PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi all! I keep forgetting to ask my Doc...is anyone else on here a singer? If so, has this surgery affected your performance? How long before you could belt it out? I know it will be a while before I can sing full voice again after surgery, but wanted to know that it will be temporary and wouldn't affect performance for the long term.

...are sitting in front of me. I'm on my 2 week liquid diet and am STARVING! Sigh, I don't know how you guys do it. Though I am staying strong... -Jason

:help: I am still in the pre-approval stage, but slowly getting there. I am sensitive to artificial sweeteners, they just don't agree with me. Does anyone know of any Protein drink without the artificial sweeteners? Thanks so much. This site really has been just an incedible help!

can you please tell me dumping means? I have read it a couple of times and really dont know what it means. thanks ladyvases

Howdy, I had my 1st fill this afternoon. The Doc's office was a mad house so I didn't get to ask all the questions I wanted to. I drank my bottle of Water and it went down just fine so they told me I could leave. My question to y'all is should you be drinking the Protein shakes right after your fill? They told me liquid diet for 3 days and then mushies for 4-6 and then back to regular diet. So are the shakes included in the liquid diet. I heard the nurse tell someone only liquids you can see through. Also they said I might have to come back in 2 weeks to get more added to it. Has this happened to a lot of people? How many times have people been back before i…

Do some of you snack after having the surgery done? if so what kind of snack and what is the portion size that you usually do?

Hi Just wondering , i have to ask my doc to write a verification letter to my insurance for lapban,how do i go about asking my doc?shouldent i have form or somethin for her to fill out? nan:)

I am wondering if any of you that have had lap band are sorry they did it. I've heard some negative comments about band slippage, horrible gas pains, GERD (which I am on Prevacid for now, don't want it to get worse) plus I am going to be paying out of pocket and it's a huge investment, and I wonder what happens if I don't lose the weight after spending so much money. I am so on the fence right now. I have an appointment with a nutritionist tomorrow. Am considering weight watchers or something else, even though I've tried every diet out there! I lose weight if I try hard, but can't seem to keep it off. I'm 46 years old and have been yo-yoing for 25 years!

I have my surgery scheduled on the 20th of March in Mexico and will fly back to Georgia on Friday the 23rd. I am planning on loose pants but am curious if anyone else has flown that far after their surgery and how was it?? I am 52 years old and made this decision in the past couple of weeks after a 2 year research. I am paying for my surgery and pray it goes well. I am going to spend time reading a lot of the past posts and know this will help me in preparing for my new journey. :clap2:

I Know I Am Supposed To Not Worried About Gaining Weight In The Healing Stage But I Lost 15 Lbs After Surg. And Now Almost 3 1/2 Weeks Later - I Am Gaining It All Back * 7 Lbs Already Thats Crazy! What I Am Doing Wrong? And Has This Happened To Anyone Else? I Am Getting Scared That I Will Never Loose . Help!!! P/S HOW LONG DID YOU WAIT TO START WORKING OUT? I STILL GET SO TIRED AFTER A DAY OF SCHOOL AND WORK I DONT HAVE THE ENEGRY TO WORK OUT!

I am Pre-OP-surgery date is tenatively scheduled for 3/8. I am now on the Pre-OP "starvation" diet :cry I have a couple of questions: 1. Do all doctors have a sleep study done? I had one last night and they said that I might have mild sleep apena--but that I would have to come back for a second test with a cepat?sp machine:notagree I am a little annoyed because I didn't complain of sleep problems to my doctors (he does these test if the BMI is over 45). Anyway, the sleep coordinator --said that if I need one of these machines for recovery I would have to bring it????? This makes no sense. 2. Do all doctors have a Pre-OP liquid diet?

Hi Everyone, Newbie here... primarily a lurker so far... in the "decision" stages of whether lapband is for me / if I realistically think I can do it. I've been to the intro seminar and have been reading all I can on this site. I feel fairly confident that I understand the mechanics of the band and the requirements. I go for my initial consult w/the surgeon on Thursday. Here's where I'm stuck in my decision-making process: Can I do it?? Can I really live with not eating bread (Pasta, pizza, etc...) ever again? bagels, cinnamon rolls, danish, warm donuts... I know that these foods and my emotional reliance on them is what has led me to my lovely 315+ lbs... but I am co…

I ask this becuase I work in an office with people who got this procedure done years before I did and I see them on occasion drinking soda. I understand that the carbonation can inflate your stomach and cause a lot of pressure, so how are these people able to do it?

