PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

:confused:I'm a little worried, Is my cold going to get better and not worse in 3days? I'm a going to die on the table? Should I really be doing this? What if there are complications (I've already paid out 16,000) Can I aford more money? AHGGG I hope that this is "COLD FEET" so to speak. Did anyone else feel this way?

So, I just had my surgery on thrusday, but I'm wondering when I can start doing some light exercise It's not like I don't feel up for it, but I just dont want to accidently take it too fast. Like, would walking around the block in the morning be too much? What are your guy's experience with exercise after surgery? Like, when could you really get into it

I posted this question in the general discussion area, but maybe it's better here. I have a telephone consultation with a lapband surgeon today, and I'm wondering what kinds of questions I should be asking him? Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks, Jodie

I've heard that the band makes hunger and fullness feel different than what unbanded people experience. Can anyone who is banded try to explain the difference? I will be banded this Monday, and I can't wait. The liquid diet thing is not satisfying me. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Barb:rolleyes:

I know this sounds supid... are there any restrictions on intimacy? I've been home 2 weeks, and feel fine. I never asked my doctor this, and I won't see him till Friday. Any advice?

It's uncomfortable when I take deep breaths. I was banded on May 31st, and I wouldn't say that it hurts when I take a deep breath, but there is some definite discomfort and pressure. At first I attributed this to gas, but I just want to make sure. The pressure is in my belly area, and in my back. Anyone else have this? I've been feeling great up until today, and I just don't want anything to go wrong. Thanks!!:help:

I have to take 7.5 mg. of coumadin daily. Would the Lap band be compatible with coumadine?

Does anyone know of where to get a fill in Hawaii? or in W ashington state? Having surgery in Mexico and was told by NW clinic in Washington that no one would touch me for a fill or anything else because going to Mexico

Hello all, 10 days post op and I am looking forward to advancing to mushies, hopefully on Monday when I see my surgeon. I feel great and am going back to work tomorrow. Some one on here had mentioned the magic bullet and I went to walmart and bought one. As far as I'm concerned everyone needs one. To make your shakes, mush things up it does it all plus it has everything you need for storage, easy to clean. Wow. I am too excited over this but I figured I would share! Have a good day all and if you have any magic bullet tips please send them my way. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I having my surgery June 28 and I cant believe its almost here...I'm scared and my excitement has taken over....I know that it will help my health and make me feel better; but im just worried....I have PCOS and im so happy that something like surgery will help my symptoms ..Ive had this problem since i was 13; now 30...so I feel its time to take over...and after all is done I can have children hopefully myself not drugs... If any one would help on my diet for the next week before surgery....liquid i have to start next Thursday! Pudding, jello, ices & shakes...but the soups and yogurt is getting to me....I love both; but cant seem to find the right on…

Hi - I am going to have my surgery in July and am wondering about dealing with loose skin after the weight comes off. I see lots of people who have had the surgery and they don't seem to have loose skin - I weigh 240 lbs. right now and work two jobs so I am very busy, and I know I will have to find time to exercise ( I used to walk 3 miles a day before I became a business owner and don't have much time now ). I would appreciate it if someone would let me know of their experiences with this. I still have so many questions about the surgery but am really worried about loose skin. Thanks Sweetpea51

I had my surgery on 4.25.07 and it was preformed laproscopically. After surgery my dr. came into my room and looked really surprised with how well I was doing after such a short time. He said my surgery went beautifully with no complications and that he was sending me home. I had surgery around 8am and was home (I live 1/2 hr away from hospital) by 5pm. After a few days, I asked my sister who is a nurse to change my bandages. She removed the last one and asked me why they had to make a larger incision? I had no idea what she was talking about. I've had laproscopic surgery before and imagine my surprise when I looked in the mirror and see the 5 small incisions (1 inch o…

I'm a month and 2 days post-op. I'm in the 'soft & blended' phase along with some crispy foods. But I haven't experience any probs such as nausea, etc so I tried to eat some bigger portions of foods like chicken, even pasta, still about 1/2 the size of portions I used to eat but certainly larger than the 3/4 cup at one meal that my nutritionist recommended. It's hard to measure certain foods like that for me like if you get a quesadilla or something that isn't liquid. I'm so scared that I've messed my new stomach or that the band will slip b/c of this. My scars across my stomach are even feeling tight the past few days making me think my stomach is growing. Maybe I'm …

I'm in the initial stages of being banded - not banded yet, but hope to be within the year! Anyway, my question is for post-op... I recently adopted the SWEETEST cat because I was getting lonely living all by myself. I've grown up with cats, and have never had any problems, but after I brought my "kitty" home, I started coughing and wheezing, and I now believe that I'm allergic to him! I'm not constantly coughing and wheezing, but occasionally, my cough is pretty harsh. I'm wondering, could a bad cough dislodge the band or cause slippage? Giving him up is the very last thing I want to do, because he's such a wonderful companion and gives me somthing to look forward t…

I am on the official pre-op today prescribed by the nutrionist, now let me remind all of you that I have been drinking these Slim Fast Optima shakes for a week now and eating a sensible meal but as of today the sensible meal has been reduced to a sandwich and 1 cup of raw veggies, so now I'm starving. I know this is all psychological because all last week I was fine with the shakes and dinner but now I feel as if my stomach is on my back. Did any of you feel the same way? I think I need to drink more water because I was a little busy today so I didn't get much in. Any suggestions, please share.:hungry:

Posting here because it looks like the gall bladder thread doesn't get much response, and I am hoping for quick replies. OK, I need to know if I should be worried about a possible gall bladder problem. I was banded 5 weeks ago. In that 5 weeks I have lost 24 of my excess 100 lbs (YEAH!). I have also started working out 5 days a week (3 cardio and 2 strength training). About a week to 10 days ago, I started noticing severe epigastral pain (right under my ribs on both sides leading toward the sternum, and at the same time, moderate pain in my mid-back. It literally feels like I am impaled on a telephone pole. The pain comes and goes, but sometimes lasts for more than 8 …

I get banded tomorrow! Yippeee!! :clap2:I'm soooooo ready for this. I'm already feeling better having spent the past 2 weeks taking in a lot of Protein and totally cut out the potatoes, Pasta and breads (and I love them so much). Oh well -- time for a new way of eating. I'm scheduled for noon. So by tomorrow night at this time, I guess I'll be recovering from all the gas pains ( or trying to)! :faint: You all are great and such support. I'll be back on as soon as I can!!!! Have a great evening all!

Beware 'soft calorie food syndrome'. This relates to consuming soft foods or caloric liquids that move quickly through 'the pouch'. This can cause you to become hungry too soon before the next meal. Just wanted to share. I found myself going in that direction for a couple of days.

2 days out and I feel great...not even hungry, and the post op diet is easy to follow!! I am so glad I did this and am looking forward to a slimmer me. To anyone who is not sure about it...dont think twice, it was an easy surgery and the recovery is great!!! Dr. Ortiz and his team and wonderful, not to mention HOT!! Whewie, every single male in that clinic is hotter than the next, with Dr. Ortiz topping off the list...

:help:My surgery date is getting closer and I take a lot of meds. The pharmacist says most of them I will have a hard time crushing. Metformin - huge diabetic pill Tricor - Big Coated Cardizem - Capsule - can dissolve nexium - can this be dissolved? Paxil - control release - can't dissolve. Can anyone help out with this??? PS; can you tell one of the reasons I am having the surgery is the drugs I take:faint:

I posted this on another site but I am hoping someone can help me! Ok, so I'm going to be banded by Dr. Marvin at Methodist hospital on June 28. I have been trying to get information about what he expects for the post-op diet. I found some info on the internet on www.obessehelp.net which lists Dr. Marvin as being part of their group. So I went to one of their support meetings and thought it was great. I asked a leader there if I could get some info on the post-op diet, she said not to worry, they would give me all kinds of stuff when I came in for my appointment. So the next day I called to make my appointment and they said they only work with some of Dr. Marvi…

do the stitches disolve, or do they have to be removed? If so, when?

Hey guys, Long time no talk. Sorry about that. I haven't been very successful with the lapband but it is definitely my fault. It has been a very rough couple of years. Needless to say I am hoping that I can get back in the saddle soon and focus more. Anyway, Have any of you experienced a lump in your throat since being banded? I can't feel it with my hands. It is more on the inside of my throat. It feels like something is stuck and I can't get it down. Very irritating. Sometimes more so than at other times. I went to the ENT DR and he said it was acid reflux. He gave me the purple pill but I haven't noticed any improvement.

Im in the process of going through all the pre-op stuff, and question myself daily. Usually, I think Im doing the right thing, but there are moments when I wonder if I can live with this decision. Im being asked to give up even more than just the food. I have been a diet dew junkie for years, and can't have that anymore. I've smoked most of my life, and they tell me I have to quit that. I know that all that isn't good for me either, but they want me to give up all of my vices at once. Seems some days that Im gonna go crazy just trying. I know it's the right thing to do, and I've got lots of support. I've kicked the diet dew for the most part, and have an appointme…

Good Morning to All, Well...I just talked with my surgeon's office. I'm scheduled for surgery July 24th! I'm very excited...and a little nervous...but I know that this endeavor...in the end...will be all worth it. Ok...time to come clean, per se. I have not been watching what I eat or exercising up to this point. I used the excuse that I did not want to give the insurance company ammunition against me (You lost 15lbs...you can do it w/o surgery) and I always saying to myself, "Once I get a date, I'll start." So...now I have a date...I'm buying a new pair of comfy shoes this weekend and getting my butt on the treadmill. I figure if I get my body used to exercise …

:smellie: Just a quick question, can you get drunk with the lap band? Being a fairly young lady who likes going out once a month for a GOOD drink with the girls, I was was just wondering if I would have to stop this?

