Questions before going forward with lap-band...

[happy2lose 0]

I had a BMI under 40 and had to do a 2 week pre-op diet. I think it is more doctor specific that weight/BMI specific.

Yes, it is doctor specific, but with a high BMI it is pretty universal.

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

1. Do you FEEL the LAP-BAND® around your stomach? Does it feel tight or uncomfortable?

No

2. I think giving up soda will be really hard. WHY must it be done?

You may be able to drink sode at some time in the future, BUT in the beginning especially, the carbonation can build up in your pouch and cause you some discomfort.

3. What is the purpose of the liquid diet pre-surgery? And post?

Pre-op is to shrink your liver so that your surgeon has a little more room in which to maneuver. Almost all obese people have fatty deposits in their livers, some more than others... Your doctor's pre-op and post-op diet may very dramatically from other docs. Just follow his instructions!

Post-op is to facilitate healing.

4. Did your insurance company cover the procedure? How long did the pre-auth take? Did you have to do psych evals, etc?

No, my insurance did not cover the surgery. Your doctor can likely tell you the average approval time for your insurance company. As to requirements, you can can always call your insurance company to see what they require. Bear in mind that some requirements are not the insurance company but the doctor.

5. The port - does it physically bother you? Can you see it initially, after losing, etc? My husband is kinda freaked out about it....

It's about the size of a quarter and not very thick. I can feel mine if I press down firmly.

6. Does getting a fill hurt? Or does it feel like getting a flu shot / giving blood?

Mine have never hurt at all. The first time, they gave me a numbing shot and then did the fill, the second time, I had them just do the fill. Either way you get one little pinch but no pain.

7. Do you have restrictions with taking pills? I.e. is Tylenol still effective, does it digest regularly, etc.

I now have to take absolutely NO medications. I have taken some Tylenol a few times and had no problem swallowing them. The medications are dissolved the same way but in the pouch. I was told not to take ibuprofen ever because it can inflame the smaller environment of the pouch versus your whole stomach.

8. What about drinking alcohol? Is it OK occassionally?'

The only restriction on alcohol is the calories. A shot of rum has about 60 calories. Mixers are, of course loaded. I drink rum with Diet Coke. It seems like the alcohol kills the carbonation really quickly. But just remember that post op you will be eating about 1,000-1,200 calories per day and just 2 shots is 10% of that amount so it's easy to add a lot of extra calories quickly. So don't make a daily habit out of it, LOL.