Hi Everyone,

I had my first vist at the TLBC and I can't begin to tell you how excited and scared I am. I should have my surgery date in a few days. I was hoping that someone might be able to give me any tips on how to get through the pre-op diet. I have to diet for 2 week prior to my surgery ahhhhhhhhhh. Also can any one tell me about pain and side effects they had after the surgery?

The time you are on the liquid stage is the HARDEST thing that you will go thru. It is HARD. Notice I am saying Hard??

It is so worth it. It makes you really appreciate food. Those first scrambled eggs I ate.... I still remember the feeling.

I had soreness for two days only after surgery. I tell folks it was like I had done too many sit-ups. I have NEVER done too many in my LIFE but it was how I imagined I would feel. lol

Side affects. Hmmmm. I can't really think of anything. I guess this is a good thing.

good luck,

edie:)

Hi Jurema: I was banded Feb 01/07 and frankly I haven't had any side effects. The pre op diet is a state of mind and if you think it is awlful it will be. If you thing it is for the greater good (shrink your liver so you won't have issues) you will get thru it.

The TLBC nurses are gems and will have all the empathy in the world as most are banded themselves. You will wake up and be sent back to your hotel room and be excpected to sleep and wake every hour and cough and move around. They will call and check on you but it would be helpful if you have someone with you. You may experience gas pains so have gax X with you. Some people experience other pain but I will let them tell you about that. I had none. When you are on the Fluid stage after the surgery be sure and stick to the prescribed diet so as to not cause problems with you band. Some people have restriction before a fill (I do) and other don't. But as you heal, it will be easier to eat solids. After about 6 weeks, it should be easy to eat. You have now caught up to me (LOL). Also, expect to go thru all the emotions in the world before surgery. I doubted my decision, thought I was out of my mind, what food would I be able to eat, happy, scared, etc. Hope some of this will help.

Edieparks, I am impressed with your success. I sure hope I can accomplish what you have done.

Yes, I had absolutely HORRIBLE side effects after the surgery.

For instance, I've lost almost 80 lbs and so many inches I can't keep track. So, be prepared for it!

:mad: :biggrin1:

You guys are great, thanks for answering my questions. I've been thinking about this for at least 6 months now. after trying so many diets I need something I can count on to work with me and not against me.

I do have one more questions and maybe one of the ladies can answer this for me. During my consult i was advised that I need to stop taking my Birth control pills at least 2 weeks before my surgery date, does any one know why that is?

We are also advised not to take any Vitamins, aspirin, etc. during that time as well. I believe it is to avoid any stomach irritation, but someone else might be able to speak to that.

I have just completed the first week of the two week pre-op diet and remarkably, its not that bad. Surgery is next Thursday. I've been ready for this - psyched - and excited to be finally there. I agree with Doddie - its a state of mind.

Like you, I have thought about this for a very long time. Did my research, made the decision. I'm ready.

Alex

When I first told my family about this they all thought I lost my mind. Now they are behind me 100%. I hope I'll be able to set a date in the next few days, I was able to save 10k for the surgery but had to borrow the remaining 6... I just couldn't imagin waiting any longer then I already have to do this. I have a feeling This forum is going to be on my top 2 sites I visit and I know that everyone here will be a great support.

I hope to find out a surgery date today....I'm scared too, but i hope i'm saying the same as everyone else in a couple of months....."just wish i had done it sooner!" great post, by the way:)

We are also advised not to take any Vitamins, aspirin, etc. during that time as well. I believe it is to avoid any stomach irritation, but someone else might be able to speak to that.Alex

They dont want you to take Asprin as it can promote bleeding during suregery. As for the supplements, there are a variety of things that they can promote, like bleeding, and complicate the surgery or your recovery.

Cant speak to the BC pill.

Andrew

Jurema,

I was banded March 9th and I have to admit that I found the pre-op diet difficult as I am not fond at all of yoghurt and cottage cheese (they were not part of my pre-band diet.) I was told that if it has the same amount or less of calories, carbs, fat as Source brand yoghurt I could have it. I found the Egg substitutes met the criteria and gave me the warm meal I was craving.

I found out too that black coffee and tea are also considered clear fluids and when on the full Fluid, you can add milk or cream to them.

Don't quote me on this, but I think that the BCP's may actually thicken the blood...

Jurema, please do not stop taking any of your medication prior to surgery until you have double checked with a nurse at the clinic where you are having surgery.

I have had my pro-op discussions with Dr. C's office and I was told to continue taking the meds I have (including birth control) right up until and after the surgery. The only things you shouldn't be taking are meds or Vitamins that are blood thinners. For example, NSAIDS (anti-inflammatories), some heart medications and other types of meds that thin the blood; vitmains A, C, E and multi vitmains all are considered to be blood thinners. This is not an axhaustive list and I'm not a professional but I do know it is not wise to discontinue meds unless absolutely necessary. I can't see why you would need to stop taking birth control pills but I could be wrong. Anyway, give them a quick call and double check. Better to be safe than sorry.