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Been there, done that! I was a total hog before I had to do the two weeks of liquids prior to surgery. I gained like 6 pounds because of it. It's definitely "last meal" syndrome!

been there done that - 2 weeks before, I hit all my favorite places - especially pizza - good thing is now it's over I really don't feel like doing that anymore so that's a load off

I was referred to Dr. Lublin in Santa Monica by my insurance company, Blue Shield HMO. After I got my referral for the surgeon consultation, everything went pretty fast. I saw the surgeon on 12/20, finished the tests, etc. by the end of January and now my surgery is scheduled for 3/31. This has all gone much faster than I anticipated. I've been to a couple different websites like this one looking for any mentions of him, but so far nothing. I was just wondering if anyone has been to him for WLS.

I'll share what happened to me..my psych added a comment at bottom of my release paper and just made a note that I "seemed" a little down at last visit which was 2 months before my surgery..so when the nurse called me and said that she told me IF she was to submit that release like that it would no doubt be denied do as soon as I hung up from her I immediately called and got a appointment to go in and talk to her and she did redo the release and I see her every 2 to 3 months still. The psych visits to me are extremely important on this changing behaviour..just sharing . keep us posted..its normal going up and down with stressors..hope things work out!

Hi ALL, I had the gastric band surgery in with Dr Chris De Bruyne, Belgium three years ago(when I was 62yrs old!!) and was very pleased....except that my face(my cheeks really) became more and more wrinkled as the weight fell off. Every time I looked in the mirror these wrinkles bothered me and I started researching Mini Facelifts as a possible solution. I could find NO forum similar to this with any information relevant to us in Ireland. Anyway, I went ahead with great trepidation and had a Mini Facelift in Belgium a week ago and (fingers n toes crossed) I'm pretty delighted with the results...even this early. So I decided to put this little bit of information on this site in the hope that it might be helpful to someone else in the same 'boat' as I found myself in. I had a consultation with Frederik Serneels when I was having a slight unfill and from there made contact with Dr Patrick De Donker etc,etc. I was VERY worried because I couldn't get in contact with any satisfied/unsatisfied patients but went ahead anyway....think he's done a lovely job for me ,anyway. Damienne

Ok, I went on a bit of a crazy spending spree this evening. I ordered from Amazon, Unjury, and Bariatric Choices and I spent, hmm, lets see, about $152! OMG! I just couldn't help myself! I ordered protein soups, protein drinks (clear kinds like Isopure and Protidiet), mixing cup, Unjury's starter pack, a portable hand mixer, etc (I have some weight watcher powder packs here that I can barely stomach because they don't mix well in my shaker bottle with the whisk ball, I am hoping the little portable mixer will do the trick). Earlier today, I bought a thermos, tea, various gummy vitamins, and crystal light water bottle packs at Target. I am SO excited and ready for this weight loss journey to begin! I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ramos Kelly on July 15th at Oasis Hospital, I will spend 2 days in the hospital and 2 nights in the hotel, although, I am thinking of staying an extra night in the Lucerna hotel for my peace of mind, "just in case". I know you understand when I say I can hardly think of anything else. They would like me to start my preop diet 2 weeks before, but I am thinking of starting 3 weeks before so I can feel even more confident. I am so proud of myself for doing this, and although I am a bit nervous, I know that I am making the right decision for me! I have a skinny, healthy person inside of me just dying to come out!

I am 8 weeks out tomorrow and are 38.5 lb down. My average calorie intake since I moved to puree/soft/solids is just under 700 per day.

6 weeks out and 27 pounds down since op and before op 14 pounds during the two week liquid diet. Total lost: 40 pounds

I was not allowed to swallow pills until I was 3 months out. I have no idea about crushing cymbalta, that is a question for the pharmacist

I am scheduled for surgery on April 4. I had a required three month session, which included 2 small pre-op classes, 2 large group post-op sesssions, 2 with nutrionist, 1 psychologist, 2 registered nurse visits, pcp visit, 1 surgeon visit, bloodwork, and an ultra sound. All of my requirements have been met the end of Feb. I have surgery scheduled, but am waiting for the "go ahead" from insurance that can take 4-6 weeks. It was not bad at all. You really learn a lot from the sessions and I looked forward to them. I would not be as prepared today without them. Good luck to you!!

You will get a date. You just have to hang in there. They just want to make sure you keep the no smoking because you have a risk of death and or infection when smoking especially right after surgery. I quite 3 months prior. Also there is a high complication risk of smoking AFTER you get the sleeve. I have to tell you I fell off the wagon BIG TIME. I was so upset that I did. I was 8 months out and all of a sudden I was drinking and smoking ever day. I had to get my butt off them and I have but it is not easy. Even had to do the AA thing. The cross addiction can be a real thing! I learned the hard way. With our small tummies we can get ulcers that can be a little more serious than the normal person with regular size stomachs. This is even far out. I thought it was just in the beggining but actually I have read a lot about it and can be a serious risk even way out. So I think they are truly watching out for you. Call your doc and tell him the research you did and that you totally understand the risk and that you have been clean and are ready for a life change. I wish you the best.

I have been stalled for about 3 weeks. I also had neck surgery three weeks ago so it is understandable. I need to get back into walking soon! I am so bummed as I need some motivation! I was so strict with walking before my surgery! Now I have to get back to it although slowly. I have been at 211 for weeks!

During my appointment with the nutritionist we discussed improving my eating habits and becoming more active. (All stuff I learned with WW.) She put me on a 1600 calorie diet and walk 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per week. 1600 sounds like a lot to me but I am trying to do it. I was placed on diet as part of insurance requirement. This may not be require for you. My psych eval involved a lot of test just to see if I am mentally prepared for surgery. She gave me three words to memorize and repeat. She asked me to repeat them a minute later. I also took a computer based test with a lot of questions. Let me know if you need more detailed information.

I'm dealing with United Healthcare right now. I know what you mean, lol. We're going to be submitting the paperwork next week. Hopefully I have everything they need/want. I was told to provide: -- Weight history for 5 years -- Diet history -- Note from PCP (I don't have a PCP right mine because mine opened her own practice and I haven't gotten another one because I never need to go to one! So I'm using my endocrinologist, who I've been seeing for 5 years. He wrote a note for me) -- And then meet the BMI requirements, see a nutritionist, and get a psych eval

Popcorn? I wouldn't, at six weeks believe it or not your stomach is still healing. The small kernels and stuff that get stuck In your teeth? That can get stuck in the staple line of your still healing stomach.. People really are not cleared for that kind of stuff until much later on..

PORT REPLACED as tubing 'blown' & HANGING in PELVIS I have just returned from Bruge where I had a second operation (general) to replace my port and reconnect it to the tubing after it Blew apart. I was losing FABULOUSLY (28pounds in 3 months) and then in May 2007 I suffered EXCRUCIATING PAIN where I was hospitalised (check my other posts) and they did all kinds of tests but found nothing. I have regained all the weight I lost bar 2 pounds. I have literally just got home from Bruge and am writing to WARN people about a BAD BATCH OF BANDS that were in circulation across the world between DECEMBER 2006 and FEBRUARY 2007. The bands are 10ml bands made by HELIOGAST and the connection blows out after about 2 fills (or 5-6 mls) and gives CHRONIC pain in the port area and also in the pelvis. it feels like you are going to have a baby NO JOKE. The port is stabbing you in the tummy, and the tubing is prodding around in your pelvis! They bandied words like Kidney stones and Diverticulitis in the hospital, but cam up with nothing. It was only when I started regaining and had NO restriction and was eating whatyever the hell I wanted even after a further 4 fills and the assurance of my fill doctor (Dr. Dovey) that all was fine, that I booked to have a fluroscopic fill. Initially it was because I thought they must be missing the port or something... NO!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Dovey said everything was fine, but it was NOT. The last fill I recieved I got an infection and was off work for a week! I had had 4 fills since my blow out, regained 25 pounds and my fill doctor thought we were I QUOTE "MAKING PROGRESS"!!!!!!!!!!!! As you can see I am VERY angry. Helioghast are paying all expenses, but I am RUINED EMOTIONALLY. This has caused me pain and suffering for 5 months straight as the port connector jabbed and stabbed me in the stomach for the last 5 months. I AM APPEALING TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD A SUDDEN ONSET PAIN and then weight regain, or similar problems with port to contact me. cge@talktalk.net I am also not alone, I know 4 others from the same hospital that suffered the same problem. WE MUST SORT THIS OUT... I was banded 14th FEBRUARY 2007 in BRUGGES BELGIUM by DR. DILLEMANS. When I had the fluro the band was there - fine. The port was there... stranded on its own with the connector sticking directly upwards towards my head. The tubing was hanging down INTO MY PELVIS It was shocking beyond belief. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED EXTREME PAIN or think this might be the same as you. Claire Eldred

