RestlessMonkey

Are you sure it's blood and not, say, chocolate? You were right to call your surgeon; there can be many reasons (from really scary to fairly benign) for there to be "occult" blood in your stool but they all need to be addressed...so it's not something you can or should ignore. If your surgeon doesn't call you back tomorrow, make an appt with your PCM or PCP. Better to catch whatever it is early! :thumbup:

That would depend, though, on if your surgeon considers cottage cheese and yogurt "full liquids". Mine did not. Those were Mushies in his dietary guidelines.

Just do what your surgeon says, per his timetable. For me it wasn't overwhelming at all...there wasn't much room for error unless I just flat ignored his direction. Water, clear broth, and sugar free Jello....hard to confuse that! or my preop 2-3 of a specific Protein shake each day, 64 oz of water, and 3 oz lean fish chicken or turkey and 1 cup green veggie each evening. No way could I confuse that. I think you are reading everyones conflicting info and maybe getting confused. Each surgeon tweaks things to suit himself (or herself). So do what YOUR SURGEON says, not what I had to do, or some other poster, etc, and you'll be fine!

Why is your husband against it?

I was banded on Friday 8/29 and back at school (I'm a student) on 9/2 (Tues) ... but it would've been nice if I could've taken longer. I wasn't really sore etc but I only got clear liquids (no protein shakes even) the 1st week, and it was hard to focus. I didn't FEEL bad, but, shall we say, I wasn't firing on all pistons! LOL

You'll get your band really soon now! ) I hope you breeze thru the surgery/recovery (I am sure you will!) and enjoy your trip!

Alcohol can impair healing, it relaxes inhibitions and if you overdo you could become nauseated...and vomiting before the band heals is a no no. Plus many of us are on a restricted diet for the first 4 weeks (liquids, full liquids, mushies) and drinking on an empty stomach really isn't good for you, especially post op. It's only 4 weeks...(some docs require much longer!) so I'd say just tough it out. And remember alcohol is empty calories...while you are trying to lose, they aren't really a good choice (but you know that!) :biggrin:

Perhaps this link from the National Institute of Health will answer your questions. If you are going to keep smoking, it's best if you don't get the band. Smoking and Your Digestive System

Can you return it? I've posted on WW boards for a while and the WW scales are pretty junky...they work for a while and then quit. Otherwise, sorry I can't help...no clue about them!

Call and ask! If the secondary ins is a PPO or HMO pick a doc (or docs) from their list and call. As Susan said, probably they'll have you pay and then file for reimbursement, but maybe not!

You know, rereading through these, the "take away" message is to just be honest and not fret. The evals are not punitive, although many of us larger people are perhaps used to medicine "blaming us" and being less than helpful. The psych eval is to perhaps identify any trouble spots or "red flags" so they can be dealth with preop. Just like we have to go through a chest xray etc etc...it is for information and to optimize our success. So remember...they are on "your" side in this. IF you do have a potential issue (like depression)...it's best they make sure you have it under control. The band is a huge change; no one wants to get it and then sink into a bad sad place! Tell the truth and trust that they WANT you to qualify and pass...and they want you to be positioned properly (mentally and physically) for the band to really help you. It's all just part of helping YOU get to that goal.

imsoready...you are in bandster hell. Hang in there; it will pass. Please walk as much as you can even though you may be tired (take liquid tylenol or stronger pain med if you are in pain) so you don't develop blood clots or so on. I was on clear liquids, no protein, for the first week and it wasn't easy, especially because I "came to" in recovery hungry! (not "emotionally"hungry, either...I was STARVED!) I wasn't depressed but I was pretty darned grumpy! LOL It passes though. Like Weas123 posted, focus on the positives that are in store for you. You'll make it! :cool2:

I'm not sure but I thought chron's is a contraindication for the lap band. I suggest you call your favorite bariatric center and ask....

Do you mean a Dermoid cyst? If so they're usually benign but you totally want to get it removed before it bursts or something. I agree with HeatherO (as usual!) It's just another month if they can go ahead and remove the cyst asap! You'll get the band and it's good they found the cyst and can excise it!

I suggest you ask your Bariatric center. If they don't know, they should be able to tell you who CAN tell you. I'm no "pro" but in all my time of reading the boards etc you're the first I've heard where Therapy (beyond the eval) is "REQUIRED". I wonder, is that your insurance? Your surgeon? or is the therapist trying to get business? Obviously we ALL have eating disorder issues of one type or another...being obese is a disorder. Unless you have a disorder like bulimia or anorexia that you don't want to reveal here (and that is totally YOUR business!) or some such, I'm at a loss as to why they require more from you.

Kaytiebugs I'm glad that whyever you have them, they won't stop you from getting the band! And hopefully they'll go away or someone can help you. Worst case, can you just take off of work/obligations and "be good to yourself" for that 1-2 week all liquid phase? Good luck! :cool2:

Yes it's common. Apparently you haven't had time to read these boards much. After each fill most surgeons restrict your diet for a few days.

Post op there will be a period of time (each surgeon is different) where you will HAVE to go without food in order for your band to heal into place. If you think its "head hunger" (ie psychological) then you need to find a way to deal with it. Because IF you eat against your surgeon's rules post op you risk tearing the band loose, slippage, and/or erosion down the line. So if you physically can't go without food then tell your surgeon; the band is probably not for you.

Thats some fast fills but I still think my answer is spot on. How large is your band? (how much can it hold) how much were your fills? As my surgeon said (and I've learned from reading this board!) many many times it takes 4 OR MORE fills to get restriction! So be patient. Your doc is doing what's necessary; it's a process! You're fine! :thumbup:

pipersfour just relax about it! There's no "pass or fail" and you really can't "study" for it. IF you are an alcoholic, for example, the band probably isn't the right choice for you. However, that's actually rare. Just be honest. If you are in a tizzy it will just make it worse ON YOU! :thumbup: deep breaths, be honest, and you'll be fine.

The band isn't working YET.... until you get fills, most people (me included) don't feel any restriction whatsoever. My surgeon told me it make take 4 (or more) adjustments to get things "right". So for now; the band is there, I'm healing, but I can eat essentially what I ATE prebanding. Remember, it's a tool, and it's not bypass. Slow and steady wins the race. Just follow your surgeon's guidelines and as you gain restriction you'll feel full on much less. In fact, my surgeon said HIS aim for the band for me is that I CAN eat any food, but will be satisfied with WAY less and stay full for up to 5-6 hours. It will be up to me to make healthy choices. So you are doing fine! :thumbup:

My eval was different than Elayne's. I had to answer about 300 questions from the MMPI test...and it asks the same question, but reworded, over and over. For example (this isn't one, just an example) you answer true or false: 1. I love pizza and think it is delicious. 15. Pizza is the best food. 22. People who love pizza are like me 48 Pizza is good for Breakfast You get the drift. It's best to just be honest! :thumbup: Once through that the psychologist questioned me to make sure I wouldn't turn to (not kidding here) alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex once my food was restricted. She didn't ask outright, but that was the point. Again, honesty is the best policy. It was no big deal! :thumbup:

Famous philosopher Yoda LOL This might help you decide: Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band I really think it's just personal preference. My surgeon only places the lap band but he said it's because its what he's used to using. Welcome, enjoy your cruise, and good luck! :thumbup:

I agree w/ThinkNHealthy...My surgeon covered this in the seminar we had to attend. He said (I'm paraphrasing...but this is the essence) just about EVERYONE will lose hair at 3-6 months out. supplements (Protein, Biotin, multivitamins) don't help. It appears to be the body's reaction to the surgery etc. One of his 1000+ patients needed a wig but then she owned a wig shop. (that's what he said! LOL) They ALL had their hair grow back as full, or fuller, than before. So it's a side effect we have to just get through. Hang in there! You won't go bald yet! :thumbup:

I was told caffeine is an appetitie stimulant by my doc's nutritionist. Maybe it does that for some, but doesn't for me at all. Furthermore, although I drank tea (unsweetened) by the bucket and a cup or 2 (12 ounce mugs) of coffee a day, I never have a headache or withdrawal when I pass on it. So lucky me, no caffeine addiction! BUT I am having my 1-2 cups of coffee each morning and then my tea and I'm fine. I DO make sure I get in 64 ounces of pure plain Water and then tea if I'm still thirsty, because plain old water does things for you that tea does not. (odd but true) IMHO if you are getting your water in, have coffee or tea as adjuncts. You'll know if it makes you hungry, and can pass on it.