PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was just wondering if anyone else had the same requirement. My surgeon will not do surgery unless you have had a psych evaluation from the doctor he refers you to. Supposedly this Dr. is extremely familiar with WLS. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for a couple of years now and I'm on anti-depressants. My psychiatrist is totally supportive of me having the lap-band, and offered to write a letter for me when we first discussed the surgery. I'm not thrilled with the fact that I have to go see a stranger who happens to know a lot about WLS, but not me! I would think my psychitrist who I have been seeing for over 2 years would know better than anyone if I am "mentally" cap…

Hi everyone, I am just starting the process towards maybe a lapband. I am supposed to be eating tiny bites, chew, chew, chew, take half and hour to eat, etc. I find it all impossible. Am I kidding myself that I will be able to do it once I actually have a lapband? Or is this a sign I am not a good candidate? Also have a hard time eating three meals a day and 2 Snacks, all with some form of Protein. Am I a failure already?:rose: Bonnie

I have a BMI of 33 and i am looking to get bandedin mexico for financial reassons. Has anyone out there been banded with a BMI of 33 or less? I have contacted two differant Dr. and they both said the requirement was 40 or above.

Can anyone tell me if drinking coffee is allowed pre-op or post-op?!! I hope I do not have to stop drinking my coffee but if you do, does anyone have any suggestions?? I switched to low-fat creamer and splenda but I am trying to get my creamer intake to 0 and drink it black with the splenda!!! I know that my extra cream and extra sugar only causes extra pounds!!!

Hi all i was banded on Jan 11, 2007 and have been on a liquid diet since than, my surgeon said the first 3 week i must be in a liquid diet so that the band will be well adjusted to the stomach, anyway i have lost 20lbs since my surgery day. Now Im looking forward to eating mushy food so any sugestion. Another things Im feeling like i kind of cheated a little because anybody would loose 20lb if they would be on a liquid diet even without the band. So my real challenge to me will be when i start eating regular food to see if my band really helps me lose weight of cause with my help.:hungry:

I'm going for my 4th fill on friday, at my 3rd fill I still have no restriction and I found out that I have 50% evaporation. has anyone out there have the same problem? and I might add I have lost 9 - 10 lbs since oct.2nd and it is now 3 months later( the weight lost came in the 1st week after the banding). I've been reading other threads and not much good news. Starting to think what did I do to myself.

Hi everyone, I have been to the seminar and I've scheduled my initial appt with Dr. Srikanth in Washington, I was wondering what all of you had to pay for the pre-op labs, exam & consults. Also do you know what labs are required? I have read many of the forums you've all posted and you all sound very supportive of eachother, this is very encouraging!! Wish me luck!!:clap2:

Hello All I am down about 70 lbs but since my second fill I am alot tighter which is good but this past week I have had some problems. Can eating to fast cause you to get sick? Monday I wound up getting sick like 4 times after I ate lunch. I know this may sound stupid but I have not lost alot recently and its frusturating to me but also I can only eat a small amount of food now. Physically i am fine but I won't lie mentally it bothering me I am think I am in the stage right now of mornikng food and today I have been real crabby. I know i have to work through it and I don't want to lose to fast. Sorry for dumping so much on you I wish there were other local sup…

Just wondered if anyone knows the answer to something I was thinking about. At Christmas I had gastric flu and was violently sick through the night. I am just thinking what would happen if you got this or food poisoning with the band in place. I just couldn't imagine what it would be like vomitting as I was with your stomach restricted. Anyone know the anwer??

Hi Everyone. My surgery is Feb 8th. I am pretty nervous. All the info here has made me feel better. Just wanted to know your experience with surgery and right after surgery. How long until you felt like you could get up and say go to the office? Someone else told me a couple days and they were back at a office job. Want to know if you are aware of it inside you and did you vomit at all. Just mostly curious about what the experience was like and the first week after. Any answers would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you so much!

