kansascase

Thanks, Froggi.

I wish both of you the best tomorrow. When I arrived at the hospital and they got my IV in, I was given something to relax me. They will probably do that for you - if not, you can ask them for it. You will have pain medication as well. Don't be surprised if your stomach is swollen - it happens.

I think a lot of people kind of go on a "binge" before they are banded. If you are worried though about the weight gain, I would follow the high protein/low carb diet. It will reduce your appetite and of course, you can eat extra protein if you are hungry. Sometimes it is difficult to get th insurance to approve it. They consider it an "elective" surgery but your doctor can write it up as medically necessary.

I would really like some information on this as well. I don't even know where to do get the "ticker" everybody is using. I really need help with this. Thanks,

Glad you were approved for the surgery. I am sure everything will work out well. You just need to follow the advice of your nutrionist on what to eat, how much and when and also your water intake. I wish you well. I was banded on June 4th so I know what you will be going through tomorrow. No reason to worry mate - it is a pretty safe surgery. All in all it really is not too bad - the surgery and resulting stitches, etc.

My pulmonary doctor told me that since I was carrying too much weight on my chest that it couldn't expand properly and that is why my peak flow is quite low and I am quite short of breath. Is there anybody out there that as been banded awhile and had this particular circumstance? I really had a asthma problem after the anesthesia - had to start taking breathing treatments for a couple of weeks. How long did it take to see an improvement in your asthma? Thanks, Kerry

My pulmonary doctor told me that since I was carrying too much weight on my chest that it couldn't expand properly and that is why my peak flow is quite low and I am quite short of breath. Is there anybody out there that as been banded awhile and had this particular circumstance? I really had a asthma problem after the anesthesia - had to start taking breathing treatments for a couple of weeks. How long did it take to see an improvement in your asthma? Thanks, Kerry

I, too, got quite impatient. It took over 7 months to get through all the appointments and requirements. Let's see, first the seminar, support group, nutritionist, 4-6 visits with the psychologist, insurance approval, preop sessions, EKG and blood work, surgeon visit and, finally the surgery date. Meanwhile, there were books I was to read, food charts that I had to complete, etc. It all got consuming like I was going nowhere fast. By the time I met the surgeon I was more than ready for the surgery. It was so frustrating!

Michele, You and I are on the same page regarding the liver. The doctor made it clear that I needed to take off 5-7 pounds before the surgery. I think that it did make the Clear liquids that followed a lot easier. Also, did you notice that you lost your appetite from all the Protein? Kerry

Hi - I would be happy to help but it may be difficult if you are having the surgery in the UK. I suspect that their approach/policies will be quite different than here the United States. Medically, it should be quite similar, but, you know, after reading some of the posts here in the States, it is also being done differently. Incidently what is 10 stone? Can you put that in either pounds or in metrics? Live and learn! Do you have a surgery date?

Think positive - you are not going to slip. I know one thing that can really help but it is prescription. It is what I used to totally get off and it really wasn't too bad and I have smoked over 25 years. There is a nicotine inhaler on the market. It is used much in the same way as a cigarette. It is something you hold and must suck on in order to get the nicotine. It really worked for me! Ask your doctor about it. My insurance paid for mine.

I have the same problem as you - we are short. When you are short, you just can't eat the same amount of calories that others do. It is not really fair. If you or I have a Big Mac, we can't eat anything else all day - no fries, sodas, salads, etc. I am surprised that the doctor didn't recommend a high protein (90%) with 10% complex carbohydrates. It is quite effective and you really don't have to worry about calories although I would keep tract for my own information. There are a lot of "hidden" calories. Before my surgery, I had to keep daily sheets of everything I ate, where I ate it, when I ate it, how much water, protein did I take, how much exercise, and how did I "feel." I hated it but it forced me to look at the big picture or the big plate - ha.

Yes, I felt I should have Last Suppers before it is over. But, the fact is that once you don't have an appetite, food loses its importance. I have only been banded 7 days. Even with very little restriction from the surgery, I lost that "LION" appetite. Also, after a period of time, you will be able to eat what most people except a lot less of it. Like I said, once you lose your appetite, food loses the appeal. Amyway, what you are thinking/feeling is perfectly normal but it will be alright.

