PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

am still preop and increasingly confused about how many band sizes/makers there are? my surgeon uses the INAMED band but won't eleborate on which band he will use in me, told me he won't know which size band I will require until he's "in there". Is this normal???? do I have a choice in the band size and what is the latest greatest info. on the subject, anyone know? is bigger really better??? help ? thanks.

When I get onto the mushie stage, what foods are considered mushie???

Has anyone had the banding and gallbladder removal at same surgery? Did it make recoupe time longer?:help:

Hi everybody, I am only 9 days post op and my scale says that I have already lost 12 pounds since I got home from the hospital, but I when I put my clothes on, it feels as though I am actually fatter then before I went for surgery! MY STOMACH IS HUGE! Could this be gas still? Also, my stomach has felt so sour/upset since last night and it won't go away, any suggestions on mushy foods that may settle it? I've been eating TUMS and they do nothing. Thanks...

I am currently teetering at the edge of 40 BMI. Question...is High Cholesterol and VERY HIGH Triglycerides (sp?) considered co-morbid conditions? If not...I don't want to lose any more weight before submitting to insurance for approval.

Hi everyone, I am scheduled for April 9th & am very nervous. I think I'm more afraid and nervous about the liquid diet portion rather than the surgery itself. HOw did everyone cope w/ having to run a household and have surgery.. :faint:

I'm on my 8th day of post-op. Which included protein drinks, jello, applesauce, watered down oatmeal, cottage cheese etc. I'm a very picky eater and I decided to make some watered down instant potato to a cream of wheat consistency...very thin!!! Do you think that would cause a problem with the band?

Has anyone not had to drink protein drinks after banding?

:help: Can you all shed some light on how long Post Surgery my stay will be in the Hospital? I was under the impression I would maybe be able to go Home that day? Am I dreaming here? And maybe a few of you would be able to tell me what I can expect as far as {{{Pain}}} goes? And what the Doctor usually gives you for pain, if any? Thanks Rocko~~

Please tell me that the amount of food I eat will decrease and that my hunger will go away. I have been eating a healthy diet, protein and low fat, nothing fattening, fried, etc. However, the amount of food it takes to fill me up is still quite a bit and I don't see the weight coming off. I don't want to be hungry - - I did those types of diets in the past. I've had one fill so far and will have my second next week!! Anyone that has any suggestions - please let me know. :think :pout: :funscale:

Hello everyone! I am wondering. Did you all have to stay in the hospital overnight or did you go home the same day as the surgery? Thanks so much!

I'm just starting my 2nd post-op week. I feel exhausted and no energy. I walk around the house a couple of times and I'm tired and need to sit. Is this normal? When does the energy come back?

i am on my 6th day- i have this chest pain that does not allow me to eat right- is that normal- at first i thought it was bc of the breathing tube and i was just sore- is this normal? feels like a big knot in my chest! something like a crick in my neck but its in my chest and in my back- same spot front/back. :phanvan

I'm due to get banded this Wednesday. So far, I have only told a handful of close friends but no family. I don't live close to my parents. They are in Scotland and I live in England. I am however still close to them, my mother in particular. I chose not to tell my parents, mainly because I was concerned that they would worry too much. My parents support me in everything I do and I know that they would not argue with me about it. My mum though, would privately worry and I wanted to spare her that. Anyway, now it nearly time for the op and I;m not sure wether to tell them just before or just after the op. What is your experience regarding telling parents and family …

I am trying to stay at the three meal a day, half cup size per meal limit that my doctor gave me, but the past few days I have been eating more then that limit, or actually eating more then three times. I am not stuffing myself, but I am eating maybe four or five meals per day. The size of intake is between a half cup and and whole cup poer each meal, I am eating to be full, but I do get hungry faster between meals. I dont get my first fill until Tuesday and I just want to tell the doctor i NEED real restriction. Is this normal?

I was banded last week. So far the liquid diet was a little tough mentally but fine physically. I have lost 15 pounds in a week (WHICH i KNOW WILL SLOW BUT I AM STILL THRILLED SO FAR.) My problem is that while doing clear liquids I was with my family away from my home of NYC. Now that I just got back today I am struck by how much food there is out there. How many amazing restaurants etc. I am fine except for sushi. I LOOOVE sushi. One major concern is that when I can have regular food again they say rice may be difficult to digest. Can someone tell me if they are able to eat sushi rolls anymore? Diet coke I could give up, but living without spicy tuna might be heartbreaki…

Hello everyone. I have a surgery date for the second of April. I am so excited but at the same time very nervous. I have been sleeping very little because it is getting so close. And no one knows I am doing this besides my husband and my best friend. The questions I have to ask is first what did everyone do to prepare for the surgery before and after? And my Dr. told me that I could eat chewable flinstones vitamins. But I have found chewable centrum vitamins. And I fell like I will get what I need out of these. Does anyone know if this is ok. As these have a fruit taste to them. I have already bought my protein packets. So I will be ready for that. But any more good advic…

