Cleo's Mom

My doctor requires two weeks pre-op diet of liquid diet that consists of 4 carnation no-sugar added instant Breakfast or 4 slim fasts plus sugar free Jello or sugar free popsicles. That's it. The day before surgery is clear liquid only plus bowel cleansing. So those of you who didn't have to do this got off easy because I am on day two of this and struggling.

I have been on prescription Alli (xenical) since 2001. It is not an appetite suppressant. It gets rid of about 1/4 of the fat you eat and can help on a low fat diet with exercise. It definitely helps. But for me it wasn't enough. I was still always hungry. So, I've gone as far as I can go with diet, exercise and xenical. That's why I am getting the band. Good luck with your decision.

My biggest concern is that after the banding I won't feel normal. And by normal I mean anatomically. Right now I don't feel my stomach or esophagus. I sense swallowing but that's it. Just like everyone else. I fear that after the banding I will feel pressure, discomfort or otherwise not normal. Does that happen? Or do you feel that same as before banding both when not eating and when eating. I know all about the portion size, chewing, etc..I'm not talking about that. Can anyone enlighten me. Thanks.:biggrin:

There are support groups that meet once a month but they are mostly gastric by-pass patients. They offer good support after surgery. You go to the nutritionist and see the doctor on a regular basis. I could have gone to the city of Pittsburgh hospitals where I'm sure they do more bandings but chose a local hospital instead. It's closer and easier for me. I have difficulty driving longer distances. The surgeons in this practice seem competent and require a lot of pre-surgery testing. So I feel comfortable with them.

I just found out that my surgeon has only done 22 gastric bandings because insurance has only recently started to pay for them. Should I be concerned? His training has been solely in laproscopic surgeries and they have not had to remove any bands or had any problems with banded patients so far.

Yes, in addition to the 6 month diet/exercise plan I must go on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery to shrink my liver. It can be 4 carnation instant breakfasts or slim fast plus sugar free Jello and sugar free popsicles plus no-calorie beverages (no pop).

I just got scheduled today for banding on Sept. 22nd. Had to go with the other surgeon in the practice because my doctor's schedule is too full. I like him but he wants to do a few more tests - the heart stress test where they don't use the treadmill but inject you with something that stresses your heart. Anyone had this? Plus I am dealing with breast cancer - 6 years out and go for my yearly mammogram Monday - always waiting for the other shoe to drop. VERY STRESSFUL!! Plus a visit with a dermatolgist in Sept. to look at something on my arm that I hope doesn't turn out to be skin cancer. So, lots on my plate and I am worried about the surgery. I am a widow and I don't have anyone here at home to help after the surgery. Do I need any help? I'm not afraid of the pain from surgery I'm just afraid that I will never feel normal again - that eating (however small an amount) will never be normal again. Anything you can tell me to help with my fears would be appreciated. Thanks - and looking forward to being on this board - I am new.

Hi, I am new to this site. I am meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. I met with the other surgeon about 2 weeks ago and got insurance approval but that surgeon's schedule is too full so they are referring me to his partner. I have been in limbo for 3 months since my last nutrition visit (fullfilling insurance requirement for 6 month diet/exercise). I am probably older than most of you - I am 57 - and I believe this is my last chance to lose weight and improve my health. So, my question is to post-surgery people - is there something you wished you had known beforehand or asked your doctor? I have already asked a lot of questions but I may be missing something. Thanks.:thumbup: