cheryl f.

Thanks for the input. Did see my surgeon today, she is a general surgeon, as well as my lap band surgeon. She agreed to take out a little fluid before surgery, which is going to be tomorrow. I feel better about that as I'm at maximum restriction, which is fine but wouldn't want to be this tight and chance nausea or vomiting.

Is it safer to have band unfilled prior to an elective surgical procedure(i.e. gallbladder) with an general anesthesia ? Is there more chance of vomiting or aspiration? My surgeon didn't think this was an issue but wondering about others experience. Thanks

Is it safer to have band unfilled before undergoing surgery with general anesthetic? Is there an increased risk of vomiting? Thanks.

Is it safer to have band unfilled before undergoing surgery with general anesthetic? Is there an increased risk of vomiting? Thanks.

Yes, I did. I don't think it impacts recovery at all. I haven't had GERD since then. It's a good thing.

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I think it is normal to have fears before surgery. I'm an RN and it was almost surreal experience. It's odd to be on the gurney, instead of pushing it and seeing the ceiling and OR rooms from a pt standpoint. I trusted my surgeon, the nurses and anesthesiologist and once those drugs kick in, your anxiety will be a thing of the past. I had feelings of guilt that I couldn't control my wt and had to go to this extreme. How would my (grown) children do if anything happened,etc. Well, I have no regrets, I feel healthier than I has felt in about 5 years. The daily hunger struggle is gone, my quality of life has improved. Best decision I ever made. Just have to do the research and know you picked the right team. good luck!

I would just order an appetizer and nibble on that, not a big meal you know you can't eat. Make it something safe, something you know will go down ok. Or just stick with the soup. I don't think people really pay much attention to what others eat and since most of us have been on diets forever they probably figure you're trying to watch it. Just enjoy your time out with your friends, food becomes less important. Maybe then you will be less stressed about it. No need to tell anyone about the band, if you don't want to. I keep it a non-issue, don't talk about it but wouldn't deny it if someone asked. Hope that helps, good luck and don't stress.

I think many people are banded without knowing all the facts...BUT even though you have read the research and think you know all there is to know, you won't. Until you have that band in place and have lived with it for a year or two, don't think you have all the answers and can predict that you will succeed faster or slower than others. The band is not black and white, many gray areas. What one can eat, another can't. What you eat one day, you can't another. It is not an exact science. I continue to learn a year and half out. I read the books, compared studies, spoke with pts. attended support groups. I've worked with Bariatric pts for 20 years and in those years, I have seen procedures/technics change, as well as my own opinion about bariatric surgery. So, until you've walked the walk, please don't degrade others for asking questions. People look to this site for help and information.

Hi, Can't tell you what to do but I have not one second of regret having the lapband. I am 57 and have done everything possible... jenny craig,WW, fasting, running. All temporary..until you lose your appetite, which the lap band has done for me, it's a constant struggle. With that said, you have to work with it. High protein and avoid sugar. It's not a miracle but will help you to prevent over eating. I wasted alot of years being overweight. At this point in my life, it is wonderful not to be starving. I have not lost a ton of weight, would like to more but if i didn't it would be ok too. Good luck to you.

GasX is for gas in GI tract, probably won't help the gas that inflates the abdomen during surgery. Only walking and time will help that. Some people are bothered by it, some not.

Good Luck, to you. Dr. Takahashi did my surgery 9/07. She is an excellent surgeon, with a good reputation. So you are in good hands. I assume you're having it done at Torrance Memorial. I work there and it's a nice hospital. Let me know if I can help you. cheryl

Hi, saw your post. Dr. Takahashi is an excellent surgeon. She is not only a bariatric surgeon but a very experienced general sugeon, with a very good reputation among staff and doctors. Please, don't go to Mexico. The follow up care is important and it's a long way back there. If you have any problems, local dr's are relutant to take you on. She did my surgery, no problems, no regrets. I don't know who the new surgeon is. I will find out as I'm an RN at TMMC. I'm confident she wouldn't bring anyone into the practice that wasn't good. Hope I can be of help to you.