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How does doctor decide on pre-op diet?
BandedBrunette481 replied to toomuchrose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon's office listed these reasons in the paperwork they gave me for my pre-op diet: - It reduces liver size and intra-abdominal fat - Improves visual field for surgery - Reduces co-morbidities - Increases patient understanding of post-op requirements - Reduces operating time - Reduces post-operative risks Basically, it shrinks your lives, makes for less complications during surgery, and gets you ready for the new way of eating after surgery lol I don't know why some people don't have to do it though. Maybe some surgeons just don't see the need if the patient has already been on a steady diet before surgery (a lot of people have to be for insurance). Anyways, best of luck to you -
Ready To Get This Surgery!
Ms skinniness replied to cjloveydovey's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
For me, the sleeve was a perfect option for me. I first went to the orientation bc I wanted the lap-band, but when I heard about the complications of the lap-band and realized that it's not a permanent solution. I researched the vertical sleeve and loved what I was reading. It's permanent and very effective. I have lost 77 lbs and so happy I chose the sleeve! For me, it's been a god send. -
Second Guessing - Surgery next week!!
Jeter2 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi all, I've only posted a couple times but I read this sight all the time. My surgery date is June 18th and I have my pre-op later today. I am soooo nervous! Will it work? Complications? I decided not to tell anyone except my husband, because we came to the conclusion that our families are just to judgmental. His family -- all thin and eat what they want-- mine : fat and don't care! Both would be against the band for different reasons. Will I really be able to keep this a secret? I really want this to work but I'm afraid of not waking up from the surgery (I've had 2 surgeries before, so why does this bother me?), I'm afraid of regretting the decision afterward because I love food!! I hate the aches and pains I have, the sleep apnea, and I don't even like to be in family pictures due to me weight. I know I'm rambling but every worst case scenario keeps popping into my head!! (I'm that type of person, but things usually work out in the end, I just like to be prepared!) I guess I'm just looking for words of encouragement here, and if anyone's got them I'm all ears. One last thing, our whole family (hubby, me, two kids) are trying to eat better, but at age 40 my husband eats anything and everything and is still at his high school lacrosse playing weight. He says he knows he needs to eat better for health reasons too but I feel he may sabbotage my progress with his snacking. What to do? Thanks for reading my ramble. I'll post after my pre-op tomorrow. --Gail -
Second Guessing - Surgery next week!!
JRT Mom replied to Jeter2's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Gail- I'm being banded on Friday and I have wondered countlessly about whether or not I'd miss food too much. But then I go to bed and have to hook myself up to the dad-blamed Bipap machine, and then the next morning have to mince down the stairs because my knees and feet hurt so much. What I suggest is try making a list of the good things about your enjoyment of food, and then make a list of the good things what will happen after you get a band and lose weight. I'll bet the band list will be LOTS longer! And you don't have to give up food totally, but eating large amounts of it. And there's nothing wrong with worrying about anaesthesia and complications, it's your self-preservation instincts kicking in, but remember this is "old-hat" for the professionals, and they certainly will minimize all risks for you. Good luck with your consult and post how it went! -
will i be ready by christmas?
mp8btpc replied to vicki s's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think as long as you have no major complications (and I am certain you will not) you should have no problem going and having a great time! -
Why Diet For Some But Not All?
Capt Derel replied to neeve's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Who would you trust to build your house. A carpenter with 40 years experience or a carpenter with 5 years experience? Its kind of like doctors. To be certified for any kind of gastric surgery a doctor has to do atleast 100 surgeries of the one he is being certified for. How long do you think that took? What I am getting at is who would you rather believe, a doc who has performed 300 surgeries Or one that has over 1500 under his belt? If the one with 1500 says do a 14 day diet you better damn sure do it. Just cause a doctor is a doctor doesnt make him special. Experience is key in determining your outcome. Or you could take a chance on being the one who has complications. Just some good old fashion logic. No harm meant. Good luck on your choice -
I don't think I can do this anymore
lapbandbarb replied to SeattleCindy's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Even though this thread is so old, I am so glad I found it and hope that we can renew it again. I had that thought all day today, " I don't think I can do this anymore" I am not even a month post-op and I feel like I am already a failure and back to my old ways of eating. Why can't this be easier? It was the first three weeks and all of a sudden the last few days, I feel so out of control and I am eating to the point that my lower stomach is stretched and hurts so much! I feel miserable! I am not doing the right things-taking my time ,taking small bites, chewing enough and it is just slipping right through the band, making me so full and horrible like I always used to. I feel like I gained back the 30 lbs I lost. I know this isn't true but my mind is so confused and I DON"T KNOW HOW TO LISTEN TO MY BODY!!!! I never did before, so why did I think this would be the magic to cure a behavior I have carried with me for 30 years? The difference is now I am in so much pain from overeating and I risk complications of all sorts because now I have to worry about hurting the band, too!!!! I feel helpless. I know I will probably wake up with my period tomorrow and that has to do with it but right now I can't take this feeling!!!!! I feel like I am suffocating. Can anyone relate? Give me some advise? I know tomorrow is another day, the minute I get this in writing, I can think of it as a cleansing and the next minute is a new one! I know I can pull myself together, but why does it have to be so F****ing Hard!:thumbup::wub::w00t::thumbs_down::w00t::thumbs_down::thumbs_down::thumbs_down:Thanks for letting me vent here. -
Got my date...but need support... surgeon was rough!
Tracytma posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi everyone...once again I am here looking for support! Good thing you are all here! Well, like momma always said, "careful what you wish for...cause you just might get it!!" Well, I was hoping for a quick date when I met with my surgeon and I got it!! June 14th... two weeks from Monday! I sort of freaked out inside! Guessing that is normal... but what was weird for me was that my Doctor actually tried to talk me out of the band!!! Ok, so I have Gerd (gastric reflux) and a bad back (two back surgeries). She said... "you know.. the band might not help your Gerd and you may not be successful at all if you don't exercise 1 hour a day... so you might want to reconsider. I looked her in the eye and said... "So I guess I'm going to have to exercise an hour a day!" She also said I might not like it. I said... we'll we'll just give it a whirl and if I don't... you'll take it out. She actually smiled. Oh well...I'm a nurse and have worked with surgeons my whole life... just have to work around them I guess. Then I asked her about band erosion, slipping and vomiting, as I fear vomiting and having complications, i.e slippage/erosion etc. she said, "What are you a vomiter?" Since when did THAT become a noun I wondered. I am not a "vomiter," so I "guess" I'm ok! I heard she encouraged questions... but she didn't seem to like mine. At one point she said... "I'm not going to be your PCP!!" I said "fair enough." She is known for being a superb surgeon, and I'm ok with her crankiness... but this push for Gastric bypass is really creeping me out! Next she said, "Fluids for a month you know." I said, yes, I'm aware. She asked if I could do that. I said... it's not Cancer, not a life sentence of illness or fluids, it's a month... I can do most anything for a month. She smiled a little and said... ok, let's book you. I wanted to hear from her that I'd be successful! That the band was going to be a good tool, etc... instead I felt like I brow beat her into doing it!!! NOT what I expected today. Any thoughts my friends? Thanks, Tracy -
my surgery from band to gastric bypass
terrydumont46 posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I was banded may 2013. My first year went like textbook. i lost a total of 81 lbs and felt great. But than problems started and july of 2014 my band was emptied and stayed empty for a year. My surgeon didn't want to put any fill in do to the complications i had. We discussed revision and on july 31,2015 i was revised to a gastric bypass. Surgery was difficult due to adhesions and scar tissue. When the band was placed i had gone to surgery to have a bypass but that surgeon couldn't do it do to the scarring. When i was in the recovery room the first words out of my mouth were ,what type of surgery? if he couldnt do the bypass i signed papers for a sleeve. but he was successful. I was so happy. post surgery i have had no complications. Have lost 27 lbs in 26 days. and am doing well with my new way of eating. -
Hi Betsy. Welcome to LapBandTalk! Yes, the long-term complications rate for the band can be scary. This is why I changed my mind and got a vertical sleeve gastrectomy instead. It's a little riskier in the beginning (you can have a leak or a stricture), but long-term complication rates are pretty much unheard of and easily headed off with some Vitamin supplementation. Have you looked at all four ASMBS approved surgeries? Here's a chart that compares them: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared
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Okay, not to be a Debbie downer but Please call your doctor. It can't hurt to check in with a professional. I did have some soreness but searing pain is worth talking to the doc about. If there is a complication it is better if you catch it sooner rather than later.
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I so not have 2 puppies (around 8-10 lbs each) and I avoided picking them up for at least the first week after surgery. I'm nearly 2 wks post-op now and still try to be careful. Internal sutures need to develop scar tissue to "anchor" the band and port. Picking up heaving objects of any kind too soon can damage or weaken those support anchors. Later down the road these weakened areas could lead to slippage, port flips etc. (now this does not mean that only heavy lifting is the cause of these types of complications... just known and avoidable risk factors)... this is how it was described to me! -- utilize any and all your support systems at least the first couple of weeks because it is not worth risking damage/trauma of any kind to your new lap-band --
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Congratulations on your journey. Everything you are feeling, we have all went through it. I almost chickened out a few times before my actual surgery. Now of course that I look back on it, I can't understand why I did becaues this truely is a life changing experience. I think in the begining it's more of an emotional change then a physical change. After all we battle with food for most of our lives and for most of us, food is our savior. Take away that savior and what do we have? I can tell you that the lapband has changed my life. I have lost a total person on the outside, but I have gained a new person on the inside. My self-esteem has returned and for once in my life, I actually feel sexy and good about myself. The only regret that I have is that I didn't get it done sooner. You need to enter this journey with the mind set that this is a lifestyle change. It's not a cure all. You aren't going to lose the weight over night, and you AREN'T going to vanish your bad habits over night either. This is not the easy way out by any means. This is probably the hardest work that I have ever accomplished in my entire life. But the benefits are well worth that work. You will have your good days. And you will have your bad days. Everyday of banded life is a learning process that brings you closer and closer to meeting your goals. And once you meet those goals the band helps you to keep them. My suggestion would be to read as much as you can about the band and the things that others go through. Do not get freaked becaues the bad things don't happen to everyone. The benefits of the band out weigh the complications. As for the endoscopy. Peice of cake. You will be asleep and the most that you might feel is a little sore throat when you awake. Nothing big. Good luck on your journey. Keep us posted.
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Hi Maribeth. Welcome to the site. You'll find a lot of great information here and tons of support. My first comment is that this isn't elective for 95% of the people here, it's a health issue and is typically something that is covered by insurance. Elective surgeries are not covered by insurance and not many people can afford the expense of this procedure on their own. Because I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes my insurance covered my surgery. I had a slight complication whereby my intestines and bowels didn't take to kindly to the anesthesia and they choose to sleep longer then they should have. It only caused an additional 1 1/2 days in the hospital, but it was scary at first. Would I do it again......IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The night before surgery I took my last med for the diabetes and cholesterol. At 4 months I took my last blood pressure pill. I've gone from Morbidly obese to obese to overweight in under 5 months. I've dropped from 217 lbs to 149 lbs since my surgery in mid-March. I have more energy then I've had in years and I'm living life again.
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Do I need to Get in all my Calories?
