Kay07

So can the lap-band. Risk of severe complications are not restricted to the VSG, DS or RnY. Each procedure has it's risks and potential complications. Despite the fact that there are MANY banders who would swear by the product, the fact is that a number of practices no longer offer lap-band due to the escalating failure rate. In fact some insurances are no longer approving it. That doesn't mean that those who chose the band were wrong, or that their success is doomed to future failure. Nor does it mean that the product does not work. It means that the product's potential risks are beginning to overshadow the less-invasive/cost effective benefit, therefore many practices and insurance companies warn against it.

Not nervous at all yet. I am sure I will be as it draws closer, but I’m so committed it feels more like a relief than anything else. I’ve been on a low cal low carb diet for a few months now in preparation of this, and can’t say I miss things all that much? I have been having so much fun experimenting with new recipes so maybe it’s kept my mind off it. Although I do miss wine!

This is a fantastic idea! Thanks @FluffyChix + @Apple203. Do you track in excel?

Surgery date: 5/14 Starting Weight: 286.7 Current Weight: 272 Goal Weight: 175 Height: 5'6"

@SmileyMay Hey there, you had surgery yesterday and just wanted to pop in and say I hope you are doing well!

Another update: He is being discharged tomorrow morning! Since they took out the drainage tubes, he has been doing worlds better. He can get up/down on his own, and is walking about 500 steps per walk (according to fitbit). The doctors are thrilled with his progress Feels like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am so ready for him to come home!

So I don't actually *have* a pre op diet... BUT I think I am going to start one on Monday and follow everyone else lol. People seem to adjust better I think?

Hello! I wish you the best of luck and a super speedy recovery!

@FluffyChix I look forward to this thread update. I love the recipes and tips & tricks. By far, one of the most helpful one-source-info thread on here!

I just have to say, WOW! You look lovely. Though I can't see your face for the full effect, the hairstyle looks great for what I can see :). Love the top, you look like one beautifully put-together-fashionista. I wish you all the best and continued success!

Hi! I am 5'6 and my goal weight is 175. I know its on the higher end, and I'll still be considered overweight but I also want to set realistic goals. I think that once I hit that weight, I might aim for 160, but honestly my true goal is not being in pain, and being able to shop in normal stores

Well you look very handsome! You officially qualify as eye candy! LOL

I’m May 14th! There are a lot of us [emoji4]

WOW. You look incredible! How do you feel? You clearly work out, do you doing anything specific?

Hello! I just wanted to pop in with a few updates. My husband is doing very well! They had him up and walking today, and he managed to do a full lap around the floor (a total of about 150ft) 3 times, which is apparently a big deal. In addition, they were able to take all drainage tubes out so he is feeling MUCH better. There is a possibility he may even get to come home on Friday! He is already getting up from the bed/chair with minimal assistance, and using the rest room on his own. It truly is a wonder how far we have come in medical field. My mom has decided to basically move in next week and the week after to help. I have to work next week to train my coverage for my own surgery, which at this point I am proceeding with. If he struggles this weekend, I will definitely push it out. Now for the not so great news... living off hospital food has caused me to gain 4lbs. They had very little gluten free options (unless I wanted wilted salad) and so in addition to the weight gain I have stomach pain too. Joy. Thankfully I have at most 2 days left, then I am putting myself on a liquid diet next week in hopes of losing those 4lbs I just put on Once again, I wish to thank you all for your kindness and support. It has been an immense help to me by keeping me distracted during this chaotic time. Kind regards, Kay

Hi everyone, Did any of you prep by grabbing a few things for the next size down so you had them on hand? I've been thinking of buying a few pairs of pants in the next 3 lower sizes just to have them on hand while I go through the rapid loss. There are not a ton of plus size stores around me, so I always have to order from Lane Bryant online. Did any of you prep a bit with a few outfits? I ask mainly because I work in a professional setting and worry about looking all schlumpy during post-op... lol! Thoughts and advice?

They anticipate 1 night. In Monday morning, discharged Tuesday afternoon. I get tested in the morning to confirm there is no leak, then they have me try a few different liquids to make sure I can consume them, then send me on my way.

Hi everyone, Once again, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your well wishes and responses. I will wait until the end of this week to make a decision on whether or not to pursue my own surgery. I agree that my husband's care certainly trumps my surgery at this point, but at the same time do not want to cause undue hardship on my employer after having paid for the coverage. In regards to support, I have multiple family members that are close by to offer assistance, but for me the deciding factor will ultimately be my husband's comfort level on having my family step in and assist. I purchased multiple products on amazon (this morning as I am still hanging in the waiting room) to make bathing and sleeping easier on my husband. Despite this, I want to make sure that my husband is fully comfortable with the assistance before I confirm my surgery. On the most important note, my husband made it through surgery and is now recuperating in the ICU. I was able to see him for a minute, but they were trying to regulate his pain so I couldn't stay. I am still hanging out in the waiting room. Surgeon said he did great! We also learned that she is the Chief of Cardiac Surgery, so that made me feel pretty good Again, thank you kindly for your words of encouragement and support. Kind regards, Kay

Thank you all for your thoughts. Also@kim, I appreciate your realistic view. Please don’t think I value your opinion any less because you advise to wait (thank you to the other posters who felt similar for sharing your honest thought). We spoke with my husband’s surgeon today and they said that my husband should “feel” back to normal in about 2 weeks minus some minor aches. His sternum will be sore and achy, but as long as there are no complications they believe he will have an easier recovery with no rehab needed. That being said... it’s open heart surgery! My husband is adamant that I not push back as my family is able to help (they both live less than 10 mins from us). I think I am going to speak to my surgeon at the end of this week and determine based on my husband’s progress what she thinks. He goes in tomorrow at 6am, here’s to hoping is goes smoothly!

So I had my appointment with the Surgeon, and the first thing she tells me is that my insurance is changing their policies effective 4/15/18 to requiring 6 months supervised dietician visits. Because I am completely done with everything needed, she felt terrible. I’m rushing to get my pcp to send a letter stating I’m healthy for surgery in hopes that we can get the approval before the deadline, but I’m ready to cry. Getting to the end and having them tell me I might have to wait until August is heartbreaking. PRAYING that my paperwork is submitted tomorrow with no issues and is approved before they implement this policy. Going to go cry in my car while I wait for my PCP to call back.....

I wasn’t. My doctor’s office put a fake date on the approval to spur them to get the approval in faster than adjusted it to the first day in their schedule. My surgery is May 14.

Big congratulations to you!!! That is wonderful [emoji4]

LOL SO TRUE. Where in Vermont you from?

Hi! I’m the Fitchburg person I imagine I work in Boston and am getting my surgery in May [emoji4]

Welcome! I am similar in that respect. I started the process twice before, but each time felt like I SHOULD be able to do it on my own. This time was different and now I’m 3 weeks away from my surgery. Welcome to the forums, lots of great people and a wealth of knowledge to be had!