Papillon Princess

I was told to use unscented antibacterial soap starting a few days before the surgery. I don't think this is required but recommended by some. I also have mine the 24th at 10:30! Yay I also thought the 6 months would be horrid...but it's been a great time to work through some things and adapt to this new lifestyle.

I'm also on day 7 with 7 left...the first 2-4 days are the absolute worst! It is up to your dr as to what kind of diet you will be on. You may be on shakes only, you may be on protein only, you may have a split up diet of half shakes, half whole protein etc. Mine is 2 shakes a day with 4 oz of protein for dinner with 1/2 cup of veggies. Staying busy at work helps get the day by without, but I get home and I'm starving! So just try to keep yourself super busy during that time and get yourself past the first few days and you can do it!

I have to stay overnight as well....my surgeon requires it on all band patients for 1-2 nights (typically just 1). He did "test" the waters on going home the same day, and that lasted less than a month. Not sure exactly why, but I do trust him so I'm not going to question it!

Try taking a fiber supplement daily and make sure you drink plenty of fluids. The 2 of these together will help a lot! IF that doesn't work...talk to your surgeon about considering a laxative. You don't want to continue using these, but if you need it once in a while, no big deal.

I'm sure there must be more than 1 psych in your area...try getting into a different office. These meds are extremely important as being depressed can cause you to gain weight (IMO). I personally think you're better off trying a medication at least until you're able to go in August OR finding another dr. I have been on diff meds and 1 of them caused a lot of weight gain, but they weaned me off of it and I'm not experiencing the cravings like I was. So if they put you on it "temporarily" to relieve other side effects, that may be best. I can't speak for you...but I know I wouldn't want to be without my meds for several months. They help me feel better and think more clearly.

Yay! Congrats and hope this goes by fast for you These last 13 days are DRAGGING horribly for me, so hope they process you much quicker!

Thanks, he's part of my motivation for losing weight so I can do agility runs with him!

I was told the only weight that they're going off of is your consultation weight. The more weight you lose, the better! If you go under the BMI, you're showing your commitment. I was hoping to lose more than I did during the 6 months but only pulled off about 13 lbs. Don't worry about losing too much!

Maybe you're feeling quite excited that you finally have the date for surgery? Today was my 1st day and it's been hard not to eat! I wanted a starbuck's coffee SO badly today and I don't know how I avoided it. I can truly tell why I failed every other diet...I always say "I can do it later..." With this, I know I can't mess up these next 2 weeks so that's making me stay on track. I hope you continue with your delusions and have a great 2 weeks Is your surgery the 24th also?? I wish it would hurry up and get here!

Hi Suez, Not sure if you're welcoming to someone from another insurance provider (BCBS of MN) but they were very strict and had to jump through MANY hoops as well. I was on a 6 month diet, required a psych clearance, pulmonary clearance and cardiac clearance. I had nutrition classes (the surgeons office provided these) and the exercise is NOT required to be in a gym. They didn't request proof of my workouts, they're really looking for that in your weight loss and mentality. The exercise therapist may be something their office has available like at mine (the nutrition counseling). Not only is insurance different but the offices are different. The office I'm going through has more involvement than others I looked into but I felt they're really looking out for my well being and success with the band. I just recently got approval (last week) so if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them. I kind of wish someone would've been there a little more for me when I had all these questions...but instead I was calling the office A LOT and having them answer them. So now I'll share

I was just in the pre op class yesterday and some of this sounds familiar! They said you would probably experience fatigue the next few weeks just because your body is adapting to the lack of calories and your body is healing. Also, the pain in your back may be from the gas that they use to fill your abdomen during surgery - they said you can't completely alleviate this, it just needs to work it's way out. They recommended more walking for this. If you're feeling extremely uncomfortable or concerned, don't be afraid to contact your dr.

Check with your surgeon on if it's allowed. My surgeon doesn't allow any form of stimulants (energy drinks, caffeine, "natural" remedies, etc) as they said these can also "stimulate" the appetite. So you may want to consider working through it if possible. I see you recently had your surgery so your body may very well still be adapting and you could experience some fatigue. Make sure you're taking your vitamins

I'm not sure about Aetna - I have BCBS, BUT I have it through Minnesota (instead of Illinois, where I live) and MN required a 6 month diet, but Illinois BCBS only required 3. So it is true that they may require 3 months, but it depends on the individual policy. This can vary by state, region, and possibly employer programs. I was wanting the 3 month only as well...but can honestly say the 6 month gave me a great time to start adapting and changing my lifestyle before the band. Good luck!

Hey, the shoulder should feel better in a day or 2, that's actually from the gas that they use to "inflate" your stomache cavity to allow more space. They had to do that with one of my surgeries and it is painful but it does usually go away pretty soon. Congrats and good luck!

Haha, I kind of look at it the same...I don't want ppl to think I'm a junkie but the feeling is kind of fun! (after as many surgeries as I've had, you have to find a bright side to it....) so I always try to fight going to sleep and it makes me giggly. Also for nausea they have a great shot for that they can put in the IV that works wonders! So if you're nauseous, ask for something for it. I've still never gotten physically sick from surgeries, whenever I got nauseous they'd give me a shot and it would go away.

I'm in a similar situation, just turned 23, been overweight forever...blah blah blah...but I'm the same way with dreams! If something is on my mind, I'm constantly dreaming about it. Sometimes it's not so fun and I recently had one where I woke up and had to make myself realize it wasn't true. So when you are anxious/excited/nervous etc about something it is very common to have those dreams. I hope that you don't continue being scared about it. I've had so many surgeries in my 23 years of life (20-25 surgeries to narrow it down!) and they really aren't terrible. I used to dread them but then I realized if you just don't think about it, you'll get through it just fine. I now look forward to my talks with my mom as we wait for me to go back into the O.R. Take someone that is calm with you that you can laugh and have a good time with before surgery and you'll go in there just fine. If you have questions, ask them! The nurses are usually amazing people that will help you get through the day.

Hi Miss Sammy, I'm also getting banded this month (the 24th!) I've been put under between 20-25 times, and remember approximately 15-20 times. I also have asthma (not sure if it's similar with smokers, but I'm guessing maybe?) Anyways...just be completely honest about your smoking so they can be prepared for it! Basically this allows them to guess what MAY happen so they can prevent it from becoming serious. For me they will have a nebulizer and oxygen ready for me and have to coach my breathing when I wake up sometimes. They will keep a pulse ox on you to measure your oxygen levels and will not allow it to go below a certain amount (if it does, they will give oxygen!). I've never woke up and remembered any form of dreaming. A lot of them will talk to you while they're putting you under and you'll stop midsentence when it really kicks in. It's actually a relaxing feeling and not painful at all. I've had 17 surgeries between 2007 and december 2010 so YES I do understand and I do have breathing issues that have to be addressed. It's not the same for everyone, but my mom has had several surgeries as well and we've both had the same experiences. Don't be afraid to tell them that you are in a lot of pain as they will give you more pain medicine. Be completely honest about your history, smoking and the amount of pain you have so they can help you. I hope you're able to quit smoking soon! Good luck

Yay! I just got my surgery date for May 24th also Keep in touch! Maybe we can help eachother in those few days after since we'll really be in it together. I have a 2 week clear liquid diet, no veggies or lean meat before so hoping I can get through that without too much trouble!

A few chicken ideas (it's the only meat I like/eat so I try lots of fun stuff with it!) - try cooking it in - Cook chicken in fat free italian dressing (I think I use the kraft brand) it's really good and it's juicy! - Crush fat free croutons & garlic powder, Put chicken in egg beaters (or eggs if you want the extra cholesterol) - roll in this mix and bake with a little olive oil - Dip chicken in A-1 (I don't eat steak...but A-1 is so good with chicken!) Also, if you love chicken like I do and want to easily be able to make it...try the Tyson Grilled & Ready chicken in the frozen section. I get a bag of it at Wal-Mart and each piece has 110 calories with 10 calories from fat and it's actually very good! It says you can microwave it, but I usually boil it on the stove for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy. It is pre cooked so it's really quick and it's actually quite yummy!

You may want to reconsider the self pay - many of the surgeons may still require you go through a certain amount of dieting and several clearances. I thought the 6 months would be horrible but I've really changed a lot during these 6 months and have used it as time to educate myself better on what to expect. My PCP did not agree with my decision but I walked into his office one day with my mind made up and told him I was going to do it whether he agreed or not! He actually referred me that day (then found out I didn't even need a referral, I could've just gone straight to the surgeon!) Oh well... Another Dr. you can consider for a referral is your gynocologist! The surgeon mentioned that to me because that is the only dr I see regularly and he needed to obtain a weight history from them. So if you trust your gyno, consider discussing with them. Instead of letting them think you want their opinion, go in there and explain to them what you HAVE tried, this is how I got my PCP to jump on board. I had printed off numerous papers with my exercises, dates & times documented. Also different diets I tried and this seemed to be very convincing. I don't think you're being sneaky! If you don't feel comfortable talking to her about it again, then don't! It's not her choice and dr's don't always know best (Not their fault, many of them are overworked and have way too many patients to remember EVERYONE's issues and history).

I know what you mean! I had a VERY unflexible job and just finished college last year. My surgeon is almost 2 hours away so I totally understand! They have been WONDERFUL working with my schedule. When I had the clearances to complete, I scheduled at least 2 appointments for the day I'd be up there and got them over with pretty quickly. Also check on options in your hometown, I was able to complete the EKG & stress test here at my local facility. They faxed the info to the cardiologist...only thing to make sure of...the clearances NEED to be done by a physician that specializes or understands what insurance is looking for with bariatric surgery clearance. I ask my nurse lots of questions (I'm sure she just loves it too...) but she said that if you just choose to go to a local dr that doesn't write up the clearance correctly, you may have to go to another dr to have the testing done. So just double check with the surgeon's office about your options. Try to make several appts in a day if possible too! I've also found that if you mention the distance you're traveling for your appointments, they may be willing to work with you on appointment times and dates!

You're welcome Glad Shirley didn't take it as me being argumentative like some people on here might. You need to fight for what you believe, especially when you know people are on here looking for accurate information!

No problem - it's Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein powder - They have chocolate, chocolate Peanut Butter, vanilla, strawberry & Cookies & cream. My favorite (and I'm a chocolate lover) is the vanilla! It's awesome! It's also very inexpensive ($13-15 for a 2 lb canister) and free shipping to home from Walmart's website. I didn't mean to be rude at all, I just want to make sure people do obtain accurate information on here since we're all in this together and here to help eachother with what's good and bad.

Thank you for responding again, it was the MUSCLE MILK (NOT light) that had all the bad reviews and stated it was NOT for weight loss purposes (once again regular Muscle Milk). I apologize for the misunderstanding, that was my fault. Thank you for posting that information, I looked up with light added and found very different reviews than on the Muscle Milk. There was also other controversy over muscle milk that the company has taken care of as well. Thank you for the friendly lesson Shirley It is still higher calorie than what I was discussing, but that's another issue I won't even debate on as it's not as big of a diff as I initially stated.

That's almost 200 calories for 25g of Protein?? I get 26g protein with 130 calories. So once again, consuming extra calories. I saw nothing on their website that states they put their patients on muscle milk. The nutritionists, surgeons & nurses have all had their fair share of negative things to say about muscle milk. You may want to consider a different protein supplement and read about whey protein vs. other types of protein. You may be taking in protein but doesn't mean it's high quality. Just a question...you said you've been drinking it for 5 years, how much weight have you lost during that time? Have you ever questioned whether it may be what you're using? And btw, I have seen and am going to one of the top rated bariatric surgeons in the US...so I trust them and I trust the other sources I've found. Also now comparing Body Fortress & Muscle Milk reinforced my thoughts against it. Once again...you don't have to listen to me, do your own research and you'll find the same FACTS! It's not always quantity, but quality! ALSO - Muscle Milk is in addition to meals and does not instruct people to use as a meal alternative.