PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello all, I am getting banded tomorrow. I just read on another board where someone who was going through menopause and on hormones said they are not losing weight. This scared me. I am on hormones too and I have wondered about that. Does anyone know if this makes a difference in weight loss? Thank you. You have all been so wonderful! Denise

I am a super newbie as I am only going to the DR for the first time today. I attended a seminar and did some research and now I am ready to start from scratch. My insurance will cover the procedure and I guess Im just curious as to how long from day 1 until you actually get scheduled for the surgery? I know you have to have some tests done and the psych part of it. How long after the procedure can you go back to work? Looking forward to getting you know you all. Kerry

I have a liquid diet question: My date is set for 2-14-07 and is coming faster than I thought it would. My doc does not require a liquid diet pre-op however, the dietician reccomends you lose as much as you can so the liver shrinks... I f I were to go to say, a GNC, what would be the product that i would buy if I were going to go on a liquid diet? Is it just three or so shakes a day? Id there other things to go along with the shakes, is it a calorie counting thing? Any help woud be appreciated. Sean

I have a question to allof those that are close to meeting their goal or those who have met their goal... Do you find that you have a lot of excess skin? Like so much that a tummy tuck is needed or breast lift etc...?:paranoid

I was chewing gum after my vitamin and I might of swallowed it! It has been 45 min and I am not feeling any pain. I am so looped on pain meds, I don't know what happened to the gum! What should I do?

Aaahhhh! I caved! I ate whold food a week after surgery! Not to sound melodramatic...but I feel like a failure. I am so frustrated with my choices. I finally have a good chance to loose weight and I feel I am that I am sabotaging it. Anyone else cave in to the call of "real" food during your post op eating schedule? I had lots of restriction until a week after surgery. Then it went away over a couple days. Now I have very little. Do you think the swelling went down, or did I cause the band to slip? Do you think I hurt my band...cause my stomach to stretch? 11 days since surgery...3 days until mushies...

Hello from Los Angeles! I'm on day 7 of the liquid diet, and it is getting harder and harder to push on. Honestly, I'm starting to feel like an overfilled Water balloon. I don't know how I'm going to manage another 2 weeks of this. At night, I fall asleep fantasizing about real food - especially supersized McDonald's meals, my #1 vice pre-surgery. I can so vividly recall what a double cheeseburger tastes like. Even foods that never really appealled to me before, like plain white bread, makes my mouth water uncontrollably. On the other hand, I have lost about 10 lbs so far. I'm not going to lie - that feels pretty terrific. So, guys, I am looking to dev…

Quick question on the post op diet how many calories are people consuming?

My surgery is coming up FAST! I am trying to bet things ready so my family is taken care of(preparing meals and freezing them laundry car pools etc), but this thought just occured to me. What should I do to make it easy on ME Post op?? So is there anything you wish you had purchased or done ahead of time that would have made the first week or so after easier on you? Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks.

IS IT NORMAL TO FEEL LIKE I CAN NOT LIFT MYSELF UP. I WAS ALSO ABLE TO DRINK AND EAT. I ALSO ATE A PIECE OF HAMBURGER MEAT:hungry: WITH CHEESE. PLEASE HELP WHAT DO I DO. I DON'T BELIEVE MY LAPBAND IS WORKING :help: THEN ON TOP OF THAT I AM FULL OF GAS AND NAUSATED PLEASE HELP ME I NEED TO KNOW WAHT I CAN TAKE TO FEEL BETTER. IAM BEGINNING TO WONDER DID I MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION:angry

I am coming close to 2 years post-op. I've lost 116 pounds and generally feel great, however lately (last 3 months) I've developed this night cough that has been persistent and keeps me up half the night. Seems to come and go and no matter how early I eat, it doesn't seem to matter. Has anybody else had a similar problem? I'd appreciate any feedback. Happy Holidays! Nick :help:

tomorrow i start the puried food diet, am alittle nervous. it seems as if its been forever since i had somewhat real food. some of the food they suggest that you eat on this phase just doesnt seem appealing to me. if anyone has any ideas that are appeasing i would appreciate any ideas. also could anyone tell me if they have had weird shoulder pain, my started about 3 days after surgery. i hope you have a merry christmas i know to all of us banded just recently it will be difficult as far as the not eating the holiday food. good luck to all.

Hi all, It's my 3rd day post-op. Everything has been going smoothly so far - gas pain as expected (slowly decreasing,) soreness at the port site, weird burping episodes. This AM, I woke up in excruciating pain at the port site. This is totally unlike the pain I have been experiencing thus far. I can't even stand upright. There does not appear to be any new bleeding at the port site, nor pus, and I do not have a temp - can I rule out infection? I am also worried that perhaps I have been too active during my post-op recovery - taking walks around the block to relieve gas, etc. I'm also wondering if I might have twisted around in my sleep and pulled out the su…

Question for dr. c or someone who knows about this stuff I have been vomiting alot so the doctor took out all my fluid from my band and I am going to have a barium swallow to evaluate for a slip. so if I had a slip would I be able to tolerate solids know with the water out of the band what I want to know I I had a slip would I still not be able to eat solids even with nothing in the band (water) and would I have pain if I did have a slip please help

hi all, can i take advil 2 days before surgery? thanks!

I was banded on the 20th. I have had diarrhea since last night around 10:00 pm. everything I have been drinking is going right thru me. Help? Did anyone else go thru this?

Thanks everybody for answering my questions. It has been so helpful. I do have one more qeustion. What is the reson for eating mushies? I was wondering if soft food also works .....like noddles...also how about rice? Thanks again bandsters.

Ok, I am on my 2 day clear liquids..surgery is on Wed. can I have a Diet Coke or a cup of coffee. I woul love some caffeine!! Help!

Im in the process of getting medically cleared for the lap-band. I was just curious because i am still young and enjoy going out for drinks with friends, can i still drink alcohol without feeling too full? i know we are not supposed to drink it because of it being empty calories but is it possible to do once in a while?

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the forum. I have my consultation scheduled for 12/4. I've been reading alot about what to expect after surgery. I've heard that you can have hair loss after the surgery. I'm wondering if people have had that and to what extent. Has anyone lost all their hair like you do with kemotherapy? Sorry I hope I don't offend anyone I'm just real curious about this because there's not alot of info online that I could find. Thank you all for any input.

Hey guys, I'm 24 hours out of the hospital and feel like I may have over done it. Can you take in too much liquid? In about an hours time I've had 3/4 cup mixed veggie/chicken broth 4 ounces grape juice and a banana popsicle...all the liquid goes right through right? I'm feeling very full.

Okay, I'm sure I'm not the only one that has "rolls" when they sit down, but can't you feel the port when your abdomen scrunches up when you sit?, it seems it would dig into my insides when I sit. When they sew the port under the skin and connect it to the muscle (yes, it might be under there somewhere!) isn't it 2-3 inches under the skin ?? or is it embedded in the fatty tissue? for fills do they use a needle that long to reach the port? Just wondering, probably a better question for my Dr. I have a list of questions now. I couldn't think of very many questions when I had my consultation. Hoping to get a surgery date around the end of Feb/early…

Hi all. Just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with Dr. Spiegal and the New University General Hospital. The hospital only opened 2 months ago so everything is new. They gave me a private room to recoup even though i was going home the same day. Plasma TV in all the rooms. I expected the pain to be much worse - and I can honestly say - it is just a little discomfort. They put a motion sickness patch behind my ear and I haven't had any nausia. Been moving around pretty easy too. I haven't felt much pain with the gas either. So far so good.:clap2:

I have been banded for 8 days and need some ideas on food (mushies). I can't seem to figure anything out...but soup. Help again!!!! Thanks for your responses. TENNIS GIRL

This has been too easy for me. I have had a few bumps ( 3 plateaus, the old me bought a blizzard but could only eat very small amount). I am happy but the last few days I have been getting this feeling like I will end up failing after I reach my goal. I don't know how or don't have it planned out how either. I was feeling depression at first because of not being able to enjoy a big meal at a buffet ever again. Is this something common that some banders go thru? My past record is yo-yoing. I'm feeling uneasy. edie One of my customers who KNOWS me gave me a gift certificate to the best and most expensive buffet in town today! Gee thanks.:phanvan

Hi guys...I know this is probably been asked heaps before... but I have been suffering from intense shoulder blade pain for the last week and I have heard that some back pain could be a signal of slippage...I have been a bit lax over the last few weeks with my eating...but I have had an successful banding experience over the last year... Could my back pain be an early sign of slippage? I have also been feeling alot more 'restricted' than usual and had laboured breathing...you know the way you do when you are full. Has anyone who had slippage on this site...experienced back (shoulder blade) pain. thanks guys...I look forward to your responces. becky

Hi everyone. I keep reading how the hunger after surgery has been really hard for some. I've been on a liquid diet for 8 days now. I had MAJOR hunger the first few days and even had a break down on day 5. Do you think I'll have as much hunger after surgery, or has this liquid diet prepared me? (Clear liquid diet at that.)

Why do I have to submit 5 years of documented weight history from my Dr. Do I have to be the same BMI for the last 5 years in order for the insurance to cover the surgery. Obviously I have been steadily gaining the last 5 years, but just hit the 40 BMI mark ( with my heaviest clothes and shoes on, and drinking lots of water):girl_hug:

I have seen alot about a pre op diet? Could someone fill me in on that? I go for my consult this next week......I have so many questions. :eek:

Okay so I was banded yesterday but so I'm confused. I'm on clear liquids right now, but here's what's happening. When I drink like 1/2 cup of liquid within a few minutes time period, I get this pressure feeling in my chest and I hiccup a couple of times. Well this is what I've heard people on this board describe a stop feeling to be like. However, I thought clear liquids go right through the band and don't stop? The strangest thing is that while I'm feeling this pressure I can simultaneously feel my stomach churning and feeling empty, and feels like I'm really hungry. I'm really quite confused....anyone else experienced this? Am I hungry or am I full?!?!?

Has anyone had a baby post lap band? Any difficulties?

I am on my 7-day, pre-op, clear llquid diet (currently on day 2). Is it cheating if I suck on a chicken nugget and then spit it out? :hungry:

I have been banded for a week and still can't get much down. I went to the doctor and he wasn't worried. I was just wondering if anybody out there had the same problem. I can only get about 1/2 cup of a protein drink every 3 hours. Any response would be great! Thanks

Hi again- just wondering when I can have popcorn again? Any ideas? Suzy :huytsao i

I'm being banded in mid-January. I keep reading about people walking to relieve the gas post-op, and to relieve it when it builds up from sipping liquids. :success1: One of the big reasons I'm being banded is that I can hardly walk because of the arthritis in my knees and hips (arthritis isn't caused by excessive weight, it's just exacerbated by it). Has anyone out there had the same limitations? I am looking into doing Water aerobics three times a week (which I've done many times over the years). Does that help? Would it help to join the health club to have access to the swimming pool between aerobics sessions? Or is the walking something I have to do as it's necessa…

i got my lap bad a week ago. i went through the process alone. didn't tell my family or any friends. i was banded on december 3rd and went to work on the 4th - tired but did ok for fear of people finding out. people around me think they are fat at 125 pounds. but i need support so i reach out to all of you. is it normal to be hungry still? i have another week of liquids and have not cheated but it's getting harder. the gas in the back and stomach can be so difficult to deal with and my incision itches and hurts but is not hot to the touch, red nor does it smell bad - so should i not worry? can i put something on it? i go to my dr. for a checkup on thursday. what is do…

I am having my surgery tomorrow and got all my post op information. It says to avoid ANY Protein powder mixes - only to use pre-mixed drinks such as slim fast. He says these protein powders may cause blockage on the lap band. I know many of you are using the powders including carnation instant Breakfast. I'm confused. Any insight.

Hi Gang! I am just starting mushie and I was wondering if chili was okay... I've had creamed soups with no problem:hungry: TIA, Suzy

I had a wedding to go to 1 month after surgery and I don't know if I will be at the solid food stage. I am going to Dr Ortiz for surgery, and it seems I should be at the solid food stage by then, but if I'm not, any ideas what to do? I will feel sort of weird not having food, but I don't think I can bring my own, so what do I do? Has anyone else run into this? :help:

Hi everyone This is my first official post but I've been reading for about a month now. I'm so excited that my journey has begun!! :clap2: However, I'm a student so the idea of self pay is VERY daunting and nearly impossible. So, I was wondering if anyone has had any sucess with Aetna or Chickering. I get both through my school and I'm anxious about having my surgery covered! I've found a great doctor near my home who has done loads of bands and bypasses. He charges $15,800. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks for all your help and inspiration! With love, Sheila

OK HAD MAY BAND DONE ON DEC.8th AND I WALK AND DO GAS-X AND SMALL SIPS OF WATER. AND I FILL LIKE A HAVE BALL IN MY NECK AND CHEST... AND NOT TO LEAVE OUT THE SOUNDS MY STOMIC IS MAKING :paranoid I STARTED NOV 3 AT 265LBS AND AS OF TODAY I WAS 231LBS AND 9 LBS OF IT IN THE LAST WEEK. :paranoid

Hi everyone, I am about 30 hours until my surgery and just looking for any last minute tips, encouragement, support etc. I am so anxious but I really can't wait for this to happen too! Everyone on this board os so encouraging! Thanks for being here. ~Kay

I was wondering if someone could tell me the symtoms of band slippage. I have a friend who is banded as well and she has been having some problems eating and keeping the food and some liquids down. She has been banded for 10 months and she is filled to where she needs to be. Some days she is fine and then she has some days where she just cannot eat. She is afraid that maybe her band has slipped or twisted. Is there anyone out there who can tell me if what she is going thru is normal or not. Thanks, Kim:confused:

I've seen a few forum entries saying bands have had to be removed after a diagnosis of "Erosion". What exactly is erosion as related to a lap band? whats the cause? and how common is it? I'd appreciate any info anyone may have on this. Thanks Bret

:faint: New to this site but needed some extra support. Had my surgery on 11/9/06 and have lost 17 lbs. I still have a week and half till my fill. I am nervous and anxious to get the process started again. I fell healed and ready to lose weight. I am startin to make bad food choices and feel like I am getting too comfortable where I am at. Just needing a little support.

I keep thinking of all these little questions with surgery right around the corner lol....Please humor me, anyone know why my surgeon says not to wear make up for surgery? I hate not wearing makeup.....thanks!!!

So about how long were you in the hospital for from admittance to release with this surgery? I have mine on monday and I'm trying to figure out approximately what time to tell my kids I'll be home. Thanks!

I recall at one time, some information on submitting appeals to insurance companies, when denied. I also recall seeing somewhere an email address for an attorney who could assist with appeals. I believe he, himself, had had lap band surgery. I found out today that my insurance company denied the surgery, as the surgeon's office was "out of network". This surgeon has a great reputation, and is in a well-established bariatric program which has been in place for the past 4 years. All 3 surgeons learned their "craft" from Australian surgeons who have been performing this procedure for a very long time. The local surgeon (within the network) has just opened up his practive …

I am so happy that you all gave some good advice because guess what? I do feel a lot better. I am glad you all let me know how important it is to stick to the liquid diet. I did purchase gas-X and taking phenerine and YES I feel so much better. I also wanted to wanted to ask about cream of chicken Soup, it has no noodles but a little bit of meat, so what do you think? I will be calling my nurse today and ask her. Thank you for all your support, this is a wonderful website. __________________

I am schedule to have my lap band surgery in March 2007:clap2: . I am so nervous regarding so many things especially post op. I have told all of my friends and family and most of them tell me not to do it,and that I should eat less and exercise which I have tried many many times and just gained more weight. I feel like this is my last option and im excited to have my life back, im young and beautiful and want to stay healthy. My biggest fear is experiencing complications during surgery then dying, leaving my two young children with out a mom, my second fear is im currently in nursing school which requires alot of time and energy, I must be healthly and able to care for pa…