PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, I got my band 2 days ago. I actually felt better yesterday than I do today. I cant believe how much pain I am in. Can anyone tell me when it starts to let up? My Dr. isnt pushing pain meds, he says try NOT to take them. I feel like I wish I hadnt done this to myself...........Hope I feel different in a few days. Did anyone have really really loud rumblings in their intestines after surgery? It is so loud it is disturbing.... OWWWW, Janette :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

I have a HBP, Liptor and Cybalta (for fibramyalgia) to take. Just crushed them and put them in yougurt which is awful. Took two swallows and into the garbage it went. Was just banded yesterday. Help!:help:

I went to an educational seminar last wk and have an apt tomorrow with Doc. My insurance will not pay - so I guess I guess I will be self pay. My hubby is going with me. I've been looking into this for the last few months. I'm not sure even what questions to ask. I want to have it done NOW....I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR MONTHS! This is the first time I have looked at this chat. I'd be happy to receive any pearls from you all who have been there. CJ

This just occured to me after reading other posts, but how will I know if the actual band that is getting placed into me is actually an Inamed Lap band??????? And what about an experation date???? I read that someone who went to Mexico actually received the box it came in after the surgery. Has anyone that has been banded in the US got a box with theirs? Also, someone else was talking about 2 Lap Bands being auctioned on e-bay. That has me asking questions. Maybe I'm doing too much research, but just trying to cover all my bases. It's a big deal, and I don't want to make light of it. I need to grasp all the information I can in the next 2 months. Thanks, Lyne…

Just one more day to I join the rannks of the banded! I have been very nervous but for some reason feel calm this morning and ready to go. ONE MORE DAY!:clap2:

The last few days everytime I eat my back hurts. This AM for example, I took a small bite of sausage, (which I've eatin several times before) chewed well and by the time I took a second bite my back hurt, like right at my spine in the middle of my shoulders. I felt like I was going to puke but didn't . I figured it was stuck so I took some papaya enzyme. I've not had my first fill yet. I've heard that stress can make you more restricted, but even when your not filled yet? My life has been very stressful the last week or so. I'm even stressing more on this because now I wonder if this is what people mean when they have a band slip? I always thought that if it was a slip, y…

I need some advice. My doctor doesn't require a pre-op diet, only Clear liquids the day before surgery. I was kinda hoping to jump start my weightloss so I was thinking of starting my own pre-op diet, but I am not sure what to do. I thought about doing just Atkins so I can still actually eat, or just doing Protein shakes for a week before surgery. Did any of you out there not have a pre-op diet and start your own? What would you do? Thanks!

Where I got my band they have a whols staff set up that you meet and talk with like a dietitian, exercise physiologist, the RN who does your fill. The week after your surgery you go back and have your first breakfast with them!! I think that is soo cool...what a way to start into your liquied stage but than with all of your support people!! I cant wait!!Deanna

That's my magic date....by hook or crook...(insurance or no). They've sent in my insurance but I KNOW I will be declined. Guaranteed (cuz I haven't been on the prescribed number of months on a program). I'm gonna do it either way. Scheduled for May 23....hoping I'll be fit for work the following Tuesday after Memorial day. That gives me surgery plus 5 days.

So, I'm one week out from surgery. Had a pain in my lower left side for two days, was hoping I'd pulled a muscle gardening. Went ahead to went to my regular doctor and I have a UTI. Doc also ordered a cat scan and found that I have mesenteric inflammation of the abdominal wall. I no longer know if I'm going to be able to have surgery next Monday. Doc put me on Levequin for 7 days and faxed my CT results to my surgeon. I've left two messages at the surgeon's office today, but no call back yet. I can even explain how I feel right now... hopeless?

well i am home and feeling kind of funny, not really hungry and the Protein and sf pops taste sooooooooo sweet yuck. but feeling pretty good, back hurts a little and pretty tired, but feeling good. Lost_secret

A while back I read on here about someone purchasing one cup sized containers w/ lids. I can't remember the name of the store (online I think), but I seem to recall it being a type of cooking utensil place. I've searched the forums, but I'm getting too many hits. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanks!