:help: Hi: I am scheduled to be banded one week from tomorrow (the 16th). The hospital called today and asked a lot of questions so I guess reality has finally sunk in!! Everyone seems like this was no big deal and I am super nervous. Not so much about the surgery itself but about not beaing able to EVER eat soem of my favorite foods again (pizza, a glass of red wine, even a french frie or two now and again) - I don't want to be able to ea these types of food to abandon but never to even be able to taste them again? Obviously food has been an important 9and bad) friend of mine for years (r I wouldn't need to be banded :nervous ) so I am looking forward to the help …

there are a few questions i need some help with. I'm sure some of you have had these questions 100 times, but my searches didnt come up with the results i was looking for. First of all, what EXACTLY is this "sliming" that i keep hearing about. Does it happen a lot? This sounds like a very negative side affect of having this surgery and doesnt seem too fun to me. Is this a once a year type of occurance, or a once a day or week type of occurance? What causes it? What exactly happens? Scars. Okay, i grew up on the beach. My town is on the beach and eventhough i've always been over-weight i have always spent a lot of time with my shirt off on the beach. Basica…

After checking in with my insurance and finding out that the Lap Band procedure is covered under my policy (pending approval..yadda yadda yadda), I'll be attending a Seminar next Monday Evening. I have a list of questions to ask the Surgeons but I'm curious as to what questions were asked at your initial seminar and the responses that were given. Were any of the questions "unusual" and were there any questions that were asked that you were surprised at the answers? Thanks for all your help!! I'm excited and nervous at the same time and just want some idea of what to expect at the Seminar!

Hi New here. Considering lap band after losing weight with the gastric balloon. Had it removed about a year ago and now starting to regain weight. I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose but because of other health issues, blood pressure, arthritic knees and hips, high cholesterol levels, diabetis in the family - the same clinic is willing to give me the lap band. I just have questions about the port - where is it located exactly. Below or above the breasts and can you see or feel it. I have the option of another clinic offering the new electronic band which has no port and is regulated by computer chip. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I had my first consult with the Psychologist at the Bariatric Clinic and have started all my pre-op requirements. She mentioned she thinks I am a better candidate for gastric bypass whereas I "pick" all day (and night) and she feels I could get around the band too easily. She told me not to worry and that she would be discussing my case with the group and their aim is to get me on the road to weight loss, but I am very concerned about this new development as I have NO desire for the bypass and I told her absolutely not. She told me to go on with all my tests as usual and I will be starting with the nutritionist next week and they will get a "plan" together for me…

Do doctors normally refuse to do surgery on someone with a bad hiatal hernia, or do they take the patient and repair the hernia along with placing the lapband? I go see the surgeon next week and I'd like to hear from someone that might have had this experience. Thanks.

sorry to rant, but I thought my insurance had approved my surgery (so said my surgeon's office) but it turns out that someone at my surgeon's office had accidentally checked the 'insurance approved' box so I was given wrong information. So I have a surgery date of Wed (yes, as in day after tomorrow) but am still waiting for the 'nurse' at my insurance company to finish reviewing the case and to let me know if I am approved. I am super scared they are going to reject me. :cry So here I am with the time taken off work for this week, a fridge full of liquids and Vitamins and heating pads (okay, those aren't in the fridge!) all ready to go and now I might not get to. …

My flight from SAN to ATL is a little over 4 hours long. To be blunt, which end is the gas escaping from? I can control a burp here and there, but I really don't want to be stuck on a plane with the gas coming out the other end!! Or is it just gas that stays in the tummy until you take a Gas-X? My fellow passengers thank you for your advice :confused:

Okay, here is my big question of the hour... If for some reason my period decides to be around on my surgery day, even though it is not supposed to be, will they still do the surgery, or will it be postponed??? This may sound like a silly question, but my Aunt Flo has a tendecy to get off schedule at the most inconvenient times, such as coming along on vacations, etc. and I am afraid this might happen this time too....

Questions: Does she intibate you when under general anesthesia? And if you stay the night, do they put the TED stockings on your legs? Any other experiences with her would be greatly appreciated. I am a self pay having the procedure done on March 22.

Ok it has been since December since I had my band. Am I good to have some drinks now? I really need to visit a happy hour soon! As long as I don't drink and get sick will I be ok? I have been on plan so much I don't want to mess up my band but I need to destress!!!

How long does the swelling last after surgery?

Hello Everyone....The big day is today at 10AM. I was up early, watched CNN, took my shower, saw my daughter off to school, and now I am here wondering why I am not nervous yet! I guess it is because it is the right thing to do! I survived the pre-op 3 day liquid diet with no problems, and I am looking forward to the beginning of my new life! Charlotte

I am a Canadian nurse and work in recovery room. How long did you take off work after your surgery? I am the main breadwinner, and I don't have much sick time. Anyone applied for EI to cover this? Thanks, Laura

Hi all. I'm going to my prospective doctor's Lap Band seminar tonight. I have been reading LBT for a while and have quite a list of questions to ask. Can some of you with past experience tell me some of the questions I really need to be sure and ask? (Forget the ins. stuff. BCBS won't even call me back to discuss my voice mails on the subject). Thanks, JB

During my pre-op testing they discovered I have gallstones. My surgeon is going to remove them while he is putting the lap band in place. Has anyone else had gallstones removed at the same time and, if so, did it increase your recovery time? I am scheduled to be banded 2/5/07. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!:help: Beckymit Gainesville, FL Dr. Hipp

I heard that after the surgery you can no longer gulp water...you know, like when you are really thirsty. Is this true? Or are stuck sipping everything?

Hi Everyone, 1. What is slime (sliming)? 2. What is the shoulder pain some people talk about? Thanks...again, I've said this before...THIS IS A GREAT SITE!

I'm 10 days post op now, and I can eat regular food but I'm still on puree and soups, but I'm scared that I'll end up eating the same portions. For lunch today, I had 1 cup of creamy mushroom soup and yeah I'm full, but I'm freaking out a little that maybe I should be eating less? I don't know...How am I supposed to know how much I'm eating?

Every time I try to diet, (I'm pre-op), I swear, I panic. I start eating more than I do when I'm not trying to diet - as if this might be the last time I eat that particular food. I feel like I'm starving, all the time. Anyone else feel that way? And I know it *has* to be psychological. So, I decided to try a pre-op type of diet before I make my mind up about the lap-band. (Okay, so I'm a wuss). But I figure I need to do it anyway, and if I can stay on it for any length of time, the weight loss will be a bonus. And what I would up doing was eating most of what I normally eat, but adding Protein shakes (and more calories) into the mix. (I tried to substitue a shake fo…

Does anyone know if having the surgery involves any drugs that will come up on a standard urinalysis? I am scheduled to have surgery on 2-14-07 but, my job has random urinalysis. I am thinking of having the surgery and not telling anyone, just using vacation time. My concern is having a random drug test within the next thirty or so days and coming up "hot". That would cause problems.

Hi everyone! I am new to this site and find it very informative. I am one week postop and on liquids only. When I have my broth, water, protein shake, I don't feel like I have any restriction, that I could sip, sip, sip and sip some more. Am I to feel any kind of restriction at this point?

I'm still going through the pre-op testing (abnormal chest x-ray is holding me up right now, should get a call from DR. today...wish me luck!) DH has been questioning the real benefit of LB. I did my last Weight Watchers session about 2 yrs ago, lost around 20lbs. and was on the road to further WL. But as you all know, didn't/couldn't stick with it to maintain this loss. I was exercising 3x wk, counting my points etc. Here's his thinking: You were doing all this before and succeeding, you're going to have to follow the same eating and exercise guidelines after having the band, so why do you need the band? Just do what you did before and stick with it.. I r…

I'm scheduled for surgery on February 12. It's been 6 months since I started looking into the lapband. With lots of research and pre-op tests behind me, I'm ready. I've had time to decide and then reconsider and ask more than my share of questions. Now, I'm looking forward to having the surgery and losing some weight. Thanks to all for taking the time to answer my questions and offer your support. Regards, Debbie

I was diagnosed with viral cardomyopathy about 4 years ago and is one reason my wieight is so high, I was sedetary for 6 months and deveoped diabetes. My question is, have anyone been approved for the lap band surgery who has had heart problems??

I am in the process of getting approval for lapband surgery with DR. Billing at Puget Sound Surgical Center Edmonds, WA. I am hopeing for a banding date in Febuary. I am having second thoughts,,,,does any one regret it?:phanvan I am 5'2 and weigh 240 pounds, I recently lost and gained 45 pounds on the adkins diet. I have Diabetes, chronic low back pain, heart problems, knee joint problems and most recently have been diagnosed with Gout:omg: YAY! LOL, so basically I am a mess! :help: I read about the requirements after the lap band, no soda, ever:omg: wow! I cant imagine never drinking a coke again. No liguids with your meals, ever! WOW, thats gonna be hard too, always eat…

Hi All, I was banded yesterday and am in a lot of pain. Is this normal? Also I have not passed any gas,and feel extremely bloated, and have walked and taken Gas X. Any suggestions?

Just Wondering If Anyone Else Had A Hard Time With The Pre Op Diet. I Cant Seem To Stick To It As Well As I Should And Am Wondering If This Will Mean No Success After The Surgery Or Problems With The Surgery. I'm Being Banded 1/31. Help!?

Does WLS have any impact on pregnancy? I'm concerned that if I become pregnant my child won't get the nutrients he or she will need since I'm on a restricted diet.

What condition are you in 2 weeks after being banded? I'm considering doing it sooner rather than later, but have an important event coming up 2 weeks after the earliest time it could be scheduled with people who won't know I'm doing this (i.e. limiting my food/drink would be obvious if I'm only supposed be eating mashed foods). Any thoughts? :help:

I tried to reply to your private message, you mailbox is full~

Hi All, I start my 1 day Pre-Op tomorrow. (Clear Liquids). This may be a silly question, but if I drink tea (with NO milk), am I allowed to have any sugar or artificial sweetners in it? Yikes!:omg:

I was just banded on 1/19 and I have been doing great. My only complaint is an occasional out-of-the-blue hiccup. It's usually only one, but it can be pretty big and it hurts my incisions. It doesn't necessarily happen during mealtime (liquids), but more out of the blue. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks in advance! Amy

wanting to have this done. MY DAUGHTER had it done last week, doing extremly well. I am 60 years old and a little nervous. Have high blood pressure and had a stint put in 2 years ago. trying to make the big chose. Obesity runs in my family.

So, I have been able to walk around, get up on my own, etc with OUT pain. However, tonight, I drove to Target (its been 5 days and I was only told to avoid driving for 3-4 days) and shopped. Within 10 mins of walking, I had a sudden pain where my port is. I wasnt pushing the basket nor have I been lifting anything and I didnt do anything differently than before. I lifted my shirt and noticed that the port was up higher than where I had noticed it before. It stuck out really far and it was very tender to the touch. Also, it hurt when I did certain things, like breathe deep or turned slightly. The pain is really sharp and I dont like it at all. Does this mean that …

How long do you stay at the hospital? Are you put under completely?

Anyone have input on how they handled blood pressure and cholesterol medications? My PCP was not sure about crushing them and has to check with the company rep. Just wondering what others experience has been. Scheduled for 1/31/07 with Dr. Spivak. :clap2:

I see things mentioned here that I haven't noticed at the Dr./Hospital websites, such as the pre-surgical diet and other testing. I know there's some time when you have to wait for insurance authorization too. What I'm wondering is this: After you see the Dr. for the first time, what happens after that and how long is it, generally, before the surgery? Are we talking weeks or months? Just trying to get a handle on what to expect. Thanks!

:notagree Last night I slept with this awkward machine, can someone tell me what too expect if results show I have this condition? Does that speed up the surgery date?? Also, I took me metabolic panel today..and my next Dr. appt isn't till Feb. 12, when do I schedule with the Nutrionist? *Only One-Week into 6 Months!!!!

Hi there; I wonder if any of you out there are horsewomen. I ask because my surgery is next Wednesday (1/31) and I ride on a mounted drill team, we practice on Thursday nights. I know of course I won't be up and about the day after surgery... but how long do you think I should plan to not practice for? I don't want to push myself and cause problems. For any of you who are not familiar with mounted drill, we ride at a gallop usually (we do a lot of trotting at practices) and perform sychronized riding routines. Anyhow, it is not easy riding (and boy am I looking forward to doing it thinner, I am almost to big to do it now- definitely too big to ride as well as I can). …