Hi:

I've been reading this forum since I decided to get lap band and I have questions I'm hoping all you kind people can help me!

First, has anyone had gallbladder surgery and then this surgery later? If so, is the pain similar? I had my gb out in Sept so if the pain is pretty much the same then I can deal with it. Not being able to eat....not so sure! Although from reading the posts I am lucky that I would only have to do a liquid diet for a week pre-op! Heaven help the people I work with! :eek: Hopefully coffee counts as part of a liquid diet..

Second, if I have the surgery it will be in Tijuana (I live in San Diego so it's close and since my insurance won't cover it...) and Dr. Ortiz's office claims I can get the surgery on a Friday and be back to work on Monday?? When I got my gb out, I felt great the first few days and then the meds wore off...:paranoid I have a desk job and don't plan on telling my boss what kind of surgery I am getting (or where). The doctor's office claims this surgery is less invasive than gb removal- anyone know if that's true? I got laposcopic surgery for that; got there at 6:30 am and was home by 11:30 am-so if this is less invasive, why do I have to stay the night before and 2 days after surgery? I will only be at work for 4 days and then I am on vacation for a week.

Third, I've read great things about Dr. Ortiz; does anyone have any bad experiences with him to relate?

Fourth, can you feel the port under your skin? Can the outline of it be seen under your skin?

Fifth, how do they fill it? Does it hurt? I would think they would have to pierce your skin each time, right?

For some reason this surgery is scaring me alot more than my gb one did and I'm not sure why.

Any and all comments would be MOST appreciated. If I get the surgery it will be on Dec 15.

Thanks!

what are Protein shakes ???and i dont want to pay 10000 euro to drink slim fast ...pmsl

I haven't been banded yet as I'm just starting the process. From What I've read and heard in my suport group you NEED the protein. The protein that is suggested is special for bariactric/banded ones. Go to www.bariatriceating.com My Dr. suggest Zero Carb Isopure and one called Any whey which can be mixed in almost anything as it is tasteless. I also read the book by Susan Maria Leach and found it most helpful. There are many others but I don't want the expense of trial and error. Susan Leach is not a bandit but a RNY but the info is for both.

Wishing you the best!

Jennifer

I am scheduled for my surgery on Dec. 29th and I am a wreck worrying about keeping the weight off pre surgery. I have to have the amt of the wt they want me to lose first off right up to the date of surgery or they wont' do it....no fair but that is what they said, I am in NH and having the surgery done at Portsmouth Hosp. Does any one have an suggestions to help me stay focused and keep the pre wt off. and maybe even more since scales do vary from place to place. and I am so worried...thanks for listening...Donna inNH