OldMomOf3

Good for you! Loved the video and WOW, you quit smoking too! That's impressive. I wish you all the luck and blessings in your journey. Keep posting those cool videos.

Here's the list I brought to my consult. Maybe it will help you.... ABOUT THE DOCTOR: How many gastric banding procedures have you done? Is he a board certified surgeon? What are the most common complications you see with the LAP-BAND® System procedure? What types of complications can occur from this procedure and how frequently do they happen? (ie: slipped bands, errosions, infections) What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery? Is there a difference among the two different adjustable gastric bands? Do you have other Lap-Band® patients that I can talk to? Do you have a video or presentation that I can watch that shows the surgery? Do you specialize in the Lap-Band® or do you perform other procedures as well? Do you perform other gastric band procedures? What is the Realize band, pros/cons of each? What are the short term issues? What are the long term issues? What is the doctor's policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS). What qualifications does this doctor have regarding the specific brand of band that will be used? (Lap-Band System, by Allergan or Realize Band by Ethicon/Johnson&Johnson) ABOUT THE PROCEDURE: Lap Band vs Realize? What is the “scarless surgery?” Do you perform the procedure on an outpatient basis or will it require an overnight stay in the hospital? What kind of anesthesia will I be getting? Will an anesthesiologist be present during the entire procedure Is the surgery being done at a surgery center or at a hospital? How will you protect me from infection/staff infection during the procedure? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery? PREPARING FOR SURGERY: What tests do I have to have prior to surgery? Will I need to have a special diet before surgery? Will you notify my primary care doctor about the procedure? Do you need any of my medical records prior to surgery? AFTER SURGERY CARE AND FOLLOW UP When can I resume taking medications? How soon after surgery do you want to see me for a follow up visit? How do does the doctor determine whether or not my band will need to be adjusted? Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies? When should I have my first adjustment/ fill? What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items? When can I resume exercise? How will I manage my pain after surgery? How will I have to change my eating habits after surgery? How much weight should I expect to lose in the first month? FRIENDS AND FAMILY What help can you give me to help educate my family and friends so that they can also support me? LIFE AFTER BAND: How do adjustments work and how often will I need adjustments during the first year? Ongoing? How often will I have to see the doctor over the next year and at what cost? How is it better than other forms of bariatric surgeries like Gastric c Bypass and Gastric Sleeve? What is the expected weight loss? How much time will be required for losing weight? Is there possibly a better weight surgery for me?

Child #1 is getting over the 24 hour stomach flu, #2 got hit with it tonight, and #3 is running a fever and appears to have a head cold. Meanwhile, I'm downing Vitamin C like it's about to go off the market, but just started sneezing and have a neck and head ache. I'm being banded in 4 days (3 days now because it's after midnight) and I'm afraid my doctor will not perform the lap band surgery if I am sick or have an elevated white blood cell count. My son was scheduled for foot surgery and he had a slight cold w high WBC. It was this big deal that he actually got to go through with the surgery that day. We had to push for it. If I have a cold I still want the surgery, but if it's a stomach flu I'm thinking that would be a bad idea. Or would it be okay? Any experience with this, anyone? If doctor does not have an issue with it, I'll do it. Has anyone been rejected on the day of surgery because of an illness?

Hi Coley, Are you also detoxing from caffeine? A few months before starting the lap band process I quit drinking coffee and soda. I had headaches and felt like I had the flu for almost a week. It was terrible. I basically popped Advil like it was candy and slept as often as I could. After a week it was out of my system and I felt human again. I'm on day 9 of my pre-op diet. Since day 2 I have not had much of an appetite at all - though I really miss salty crunchy foods. My diet is 3 shakes, 2 bars, veggies, broth. I have lost 7 pounds. I'm not real impressed with the weightloss, as I expected to lose more, but oh well. Other than that I find I feel great all day but get tired and absolutely pass out much earlier than I did before the pre-op diet. I have eaten out 2 times in the last 4 days and managed to stick with all veggies and actually enjoy it. My doctor also required me to start getting Vitamin B shots because I was extremely low on B. I think that's helping me also. Good luck everyone! Hang in there!

Ditto what DeAna said: "My friends & coworkers know I had the scope so my plan is to tell them I'm having surgery to fix my hiatic hernia that was discovered during my scope so it would explain my food changes in the beginning weeks" I don't like the idea of lying, so I've shared the part that's true (hernia repair), and the rest is my personal, medical information. My husband is the only person I have told or plan to tell about the band. I really don't want to hear anyone's opinion or advice. This is between me and my doctor. I don't want any input from anyone that might be discouraging in this part of my life. I need ONLY positive input. No criticism, no judging eyes, no unsolicited opinions or thoughts.

I'm thankful for the courage you have shown just for telling your challenging stories here. I'm also glad you didn't get too many of the lectures and condescension that some people like to spew all over anyone who does not "work" the band like they do or who is willing to be honest about the choices they are making, or the fears they have. It's awful! I'm not banded yet, but with the vitriol I've seen toward "unsuccessful" bandsters, there's no way I'd admit it around here! YOU are courageous and soooooo appreciated! I also think it is important for people to hear stories like yours. It seems that most of the people who are active here are either pre-band or successful on the band. Of course, NOT everyone fits into one of those categories, but it seems like that's most people here. That is wonderful and I'm so happy and encouraged by their stories. However, one can get an overly rosy picture of life after band. I am sure there are many people who are banded and not losing weight and they feel embarrassed or unwelcome here. Worse yet, they probably get criticized by other banded people. I mean really, if one more person says, "you still have to work at it!!!!" So, your story brings some perspective and balance to that picture. Your story helps us remember that we have more to overcome than the scale and that we all have many reasons why we fail or succeed. I don't know what the future holds for you, but I sure hope you are able to live in a body you can love, and be healthy, mentally and physically, regardless of what the scale says.

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Both. I guess my doctor is getting a really good kick back.....

I'm on Bariatric Advantage. I get it at my doctor's office. I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Not great, but does not make me gag,

Thanks to those of you who had some encouraging words to say and shared your experiences.

I sure hope some replies come rolling in because I'm finding myself in a similar situation.

Now that you mention it...I started my pre-op 4 days ago and also started my "blank" week of the pill that same day. Two days later I stared my period. I almost never have a period, even on my blank weeks of the pill. Maybe I have 3 periods a year and super light. I thought it was very strange that I stared and it's a "normal" period. I wonder what's up?

I would suggest that you see your doctor about this and ask for a chest x-ray. It may or may not be related to the band. Here is why I'm suggesting it... My family doctor cautioned me about this type of thing. He said that he has had 2 patients who had an unexplained cough, mainly at night, and who were both banded. The cough was caused by the reflux, which somehow caused the stuff you reflux up to get into the lungs. The result was Fluid in their lungs and an abscess that was causing the cough. One of the patients developed pneumonia also. So, just to be on the safe side, I'd check into it. Hopefully you will find out you are fine, but best to check on it.

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Okay, so this is soooo strange. I'm on day 2 of pre-op liquid diet and I'm not even hungry! Yesterday I was starving, but to day - nothing! Has anyone else had this experience?

Ouch! I'm so sorry they said that to you. I think I'd say something to them. I'd say, "I am so lucky to have wonderful supportive friends like you and I know you love me so much. I know you want to see me healthy and so I need you to know that my doctor and I have thoroughly researched this and it is what is best for me. As my dear friends I'm sure your intentions are good and you didn't realize that your words were hurtful to me so I want to let you know that I cherish your support and I look forward to you sharing this journey with me as full supporters. This will be very difficult and I really need encouragers and I need you to not say anything negative to me or about me." I don't know....I just always try to assume the best of people and be as direct as possible. Sometimes it is uncomfortable,but usually turns out okay. Whatever ends up happening, sure hope it goes well and your friends "get it."

Good Soup for pre-op diet… I'm on 2 weeks of 3 shakes/day and 2 bars/day. But I can also eat broth and veggies. Today I made this and liked it. This is all broth and veggies (approx 30 cal/cup, 0.5 grams of fat/cup) Spray large pot with ff cooking spray Sauté 1 chopped onion 1 table spoon of garlic 4 Adele’s habanera sausages (which you will remove later and not eat, but they’re for flavor – give to your family to enjoy) Add a little low sodium beef broth to keep things from sticking to the pot (4 tbs) Once that is soft and juicy Add 1 cup cut carrots 1 head of chopped cabbage Simmer for 10 minutes Add 1 cup cut green Beans 1 cut squash Simmer 5 minutes Eat

Hi Texas Mom, I'm nervous too. 'I'm beginning to think that's normal. I'm also just ready to star losing weight! I've tried on my own for the past month, but all I am is hungry. That makes me eat! I'm curious, how has your husband's band experience been? What have you learned from going through it with him?

It's right here on the form. Right on this thread. Oh, boy Shawna! I will definitely be following your progress and learning from you! I'm so afraid of being super hungry, and getting the shakes too. Please let me know if the huger gets any better. I'm kind of nervous about a big family dinner and a party at my house that both take place the first week of pre-op diet. I'm not telling anyone and don't know how I'll deal with those two events. Then I start teaching a new college class on week 2 of pre-op, and have another large party that week also. I'm quite concerned about the pre-op weeks and how I will be affected mentally and physically!

Exactly what does my surgeon mean when he introduces me to this other (very young) doctor whom he claims will be "assisting" him? I'm going in on Monday and I will be asking him that question directly, but does anyone have any ideas or knowledge about this kind of statement? Any advice for me when I speak to him on Monday and ask about it? How can I KNOW that the person I have researched and am expecting to have operate on me, will actually be the one doing the procedure? I don't want an intern doing the procedure with the expert advising him. NO, NO, NO! My body isn't there to be "learned" or "practiced" on!

UPDATE: I spoke to my surgeon and let him know my concern about the intern doing the procedure. He said that the most he would do is close me up after being banded. The rest of the procedure will be done by my surgeon. I made him promise! and he totally assured that he would be doing it. After all, this doctor is the reason I'm at this particular practice. I was very deliberate in my choice, I researched him and chose him for his research, experience and proven record. I figure, it's my body, my money and my choice. The intern, kind as he is, is welcome to get his practice on someone else's body. I'm not doubting his ability or denying the need to learn. I'm just saying...not on me, thanks. So, though I'm still afraid of surgery, I'm feeling MUCH better after having this conversation with my doctor. Thanks everyone for your encouragement.

Yesterday, my surgeon asked me if I would prefer to stay the night in the hospital, after being banded, or If I'd rather go home. What did you do? What do you advise or think? What's your plan?

Brazilian steakhouse! Brilliant! There's no better choice, as far as I'm concerned. Man! I wish there was one around here. That's where I would go!

Thank you so much for your valuable insights! I live an hour away from the hospital, but in traffic it could take 2 hours. I'm leaning toward staying at the hospital. I don't really like the idea, but I think it would be wise. I believe my insurance covers it 100%, but I will confirm that before I am admitted. I just think it will be easier on me, my husband and the kids if everyone knows I'm in good care for the first night and no one has to fuss over me. I'm quite nervous about surgery also, so I think knowing I'll be well cared for will be an added benefit. Thank you again for the input and advise.

It seems like I'm reading an awful lot of posts about people who have not lost much, or any, weight since being banded. It feels like there aren't as many success posts as I'd expect to see. I'm starting to doubt this thing will work. So I'm wondering, would you be willing to write a really simple reply to these questions... 1. How long have you been banded? 2. How much weight did want to lose? 3. How much weight have you lost? 4. How happy are you that you have been banded: scale of 1-10 (1 being regretful, 10 being elated) Feel free to paste the questions and just add your answers - and the shorter the better on the answers. Maybe add details below, after your 4 quick answers. Hopefully this will help many people, not just me. *Just to clarify, I'm not just asking for success stories, but all types of stories so we can get a fuller perspective all in one post. I REALLY want replies from people who love the band and people who hate it, and everything in between. I love the success stories and totally empathize with those who are struggling. I'm looking for a TRUE picture from people with experience they are willing to share.