I'm a tanner... and I was wondering about what to do about my incisions post op. I ran across this on the internet and am GLAD I did. I will be covering my incisions with those cute little stickers. Better to have shapes all over my belly than to promote the healing of my incisions/scars... I tan and found this to be helpful. Sunning, Tanning Booths, & Surgery While having a golden tan is lovely to look at - it damages the skin. Tanning is a personal choice, but it's important to know the results of doing so in conjunction with your surgery. No one ever healed skin cancer by getting a tan. If tanning improved our skin there would be no need for sunscreen…

hi - i was banded 2 weeks ago and i am on soft foods mostly, and i cant eat as much however I am still hungry alot - is this normal? i was just wanting some feed back on what others were told to eat and are they hungry - i am not yet scheduled to have my 1st fill

I have so many questions I just dont know where to start. I am really in a delima because the more I read this forum the more it makes me nervous. I haven't called a doctor yet to even get approved to get banded. Which I am sure they will approve me. I am 5foot5 and 260 lbs with a BMI of 43... I think. My insurance said as long as my doctor approves it, then they pay for everything. Anyhow getting off track. I hope that you guys can answer my questions for me.... 1. After you get banded and all healed and done with the special liquid and mushie diet can you eat regular foods? I mean I can't live without pizza forever. Yes I realise that I will have to eat healthy and i…

This may sound silly or crazy to some but I am very excited yet very scared about losing weight. I was banded on 1/19/07. I have lost about 28 pounds thus far. I have already experienced alot of firsts such as finally being under 300 pounds (after at least 20 years) and fitting into a size 22 pants after wearing 26/28 and a few 30's for years. One of my ultimate dreams was to get into a pair of Levi's. I did get in a size 24 (the biggest they sell in women's dept.) and they are now baggy. Alot of family, friends and co-workers know I had lap band surgery and have been supportive (although there have been a few negative people). They tell me I am "melting away". I have jo…

I was wondering if any ladies out there have an answer for me. I am having my surgery this Wednesday 3/21 and I should be starting my period anytime now. I'm sorry, I know this isn't a pleasant subject, but is this going to be an issue? I don't want them to cancel my surgery because of it, I have been waiting a while now. What do you think? Has anyone else had this problem?

I really need to plan. I won't be able too take too long off of work--mostly because a large part of my income depends on commission. How long will it be before I can go back to work? Will it be very obvious (sp) to my co-workers that I had the surgery? I'm very worried about what I will tell my coworkers because they will expect me to go out to lunch? Could anyone comment on how to answer questons from people who are not very close friends or family?:help:

For those of you who have experienced the gas pains after surgery, on a scale of 1-10, what number would you consider the pain? I was banded on Monday and if I don't take the pain meds my pain level goes up to about an 8. All the pain is in my abdomen not my back/shoulder. I'm beginning to think that this is not normal.

did anyone that has had the surgery NOT have to do the clear liquids before the diet? if so, how did that work out for you?

I need help I'm getting discouraged....I know I need patient, but I was on liquids until Wed. and have been on soft protein and have not cheated...but the scale has gone up.....I gained 5 pounds since. I went through liquid hell and it seems I will have to starve myself for the scale to go down again.....I drink my water faithfully and only have 900-1000 calories a day.....What is going on.....Please needing encouragement.

Does anyone know if the band has any metal parts? Can we still have MRIs?

Well that went by pretty quick! Two weeks gone...Well in Two Days, 48 Hours I'll be coming over to the Losers Side, I never thought I wanted to be on the Losers Team before now. But seeing is that you need another Teammate, here I come! I Guess I'm a mix between Excited & Nervous right now. But I'm definitely Confident. Mainly because of all of the information and Support from you guy's! And what the hell is this dam Woodpecker been doing outside my Friggin' Condo all Morning? Is this some sort of Sign, a Woodpecker?! All Morning long he's been just tearin' this Tree apart! Thanks For Everything! Rocko~~

Upcoming 3rd Annual Canadian Bandster Bash... The time to register for the 3rd Annual Canadian Bandster Bash & Wellness Conference is now!!! 2 months left till the great weekend we have planned – May 25th to 27th, 2007 at the Meadowvale Delta Hotel and Resort. We have confirmed all of our speakers and will be posting our final agenda in the next couple of days. Be sure and check out our website at www.canadianbandsterbash.com for all of the exciting speakers and social events we have lined up….. Hope to see you all at our great weekend event!! We have people who join us from all over the world, I have been to the bash and it is fantasti…

I had my first fill last week and WOW I dont FEEL any different! I was so excited to start this journey that ive been waitingfor and I cant still eat the same amount of food! I just want to see the scale dropping rather than tutoring between the same 3 pounds like it has for the last 2 weeks! I know it takes times but NOW im nervous!

Do most people have this procedure done before the lapband surgery? I am really scared of having an endoscopy. :nervous

I had my surgery march 7th - no fill yet - doctors says i can eat whatever i want - i have only lost 8 lbs - i am not getting my fill until April 16th - i want to lose weight between that time - but I am finding myself more hungry - help any ideas:help:

Hello everyone, can anyone help me with a quick question. I am scheduled for surgery on April 5th and I have a meeting booked in Dallas on April 10th. Toronto to Dallas flight. Will I have any problems flying this quickly after surgery? Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Hi Y'all OK so today is my 2 month band anniversary. To date I've lost 35lbs and am so pleased w/ my band. However I feel totally bad about myself this weekend. I fell off the wagon!!!! Last night we had family over for a BBQ and I ate a hamburger pattie, Beans and potato salad. I also had a piece of coconut pie. Today I had nachos for dinner. I've been staying around 900 calories a day but, I know I went way over that last night and today. Granted the amount of bad food I ate is no where near what I use to be able to scarf down but none the less it makes me very disappointed in myself. I know I need another fill but, my doc can't see me until April 12th. T…

I was banded the 16th of March. No fill for two full months allowed by my doctor. I'm starving! I'm as hungry as I was prior to being banded. I have not lost one pound, not one! I called the doctor's office for help and was told no one said it would be easy. I'm frustrated and extremely depressed. Has anyone taken diet pills to help with the hunger to stay on the diet? Protein is not cutting the mustard. I admit I've gone off the wagon and ate a regular meal. I'm back on liquids though. Will the regular meal ruin the banding, 8 days after band? I can't imagine two months with no fills and expected to eat as if I were.

Has anyone been banded here? How was it? Any problems?

Has anyone had their lapband done here?

Hello all. I decided to get a band and met with the surgeon. He said I may be put on blood thinners to decrease the chances of a clot forming. Has this happened to anyone else?? Also, does anyone know the actual reason why smoking is prohibited after surgery?? I'm making my pros and cons list so any and all facts would be appreciated. Thanks so much and best of luck to you all.

I saw something about hair loss in another thread, but I don't know where it went. Anywayssss... is it true you lose massive amounts of hair for a bit after the surgery, cause I really don't wanna lose my hair.. :omg:

Hi All, Just wanted ask if anyone has had this same pain? Im almost three weeks out and was completely pain free after about a week and a half. Last thurs I got out of my car and felt that burning pain in the port area, Just like the same pain as about 5 days out.Not horrible, but uncomfortable. Still have it today, did i just pull a musle or do you think something might be wrong? Thanks for all the great info.

are the same right?

I suffer from chronic lower back pain. I haven't gone to the doctor to get any major tests done because I think when I lose weight it will go away. Basically I just think the pain is caused by my 250lb body. I am awaiting Ins approval any time, so I hope to be banded this summer. Did anyone else have this problem, and did it go away after being banded and losing? Thanks!!!:help:

I was banded on Monday and I just can't take the gas pains in my abdomen any longer! I've been taking the gas-x but it doesn't help too much. Other than my pain meds which doesn't help with getting rid of the gas, is there anything besides gas-x that would work to get the gas out? I knew it was going to be painful but I guess I wasn't prepared for how much pain. The noises are incredible too! I need some serious help!! I'm starting to get hunger pains too which isn't helping. I could certainly eat something good right about now!! UGH Sherri

HI all. I am a little embarrassed to write this thread but I am concerned and I figured it was good to ask...can someone reassure me how normal it is to be going to the bathroom(not to pee) each day? I am 5 days post op and yesterday I had to go #2 three times and so far its twice today. I know i'm on liquids so things run through faster, but is this normal? I am starting to think something might be wrong with me! :help:

I feel like I've been hogging this website with postings! I had surgery on Monday and I still haven't taken any of the bandages off the insisions. I didn't really want to see the stitches but I suppose I should take them off at some point. How long did it take you before you removed the bandages?

I think some of my gas pain went into my shoulder and neck. Does this pain feel like a pinched nerve by any chance because that is how it's feeling. Very painful. I probably shouldn't have done this but I took a tsp of liquid motrin. Probably a no-no taking ibuprofin but I had no choice! Tylenol doesn't work for me. This pain in the neck is a pain in the neck!

Hi silly question!!!:help: How do you get the weight loss ruler after your signature? I've been on the web site and created the ticker i want, but, how do you get it across please. Thank you. Ignore me!!! senior moment... worked out how to do it!!:clap2:

Hi, Anyone had (or is going to have) the Easyband Telemetric Adjustable Gastric Band (TAGB)? I am going to Belgium to be banded by Dr Foquet (hopefully) and he is just starting to do this new band with no port. Just wondering if anyone has any experience of it. Thanks,

Have any of you had to have liposuction and at what stage did you do it? Had you met goal? Did you get tired of the extra baggage and do it early? Did you even need to have it done? Does the extra flab go away without it? Lots of questions I know, I am just curious about what I need to prepare myself for after the surgery next week. Thanks in advance for input. :nervous

With my insurance program I am required to be on a three month diet and exercise program so far it has been two weeks and I am not doing so well. Please can someone help me the dietican told me to follow my diet and excercise. And next month come into the office and get weight in and we will talk again Please can someone tell me about the beginning stages:hungry: should I really be losing weight because I really want the surgery. I am willing to follow all the rules to have it I feel lost at this point. God Bless every one Liz