PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi all, I am wondering if any going in for fills could ask their doctors (or their billing person) what the CPT code is for the fills. I want to try to get my fills paid by insurance and want to do a little research via my policy before I get to that point. Thanks, Sula

I am wondering what does a typical eating day in the life of a bander look like? I haven't seen a lot of info about exactly what we eat once we get to solids. I have heard rice, bread, and flour-based items are no-nos. However, are there anyother foods that are considered off limits with the band? I heard that soda is off-limits too, is that true? I am in the evaluation stages & any info you can share will be most helpful!

:help: :help:I am sorry and I hope not to scare anyone but I hope someone can help me. I have been sick the kept me in the hospt. for an extra night. Everything I eat doesn't feel right. Will this feeling gete any better. Please just tell me it takes a few days, I am better then yesterday. Any help I would love Shelley

I need help. Only loss of 12 since 09/06

Hi everyone. My surgery date is March 19th and I'm looking around for stuff to buy for the liquid stage. The nutritionist suggested www.bariatriceating.com and I have found a couple interesting products there. Their ready to drink Proteins seem awesome...3 ounces is 42 grams of Protein. Has anyone tried this product before? how about Any whey, which they say to add to broth or eggs, etc to get an extra 17 grams of protein. I've been reading these message boards since I first attended the informational seminar in August. I can't believe I'm a month from my surgery. I was curious also, as to whether or not any of you drove yourself to and from the hospital on your surgery…

I am going back to work tomorrow and I don't know what to tell my co-works. I lied and said I was getting my apendix out. But they are going to start noticing that I'm not eatting lunch with them (we order out almost everyday) I won't be able to eat normally for a couple weeks. I am normally really honest with people but for some reason I want to keep this a very personal thing. I guess I don't want anyone judging me or making comments about things they really have no idea about.

My port was placed in my upper right quad, during the surgery. My surgery was 2/14, and everyday, it seems I am more aware of the port. It feels as though there is no room in my abdomen for it, and when I cough or sneeze, it feels as though it wants to pop out, (which I know it won't of course). Is that normal? Also, even though I have lost 8 lbs. already, my abdomen feels very distended, and the jeans I was able to wear pre-op, I no longer can not even get zipped half way up. Is that also normal, and did anyone else notice that, too. I don't see the doctor until Thursday, and am thinking this may be normal, just hoping for some reassurance! :help:

I'm 9 days post op. I think I'm entering what everyone calls bandster hell? I feel fine. Feel like I could eat whatever I want but just a reduced amount. Hungry all the time. Not losing any weight right now. Had lost 26lbs. I'm gettin kinda grouchy now. I don't want to feel hungry anymore. I'd almost rather got back to day 4 post op. Lots of restriction, wasn't hungry, I was loosing 2 lbs a day!

Hi, I would say I am about 6 weeks through the program and so far have lost maybe 1 lb :cry . My next weigh-in is Friday the 23rd. The process has been a little rushed as my Ins. carrier (Tufts) as of 3/7 will require a 1 full year supervised diet plan. Everything has been going well so far, but was told that one of the criteria for the ins. co. approval was seeing some weight loss. What if I can't do it? Has anyone else had trouble losing the weight pre-surgery? All the paperwork has to be submitted before the cut-off date of 3/7. I started the program mid Jan. If I have to wait the full year I will not be happy! Any advise would be appreciated.

Today is my 8th day post-op. I stuck to the clear/light liquids for 6 days. I met with my Doctor on Wednesday and he said I could start having yogurt and fuller Soups and I have stuck to that. I also bought fat free Jello pudding (only had one) Fat Free cool whip (only had about a table Soup full) I also bought hummus, and string chesse, (had a little of each) thinking I could eat them in a couple of days. Am I getting a too ahead of myself? Should I still be liquids only? or do you think I can have these things?? I've lost 15 pounds so far, I'm afraid if I eat these things I won't lose more weight. I know I can eat these things without any problem, but I guess my questio…

My doctor told me I have to wait 4 weeks to have sex. I was curious how long everyone waited????? Thanx

At week 3 what types of chicken were people able to eat? Could you eat tenders with bredding? Rotissirie chicken without the skin? Boneless skinless chicken breasts? Buffalo wings?? Please let me know because I'm sick of blending everything in my food processor. Thanks!

