PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I apologize if this question has been covered before but I wasn't able to find any answers with a quick forum search. Was curious to know how long some of you banders were off work and how long your Dr wanted you off work?? Thanks!

Hey everyone, I am scheduled to be banded on June 4th. Here lately I have been doing a lot of soul searching and I am in the need of support. My thing is that I am a chronic over-eater...usually out of bordem, but sometimes depression as well. I know that the band should help me with some of that, but I will have to address those issues too if I want to be successful. I have dieted so many times in my life and have usually been successful, only to regain plus more for various reasons. (I know you all know where I am coming from.) The last few times that I dieted, I would eat well, drink 80 ounces of Water a day, and exercise only to find that in a weeks time I ha…

I just received my samples of unjury Protein. I bought one of each sample they had. Tonight I tried the vanilla... it says to mix it with milk, soy milk, coffee, or any of your favorite beverage. Well since I'm on my pre op diet I decided to mix it with Water - it wasn't great at all. As a matter of fact, it was pretty bad. I've been told that Unjury is pretty good. Does anyone know if I should have mixed it with the milk?? Any advise on protein is helpful. I get banded in just a couple of days and I'm trying to see what I like best.

Hi Everyone. My drs. office says I don't need to be precertified by my insurance - BC/BS Federal. I have met all of my prerequisites and they're ready to schedule me for surgery (YAY), but I'm worried that if it's not precertified I'll end up with a monstrous bill that the insurance won't pay. Anyone else have that happen? Thanks. Steph

Is it okay to take medications like Stacker 2's after being banded? I take these on a daily basis to give me energy and I'd hate to have to give them up.

Am scheduled for LB surgery May 29....I am 58 years old....surgeon says older people do better.....anyone out there my age who can relate or tell me how they did? Can also reply to tat1too@aol.com. Thanks for any and all advice,,Jan

Hello, I'm 34 years old and I am scheduled for surgery in 11 days. Just saying I'm nervous right now is a major understatement. I have never had any kind of surgery before and I'm concerned about anesthesia and the fact that I will be put to sleep with a tube down my throat and not have control over either one. Although I am excited to have the banding done, I am just worried about the surgery. My weight has grown to be out of control.....I am currently on the liquid diet to lose some weight before surgery, but when I was in the office for my first appointment I weighed in at 440 lbs with a BMI of 69. I know the band is just what I need, but I can't shake these feelings…

How soon after surgery did you get your first fill? I know they say 6-8 weeks, but is 6 weeks too soon? I would like to get a fill at 6 weeks if possible. I can eat ANYTHING, and I don't want to gain weight! Also, has anyone used Dr. Vitello from Downers Grove, Illinois? I'm thinking about going to him. Thanks, Donna

So I was banded on feb 23th and everything has gone fine with the recovery and eating and drinking. I have done everything they have asked me to do. I work out and eat according to the rules, but after the first 15 lbs lost I just stopped losing. After a while i went to my regular doc and had my thyroid tested and it is low. So now I am on meds for that but I have not noticed any difference. I just don't have any motivation, and it doesn't help everyone knows I had this surgery and I am continuously asked how its going because they can see I have not lost. I also have had my second fill and I have pretty good restriction so I know I am not eating too much or the wr…

Hi, I am scheduled for surgery on the 10th and i am coughing a lot, have chest pain and am stuffy and mucasy...i plan to call my doc in the morning to let him know, but i am wondering if there is anyone out there that got sick before their surgery and had to get it postponded or did they give you quick meds? Cuz i requested time off of work and have been on the pre-op diet since tuesday...i am worried that they will cancel it or something...maybe it will go away by thursday...

The doc that does the surgery in my town has done laproscopic surgery for 10 years, gastric bypass 10 years, rny with laproscopic surgery 3 year (about 150) and started lap band in December and has done 25. He has an excellent reputation as a surgeon here locally and would go to him for gall bladder surg via lap when it comes time. I would have to travel 150 miles for a more experience lap band surgeon and followup. Do you think all the experience with lap surg and lap bypass qualifies for experience with lap band. This is a very serious question. He has had no surgical complications, slippages, erosions, or infections and has been trained and certified by the band makers…

I tried to search this topic because I'm sure it's a common question. I have my first fill tommorrow (May 9) and am a bit nervous. I don't know much about fills, and I suppose I should have asked more.... But I've been so busy lately with work, travel, etc. I don't even know where my port is. How will they find it? Does it hurt? Do they jam the needle into your abdomen, or do they numb you up first? I assume there are no drugs involved and that I can drive myself home? I know they use fluoroscopy, but I don't even know how that works. Will I feel like I did right after surgery? I mean, I know I won't have the pain of five incisions. But eating-wise, I assume I will …

:sick I was banded on Monday and threw up on Tuesday night. I have had constant hicups and have been sleeping alot. Only my port incision hurts but I can't keep anything down. Water is okay but i'm not drinking the 60oz, My husband has the band on April the 9th so he is not about 3 weeks out and really didn't have any of the same problems. I am only eating watery smashed potatoes, jello, jello pudding, water, decaf tea, and broth. any suggestions??

Hello all, I've been lurking for a while, but I felt the need to post today. I was banded on 4/30 (a week ago today) and am doing quite well. The question is, up until day 5 (Saturday) I had to sip all liquids s-l-o-w-l-y or I'd feel like it was backing up. Even Water. Suddenly, on Sunday I was able to drink much faster. Today, I can practically gulp my ensure (relatively thick) without any issue. Could my band have slipped already? I'm starving all the time and nothing in my liquid diet arsenal seems to help. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated!!

:help: i am having a hard time getting my protein, everything taste so sweet and yucky any suggestions?

HI, This is my first post. I have been reading posts on here for about a month. I am scheduled for Lap Band surgery in 8 days. Most other patients I have talked to did NOT have a 10 Day clear liquid fast. It is literally SOOOO gross! I feel like I am going to puke all the time. I have the most discusting tast in my mouth no matter how many times I brush my teeth. Just hoping someone on here has done the same thing. I am only really hungry at night, and let me tell you that chicken broth does nothing to fill you up. I am having my surgery done by Dr. Srikanth in Federal Way ( WA ) Anyone gone thru this and any suggestions on how to not literally rip my hair out of my hea…

I have yet to have my surgery but plan to schedule mine for May 23rd or 25th. I have a question in regards to pre-op / post-op diet. Has anyone tried Isopure Protein drink while on the pre-op / post-op diet? If so, do you think it helped curb your appetite, hinder your ability to lose weight, etc...? My husband is a health NUT and was telling me Isopure has the MOST protein in shake form on the market today. Someone on one of the threads was using it but stated it made them gain weight. Two scoops of the chocolate flavor contains 220 calories and 50g of protein. What are others using to fullfill their protein intake? Thanks everyone!

<p>Hello:</p> <p>I am new and I just received a call yesterday </p> <p>that my Lap-Band surgery is scheduled for </p> <p> May 29, 2007. </p> <p> </p> <p>Is anyone else having surgery </p> <p>around that date that I can chat with? </p> <p>I am having it done at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital</p> <p>in Dyer, Indiana with Dr. Cahall.</p> <p>Is that familar to anyone out there?</p> <p> </p> <p>Anyone already have surgery who is just a few days out? </p> <p> </p> <p>As for everyone else, </p> <p>what is the t…

I know everyone is different but about how long before I will be able to drive over to my office and work a little? I am a realtor and can set my own pace but what are some of your experiences timing-wise?

I am 4 days post op - on clear fluids until tomorrow and I find that I am very dizzy. Every time I stand up I am lightheaded. Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi all, does anyone else out there have to wear ted hose for 6 weeks?????????????? I am getting sick and tired of these damn things...its been two weeks and I am not really sure I can take much more...and then the spirometer? Again they want me sucking on that for 6 weeks...I am walking 2 miles a day so I havent been doing that anymore I think my lungs are doing great!! Just wanted to know if anyone else were required to do these things? Deanna

I got banded 6 weeks ago and had my first fill 2 weeks ago. I must say, I'm a bit disappointed that I have no restriction and am not losing weight. Actually, I've gained back the 10 pounds I lost while preparing for surgery. Has anyone else had this experience? I can't be the only one. Thank you:cry

:Banane43: Hi everyone... I am schedule for this Weds to have surgery. I went out tonight and had my last meal (Outback which is my absolute favorite) and on the way home start having such regret.. Regret about not being able to eat the foods I love. I am having second thoughts now.. maybe I don't want to loose it bad enough but I am now wondering if this is the right thing. I don't know if I can do the 3 day liquid diet before surgery. Am I simply mourning the loss??? Knowing I will never eat this way again? Yes I know it's bad but I am suddenly having panic attacks when I think about this now. I hadn't felt that way before. Is this normal??? Need so…

