PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

<p><p><p>:clap2:Iam 4mos post op and I have been drinking my protein 2-3 times a day. I was wondering if it could make me constipated?:help: Does anyone feel the same?<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p></p></p>

I go for my evaluations tomorrow. I've heard people say they wish they'd not said some things on the evaluations because they were not recommended for Lap Band surgery and were instead steered to gastric bypass. Any words of wisdom? JB

Anyone banded around the same time? Are fast are you losing and how are things going down?

Hi everyone. I'm Maggie, from SC and went to my introductory mtg on 12/8. I'm definitely interested in getting the lapband procedure, but like most people am concerned about possible failure. Dr Bohr was stating that lapband folks typically only lose 55% of their needed weight using the band. I know that percentages are made from averaging all the success rates, so the range of loss can be from small to large. :hungry: My typical eating pattern is grazing, which he said makes it hard to succeed. And sweet-aholics, too, which I also am to some extent. Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments. Maggie

:update: I got banded this morning- checked in at 6, into OR at 7 and left at 10:15... I feel okay-the usual sore gassy (this is getting more uncomfortable as the day goes on despite walking and gas x but it is not as bad for me as some people seem to have it. tired a bit silly from pain meds a bit of blood leakage from incisions, that has stopped but I am doing much better than I expected. :rose: I am taking Gas X (strips) every 2-3 hours (2 at a time) and ibuprofin. I am keeping a list by my stack of meds where I write down time what I took dose when I can have my next dose 12 pm pain med 3 TSP 3 PM the blue is a sample of what I write.…

:help: hi every 1 iv been banded for 12days now and find blended food looks like sick !! can i have things like mashed potato with baked beans and not blend it if i chew it really well so its mush in my mouth befor i swallow

hello all, There are a couple of ladies I work with that have gotten holes in their bands and no longer are able to get fills. Is this a common occurence or is their Dr. (they have the same fill dr) just not paying attention? Missy

Like I Said I Am 4 Days Post - Op And No Matter How Many Times I Brush My Teeth I Have This Horrible Breath And Grittyness To My Teeth - Anyone Else Experiecent This? I Think It May Be From The Gases Still Exiting My Body Throught My Mouth!

Hi, Mike here in NY and new to this site. About 3/4 done with pre-surgical tests and Dr. visits. Came into this process determined to get the lap band, but now thinking that after all this should I just get the Bypass instead. The lap band appeals to me for all the reasons it appeals to most, safety, less invasive, etc..... but my concern is will it last, will I cheat it. Many of my friends have had the bypass and after 5 yrs some have cheated that and all but one have put on weight, some significantly so my concern is if they can do it with the bypass what may happen with the band. I am determined to make this work and will exercise ( I have in the past regularly unti…

Good day to everyone. I have my consulation on friday ( I can't wait:clap2: ) I was just wondering how long after your appt. did it take for you to have the surgery? I live in Maryland and I just didn't know what to expect. I am just so exicted I cant wait till friday. Shelley:D

I've never inquired about this. I'm curious to know, if I drink 1/2 cup of Water, how fast does it empty out of the pouch? Only curious, b/c I'm being told to sip sip sip sip, etc. to keep me well and hydrated. I'm afraid of overflowing the pouch. Any ideas? I guess it varies, considering that I'm starting to understand NOW - 10 days later - that I'm swollen in there!

For any of you who are interested-I found this Lap Band Patient Handbook online. Its the "bible" of Lap band patients Im told. http://www.allerganandinamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/information.html#booklet You will need adobe acrobat reader. It has alot of great info in it.

Hi everyone I haven't had a band fitted yet,saving hard and will have enough by the summer. I have been a member of this site for almost a year, reading the success stories, the horror stories and admiring the before and after pic and of course the scar pics(NOT!!!!!!) it took me a long time to make the decision but I have finally made it. I have told only a couple of close family members and of course my hubby and I don't intend on telling many more. A 'friend' of mine told me about her friends sisters having a band put in last summer and as I don't personally know anyone who has had it done I was keen to know how she was getting on. My 'friend' was extremely nega…

Hi all, Things are moving along slowly, but surely. I have been told a few times at the clinic that "grazers" are more successful with the bypass rather than the band. They will give me what I want, which is the band of course, but they feel I really, really have to work on the snacking. Ayone else with this problem of constantly eating, and how does problem work out with the band? I am never really hungry or full. Thanks again. This is really such a great site. PS: The snacking is a big problem..that is what got me here in the first place. What is I still can't control myself??? http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb098&pp=ZNxdm824IRUS

Hey all, I have 4 incisions, 1 is my port. The port steri-strip seems to be seeping a little bit. Not alot. Only if I touch it, I see a bit of moisture. Should I be alarmed? It's not red, inflamed more than normal after surgery, no big red circle around it, etc. I was told to remove the bandages that covered them after 48 hours, and let the strips fall off as they wish. Should I be concerned about this little bit of clearish/yellowish seepage? Thanks!

I have had an incredibly bad back for going on a year now and after many many investigatory tests, my Dr has prescribed a Water soluble feldene tablet for me. I know feldene in its pill form is a no no because its a nsaid, but will the fact that its going down in liquid form make any difference? It really has gotten to the stage with my back pain that I am willing to take the risk it to have some releif. I don't remember the last time I slept more than 4 or 5 hours a night because of it, and its catching up with me. Any thoughts?

Hi. I have my surgery tomorrow. I had to have two days of clear liquids, and yesterday drank 10 ounces of magnesium citrate to help clear the bowels (per doctor instructions). I did good all day yesterday except I sucked on 4 candy kisses last night. Then this morning I wanted a tastier broth so I heated up chicken noodle soup and I was doing good with the broth (much better than just plain chicken broth) and I ate 1 spoonful of the noodles and carrots. Do you think that is really bad? I gave in to temptation. :cry Now I am a little concerned I ruined my fast. I know it wasn't that much, but there has to be a reason they want your bowels cleaned out. Anyone cheat on…

How do they determine what size band to use? Is one size better that another? I haven't had a chance to ask my doctor which one will be used on me. Thanks Wendy

I have been reading a lot of posts on this board to get info before my surgery which will be on 3/5. No one seems to mention vomiting, although the one person that I know who has been banded has a big problem with that. Also what is PB ing? thanks, mags

I got my band on January 25th and ever since i've gotten home I've had some awful chest pains! Pressure in my chest that comes and goes... How long does this stay? What can i do to prevent them? :confused:Advice would be appreciated.

I realize that most people probably had this covered by insurance or did self-pay & paid one lump sum but .... I was wondering if anyone could throw out a few figures they might remember for doctor(s) visits. Since my insurance has an exclusion, I am looking at purchasing a "hospital only" plan with another company but it doesn't cover office visits. This plan would replace my current plan until next year, so I am really nervous about making this change. There's a co-pay of $20 for diagnostic lab tests and x-rays, so I think the tests themselves are covered, just not the fee for the office visits. I know the surgical consult is $350 and I've heard the phys…

So i had an appointment today for my intial consultation at AIGB in Richardson. After finally finding the place and making my way in, the girl asks for my DL, insurance and info packet from the seminar. :faint: :faint: :faint: I had completely forgotten about that stupid info packet I was supposed to bring. She 'claims' it takes 30 min to fill all of it out and because of the current time (appt was for 3:30pm and it takes hr and a half for the consultation), they made me reschedule...despite having drove 30+miles to get there :) :mad: . I'm a little angry that they wouldn't just see me then and let me fax the paper work over the next day but I knew from past exp…

...and I Have To Say I Am Sh*ting My Pants! I Am Freaking Out Over Here - Trying Not Chicken Out! Oh Gosh I Hate {pain} Please Any Last Minute Tips/ Reminders/ Prayers I Should Say! I Guess This Is Just The Immature Side Of Me. Oh Well Though Even Though I Am 21 I Am Still 20, 19 , 18 17, ...6,5,4,3,2,1 Underneath So I Am Allow To Act Three Sometimes Right? (we Are All Like A Big Snowball Just Getting Bigger But Inside We Are Still Who We Used To Be Years Ago).

I was banded yesterday. I believe that I have extreme gas pains left side only. (no burping or otherwise!) Lying down and sitting makes it worse. ONly thing that makes it better is standing. (which really stinks, cause I want to be laying!) Anybody has any similar experience or suggestions to alleviate pain?

How much does everyone have in their 4cc band and are consistently losing weight. just wondering what the average is?

