PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Check this out... My friend sent this to me and is very interesting, just thought I'd share! http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/tectec.html Now, if you're not squeamish, here is a video of the actual surgery http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...080&q=lap+band I think we need to share any info. so we are all well informed.

I am scheduled 4/13 and am on the liquid diet now. I know that after the surgery I will be on liquids. Are you just as hungry afterward as you are on the pre-op liquid? I sure hope not.:hungry:

My band date is set for 04/12 and I have to admit i'm getting a little worried about it. The surgery itself isn't what's bothering me but the two week full liquid diet following the surgery is what has me scared. To be honest i'm doubting myself I can do a liquid diet for TWO weeks considering how hard it's been just on the pre-op diet itself. :phanvan I was reading my doc's website and it said blenderized Soups wouldn't be allowed until liquid/mushy stage so I guess that rules out that possibility. I've read on here from some of you guys that you haven't really wanted to eat to Protein shakes help with the hunger to down right starvation. Don't get me wrong, I…

I am feeling very uncomfortable. I started on mushy foods last week. Its all been fine but I haven't felt too full and I haven't PB'ed or anything but I have started to notice that EvERY time I eat something not liquid I feel like there is something caught in the back of my throat. It feels like its stuck by that thing that hangs down but there is nothing there. I chew everything very thoroughly and i don't feel like I have to burp or throw up. I don't even have heartburn so what could this be!?? Its really just a nusance and uncomfortable but it won't go away for a few hours each time. What is going on???

Once you get to the mushie stage is it normal for the weight to start creeping back up?? I'm still on protein shakes, mashed potato, etc. and I've gained back 3 lbs in a week. I'm getting nervous!! I don't want to gain all the weight I've already lost. Do I need to start adding in exercise now to keep it down?

Okay, I have not been able to find an appropriate definition of either of these. Can you tell me what it is and how it happens and how you would know if it happens? Thank you.

Hi bandsters - this may be a stupid question but I've been experiencing a pinched nerve kind of pain in my upper right back and radiating to my right arm causing slight weakness in my hand for the past two weeks unrelieved by massage or chiropractic. I've been banded since January with two fills and all is going well. Has anyone ever heard of any complication of this type with banding? This is way out in left field but before I spend more money in doctor bills or blame it all on my "mouse technique" , I thought I would get some opinions from "those in the know". It's really irritating and I know sometimes pain is referred from problems elsewhere. Thanks for your sugg…

Hi Everyone, I was just wondering if anyone has a letter that I could share with my PCP to say that I am ok for surgery. It seems like what ever I tell them. He just doesn't understand. So I was looking to see if I could find a post where someone shared their letter. But have had no luck. TIA, Rosanna

Does anyone know if I can have popcorn once I'm banded?? It's my new snack and if I have to give it up... I'm going to start on it now.

Hi. I am 3 days post-op and in the clear liquid stage. I am having a difficult time interpreting the signals (gurgles and pangs) my stomach is sending me. For starters, I can't really tell if I'm hungry. This is a good thing since I was always hungry before. My real concern is that I also can't tell when I am full. I am trying try to drink my liquids at regular intervals, but can all this liquid stretch my pouch? (I limit my liquid intake to 1/2 cup at a time and I sip it for what seems an eternity.) Any ideas?

Hi All Can a nurse or someone who has worked in an operating room please tell me if I'm going to be lying on the op table naked during the surgery?? I'm soon to be banded and have never had an operation and I'm freakin' out about this! Are the theatre gown and undies removed during all operations? I just dread the thought of all my wobbly bits lying there for all to see!! Thanks! Emily

One big reason I got so big was because I hated to cook just for myself after cooking for someone for 30 years. I would find myself just grabbing something to eat for supper or whenever I was hungry. I was wondering about frozen dinners. I was at Wally world today and was checking them out with about 220 calories and 15 to 20 grams of protein. Are these acceptable? I realize I should be making things from scratch but use no time as an excuse. I figure those are better for me than ordering a pizza and eating at least half of it.

Is it normal to feel a little tight in the chest after surgery? It's not bad, just like a dull little ache. It's not when I breathe or anything. I'm still on the clear liquid stage, so I "think" it's too soon to feel restriction. I did take my Wellbutrin SR tablet this morning, it is maybe 1/4 inch across. I'm just hoping I didn't get it stuck or something. Any ideas? Thanks, Donna

Just curious....I have not been banded yet....I only have a few things left before I get my surgery date...looks like this is really going to happen. I wasn't sure there for a while. I think that people who over eat obviously have food addiction issues. I am wondering if people have experienced trading or passing off of addictions after the Lap Band.....example.....more indulging in alchohol or sexual activity, etc. I know this is kind of a personal question but it has been an issue I have been wondering about. We are addicts....many of us....not all of us.....what do we do with our addictions once we can't eat??

Mon. 4/9 is my big day! I'm not nervous at all..hmm...why am I not nervous..lol.. Probably too much to do. Thank goodness for this board..you guys have really inspired me and gave me the the encouragement to move ahead on this journey!! Thanks again and will see you at the other end of band land.

had surgery on 4/2 My surgery journey: Sunday: I had to do clear liquids. I sure missed my coffee. I slept fine, and thought that my nerves had vanished. Monday: got up at 4:30 to wash again with the antibacterial that they gave me at my pre-op. I missed my coffee. Left the house at 5. Checked in, asked for my valium. The girl at the desk said to ask the nurse and she brought me to my bed/curtained room. I was given a Johnny…looked at my husband and said that I wasn’t sure I could do it. He told me I didn’t have to if I didn’t want to. I told him I wanted to, but I was afraid. My valium came right as they were bringing me to surgery. Allot of help that was. LOL Before I w…

:help: I had my surgery 4 days ago and things seem to be going great, but I have been getting nauseated in the evenings. I have been strictly on liquids and I have a feeling that it could be my pain meds. I called my doc and he gave me suppositories (sp) and that has been a true joy! lol. My main concern is if when I am wretching with nothing coming up if my band is going to slip. I am so scared! Anyone who can respond who has been thru similar thing would be greatly appreciated! Any tips to prevent the nausea would be welcomed as well! Thanks so much!! Jennifer

hi, i am pre-op, saw the nutritionist and have gained weight instead of losing before the surgery. i dont seem to have the ambition to diet again, please help

I am 13 days post-op and have had bad bruising. At my post-op doctor's appt. Thrusday, they said every thing was excellent. Zero problems ... the bruising would go away. Then, yesterday while teaching water aerobics pool side - cause I am following every instruction and decided to wait 4 weeks to get in a pool ... as instructed ... blood started squirtting from my port site ... picture a water fountain ... not pretty ... running down my legs. Anyway, I went to the ER, where they said it was a hematoma (bruise) draining ... not a problem ... yeah right, they don't have to face my water aerobics class next week. I called my surgeon who agreed ... that the old blo…

Well, not applicable to all newbies, just those susceptible to weeping at sentimental moments in movies, which I did tonight, 19 days post surgery (?) on 3/20. Our satellite showed "The Lakehouse" for the first time and I settled in to enjoy it on TIVO, while my husband watched another TV (he's a channel flipper). Get to the part where she's waiting all alone in the restaurant, Keanu Reeves doesn't show up, I KNOW he was the one killed by the bus, I start sobbing and my band started squeezing! In a place I never felt pain before (i.e. not my port site)! Yikes! Luckily, Hubby came in and did what usually lands him in the doghouse, tells me the ending and so I am able …

HI Folks, I am 17 days post op and really feel great....however, my right kidney is sore and tender. My urine color is still light yellow so I dont think I am in ketosis or dehydrated? I do not think it is a gas pain because it is not going away. Did any of you have one kidney only be painful or tender?

Hello! This is my first post. I am pre-op - had all my tests done and now waiting for the surgeon to scedule my surgery. I was not scoped yet - does everyone get scoped before surgery??? Also, what does PB stand for???

Hi All, I was reading a thread about some peoples pre op diet just being liquid. I have a two week pre op diet consisting of 9-11 oz of protein ( they tell you which protein..very very low fat), two servings of fruit and at least two servings of veggies a day! I started that yesterday and I thought I was gonna die by about three oclock!!! :faint: After I got through the mid afternoon phase I was doing okay. Hope today is ok...11 oz of protein...I wonder if I will waste away before surgery..LOL:biggrin1: I must admit though, it felt nice going to bed NOT stuffed.:hungry:

I have a huge problem. I for some strange reason, can't eat with out having something to drink. I have tryed it but for some reason it freaks me out. I always drink when I eat. Does anyone else have this problem? If so how do I get over it and learn to eat with out having something to drink? Any help would be wonderful. Thank you!

So this a.m. my teeny tiny HBP pill got stuck,:cry have been feeling it most of the day in my esophagus. Have been drinking h20 all day, had some cottage cheese for lunch, it still feels like its stuck. All of a sudden I've been getting these small "snot-like" balls of stuff coming up my throat, I have to hack them up to spit them out. Is this sliming? Sorry I'm being so gross

was banded on 3/29...i think i am paranoid, but its easier to drink now...im still on full liquids, but i can tolerate a lot more at a time...is this a sign of trouble or is this supposed to happen..i think its normal b.c its only supposed to restrict solids right??? i am terrified that it slipped, hehehee and i am having some major head hunger issues..i have to do a while 3 weeks of full liquids..not even soup, just broth...i am having a hard time here...anyone else had to do 3 weeks????:help: :think

Hello everyone... I have a question about pb'ing. From what I have read it is when your food doesn't go down and it gets stuck. Some people mention they foam at the mouth and there is slime? Someone please explain to me what exactly happens.

I ws banded on March 12 and since then I always seem to burp after I eat. Does this mean I am eating too much or is it normal? I am sticking with my doc's recommendation but it is kind of hard to eyeball 3/4 cup a food sometimes.

I am 11 days post-op and having zero problems (and have lost 9 happy pounds!). At my post op visit yesterday, the nurse practicitioner said she'd wait 4 weeks after surgery to get pack in the pool. I teach water aerobics at the local Y. Eeek. I called another surgeon this am., and he said I could hit the pool now. At least one, maybe more, people have attended my class one week post laproscopic lapband surgery. What do ya'll think?

I went for my psyc evaluation and three hour lap band class and saw the surgeon today and surgery is set for 4/19. It seems like I was just at the free seminar yesterday, but it was really 3/10. Today I made out a check to the surgeon for 3,725.00:faint: and I start my two week liver shrinking diet tomorrow. SO ALOT FOR ONE DAY!! I am feeling strange now about all of this, I think it is just that is moved so FAST today that I am not fully adjusted yet that this is becoming a reality. So, tomorrow I have to go shopping and get all the protein items and veggies to eat for the next two weeks. BTW, my last supper was pizza and you know what, I didn't even feel like eati…

Hello everyone out here that is having the lap band done, has had it done and is thinking about having it done. I have a question in regards to the testing. I am schedule to have my surgery on April 30, 2007. I faxed my paperwork to my insurance on Feb 1, 2007 and am approved and ready. I was told that I would have to get blood work done, urine anaylisis, and a chest x-ray?? What in the world is all this for???? Why is a chest xray needed if they are banding your stomach and what all are they looking for in more blood work if you have already gotten your chlolestoral and thyroid checked at your own private dr. Could anyone tell me specifics of these test? thanks :omg:

Well, I had the band put in on Friday.. Made it through the weekend. I'm lucky that monday's are my short days, I teach until 10. I made it to work this morning by 7:30.. just drank hot tea. Didn't want to be farting in front of my students. The driving took a bit out of me. I need to keep a pillow in the car between me and the seatbelt. and Potholes suck. Aside from that I made it through 2 hours of class. I'm winded, and tired, but more from the driving to and from, than work itself. Not really in any pain, more discomfort than anything else. I slept great last night, only woke up once to pee and shift positions. Almost able to sleep on my side. Can…

Hello! Well I finally got banded yesterday. I have just been released from hospital today. Too be honest, I am hurting pretty bad. I know it will pass over the next few days, but for the moment, it's pretty intense. The Dr has given me 1000g of Paracetamol to take every 5 hours. I was just wondering if there are any other pain killers I can safely take alongside the Paracetamol to give it a boost? Dave

Hello all, I am having my surgery April 19th and was wondering how long it takes to recover. Was there much pain after the first two days???? I am suppossed to work two days after my surgery and am getting a little nervous about it. Any suggestions? Meredith

My surgery date is 3/29. I am planning on returning to work 4/2. I sit at a desk all day so I do not have any lifting or moving around. Is that a realistic return to work date or should I take a week of vacation? I would like to know soon any of you were back to work please. Thank you.