Sorry to hear that - bet you are disappointed. Because of liver problems, my doctor required two weeks on a high Protein diet before surgery. He said it was to loosen the fat around the liver and make it safer and easier surgically for him to do it. How connected are you with your doctor - might want to try another one. FYI - I also had to start a B complex Vitamin a couple of months before the surgery. I think I would look at it like this - your surgeon did not find it "safe" for you to have the surgery whatever the reason. I think that is better than if you had it and then there were complications. I've heard that the liver has to be "flipped" over during the surgery so sometimes there are problems with the liver and the pancreas. Lots of luck to you - try to hang in there.

A pressure cooker would probably be a good idea! You are required to be on liquids for 4 weeks - sounds like torture. I got on soft solids 7 days after my surgery. The mashed potatoes are great - the cottage cheese. I think if you want beef, that is probably what you will have to do. Hang in there with your liquids - have you tried the sugar free popsicles?

I also have Blue Cross/Shield insurance for Federal Employees. The doctor's office submitted the request for necessary medical treatment. It took all of three days before I was approved. Of course, that was after I was saw a psychologist, dietician, preop, etc. I even had to attend a support group. From the time I went to the seminar on lapbands until I had the surgery was almost 6 months and my documentation was extensive. I suspect you will have a good chance of getting approved after you see the psychologist. Of course, you BMI is kind of low - just my opinion. I can, however understand why you would want to take this step - to prevent additional problems and make dieting easier.

Hi, everyone. I had my surgery on June 4th. It wasn't too bad - pretty much what I expected although I do admit that it has been more painful than anticipated. It is Day 6 and my body is not so sure what it is suppose to do. Sometimes I get the growling in the gut and other times I feel the tightness (uncomfortableness) at the top of the stomach. Basically, the only thing I've decided to do is to stop drinking or eating for a bit and then it does go away fairly quickly. As a bit of a "test" this morning I tried a little bit of a scrambled egg. Tomorrow it will be okay to move to soft foods. The funny thing was that I had about forgotten how to eat. I've been on liquids for so long ... I choked my first solid food into my wind pipe - coughing, coughing, etc. May try a different solid food tomorrow - ha. All things in time I guess. I have a great doctor and bariatric facility here in the Kansas City area. They do such good work - I had no gas from the surgery or pain, etc. I have my post operative appointment on Wednesday to get the stitches out. My stomach feels like I have insects crawling all over it and then there is the itching.:smile: I'm in a pretty good mood about it all. I think it may be because there was quite a bit of dieting before the surgery. I don't know if I've lost anything - I still feel swelled. Anyway, it is good to find others that have been through this experience. Kerry :tongue2:

It will all be okay - I got pretty anxious before the surgery, but you will be happy even with the pain.

I had some kind of test although I don't think it was that big. The bariatric center I went through requires 4-6 sessions with the psychologist. I didn't have to have the four as It was determined that I was ready for the surgery. For "professsional" dieters - like most of us I expect that we don't need all the information given. I had to chart daily food (protein, carb, etc), water, exercise and emotions - pretty much a pain but to get approved, you had to do it. :biggrin:

How did you get one of those ticker tape things - I am also new to this website.

Yes, they sent me home with about a pint of vicodin - helps a lot - especially with sleeping. In fact, talked to the doctor's office for a wee bit more. I've gotten a lot of rest. Guess I am just a chicken when it comes to pain. I don't want this experience to become a "bad" experience in my memory. Kerry

Will be looking for you online. sleeping on your side is a killer! I've been on my back since the surgery. I've tried just a wee bit of soft foods - mashed potatoes - so good and no problem digesting them - I just have to remember to slow down and eat small amounts. Tomorrow I officially go on soft foods and Vitamins - yeah. Will be watching for you online. Kerry

The best surgeon I found was Dr. Stanley Hoehn. He developed the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. The center has an excellence rating in bariatric centers. His office is at the Georgetown Medical Building which is on the campus of the Shawnee Mission Medical Center. His phone number is 913-677-2508. You can actually see him and maybe the surgery online.They ususally show the Roen-Y gastric bypass. I've heard that he will start doing some kind of grastic sleeve. Address is www.kcbariatric.com. Anyway, he is the best in surgery. His office is the best for support. Lots of luck - it takes so long to get through all the paperwork and classes - dieticians, psychologists, preop, postop, etc. My insurance company approved my surgery in three days - some insurances really put people through it.

My nutritionists says 2-4 oz per meal 3 meals per day. Protein drinks count toward your 48-64 oz water per day. The water helps a lot!

I had the surgery on June 4th, 2008. I am still recovering. There was more to the surgery than I expected. My incisions are not that small and they really smart when I use my stomach muscles. Any way to speed up the recovery?