LvnDreamz

My surgery wasn't cancelled, but I did need a cardiologist clearance due to a history of high blood pressure, my age and my history of smoking. I was cleared. Many times the doctor is just trying to cover all of his bases to ensure a safe surgery and recovery. The more cearances you have the less likely the surgeon is to be sued.

Just a suggestion... Make sure your surgeon works closely with your PCP. Some insurance companies will only pay standard coverage when tests, etc are ordered by primary care. I got a little tripped up when my surgeon ordered tests and my insurance covered them at a different rate than ones ordered by my PCP. Also, make sure your surgeon provides you with a list of procedures that he requires and then run that by your health care advocate/insurance company and PCP. He can order them and then fax results to surgeon. Fo example, many people at my former employer had lap bands and one of my coworker's wife worked in the surgeons office and was tremendously helpful. I was one of the first that she assisted that needed an UGI before the surgen approved me for surgery. The surgeon requested this due to my age (49), and my history of smoking.

I'm female and was not cathed. Interesting, but I too was a little concerned about getting a catheter. I was so sore the last time and ended up with a uti, too. The doctor said that most patients for lap band do not get cathed due to the surgery time being so short. Unless it is an emergency most hospital personnel would not cath you without your permission, awake, asleep or during surgery.

I believe that the doctor typically stands next to the patients side. Standing between a patient's legs would actually be ackward for the doctor( but as someone mentioned its different for every doctor)...but it really isn't an issue; there isn't a floppy breast, stretch mark, period, hair, birthmarks, etc that the doctor hasn't already seen. In most surgeries the area to be operated on is prepped and the other parts of the body are usually covered for sanitary reasons.

Sinus drainage and dairy could possibly be responsible. Just a suggestion but you may trying making your first beverage each morning just plain hot Water (with a little lemon will help you with elimination.) The hot water will loosen any drainage that you had during the night and pass it through your throat and digestive system. That way your regular food and liquids don't have to compete.

My surgery was done this past Friday (the day before my 50th birthday!) Mine was done outpatient and took a total of 4 hours including check-in, surgery and recovery. I was not cathed because my doctor says the surgery is too short. I also kept my own panties on! YOu'll have to experience the one-size-fit-all disposable panties to understand my joy I also did not receive the heprin shot that may banders speak about. I filled out some paperwork in the waiting room, was called back for weighing, to change into a gown, booties and surgery cap to cover my hair. The anesthesiologist came in and talked with me, the doctor said hello, they started an iv (no pain) and gave an injection of something. I walked back to surgery, climbed on the bed (I had no complaints about the chill in the room, but many have said it was uncomfortably cold for them.) I sat up just a little and watched them prepare some instruments. I was told that they would cover my abdomen with some prep material, I asked the anesthesiologist why he didn't ask me to count backwards like they do in the movies. He chuckled and said he thought it was tacky. I chuckled... The nurse then said, "okay Lvndreamz. Lvndreamz?" I said, "okay, I'm guess I'm ready." She said, "Sweetie, you're in recovery." I will admit that I was a little uncomfortable in recovery, but I am not sure why. It wasn't pain per se, but a deep feeling of having to burp...not vomit...but burp! It was uncomfortable enough that I asked for something for pain...but it wasn't deep pain...just pressure. I was also loopy. I was asked to sit up, the nurse asked me a couple of questions...just routine do you know who you are type stuff. Again, I felt loopy...I was very awake but there was a slight fuzzyness to my world. I was taken out in a wheelchair. Loaded into the vehicle and for a moment I didn't really know who was driving my car...it was just for a moment or two but it was weird. I knew it was my sister...but not really. It was about a 40-minute drive back to my house and I became more and more clear/precise by the minute. I was tired, a little sleepy, and sore...not in super pain just a soreness...and that sensation to burp. I felt absolutely fine the day after and went shopping with my sister. I did get a little bit tired. I have taken about 6 doses of pain medication total. I took a shower about 72 hours after surgery (my nurse said it was okay.) What I have struggled with after surgery is: Sipping rather than gulping fluids. Making myself have fluids (I have a tendency to dehydrate easily and have to make sure that I do my fluids.) I had one episode of nausea...I burped up my fluids, felt great and have been careful not to gulp fluids since then. I've had the equivalent of an hour of some kind of shoulder pain. That's my story!

Bethm, You may want to go over the directions for your pre-op diet again with your doctor or nutritonalist. Please understand that this is my opinion...but you are not getting enough calories, Vitamins or minerals and it is no wonder you are hungry. You need Protein girlfriend. I can understand no carbs...but I don't see where you are allowed chicken breast, turkey, fish...even a little bit of beef. YOu seem to be on a stravation diet and your body will be reluctant to give up the fat if it thinks it is starving. Again, I am not a professional but your diet doesn't seem inadequate.

I am sorry that some of you have had such negative responses. I asked my HR director if the company covered it and within 30 minutes she had gotten the information and asked if I wanted to speak to some people in my company who've had lap banding. Although she would not release their names she asked if they could call me. I received calls from three employees...telling me about the procedure, recommending doctors, and being very supportive.

HD, I am so sorry to hear about your difficulties with your lap band. The advice you've gotten is perfect, now IS the time to focus on the health issue first. I woud recommend that you take notes on everything the doctor has said to you. This may be important to you in the future. It seems that many lapbanders mention a gastric exray with barium so the doctor can look for any constrictions...have you had that done?

Congratulations, LezDiva! I have my surgery this Friday.

Just my opinion, but not every psychologist is prepared to deal with obesity. And some may even have their own agenda such as their own weight loss programs or group or private therapy sessions. I'm not saying that is what is going on with the psychologist that you saw, but it should be considered.

My psych eval was about 2 hours with the most time spent on the multiple choice evaluation. My doc xplained that the psych was mandated by most insurance because many patients don't understand that lap band is a tool and not a quick fix.