Until last night the last soda I had was on 2/19/07, the day before my surgery. Well last night I went out to dinner @ Pei Wei for chinese. @ Pei Wei you have to get your own drink, so I decided to get a little bit of regular Coke. It was probably enough for 2 sips. I just wanted the taste. I started eating my food and I just felt horrible. :sick I thought it was the food and initially I thought that it was the food. I got a little Sprite (big mistake) and I thought it would settle my stomach. The feeling just intensified and it donned on me that it could be the soda. I went to Harris Teeter and got some chewable Gas-X and Pepto Bismol. It did help w/the feeling…

I just had my surgery yesterday at Manatee Memorial in Bradenton, FL at 7:15 am on May 2nd. I don't rememeber a thing, except for being moved into same day surgery. I have very little pain, some gas in the shoulders and a little bit of muscle pain, and at the port site....I feel great, and probably could have gone to work today for a few hours if I wanted too. I cant believe how well I feel. I was getting ready to say forget it at the last minute because I don't like pain or feeling "sick". I was home by 1:30 that afternoon, but probably could have been home earlier, but the nurse was waiting for a bed to put me in, she thought I was going to be admitted, but m…

The office called and left a message on my cell phone that said "Please call us regarding your insurance." Of course I was just SURE that it was going to be bad news or that they were going to tell me that I needed more tests or a letter of medical necessity (the ins. co. said i needed one and the Dr.s office said I didnt and submitted it with out the letter.) BUT to my surprise she said that my husband has wonderful insurance (glad she thinks so cause noone else seems to:)) and that I had approval and I would be receiving a letter in the next day or two. I was shocked, it only took 3 days for approval once it was finally submitted. So my official date is May 15th!!!!…

Hi everyone i finally got my band on April 30th. I got to come home May 1st with a 102 fever:sick . The Doc said it was from me being put to sleep. That my lungs just needed a little exercise. And just as he said I started walking and useing a breathing treatment and i have not had a fever higher than 99.2 since. Dr. Lin from Atlanta Ga was the greatest. Did anyone else has this problem with the fever or did any of you have diarrea after your surgery. Thank Stacy:p

Thanks for the info.

Has anyone tanned in tanning bed, after being banded? Di/Texas

I was wondering if i am supposed to be able to feel the port under my skin. I was banded on 4/30 and feel great but am getting a little worried about that. I pressed down pretty hard and don't feel anything. Thanks for your help.

Tomorrow marks my first fill. I am a little nervous but I want to make sure I follow the protocal correctly. I know you have to go to full liquids for two days after a fill but my question is PRIOR to the fill can I eat normally? Like tomorrow morning can I eat Breakfast with solid foods or should i not eat anything or should I only drink liquids? Can someone please let me know from their experience what is best. My fill appt is at 8 am so if I need to not eat anything that won't be too difficult but I don't want to make a mistake and have a problem without realizing it. Thanks!

Does anyone ever feel like their stomach is having a spasm? It feels like it is rolling....I hope my band is not trying to slip...I only have this at night when I lay down to go to sleep...it wakes me up.... Anyone else having this ????

I have been checking into lapband for 2 yrs now. I have my nut and psych appt Wednesday. Now I am wondering if RNY should be the route for me. In your opinion which is the better surgery? Help............

I am scheduled for lap band surgery on the 16th. I'm kind of envious of all the posts I read that say you guys get to go home the same day. My doctor requires a 2 night overnight stay... Who wants to stay in the hospital, when you could 'recover' at home??? I was just curious to see how many of you who had the band placed had to do an over night in the hospital (and how many of you wish you had)....?

yep-i'm a big fat smoker:eek: ! i am weaning myself off cigarettes, and am wondering what the general criteria is for smoking---how long before surgery do you have to quit? hope to hear from ya!

I have no will power. I have been eating what ever I want. And that has been going on since 8 days out of surgery tomorow is day 14. and some times I eat to much I need help.

im going to start the mushie stage on tuesday and i had a quick question. can we have a protine drink inbetween meals?

Just wondering what kind of vitamins everyone is taking?

Hi! Three weeks out now and anxious to get everything lined up. I remember reading something once about a good source for help with journaling. I seem to recall that it was an online thing that could be used online or downloaded, but can't remember anything else about it. Anyone out there have a good tool for helping with journaling. It's never been my favorite thing to do, but I'm determined to do this right and want to be prepared. Thanks! Steph

I was banded on Monday 4/30/07 so I am 4 days post op. I am really sore and have some gas pains. I had hoped to go back to work Wednesday, but NO WAY! I have now taken off until Monday--hopefully I will be feeling better by then. I have been doing the 30 minutes walking and getting the 64 oz water in but I haven't really wanted anything. I have to remind myself to eat some sf jello or a popsicle every so often. From the start of the preop diet until now, I have lost 19 pounds. I'm just glad the surgery is over and I wish I was feeling more normal.