I am again frustrated today. I went to follow-up with the pulminary Dr to go over my test. Said they all looked good. Asked me if I snored, I said no. Asked me if I wake up gasping, I said no. Asked if I had heartburn often at night, I said no. But when I go to leave she tells me she wants me to do a sleep study. Like I need one more thing to do. Anyone else had this happen? I am suppose to have surgery April 26th and now I'm worried this will mess things up!

Follow the link below, I found it a Great Outline to follow. :clap2: http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/nutrition.html Rocko~`

Hi, I was banded on March 5 2007. On about week three I was eating about anything. I chewed it really really well and long. I am to the point I can eat anything.. I have not had a fill yet. I have no trouble with anything not going down etc. Is this ok?? Am I gonna hurt my band by eating. I am surpose to only have 900 calories a day right now. If i could only eat that much I wouldn't of needed the band in the first place..lol thanks for any input you have. I called and my doc is out of town until next week.

I am in the process of approval. Is it true you can't eat carbs after the surgery or is it just for a period of time after surgery? I was just curious!

I have been over weight most of my life, and I have been thinking about my options lately...I have lots of questions and I live about 4 hours from the tbnc I would love to go for a consultation, but I still don't know if this is what I should be doing. I am also concerned about cost...nothing I have been reading talks about the cost, does OHIP cover any costs, I don't want to get my hopes up to only realize that I can't afford this....

Hi: I'm going in for my band tomorrow at 5:30 am! Wish me luck. I've been through all the tests (7 or 8 of them) and it took a long time but now I'm here and it seemed to sneak up on me anyway. I'm scheduled to stay one night at the hospital, which I am happy about. I've only told two people about what I am doing so I thought that I would announce it here. I've lurked on this board for a while, so now that I'm going in tomorrow, I thought that I would register and connect with some of the nice people here. Oh well. We'll talk to you all soon. Cred

I was banded 5 days ago. I am having terrible heartburn and chest pains. Is this normal? Does it go away?

i am due to be on it for 3 weeks!!! i was banded on 3/29 and dont go for my first post op till april 18...isnt this a little long? should i call and ask doc...plus i didnt get the ok for any soups..only broth or pudding/yogurt:confused:

I had my first baked potato today without the skin. I mushed it up and put some margerine on it. Soon after I had diarrhea. Did anyone have this problem graduating to mushies from liquids?

I just haven't been able to do it. I was told to eat finely pureed food right out of the hospital. (My doctor's office does things a bit differently.) I haven't gotten past liquids - shakes, puddings, jellos, soups. I feel like I will never get out of this stage and I really dont' want to. Pureed meat and cottage cheese, etc., just sounds so bad. I'd rather eat air! Has anyone else experienced this?

i have terrible gas i had my surgery 3 days ago but this gas is horrible it feels like a heart attack anyone else have this problem and any pointers for relief?

Under what circumstances should one have a removal? I have been having this terrible back pain, chest pain and rib pain since Thursday. Not to mention the shoulder and incision area pain. Are these normal? I am wondering if I should have it removed. Is my body rejecting it? At this point, I regret ever having done it and I would never advise anyone to do it. Are these feelings normal too?

I'm having some interesting pains on both of my sides. It's normally if I've been standing for too long. I get sharp pains on both my left and right side. Could it be muscles that are healing?

I already attended my seminar, already had my pulmonary consult done and sleep study done, now for my initial appointment with him. What should I expect? How long before I find out my surgery date? I am self-pay so I don't have to wait for insurance approval! I have so many questions running through my head, I hope I don't forget them! What are the most important things to find out? TIA Amy

I am not banded yet....April 19th will be my 6 of 6 visits to supervised weight loss Dr. (AIGB in Richardson):clap2: . I keep reading about PB and PBing. Exactly what is PB and PBing and what causes it?