JaxBandster

My surgeon actually showed us pictures. There was a marked difference between a liver that was normal size and one where the patient didn't follow her pre-op diet. He actually had to close her up after he got in there because every time he even touched her liver it would bleed and bruise terribly!!!! It wasn't a pretty picture. So, if you want to have your surgery go smoothly, make sure you follow your physicians advice to the letter! I am fortunate in that my surgeon only requires me to be on a low carb/high Protein diet for several weeks prior to surgery and then be on Clear Liquids for two days prior. He says it is easier to make the transition to liquids if you have already gone through carb withdrawal ahead of time. The low carb diet hasn't been too hard to follow and I have already lost 12.5 pounds in a week and a half. I can deal with that!

Well Tami if your philosophy is accurate then I am on the right path. I figure that if I can throw myself into this and do everything I'm supposed to do then by the time I get restriction half the battle will have been won. So far I am on track. I've been on my pre-op low carb diet for 1-1/2 weeks and have lost 12.5 lbs. My surgery goal is 20 lbs. If I can lose more that will be great. I have begun to exercise. I expect, between my pre-op preparation and my post op diet that I should lose at least 30 lbs right away. Then I will really have to work like I did pre-op while waiting for my first fill (4 weeks after surgery). I know it will be difficult and a learning process, but I am determined and highly motivated. Thanks for the reaffirmation!

Congratulations on reaching your sweet spot! I haven't started my journey just yet (2 weeks and counting) but I can't wait to reach that point where my hunger doesn't control me. Good luck!!!

Hi Katie! Did your doctor give you any suggestions about Protein drinks? I am using Atkin Advantage (make sure it's low carb) and EAS. Whichever Protein Drinks you get, make sure they aren't high in carbs or you could be sabotaging your weight loss. Otherwise, just follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Don't get ahead of your prescribed diet and try to eat solids too fast. Eat as much protein as you can get your hands on (preferable in food), it will help your hunger. Good luck! I'm not far behind you!

In the meantime, try to keep your diet low in fat. For some reason it aggravates the situation. If the pain gets so bad that you are getting sick, don't hesitate to go to the hospital. If one of the stones blocks the duct, it can be fatal! Any particular reason why you are having to wait until after the 1st?

There was a war news correspondent in Iraq last year who developed a clot and died because of riding too long in the armoured vehicle he was in. Otherwise he was in perfect health. Blood clots develop for a variety of reasons but I've never heard of one developing from going on a diet. It is usually prolonged inactivity or some other reason.

My surgeon only requires a low carb diet before surgery (about a month) then a clear liquid diet two days prior to surgery. I went for my pre-op today and he showed us pictures of a nice healthy liver and one from a patient that he closed up. You could see bruising and lacerations on the liver from where he just touched it with the forceps. It was bleeding and black in areas from the bruising. He said that if he had tried to lift the liver to get to the stomach it would have torn and the patient could have died so he closed her up. He also said that if you do the pre-op diet and shrink your liver, and then go out and have one last mega meal that the liver will swell right back up. So no last hurrah for me :frown: So do yourself and your surgeon a favor and whatever pre-op diet he has you on, stick to it so you improve your chances for a successful and risk free surgery.

Hi Diva I was just at my surgeon's today and asked him about port infections. He confirmed that they are typically acquired after a fill. He says that they use every sterilization available, but that sometimes you can still get infected. He is so concious about bacteria on the skin that he has us shower every day for three days before surgery with a special surgical soap and tells us to wash our sheets on the day we begin showering and using fresh towels after every shower. He wants our skin to be completely free of any bacteria before surgery. Unfortunately, things aren't quite so optimal in the doctor's office. They do everything they can to keep things sterile but I guess things happen anyway. Just make sure your doctor goes above and beyond in keeping the area and his hands clean and sterile when getting fills.

I hear that this is not unusual so you are definitely not alone. What does your diet consist of right now. Are you consuming a lot of carbs? (you shouldn't be) Are you eating your protein first then your veggies? Good job on the exercise! Keep it up! Just keep making good food choices.

Could it be possible that it is close to that time of the month and you are experiencing some swelling that could in turn make you feel tighter? That's the only thing I can think of.

What kind of diet does the doctor have you on? I would restrict carbs as much as possible (pay VERY close attention to labels and try to keep them around 30 gms per day) and excercise everyday for 30 minutes. If if it is just a brisk walk. The lbs should fall off. Good luck!

Mine was definitely right beneath the sternum and radiated around the left side. I would still have your doctor check just to make sure. Good luck!

Audie that definitely sounds like gallstones! Yes, the pain is unbelievable and right where you said it was. Ask your doctor to have an ultrasound done on your gall bladder. You may have to have another operation :biggrin: I'm really surprised the ER doc didn't check for this.

The red was okay but all that upper and lower casing made my head hurt!!!!!!! LOL Glad to hear that you are on your way!

LOL BC powders have been around since the time of Moses! It's just that people hardly use it anymore since the advent of pills, capsules and the like. My best friend uses them religiously since they are powdered they act really fast. I would definitely always check with your doctor first though. Good luck

I only had one major attack and that was enough for me to get the surgery done right away. I think it was within a couple of weeks and during that time I watched what I ate to make sure I avoided a reoccurence. It was definitely something I didn't want to repeat. I had pain so bad it made me nauseous. I know that some people will have periodic episodes depending on if the stones are restricting the flow of bile (or something like that). I didn't have a blockage so didn't have to have emergency surgery but if they had said I should have surgery that night I would have done it! Do some research on the Internet about signs and symptoms and see what you find out, but it sure sounds like gall bladder to me.

LOL I was going to say the same thing. I gave it a try but it was just too hard to read. Good luck and I'm glad you are excited! You will do great.

There are many pros and cons between the two, but in a nutshell..... The bypass is faster but there are more risks and it is permanent. The band is slower but less risky and reversible. There is also less risk of malnutrition with the band. Just read as much as you can about both and do what you feel is best for you.

Have you contacted your doctor about this? If so, what did they say?

Nana What does your diet consist of?

Oh Ahi Tuna is going to be my new best friend. I'll be learning how to sear tuna steaks all sorts of ways!

That all depends on the doctor and if you are going through insurance. He will tell you everything you need to know when you meet with him. Everyone goes through some sort of process and rarely are any of them alike. Some people have psych evaluations some don't. Some people have to go on extended pre-op diets, others don't. Every surgeon is different so unfortunately there is no simple answer to your question. Just meet with your surgeon and he will show you the way! Good luck!

Dear Cheryl Congratulations on getting the process going! I know it seems a long time coming but the time will pass quickly and you will be on your way before you know it. Good luck!

Read everything you can get your hands on and follow your doctor's advice to the T. You will do great! Good luck!!!!!

All I can suggest is to read read read and read some more. That is all I did before I even began posting here and on other sites I'm on. I just wanted to read about all the ups and downs and really get a feel for what the banded life is like. I now know that it won't be easy, that I will have challenges for the rest of my life even with the band, but that the band will help me if I use it correctly. I think on line and live support groups are very important because there is always something to know and I know that as I continue my journey I will need to talk to people who understand what I'm going through. You have found a good place! Good luck!