appointment. I'm tired ya'll, I'm having second thoughts. I can't see my heart getting that bad in 3 months. I feel the June test is in error.

i am going to one of the classes on thru and i was wondering what sound i ask them about the sugery

I have started the approval with my insurance company to proceed with the lap band. I am concerned since I have not control over what I eat now - I find myself asking will I really have control after this is done? I guess all in all, what I am asking if you had it to do over - would you and was the sacrifices you made worth it? My BMI is 45 and I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I know I need this but concerned it I can do this. Any thoughts?

I am 13 days post-op and I feel like I am failing already. I lost 10 lbs during my pre-op and since my surgery have only lost 3-4lbs. Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? My dr. has me on a "anything through a straw" diet and I feel like I have cut back tons. I am also back in the gym doing 45 minutes of cardio training at least 3 times a week just as I did pre-op. I can't figure out why I am not dropping at least a little bit more weight. Also, I don't get the "full" feeling I secretly hoped for. And as every day goes by I find myself able to eat a larger amount of food. I thought my stomach could hold a little less than a cup. But I swear I can put dow…

:help: Hi, I'm new to the forum and I feel like a failure. I had my surgery in January and lost 14 pounds in the first 2 weeks. I felt great. Then slowly I lost a total of 21 pounds up until mid March. I have had one fill. At first the fill helped give me a boost but then I fell back into bad habits. Mostly drinking with my meals which I know is a big NO-NO. I know I'm eating alot less than I used too but I don't feel like I'm loosing right now, at all. I'm even afraid I've gained weight. I refuse to weigh myself. I only get weighed at the doctors office. I have felt so bad about cheating and not loosing that I have cancelled three appointment with my Doctor. I keep using…

My surgery is Monday, I have not done well on my pre op diet at all and I'm getting very scared. Wondering if I'm doing the right thing and considering canceling. :think

Hello. I am awaiting my surgery date....should be getting the call any day now. Dr. said it would be next month (July.) I am also nervous and even had thoughts of backing out the other night but I am going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and embrace this journey into the life I have always wanted but never was able to find. I do have some questions about recovery. I only have 4 days off after surgery....is this unrealistic?? The girls at work said they would let me take it easy when I come back....nothing strenous. That means I will get to do a lot of sitting and resting at work. I am not wimpy and have had 2 c-sections and didn't have "extreme" pain with m…

Had my surgery yesterday and doing well. everyone talks about gas pain. I havent experienced this yet-- does it usually come on a certain day post op? Thanks

I was told today that my nutritionalist would call me let me know when and if I could get surgery. She may want me to loose weight or she may just ok me. They tell me its completly up to her and that we will often wave the preop diet. Whats that all about? What sort of things would influence her to "ok" me? What kind of questions will she ask me. Now Im nervous. Thanks V

Had my surgery yesterday and doing well. everyone talks about gas pain. I havent experienced this yet-- does it usually come on a certain day post op? Thanks

:omg: HELP!!! I have ate my way home from Birmingham (3 1/2) hour drive today!! My surgerey is scheduled for the 27th, and I am excited, scared, ready to start my journey, wanting to get cold feet. You name it I am feeling it!!:faint:I am not hungry but I guess it is the fact I will not be able to have a lot of things, and especially my diet cokes:confused: Did any of you gain any weight before your surgery????????????????

do i get that ticker to work when i am done typing i madeone ,,,,cant get it to show up:think

I am 3 weeks post banding and am craving strange things that I probably would not have eaten. I used to hate the smell of Doritos. Now I am craving the taste of them? Has anyone ever experienced this? It makes " bandster hell" all the harder to deal with. I am fighting to keep off the 18 lbs I lost since being banded but as I become hungrier, it is getting so hard!!:help:

well I met with the ear nose and throat dr this morning and found out my surgery will probably be postponed. I have to have a slee study!!! Yuck. I was very upset but my hubby is saying he is glad they are being so careful. I was so looking forward to the 27th. Maybe it will still be done by then!:phanvan