PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I'm on my last day of liquids, my surgery is tomorrow. This is what I did today to keep me pre-occupied. Donna Twas the night before surgery, when all through the house, My tummy was rumbling----it woke up my spouse! My sweat pants were hung by my closet with care, In hopes that some day size 10 I would wear. My family was nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar free Jello danced in my head. My spouse in his PJ’s and I in my gown, Had just gotten all of my Metamucil down. When all of a sudden the phone started to ring, So I sprang from my bed to answer the thing. My kids were at home, so who could it be? Of course---the anesthesiologist wa…

Does Insurance pay any on the surgery

hi alll! i'm very new the the community and thought id start a new thread... i started out on tuesday with the surgery and these were my stats... height: 171cm or 5'7" weight: 158.9kgs or 349 pounds five days later i am now 151.3kgs or 332 pounds. i cant believe it!! im still really sore from the op and find it hard to cough, sneeze and take deep breaths (is this normal??). im writing cause im finding it quite hard. a heck of a lot harder than i thought it would be. im in the liquid stage, and i have a small small cup of Soup and then feel satisfied, but 15 mins later im hungry like ive been starving for weeks... the pain is unbelievable! has this happened…

i have been doing just liquids for the past week post op and have lost almost nothing. i'm beginning to panic. i had surgery and i'm having the same problem as before!

Hi guys, i was just wondering if i absolutely have to have protein shakes for my pre-op liquid diet, or is slim-fast okay too? I've heard bad things about protein shakes and i kinda like slim-fast.

Is it ok to be on antibiotics and have surgery? I have strep and i have to take penicillin for 10 days and my surgery is in 10 days!! I would normally just call my surgeon's office and ask, but I have been such a pain in the butt for them, I had to reshedule twice this month for my surgery due to my loan not being here on time. so i rather not bother them if I don't have too. Does anyone know what the guidlines are for this.

Hi all, I'm new here & so happy to have discovered this site! I am having my surgery the 28th of December. 18 days & counting down!!!!! My doc is having me start on a fat-free yogurt diet 1 week prior to my surgery, to help reduce the size of my liver? Has everybody else had to do this too? How did you do it? I know I will be avoiding all Christmas activities because having to explain all of this is just too much. There are only a few who know I'm going through this & I'm not sure if I should tell anybody else. Any advice? Also, once I got my surgery date scheduled, I started having thoughts of, "I better eat some of that before I won…

Hello everyone! I am a newly 'obsessed bander wannabe'!! I have been overweight my entire life with no long term success from dieting. I have had the same insurance carrier for 5 years, of course they would rather pay for my hospital stay and medications for any future heart attacks than to flip the bill for any weight loss surgery. Fortunately, in January, we are getting different insurance which covers 'up to 20,000' for weight loss surgery! After losing all hope, there is now light at the end of the tunnel! I start my journey on December 11th-going to the informational seminar. I'm sooooooooo incredibly excited to start this journey, but of course I'm just a 'titch' s…

:help: So I know what I am supposed to do... a clear liquid diet for a week. Ummmmm.... but how? I shouldn't knock it before I try it, BUT I can say that will power and self-restraint in the food department are not my strong suits. My surgery isn't until January 5th so I have some time yet, and thank goodness it is after the holidays as opposed to during. Logically I know the diet is temporary and my liver needs to shrink which will reduce the risk of complications. Does anyone has any suggestions to make it easier. Is there any clear liquid that is particularly filling and satisfying? Does anyone have any tips or advice? c

I drank alcohol last night. It hasn't even been 2 weeks since my surgery and I feel like crap today. I ordered a beer without even thinking about it cause I was already drunk. I feel so stupid that I did that. I think it's what made me throw up. Do you think that my band could slip after one mistake? :help:

I was just banded on Nov. 30, so i am still on mainly liquids, but I have a problem. I have to go out to a birthday dinner tomorrow night at a local steakhouse, and I have no idea what to eat! Even if they have soup, it will probably be something too think for me to eat, right? My doctor told me yesterday, that I could start trying mushy foods, so I was thinking about getting a baked potato and mushing it up really well. What do you think? Any other suggestions?:help:

I had my surgery done on Nov 28, 2006. I was wondering how long do you think I have to wait before I start drinking alcohol again? Because I'm only 21 and I still want to enjoy my life.:help:

Ok so here i sit waiting to "Start" this process. Im going to start my pre op testing the week after Christmas. IM waiting on money to come in from a job my husband is doing( we own our own business) i plan on having surgery the first or second week in Jan. DH tells me last night that the job might not be done until Jan. It was suppose to be done in December. So i get pissy , he tells me , " Could you wait until Feb ? " I got pissed and said " IM NOT WAITING until Feb you better figure something else out if i have to wait " Then i felt bad telling him that because he works SO HARD, not many husbands would bid a job working for an ass just to ger his wife surgery , which i…

Well, this is my second post. I had my surgery on Wednesday - December 6. I think I am now in the "What was I thinking category!" I have been nauseus, can't get any liquids down and generally feel like crap! My doctor has been good, and prescribed some medicine, but now I think it is my head that needs some help. This to shall pass - right? Thanks! Patricia:think

No fill yet, but feeling very tight! Some days I can eat almost anything....last night I could not eat any salmon or soft green beans...the day before I could not eat any chicken without choking just about unless I smother it with something that really lubricates! What is going on? I was almost wide open and now I can barely eat mushies and smoothies! I did manage to swallow a small slcie of salami at my aunts...I guess it is because it is gresy..:help:

I've had 2 previous laproscopic surgeries (gallbladder and tubal ligation) and wondering if I will even be able to have the LapBand surgery due to scar tissue. My first appt. is scheduled for Dec. 26th. I'm sure the doctor will be able to tell me more, but I was just wondering if anyone had 2 or more previous laproscopic surgeries and was still able to get the band.

Hi - I wrote a LOOOONG letter to you all telling the story of my wife and my struggle with weight and relationships and the log in timed out on me. Probably good news for you. So here it is in a nutshell...please don't think I am cold, though this will seem a lot colder than I mean it. My wife has a band. Here are the stats: Weight when married (8 yrs ago): 135lbs. Weight when conceived first child (7yrs): 140 Weight when deliverying first child: 225 Weight when conceiving child 2 (3 yrs ago): 170 Weight when delivering child 2: 225 Weight when applied for lap band: 190 Weight when accepted for lap band: 265 (a new record, she just hit before getting approval …

Hi, I am new to this site. I have had my PCP referral, and have registered online with the Bariatric Surgery Program at Maine Medical Center. I am single and think of myself as very independent, never out sick from work, etc. I find myself balking at the idea of needing to have a 'support person' in order to have the surgery. Can anyone fill me in on the expectations of the role that this 'support person' is supposed to fill?

Hi: I've been reading this forum since I decided to get lap band and I have questions I'm hoping all you kind people can help me! First, has anyone had gallbladder surgery and then this surgery later? If so, is the pain similar? I had my gb out in Sept so if the pain is pretty much the same then I can deal with it. Not being able to eat....not so sure! Although from reading the posts I am lucky that I would only have to do a liquid diet for a week pre-op! Heaven help the people I work with! :eek: Hopefully coffee counts as part of a liquid diet.. Second, if I have the surgery it will be in Tijuana (I live in San Diego so it's close and since my insurance won't cove…

I want to have a surgery vacation in Punta Cuna, Dominican Republic. Does anyone have recommendations for a good lap band surgeon? After I lose weight, I want to have a boob and butt lift. Is there possibly a surgeon who can do lap band and boob and butt?

Friends, I am looking for a guy who has gone through banding as I am doing tomorrow just to share and hear experiences.

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I wanted to know if anyone has had their band slip on them, and what were your symptoms. I was banded 07/26/06 and I have only lost 18 lbs. I had my first fill 10/18, and I am going for my second fill next Wednesday. In the past week I do not fill restricted at all, and it just doesn't fill the same when I eat. I think I might be getting myself too worked up. I would love some info. Thanks!!

hello everyone, i had my surgery on nov 15/06. sorry if this question has been asked before but it's way too may hreads to go through..... i've been experiencing this pain/discomfort in my throat and a bit lower in my chest. it's not constant and not necessarily if i've eaten something. i notice it in the morning, later in the day etc... what is it? i thought it might be gas, but i don't burp with it, and would i still be gassy 2-3 weeks post -op? :confused:

I'm a week out from surgery. Stupid question, but should I be able to feel my port? Where abouts is it? I've felt around a little bit but I don't want to go poking and prodding my tummy too much trying to find it. :phanvan I have 5 incisions one between my breasts, two on my left side, one on my right and a longer one on the left side of my belly button. Can any one point me in the right direction?? Thanks! Meredith

Fuckin' bastard! food interaction list http://complementary-medicine.uefhv.com/national-center-for-complementary-and-alternative-medicine--.html national center for complementary and alternative medicine [LINK=http://carisoprodol-online.xffkv.com ] carisoprodol online [/LINK]

can anyone recommend a good protein powder that is unflavored and mixes well with liquids?

OK! I've posted my funny story, and life goes on, or so I thought. I started out not knowing when to stop eating, now I don't know when to start. First day home (today), I had 2 jellos, 10 0z gatorade, 2 cups of broth, a glass of water, 1 cup tea. This is not nearly enough nutrition to keep any living thing going. I did also take my chewable multivitamin. I just am not hungry, and don't want to find out what PB feels like. However, I have been getting what I describe as "spasms" that make me catch my breath, and my throat feels like there's a frog in it. Burping seems to help. What gives? y'all.

Has anyone travelled after surgery? I'm going to Spain in about a month nad I wanted to know if anyone had travelled so close to the operation and did they had any problems?

hi alll! i'm very new the the community and thought id start a new thread... my name is shalina and im from melbourne australia. i started out on tuesday (28th or november 2006) with removal of the gall bladder and the lap band surgery at the same time. these are my stats so far... height: 171cm or 5'7" weight: 158.9kgs or 349 pounds five days later i am now 151.3kgs or 332 pounds. i cant believe it!! im still really sore from the op and find it hard to cough, sneeze and take deep breaths (is this normal??). im writing cause im finding it quite hard. a heck of a lot harder than i thought it would be. im in the liquid stage, and i have a small small cup of Soup…

hi all. I jus got home today not doing too bad jus extreme pain on my neck and shoulders i don't think its gas though because i've been handling that pretty well, but am getting huge tension knots on my shoulders took tylenol doing nothing. please help with advice dh gave me a massage but still no help. also i know we are suppose to drink 6-8 glasses of Water starting today but i am having a hard time as it is drinking all of the ensure not vomitting but i feel extremely full had tea earlier but finished only bout half a glass and i jus had my ensure and only drank half of that. so i am afraid of dehydration jack i know your a doc maybe u could help

banaded 2days ago onthe 27th and im in so much pain. is this normal? when will i feel better because right now i wish i never did this. i hope its better soon . im swollen and the insision sites are very hot and extreamly painful. dont know what to expect. please :help: helpme out guys. :think :sick

I am now on normal food and yesterday I ate roast that had cooked all day. I chewed it like 40 times and ate pretty small bites. But about 30 minutes to an hour after I started feeling like something was stuck. I kept thinking I was going to vomit but I have not. That was last night and today I can still feel something stuck and I still feel like I could vomit. But nothing is happening. I have no clue what I should do. I don't even have my first fill yet so I am not sure what the deal is. I had eaten turkey breast before on Thanksgiving (as the nurse said if I ate very slow and a very small amount I could) and not had a problem and this meat was really tender. So what giv…

Hi there to all. This forum has been a godsend.:bolt: I have learned so much that I did not know about. It has made me want the sx sooner. Due to work I cannot have it until Jan. I was wondering about right after the sx can you have the noodles in chicken noodle Soup?? What about grits or oatmeal during the mushies stage?? What about tuna and chicken salad that has been blended in a food processer?? I have been looking at stuff to see what I am going to eat for protien and it is harder than I thought. The thought of losing my hair :paranoid is the only scary part of this whole process. Rene'

WHAT IS PB...I KNOW THERE IS A THREAD SOMEWHERE FOR ABBREVIATIONS BUT I CANT FIND IT ANYWHERE:help: THANKS SO MUCH

Well, guys & dolls, I'm back. All went well. No big deal at-all. Feel a little poopy tho. Will update later:clap2: .

Well, I will be banded in less than 48 hrs. I would be fine if I had been successful at quitting smoking. I am hoping this doesn't prevent my surgery from going through. It has been a crazy ride. Everytime I get anxious about the surgery I light up. I will continue trying to quit for more reasons than LB, but it is hard and I hate it with everything I've got. Just venting. Will be in touch from TJ.:angry

Can anyone tell me if their phone worked while in Mexico. Surgery tomorrow 11/27. Nervous as heck. Thanks

I'm trying to decide between 2 different doctors. How do I determine which one is best? If one uses staples and one doesn't..then is that a strange way to pick? I DON'T want staples! I really wish it were easier! Any good questions I should ask both of them? I'm scheduled to go to a seminar for one of the doctors. Should I base my choice on if I like this first doctor? Sorry..I'm just so nervous, but desperately want this done. Thanks!!!

Hello - after 6 years of researching everything on the internet about the lapband, and removal of my gallbladder 2 years ago, I've decided to go for it. Though, after reading everything about the band, I'm **STILL** scared to have this surgery. It sounds like having my gallbladder removed was easier than installing the band, hence, it should be a breeze for me. I lost 60 pounds by "swimming" rather walking in the swimming pool three days a week for physical therapy (back problems). After it was over, I got depressed, gained 10 pounds, and decided I don't want to YOYO anymore. I've got lose 100 pounds--a personal goal. I think it's more expensive to have this s…

Does anyone know of docs/clinics in the US, preferably in the SE, doing fills for pts who've had their bands placed overseas? Thanks

Hello there Im very excited to finally be getting the surgery, does anyone here have Dr Rodriguez from Acuna for there Dr, Im curious I have questions? I am wondering about fills ect..:paranoid

Does anyone have those more than normal? This AM I had them pretty bad but sometimes it is just like on or two in the midst of nothing. I forgot to ask the doctor when I went. I tried to call but lines are busy! It is no more bothersome than hiccups are but I just want to make sure it will not harm anything? Anyone????

is it until we feel full? 3oz? 6oz? :help: Thanks!

Has anyone eaten fat free cool whip during their diet, i saw it yesterday in the supermarket and it had 0 everything, and i was wondering if anyone has ate it or is this a complete no no???

I'm on a detoxification diet at the moment, second day in. Frankly, I have the trots. :crutch: Is this to be expected????

Hi, I am new. Just got my band on Nov. 15 My question is can it hurt me to go to mushies after one week? I read in my little Inamed book that the liquid post-op diet should be 1 - 2 weeks. Being that it was Thanksgiving I decided to add pureed food to my broth - then had some pureed Turkey, green beans and squash on Turkey day. Now I am a little freaked out thinking that even though everything went fine (no pain or stoppage) I hope I did not do any damage. I am back on liquids now, worried that I may have done wrong.

Hi All Everyone seems to advise me to avoid eating carbs, but the main food that I can eat without causing major discomfort is pasta. Does anybody else have this problem and can anybody help with any suggestions? Many thanks Cherie

I have had my 1st cola since surgery 10/30/06. Felt fine, anyone loosing and still drinking diet soda? They said it could stretch your stomach, but friend of mine lost 85lb so far(post band) and always drinks diet pop. I love this forum and appreciate you are all the experts. :clap2: I didn't go thru all this to screw it up w/diet coke:nervous . What do you guys think?? Banded 10/30/06 1st fill scheduled 12/4/06

Ok, ok. I just posted in another forum that I miss Mexican food. Well, the craving today was McDonalds. I can't help it. I especially love the fries. I had my surgery Nov. 3, and things have been going well. The liquids thing is pretty hard. I am losing, though, and that feels good. I told my husband how badly I wanted some fries and he urged me to come straight here and post it. He knows that I read this site faithfully and that everybody here is just so supportive. Anyway, just looking for a few words of encouragement. Cheers !

Hi all, I'm fairly new around here, and you all seem so friendly I thought I'd ask for some advice. I was banded just over 3 weeks ago and so far things are going well. I'm booked in to see my surgeon for a follow up and possibly a fill in another week, but I'm experiencing quite a bit of pain where (I think) my port is, and I'm not sure if it's normal. I start off the day ok, but around lunchtime I feel pressure (I'm still bloated from the gas in surgery), and before long there is a stinging, burning pain just below my largest cut on my left hand side. I can relieve the pain if I "lift up" that area of my stomach a bit, or if I lie down, which is hard to do at wo…