:help:

Hello! I am new to this forum and will be having surgery with Dr. Benavides on 9/28/06. I am a 38 and started the process in late July and was just approved by my insurance company - Aetna - last week. I was surprised how fast everything moved.

I have started my 2 week pre-op diet and had some questions that have come up since I found your forum yesterday.

My understanding is that the purpose of the pre-op diet is to reduce your liver size thru the reduction of cholesterol, saturated fat, carbs and sugar. I have been give a Protein powder to drink 2 x's per day and can have 2 healthy meals each day i.e lean meat and veggies. The lady at Dr. B's office said I could have shrimp or crab on my salad, however this does not make sense to me since these two items tend to be high in cholesterol. Any advice???

What is the difference between Mycoll and Reclaim RX?

I am nervous about the mechanics/process/steps of the lap band process and not the surgery itself as I have had 7 surgeries in the past for "female issues". I know the surgeon will do their job, however my friend is the anesthesiologist, since they make sure you wake up and not vomiting - thank god for phenegren (sp)? Does anyone know anything about the anesthesiologist used by Dr. Benavides and the richardson surgery center? Did they call before hand or did you meet them the day of surgery?

What determines the size of band you receive? Are there different types of bands and does anyone know what Dr. Benavides uses?

Do you receive your first fill 2 weeks after surgery and being on your liquid diet? What is the normal timeframe? What determine the your fill amount?

How soon can you start exercise/swimming after surgery?

Is there pain associated with the lap band and port? Can you feel it under your skin (port)? I sleep on my stomach and was wondering if this has to stop permanently or just after surgery?

Does the surgery center of richardson offer support groups?

Who does the fills and do they hurt?

:puke: Thank you in advance for any advice words of wisdom you may have and for reading my brain dump questions. I appreciate it.

Ann

I am reading that you can't take pills??????

How do I take my blood pressure and other pills?

Shy.....you'll need to crush your meds for a few weeks while you are swollen....you might try taking them mixed in with applesauce.....just take one at a time...small bites. If you take capsules, just open them up and dump the contents. You might want to find some liquid Tylenol and have it on hand. (I had thought that we had to crush them forever, but that's not the case....however, after each fill you may need to go back to crushing for a couple of days). Good news is....bet you won't need nearly as many meds after losing a few pounds. I've gone from 11/day to 5/day.

Shy.....you'll need to crush your meds for a few weeks while you are swollen....you might try taking them mixed in with applesauce.....just take one at a time...small bites. If you take capsules, just open them up and dump the contents. You might want to find some liquid Tylenol and have it on hand. (I had thought that we had to crush them forever, but that's not the case....however, after each fill you may need to go back to crushing for a couple of days). Good news is....bet you won't need nearly as many meds after losing a few pounds. I've gone from 11/day to 5/day.

Gayle:

You are so upbeat and helpful. I really appreciate your kindness and compassion. Its hell being new but I am learning a lot and also what to ask the Doctors. What I have learned so far as the Docs are not always good at eplaining what is going to happen but for me knowing makes it easier to deal with.

I am having my surgery on 10/25 and am nervous. Haven't done very well on pre-op diet due to traveling for work and nerves! I plan on going back to work 2 days later. Need reassurance. Oh, I am a cash pay - insurance wouldn't cover me. Bummer!

As for the surgery, I am willing to bet that you will get through it just fine, and you will be pleased. Good luck to you. Let us know how it went.

If you have the choice, I would recommend taking more than 2 days off work. I'm sure you can do it, if you don't have a really physically demanding job. I'm sure your surgeon has advised you well on this and has given you the best course of action to fit your situation.

For me, the recuperation and getting used to this new thing in the comfort of my own home was important to me. Gave me time to adjust and take it easy.

I just had my surgery 6 weeks ago, so I am still kind of new. I get my first fill next week. There are plenty of veteran bandsters here that always have sage advice to offer.

Thanks for the advice. I just don't have vacation time and do not want my employer to know. It's kind of personal. I have a huge event this weekend too. I'm in sales - not any heavy lifting, just dealing with customers and advising them on what to purchase. I'm going to say I have the flu. Is that horrible or what?

Charlene

Could you tell me more about the support group that you attend.

I live in Dallas and was banded in Mexico 08/11/06. I have been looking for such a support group in the Metroplex.

Thanks

Becky

PS. I live in Dallas

Becky

Thanks for the advice. I just don't have vacation time and do not want my employer to know. It's kind of personal. I have a huge event this weekend too. I'm in sales - not any heavy lifting, just dealing with customers and advising them on what to purchase. I'm going to say I have the flu. Is that horrible or what?

No, not horrible at all. It's none of their business. This is your thing. I'm with you on that. I told my family, but as for coworkers and such, it's just easier to not have everybody in the world asking me about it every time they see me.

Just be mindful of your body, and take it easy. You can do this thing. Follow your discharge orders from your doctor. Does your surgeon have a good attentive staff, etc?

OK. Tomorrow's the big day. Good luck. I have not regretted a minute of having the lap band surgery.

Hey there! Had my surgery yesterday (yippee!) and am feeling sluggish, of course. I have shoulder pain (from excess air) but my lower back is bothering me so much since I've been lying down straight instead of fetal position. It's driving me crazy. I can't sleep well. Did anyone else go through this? What did you do to alleviate the crampiness? Thanks!

I just had surgery Monday, to say this is a learning experience is an understatement but nothing that can't be handled. I too felt sluggish the first couple of days but am now starting to feel more like my old self, I guess it just takes time. I had limited shoulder pain from some of the other posts I've read, it always bothers me when I layed down. I spent the first couple of nights sleeping upright on the couch. I just slept in bed for the first time since Monday....it was great. The few times I did feel that upper chest pain I walked up and down the driveway and in front of my house for about 10 minutes, this seemed to help me. I didn't go fast, just slowly walked. I hope this helped you.