Cadets71

Kathy, thanks for your post. I am panicked I won't find something I can get down! I agree about the samples, plus this stuff is expensive!!

Can Hardly Wait, I do think they want to repair them if you are having a lap band - to avoid slippage and other complications. The radiologist told me that it would not have to be repaired except for bariatric surgery. Good luck to you this week. Come back here and tell us if they repaired your hernia and how you did! I'll be thinking about you...sending you good luck wishes!

Snowbird, Thanks! You made my day. I worry about the extra pain given what I am reading about the gas pains!

I also have a hiatal hernia which they say they will repair during the surgery. It was found when I did the Upper GI exam. The radiologkjist told me it was small to medium in size. I have wondered the same thing about pain. Seems that many of the people with more pain also had the repair. I have my pre-op visit next Tuesday and I am going to ask about that.

I agree! Great idea. Several people have posted in the past few days about their surical experince (pre-op through going home). The newbies (including me) have loved it and the posts seem to allay a lot of anxieties about what to expect.

Bryan, Kat gave a very thorough answer to your questions. I just want to add that I think you are terrific for doing this research to help your dad. You will find the vast majority (if not all) of the people on this site are lap band patients at some stage in the process (still deciding, waiting for approval, post-op etc). You will find an immense amount of information here. If you are confused where to start, call your insurance company to see if this is a covered benefit. If it is, then they can direct you to providers (surgeons) in your area. If not, and it is self pay, you can look in your local directory for bariatric surgeons. The next step will be to attend their seminars and determine who you might be comfortable with. It can be a lengthy, but Very worthwhile process!! I wish you and your dad all the very best. I am glad you found this site!

Thank You For Sharing! I am just starting out and your story is such an inspiration!! I loved your pictures - you are beautiful. :biggrin: Mary in Las Vegas

Wow! I have been reading all of the posts from people who were finally scheduled...and now it's me!! What a feeling to have the date. I am so excited. A little nervous but not too much, just so glad to be on my way. From start to finish, it's only been 9 weeks - I am blessed. SO happy to be joining all of you in Bandster Land. Thanks for all your support so far! Mary in Las Vegas:thumbup:

I always forget about that right click button! Thanks, I will try that! Mary

I got the call yesteray morning from my insurance company to tell me I am approved! The interesting thing is that the woman who called me is the nurse who actually did the approval and she is getting a lap band as well! She told me, "honey, when I saw your record...I told myself this girl needs this surgery!". Such a small world - I shared this web site with her and she said she would pass it on to her patients. Sometimes life is just really good! Will get my surgery date today! Mary in Las Vegas

Molly, Where do you get the Kashi Go Lean shake? Thanks, Mary

Have you considered using Tricare - the insurance you have through your husband? They do cover the lap band if you meet the weight and BMI requirement. They may also have preferred providers there in Germany that will assure you get good care. Mary in Las Vegas

When the site gets bogged down, Alex has been the one who kfixes it for us. Let's send him a big thanks!! Mary in Las Vegas:thumbup:

Yes, there are definitely site problems . I emailed Alex@sitenix.com. He fixed it last time. Also emailed the site webmaster about the technical difficulties. Hopefully we will be back in business soon!! Mary in Las Vegas:shades_smile:

I am wondering if that bill is from the surgery center or hospital and the anesthesiologist. They very often bill separately. Just a thought. Mary in Las Vegas

I think the reason the radiologist said that is because they normally aren't repaired electively unless they are quite large or symptoms are severe. She didn't know I was having the lap band. With the lap band...you definitely have to repair it because that would pose a serious complication if the band slipped into the chest cavity. I am just glad that the lap band surgeons just consider it part of the surgery, if necessary.

I had my Upper GI this morning and the radiologist told me I do have a hiatal hernia but it is small (2 cm). I am not sure if this will make a difference to my surgeon. The radiologist did say that it should not be repaired. Anyone have any expereiince with a hiatal hernia - relative to getting their lap band? Thanks, Mary in Las Vegas :crying:

THe only way you would definitely know if you had a hiatal hernia is if you had an upper GI series done. My surgeon requires that pre-operatively. Mine showed I did have a small one. I was worried that it would disqualify me, but it doesn't I think he just wants to know what to expect when he gets in there and that's why he checks first. Thanks to everyone for allaying my fears! Mary in Las Vagas

I hope this isn't a toally dumb question but I am wondering how you get down the crushed pills while you are on liquids. Most of my meds are not available in liquid form. So, If I have to crush them, do I just mix them in Water or what? Can't quite see how this is supposed to work. Appreciate your help. Mary in Las Vegas:shades_smile:

Hi everyone, Thanks for your posts. I sent a note to my nutritionist. My concern is just for week one on Clear Liquids. No apple sauce, pudding etc. Just Water, tea, broth, and no calorioe Fruit drinks. I did a test and the crushed pills clung to the glass - didn't mix. Maybe I will have to cut them up into tiny pieces. I am on about 15 meds, including plavix, lisinopril, metoprolol, thyriod, nexium, lescol, potrassium, demadex, fosamax, and others. I also think I will ask my PCP what pills I can forgo for a week. Really appreciate your ideas! Mary in Las Vegas:shades_smile:

Both of the certified Bariatric surgeons I have seen made bold statements at their seminars: "Do not use Dr. Rutledge. He is dangerous. He lost his license in So Carolina and in California". They are surprised that he is practicing in Las Vegas. Also, the procedure he uses is about 20 years old and considered very risky. No insurance companies will cover it - his patients are all self-pay. So, be very careful! He practices here in Las Vegas and with another doctor in Florida). Mary in Las Vegas:shades_smile:

Hi Everyone. I am also expecting a June band date (still waiting). So what are we going to call ourselves? There are the May Flowers and the March Shamrocks. Any ideas for June? Mary in Las Vegas:thumbup:

I have had difficulty logging on for two days. I know the web site was down this evening for some work, but the problems are still there. While I can actually get the website to come up, it is incredibly slow to move between threads, or to post. Something is wrong. I*t seems like there isn't enough bandwidth. Let us know that someone is investigating. I have a cable modem so it shouoldn't be this slow (20-30 seconds between screens). Thanks, Mary in Las Vegas

Lise, you are beautiful! I also really enjoy your posts. I am so happy for you. Thanks for being an inspiration! Mary in Las Vegas:thumbup:

Thanks Everyone. For some reason, I thought any hernia would jeopardize getting the band. I am much relieved. I see the surgeon again in 3 weeks and we'll discuss. Just wanted to allay my fears. Mary in Las Vegas :crying: