Search the Community

It’s been a busy two days. Yesterday morning I had my Psych pre-op visit. Now, I’ve been a little nervous about this one…probably because I’ve never been before…or maybe it’s because of that somewhat dysfunctional family (or was that fun family?) I grew up in. Anyway, I Map Quested the directions downtown and I set the GPS up in the car. Even with all this technology I realize I need to start asking for landmarks. I turned on the final road, which happened to be a one way square with four lanes of traffic (about a block long on each side). The GPS is yelling at me that my destination is on the right, I’m looking for the address to no avail. About the third time circling around the square I’m feeling like a lab rat in a maze…is this part of the Psych test? I’m not going to find it…so I call (fun to do while you’re in the giant circle of traffic). Landmark “church”…NOT on the right…stupid GPS…and NO address on the front of the building…it’s on the side facing the parking lot…OK, by the time I know which parking lot to pull into, of COURSE I know I’m at the right address…stupid signs. Glad I cushioned my time to get there…my Psychiatrist looks like he stepped right out of a Psych book…Brown hair with a beard, dressed all in brown with a brown tweed coat...all he needed was a pipe. Yes, he had a couch, but I chose the chair. We signed a few forms, he showed me the form he’ll send to the surgeon, I waited while he filled some more forms out (are you asleep yet…maybe that’s what that couch is for?). He asked me a list of questions for about 20 more minutes, I answered honestly (luckily he didn’t ask too many hard ones) and we were done…it probably would have been quicker, but I tend to babble when I’m nervous. Piece of cake…whew! It was ALMOST disappointing that he didn’t bite on anything, not even my labels in the pantry, apparently NOT OCD. I think it’s good you now know someone to call if you’re having issues after the band, especially for someone like me who wouldn’t know where to find help. Today was the surgeon consult. Mr.SA took the day off to go with me, and since they rescheduled it, unfortunately it was a noon appointment. We arrived early and by the time I was done completing paperwork and waiting it was 45 min. later. Mr. SA noticed that most of the waiting room had loveseat size chairs, and many there needed them…I count myself lucky I’m getting help while I can still barely squeeze into a regular chair. More deadpan nurses (Does no one enjoy their job these days? Better than 'bedpan'! Ha!) and I’m on the scale…wow…it’s a huge scale…whoops, I’ve lost a few pounds, I’m only 5# from the minimum BMI, with shoes on. I didn’t lock my knees completely and I made the 5’8” easily (I’m shrinking in my old age). More waiting in the exam room…I took this opportunity to babble endlessly to Mr.SA, as I do when I’m nervous. He asked me how they fill a band that’s already in you…Was he not at two of the three seminars I attended? Maybe he was just trying to keep my busy…so I humored him and explained the port…then I explained how it feels to be heavy…imagine someone strapped 10, 10# bowling balls to you and asked you to carry on. About that time the surgeon (Dr. Colella, which was good, so now I’ve met both of them), the woman (Susan I think) who runs the pre-op class (I’ll need to attend a few weeks prior to surgery) and the head resident came in. After a few greetings he asked what questions I had about the surgery…the woman commented on my typed and highlighted sheet of questions (a little OCD…I’m telling you) and that she liked it. I rapidly went through my questions and he confirmed I could chose the LB, and we confirmed my port site being slightly to the left, between my ribs and belly button line (the default, if you don’t care, is the right)…he acted a little surprised that I cared (I’m right handed, I sleep only on my right as my left shoulder is bad, I care), but he had no problem placing it anywhere as long as it’s not too far from the band. He listened to my extreme nausea with anesthesia issues and will give me preventatives as I had with my last surgery (actually, the resident will handle this with the anesthesiologist). He’s asked me to do a cardiology MRI and then I’ll see the cardiologist for clearance, so two new things to schedule (I’m not sure if this is routine, or if it was because of all the heart issues in my family history). I just realized I forgot to tell him about my allergy to surgical tape (the adhesive actually) so I’ll have to call about that. It was a good, positive meeting and he gives you complete confidence that everything will go smoothly. If you’ve made it this far without falling asleep, I applaude you my friend, as I wanted to remember the major points. So now, for the great part!!! The insurance lady, Patty came in next to go over my questions. I asked if I could lose more than the 35 BMI min. and her answer was "If you weighed less than the 35 BMI then you wouldn't need the surgery now would you?" Got it...nuff said. Apparently Highmark PPO Blue is the ‘cadillac’ (her words) of the insurance companies in our area. She confirmed that my insurance will cover their percentage of everything, and my doc even includes 6 fills (I think ins. will cover them as well). When I discussed all the extra work I’d done with my PCP; my own form, education every month, and then asked if I could supply a personal letter to the insurance co. she told me if I had another ins. co., that might be needed, but all I needed to do was have the PCP fill out the very basics on their form and it would be fine for Highmark. She said they usually get back to her with approval within 72 hours. Then she confirmed my wildest dream that I truly only have to do 6 visits with my PCP, not 6 months/7 visits. That means if I can get all the cardio visits done I could have everything into the surgeon by early April. She said I might even be in for surgery by the end of April! Hooray!!! With two kids graduating (college and H.S.) this spring, an earlier date is so much better! Hey, I might even make my original goal of having this done by my 49 7/8 birthday (yes, and holding) on the 27th! Whoot!!!