Hi, everyone my is stacy and i was banded April 30th 2007. I just had my first fill June 6th and at first i felt pretty tight. But after about four days i felt like i did before i had the fill if not looser. I have the big vg 10cc band and the Dr. put in 3cc. So i guess my ? Is has anyone else felt like this. Was my restriction due to swelling of my stomach or what? Please someone help me becouse i am starting to get real discouraged. I am still losseing weight i just feel like i can eat anything hope this is normal. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL!!!!!!! Thanks, Stacy:help:

:help: I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME THESE DAYS, BUT FOR THE LIFE OF ME I CANNOT SLEEP. FOR THE PAST 2 TO 3 WEEKS IT HAS BEEN THE SAME THING. I GO TO BED AROUND 11:00, SOMETIMES LATER. I TOSS AND TURN ALL NIGHT LONG. I CLOSE MY EYES, I OPEN MY EYES, I LOOK AT THE CLOCK, I GET UP TO PEE, I GO BACK TO BED AND STILL NO LUCK. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING. I MEET WITH THE SURGEON ON THURSDAY, AND AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT. I AM NOT SURE IF I CAN'T SLEEP BECAUSE I AM CONSTANTLY THINKING ABOUT BEING BANDED. I ALSO HAVE TROUBLE CATCHING MY BREATH WHEN I AM IN BED. I AM SOOOO EXCITED, AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE A SURGERY DATE YET. I FEEL LIKE LATELY I AM …

If you don't want to read the whole post, skip to the end for the questions. Thanks! Does anyone have tachycardia or did you have it before your surgery? I am so frustrated. I have been on a beta blocker for tachycardia for a few years now. I have had all the tests (echo, stress, ekg, nuclear imaging) and my heart is healthy. However, my tachycardia seems to be getting worse. I went to my cardiologist a few weeks ago for cardiac clearance for surgery and my resting heart rate was 112....he put a holter monitor on me and it got up to 150 at some times over the next 24 hours. He belives some type of hormonal problem is causing this so he tested my thyriod (which th…

I had my second meeting with my dietician. I lost a total of 1.5 pounds in a month!!!!!I've exercised, changed alot of my eating habits, I'm hungry most of the time, I've given up caffeine since May 12 and I have choclate only once a week now. Granted, my portions were a bit over, I tend to go over one serving of Protein or bread- but that is alot better. We discussed what I need to do and such but ....still!:):smash: Thanks for letting me vent. I will do better on the program because ain't nothing going to get in my way from haing this surgery!!!!:amen:

How do you know for sure what type of band you have? Doesn't each band box have an id number? Somehow mine didn't have one. Am suspicious.

Good evening to all. My wife asked a question for which I did not know the answer. I know that the gall bladder can be removed during the procedure, but must it be removed? The reason I asked...my wife found info on my insurance's website that says they require gall bladder removal at the time of Lap Band surgery. What is the benefit (if any) to it's removal and is this common or required? Thank you in advance for your insights. Take care. Bud In Indy

I called today to verify the time and date of my first fill. While talking with the person who answered the phone she explained that the Dr will access my port then have me sit up and drink something while he is inserting the saline to tighten my band. She said only if he had difficulty accessing my port would I go to radiology and have it done. I asked if the Dr ever does testing to make sure the band is sitting in the right position and she replied only if he cant do the fill. I am just curious to see how others get their fills. Thanks Susan

I was banded on May 23rd. However, so much more has changed. One day prior to my surgery, my mother took ill. The day after surgery my mom entered hospice and passed on four (4) days later. Needless to say, all the planning and reading for the banding went out the window. I just returned home today and had the opportunity to review my discharge papers that I left behind. Feels like weeks or months have passed by and you could imagine the stress and emotional rollercoaster I am on now. In the midst, I mistakenly ate food, forgetting about the restrictions until something lodged in my chest. I have just returned to my home and trying to resume my regiment and through this l…

Hey all. I find that I just can't get in the loaded heavy Protein shakes. I bought IDS New whey liquid Protein. 40g of protein in just 3 oz. Think that would sustitute for the thick shake?