Today was my first day postop for mushies. I reluctantly decided on a small piece of fish and mashed potatoes. I wasn't even sure I wanted to eat. Now....ouch! I feel like I ate a plate full of rocks. Is this normal? What is a typical mushie meal? Is it the same portion amounts once the band is filled? I have felt great...lost about 15 pounds during the first 2 weeks. The liquids were surprisingly easy. Did I eat too fast? Were my bites too big? Does that matter at this point? Is there restriction even now...because it sure seems that way. Rocks...that's all I can feel. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice! julie

I was banded on 4/23 by Dr. Ortiz and have spoken to him once since. I have some concerns about pain in the port site. It looks a little red and slightly open with a little moistness in the incision. Dr. Ortiz said to use a heating pad on it which I've been doing since we spoke on Friday. But, I'm getting a stabbing pain in that area everytime I bend over or roll over in bed. Anyone else have this and did it go away soon after surgery? I actually feel worse today than I have since the surgery. Don't have a fever though. Also, I have a weird rash on my abdomen, chest and arms. Ortiz said it's probably from the iodine they use before surgery. Anyone else experience t…

Well...the time has come and now I'm getting scared. I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 11:30 am for my 1:30 pm surgery. I can't believe that it's here...on one hand I'm excited (Optifast for the past two weeks has been horrible), and on the other hand I'm terrified. Lots of emotions going through me right now. What have I done to myself to make me get to this point? Why do I need a band around my stomach so I can lose weight...why can't I do it myself? Will I be able to do it with the band? Hopefully after all of this is done and I'm working with the band I'll feel better about all of this. Did you guys feel this way too? Any advice for me? You guys are a…

I had my lap band surgery on March 29, 2007. On April 27, 2007, I had my first adjustment. The problem is I still feel hungry. My ability to eat bread has significantly decreased but its every thing else that is posing a problem for me! I'm thinking I need another adjustment...am I right???:help:

Eeeks... I'm so much more excited than I thought I would be... I am anticipating this SOO much... My doc just told me she submitted my case to the insurance company... and if I get approved, my date would be May 16th... However, she did mention that I shouldn't completely count on it, because they often get rejections on the first submission... but almost ALWAYS get approved the second time. YAY!!! :clap2: :clap2:

I found out Friday that my surgery would be on tomorrow(4/29) instead of 5/3. I am very excited but am still a little nervous. I gueass I really haven't had time for it to sink in because it has just been two weeks since it was submitted to my insurance. It was submitted on Fri-4/13 and I was approved on Mon 4/17 and the rest is history. Any last words of advice??:help: I have to be at the hospital at 7:00 in the morning.

Hey all, I have posted before about drinking the Muscle Milk Protein shakes as part of my pre-op diet. Well, I had to get some more at costco today and was thinking that it is kinda high calorie and expensive in the long run. I saw a bag of EAS Protein powder that I have read about people drinking and is lower in calories, higher in protein, etc. My question is if anyone is drinking this, if they like it, and what is the best way to mix it? With milk or Water? I am hoping I didn't buy the 6lb bag for $25.99 for nothing...lol Thanks for any suggestions. Judy

I had my surgery last friday and haven't had any pain and now my left shoulder is killing me. Any advice?

I am still on the medically supervised diet, and it's going pretty good. At my last appt, the nutritionist said to make each meal last half an hour or so. Not a problem, I can do that. And I know that's how I will be eating after the band. Also, to make sure I eat 2 protien snacks a day. Also not a problem. I have been trying to eat those snacks in about 15 min. The tough part of the whole thing is getting enough water. If I can't drink half hour before, during, and half hour after eating, that is taking up a large part of my day. How much water are you supossed to be drinking, and if you are only sipping with the band, how do you get all that water in???? It seems lik…

Hi everyone, I was banded 16 days ago, ive started now a thicker liquids diet, blended meat, chicken etc. I´m eating about 1 1/2 cup of blended food and im not feeling quite full, I know the job of the band is mainly about solid food, I´ll appreciate if anyone could tell me how much are you eating and if you feel full, Thanks,

Hi all, Just got my husband and my surgery dates. June 11th. Scary and exciting all at the same time.:clap2: :omg: :clap2: My question is-I don't know where to get Protein drink mix or the ready to drink ones. Can anyone help? Any other info about what to drink on the liquid stage would be helpful. Thanks, Jackie

I am just wondering how much weight you lost before your surgery? I have to see a doctor for a year prior to the surgery being approved by insurance. I was told that they want me to lose some weight to "show" I can lose weight. I have gone down ten pounds and then up six and then stayed the same. I don't want to lose too little or too much ya know. Because if I lose too much I won't qualify. I am at 300 and can't lose too much for my BMI to fall below the required BMI. How much did you lose while waiting to get approved by insurance? Help, Cheri:eek:

I'm going through the pre-op testing in preparation for banding May 10. Today I had a chemical stress test. The cardiologist said the EKG portion looked great, and they would call with the results of the pictures. He warned me that in obese patients there are frequently "false positive" results. Sure enough, I got a call mid-afternoon by the doctor reading the tests who said there was a possibility of a small blockage, and that they only way to determine for sure if there is a blockage or if it is a false positive is to perform a cardiac catheterization. Has this happened to anyone else in band land? I've researched the cardiac cath and it sounds like it's major tes…

Ok, Im sure Ive read threads on this same subject but I am just at my witts end. So, Ive gone through the process and the testing and my next step will be with the surgeon. However, I cant loose 10 pounds. I mean, I can, I just dont apply myself. Please, words of wisdom. I know I can, I just dont.

It felt like this time would never come! I am so excited an can hardly wait. I have been on a preop diet of yogurt and cottage cheese for 1 1/2 weeks already and I am so sick of the stuff, I almost prefer not to eat at all! This forum has been so great in helping me decide and prepare for this life changing moment. I look forward to the time when I am on the other side and I can give the same type of support and encouragement that I have received.

Hi everyone I am being banded tommorrow and as expected I am very nervous, just packed my bag, can anyone tell me if I should expect a lot of pain, and does anyone know how long the op takes generally, I have been reading posts on this site for a while and you have all been really positive which has helped me stick to my:clap2: pre op diet!!!!

Hey, Just wondering what effect the anesthesia had on people after the surgery? I've never had it and just wondering about side effects, or anything else I should know! Thanks :girl_hug:

Hi All, I am so frustrated at this point. I was banded on 3/14/07 and have only lost 15Lbs during the clear liquid stage and nothing more. I tryed doing a shake in the morning and small meals twice a day, no success I was starving in between within a few hours. I can now eat almost as much as before the band. I have NOT had a fill yet but plenty of port problems with the muscle it's attached to. Does this really change your hunger level once you get a fill or two? because I'm feeling pretty low that I am going to fail at this like all the other diets I've tryed. Sorry to be down, I really want to be a success but I'm still hungery and I thought it would be much less than …

Hi, I have my consultation appt. with the surgeon on May 15th to go over the procedure and I am sure for him to "check" me out and see if I am a good candidate. I am starting to put together a list of questions that I would like to ask him. I am sure that there are questions out there that I am not thinking of. I am asking you for your thoughts/ideas/suggestions of some of the things I should ask. What are the type of things you asked or was there something you didn't ask but thought of later??? I would appreciate any help. Thanks to all of you, DeV

I am a little ambivalent about the surgery. I was okay when I went through all the testing and classes for 8 months, but now it is down to the wire. I am nervous that I will have complications and have to have it taken out, or not be able to have the will power to follow the prescribed diet. I have tried so many other things and npot very successful at it. Is there anyone else out there that had it done and felt the way I do or is close to having it done like me? Someone respond and let me know I am okay. Thank you.

When you were off of work for surgery / recovery did you have to take vacation time or were you able to use sick time?

Hi, I'm wondering how much people lost on their pre-op diets. I am on the two week optifast diet but I am really struggling and I'm embarrassed to say I cheated quite a bit over easter! I just couldn't seem to get control over myself. Now I feel really guilty and I'm worried I won't have lost enough and my liver won't have shrunk for my op.

I have been looking into the lap band for a long time and see lots of peoples personal stories early on in their journey, then they kind of wean themselves from their support groups to sit back and watch the rest of us going through this journey. Does anyone know of any studies or web sites that discuss the long term success of people with the lap band? I understand it will only work as well as the person sticks to their routine. My doctors office said to expect to be off work for 1 to 2 weeks. Is it insane to think I could have the surgery late in the week and go back to a desk job on Monday if only for a half day if thats all I can take? We dont get sick time at my jo…

I am having surgery on May 2nd and since I have started this diet, I have been totally hungry and craving things I don't even really like! I am not that big of an eater, breakfast is coffee about 5 cups lunch consisted of a couple cans of pop and chips, and dinner was any fast food rest. on the way home from work. But now that I know I can't eat I want breakfast like eggs and bacon and salad for lunch, I want to cook dinner. I know all of this is in my mind but please tell me I am not alone... did anyone else go through this?