Congratulations, from where I sit (3 weeks post-sleeve) you seem to be doing great. I am on the opposite side of your issue, trying to establish routines that remind me of my vitamins and water. The only thing I can suggest related to your vitamins is to set a reminder alarm on your phone and/or connect it to another regular activity.

I experienced weakness and lightheadedness for a few weeks after surgery. I had blood work done and found out my potassium was low. A week after starting potassium supplements I felt 100% better. Might be worth getting blood work to check.

Hi All, I was banded last May and have been on a plateau since around November. After some bad fills and attempts at fills, I had a fill under flouroscopy and the Dr. realized my port had flipped and I am waiting to get a date for my port replacement surgery. I have read some accounts that say it happens all the time and some that say it is very rare. Does anyone have any advice? What was the recovery time like? I have had more discomfort than usual in the last couple of weeks since the dr. was poking me under the floroscope and am really anxious to get this taken care of. Thanks for your help! Libby

I just don't know what to do... My first day of the two-week liquid diet is on Thursday, and my husband has planned for us to meet three other couples at the KC Royals game far tailgating and the baseball game. I'm just not sure how I will feel that first day! I might be just fine...I might be a hungry psychopath...I just don't know! I'm just nervous about being put in a situation on my very first day where I'll want to eat. The good thing is I can bring in unopened bottles of Water, so I can bring my crystal light flavoring and possibly a Protein shake. Ugh...should I go?

I'm one month and a week post op and I DO have this issue on some days (no blood). Before surgery, I followed a low carb diet (for the most part) and my BM were at least twice a day... It was a pleasure to go. LoL. I'm currently using glycerin suppositories because they work fast and do not leave you with a sore bumm. However, it's not safe to depend on them, so once this bottle is finished, I guess I'll drink more water and eat more fiber-rich veggies. Good luck! I hope it's nothing serious.

For me when I move onto soft foods they told me to have three meals and one snack. I have to say, I'm looking forward to this

The PA gave me my fill last week. She said that since I had very little fluid in my band she was surprised that I hadn't gained weight. I'm really hoping the whopping fill she gave me will help! I lost 3 pounds on liquids right after the fill but as soon as I started eating again I gained 2 back. Someday it has to budge!

Wow, did I have an interesting experience. I went to my Dr.'s information session last week. In the waiting room (the session was supposed to start at 1:30, it actually got started at about 3) I met two women. Let's call one Kay and the other Nancy. Kay is 18 and had the band 4 months ago. SHe has lost 24 pounds in 4 months. She now is wanting the doctor to take out the band and give her an RNY. She has a ton of medical problems and seems to be a real mess emotionally. I talked with her for about half an hour and all I kept hearing from her were excuses as to why her band hasn't worked. She blamed everything from her health (which I'm sure is a real battle) to her mom's cooking. She has been throwing up "everything" and says that the doctor tells her she must eat slower and chew more (he also said that she must be eating something because she's not dehydrated or loosing weight rapidly). Kay blamed her troubles on everyone else. She took no responsibility for her situation or her choices. After Kay went into her appointment, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was hard work talking to her. I felt like she was so down on the band that I was beginning to wonder if she was right. Then I met Nancy. Nancy had a brightness to her face. I wanted to talk to her. We chatted for a bit and she has had the band about 4 months too. She's thrilled with it and said it's the best thing ever. She said that the day she decided to have the surgury she decided that she was going to think of the whole experience as being "great". It is a miracle procedure and so she's going to act like it's one. She was so excited and enthusiastic. Guess how much weight she's lost...35 pounds! After talking to these two very different women, I decided to take the same attitude as Nancy. This journey is going to be great. It maybe hard once and awhile, but it will still be great. I also decided that I'm going to make sure to get rid of any negative person in my life. I also am going to work really hard at seeing the positive things myself. Megan

I went to my ob/gyn today...I have officially lost... 40 lbs...I'm 4 weeks LRNY as of tomorrow! Just wanted to share my progress!! ????????????

I sorta approached it that way, too. I'd done the short term diets and scale monitoring over and over again prior with mixed results and zero long term progress. I decided to have wls surgery and joined here. I was willing to follow the often given advice to "embrace the stalls" and to "not worry about the scale". Well....that didn't work for me. The pre-op diet was where I kicked the who "embrace" attitude to the curb. I knew there would be monthly weigh-ins with my NUT and I couldn't stand the internal drama from anticipation as to what those monthly results would be. I bought a superbadass scale and kept check on it myself. No drama...just a steady move in the desired direction. I was then able to walk into those weigh-ins with a smile on my face...secure in the knowledge of what the results would be as I stepped up on her scale. This weighing was very effective in validating results in food choices post op. There is a good bit of experimentation with our simple post-op diets. The scale helps to show the results of this. I believe, at least at this point, that the scale will be a very effective tool for me once I reach the fighting weight that I want to live at. I will be able to see upward trends and take corrective actions. Simply gauging based on how my clothes fit isn't a good method for me. The scale will identify where I am and help me stay in the narrow weight range that I intend to live. Everyone has different ideas and theories on the scale. I began this process with similar thinking that you describe. I quickly changed my thinking though. The scale is a vital tool. I hope you have successful results and are able to find your stride and get dialed in on what works for you.

I was just banded on 5/9 but as I read about fills it gets confusing. I am wondering why if you have a fill and you have restriction after the fill why is it that in a couple weeks you don't? What causes that? Anyone know?

It has happened to me, and I think it is because anytime you have a fill, you also have some swelling, due to the band being altered. So after a week or 2 the swelling goes down and for that reason some people lose restriction. Hope that helped! :confused_smile:

Since you've had your surgery...do you ever notice how MUCH all of those other people are eating!! I am keenly aware of this and think WOW did I use to way that much!!! I can say that all I thought about for 2 weeks post op was eating again but you will be surprised once they give you the go ahead it won't be such a present thought (%#@$ head hunger). I wish you luck but know you are strong and madge it through any temptations. I promise you as each situation presents itself you will feel more inner confidence about making this life change. Wishing you a continued speedy recovery.

I also felt weak and short of breath for several weeks. Gosh, I was winded for.. 4, 6 weeks? Try milk and broth. They may go easier than protein shakes.

Hi, before you get too concerned about your body rejecting the port as suggested above, you should call your doctor, make an appointment to go and see them. I had my surgery on 7 april, and 10 weeks later, my large incision has only just now finally healed completely. I had an infection on the left edge, which caused open wound about 1/4 inch across. I had 3 courses of strong antibiotics to help rid the infection.

12.4 Kg (27 pounds) is a good weight loss for the first 4 weeks. Follow the program requirements. A lack of energy could be caused my not following the Vitamin or Fluid requirements. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery and the program did not have me transition to solid foods until week 9. So there is no need to push into solids because it can be hard on the stomach (and can cause nausea). Walking at least 30 minutes each day can help ease the pain quite a bit.

I have a different Blue Cross plan. Under my plan, the out of pocket max is the max I'd pay in a year for all services - its intended as a safeguard if you have a catastrophic injury or illness. That was different than what I paid for any given service. Does your blue cross plan have a SErvice Benefit Brochure online? If so, it will likely list bariatric surgery and say what you need to pay depending on if the doc and hospitals are preferred providers or not. Also, note that this cost is JUST for the hospitalization. I ended up with costs for the hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and lab work. It was far lower than my out of pocket max. I saw three surgeons before I decided on surgery, the only one that would have required me to make such a big payment up front was someone who did not take insurance and was covered as a non-participating provider. Again, my insurance may work differently than yours.

that's totally normal. It's from the swelling and the fluid... not to mention they blow up your belly with gas to make room for for the surgery... You will see the difference in a week or so.

I started eating pureed foods 1 week post op as per nutrionist....I've been eating tuna w/miracle whip blended in the magic bullet (love that thing), scrambled eggs, chicken breast w/broth blended in magic bullet, cottage cheese, applesauce, sweet potato and green Beans (magic bullet). My favorite is the tuna w/miracle whip.......it's heavenly - I use 1 small can (3oz) tuna and 1 Tbls of miracle whip and measure out 4 tbls of it....yum!! Now I want to leave work for lunch. I'm allowed 4 tbls of any of the above 3 times a day....I also still have 3 Protein shakes in between (Unjury) with 4 oz of milk. I haven't really been hungry at all. Good luck everyone!!

Hi Tawn, My name is Teresa and I live in the Eugene, Oregon area. I am 30 yrs old, married 5 years, no kids but lots of pets. Maybe if we are ever headed in each other's direction we should try to meet up. I am 7 weeks post op and down 32 lbs. Your banded friends will be very important support for you. Best of luck to all of you. Teresa

I was also banded on the 15Th & have had a 4 pound increase from the day I went in. I'm sure it must be all the IV fluids. I cant see any other way I could have gained. I was 15 lbs down from the slim fast diet I did 2 weeks prior to surgery and the day before I was only allowed clear liquids. Since surgery all I have had is liquids power aid, cranberry juice cocktail and a couple of slim fast optima shakes. I think I will try some cream of chicken soup for dinner tonight. I don't know how U all feel but I really have no appetite at all ,and I'm having a hard time getting the required liquids in. But I was allowed nothing by mouth for over 30 hours after surgery cuz I had to wait for my swallow test and then for the doc to approve. So the first time I even got water was around 3pm yesterday. I wonder when hunger will kick in? What all are u guys eating/ drinking to get ur protein in to keep from getting weak? I don't want to get dehydrated or malnourished but I also don't want to hurt the band !!! Any input would be much appreciated.

Hello I went through the same thing. I was up about 8lbs for about a week after surgery. I then dropped 13lbs 2 weeks after surgery and I am 4 weeks post-op and down 20lbs. Just hang in there you will start to lose soon. :tongue2:

Hi, glad I found this thread, you all answered exactly my question: I had my surgery Thursday 9/25, and came home that afternoon and weighed 6 pounds MORE than I did that morning! Ha! Well, I sure haven't taken anything in to speak of since the surgery, only broth, tea, sugar free jello, so I know I have really "gained" 6 pounds. I have been told not to worry about the scale right now, only about healing, but it's nice to know that your collective experiences suggest that the extra 6 pounds will likely disappear in a week or so. Thanks! We all need all the encouragement we can get!