indyhandmade

I am afflicted with some really ugly looking spider veins in my legs. Have any of you bandsters noticed that they improve after dropping your weight?

Calcium they want us to take before and after surgery. Currently, I'm supposed to be taking two calcium citrate twice daily. I think I get most of my essentials from my diet (my preadmission labs were perfect save a Hgb of 11.6) and that's with taking a Multivitamin, calcium, and d3 on more of a weekly basis. Thoughts?

Fantastic post! Your story is exactly what I hope to experience one day.

I know he does the sleeve, but unaware of the cost. (and now I realize you posted this in '09)

I was nervous about my psych visit as well. Mine consisted of spending about an hour on the computer answering a lot of questions, which seemed kind of random at the time but help the psychiatrist determine what kind of personality you have, are you a rule follower, how trusting are you of others, self-esteem type issues. Then I had about a 30-45 minute interview with her. She was very calming and comforted me when I cried. Most importantly they want to be sure you are emotionally and mentally prepared to take on the surgery and it's aftermath. They aren't looking for any deep, dark secrets. Just remember to answer honestly so they can help you. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

meeks, I'm scheduled for June 21 as well!! I'll be your buddy

Any bandsters have the Mirena IUD in place for surgery? I have forgotten to tell my surgeon about it and it's been on my mind. Not that the IUD part would pose any problems, but Mirena does secrete levonorgestrel and the possible anesthesia interactions that could cause. They were clear at my preadmission testing that they want me to stop ALL medications, including supplements and herbal remedies, 24 hours prior to surgery. Obviously, I can't take this out. Well, I could.....but I'm not

I didn't watch the video, but generally they use retractors to keep organs out of the way so they can visualize the needed organs/area of concern. Imagine a retractor as an extra hand for the surgeon. It cups the organ, doesn't pinch or squeeze the tissue. The liver is highly vascular. That is why they want it out of the way so it is not accidentally nicked during surgery.

That's what I was thinking but wanted to ask. Thank you!

Weird question, I know. I am almost done with my six month pre-op diet phase, waiting on the final consultation with the surgeon. My husband has been "supportive" to the extent he has to be. He wants me to have surgery, he wants me to change my lifestyle - but not at the risk of changing HIM. I had to complete six support groups pre-op, so tonight I was able to do three in a row. My time is short and the bariatric center is a bit of a drive. Afterwards, I was on the phone with him about how nice it was and how I'll be going to more groups, he blew up about how valuable his time is and what he's had to give up for (three hours) me. This led to a deeper, more emotional disccusion about my perceived lack of support. He thinks he's just telling me how it is and that I shouldn't expect more than that and I feel that he should at least attempt to have some solidarity (not have the counters crammed with junk food), etc. How does your significant other support you? How does it make you feel? If there are people out there who don't have support person to lean on, how do you get through it? This is the road I think I'll be facing.

Me too!

UPDATE Things are way better now. We have had many conversations since my original post. He admitted to being fearful that I would leave him once I was thin (ha!). I reassured him that we are a team and my weight doesn't influence that. He's ow on board with losing weight with me. Must have been some bad mojo between us at the time.

June 21st! 4 weeks as of tomorrow. I have my pre-op class in two weeks and they'll go over more specific information with me then. For now, I'm supposed to be following the liver reduction diet (but I have been failing miserably the past month or so). I have maintained my weight, but I'm ready to lose again. I would LOVE to be support for all my JUNE BANDSTER PALS! Together, we can do this.

I was so thrilled to have the "approval" announcement. I quickly scheduled all of my pre-op testing (labwork, EKG, and chest x-ray) and did that on April 6th. Now it's the 18th and still no word about scheduling my surgery. I called the MD office and spoke directly to the scheduler, but she said she did not have clearance from the NP to schedule (she knew of me and knew that my chart was with the NP). She said this was done because things were falling through the cracks, so they had a final review to make sure all was done prior to surgery. I guess I'm just anxious because my work schedule is becoming less and less flexible with each day. I schedule for 6 weeks at a time, and it's getting to the point that it will be posted and become a complete nightmare to try to change around. I was hoping to have the surgery done late May. At this point, I think I'll have to wait until I have my vacation scheduled in late June. Which is fine, really. I just hate WAITING!

Here's to an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery!

I'm so sorry you are having troubles. I never thought about that aspect of the surgery. It seems like even if you had your wisdom teeth pulled it's considered a pre existing condition and they'll turn you down. *sigh* it's all very discouraging. I'm glad you guys said you're happy you did it anyway. I'm preop so this weighs on my mind.

Holding at 277 for the week. Had seen -2 earlier in the week, though.

Congrats on your pregnancy. Generally, any surgery is considered risky during pregnancy (think of anesthesia risks to fetus) and only done if absolutely necessary. I can't imagine your OB would approve an elective surgery that you could easily do postpartum. Pregnancy comes with enough challenges without having to worry about losing weight with a band. ETA: I may have read your question wrong. How long your pre-ops are good for really depends on insurance and your surgeon. Good luck!

Congrats!! I'm scheduled for June 21st! We are all in this together!

This is my first challenge. I totally need something like to get back on track as my diet is in shambles. My surgery is scheduled for June 21, exactly 7 weeks from today. Name, real or screen~ indyhandmade/Kim Goal weight for May 31st - 269 Weight on May 1st~277 Age~34 Dietary goal for May- Begin counting & portion control. Exercise goal for May~ XBox 360 Fitness 3-4/week Personal goal for May~ Help my husband with the business Surgery scheduled - June 21st Total weight loss since pre- op diet~16 What is your favorite flower~hydrangea

Colleen, my date is June 21st @ IU North. Let me know when your date is! Love to have you as a support person Dizzy, I have know idea what the cost is for fills. Haven't had to cross that bridge yet. Call a few places and see what they say.

I'll have the lap chole done at the same time as the band. My surgeon was hesitant at first due to the risk of infection. I'd rather risk infection than be under anesthesia twice and another surgery. I had problems last August and nothing really since then. With rapid weight loss, it's sure to come back from what I understand. I'm guessing the pain will be about the same.

I understand the freak out. I'm further away from my surgery date than you and I have had my own. However, please remember that this is something that you spent a long time thinking about. You've done your research. You've spoken with the surgeon. This is not a procedure that you are jumping into lightly. For every bad story (that our minds love to remember) there are probably a hundred positive, successful stories. Stay calm and stay focused. If you need the reassurance, call your bariatric team, the psychiatrist if you met with one. I'm sure they are more than happy to help you through this.

I don't know about h pylori, but the other blood tests take no time at all. We get them back in about an hour at the hospital.

I hope your surgery went well Jess. At the last vist with the dietician, he recomended staying on the liver reduction diet, the same I had been on for six months. It's basically low-fat, low-carb. I attend a class two weeks prior to surgery, so maybe it changes.