Holly5.3 replied to LovinMe2013's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Try to get at least 600 calories for the above reason; you may have enough body "fat" to function, but you still need calories as well. I found in the beginning of I was running to short, I'ld just sip on a glass of skim milk at the end of the day or make another shake if I could stand the thought of it! It is important to get the minimum of calories in so that you have some energy to get through your day- you'll still lose! Just be sure to get vitamins, protein and fluids in each day to avoid any complications. On Feb. 11th I had my 4 month surger-versary and can tell you that some days I can eat more than 600 calories and on others, if I'm busy and not focusing on my meals, I'll eat a lot less. The hunger isn't there (at least not half as strong as it was pre-op) so the preoccupation with food lessons more and more. Feeling healthy, for me, is just as important as the scale moving lower and my clothes getting looser! So be sure to give your body all the fuel it needs to do what it needs to do; lose the extra weight and make you a healthier you! Good luck! -
Starting from scratch into this journey - any tips?
Bufflehead replied to TheGirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
How long does the process take from initial consultation to surgery date? It really depends on your insurance, your surgeon, and you. Could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, but for most people it seems to be about 3 - 6 months. Did anyone feel that people in their environment judged them for having surgery vs 'trying to lose weight' the natural way? I've told just about everyone who has asked about my weight loss about my surgery. Only one person has said anything negative to my face. Other people may be saying things behind my back, or thinking negative, judgmental things. I really don't give a rat's patootie what anyone thinks about me or how I lose weight though. That may be one of the benefits of doing this as a not-young person (I am 49 now) -- my IDGAF bone has definitely gotten stronger through the years. It's a medical decision, I made it in consultation with my physicians, anyone who feels like they have the right to an opinion on my medical decisions can bite me. How long was the hospital stay? My surgeon's standard hospital stay is 2 nights. Others do 1 night, 3 nights, or on an outpatient basis, it varies a lot. How long does recovery take? Again, this is all over the map. We are all such individuals when it comes to healing, plus different surgical techniques may result in longer or shorter healing times, some people may have complications, others may have hiatal hernia repair or gall bladder removal done at the same time as the sleeve. I was off work for two weeks and pretty much exhausted for four weeks after surgery. I've seen posts from people who bounced back a lot sooner, and others who took longer. But to be clear, during the two weeks off work, I was tired, napping a lot, and in occasional pain, but not bedridden or unable to care for myself and my household. I just needed to be able to take things slow and rest a lot. -
Though i have gained a lot of info on pregnancy with band but please help me with these queries i got banded on 28th june and have lost 34 pounds and i am now at 188 pounds ... is this a good weight to try having a baby ... i am going in for a pregnancy because of the other complications which i have how many of you went and had a baby at my current weight and how many of u delivered safely without complications what happens to band during pregnancy and has anyone resumed their weight loss journey after the band .. what if one has to have a cs cant a lot of morning sickness give rise to a slipped band anyone had any complication with band during pregnancy which led to some surgery can one have whey Proteins during pregnancy PLEASE HELP
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She had her sleeve a year and a half ago, but the acid reflux was doing terrible things to her. She had her revision last week on the 24th and has had a few complications, now she has a picque line and will have a nurse come to her house daily. Her process has actually scared me. The Dr isn't sure if she has some sort of blockage and may need another surgery. Damn Sorry to hear that about your friend. I hope she gets to feeling better real quick! And it sounds like her Dr’s all over it. 🤞 🙏
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Is gastric bypass the right move?
AimsLu replied to AimsLu's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
@@beachgal2935 your post made me upset! I too fear having a stroke and not being around for my husband and kids. I worry about heart disease and all the complications that come with diabetes. As I speak, my sugars are out of control even tho my diet has been exceptional and I'm taking all my meds. The dr says sometimes there's no explaination for the rise in blood readings but that doesn't sit well with me. You went thru so much all because of that, you have done really well, I'm happy you're alive and on the mend to show me the valuable lesson. I'm seeing clearly that for the sake of "food" I shouldn't let my health and future grow dim, and that's what will happen. I'm not an obese person, here in Australia we use (kgs) and I'm 80 kgs so while I'm not BAD, I could stand to lose 15-20 more kgs. And it seems that weight is what is keeping me from being well and healthy and being taken off the list for more serious things to go wrong. You know I was put on insulin 5 months ago and for 2 months after I felt normal again, my energy had returned and my hbac1 was looking great! Now my level has started to rise again and I fear this will continue to be a never ending roller coaster. It seems to be that bypass is the answer to getting off the roller coaster......... I feel nervous going into such a life changing move but if I feel good and I get to hang around and be with my kids, then it's a small payoff. I can't thank you enough for writing your story to send to me, it has shifted my thoughts on maybe to definitely for the surgery. -
I am in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. I have felt completely at ease since arriving. Have had no complications. I thought for sure i would have felt embarassed or completely exposed but I have not felt either. I was actually shocked at how comfortable I felt. I think one of the reasons I felt so comfortable is because I spent at least an hour a day reading all the wonderful comments, what to expect advice and even the complications so I knew what they were and what signs to look for. I was told that tomorrow I won't feel as good but I did my breathing exercises and have walked the hallways several times to try to make it less painful. Thanks to everyone who has told their story on here. It has really helped me. Now- cant wait to start losing weight!!!
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Very very scared Now the more i read the more i second guess myself
cashley replied to tiredepot's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I didn't visit this board prior to surgery and also spend $17,000 of my very own money... I wish I would have researched other surgeries. I was under the impression that I wasn't heavy enough for the others. I don't like the day to day life with the band. It's tricky, some days complicated, and annoying. I like reading here but wished I was better informed prior to the surgery. I'm not saying it's bad, it's just not the choice I would have made had I known... I'm happy I've lost but not happy with the daily struggle not to just eat mushies or worry about the acid, or the constant hic-ups.. I guess i am saying it's kind of bad, but that's just my opinion. -
I saw a friend for the first time since my surgery (I've lost 40 lbs since she saw me last) and btw she's well over 200 lbs herself. She complimented me nicely and was very sweet and then she launched into a rant about how wrong these people are who lose weight from having surgery! I was stunned. If I told her I had surgery what was she going to do, take back all the compliments? I'm a chicken because I just listened and didn't straighten her out. I should have at least said something like... I'm impressed when anybody can get the extra weight off no matter how they do it. She obviously doesn't understand that weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out to the very complicated and dangerous health problem of obesity. *end of rant*
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I wanted to know if I'd have a drain or catheter. I had neither. He also didn't use a bougie. I'd ask how many leaks they've had and what are the most common complications.
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Come on process
deejay1383837872 replied to Sweetbaby1's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Now think about Mexico....what if you have complications after surgery....maybe you would have trouble finding someone in your area at home to fix what is wrong. Something to think about. Complications. -
Hi Joe! I just met a bandster who is an EMT recently. He was taking about three weeks off but after that expected to go back to work full-force. My doc's instructions about exercise and strenuous work are basically that by the time you'll feel like doing it you'll be healed enough and it won't be a problem. Laying on your side/stomach is just a matter of time and healing. I sleep on my left (port) side all the time and while I can feel it there is no discomfort at all. The only time it might be a problem is if you're laying down on a hard surface, but then you could just shift around a little till it's comfortable. By the time you've lost lots of weight you'll be more concerned about your bones sticking out than your port! The port is not at all obvious under my skin, but I have a ways to go yet. If it ever becomes a problem I know there is a smaller port that can be installed, a "low-profile" port. But that would involve another scar so I'm probably not ever going to go there. Of course it's possible to "eat around" the band. Calories are calories, and if you take in too many you won't lose or may even gain. The band makes it MUCH easier, though, to eat healthfully and in appropriate portions. That's really all there is to it. And IMO, the band is perfect for anyone who wants to lose weight and who isn't in immediate need of results. If the patient is willing to see the pounds come off at a measured pace of 5-10 lbs a month, banding is the answer. Measure that pace of weight loss against the risk of complications with other surgeries, and you'll see why we picked the one we did. Good luck, to both you and your mom!
