mrsto

It's actually good that they do it that way. Not only because they are required to screen for many things prior, but it gives us/you a lot of time to consider everything. I was scheduled for a gastric bypass last month, and after I learned some aspects of what happens after surgery, I cancelled it. Now I'm moving forward with the least invasive of the procedures. Had everything moved along quickly, I may have done something that I would have regretted. My doctor told me that's one reason why it's so spread out. If anyone EVER has a doctor that is cutting corners & rushing them through, RUN AWAY.......as fast as you can!

I think the cleaning is nervous energy, and a way to feel in control when feeling so OUT of control. I'm self employed, and even though I won't be missing a lot of work, I've been absolutely MENTAL about getting everything done and CLEANED up. I also think all the cleaning is somewhat cathartic. When you come home, you'll be so glad that your house is in order. Just relax and let the healing begin

I'm having surgery on 3/25, and he's taking out my gallbladder at the same time. I have gallstones, and though they don't bother me, he'll remove it to avoid a second surgery down the road. It's pretty common for large amounts of weight loss to cause stones, so many doctors like to take out the gallbladder at the time of surgery, to avoid issues down the road. For me, I'll be glad to be rid of it. Sometimes I do have problems, but nothing life threatening.

Barefoot - oops.....I will call you Cindy :-) I just looked at your profile..... It can take a couple of months before you're ready for surgery. There is a lot of pre-screening, testing, evaluation and classes. It's possible that every doctor does it a little differently, but I think it's pretty standard to go through all of the tests. Mine was a psych evaluation, stress test, sleep evaluation, blood work, nutritional counseling, upper endoscopy, another (I think) MRI swallow test. Then, once I figured out which surgery, there was about three hours worth of pre-classes. It's a long haul before you get to the operating room, but you'll learn of everything in detail when you meet with the surgeon.

Tara - your weight is going in the right direction....DOWN! Whether it has to do with the added plication or not, you're on you way. Can't ask for more than that! I'm really leaning toward plication. As me again tomorrow & I'll probably say something else, but tonight I'm feeling pretty good about it

Barefoot - here is a better link. The one posted above doesn't really get into the details... http://doctorsofweightloss.com/banded-plication

Here is a link to a website explaining it. FYI, this is not my doctors site, but it explains it pretty well. There is a lot of info on the internet, if you Google "Lap Band + Plication". It seems to be becoming more & more popular. http://www.austinbariatric.com/default/iband

Tara - when having plication done at the same time as the band, it's difficult to know what one would have felt like without the other. Maybe it's working more than you know? I've spoken to people who added it later, as well as those who had it done together. It sounds like the plication helps with fullness, and staying full for longer. I've read tons of studies (even though there aren't many out there), and plication is supposed to help with initial weight loss. Since they don't fill the band until your body heals from the surgery, the full restriction isn't really there until later. With plication, you're restricted right out of the gate.

It seems to me you've lost a lot of weight in the 9 months....GOOD for you!' I understand about letting the surgery work. Or, working with the surgery :-) As they tell us continually, it's a tool, not a cure. People can gain weight with any of the surgeries, if they don't follow the rules (most of the time). I'm glad it's working so well for you. It's a mindset, and you are clearing moving in a positive direction.

Thanks, Carolinagirl. I'm scheduled for 3/25, and I'm an emotional mess. I go from excitement to panic to anxiety.... But I understand that the emotional roller coaster is pretty normal. I understand SO much about everything hurting. The weight takes it's toll on our bodies, but it can only get better with every lost pound. I look forward to doing things I once did effortlessly. Now, between my back, knee and hip issues, I'm in a good amount of pain after walking about 20-30 minutes. But I'm doing it now most every day, in preparation for my new life. My dog is happy, too Once I can get back on my prescription anti-inflamatories, I'll be even better! With the pre-op, it's Tylenol only. Hardly the same, but at least it's something.

Tara - thanks for posting. Anything I hear from banded plication patients is helpful. My feelings about doing it change from day to day. Yesterday I was sure that I'd do it. This morning.......not so much. But I do agree with Draven, that if the band fails, the plication is in place as a backup. That's a positive way of looking at it, and going into this surgery, we can't know what to expect. Everyone is so different. When you're able to start exercising, I'm sure the weight will start coming off a little quicker. Unfortunately (cuz I hate it), exercise is half the battle. But I do feel so much better when doing it. Thanks again..... Good luck with your back. If your doctor writes an order for physical therapy, the physical therapist can help you with an exercise program that will be easy on your back, knees.....whatever issues you may have.

Great - thanks Melody!

Melody - I hear that generally, people have problems with bread. I guess a tortilla falls into that category. Please keep us posted on your first post-op appointment.

Draven - yeah, I like that idea, too. I spoke with a woman who works with my surgeon, and she just had plication added to her 6 year old lap band. She's been very successful with the band alone, but since he was going to remove her gallbladder, she asked him to do the plication at the same time. She said it really helps with feeling full, and she's very happy she did it. For me, it's going to be a game time decision; one that I'll make as they're sticking the needle in my arm! LOL

Draven - that's a good way of looking at it. And yeah, a 10 pound gain over 50 is quite an accomplishment! I understand that the plication is supposed to reduce common issues with the band, but I wonder how a reversal would play out. I would think that the folds in the stomach stick together and scar over time. That's my concern. In the long term, would it matter? (not really asking you that question.....just the whirlwind of thoughts, concerns & fears that go through my mind).

Melody - what caused it; anything you can put your finger on? That is scary, especially because this is a WHOLE new deal. I hear about throwing up in these forums, but it sounds like it's not bad, as long as it doesn't happen on a regular basis.

Draven - if you had it to do over, would you do the plication again, or lap band alone? I'm so interested in other people's experiences with this procedure, because I go back & forth between about adding it. Makes me a bit nervous, but I like the idea of added restriction. Although, it doesn't sound like you experienced that, until you had a fill. Glad to hear that you got back on track. Stress is a hard one when food is our "go to" drug :-) How has your wife done with the band?

Draven - I would LOVE to hear how you've been doing over the past months since your surgery. Any complications (my biggest fear considering plication+band). How was the weight loss over the first few months? How many (if any) fills so far? I guess I have a lot of questions

Melody - I look forward to hearing more from you :-) And I'm glad to hear that you're in the best of hands out there on the east coast. I'm located in So. Calif., and am also in the very best of hands. The doctor's name is Helmuth Billy, and if I had to guess, I'd say that many of the reputable doctors know of each other; even across the country.

How are you feeling, aside from scared & nervous (which I totally get)? I wish I could find more history on this procedure, but there are only a few who have had it done. My surgery date is 3/25, and I'm considering adding plication to the band. From what I understand, the plication increases weight loss, especially in the first few months; more like the sleeve or bypass. Also, it's supposed to reduce band complications; slipping and fills. I wish you all the best with your recovery, and your journey. I will be VERY interested to hear your progress

That's really good to hear... And congrats on the weight loss!! I know how good you must feel I am leaning toward the plication as well. From everything I read, it's seems to minimize complications with the band; slipping, erosion, fills, etc. And I'm so glad to hear that you were back to work within a week. I did very well when I had my hysterectomy, so I expect the recovery on this will also go smoothly. Have you had any fills? If so, how many.....how often? Thanks for your input.

Kah1213 - How long was your recovery?

I'm considering have the plication done with my upcoming lap band surgery, and would love to hear more from others who had it done. I'm a little nervous; not about the band, but the plication. Wish there was more long term studies on it.

I'll be having lap band surgery in the next month, and I'm considering adding the plication. I would love to hear from others who have had it.