Please tell me how to find the strength to get through another week of clear liquids!! I was banded Jan 30th and I've been on a clear diet for a week now. I was on Optifast 2 weeks prior to surgery. I'm having ups and downs with hunger, but I'm just so weak and so tired. I have no energy to do anything. I'm probably getting at the most 200 cals a day and virtually no Protein. I'm losing a pound a day which is great. But I've got 3 kids to run after and all I want to do is sit. I just can't imagine another week of broth. I know I have to do it, but it's making me "not very nice" LOL!! How did you do it..for those who had to do 2 weeks of clears?? Sorry for t…

:help: Why and how did you chose to have the lap band surgery instead of any other type of weight loss surgery? I understand that each deicison is personal and subjective, but any help or insight you would give would be trememdously appreciated! Cyn

Tonight I go for the seminar at Shawnee Msn. This is my second with them. I hope I can push this thing through since I have been waiting since early last year. Anyone had surgery with Hitchcock or Hoehn lately? How long was your wait to get a surgery date? I hope I dont have to do a BUNCH of Sabapathy appointments. I like him...but I think I am as sane as I can be! And I have this forum to help me!

Hi, Looking for any comments on what I should be looking forward to, or anyone have good advise to follow from your own experiences. I would love to hear. I think I will need lots of support for these 10 days, and beyond And also any positive things anyone can tell me would be great, I'm getting a little nervous about the whole pursedure, I think anything positive that you have to share about your own lapband journey would help out a great deal. Thanks and god bless! Minnesotalady

I have read on this forum about some taking Gas X after Surgery for the gas pains.My question is how do you get the gel tabs down,do you cut them or crush or what? Thanks for the replies in advance Terry

Hello all- I am in the mushie stage and I was wondering when I can have something crunchy! I love baked lays potato chips and "healthy" crackers and dare I say popcorn. But ofcourse I don't want to rush anything, but a girl's gotta have some crunch! TIA Suzy

I saw one other thread about loose skin, but only one reply to it, so I would like to ask about it to see if more people will reply. I'm scheduling my surgery this morning, it will probably be on the 16th. My surgeon told me that because I'm still young that I shouldn't have any problems with loose skin. Yah, I'm 29 and I guess it's young, but I don't feel like it's young enough to not have to worry about it. Anyone about my age that's already lost a lot? Or anyone else want to share on this topic? Is it weird that I'm worried about this? Maybe it's because I'm 29 and still vain. ANYWAY....OH, plus I have strech marks on my stomach, have never had any babies tho…

Although I Am Only 4 Dys Post Op I Was Wondering If There Is Anything I Can Do Now (cant Start Exercise Yet) To Decrease The Look Of Ugly Stretch Marks? Thanks For Any Info!!

Hi to my wonderful friends who have been so supportive to me thru this really challanging process! I will be a "BANSTER" tomorrow!! Yikes!! Surgery is at 7:30 A.M.- (which means to be there at 5:30!! DOUBLE YIKES!!) I am having my lap band with Dr. Snyder, in Denver at Rose Medical Center. The Clear liquids have been just fine for me the past 2 days. Yesterday, I had THE BIG SCARE... "BUYER'S REMORSE" !!! "What am I doing to my body?" "Shud I be doing this to my body?" "What if I cannot figure out the amount to "drink" and % of Protein etc... "Why, Why, Why, etc" I was really upset, could not talk about what I was feeling, etc... Then my …

I received three deliveries of 'get well' flowers from different teams at work. What is the ettitquette for me saying Thank You? Do I send one card to each team (they're in different states!), or can I send an email to them? Can it wait until I return to the office in another week, or do I do it from home??

How long did it take everyone to get back to work? I work at a bank and am having surgery tomorrow (2/2/07) and planned to return Tue. giving me 3 days off after the day of surgery. Does that sound okay?

my name is sinia mejia i was referred to a lap band specialist because of my obesity, i weigh 240 ibs and im 5'3 the doctor said i was a perfect canidate for the surgery, so i got a bunch of testing done,and ive completed all that, i had a sleep test done and i was diagonosed with sleep apnea, now they said i have to sleep with a cpap machine 30 days prior to the surgery also i met with a nutrionist and psciatrist, they both cleared me for the surgery but, i am in a drug and alcohol program because i am an addict, i relapsed in november , ive been attending meetings and i really have gotten myelf together and i have maintained my sobriety, but now the pshciatrist is aski…

Today I attended a consultation at my Doctor's office and was told that only 45 to 50% of people who have the Lap-Band done lose any weight. The nurse practioner said that their specific patients have had a 50% success rate. These figures seem very discouraging to me. :phanvan When I questioned him as to why only 50% lose weight he said that people cheat/cannot overcome the emotional or mental obstacles they need to overcome to change their lifestyle. He went on to state that he thinks the figure is 50% because some patients who have BMI's in the 50-60 range have elected to have the Lap-Band and have not been successful, which he feels skews the results. We briefly dis…

I just got off the phone with Dr. Storeys office (Houston) and they told me that after 6 months with them and being monitored by a dietician and exercise they will submit it to the insurance company. I am not willing to wait 6 more months. I told the girl I would be dead by then. Did anyone have to wait like that? Is that the norm? How absurd for them to even say that! If people could get the weight off by just watching what they eat then they could just waive their magic wand and it would be done now wouldn't it!!??!! It's not like getting fat has happened to me overnight, I have been battling weight all my life and with hypothyroidism thrown in there to mix it al…

I am contemplating the Lap Band...still deciding if I should go to a seminar about it. one thing that always sticks in my mind, is that one girl I know told me about a co-worker who had a gstric bypass and she said they now have an external odor that won't go away. Please don't think I am making a joke. I was just wondering if this sounded familiar to anyone and if the lap band poses any kind of odor problems. Maybe this was a myth?? Thanks and have a good day....Monica:)

I can not for the life of me sleep at night in the bed. I tried on my right side last night; woke up with spasms in my back muscles. I guess b/c I'm trying to compensate and keep the left side safe and not lay on it. I'm normally a left side sleeper! sleeping flat on my back isn't working either. The reclineer, I swear is making my back feel even worse. Anyone else experience this back/muscular pain now? I guess it has to do with me walking funny also; I'm still not feeling totally upright.

Is it true that we can no longer have chewing gum after the lap band surgery?? If not, why? Thanks Dixie:omg:

i have not had my first fill yet i will have it 2-14. i am having trouble now that i am all healed because i have no restriction. i can eat anything. does anyone have any suggestions or feels the same way before the first fill? i hate this feeling of wanting to eat.

There Are So Many Things To Remember And Alot Of People Have Different Views, Can We Make A List Perhaps Of Everything I - Well First Off Can Not Have That List Will Probably Be Shorter - Hopefully Lol Thanks Yall Being Banded On The 7th Ahhhhh And Yess!! And Omg!!!!

The surgeon who will be doing my surgery stiches the band to prevent slippage. Is this what every surgeon does? I am curious about the band slipping and how it could happen?

Hi, I have a question. My incisions are practically healed after 2 weeks. Banded 1.23.07. I am scheduled for the Adjustment on 2.16.07, but curious to how they go in and find the exact spot to fill the band? I am sure they go into the incision where the port is located and insert a needle, but how do they know? Is there an Xray they have to do first? Also, what is the average/norm time that people get fills? (I know it depends on your comfort of eating/losing), but on an average, do you go every month... and then it slows down? :nervous

:help: I know that we are supposed to know via sleep study if we have sleep apnea before surgery. I even know why-- because the anesthiologist needs to know and stuff in order to keep us breathing and all that. What I'm conflicted on is what sleep study the surgeon goes by? Is it the most recent one? Does the sleep study have a set of criteria? I ask because I have had three sleep studies since the beginning of September 2006 (I have a variety of sleep issues including narcolepsy). And the results about apnea are conflicted. According to the first study, yes. According to the most recent study, last month, no. The middle study wasn't a good study since I didn'…

My doctor has me on 1 oz an hour of clear liquids for 2 weeks. That's ok right? I had surgery on Jan 30 and I'm not hungry at all. Did anyone else have to do this? I'm not complaining..I don't want anymore, I just want to make sure I'm getting enough fluids. What do you think?

Taken from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf/P000008b.doc WARNING: Laparoscopic or laparotomic placement of the LAP-BAND System is major surgery and death can occur WARNING: Failure to secure the band properly may result in its subsequent displacement and necessitate reoperation. WARNING: A large hiatal hernia may prevent accurate positioning of the device. Placement of the band should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity of the hernia. WARNING: The band should not be sutured to the stomach. Suturing the band directly to the stomach may result in erosion. WARNING: Patients’ emotional and psychological stability should be evaluated prior…

Hi! Well I was banded yesterday (Jan 30) and SOOO happy it's finally done. I have some questions for you guys and was hoping you could tell me what you think. I was soo prepared to have tons of gas and pain from the gas, but so far..it hasn't been bad at all as far as gas. My gut is the worst...very very sore and it's hard to get up and down. I feel like I have to hold on to it or it will somehow fall off..LOL!! I have a sore throat and it's like I want to cough something up, but it's too hard to cough. Is this all normal after surgery? I just want to make sure everything SOUNDS normal to most people. I'm supposed to drink 1 oz every hour. Does that mean broth t…