Has anyone been able to just take their meds with water - without crushing or cutting - after surgery?

I have read on a couple of the post about a bullet machine that purees food?!? Can anyone tell me what it is and where I can get one. I want to be ready. Thanks Lost Secret

its all over. i had my surgery and im surprised how good i feel. im sore but i feel great. but im a little scared. what do i do now? can anyone give me some tips.:phanvan

:help: I have been (small burps) burping non stop for about 3 days and now my throat is feeling a litle tight. Is there anything I can do????????

i was banded on 4/17/07, and have been trying to get my protien in everyday. whenever i take anything with whey in it, i get sick.. and it hurts! i was really worried because i had only managed maybe 70-80 grams in the past week since my banding. does anyone else have this problem? whey wasnt working so i tried soy, and i havent had to much of an issue with it.. whats the difference between the two? o and im not lactose intolerant so thats not it, i actually mix my soy with milk to make my shakes now.. o and i never had a problem with whey before i got my band...:phanvan oiy.. im getting so tired of this.. any advice is appreciated sorry for the choppiness and…

Hey Y'all Quick question here. In my lap band "bible" it lists the things you should not eat. How ever it doesn't tell you why. On the list is nuts. Well I've been eating peanuts like crazy. I find them to be a great little snack and they really fill you up. Does anyone know why? Also on the list is oranges, grapes. I haven't tried those but, would like to eat an orange again. So if any one's eaten these and been OK or might have any idea why they are considered a no-no food please let me know.

ok, soooo going to get banded on May 10th and am wondering how soon after I would be able to ride the horses?? I own and operate a boarding/training stable in Maine. Here is the thing, I have some students signed up to help feed/muck/and groom horses the day and weekend of surgery, but I really need to keep riding and being out there, I was out with the animals three days after Ccestion, with supervision... I don't think that I would want to take a long hard ride, but these animals are my therapy!

Well I have less than 24 hours til surgery. I am excited, can't wait to start losing weight and being healthier. I have been faithful on my pre-op diet so I am curious as to how much I lost this week. I am looking at this last week as a running start . Any and all suggestions and helpful tips for my post op first few days would be great. I am on Clear liquids until I am home from the hospital and then on liquids for 3 weeks, which means foods thinned down enough so it slides off of a spoon. Wish me luck Lost_Secret:clap2:

I read in the paper work from my Dr. that some people have hair loss after surgery. Has anyone had a problem with this? My hair is already thin and I am worried about losing hair. I plan to make sure I still get in plenty of protien but is that all I need to do

I know you are not to eat and drink at the same time while you have the band, but I am curious, if one is having a PB, and you have the "stuck" feeling, wouldnt it make sense to take a very small sip of water to help the "stuck" item go down? Can someone clarify this for me?

Has anyone had an MRI after being banded? I am scheduled for one today. I read the specs on the band and it has stainless steel in it. I'll let them know when I get there, but was wondering if anyone had had an MRI with one.

Hi - just wondering what determines the size of band that the surgeon uses on each person? I see threads saying "I have a 4cc band" What does that mean? :phanvan Can your band be too big or small?

Hi all... I'm a newbie here and I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post my question, but here goes! I'm just in the very beginning stages of talking to my Dr. about having the Lap Band procedure and so far things are looking up. I've been admitted into the Bariatric surgery program and if all goes well, I'm hoping that I'll have approval for surgery! yay! Anyway, my question is... I know I'll have to go in for a psych consultation, and I'm wondering what to expect with that? Is there anything I could say that would "red flag" the Dr.'s into denying the procedure for me? I'm not overly worried about it, just suffer from the same low self-esteem issues that …

Hi everyone! I was banded on 4/2/07. I have felt pretty great since then. I had an "unusual" surgery, since my stomach had a funny shape. Thus, I got my first fill during surgery (1 cc in a 4cc band). But now I can eat a decent amount and feel pretty good. Only had a few things stick in my throat, but nothing has come back up. What I do have a problem with, is that I "feel" the band. Of course, I can feel it when I eat, but I also notice it first thing in the morning. It almost feels tight and causes a little bit of tightness in my breath. But the real problem comes when I hiccup (which unfortunately is fairly often). When I hiccup, I feel the band <move, sq…