Just had my first fill this morning at 6 weeks post-op. It was really uneventful - small lidocaine stick and my surgeon had no trouble finding my port. One thing I found interesting - UCSF is a teaching hospital, and there were 3 third-year med students observing. Dr. Campos menitoned to the students that methylene blue was used in the port as a marker. Thought that was interesting.

I had my 1st fill 1 week ago and I didn't feel a thing. I was standing and the needle was sticking in me while they did the flouroscope(xray), no lidocaine or anything. I thought it went great! I worried for no reason.

I think you could probably do it if you're sure to stay hydrated if it's hot and if you don't totally overdo it with physical activity (though a good bit of walking will be good for you). I would try to stay somewhere with a mini fridge so that you can keep protein shakes and what not on hand (I was on full liquid for about 3 weeks post-op). However, if it were me, I might go a couple of weeks before surgery and call it an early anniversary trip. Your energy levels aren't the highest right after surgery generally speaking and you may prefer to be at home resting and focusing on your new part-time job, which will be getting in fluids and protein. I didn't do any food funerals, but if I had been in the Keys before my surgery--I might have chosen to indulge in a slice of pre-op key lime pie at Blue Heaven in Key West....

Six hour train ride 2 weeks after surgery with no issues.. would have been much more enjoyable if the train was going to the Keys rather than Harrisburg, PA.

Let me tell you onething this has been the best thing I have ever done in my life. Ya you will hurt a few weeks but to lose weight and keep it off I would hurt a year. It' s not that bad at all. I didn't do that great on my pre opt diet but I still lost weight and the doctor did the surgery and I not hungry all the time and the next time I go to the doctor I get my first fill and then I should be where I want to be. You have to remember that the band is loose after surgery so you will be hungry and just remember to chew your food good.

Ok so here goes nothing I have only been banded for almost 2 weeks now and it is miserable and I am not sure I can do it. My fullness feeling has left me for about 3 days now and I felt like I could eat things that were not on my diet. I am worried I have caused a problem for my self I did call my doctor about the feeling of no fullness and he said that was normal. But he does not know I have completely screwed up my diet already not really portion size I think that is still about right but I can drink lots and no problems and have been drinking pretty normal maybe not quite as much but some what. I am afraid to tell him I have done this and that I have messed my band up .Did anyone else feel this way before your first fill and what did you eat the everyday stuff not follow the diet progression and are you ok .Do you think if I stop I will be ok or does anyone think I should be worried or what I am lost and scared please help me I love to eat and now without the restriction it is hard to only drink liquids and I am not sure I am strong enough please help me ....I also have ate some pizza just 1 piece and that was just the top layer and no crust or underneath and I also have eaten some chips that one hurt a little wont do that again. This is hard watching everyone else go on as normal while u eat nothing just drink what should I do .................

Are you saying that you are going to have our pre op tests done in Mexico also and then plan to have your surgery right away on the same trip? I have an on-line friend who went for his stress test here in US last week; they found a blockage and scheduled him for an angioplasty (inserted a stent in his heart). He will have his wls when he is fully recovered from that. I know of another case in which the psych eval indicated depression and the shrink required the patient to see a therapist before they would schedule the wls. So, yes, things do happen. Would it be possible for you to find out what Dr R requires, do the pre op work here, then take the results with you to Mexico.?

Don't be so down on yourself. I know the feeling of the liquid diet. I tried of variety of different things when I went on my preop diet. I made my own protein shakes for variety and I was exercising 2-3 days a week and I went to surgery. We all cheat at times but the most important thing is that you get back on track. You can do this:). Good luck on your journey.

Angie, I had a cut on my mouth and in my mouth, 3 weeks after the procedure, I spit out plastic from the roof of my mouth. But this is not going to stop me from getting the band. BSurgeon knows all about it. He asked me to get an endoscopy. 3/27 I go to the gastro then he will set up a date for endoscope. Then I will call Surgeon and see what happens. I think my day may be April late or early May pending all goes well.