indyhandmade

My knees are troublesome at my current weight. I have pain after doing moderate exercise (like couch-to-5K) and crepitis (that crunchy sound). Have you bandsters noticed an improvement in the amount of stress that your knees can take as the weight has come off? Oh, and I'd LOVE to see my kneecaps one day. I think I saw them back in the 6th grade.

I am afflicted with some really ugly looking spider veins in my legs. Have any of you bandsters noticed that they improve after dropping your weight?

I know he does the sleeve, but unaware of the cost. (and now I realize you posted this in '09)

I was nervous about my psych visit as well. Mine consisted of spending about an hour on the computer answering a lot of questions, which seemed kind of random at the time but help the psychiatrist determine what kind of personality you have, are you a rule follower, how trusting are you of others, self-esteem type issues. Then I had about a 30-45 minute interview with her. She was very calming and comforted me when I cried. Most importantly they want to be sure you are emotionally and mentally prepared to take on the surgery and it's aftermath. They aren't looking for any deep, dark secrets. Just remember to answer honestly so they can help you. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

I didn't watch the video, but generally they use retractors to keep organs out of the way so they can visualize the needed organs/area of concern. Imagine a retractor as an extra hand for the surgeon. It cups the organ, doesn't pinch or squeeze the tissue. The liver is highly vascular. That is why they want it out of the way so it is not accidentally nicked during surgery.

That's what I was thinking but wanted to ask. Thank you!

Me too!

UPDATE Things are way better now. We have had many conversations since my original post. He admitted to being fearful that I would leave him once I was thin (ha!). I reassured him that we are a team and my weight doesn't influence that. He's ow on board with losing weight with me. Must have been some bad mojo between us at the time.

Any bandsters have the Mirena IUD in place for surgery? I have forgotten to tell my surgeon about it and it's been on my mind. Not that the IUD part would pose any problems, but Mirena does secrete levonorgestrel and the possible anesthesia interactions that could cause. They were clear at my preadmission testing that they want me to stop ALL medications, including supplements and herbal remedies, 24 hours prior to surgery. Obviously, I can't take this out. Well, I could.....but I'm not

Calcium they want us to take before and after surgery. Currently, I'm supposed to be taking two calcium citrate twice daily. I think I get most of my essentials from my diet (my preadmission labs were perfect save a Hgb of 11.6) and that's with taking a Multivitamin, calcium, and d3 on more of a weekly basis. Thoughts?

Here's to an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery!

I'm so sorry you are having troubles. I never thought about that aspect of the surgery. It seems like even if you had your wisdom teeth pulled it's considered a pre existing condition and they'll turn you down. *sigh* it's all very discouraging. I'm glad you guys said you're happy you did it anyway. I'm preop so this weighs on my mind.

Holding at 277 for the week. Had seen -2 earlier in the week, though.

Congrats on your pregnancy. Generally, any surgery is considered risky during pregnancy (think of anesthesia risks to fetus) and only done if absolutely necessary. I can't imagine your OB would approve an elective surgery that you could easily do postpartum. Pregnancy comes with enough challenges without having to worry about losing weight with a band. ETA: I may have read your question wrong. How long your pre-ops are good for really depends on insurance and your surgeon. Good luck!

Congrats!! I'm scheduled for June 21st! We are all in this together!

This is my first challenge. I totally need something like to get back on track as my diet is in shambles. My surgery is scheduled for June 21, exactly 7 weeks from today. Name, real or screen~ indyhandmade/Kim Goal weight for May 31st - 269 Weight on May 1st~277 Age~34 Dietary goal for May- Begin counting & portion control. Exercise goal for May~ XBox 360 Fitness 3-4/week Personal goal for May~ Help my husband with the business Surgery scheduled - June 21st Total weight loss since pre- op diet~16 What is your favorite flower~hydrangea

I'll have the lap chole done at the same time as the band. My surgeon was hesitant at first due to the risk of infection. I'd rather risk infection than be under anesthesia twice and another surgery. I had problems last August and nothing really since then. With rapid weight loss, it's sure to come back from what I understand. I'm guessing the pain will be about the same.

I understand the freak out. I'm further away from my surgery date than you and I have had my own. However, please remember that this is something that you spent a long time thinking about. You've done your research. You've spoken with the surgeon. This is not a procedure that you are jumping into lightly. For every bad story (that our minds love to remember) there are probably a hundred positive, successful stories. Stay calm and stay focused. If you need the reassurance, call your bariatric team, the psychiatrist if you met with one. I'm sure they are more than happy to help you through this.

I don't know about h pylori, but the other blood tests take no time at all. We get them back in about an hour at the hospital.

I hope your surgery went well Jess. At the last vist with the dietician, he recomended staying on the liver reduction diet, the same I had been on for six months. It's basically low-fat, low-carb. I attend a class two weeks prior to surgery, so maybe it changes.

Great job! Keep it up!

If you are sick, postpone the surgery. I wouldn't want to mix anesthesia, bad lungs and poor immunity all at once. I understand the frustration with waiting, but your health is worth it!

Congrats! I'll be banded late June, so we won't be too far off! Good luck with your pre-op phase

Well, I got a call today and the surgery is moved back to June 21st. No biggie, just have to rearrange my schedule a bit. That leaves me 8 weeks as of this Thursday to really focus on this lifestyle change and get back to those good habits I was developing.

Best of luck! Enjoy getting to know the NEW you!