Brian-LA

Hi Jacqui !

I just read your Profile. I see you might be looking for cheap overseas operations. I see that a lot of people here seem to be going to Mexico for their cheap Lap / REALIZE band operations. It is kind of a vacation / surgery vacation for a few thousand U.S. dollars. You get a vacation holiday and surgery at the same time. Try making a post about good / cheap Mexico Operations in both Pre-and Post Op sections and I am sure someone will give you a good surgeon.

-Brian :smile:

hi i would love to hear from anyone in the uk either pre or post op. im a newbie and terrified to even bring it up with my gp, so im trying to just go ahead and get a loan and pay for it myself. my main problem is that i have bad joint problems and think if i could lose the weight it would help my joints. i am terrified that i will die during the op or how to find the best surgeon?. i just dont know what to do all i know is im so unhappy living this way, not going out because im ashamed to be seen and very very lonley. id really love to hear from someone.

thanks guys

Hi Cakey !

No I am not from the UK but if you have joint problems and other obesity related health issues ( Diabetes, sleep Apnea, GERD ( Acid Reflux ), high blood pressure, etc. ) you are a thousand times better getting Gastric Banded then staying your current weight or worse. I am now close to 3 weeks Post Op and I had little pain, I was in and out of my surgery center here in Southern California in 4 hours and back home in 4.5 hours. I didn't even stay overnight in the hospital. I was back to normal feeling in 3 days. My pain scale of 1 to 10 never got worse then a 5 at its worst immediately Post Op to a 3-4 that night to a 2 three days later. Most people go back to work within a few days.

Mind you I am not saying there aren't complications but if you read the posts here, they are few and minor and GO AWAY WITHIN A FEW DAYS. That isn't bad for a Life SAVING and Life CHANGING operation !

The decision is yours. You should do a lot of research, spend time here posting and asking questions and research the options and consequences of those options. Obesity kills and most likely adversely affects your life too.

Hope that helped.

-Brian :smile:

Tomorrow is my big day!!!! :sneaky: Wish me luck guys!!! And you know what... I'm not nervous anymore!!! I'll update you all tomorrow after surgery... :yesnod:

GOOD LUCK MARIA !

But don't worry you won't need it. You have a skilled surgeon and you are on the road to better health and a better life. Congratulations ! And we will all be reading your Post Op posts soon. Don't worry you will be fine.

-Brian :smile:

QUESTION ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR AFTER SURGERY. PLEASE MAKE SUGGESTIONS!

We're winding down to the last of the month and those of us that are just barely September banders are days away.

I had a bump in the road when my PCP didn't clear me for surgery due to an abnormal EKG, but after seeing the cardiologist last week, they've cleared me after all. YAY!!!

ONE QUESTION: What do I take to the hospital to wear? Like a lot of others, I'm sure, I'm too big to be covered by the hospital gowns so I need to take something from home.

Will pj pants with a waist band be uncomfortable or irritating to any of the incision spots? Should I wear a sundress or something that would just hang but then anytime anyone wants to look at incisions they'll have to go up from below?

Anything else specific I need to take with me to the hospital (I'll have an overnight stay) that isn't the obvious?

Thanks for your help! I'll be joining you banded folks on the other side in just a few days! Can't wait!

Debbie

Hi Debbie !

I wore a loose polo shirt & sweat pants for my surgery ( I am a guy ) ... but I advise loose clothing for your Post Op Go Home clothes. It is basically recommended ... you don't want to feel it around your tummy as it will be sensitive.

-Brian :smile:

ok i'm at the airport, here i go, tomorrow's my day, i feel scared and nervous.

Good Luck and Godspeed Lisa !

Don't worry soon you will be one of us ! I hope all is well and see / read you soon. :smile:

-Brian :yesnod:

Hi Everyone!!! Had my surgery yesterday and it went perfectly!! I was sore as expected the gas-x strips work wonders and i found liquid adult tylenol at Walgreens and i am able to manage the pain with that. My biggest challenge so far is taking my pills(Rx) i have crushed them in water....YUCK!!!!!:smile: and tonight I tried to crush them in sugar free jello....double YUCK!!!!!!:yesnod::thumbdown: any suggestions on how to crush the Rx and not have to taste the bitterness of it? Hope everyone else is doing well too....:sneaky:

Hi Cicigirl !

