I know it seems like December is a ways off but really it's just less then two months away. I finalized my surgery date yesterday for Dec. 5th with Dr. Kuri. So are there any others out there with December dates looking for support and help?

My surgery is dated for 12-17-08 and I start my liquid diet on the 14th. Why is there such a variation between people getting the surgery as to when they start the liquid diet? Also besides broths and jello what are we to eat? Or is that it? I am so ready for all this...I just want to make sure I am ready as the time is almost here!

December 11th for me - yeah!

HI! Tomorrow is Dec1st and my surgery. Nothing but clear liquids today... Am still a bit nervous but went to a WLS support group this week. Was the only one waiting for surgery- some were as much as 4 years out. I introduced myself and started to tear up. But the group was great. By sharing their experiences I feel a lot better!! i've had a C section and several said that was more difficult than this. They made me realize my anxiety isn't having surgery ( been there , done that) but the fear of more failure. One Woman works for the surgeon and gave me her phone #- she'll be in the next buildng tomorrow. she is 15 younger than I but we have many of the same stressors, and issues.

Edited November 30, 200817 yr by sue in ne

HI! Tomorrow is Dec1st and my surgery. Nothing but clear liquids today... Am still a bit nervous but went to a WLS support group this week. Was teh oonly one waiting for surgery- some were as much as 4 years out. I introduced myself and started to tear up. But the group was great. By sharing their experences I feel a lot better!! i've had a C section and several said that was more difficult than this. They made me realize my anxiety isn't having surgery ( been there , done that) but the fear of more failure. One Woman works for the surgeon and gave me her phone #- she'll be in the next buildng tomorrow. she is 15 younger than I but we have many of the same stressors, and issues.

We're together...almost. My surgery is Tuesday. I'm doing the clear liquid thing tomorrow ...I'm really impressed with how much weight you've lost in preparation...You are doing great, sticking with the plan... I'm sure you'll be really successful with the extra tool. I understand the fear of failure n though...We would't be in this fix if we hadn't failed many times before..BUT, the good thing is that we've made the commitment and have a new way to KEEP the weight off that we've already loss a million times! WE can do this. (I've never had surgery before, never been in the hopital or had an IV, you've already settled the part that worries me most!) Keep in touch!

Sue in ne, good luck:thumbup:!! My surgery is on Wed 12/3 amd I am getting super nervous. I have never had surgery before and I think that is whats making me so scared. The unknown....:cursing: Keep us updated on the progress:biggrin:.

HI, this is my first post here. I've been on the home site a lot but never thought to seek out a message board. My surgery is Tuesday and I'm anxious! It's been a long road getting here. My insurance required a 6 month pre-surgery program. It sure seems there are varied pre-op diets (that's what made me look for a message board) I've been on a 2 week pre-op diet and slipped up a bit yesterday and was looking for some info on what if anything that would do. Anyway this seems like a great message board.

SuzeQ and all, Knowing this is no more difficult than more common surgeries like appendectomy or a C section was a big relief to me.

About IVs- -You have all had blood draws for lab work, right? An IV is no different though usually in the back of your had. If they usually have trouble finding a vein, be sure to tell them--Had the most experienced RN do it for my C section- it was painless.

The Hospital, is a piece of cake. It is a mini break from all the stuff happening in our lives, but on your back (You won't care as you will be sedated.) DO follow instructions. The catheter is not something I enjoyed when done in the doctor's office but they do it while you are sedated. No pain.Removal is painless. They DO give you medication for any pain. Was told the gas that remains will move through your body and up, probably to one's right shoulder area. Don't know about that but have dealt with aches and pains before. I will be in the hospital overnight so won't be back until Tuesday. Will let you know how it went!!:cursing:

2 more days for me....I'm on Tues too. I'm excited and ready to get on with this journey. I did really well over the holiday, even with having guests and eating out. For breakfast yesterday, I had my protein shake before we went and just enjoyed the company with a cup of decaf coffee (brought my own fat free half and half).

Hello Dec. bandsters, I am sceduled for 12/11 and so looking forward to it. I sort of started my pre-op yesterday but today is my 1st day. doing good thus far but it is only 11am lol:thumbup:

I have read many pre-ops diet, some just liquids and some mixed w/high protin. What are you guys doing:blush:

Edited November 30, 200817 yr by whtlightning2000

I too am on dec 11th, I am trying to start my pre-op today, protein drinks thus far. Where are you having your surgery? I am in Mexico

Edited November 30, 200817 yr by whtlightning2000

SuzeQ and all, Knowing this is no more difficult than more common surgeries like appendectomy or a C section was a big relief to me.

About IVs- -You have all had blood draws for lab work, right? An IV is no different though usually in the back of your had. If they usually have trouble finding a vein, be sure to tell them--Had the most experienced RN do it for my C section- it was painless.

The Hospital, is a piece of cake. It is a mini break from all the stuff happening in our lives, but on your back (You won't care as you will be sedated.) DO follow instructions. The catheter is not something I enjoyed when done in the doctor's office but they do it while you are sedated. No pain.Removal is painless. They DO give you medication for any pain. Was told the gas that remains will move through your body and up, probably to one's right shoulder area. Don't know about that but have dealt with aches and pains before. I will be in the hospital overnight so won't be back until Tuesday. Will let you know how it went!!:blushing:

Sue in NE;

Thanks for responding...I've given blood, so I guess putting it in is thesame as taking it out! I have lousy veins, so I need that good nurse. When they took my blood for the pre-op bloodwork on Friday, they left bruises in my right arm, and in the backs of both hands. I hope I have a vein left somewhere.

They told me I wouldn't have a catheter (the bypass folks had that pleasure)...I too am staying overnight...Surgery is at 1:30 and release expected the next day about noon. I'm glad for the extra time to not be responsible for myself!

Did your doc make you do the bowel treatment today? I've got to drink the 2 bottles of magnesium citrate, a couple of pills and an enema...YUCK! along with my clear liquids, it doesn't sound like a fun day. I've taken off from work so that I can be near the bathroom! :cursing:

Hope you don't have to go through that part!

Susan

How hard was it to get kaiser to agree with the lap band? I too have kaiser and I am paying for it myself

SuzeQ how long did it take you to get approval w/kaiser? Did you regular Dr. give you the referral?

I have Kaiser and am in the process for getting the Lapband. My primary care doc was all for it when I have my physical a few weeks ago and she sent the referral to the Bariatric dept in Richmond, CA. I had my orientation last Tuesday.

My next steps are appts with the surgeon, psychologist, and to attend the 5 hour nutrition class. As soon as I lose the required weight my case manager will schedule my surgery.

I've been told it's about 4-6 months, but could be less if I lose my weight faster. My copay for the surgery will be $15 and will also be the same for every fill appt.

Where are you in the process? Good luck!

I talked w/my Dr and she would not refer me, so I decided to do it myself. I made an appt. w/her again for 12/2 and if she does not give me one I will change Dr. But I really want to talk w/Bariatric to see if I do it on my own if I am able to do the fills thru them or what? I should have done this when I had Blue cross. But lost them last yr due to work coverage. I left Kaiser 9 yrs ago and really hate having the m again but it is what it is. Fremont Kaiser is hard to get what you want. But I guess I will find out Tuesday.