frazzledmomof2

Hello all, I am faced with a new decision. I just met with the surgeon who is scheduled to do my lapband on 8/20 and during our conversation she mentioned the possibility of doing a bypass since my BMI is in the high 40's. I'm borderline lapband/bypass. She mentioned that she could do both it''s ultimately my decision but said that since I have more weight to loose I will obviously loose faster with bypass. Both procedures can be done laporascopically which is very nice and I could probably get away with one night hospital stay. I have to let her know soon. Does anyone know someone personally who has had the bypass. I'm not sure what to do. I probably should check of bypass forum. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I actually went through with the bypass and had my procedure on same date 8/20. I was lucky and was able to come home after a day. Pain has been stable and have not really taken anything since I have been home.

I'm not yet banded but the whole waiting an hour after eating is a bit concerning. I'm definately a drinker while I'm eating my dinner. And the thought of waiting an hour to drink something seems like an awfully long time. I could imagine waiting 15 minutes or so but one hour. Does everyone follow this one hour rule?

N. W. Nance you are so right about that! Yesterday when we went to church I spoke with the priest after the mass and told him about my upcoming procedure and to have him pray for me. And that also kinda made me feel alot better. But thanks again for everyones support. This is still a great site that I would definately recomment to anyone needed support.

Just to let everyone know who has been nice enough to respond to my post that I have made the decision to have the gastric bypass. I know everyone has there own opinions on either surgery (like I have read from responses) but I have spent three very long days doing nothing but research this and speak with many people who have had the bypass and how they have been since surgery. I know the risks involved and I don't take them lightly but I have a great surgeon who has performed many bypass surgeries and has never to date had to (open up someone from lapband). I have thought of maybe doing the band first and then if that doesn't work do the bypass but I don't want to take that risk...being under sedation is a risk in itself and why would I opt for another surgery "just in case the first one doesn't work". It's like a marriage you don't go into that thinking "hey if it doesn't work I can always get a divorce" (bad analogy I know). I sorry for the rambling and I know I don't owe anyone an explanation of my decision but you have all been nice enough to spend time on responded to my question I thought I would be nice enough to give my decision. It all boils down to what feels comfortable and what your heart is telling you to do. As long as my husband and immediate family is supporting me is all I need right now. Thanks again to everyone who has responded. And to anyone who is grappling with this same decision.....GOOD LUCK!!!!!

I was originally scheduled for lapband on 8/20/08, but after my first visit with the surgeon she mentioned maybe thinking about bypass as well since my BMI is in the high 40's and the weight loss is more significant with the bypass. After researching and speaking with several people who have had the bypass I have decided to do the bypass as well. I'm still young, I have no serious health risks yet (except high blood pressure) and I have not had any major surgeries other than 2 c-sections. Good luck to all of you deciding to go the bypass route.

I really appreciate everyones input. I think the thing that got to me at drs. office is that you'll lose alot more in the long run with the bypass. I have heard of a few people having a difficult time losing weight with the band. Has anyone heard of someone being banded and then down the road getting a bypass? Does insurance cover two different WLS's?

I'm in Old Bridge. How about you?

Everyone's advise has been fabulous. I know this will be something I definately have to work on cause at time I enjoy eating spicy foods and the drinking part worries me. But I will definatley take the ice cube advice, I would have never thought of that. I'm meeting with my surgeon today so I will ask her how she feels about this topic. Thanks again to all who responded.

I'm using Endo Surgical Assoc. in Freedhold. Dr. Washington and Dr. Dobruskin are a few of the doctors there. I'm to meet with Dr. Dobruskin tomorrow (she's doing my surgery). But Dr. Washington seems very nice (he did my upper endoscopy).

I'm trying not to think to much of the remaining time I have left on this liquid diet. Just trying to get through one day at a time. But thanks for your support.

I have been on this cursed liquid diet now since July 22nd. I have probably cheat only 3 of the 16 days (since I am only human) and am now about 13 days away from my surgery. At this point I can't wait until the mushie stage since I will be able to at least have scrambled eggs and not drink all my meals. I'm keeping strong and looking toward the big picture and trying to prove to myself and the few people who know of my upcoming surgery that I can do this.

I have been on this cursed liquid diet now since July 22nd. I have probably cheat only 3 of the 16 days (since I am only human) and am now about 13 days away from my surgery. At this point I can't wait until the mushie stage since I will be able to at least have scrambled eggs and not drink all my meals. I'm keeping strong and looking toward the big picture and trying to prove to myself and the few people who know of my upcoming surgery that I can do this.:frown:

One concern I have after being banded is the possibility of traveling. I'm nervous thinking what If something happens when I'm away especially if your traveling outside of the United States. What If your band slips or food gets stuck etc. Your doctor is not right there to help you. Has anyone experienced any problems while traveling?

Wow what a story. I'm glad everything worked out for you. But I was wondering longer term like a few months or years after being banded when you can eat normally. Do people shy away from going away outside of the united states where medical access is not that easy.

Good for you. I'm doing my liquid protein diet currently for my upcoming surgery on the 20th. I need to lose 15-20lbs from my first consult appointment. But that's getting me worried cause I did my first consult visit back in Nov 07, but didn't start seriously with everything until April 08. I have gained weight since then. Was anyone ever denied surgery due to not enough weight loss?

I had two sessions with my psych. He pretty much asked about my life history, my marriage and kids. He asked If I ever had been on anti-depressants before. If I have ever lost weight before and do I know the process of my upcoming lapband surgery. Your pretty much just talking is all. Nothing to be worried about. I guess they just want to make sure your in the right state of mind in general and can hold a conversation (who knows now a days).

You go girl! A little goal like the one you have going for you is great! Everyone needs something to stride for no matter what it is. I also wondererd what onederland meant and now I do. Gosh I havn't seen onederland since 1998. Best of Luck.

Getting banded on Aug 20th and today was my cardiologist appt. so I can get clearance. Told I needed to get this nuclear stress test where they inject some radioactive stuff into you and have you walk on a treadmill until you get tired. Supposedly I supposed to stay 6ft away from my children the whole day just to be safe. Anyone else have this procedure done! Just when I thought I was done with testing!:biggrin:

I'm almost half way there and I thought this was going to be the hardest part of my journey. I was so excited today when I discovered the Vitamin Shoppe and all the new flavors of protein drinks they had. At least now I have variety. Just a few more days of being able to enjoy my dinner salads then only protein drinks for me until my surgery day. I'm proud of myself and even happier to see the scale drop a little. Can't wait to see what my end weight pre-surgery will be.

Tell me about it. It was not so bad the first week and a half then I kinda cheated yesterday but starting Monday is the full liquid diet no salads and I can't screw that up. I want to make sure I don't jeporadize my surgery. I have read one or two threads that when they woke up from there surgeries they reazlied that they had a full open incision. I don't want that to happen. With two young kids I need to be fully operational in a short time.

I'm not sure if it's this cardiologist or not but she was concerned more for younger children (mine our 8 & 6). Which will be a challenge since my 6yr old is a hugger.

I'm on a 30 day liquid pre-op diet with only salad at dinner for first 14 days and complete liquid remaining 14 days. Doctor wanted me on Medifast but it was too expensive. I found a great alternative for a protein shake and it comes in many tasty flavors. I mix mine with no fat milk. It's called Spiru-Tein and can be purchased at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe etc. Hope this help to any other looking for variety.

I'm due to be banded Aug. 20th. I have a meeting with my surgeon on the 8th. I was told my insurance will cover the whole procedure and assumed this would mean fills as well. But I have read that some people are responsible for there own fills. Is this something that would have been addressed to me automatically by my surgeon. If filss were not covered they would have told me right?

I'm on my 10 day of a 30 day liquid diet. I'm on a liquid diet for so long because I have gained alot of weight since my initial appt. back in November. I didn't start the insurance process till April. So it was suggested to do a 30 day fast having only liquids during the day and a salad at night for the first two weeks and then the remaining two weeks I am only to have liquids. Suprising enough it wasn't has hard as I thought and the protein shakes I have found are surprsingly filling. I have lost roughly 11lbs in 10 days and have probably had 1 day I have cheated thus far. But drink your protein shakes they do help and if you are feeling hungry try low sodium chicken broth. It does fill you up. Good luck!