Lap Band Surgery scheduled for 6/25/13

[Suzanne02780 12]

Good luck to everyone having surgery this month!! I'm new to this site, so just exploring a little. I'm having my surgery next month if everything goes well. I have a question. What made you decide for lap band rather than the other surgeries? I live in Massachusetts and my surgeon here was really pushing the sleeve, but refused just because of the cutting. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[JACKIEO85 308]

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY!!!

I have heard, read more and more as of late that more surgeons are refusing to do the bands, WHY? maybe because of the increased rate of complications? Maybe because ethically they feel doing a band and then having to revise a patient to a sleeve, bypass, or RNY isn't something they want to deal with?

MAY BE they know more than they are telling US the general population.

Your guess is as good as mine, maybe ask your surgeon WHY? he's pushing the sleeve.

I do know I'd ask him how many Bands, Sleeves he's performed, it's a good indication of his experience with either operation.

[Singer 81]

I am 10 days post op and wondered the same thing about the two. My own feeling was, if I ended up like some people...always sick after weight loss surgery, I want them to be able to take it out.

From a Dr's point of view maybe it's less temperamental than a band? A person with a band needs fills, and the Dr has to get it just at that right point for you. Perhaps it is a hit or miss for them.

I don't know. But, I do wonder about the data on a sleeve, it hasn't been around as long as the band.

[Suzanne02780 12]

Thanks so much for your responses. I have a little info. My nutritionist and I had a long conversation about the sleeve and said that the weight loss is much faster than the lap band, but the reason why they were pushing the sleeve was because of the maintenance and because many people didn't show up for scheduled fills or follow up appointments. Wow!

[Suzanne02780 12]

Jackie thanks so much for you response. Absolutely asked tons of questions.

[Suzanne02780 12]

Singer, how are you doing? Hope you're doing good. Would like to hear from your post op experience.

[Binx125 15]

Hi Suzanne!

im on the opposite end of the world, having my surgery 28/06/13. i was so excited at first but now im having sleepless nights and second thoughts. still full steam ahead but im so scared, first time going under the knife and first sleepover in hospital. im stressed out about the pain after surgery. and the adjustment afterwards! can someone please put my mind at ease on the change...the liquid and puree diet - how on earth do you go from your normal overeating to that?

[stept04 465]

Hi Suzanne!

im on the opposite end of the world, having my surgery 28/06/13. i was so excited at first but now im having sleepless nights and second thoughts. still full steam ahead but im so scared, first time going under the knife and first sleepover in hospital. im stressed out about the pain after surgery. and the adjustment afterwards! can someone please put my mind at ease on the change...the liquid and puree diet - how on earth do you go from your normal overeating to that?

HI Binx125,

I go under the same day as you. I wonder too how in the world to you go from a regular diet to liquid for a full week, at least a week for me ,you? Hopefully someone will read the post and give some suggestions. I have a friend of mine who just did it a couple of weeks ago and she said you just do it. You stay focused on the future and why your doing this. So will see, I'll give it my best shot.I'm going to buy a lot of my favorite sugar free gum and Popsicles , and then keep my hand busy, maybe typing in the blog section. Good luck

[Binx125 15]

yay! someone to share my every step with!! like i said im so nervous but when they put me under and wake me up i will remind myself that the pain is temporary and the effect and happiness forever!

my doc said no pre-op diet needed, also no visit to the shrink..which makes me wonder. but im in contact with some of his other patients and they seem to be doing fine!

[Suzanne02780 12]

Hey Binx!! Yay!!! Was hoping to find someone to sharey journey too. Where are you from? Well, I've been practicing with the liquid diet. I really like the EAS shakes. They have 17 grams of Protein, 3 g of carbs, and has Vitamins. If your not a diabetic, the key is to keep your sugar levels low within the normal range. Helps keep cravings under control most of the time. Here in Massachusetts, they have what is called pca (patient controlled analgesia), so every time you have pain you press a button and you medicate yourself. However, it does have a a lock system that won't allow yourself to overdose.

[Suzanne02780 12]

Still confused on who wrote what, but yay anyway!!