I was banded Jan 30th...I just got on full liquids this past Tuesday. So what I'm eating is 1/2 c grits and V8 for breakfast. 1/2 to 1 cup creamed soup for lunch. Yogurt for a snack. Then 1/2 to 1 cup creamed soup for dinner. I drink Crystal lite, V8 and water all day long. I lost 19 pounds the 2 weeks after surgery. 27 total 2 weeks before and after surgery. I've gained 8 pounds back. Is this normal? Is it water?? What is it?? On the paper the doctor gave me, it listed all these foods and then for calorie intake it says 1700 a day!! I'm no where near that! Why have I gained? I'm not stressing because I know this isn't the time to lose, but why so much gain…

I had my pre-op hospital appointment on Friday 2/18. Suregery date is scheduled for 2/27. I have to say that while it wasn't anything abnormal it certainly took a lot longer than I expected. That and it took them three times to find a vein to get blood out of. They ended up in my hand, not fun! Hoping when it gets surgery time the IV will not be that painful but I think I may have my rose colored glasses on. JBT

I am losing more and more hair each day. I am hitting my 60 gm of protien and it is still coming out. How far does it go before stopping?? I used to have lots of hair and bounce and now it is flat. :help: Thanks for listening.

I went to my seminar today and since I'm self-pay I get to skip the psychiatry appointment and the cardiology appt. But the woman I talked to told me that I am going to need pulmonary clearance. Why? I'm 36, have no significant pulmonary history, BMI of 39 and I did have a hernia repair done 2 years ago under general anethesia without needing pulmonary clearance nor did I have any issues with the anesthesia or post-op recovery. I'm wondering why pulmonary and not cardiology? Do you think when i have my appointment with the surgeon he'd be willing to wave this expense or is it absolutely necessary? TIA! :biggrin1:

hi folks. My surgery is Tuesday. I had help coming from out of state for my original surgery date, but it got moved up and now im back to going it alone. I plan on having a taxi to and fro the hospital. I have most everything set up here at the house. I feel it should be okay? HAS ANYONE ELSE DONE THIS ALONE? please respond. Your input is so important.

i just had my 1st fill last week..how long do you wait until you can eat solids again?

I am back home as of this morning. I must say that I did not expect all this pain. I thought of myself as someone with a high pain tolerance but this really is knocking me out. I had two children and let me tell you, labor and delivery was easier. I feel like my whole torso is in a vise and I cannot move to change positions. I feel okay once I am sitting, standing or laying(worst position) but cannot transition. I am 30 years old and thought I would recover so easily after reading all the posts raving how sugery was a snap. Am I being a big baby or have other people felt this way? This is a pain rated at 4-5 when still and about 8-9 when trying to position mys…

I am supposed to be banded on February 23, and went for my last consult on Monday and was to preregister for surgery. To my surprise the Doctor tried to talk me out of the Lap Band and to get the gastric bypass. He said he hasn't had good results so far with the lap band. He has done thousands of gastric bypasses, and is a center of excellance, but has only done about 20 Lap bands. I was very disappointed. We have been praying and I really was excited for the surgery until Monday. I don't think I am having second thoughts about the surgery Just the surgeon. I have heard that there is a surgeon in Tennesee, who has done thousands of the lap bands. I would like to g…

At my ultrasound I found that I have some gallstones. I really do not want to have my gallbladder removed. It is more of a preventative surgery. Has anyone had gallstone problems either before or after the lapband surgery??? NEED ADVICE!!! Sherri

At what week after surgery are we bale to eat salads? I'm 2 weeks post op and feel like I can eat anything, ie, starving all the time, but am afraid lettuce or raw veggies might get stuck. Any help would be great, thanks!

Will be banded on March 5th. Starting the pre-op liquids today. A little worried about the surgery. Hope this place helps.

I had my surgery last Thursday. Last night, I reached around and must of extended too far. I got a stabbing pain that took my breathe away. I called the doc and she thinks I simply pull on the port or pulled a stitch from the port area. The feeling is where my stomach is though, up under my left ribcage. I know the band didn't slip because I am not vomiting or anything (doc said that is what would happen if I did), but it is in the area of my stomach and I am wondering if I pulled a stitch not at the port area but my stomach area. Anyone else experience a stabbing pain all of the sudden? It only happens when I move certain ways now, it is not constant. I am bummed becau…

I have a gas bubble sitting under my left rib that is so painful I don't know what to do. Has this ever happened to anyone? I have tried everything and it just wont go away....OUCH!!! :help:

Okay so I have had nothing but broth, cyrstal light and Jello for the last 6 days and I am ready to lose it. I knew what I was getting myself into, this is no surprise, I guess I never thought it would be so hard. I just want to eat something, but I know that I can't, it's not even an option. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow so I'm going to ask him if I can start eatting yogurt or apple sauce, or at least protien shakes, I am so weak. I need some food I can live on. I know I'm just ranting, but does anyone have a tool for this problem? Some thing to think about, something to do, some thing to drink or put in my mouth when my stomach starts to rumble and I start to bug …

I was banded yesterday morning, and everything seems to be going okay so far, but I still haven't been able to pee normally. I pass very small amounts each time I use the restroom, so I am able to go, but I was very sure to be well hydrated prior to my surgery, and I am drinking as much Water as I can. My nurse at the hospital said that if I wasn't able to urinate within 8 hours of getting home, I needed to return to the ER (I'm assuming to recieve a catheter). I'm just worried because although I am going, it's nowhere near what I am used to. I placed a call to my doc's office, but haven't heard back from them just yet. Any advice?

Day 3 and counting...YAY!!!! But...besides....jello, crystal light, chicken/beef/ and veggie broth and sugar-free juice pops....is there anything else I can eat in the first 2 weeks of "clear fluids"? This is my thrid day and I am already bored of the things the doctor told me to eat... Thanks for your help!

I came across this video and was wondering if any post-op lapbanders felt the same as this women did after LapBand? My daughter and I are Scheduled for LapBand surgery Feb 23rd. Thanks to all!! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brkq015Ao_8]YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.[/ame]

For some reason, today every time I take a sip, I get a twinge, or a pinch, down in my tummy. I thought I was nuts, then I tested it again; and every time the sip goes in, I can nearly follow it and time it - and it happens again. Is this just a coincidence, or can I really 'feel' the drink going down?

HI! I am awaiting insurance approval for lapband and am very excited. any words of advice?

Hey y'all, Well it's been almost 3 weeks since I was banded. Things are going great now. I've lost 20lbs and i'm not hungry anymore. There was a point where I thought I could eat the walls. I go for my 1st fill on the 26th and i'm super excited. I've added fish and chicken to my diet and so far the only problem I've had was w/ some scrambled eggs. I think I ate them too fast bc I got this horrible pain in my chest and I could feel the food in my throat. Almost felt like it was stuck. I learned my lesson. Only slow small bites and most defiantly take my time. My question is after I get my fill and can be on a "normal" diet what foods should I avoid eating? …

Well tomorrow is the day I will belong to the banded club:clap2: . I am scared to death:eek: . I have everything I do believe, that the list said plus things from the board ( thank you all ) all ready for when I get home. So until then keep me in your thoughts. Shelley

i am 2 days out - i cant sleep - i cant cant get comfortable and i cant get this damn bubble out of my chest (feels like a burp) and my shoulder hurts! does anyone know if they could sleep onthier side right after surgery? the pain is ridiculous! ouch! ok ok maybe i am exaggerating but i never had surgery before and i did not knwo what to expect! i am only 21 and i weigh 265 and i wasnt sure if i needed to do this or not but i guess i am glad i did so far! I believe that my expectations were unrealistic because this is surgery but the experience is different for everyone and i wasnt even in pain from the "band" its was the gas, the incisions and that stuff... (Message …

I've totally got the Clear liquids down, does anyone have a list of what full liquids are so I can prepare myself? Also a list of mushy's would be awesome.... That way I have something to look forward to!!

Help!!!! I was banded on January 15th so I was banded 3 weeks ago. First week I did liquids, second week I did heavy liquids and the third week I did a half of week of mushy and then by Thursday I needed some real food because I was starving so I had beef brisket. At this point, I can eat anything and everything and not feel full. I know a lot of people are having the same issue but my question is is it possible to stretch your stomach at this point? I try to only eat when I am hungry but when I do, I can eat a lot. Last night I had two pieces of Bertuccis pizza and I still wasn't full. I am not too concerned about not taking off the weight right now because …

I am the happiest person today!! After 2 weeks of nothing but Clear liquids, I'm on to full liquids!!! I can have oatmeal, grits, any Soup pureed, yogurt and frozen yogurt! I know that's nothing exciting, but that broth was making me crazy mad:angry ! LOL!! I was so good on that liquid diet, but it was really awful. I lost 19 pounds since surgery 2 weeks ago. 27 since I started the 2 week liquid preop diet. I'm happy with the weight loss. But I'm even happier I can have something to eat with some texture! Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:clap2: . Hopefully I'll get some kind of energy back. My hubby says I've been walking around here like my puppy just died or something.…

Is it normal to have bad heartburn after surgery? I have been given Prevacid (I think that was it) to take once daily but still burp and hurt. :think Does this mean a slip? Should I call the doctor or should I just chill and ride the postop wave and see what happens? Ugh, I hope I haven't made a mistake having this thing put around my gut. I am so depressed, hungry, and I hurt. Thanks for any help in advance, Lucy

