kgranite79

I did not have to do a sleep lab or sleep study at all. I had to get an abdomninal ultrasound to make sure I didn't have gall stones, if I did I would have had to have my gall bladder taken out before the surgery. I had to get a ton of blood work, EKG, chest xrays, a consult with a nutritionist, a psych evaluation by a psychologist, letter of recommendation from my MD, BMI of 40 or above with no co-morbidities, or 35 and above with co-morbidities. I was at a 40.8 with no co-morbidities. It took me about 2 months to complete all the tests before I got my surgery although I could have done it as quickly as 4 weeks. My doc required a 2 week pre op liquid diet, so I had to allow time for that. It is a pretty fast process, pending you have no trouble with insurance approval. You can still have skim milk but maybe not for a week or 2 after the surgery, I only just got banded on August 20th, so far I am not hungry all the time. Eggs are a great source of protein, once you get to that point that you can have them again post op I am really not sure about alcohol, I know we can have it again at some point but I am not sure when. You will have to go a period of time without it. The lap band is made to stay in for life ALTHOUGH if you want to have it taken out, you can. I am not sure about the meds, I know we can't have pills so you might need to have them compounded into a liquid or if they have a chewable version of it. I get my first fill on 9/25 they usually do the first fill by 5 or 6 weeks depending on the doctor....and honestly I am not sure when after that. I think you need to get a few until you are comfortable- meaning eating, getting full and holding it down and still losing weight. I am not sure about your prior surgeries, not sure what they would have to do with surgery. I hope this helps a little bit. I am sure their are other banders out there that can answer your questions more accurately but I thought I would jump in a try to help answer some...good luck!

I was banded on August 20th. I have 5 stages to go through, all being 1 week long each. Right now I am on my full liquid stage and on tuesday will be moving onto pureed foods. Right now I am eating yogurt and creamy soups. The creamy soups are more filling then just the broths. I can't wait to start on more of a solid food, it can't come soon enough! Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress! :thumbdown:

Donna, When I was on my clear liquid diet all I was allowed to have was Isopure (protein drink) sugar free jello, fat free broth, crystal light, sugar free popsicles, decaf coffee and tea and that was it. Now I am on a "full" liquid diet I can have all of the above and no sugar added low cal yogurt like Dannon light and fit, fat free tomato soup, 1% milk, carnation instant Breakfast and Protein Shakes and thats it. Honestly all I am eating in a yogurt popsicles and soup. I can't stand jello anymore, and I don't drink coffee or tea. The instant breakfast I had the other day, but its high in calories. ( I actually had no milk today, so thats why I didn't have it or else I probably would have lol) I would just follow what your doctor suggests. The more threads you read on here the more you will realize HOW different EVERYONE'S diets are. It depends on the doctor, while it would be nice if we all could have the same stuff at the same time, if we weren't on this site we wouldn't know any different LOL. Keep up the good work and keep me posted! :biggrin:

I got banded on August 20th- last Wednesday. I have lost a total of 25lbs so far BUT I lost 12 of that on my pre-op diet. Did you have a pre-op diet? I have been on liquids since August 12th- so I think thats why I have lost so much so fast. Don't get discouraged, it will start coming off. Keep a positive attitude.:biggrin:

LOL Dionna, I got banded on the 20th and I don't know from experience yet since I am still on my liquid diet BUT I think you are just going to have to try it and see how it works for you. You probably don't chew them much when you used to eat them, but you should chew it (or try at least) to help it get as small as possible- GOOD LUCK HUN! Let us know how is goes down :biggrin:

I just got banded on August 20th- last Wednesday. The first week I was on a clear liquid diet, now I am on a full liquid diet which now consists of yogurt and tomato Soup and fat free or skim milk as well as Clear Liquids. I think next week is the pureed stage for me, but I am not sure if the pureed stage and the "mushies" stage is the same?? I think I might have a week of pureed and then a week of mushies and then start on "real food" I know all in all I think the post op diet was about 5 weeks total for me UGH! Good luck to everyone! :biggrin:

I got banded on August 20th and as of right now everything feels completely fine, nothing different at all...I am not sure if that changes when you start to eat real foods, or when you get a fill but so far so good! As the swelling is going down, I THINK I can feel my port a little bit, but that doesn't bother me

Hi Carrie, Welcome to the forums, you will love it here! I got banded on August 20th (1 week ago yesterday). I wasn't hungry for the first few days, and then one day I was starving! I am on full liquids right now and have been on them for about 3-4 weeks including my pre-op diet (except this week I can have yogurt). So far I have lost 25lbs. I noticed that some days I am hungry and other days I am not...actually some days I don't feel like eating anything at all, like today. I had a yogurt, and thats it. I know thats not good, but honestly I just wasn't hungry. I am hitting my liquid goal so I know thats important, but I know I have not hit my Protein goal yet- which is not good. I think its probably normal right now to be hungry, and other days not to be. I know that my stomach is still swollen and healing on the outside, and still swollen at the band site I am sure. I am going to have some tomato Soup and some crystal light in a little bit. Hang in there, you will make it. Try to do things to keep your mind off of it, if you keep busy you kind of forget about it. Also AVOID food at all costs LOL. Seriously, if I am around food, smell it or anything I want it even more- mentally and physically. Keep us updated on your progress, and good luck hun!:biggrin:

I am on my 2nd day of the Optifast diet. I can have 4 Optifast drinks, 2 bars and sugar free Jello and thats it! I am already sick of Jello, help! I wish I could have something as simple as a salad, or lean cuisine or something low fat- anything but Jello LOL! I know its going to be worth it in the end. I get banded on August 20th and I am so excited to start this new beginning. I am really missing my food, and just thinking of not going out to dinner this weekend has killed me. I actually think I am slightly depressed by this. Yesterday was hard, today was a bit easier. I am hoping it will only get better over the next 1o days!!!! Please tell me this gets easier and food becomes so much less of a priority! Trying to stay positive

Hey Birchmoon, Trust me I feel your pain. I just got banded on the 20th and haven't eaten "real" food for 3-4 weeks now. Good news though, I lost 24lbs already!!! Trust me you can do it. Just stay focused and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I avoided food at all costs. Didn't go to the grocery store, didn't make the kids dinner...didn't put myself in front of food for a while. That really helped me, because as soon as I saw it, or smelled it I REALLY wanted it- heck I still do!!! I just started my all liquids post op diet and that consists of all clear liquids, sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello (which I am SICK of) soup broth, yogurt (light and fit 60 calories) carnation instant breakfast, and of course protein drinks. I was thrilled to get to this stage believe it or not. The yogurt is the closest thing to food that I have had in a while, so it really fills me. I know I felt like it was going to take forever but just know that you will have such SUCCESS with it. I am so thrilled that I have lost 24lbs already, that it has really motivated me! Hang in there, and know that we are all here to talk to when times get rough- we have all been there and know EXACTLY what your going through. I have to say I really liked the french vanilla optifast drink, I actually preferred it over the chocolate. After the 3rd or 4th day anything seems to taste good lol. Also after a few days the hunger went away and I was actually "satisfied" after a drink. It will get better, trust me! Good luck with everything and keep us all updated! :w00t:

I have my first post op appointment today. I am just wondering what happens at it. Do they take these steri-strips off of the incision site or do they come off on their own? Do they weigh you? I am so excited I have lost 21 lbs between the pre-op diet until now only 5 days post op! I know once I start eating actual foods, it won't come off as quick but I am psyched about the 21lbs already! I already feel better, maybe its just mental!

I was banded on Wednesday the 20th so that would make me 3 days post op. The only protein drink I am allowed to have for the first week is isopure. I noticed it makes me extremley bloated and even more gassy then I already am. I am also drinking chicken broth and sugar free jellos. None of these make me as bloated as I get when I drink this. Has anyone had the same experience with this drink? I don't want to drink it anymore because the gas and bloating is TERRIBLE! I am just wondering where I can get the much needed protein from, if I stop this drink. Of course my doctors office is closed today, so I have to wait until Monday before I can talk to them. This isn't considered an emergency so I don't want to call them. I am not sure if I should just continue with it eventhough its making me really uncomfortable...or if I should just hold out until Monday :confused2:. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much for your feedback. On my sheet of Clear liquids for week 1 it specifies that I can't have any powder. I guess its not considered a clear liquid to them because its still gritty? I dunno I think I might just skip it tomorrow and wait until my appointment on Monday for an alternative Protein Drink.

Ok So I posted a thread this morning tell everyone how well my surgery went, and it did. But today I started getting really bad gas pain in my neck and shoulder (actually I woke up that way and thought it was a stiff neck). I have been walking all day today and even went to the store to get some gas x strips that dissolve on your tongue. Nothing has helped and now I am in SO MUCH PAIN. I don't know what else to do. There is only so much walking I can do!!!! The pain medicine doesn't even help it. I have a heating pad on the area now, thought that might help-wrong! I am seriously desperate to get this gas moving, does anyone know something else to do to help this go away? I have tried everything from rubbing to arm and neck stretches/excercises and nothing has helped. It goes away a little and then comes right back just as bad. It's really the only pain I am in. My stomach is sore but I can deal with that, this I can't deal with anymore!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!:smile2:

since we are talking about this area, can someone tell me if down there was swollen after surgery? I just had surgery on Wednesday and I feel like my vagina (ugh I hate that word) or "lips" are swollen and tender...did this happen to anyone else or am I crazy??? LOL

th Thanks so much for everyones help and good wishes. I just can't believe how darn painful this is! UGH I am willing to try anything at this point. If I could I would hold myself upside down to relieve this, if I knew it would work LMAO!! Thanks again, I will keep you all posted!!!

I had my surgery yesterday I went in at 6:30am my surgery was scheduled for 8 I was the first surgery of the day. They took me in, got me into a surgery gown and went over a bunch of paperwork. Then my family was allowed to come in and wait with me. The anestesiologist did my IV and heperin shot in the stomach, which you couldn't feel a bit believe it or not. Then we just waited a little bit, the surgeon came in and we went over the last few details of the surgery. The anestesiologist came in about 5 min after that, gave me some happy drugs and wheeled me off to the OR. They put the mask on my told me to take deep breaths, next thing I knew I was waking up in the OR as they were wheeling me into recovery. I could hear everything going on around me, just couldn't open my eyes. I was still really groggy. I felt like I couldn't breathe and began hyperventalating a bit. They put the oxygen back on me. That for me was the worst thing through this entire experience. I guess the gas they pump into you during surgery, was up in my chest and it was making it very difficult to breathe. They kept telling me that I was getting enough air in and to slow down breathing but you try feeling like your suffocating!! Anyway that lasted about 20 min or so. They then wheeled me up to my room where I was reunited with my fiance and my mom. It was pretty much smoothe sailing from there. I was able to get up and use the bathroom, went for several walks throughout the day and just kinda hung out. I really didn't want to stay overnight but man am I glad I was able to. I am sure I would have been fine if I went home, but it was nice to have the extra time to relax and have some extra help. I was able to eat some broth, sugar free jello and water. I was allowed to have 30cc or 2 tablespoons every 15 minutes. This morning I am feeling alot more sore, but once I took the pain medicine I am quite comfortable. I am able to get up and walk around and use the bathroom on my own. This has been alot easier then I thought. The pain is not too bad, more sore and uncomfortable. It was difficult finding a good position to sleep in last night, plus the nurses came in every hour last night so that didn't help much with sleep. I am having some broth right now and waiting to be discharged. I am to followup with my surgeon on Monday. I lost 14lbs on my pre-op diet. The surgeon said he hasn't seen a live as small as mine in a very long time. He was glad that I followed my pre-op diet so well. So I am 24 hours post op and feeling great!!! Good luck to everyone who is about to be banded, you will do just fine! :smile2: __________________

I completely agree with you froggie, stay a night if you can.....I am glad your surgery went well.. here is my story I had my surgery yesterday I went in at 6:30 my surgery was scheduled for 8 I was the first surgery of the day. They took me in, got me into a surgery gown and went over a bunch of paperwork. Then my family was allowed to come in and wait with me. The anestesiologist did my IV and heperin shot in the stomach, which you couldn't feel a bit believe it or not. Then we just waited a little bit, the surgeon came in and we went over the last few details of the surgery. The anestesiologist came in about 5 min after that, gave me some happy drugs and wheeled me off to the OR. They put the mask on my told me to take deep breaths, next thing I knew I was waking up in the OR as they were wheeling me into recovery. I could hear everything going on around me, just couldn't open my eyes. I was still really groggy. I felt like I couldn't breathe and began hyperventalating a bit. They put the oxygen back on me. That for me was the worst thing through this entire experience. I guess the gas they pump into you during surgery, was up in my chest and it was making it very difficult to breathe. They kept telling me that I was getting enough air in and to slow down breathing but you try feeling like your suffocating!! Anyway that lasted about 20 min or so. They then wheeled me up to my room where I was reunited with my fiance and my mom. It was pretty much smoothe sailing from there. I was able to get up and use the bathroom, went for several walks throughout the day and just kinda hung out. I really didn't want to stay overnight but man am I glad I was able to. I am sure I would have been fine if I went home, but it was nice to have the extra time to relax and have some extra help. I was able to eat some broth, sugar free Jello and Water. I was allowed to have 30cc or 2 tablespoons every 15 minutes. This morning I am feeling alot more sore, but once I took the pain medicine I am quite comfortable. I am able to get up and walk around and use the bathroom on my own. This has been alot easier then I thought. The pain is not too bad, more sore and uncomfortable. It was difficult finding a good position to sleep in last night, plus the nurses came in every hour last night so that didn't help much with sleep. I am having some broth right now and waiting to be discharged. I am to followup with my surgeon on Monday. I lost 14lbs on my pre-op diet. The surgeon said he hasn't seen a live as small as mine in a very long time. He was glad that I followed my pre-op diet so well. So I am 24 hours post op and feeling great!!! Good luck to everyone who is about to be banded, you will do just fine!

Will I never be able to eat steak again??? I know this is such a stupid question but I was wondering if I will be able to eat it as long as its small bites and its chewed well. Just wondering-:confused2: Thanks!

THAT IS FANTASTIC!!!! YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF!!! I AM GETTING BANDED TOMORROW AND HOPE TO BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOU!!!!! :thumbup:

I am getting banded tomorrow so I don't know from first hand BUT I have been reading posts on this site for a few months now. My doctor suggests chewable papaya enzymes. You can get them at Vitamin Shoppe or GNC....if you get something stuck you are supposed to take one of those and its supposed to help break down the food. Hope this helps!

thanks so much for everyones feedback, we will just wait and see. I am getting banded Wednesday........wish me luck!!! Much love and success to all

not everyone's diet is the same before surgery. Some people don't have to diet, some are on low fat diets others are on all liquid diets. I think it all depends on your surgeon. If he wanted you to be a special diet ahead of time I am sure he would have told you. Consider yourself lucky! :-)