Hello, I was just banded on 2/20. I noticed after I started walking around that I was experiencing some shortness of breathe. I went back to my doctor on 2/22 and he checked my oxygen levels, lungs, and for any blood clots. He said that everything was fine and to practice my breathing exercises. Now I notice today that if I take deep breathes it almost hurts. It is a weird feeling like I can't complete the breathe. My shortness of breathe when walking has improved. I can't really do the breathing exercises b/c I can't really take good deep breathes in? Sitting down breathing normally I feel fine. Did anyone else have this problem? I am supposed to go back to…

Been wondering about this and hope you people can set me straight. How long after eating is it OK to drink? I understand that what we eat is supposed to make us feel full for hours because it sits in the pouch and is released slowly into your stomach - but how can this be the case when we drink afterwards? doesn't the Fluid flush the food out the pouch - defeating the purpose? Or does the fluid sit on top of the food and back up? I'm a wee bit confused - sorry. I'm trying to get my head around this before I get my first fill. Yvonne x

How long does it take for liquid to pass through your stomach? and is 4 - 6 ounces really the limit if you are sipping? I was advised to sip 1 ounce for every 10 minutes. is this what most of you do? is it easier after restriction?

I was wondering if anyone has the site of actually lapband surgery being performed on video,that we can watch thanks nan:rolleyes:

For dinner I had 1 cup of Wendy's chili's and about 10 french fries. I chewed really good and now I am feeling guilty. I am supposed to only be on mushies right now and the chili was definitely mushy, but the fries! Then after I was done eating that I had a sugar free, high Fiber ice cream from Harmony health food store. Right after! I can't believe I ate so much much food and didn't even have one problem and that I even risked things eating that food. I feel like a failure right now. :cry I know some have said you can eat whatever until you get your fill. I messed up. I just want to know if anyone else has experienced this food hunger and given into it even knowing it …

My husband has proposed the idea of going on a beach vactaion (i.e carribean) after I recuperate from surgery. For those of you who are post-op, how long after surgery do you think I would be able to go and enjoy a vacation. My surgery is March 5th..I was thinking perhaps end of April..what do you all think? Mags

I just found out on Friday that my insurance was approved and I am scheduled for surgery on March 20th. That seems so fast to me. Shouldn't I feel excited instead of terrified?! Does that mean I am not really as serious about this as I should be...?

I can't believe this is happening so quickly. Tomorrow is my day. I am a lot less nervous than I thought I'd be. I've been on a liquid diet for 7 days (I did cheat a few times), but it's been under 50 grams of carbs which was the hardest part. I am shocked at how easy it became after the first 2 days (major headache-sugar w/d) the 2nd day. I am mostly excited now, but I've been prone to anxiety in the past, so I hope it doesn't hit me tonight. I have 4 kids and my major fear is just the recovery and how I'll be able to take care of them. My husband is very helpful, but he can only miss work tomorrow so I will most likely be on my own by Monday (although I have frien…

I keep gettting new info about this whole procedure. Now I foiund out that I would have to have an esophagram after the surgery. Have any of you had this? How bad was it? With every piece of new info, I get more scared about what I will be going through:)

So what kind of meals should i prepare for myself as i move into the solid food stage? I mean 4 ounces is so little I can't even imagine the types of meals I will have. can someone give me examples of what I will be eating and the portion sizes for each?

I AM FINALLY BANDED..I JUST GOT HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL ...AND FEELING LIKE I WAS KICKED IN THE GUT BY A 1000 MULES....I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW AND ALSO SAY THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT....I WILL POST ALL THE DETAILS WENT I CAN SIT UP......BUY FOR NOW I AM GOING TO TAKE SOME PAIN MEDS AND GET SOME SHUT EYE:notagree

Ok ya'll I got a fill yesterday and got an ear full as well about coffee and how by any means necessary I need to get off it....What do I do?? I havbe given up most everything in life that brought me pleasure, Coke, cake, chocolate, fast food. Where does it end?? I KNOW caffine can cause urges to make you hungry, but it is it going to hurt me otherwise??? Grr... this is enough to make me give up on the band, and WHY DID THEY NOT TELL ME 7 MONTHS AGO???

Hi, new to the forum, I am in the begining stages of banding. I have two sisters that have had gastric bypass. Not what I wanted. I have Harvard Pilgrim ins and wondered if anyone else out there had them and what they want to approve the surgery. I have fought my weight for over 25 yrs. I have done so many diets and now I am tired of it. My weight has balloned in the last 2 yrs. So with much research I have decided to go the banding route if I am accepted. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Linda

Hello everyone. Just wanted to give you my update. I have not posted since my surgery because my computer at home is incredibly slow with dial up. I had lap band surgery on Jan.19 @ St. Mary's in Richmond, Va. So I just celebrated my one month anniversary. First ever overnight hospital stay wasn't too bad. Pain not as bad as I expected. I had dermabond instead of stitches. Incisions were mostly healed in one week. Had problems initially with sleeping due to comfort and pain ( I prefer sleeeping on my stomach and side and I couldn't do it for about two weeks). Was started on soft/mushy foods after one week. My biggest problem, once on soft foods, was the gas. I had no id…

I have been drinking mostly with a spoon. I have been using the spoon in order to not drink too fast. Sometmes I gurgle a little or burp. I haven't had any pain or anything. I don't know what I am expecting to happen. I am only drinking liquids since just had surgery on 2/20. Do you pause between sips or spoonfuls. I have been taking a quick break....Is this necessary. Appreciate any advice, Thanks!!

i got banded on the 21st ... just got home today! my paperwork says i shouldn't be hungry for about a week. but... here i sit with my tummy grumbling away like i haven't eaten in a whole year... i am already plotting when i get my next 1/2 cup of broth... :faint: this can't be good!!!!! am i just too much a piggy piggy?!?!?! i don't want to over do it, but i don't want to starve either. oh, poo!!!!!!

I feel like i can eat anything I have never gotten stuck, i have never thrown up i never get any discomfort is this because i have not gotten a fill. Please share some insight.

Hello All, I got the date confirmed today. It's March 27th. For some reason I was full of confidence before today, but now it has been confirmed, I am full of nerves. I'm trying to imagine how different my life is going to be. What have I actually agreed to do???? I read in the paper today about a lady who had serious problems with the band actually rubbing and damaging her stomach. She had to have an emergency operation. It was bad timing for me to read it I guess. Ok, here are some questions. Can you actually feel the band around your stomach, if you do, is that feeling always there or does it go away? Can someone explain to me in detail what the rules are a…

Ok, this question is really for my hubby. We've always slept with the a/c on 68, ceiling fan on, one blanket. I've always been a hot person all year long. Well since the surgery 3 weeks ago...I'm FREEEEEEEZING! I have to have an extra blanket, socks, flannel pjs, and sometimes a sweatshirt! We are fighting over the setting of the ceiling fan now. LOL!! He wants to know what in the world is wrong with me. I'm in Florida..it's always pretty mild, but this month has been pretty cold so far. Well..the lowest has been in the 20's, but I'm blaming it on the weather. What do you think?? Has anyone else experienced this?? Thanks!!

Hi i have not post for a while but my lapband experience has gone very well so far I was banded on Jan 11 2007 I started out at 220lbs and now at 191.6 lbs. Iam hoping that i wont need a fill anytime soon, and Iam also doing excercise every other day. Iam only able to eat like 4oz of food until i start feeling full but thats ok. I will keep you posted. Bye God bless:clap2: .

Hi.. Just wanted to give a progress report.. I was banded on Feb. 13th, and had my one-week post op appt. According my doctors scale, I've lost 15 pounds this week, and a total of 21 pounds since Feb. 8th. I would like to think you all for your support and encouragement during the rough first couple of days. Thanks Again, Ashley

Hello to everyone. I have one week to go before I have my surgery. I am having all sorts of feelings. I am sure that everyone experiences fear, and confusion about what to expect. I am going to read all of the threads about pre-op and 1 week post-op to get some idea of what to expect. All I ask is support from the group and I wish everyone having surgery soon "Good Luck." Nice to be aboard - heartsmile4_1 :kiss2:

I Was Banded 1/31 And Feel 98% Myself Today!! I Would Love To Hear From Other People Banded That Same Day. I Was In Or At 7:50a And Up In My Room After Recovery By 1130a. My Surgeon Required An Overnight Stay With Iv Fluids And An Esophogram To Make Sure There Was No Leakage Before I Left The Next Day. Thank God For The Percocet-i Dont Think I Could Have Slept Without It That First Night. I'm Still Supposed To Be On Clear Liquids But Everything's Going Down So Well I'm Tempted To Try Some Yogurt Today (which Is Allowed). Hope To Keep You All Updated And Thanks For This Great Website!!

I am a college boy, and I know there are some young bandsters here. When was YOUR last drink before your surgery?

Two days ago I was cursing myself out for not moving forward in the pre-testing phase... I made a few calls and suddenly I have a surgery date! WHoo-hoooo!!! Now I've gotta get a nutritionist and a sleep study appointment QUICK! LOL. Okay, now the nerves are kicking in a bit... Just a bit though.

I`m scheduled for lap band March 5 ans was told everone has to be on liquid only fast diet for 2 weeks prior... I started on the 19th and find it very hard. Any suggestions?

Iam new here:) Just wondering about after surgery , do u get full faster even know u havent had your first fill yet? Or do u feel the same way befor surgery? Becuz i see alot loosing weight right after surgery too. nan I will be band in late march approx:)

Hello, My name is Stacy ,and finally after all the ins. stuff I get to have my band on Mrach 6th. Im really happy, but today I went and did my blood work at the hospital, and the nerves kind of sat in. Iv never been put to sleep, Only 2 c- sections. Does anyone know how the pain is compared to a c- section? Just the thought of haveing the tube down my throat really gets me. Has anyone ever come out with nasel trumpets after surgery. Those are tubes that are placed in your nose and down your throat to keep the airway opened. My dad has sleep apnia and when has anything done he wakes up with them. Any way you would think i would be more worried about other things like the …

Is there anyway you can tell if you have band slippage when you 11 days post op? Will they be able to tell on your first follow up visit? Am feeling neurotic about the bad for some reason. Feel like I've already screwed it up somehow ya know? :help:

Hello all, I am 9 days post-op and all is going well. I've lost approx 21lbs. and feel great. I started having some awful cramps a day or two ago that started under my right rib cage, but they had gone away. Yet when I woke up this morning it was very hard to take deep breaths. As the day went on it got better, but the pain is still there. The nurse at the surgeon’s office told me to go to the ER, because it could be a blood clot. After about 2 hours I gave up when they told me it would be another 3 before I saw anyone. As I am seeing my Primary Care Physician tomorrow, I figured, "if I can make it 5 hrs without croaking, I can make it 24." I'll just ask my PCP wh…

My Dr has recommended me to stock up on some commercial jars of babyfood for those "on the go" times..... has anyone else received this advise... if so............ anyone have any flavors of choice? thoughts on the subject?? Countdown is on......9 days to surgery....starting to do my prep/nesting chores ......

Hi all, I am due to be banded 3/14/07 and have to follow a clear liquid diet for sixteen days post op.:mad: I'm very apprehensive that I will be able to go that long on clear liquids. Any advise from someone who has been through it? Can I use protein powder(clear) during this time? I'm worried that I will be weak and sick.

I was banded January 26th 2007 and doing well but was wondering how long after surgery is normal to wait to get a fill? I have an appointment tomorrow and a little nervous. I have lost 21 Lbs so far and really pleased with how things are going. I don't have any restriction right now and can eat pretty much what ever I want (BUT I DON'T)! Thanks and good luck to everyone! Kim 237/216/160 Banded 1/26/07 Dr. Spivak - Houston Tx

I am just 4 days post op and am having a lot of trouble getting much of anything down it seems. I think I have been getting about 500-600 calories a day and pretty much no other liquids than the ones that are considered our food...soup, Protein Shake, etc. I am having major pain just under my rib cage and called the doctor and they said I am probably just really swollen still. Just curious if anyone else is having this much trouble and if so how much liquids they are getting by on. I think my intake is around 20-22 ounces a day. The one positive thing is that I don't feel weak or tired and not really hungry. Any other experiences would be helpful. THANKS!!!

can someone pleaase tell me what to do:help: I am having surgery on thurday and I am suppose to be on a liquid diet for three days all I have had is crystal light/tea/protein shake with soy milk/and squash soup/water/sugar free popsicle Now I find out today that i eat the wrong things and i am freaking out:omg: that they are going to cancel my surgery and on top of it I am starving:hungry: I have not eating anything since 1:00 pm I have one day to make thing right what can I do please some one tell me if I am worried for no reason

I drink cream in my coffee (Carnation Cream) Am I allowed to use the fat free kind Shelley00

I am wanting to have the lap band and in one of the Doctors lists of contraindications is poeple with reflux. Has anybody been refused the L.P because of this. Please can you get back to me because I have arranged to go over to Belgium for my opp next month