I was banded on Feb.9th so I am still in the very beginning of my journey. I have been drinking through a straw, is that bad? My doctor really didn't tell me anything other than to drink clear fluids for two weeks. Anything else I've learned from this site or researching the internet. Does anyone know if drinking through a straw is bad for you?? I figured it would help with the smaller sips I have to learn to deal with. Also other than popsicles, Jello and chicken broth is there something else I could eat? Any feedback is greatly helpful!! Thanks, R

Hi, I've just found out that underwear (knickers/panties) are not allowed to be worn during surgery at the hospital that I am having my surgery at. I don't feel completely happy with this idea especially as the surgeon gets to stand between one's legs to during the surgery anyway! Ewww. Is this the norm? I would have thought paper pants would be more hygenic than commando!!!

...so I really hope I'm not offensive. Yesterday was my first 'post band' mushy meal. I had a bit of filet of baked fish, and about 1/4 cups of creamed spinach and I was full. This a.m. I woke up and had to BM. I have not had any 'solid' BMs as of yet - to be expected. Most of the time, its like I'm peeing. Anyway - I would swear that the spinach never digested. Was bright in color, and appeared to be the same as it went in. Is this possible? I'm a bit nervous, as I want to be sure everything intestinally is still working the right way. Want to be sure I'm digesting! Then the green color had me worried, as I know that can sometimes mean infection. Sorry for …

Ok, coming to the ones that can really identify. I was banded on 2/5 (one week ago), and I am struggling with the recovery stage. I generally feel week, but the worst seems to be the soreness and tightness in my belly. Probably port site. Feels fine to walk or lay down, but to sit at my desk, it feels awful. I have had laparoscopy before and two c-section deliveries. Didn't expect to still be struggling thru the recovery part one week out. I realize this sounds terribly whinny, but I am so frustrated. Still haven't come to terms with the band... I refer to him as "Bandit" for now. I am sure in time I will grow to love him, but for the past 7 days, not so much. I…

Hello I will preface by saying I am 5 9 and weight a little over 300lbs. I go to the gym about 4 times a week to do a lot of cardio and some muscle toning. I am no longer able to jog for more than 3-4 minutes. Office chairs, movies, bus, and plane seats are very tight. I ask for an extender on planes. My BMI is probably over 40. 5 years ago I went from 250 down to 186 using the LA Weigthloss diet plan. I kept the weight off for 2 years but as I gradually migrated away from the plan, along with stress I gained weight. First I went to 220 than 240, 260, and have been over 280 for almost 3 years. I am an emotional overeater. When I stick to a diet, I lose weight…

I am approaching the end of week 4 of being banded. Like others that have posted, I have very little restriction, but I am still only eating about half of what I normally would. So far, I have lost about 14 lbs - while that is more than I would have before being banded - I read other posts that say they have lost 20-25lbs in the first month. What is normal for the first month? I know that once I get my fill along with exercising, my eating will decrease, causing weightloss along, but I am curious as to what is normal average weightloss after a fill.

i have my first fill tomorrow. i have a few questions. how does it feel? does it hurt? how do you feel afterward? any information you can share i would appreciate!

I have some really sharp pains in my shoulder and chest. Is that gas? I'm 13 days post op and really thought I was over the gas a week ago. I haven't had any gas pains for a week and now this. OUCH! Is it gas? Thanks for your help!

Has anyone experienced these symptoms AFTER surgery, because I am getting a lot of them right now, and it's kind of scaring me.

I am 4 days post -op, down 9.5 pounds. Feeling great! I hate Isopure, which is the Protein drink my doctor has me on. Totally over chicken broth. I am ready for more. Any one else feel this way? Anything I can do about it ? Thanks !

Does anyone know when I can shower? Yes, I know it's gross that it been so long. Can I take my bandages of and replace them or am I suppose to wait for the doctor to do that?

I have been obsessed with researching everything I can about the band and people's post-op experiences. I think I have over-researched and am now feeling very discouraged about the band. Tremendous Gas Pains, PBing, Ports Flipping, Need for Revision Surgery, Slippage, Erosion, Unable to Eat Certain Normal Foods EVER (grapes, rice, bread, salads, leafy greens, red meat, chicken, etc., etc., etc.), Not Losing Weight (particularly after the first 18 months) - I am freaking out. I want the band to help me not have my life so food-centric. It seems to me that there are so many people out there who have had so many significant problems that they have to think/worry about …