I was told to put crushed pills into Apple Sauce by my Doctor. I didn't need to... I am actually able to swallow all my current meds ok. But try apple sauce & buy a pill crusher.

-Brian

Hey I wonder how Brian LA is doing, I feel like he was our only guy, but I miss so many posts he probably posts every day, Hope you're recovering well Brian, and everyone else of course, I love seeing all the different recoveries, I too am 40 so hopefully I'll be laughing like you all are. hope all goes well with the scale, too, I got frustrated, I stopped losing weight when I weaned my daughter, I don't know if it cause I'm not letting the same Fluid out or what. but I'm on strike from the scale, I don't even feel hungery where I used to feel revenous, so that's good. sick of shakes, I'm gonna miss making shakes with ice in the blender, I hear that is awful post band, is this true, I love the shake like texture. Made the most gross shake today, some premixed vanilla and some diet orange pop, dont know what I was thinking, not a fan of orange pop even with sugar.

Oh gotta go make the kids a snack, happy equinox and full moon

Hi Lisa !

I am doing well. THANKS for asking. I am now doing Soups. Still doing shakes although not as much ... soups are nicer. I am now 2 weeks Post Op and feel fantastic. I 've lost around 20 lbs Post Op. And I have felt restriction and today I actually restricted so much that I actually threw up. NOT a good feeling. BUT I know my REALIZE Band is working. I still haven't gone back to work and might actually take another week off because my job does entail some decent physical activity.

-Brian :biggrin:

Try Crystal Lite Ice Tea it is both caffeine or Decaf. I still drink the caffeinated tea. You need to get off the carbonation ... you won't be able to once you are banded.

-Brian :thumbup:

You also forgot the PREMIER brand chocolate Protein shakes. 30g Protein, 1 g sugar, something like 160-180 calories. It runs around $24 for 18. I am 1 week Post Op and I like it along w/ the EAS Myoplex chocolate shake too ( also sold there ).

-Brian :thumbup:

Hi Maxi2010 !

I found Gas X strips had marginal effectiveness for me. A lot of people sore by them though. Personally I thought walking did a better job of helping ease / get out the gas myself. In other words I would NOT kill myself to get them ... it aint that big of a deal. You also have a great surgeon so I hopefully you only have minor issues.

GOOD LUCK TOMORROW I ll be thinking of you and wishing you a fast and full recovery !!!

-Brian :thumbup:

Hi MAxi2010 !

Are you ready for your big day tomorrow ??? :smile: Don't worry you will be fine. Got all your stuff / supplies ready ?

-Brian :w00t:

I just restocked some stuff last night. Wow !!! I bought a few days worth of my " food " and I will be saving money because I only paid around $40 ( $9 was for a magazine I read too ). I usually spent $120 a week on groceries alone and that isn't counting my go out & eat / restaurants / fast food money. At this rate I will pay off my surgery is no time. :thumbup:

Hi everybody! Wow it sounds like we are all just chugging along... I'm thinking of all our September Sweeties and Studs every day this month and how great of a community we are here. I'm looking forward to my day next Thursday (one week! :w00t:) but am feeling nervous etc.!

Oh, you all might be interested to read some recommended items my friend suggested I get before surgery (he had his band put in in August I think and he's doing great!). He suggested I get:

-Chewable Vitamins

-Gas-X

-Have the doc prescribe Fenergen (sp?) for nausea

-Low sodium broth

-Sugar free jell-o

-Ensure (or similar)

He also recommended that, since my surgery is being done as an outpatient, I have my husband run fill my Rx's while I'm in surgery or recovery so I don't have to deal with that on the way home.

I'm adding to that list stretchy pants that are nice enough for work (I'm a secretary) but comfy on the tum-tum area.

Hope that helps all of you like it helped me. Anybody have any other pre-op preparation tips? I'm going to be cleaning my house thoroughly so I don't feel stressed at not being able to do as much housework after surgery.

Take care everyone and good luck!:thumbup:

Hi Sarah !

Get Gas X STRIPS ( dissolvable strips ) , Probably DON'T get Ensure as a Protein Drink ( aren't they for senior citizens ? ) but try Premier Protein shakes at costco or EAS Myoplex shakes or similar shakes ( DON'T get Atkins Diet they sucked bad !!! ) , wear something like a sweatshirt plus stretchy sweat pants for your operation & go home clothes ( nothing tight - your tummy will be sensitive ), get chicken Broth & Beef Consume for your liquid phase , Tomato Soup / onion Soup & the like for liquid phase, a chewable Vitamin ( I use Centrum chewables ), Tums for Calcium, Biotin vitamin supplement because Bartiatric surgery does and will effect your hair , and DEFINITELY sugar free Popsickles because they simply rule and are probably the best liquid phase stuff you can eat. My doctor also recommended GATORADE C2 ( the low cal version ) because you don't want to get dehydrated. I used the Gatorade C2 Low Cal for a few days but then found Powerade Zero Grape which is zero cals plus has electrolytes plus its only 78 cents for 32 oz. !!!

I highly recommend the Premier Protein chocolate shake from Costco, It has 30 g Protein, 1 g sugar and was pretty low on the calorie side. Plus it was 18 for $24 or around that.

-Brian :smile:

So I called my insurance (healthnet) today to check on my authorization for surgery, and I was APPROVED! :thumbup:I will still go in on the 21st for surgery.:alien: I am so so scared, I am afraid that my anxiety is going to kick in and they will have to re-schedule me.:sad: Any advice would be so helpful. Good luck to everyone!:wub:

Hi Had Enough ! Don't worry yourself about it. I see you are in L.A. too... my advice make sure you have a great surgeon. Mine is Beverly Hills based and has done over 1000 plus Bands plus does 10-15 a week. I am one week post op and feel 100% ( actually more like 95% my belly button is still a little bit sensitive from the port / hiatal hernia surgery. ). Don't worry you will be fine and in a few month, you will be great. :eek6:

-Brian

Hi Cathy !

Sorry to hear about your house but better the house than you ! I hope all else is well.

Out of curiosity what phase / diet are you on now ? I am still on liquid. Tonight I finally also started incorporating different Soups also ( instead of just broth ) .. I added Tomato and tomato & Basil and now also onion. I was getting alittle sick of chocolate Protein Shakes and wanted a non-sugary taste. The Tomato Soup was good but not something I would have every night... a little too tomatoey for me to have every night but a change of pace nonetheless. Any other suggestions ?

-Brian :wub:

No you won't feel the actual Band. You will probably feel the Port. In one way you will feel the Band is in Restriction... the sensation telling you to stop / slow down when you over-eat. In that way the Band is great.

-Brian :wub:

Thanks for the well-wishes everyone.

I just got back from my PCP a few minutes ago (have been having back pain and stiffness, and I wanted to talk to him about this surgery anyways, so I made an appointment)

I have good news, and bad news.

so, remember how i was bummed about having to do 6 months MDS (medically supervised diet)? well... I told him about it and he filled out two of the forms. One for our appointment last month when we discussed my weight, and one for this month. He wants to see me every month for the next four months to get this done. He also made some copies of some test results that he thought would be useful to the surgeon. He's really doing everything he can to help me with this, and I am sooo grateful for his support.

I told him I was also ready to quit smoking and asked about the medicine Chantix. He got me all set up for that, wrote the prescription and explained it to me... but when I got to the pharmacy my insurance declined it. Apparently they stopped covering it. I cant afford the $140 a month at this time, so I guess im gonna have to quit smoking on my own :alien:

sooo... Im happy but frustrated yet again. Oh well, I'll get through it.

Edited to add- my diet plan for the next month: eat off of a desert plate... no going back for seconds, and my servings cannot touch eachother. Switch to diet pop for two weeks and then see if I feel good enough to eliminate pop completely. Go on a 20-25 minute walk 5 days a week. YAY!

Hi LovelyMissJ ! I am sorry to hear what hurdles are being put ahead of you but don't worry you will get through them and in short time. The fact is the Band is for Life and once you get it you got it. If you really want it it will be here soon enough.

As for what others have said, you are better off dumping off ALL carbonated soda drinks right now and switch over to the sugar free / zero calorie iced teas and zero cal drinks now because carbonation will hurt your Band. It is like straws... you won't get to use them either.

-Brian :wub:

Hi Maxi2010 !

Don't worry about your surgery, you will be fine and a few days after your surgery ... you will be on the road to being GREAT !!! There isn't much to worry about. The pain and issues of Gastric Band surgery is nothing compared to pain and issues of obesity. A few days of pain versus a LIFETIME of pain and issues. No contest. It won't be easy but nothing of value is ever easy. You want a BETTER LIFE and that is priceless and worth fighting for. You will be fine and then you will be BETTER and then you will be GREAT.

-Brian :crying:

Very much agree with Brian, I am a day behind him and feel similar. Thinking about food and knowing I already made changes and there is no turning back; this is our road to a healthier self! One thing is for sure: It is not easy, but I am so hopeful with the band that I think and feel I can change my eating habits forever. And so can everyone else as long as you work towards the goal of a healthier YOU! I am already "seeing" myself in a regular clothing size and love that feeling....

Thank you for all the book tips! Will check them out on B&N.

Hi Butterfly2010 ! Yeah we are both in the same boat - THANK GOD ! I do no regret my decision at all. Once you are Banded ... you are Banded and there is no turning back ! You can't fight it and it is for your own good.

I am already seeing some payoff in that I am down about 15 lbs from about 3 weeks ago when I had a general physical and my semi-tight pants are now loose !

As for my books, I got them on Amazon.com. The Sewell book I have on my Kindle and I have a hard copy of the Legardere book.

I hope you are having a wonderful day !

-Brian

I'd go with the best Surgeon because you want the best outcome. That isn't saying there can't or won't be complications or pain... but it sure lessens the chances.

Bariatric Surgery is still surgery and it isn't a joke. Its a big deal but that said, my surgery was pretty complication free on since I had a great surgeon the pain was on the low side / went away quick.

The decision to get the Band is a big one , one which you should go in knowing all the risks and rewards of. You shouldn't rush it. Go in informed and decide what is right for you.

-Brian

Hi Shushuandanniesmom.

Thanks for some great first week food ideas -except for the ice cream/sherbert. Thanks Brian for the info and good advice. Frozen Yogurt is also a good choice, if you check the calories first.

My surgery is this Friday - 9/17 - and I am fretting about the post op food. I haven't started the post op diet yet and I'm already tired of it!!!!!. I'm getting tired of this 2-week liquid pre op diet, too. :crying:

Hi Maxi2010 ! Good Luck with Surgery on Friday *** BUT *** by looking at your surgeon and his credentials ... I think you are in great hands. I have a GREAT Surgeon too and like I have posted elsewhere here it was pretty painless / less painful because of it.

As for fretting about the Post Op food... DON'T. You are making a extremely MAJOR life changing decision here. You want a better / healthier life and by going with a Band, you will be committed to it either way. Once you are banded ... you are banded Babe! It doesn't come out easily and once its it its in and you have to go through some hoops to get it out. It is almost like the Mafia but in a good way... it will make you lose weight unless you seriously fight it.

I am Day 6 Post Op and I have to say that I have had to come to grips that my attitude and relationship with Food has to and HAS changed. I can't eat what I want and an extremely large amount of whatever I want when I want anymore. I can't pig out anymore / I can't numb myself with food anymore. AND thats a good thing. The Band is working and keeping me in check against my own food addictions and cravings. It is giving me the extra will power to fight a lifelong losing battle with food. Although I have had some major weak moments in the last few days and days I have had some low commitment ... the Band KEEPS working and keeping me in Check. The Band is great in that even with low commitment and resolve, it works and then when my Sanity returns a few hours later, I am so much more happy because of the Band and that it kept me honest and strong. The REALIZE Band is working for me and it is doing what I thought it would do for me. I am so sick of being overweight and what it has cost my life so far, it is time for a change. Now that I have it I only wish I did it YEARS ago !!!

-Brian :smile:

I had surgery this past Friday and I am feeling great. Not 100% but pretty darn good. If this gas would leave I would be 100%. I have been off of my script pain killers since Saturday pm. I have been using tylenol or advil only as needed and that really is not that much.

A good friend who has had LAP-BAND® gave me some liquid ideas that I am very greatful for. Icecream, sherbert, and cream of Broccoli Soup from Panera through the blender and then strained. I am so happy to be able to eat something that my mouth likes.

Now keep in mind I have not been able to do huge amounts of any of this but 1 TBLS here and a 1/4 cup there and I am not hungry, nor am I in pain or ready to kill the inventor of chicken Broth!

I know we can all do this together!!!

I watch out about the Ice Cream and Sherbert -I'd stay away. My Surgeon is a Beverly Hills Surgeon who stopped counting his Bands after 1000 / does 10-15 a week AND he said don't do ice cream or the like... because it defeats the purpose of the Band. You have to think of the Band as an hourglass for your stomach, the top portion is the small part above the Band. You put in sand ( good food ) to keep the flow slow and full. Put in Water or liquid, it flows through and defeats the purpose of it. Putting in Ice Cream severely defeats the purpose of it. He also mentioned don't do chocolates either because they melt / disolve quick and provide seriously high calories and act like liquid too.

A great substitute is what everyone here says sugar free pop-sickles ... they are low cal at 15-25 calories a pop and are kinda like a sherbert without the cals / guilt.

-Brian :thumbup:

It all depends IF you are self paying / paying for it yourself or you are going through Insurance and your Insurance will pay for it / you have gone through all their steps for approval AND they approve it.

I was self pay ( $ 16,000 ) and started my seminar on August 11, 2010 and I was REALIZE Banded on Sept 8, 2010 ... all less then a month. Since I am self pay I got it lightning quick... no hassles. UNFORTUNATELY for me, although I have outstanding Medical Health Insurance which pays for almost about everything and Doctors love my insurance... it still doesn't cover Bariatric Surgery.

On the other hand people who have Insurance that covers it... the process can be quick like mine to taking half a year or more and then be denied coverage / etc to taking a lot longer. ANd people who are denied often seek re-approvals and get approved.

-Brian :thumbup:

Has anyone read any good books in regards to getting banded and post op issues, living with a band?

I remember that Brian mentioned he was reading a couple of books in one of his posts; anything you would recommend Brian?

Thanks!

Hi Butterfly2010 ! Right now I am about half way through WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY AND THE ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND by Dr. Robert Sewell and I also have LAP BAND FOR LIFE by Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere - up next after. Dr. Sewell's book is pretty good. I have perused thru parts of Dr. Lagardere's especially the Post Op part since that is where I am. The websites for the various bands help too ... I ended up with a REALIZE Band so I am allowed special access to their REALIZE MY SUCCESS website. It is pretty good too.

-Brian :thumbup:

I had 15-20 minute telephone conversation with some Psych person. Basically she asked me what I thought would happen with the surgery, what are the risks, history of mental issues or depression, etc. General stuff. Personally I think Jeffrey Dahlmer could have passed my Psych eval.

As Cocoabean said, I think each Doctor / Insurance / plan does it different.

BUT I seriously think, unless you are Jeff Dahlmer or the Unabomber you will probably pass easily. Nothing to worry about.

-Brian

Hi Cortney !

I had my surgery last Wednesday the 7th and I am pretty much back at 98-99% normal. I am 5 days Post Op and the only thing different in me is that I am a lot lighter and have a little sensitivity at my Port which is located just above my belly button.

>> Pain and Discomfort during Surgery << Basically zero. You will be knocked out and won't feel a thing. You will be wheeled into the O.R. and then wake up groggy without knowing or feeling a thing.

Immediately Post Op I felt severely groggy and sleepy and had to sleep about 4 hours to wear off the anesthesia but then I was hopped up on pain meds so I felt about 90-95% normal. The day after I let the pain meds wear off and I haven't taken any since - I felt about 80% good. I had soreness at the Port and the Tummy ( they inflate your tummy w/ gas so they can operate ). By day 3 I was back at 90% and Day 4 -98-99% back to normal.

My experience might be different then yours.

-Brian :thumbup: