PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hey Dr C (or anyone else that knows) I have a question---how is it that you can loose clothing sizes but no freaking weight??? I haven't lost a SINGLE pound since my last fill 4 weeks ago, but dropped from a 18/20 to a 14/16....how????

Posting again...sorry! My neck still hurts!! The heating pad doesn't seem to help all that much. It feels like I pinched a nerve. It hurts in every direction I move my head. Is this normal? I've also been having this pain on the right side of my abdomin. It only happens when I'm up and walking around. Anyone know what this could be? I'm on the liquid stage and I need something to keep me from going food crazy! Other than broth, is there anything yummy I can have on the liquid stage? I know I can have applesauce and Jello but what about if I watered down a little frozen yogurt, does that cound as liquid??

looking for wisdom how to begin to let go of my "fat girl with the pretty face" self concept (one I have had my entire life having never been even close to "normal weight") and learn not to be fearful of the thin, healthy girl inside. I recognize in myself if I don't reslove this issue it may well sabatoge my lapband efforts. Wow, just verbalizing that for the first time in my life has brought tears to my eyes. Anyone else feeling/fealt the same thing? any suggestions/advice???

Hi All, Well I just got home from my Pre-Op meeting with my Surgeon. All went smooth as Silk~~ Being on the opti-fast Diet for 9 days as of today, I dropped.....15.2lbs!!! I went from 341.8 to 326.6 To tell you the truth I really can't see any change. My friend said he can see it in my face. Well the Doctor was thrilled. So I celebrated and had a sugar free Jello Pudding!!! I know what your saying "That Rocko is a Madman!" I did bring some questions with me. Here are the Q's I asked, some may be silly but I just wanted to know. 1) Are you going to use a Catheter? No (thank you God)! 2) How many incisions? 5 3) How many Stitches? They will be placed i…

Hey Y'all I was just wondering if everyone was counting calories? My doc told me that I should be eating no more than 900 a day. Most days I stay under 900 and there's been a few days where I've gone over a bit but, no more then 100. My weight loss seems to be steady I've been banded since 1/24/07 and have had one fill of 1.3cc in a 4cc band. To date I have lost 33lbs. I go for another fill in 3 weeks. I just bought a home gym and can't wait to get it set up and going on that. Well I look forward to hearing from y'all just curious as to what other people are doing to encourage more weight loss.

Well, today is March 19, 2007. I got up this morning and gave myself an I V anti-biotic. I took three more anti-biotics orally. I will repeat this process every eight hours all day, for at least the rest of this week. On March 8th I went to the hospital to be banded. Everything went well. I remember waking up in recovery thinking, wow, the pain really isn't that bad. I remember going to my room for my overnight stay. I was happy that the worst was over, and that I would finally have control over my out of control weight gain. Sometime later that evening, I was given ice chips to let melt, and that was when I knew something was bad wrong. As the liquid…

I am going through the steps now to get the lap band. I really think this will help me, I have tried diet after diet, with 20- 30 lbs lost but then I gain it all back and then some. I sure everyone here understands that. My real question is will I every eat normally again? I know I would be able to eat large amount, thats great. Just will I be able to eat steak again? Will there are be some foods I can not have, or is that just at first? I know right now I am just scared, will it work. Any input please.:help:

I am a Diet Coke addict, I know I will be healthier without it, but how hard is that habit going to be to break? Anyone with any insights......... I'm on liquids for 3 days before the surgery, does that mean I should have my last one the night before or should I start a few days before and deal with the caffeine headache? 6 days to go! Julie:) :nervous

I am wondering what kind of foods are ok for me to eat. I don't mean if they will get stuck of cause me to gag. I mean what kind of foods are good food choices. For instance...Is yogurt ok, is tuna ok, for a little something sweet is 100 calorie packs ok? This is just some of the things I enjoy that don't bother me. Any advice on this or other foods that I can eat would be greatly appreciated. Since I can't eat that much food, I want to be sure that I am eating things that are good for me. Thanks!

Met with the doctor today and did my siminare, Got all of my paper work turned in. They took my insruance card and said shouldn't be too long .... so Now i'm just waiting he said they will turn paperwork into insurance monday it could be 3 days or 3 weeks. Dont call before 3 weeks but i will here from them soon! Sooooo it all looks positive so far! Just gotta wait wait wait! I'm already starting my savings for the plastic surgery lol cause if i'm gonna lose the weight i might as well have the body that shows it and not the extra skin!

HI, This might be a stupid question. BUt I keep reading about people suffering from terrible gas pains after surgery. How bad is it and why does it occur, if you aren't eating? I am having my surgery April 6th and am a bit nervous about the pain.

Hi All, I was banded 3/14/07 and I wasn't hungery til two days ago. I have tried calling my nutritionist twice now with no responce from her.I have been on clear liquids for eight days, I'm not hungery all of the time but afternoon toward evening I'm starving. I'm suppose to stay on clear liquids til the 29th but I don't think I can stand this much longer. Any suggestions since my nutritionist won't return my calls???? Thanks

I think I was mis-informed by somebody. During Lap-Band Surgery do they use a Cathadar? :omg: I thought they only used those in Longer Surgeries? Ouch! :faint: -Rocko-

Do you usually have to wait for an appointment after your doctor orders one of these or can you do it immediately? I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow at 2:00 to have him order the upper GI and a drug/alcohol screening. I will have to go to the local hospital to have the upper GI done. Should I go prepared to do the upper GI tomorrow (no food after midnight, etc)?

okay, I stressed over the seminar but it was not hard or gross - very interesting - My doctor will begin doing the lapband as outpatient starting next week unless... Next step is my initial consultation and insurance verification -

I'm just wondering how did you feel the first time you were able to eat after liquids 2 weeks post op? I'm on only clears for 2 weeks no protein shakes or any blended foods ON DAY 7 and can't wait to eat...chew...swallow! I would like to know if feeling full feels the same as full felt before having the band. And also what did your first meals consist of and about how much did you eat. I'm having occasional pressure between my shoulder blades and mid chest sometimes.....I'm hoping this is not what full feels like....b/c it hurts. My rules are to have 30cc of liquids every 15 minutes but no sooner and only have the high sodium foods at meal times no other liquids 30 min b4…

I'm considering the band. One of my major concerns is how long the recovery will take. I'd MUCH prefer to keep it a secret at work, but what do I tell my boss and how much time off should I ask for? I suppose I could say I"m having 'minor'(?) surgery and expect to be back in X number of days....but I'm pretty close to the folks I work with. That may cause quite a bit of alarm. Also, I'd prefer to take medical leave rather than vacation time. Any ideas and shared experiences are appreciated.

Why is it that you have to wait so long in between fills? I see some people have waited months.

I have been stalking the boards but just registered. I leave in 15 minutes for my seminar - worried that I will get chickened out durning the session. I am ready to do this but am scared. A good friend died just after gastic bypass (due to allergic reaction to a medicine) about 5 years ago. I have been thinking of her alot these last couple of weeks. Really in need of some reassurance!!

I am a little scared. Tomorrow is my final pre-op visit. I am supposed to have lost five pounds by then, but I think I'll have gained at least two (according to the scale this morning). I totally lost control last night to a carb craving and could not stop myself for anything. I just kept eating and eating, feeling guilty the whole time, but it was practically impossible to stop. I resisted for a long time, but by the time I broke down and had some waffles, I was crying because the craving was so strong. I'm scared that the doctor won't do the surgery if I haven't lost the weight because it means I'm unwilling or unable to follow doctor's orders. Has anyone run into…

Hi. I'm really new at this. I actually am just in the beginning stages. I have my first appt in 2 weeks, but I have a question. I have 2 young children and I'm wondering how long it will take after surgery until I'm able to take care of them normally? My youngest is a baby and both are still in diapers. Thanks, Nicole

:cry I'm just one of those people that have to know Exactly what's going on anytime I have any sort of Surgery done. I found this Web-Cast from Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston of the Lap-Band Surgery. I found watching things that will happen to me rather Facinating. But proceed with **Caution** it's not for everybody. Follow the link below, you will need "Real Player" to View it. Let me know what you think? -------> http://www.or-live.com/BrighamandWomens/1372/

Hello everyone I am new to posting but I have been reading all of your post for about one month. I was banded on March 14 and I'm four days post op. I am on clear liquid diet for 2 weeks.... when i say clear i mean clear...only Water, sugar free Jello and popsicles, and beef or chicken broth. The dietician instructed on stopping liquids 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after ....drinking more liquids....I understand this concept after actually eating... but now what i'm doing is having either popsicle or chicken broth at meal times and water in between. I am VERY hungry i feel my stomach growling all the time and have been really sad although my husband is extremely supp…

Hello everyone! I have been reading a lot about the difference between LAPBAND and Gastric Bypass procedures. There seems to be consistency regarding the statement that 40 - 50% of excess weight loss stays off after 2 years with LAPBAND. This confuses me. If one keeps the band on and continues the correct behavior and is consistent - shouldn't you be able to keep your initial loss and maintain (also continuing to monitor the band re: fills, etc.)? Basically it seems to say that if one loses 100 pounds, they can expect to regain 50-60 pounds.... but that seems very disconcerting. :rolleyes Am I missing something? :help: Thanks!

Weighed myself this morning, 319lbs. I was 349lbs. date of surgery. I am loving life. Feeling great and loving life. I feel much more confident at work and my friends notice the loss. I am energized and not hungry and eating healthy. This is what I needed, a jump start. I used to be a body builder so I feel the need and urge now to do what is right. My shorts fall off while still buttoned. Anyways, this was the first day without major pain or discomfort, and with how I feel, life is good for now. I will reach goal weight before the end of the year.

I got word from Medical Mutual today that I have been approved. I'm so relieved.......and so excited to get banded.

Do you have to have the upper GI test done on an empty stomach? I have scheduled my drug/alcohol screening (required by insurance) for late Friday afternoon, and I would like to be able to get the upper GI test done at the same time, if possible. My surgeon's office didn't tell me anything about it, just that I had to get my PCP to order it and have the results sent to the surgeon's office.

Well tomorrow I'm being banded. I'm getting very scared. Did anyone have to stay overnight or more than one night in the hospital? Has anyone ever had the open procedure instead of laparoscopic? I guess I just don't know what to expect when I wake up from sugery. I'm ready for my new journey. Just worried about the gas and shoulder pains I hear about. Hope things go well. Wish me luck. Big Trouble

Well only "7 Days" and the Band will be on! So far so good. I'm also a Type II Diabetic, and the past week my levels have been on Point, from 80-108 and I cut my Lantus (Insulin) down 80%!!! Do I smell a Needle Free Future?! I went to my PCP to get my Final Clearance this morning, all the Paperwork stuff. They took my Weight, I'm down almost 14lbs!!! I didn't believe it, so I weighed myself on two other scales there, but that's what it said. I really can't see a difference tho. I just have never felt this good about anything I've ever done, I mean done just for me. And I'm actually following through with it. But I have to say this Forum is what's getting …

I am planning to get the lap band, I start my "getting healthy for life"class 3/19. Meet w/ MD 4/12. I do have a question on what about after you lose the weight. Does everyone have a lot of extra skin. I have like 140lbs to lose, so will I just "tons " of extra skin no matter what I do. I know it helps that I am only 24, so my skin will do a little of the work on its own, and with working out it can help. So I guess my quesion is - Will I have lots extra skin not matter what or does working out really make a big difference? I really don't want to get surgery to have to remove lots skin/ or just life with it and be happy when I get that healthy???:eek::embarassed::cry

Hi everybody! My husband had surgery today and has had a really hard time. I wondered if any of you have had similar things happen and how you recovered. I had my surgery 1 month ago today and it was very different from what my husband is experiencing. It began with the dr. coming out after surgery and telling me that he had a really hard time. Most of my husbands weight is in his belly, so I guess that is what made the surgery more difficult. But anyway, the dr. told me that he wanted to do the gastric x ray before he would even give him ice chips or Water. They took the xrays 3 times before it finally passed through his stomach. His stomach is hugely distende…

Called lapbandsolutions (the surgeon's group handling everything with my insurance) and it looks like my insurance is going to cover the surgery 100%!! Now I just gotta get my pre-op appointment scheduled and get the ball a rollin on that. So what all do they do on the pre-op appointment?? Go over your pre-op diet and set a surgery date?

Hey Y'all, I've been banded now for almost 8 weeks. Had my 1st fill 3 weeks ago and experienced pbing for the first time. It was so horrible I had to stick my finger down my throat and get the food out. Well now every time I get something stuck I do the same thing get it out as quick as possible. I'd say it's happened maybe........6 or 7 times in the past 3 weeks. I know it's bc I tried to eat too fast or didn't chew enough and i've really been working on it lately. Today I took to big of a bite of chicken and it got stuck so I relieved myself. Now my throat hurts and i'm totally freaking out thinking that I made my band slip or who knows what I could have don…

Hi All: I am scheduled to be banded on March 26th. I was wondering - for those of you who've been through the process - do you weigh yourselves daily or is that not something you recommend. Just curious. Thanks! :help:

Hi All, I was banded 3/14/07 and I just wanted to know if anyone else was tired one day and fine the next? I felt great yesterday even went shopping a few hours, today I can't keep my eyes open. :notagree Is this normal has anyone else felt this way??

I am scheduled to be banded April 10. I play flute and have a gig on the 21st. Anybody have any ideas on if I'd have the breath to play by then?? Judy

My surgery is scheduled for May 3rd and I have lost 8 lbs already but I am starting to eat more and more and I keep thinking I will never be able to eat this again. So I eat everything I might not be able to have once I am banded also my husband is telling me don't eat this or that and it is driving me nuts. Is this normal or am I just crazy. I am not hungry I am just eating more than usual. I hope this is just stress and I can stop. Has anybody else experienced this?

I don't know if there is a thread on this already, but I am curious as to what liquid vitamins would be good to take? I am 2 days post-op and need a little help in this dept. Stacy

Hi I am self-pay and have my consult scheduled for March 26. I've already gotten my psych eval done and the nurse said she didn't think I would need any more tests done. I am just wondering how much time it took from your consult to your surgery date. :nervous

I am newly banded and just wanted some advice on drinking when you eat, i know you cant drink until 30 min after you eat - but what about before while you are waiting on your meal

I'm six days post op and having trouble sleeping. I sleep on my back and I swear it feels heavy in my chest (in between the twins) Is this normal?? :help:

Okay...I am freakin' out. I was banded on 3/8 and I am having such a difficult time. I am having horrible pains in my left shoulder--and it has gotten increasingly worse everyday. Is this gas? I am so confused...and I feel like I can't go through another day like this.

hello I had my surgery on march 1 and I feel great, when I wake up was in some pain, but as of right now I feel fine, a little weak from clear diet but I can't believe it is over. It is done, it is inside of me and it will be soon doing it job it is ment to do. I cant wait to get my fill. I just cant believe on am on the losing side. so far so go. thanks for all the surport I got here. best place to be and talk and learn I feel 20 pounds lighter just having it done.

I have a question? I have 100lbs to lose, I get banded 3/27/07 Type II Diabetic (for 5yrs) Over the past 2-3yrs. I've noticed all the Led in my Pencil hasn't been there :bandit The Doc even gave me some 100mg Viagra! I thought that would get King Kong Erect!!! But nada :faint:you believe that. I was just wondering, to you Post-Op People, did you see any improvement with that??? Thanks Guys, Rocko~~

I'm two weeks out now, and most of the pain is gone except for where the lap band is in my left side. I can't bend down to tie my shoes, and sometimes getting in and out of the car hurts. Talked to the doc, and he said not to worry so I'm not. Just curious when you guys were completely pain free. Thanks, John

I hope someone can help me figure out why my blood sugar is still in the lower 300s. I don't feel like it is high but when i take it it is. I am taking my glucophage liquid and advandia. I have lost 30 lbs. since being banded. I go for my 5 week checkup to see if i need a fill on Monday. I just want to take my sugar in the morning and it be in the 100's. :help: Also how do I change my ticker!!!!

please I need to hear from really happy baners..I need to hear good thoughts I was banded on March 1 and i feel great, But I think IAM READING TO MUCH.... please respond and tell us how happy you are and you did the right thing.. I need to hear this, and I feel alot of others do too. It is not just the weight lost, but are you happy with your new life or do you feel like you are missing the food?..Happy people we need to hear from you long time banders we need you please I need to hear from you guys.

so when i went inot the hospital yesterday i was down 10 lbs from the preop diet...then while in the hospital all ihad was IV then water and tea and 2 cups of broth..then i came hoe and had gained 6 lbs. How much does the band weigh? Or is this from all the iv fluid...i am very confused...did not expect to come home gaining 6 lbs from no eating

Just curious how long most people stay in the hospital after being banded. Thanks!

I was banded on Monday. I have now transitioned to a full liquid diet (V8, Cream Soups, etc.). My problem is I hav no amounts for the liquid intake. I read some where it should be 100ml per meal which is about 1/4 cup. I have my Protein Drinks in between meals, but at night I'm dying of hunger. Is this the right amount? Please help! :help: Michelle