Andygrlrn

It sounds as if you need to be evaluated by MD's that can write letters explaining the dangers of your weight. Such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist. Some documentation to verify that you have obesity related disease's. They may also want you to be evaluated as a preop to rule out any possible problems that may occur during surgery Good Luck Andrea

The need for an endoscopy is to rule out any unknown upper GI problems before the surgery, it is a very important step. When I found out that my Dr required it I was impressed with this. Being a medical professional myself I understand the need to rule out possible problems BEFORE surgery. As far as the 2 week preop diet, My Dr requires a liquid MEAL replacement, not just dietary supplements but MEAL replacements with ALL the nutrients you need and non of the Fat. My Dr requires his patients choose one of 2 types. One costs $180 for the 2 weeks and the other is $100 for the 2 weeks. The Dr wants this so that the liver will shrink prior to surgery making the procedure safer. I have been monitoring ALOT of You Tube vlogs and I have found that those who go into this surgery questioning the Dr requirements for pre and post op develop some many problems and express alot of frustration and unhappiness after surgery. Best of luck to you Andrea

I am really amazed that some people are unsure of what the pre/post diet are and why they are SO important! Preop---- 2 weeks of high Protein, liquids(meal replacement, not just slimfast or carnation inst) is needed to decrease the size of the liver, reduce the fat around it. During surgery the have to work around the liver and they must be sure to have enough room and avoid injuring it. Post op---2 weeks High protein liquids--Banded area is sutured and those sutures need to HEAL. This diet allows that to happen. Protein is important in the healing process, it help wounds/surgical sites to heal by increasing the bodys ability to build lean muscle. Best of luck to all, I am currently in the middle of my required 6 month MD supervised diet and HOPE to be approved in late Feb 2010.

I have had some people ask me the same ?. I am currently 225 and 5'6". If they had the pain in there backs like I do, they would not ask. Yours and mine reasons are our own, just be proud of yourself for wanting to improve your quality of life/health. I still have 5 months of pre aprroval MD followed diet to get threw. Best of luck