Well I had my sleep study last night and thought I was gonna have the all clear this morning. The first hour I stopped breathing 96 times! :faint:Now I have to get the machine and stay on it 2 weeks before my surgery which is scheduled on the 27th!! How in the world am I gonna get all of this done before then???? I will have to tell you all, I feel GREAT!!! After getting over that stupid thing over my nose and staying on my back, I woke up feeling refreshed, no aches, no headache wow!! So keep me in your prayers that I get this thru so I can keep the date. :help:I have been reading a lot of people getting things stuck!!! Is this gonna be a thing we have to deal with? I…

I'm still trying to figure out what you all mean by slipping and erosion. Please explain. I'm new and don't have a clue.

i was just reading some of the requirements from my insurance company and they will only approve the surgery if I have been on a physician assisted diet for a certain amount of time and I did not lose weight. How long does the approval process usually take? They will cover all the costs if my doctor finds the surgery medically necessary. Also, I have a question about the port site. I think that's what it is called. Isn't that where they inject the saline if you need a fill? I am still learning. How does that feel, do you get used to it? Thanks

Hey ladies, I have a slightly private matter, has any of you had your surgery when you were very close to your time of the month, or even had surgery when it was time? I am scheduling my surgery around the time I can get off from work, then I just realized that it also may be that time for me too. How would the recovery be??? Help????

I haven't been in here for a while. I received a denial from my insurance and have just been discouraged. I was denied due to only being on 1 med for hypertension and they only approve if your taking 2. Okay, I thought that was what I was trying to avoid. I feel like this is so stupid. Anyway, my Dr Office said they are still working on it but I know how insurance is and am not feeling very hopeful. It's like okay give me time to age and I'll be on more meds I'm sure then you'll approve me and what exactly is this accomplishing???? Sorry, little rant there. I'm thinking about self paying, but then what if I have complications, will I be responsible for paying for…

Oh my goodness!!!! It's almost here! I feel like I'm falling apart. I want this, but I feel like I'm a nervous wreck! My emotions are crazy--I cry over things that I usually can handle? I keep having dreams about the surgery. What is going on? Is this going to pass after I actually have the surgery on Monday or is it going to get worse? Is this just me, or does this happen to a lot of people before they get the band? It is just such a big deal! It is such a life-changing thing! What if I can't be disciplined enough to eat the way I'm supposed to? What if the after surgery pain is unbearable because I have fibromyalgia--my pain sensitivity has gone over the top since I've …

I am getting ready to start my pre-op diet soon. Anyone that would like to share- how much did you lose at first with the pre-op post op diet? Did you lose a lot being on liquids all that time? Just would like to know what to expect. Thanks!

Hi: I just received my surgery date-Aug. 2. I'm really nervous and scared. I've never had any surgery or even been in the hosp. I'm also scraed that I will have the surgery and then after not be able to stick to the diet. I obviously haven't been able to prior to this. How do I make this decision? Any suggestions? Tesma

Hello all, I am new to this forum and am in the middle of the process to get the surgery. I have felt that lapband was right for me up until recently. My main concern is that I will still eat the same foods(junk), just smaller amounts and more often. My question is for the people who have had lapband is do you find yourself still eating the junk food or has the surgery changed the way you look at food and keeps you on the right track? My second concern is long term. Have the people who have had lapband more than 5 years ago been able to keep the weight off? I am still mostly leaning towards lapband, but I have a real sweet tooth and want to make sure I do not regret…

:help:I am trying to schedule my lap band surgery around some international travel I have for work. Two questions I need help with: 1) are there any side effects from high altitude flying and lap band? 2) how long should I wait after surgery to travel for work? any insight is greatly appreciated! I want to have the surgery ASAP but am also starting a new job that has a few trips out of the country this summer.

Does anyone one know what the name of the new band coming out this month Is called? :help:

I got approval for my surgery back in March, but due to other obligations going on in my life these past few months, I had to wait and schedule it for June. Well, I found out when I went to my pre-op appointment yesterday that I have gained about 25 pounds since then , which put me over the limit for my insurance to pay. Consequently, I had to cancel my surgery until I lose the 20 pounds. I am so disappointed!! :cry I wish that they (at my dr office, who handled the insurance approval) had told me at the time that I needed to be within a certain weight range to qualify because I would have been on a strict diet until my surgery (especially since I was on the high borderl…

Hi I'm new, my surgery date is 6-21-07. I'm still unclear what life will be like in the future, like will there be lots of things I wont be able to eat anymore and what happens if you drink a beverage with your meal? So many questions and cant find all the answers.:help:

I am scheduled to have lap band surgery on June 19th. I was just wondering if anyone knows about the limitations on lifting weight after surgery. I have a 10 year old in a wheelchair. I have looked through the materials my doctor gave me and there is nothing there regarding this issue. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks:)

Hello I am new, I will be a self pay. My appointment is for June 6th. So I'm wondering how long has all the other self pay had to wait to have surgery. I know for insurance it takes some time. I am so excited and can't wait.:nervous