*nt**nt*nt*nt*nt*nt*nt*nt*

sip? What is it? A mouthful? A barely anything in your mouth? I find that I am not gulping water, but I would liken it to a swig.....not a sip...a sip to me is maybe a 1/2 teaspoon...a swig is more like a tablespoon...any thoughts? I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo thirsty now after surgery...I have absolutely no problem getting in my water but I am wondering if I could be drinking too much. Can water stretch out pouch? Deanna

I would like to know if anyone has heard about addiction transfer (AT) after having weight loss surgery (WLS). I've been hearing and reading about some folks who were addicted to food prior to WLS, and now post-op, they have become addicted to other things (alcohol, drugs, shopping, smoking, sex, etc.). From what I've read, it doesn't happen to many, but it is something to think about. I'm sure this is where the psych eval would definitely come in to play to help identify those who may be at risk for this. I guess the key would be to replace the food addiction w/something positive (i.e., walking, knitting, chewing gum, etc.). Have you heard about this?

Hi! I just went to my 3 hour pre-op class today and the nurse told me that I have to have another blood test because my iron levels are low. She said that I am anemic and that you have to be at a 10 or above to have surgery and I am at 11. Does anyone have any idea what the number actually means and how likely it would be that my levels would drop by 2 in a matter of about 2 weeks? My surgery is scheduled for May 15th so I dont have much time to take iron supplements and let them start working and take ANOTHER test so I'm just hoping that the likelihood of dropping by 2 is UNlikely! If anyone has any ideas or thoughts about this I'd love to hear them. I'm really ner…

Are there any men here who were over 400 lbs before your surgery? Before your surgery, were you always hungry? What was your highest weight? Are you still hungry now that your banded? How much weight did you have to loose to have the surgery? My problem is I dont like the taste of most healthy stuff like salads. Lettuce tastes like grass to me. I cant stand that taste. I dont mind healthy cerials or yogurts, but how much how do you make 3 meals a day - 7 days a week out of that! Right now I am trying to cut back. I was on the fast track to getting banded with Anthem Insurance, when my company switched to Cigna (yuck!) I lost all my efforts and now I need to start at…

I was banded yesterday, 04/30. Prior to leaving for the hospital I weighed myself. I got out of the hospital this afternoon, came home and stepped on the scale. I am 10lbs heavier??????????? How can that be? I havent had even any liquids to speak of in that time. The only thing I can think is the I.V. solution they had hooked to me. Anyone else had this happen?

Okay stupid question here...but one that has been on my mind. Does the first swallow after you have the band hurt? I dont mean the soreness after having the breathing tube but when it goes through the opening to the stomach. Gosh I hope that makes sense. Can anyone answer this question for me? Thanks

I was banded on 4-4-07 and when i weighed in for my 2 week post op i had lost 13.5 lbs and was super excited !!! Since ive gone on soft foods i find myself eating "normal" things that i would before the surgery, just chewing a little more. I recently used a doctor office scale at my university to see my progess and it showed i had gained back 3 of those pounds. I have not had my first fill yet and attribute some of my ability to continue to eat regularly to that, but ive also began to excercise again walking/running 3 miles at least 4x's a week. In my mind scientifically there should be no reason for weight gain. Its really discouraging to me to see these kinds of results…

I has surgery yeaterday at 7:30 am, was home by 1pm the same day and am feeling great, I have been eating chicken broth, yougurt, FF pudding and popsicles for the sore throat. gas pains are very minimal, I have had no porblems eating and have not felt nausiated! Im starting to wonder if there really is a band in there! I am craving p-nut butter any one have a reason as to why a spoonful of plain smooth p-nut butter would be bad?:help:

Okay, so need a little insight here. I had my initial consultation for surgery last month. I did my psych eval, nutrition eval, blood work, and saw my pcp. I go back May 11th, will I get a date then? Do you think his office has already requested approval from insurance? I know I probably seem impatient but the end of the fiscal year is coming up and we are really busy at work from June to August and I would love it if I could have my surgery and be back to work by the time the rush starts. What do you think? Any chance of that?