Nurse_B

Good luck, I hope it goes by quickly for you! Bring whatever you use to help you fall asleep, like a book you are reading, it can help!

There are a few reasons why no caffeine before surgery. First, caffeine is a diuretic, and can cause dehydration especially on a liquid diet or a new diet that is cut back. I have also heard that caffeine can possible cause erosion where they band is placed? I will have to research this one and ask the surgeon at my consult visit. Also, with all of the manipulation with your stomach, ulcers can be an issue, and caffeine unfortunately can add to that risk. I'm sure there are better reasons but that's what I came up with!

Welcome!! I am still awaiting my surgery date, and like you am anxious to begin!

That's really tough to do this with little support. I'm glad you came on here, these people are WONDERFUL. I have never met perfect strangers who were so warm, inviting and helpful. Any questions you have, put them out there. If you need support and someone to listen, be prepared because so many people will help you out. I hope for you that as you explore on here you become more at ease and excited for your surgery. As for the sleep study, it will be over with before you know it. Bring anything you like to do before bed to help you fall asleep.

I'm going to sit down and talk with her. I don't want this to be an issue, but I want her to understand this is a huge life change and if she is going to be around, she needs to be on board. It's sad, but I do think it has to do with jealousy a little bit too, as many of you have said. I know how it feels, I'm happy for people when they lose weight, but I also wish that for myself. I feel bad I feel that way, but I do get it!

Thanks guys, all great advice. She is a big girl also. She just had a baby a year ago but hasn't lost the weight. She has had liposuction in the past so you think she would understand. I think there is an element of jealousy there, and I hate to even think that. I made the decision when I decided to get the lap band it was my decision and no one else was going to sway me. I just wish she could be there for me, she usually is the friend that is so understanding.

I have a question for those of you who have had to deal with friends reacting negatively about the band. How do you deal with it? I have a VERY close friend, and although she says she supports my decision, she hasn't been exactly supportive. She is concerned that I am giving up on diet and exercise on my own, and that I am making a quick decision. The thing is, and I have told her this, I have been contemplating this decision for a very long time. Now whenever we speak, she is telling me what I could do instead of surgery, and trying to basically scare me out of my decision. I don't want to lose a friendship over this, but she is stressing me out!!

I don't have any insight in the surgery center, but just wanted to say welcome!! I'm so glad I joined this site. No surgery date for me yet, but I hope to have surgery before the fall.

Hello! Have you had a sleep study before?? It's a pretty easy test, you get to sleep through it (I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me!). Only thing is it can be annoying because they hook up leads around your body and they can get in your way. Do you think you are nervous about the surgery part, or the afterwards, and that's why you are feeling down?

Hello!! I'm going to UW next Wednesday for my first consult meeting. I'm also in the Madison area. So glad you guys are on here and we can chat about our experiences.

It's interesting that you bring this up. I was looking online last night, actually searching for people who complained about the band. I want to get all of the information possible. About 90% of the discussions were people who were expecting a miracle, something for nothing. When I have told people my decision, their first thought is "Oh you are going to get so thin, and you won't have to do anything!". My response is, really?? IF that was the case, everyone would be covered for weight loss surgery and physicians would be BEGGING their overweight co-morbid patients to have this surgery. I'm always shocked at my patients and their attitude about medicine in general. Some people expect to do nothing and have things like weight loss surgery, and medications do the work for them. When I educate my patients that they have to change their lifestyle on top of taking their hypertension medication, I get a lot of interesting responses. I can't tell you how much I love this site, I wish anyone on a path to weight loss would come on here and see the positive outreach, and the support for people to adopt a healthier lifestyle!

Good luck to you!! I hope your weekend doesn't seem like it's taking forever. Sounds like you are pretty set

Glad to hear you are doing well!

That's a pretty good deal!! You can have it in your dreams without feeling guilty. Think of something extra delicious before bed tonight to eat, enjoy!

Oh that would be hard with other people eating around you!! But, now you know you can do it, even with others around you not doing the same thing!! Congrats on the weight loss, what a great way to start the journey!!

You may want to ask your surgeon what the protocol is. I am considered "inpatient" only because they don't have a surgery center to do the procedure as an outpatient. This may be the case for you as well. If you have it early enough, they usually send you home the same day if no complications and if you can go to the bathroom.

Are you self pay? Did you have to do nutrition and psych? My consult is next Wednesday and is love for it to be scheduled quickly!

Do you have documented weight discussions from the last two visits? Usually if they can establish your current problems have been addresses, they don't need that much to look at.

Sending you prayers and warm wishes!!

Thank you, I'm jotting all this down in a notebook so I can refer to it at the appointment! I'm sure there is so much I'm not even aware of asking yet!

Hello!! I have my first appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday. Does anyone have any advice on questions I should ask, or things that you wish you knew before the procedure?? I want to make sure I show up ready to get all the information I need!

So glad to hear all is well!!

Even though I haven't been banded, I have had surgery and am also a nurse and educate my patients on surgery. It can be overwhelming and scary to think about. When you go in, don't be afraid to ask questions. Have them show you the equipment they use to monitor you so you may feel less anxious about surgery. Also, usually the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will come in and talk to you. If you are uneasy, they can give you something to relax. Everyone there wants this to be a positive experience for you so speak up and let them know your fears! They hear and see it all and usually are very good at reassuring patients. Also, many doctors would be happy to give you something to calm your nerves in the days leading up to surgery. Don't feel silly about being on edge, even I as a nurse who is around surgery is nervous about it too! You will be in and out before you know it, and have great advice for the next person who posts they are nervous!

I have been looking for any reviews on the place where I will be having my surgery. I work in health care and I know UW is a great hospital, but I don't know much about my surgeon, Dr. Jacob Greenberg. Anyone out there have surgery at UW in Madison?

I have been looking for any reviews on the place where I will be having my surgery. I work in health care and I know UW is a great hospital, but I don't know much about my surgeon, Dr. Jacob Greenberg. Anyone out there have surgery at UW in Madison?