Any Loyola Lap band patients

[raajr1962 0]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting. I have my first consultation appointment Feb 12, 2010 with Dr Sarker. What should I be expecting? I have been in the Loyola Medical System for about 10 years now. I have health issues of Hypertension, border line diabetic, and about 145 lbs overweight. My general practioners have been monitoring my weight for the past 9 years. I see my doctor every 3 months for the past 3 years. What do you guys having the experience think of my situation?

Thanks, Raajr1962

[marie715 0]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting. I have my first consultation appointment Feb 12, 2010 with Dr Sarker. What should I be expecting? I have been in the Loyola Medical System for about 10 years now. I have health issues of Hypertension, border line diabetic, and about 145 lbs overweight. My general practioners have been monitoring my weight for the past 9 years. I see my doctor every 3 months for the past 3 years. What do you guys having the experience think of my situation?

Thanks, Raajr1962

Hi, nice to meet another Dr. Sarker patient. I had my 1st appointment with Dr. Sarker in April 2008 and by the time I went through all of the testing and insurance etc. I was banded on Sept. 4, 2008. I've lost 108 pounds since the day of surgery. Just from reading your short post, I think you sound like a good candidate for the lap band. I only saw Dr. Sarker twice before surgery. So you won't probably spend alot of time with her. If you've been in the Loyola Medical system for 10 years now I think you know that they will do all of the tests possible to ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery and are fully prepared.

Why don't you post after your appointment and let us know how it went? If I can answer any specific questions you have, I will.

Good luck! I totally, completely LOVE MY LAP BAND!

[raajr1962 0]

Thanks Marie715. I will update tomorrow when we get back from appointment. I'm sure I'll have many more questions.

Thanks Again, Raajr1962

[Tayter 0]

Hi Everyone!

I too am in the prelim stages of my banding.

Here's my journey so far....

I started to have blood pressure issues about a year ago so was put on meds. Swelling from Water in feet and ankles, etc... Then in Oct breathing issues (due in part to my size) and finally went to my dr in Dec. At that time I discussed my weight and options with her. By Jan, I had the approval from BCBS hmo IL to see a LAP-BAND®® dr for a consult. I was given Rush and Loyola for my options. Loyola is 2 and a half hours away, and Rush is even further. I chose Dr Sarker at Loyola.

I had my first appointment with her Jan 15. She gave me the ever dreaded list of things to do... To date, I have everything done. I had the sleep study done earlier this week and they now want me to go for another sleep study to be set up for a cpap. Without the cpap, I was told the surgery can't be done... I talked to Gayle today at Dr Sarkers office and she told me that she is waiting for the sleep study and the psych eval and then my file will be given to Dr Sarker for review... After she looks at it and approves, then Marva(??) will send to BCBC hmo IL for final approval.... So, honestly things are moving rather quickly for me... I just hope they continue that way. Once the ins co gives the final approval, then I will see her one more time before surgery (I think).

The other night when I had my sleep study, I was laying there miserable. I couldnt sleep with all them stupid wires, and I felt so trapped so I was laying there thinking and second guessing myself and was wondering why I was doing this. It actually scared the crap out of me and is making me rethink things.

I need a serious support system and I dont have one yet!! I have only told my significant other, my mom and my friend in CO (who was also banded in Oct and to date she has lost 52 lbs) about this. I dont want everyone to know my business, so I dont talk to my friends or close coworkers about it. I also have 2 kids (10 and 17) that do not know Im considering it.. I feel like I am being sneaky all the time, and I hate it!

Can someone help bring me out of this slump I'm in?? I need some encouragement. I seriously feel that I'm a food addict and will eat myself to death if I dont go thru with it.

[marie715 0]

Hey, Tater. I can offer you support and encouragement. I know the sleep study is so uncomfortable. For me, the 2nd time there was worse than the first. But once the sleep studies are done you don't have to do it again. Actually, I'd say that was probably one of the most uncomfortable procedures during the entire lap band process for me. Once you are all done with the pre surgery testing you will know for sure that you are in the best possible shape to go through with the surgery. In other words, they are going to know everything about you medically before they wheel you into the operating room. And that is a good thing.

Dr. Sarker banded me 1 1/2 years ago. I have lost 110 lbs. I never, ever expected to lose that much weight. But still, my advice to others is to research the heck out of it so that you feel confident about your choice. I'll be the first to admit it is not for everyone.

I am just like you in that I have told very, very few people that I have it. Even after 1 1/2 years my parents and sisters do not know. : ) I have told no one at work. I believe that it is none of their business. When someone asks how I lost the weight I say 'Dr. Supervised diet.' And that is the truth.

Anyways, please email me and I will respond. I love talking about my experiences and I think it will help you to hear about them.

And yes, you are correct when you say that you will meet one more time with Dr. Sarker after your surgery has been approved. I look forward to hearing from you.

[raajr1962 0]

Well, As of Friday 4/23 I will have my last doctor visit (Pulmonary Consultation). I had the sleep test done last week 4/14, what a joke! I didn't get wired and off to bed until around 11:15 or 11:30pm. I had 3 tubes stuck in my nose and I could not move do to wires having no slack. I don't really no how they can get a true ready when 1) it is not your normal sleeping positon, 2) sleeping in a hospital bed, 3) completely wired up and 4) blinking lights from the monitor machines throughout the night. I have all normal test results on all my tests so far, waiting on sleep, pulmonary, and UGI which I know there is no problem there. I'm hoping by the 2nd week in May I am cleared for surgery.

[marie715 0]

Well, As of Friday 4/23 I will have my last doctor visit (Pulmonary Consultation). I had the sleep test done last week 4/14, what a joke! I didn't get wired and off to bed until around 11:15 or 11:30pm. I had 3 tubes stuck in my nose and I could not move do to wires having no slack. I don't really no how they can get a true ready when 1) it is not your normal sleeping positon, 2) sleeping in a hospital bed, 3) completely wired up and 4) blinking lights from the monitor machines throughout the night. I have all normal test results on all my tests so far, waiting on sleep, pulmonary, and UGI which I know there is no problem there. I'm hoping by the 2nd week in May I am cleared for surgery.

Oh, My Gosh, that is fantastic that you are getting so close. I know what you mean about the sleep test. All of us had the same type of experience. I hope they do not call you back for a 2nd test. Believe it or not, that one is worst than the first!

Keep us posted and best of luck. It has been 1.5 years since my surgery and I am stil loving my band. So much of my life has changed for the better.

[raajr1962 0]

Well, I just got my results from my sleep test and out of all my dr visits and tests that I have gone through in the last 2-1/2 months I failed the sleep test. They say I have severe sleep apnea and they will not sign off until I use the auto-cpap machine for 1-1/2 to 2 months. I've passed every test with flying colors but this. This is a BIG let down! I don't want to wait another 2 months or more for the surgery. I just this over with. I wanted to be well on the road to recovery for our family vacation the first week of July. Now if I do the cpap I would be cutting surgery close to our vacation. Now I'm thinking about not doing it and try to do this the old fashion way by exercising and eating well. I am very disappointed in myself and upset.

[marie715 0]

Well, I just got my results from my sleep test and out of all my dr visits and tests that I have gone through in the last 2-1/2 months I failed the sleep test. They say I have severe sleep apnea and they will not sign off until I use the auto-cpap machine for 1-1/2 to 2 months. I've passed every test with flying colors but this. This is a BIG let down! I don't want to wait another 2 months or more for the surgery. I just this over with. I wanted to be well on the road to recovery for our family vacation the first week of July. Now if I do the cpap I would be cutting surgery close to our vacation. Now I'm thinking about not doing it and try to do this the old fashion way by exercising and eating well. I am very disappointed in myself and upset.

Now wait just a minute!! Why are you disappointed in yourself? You've done a fantastic job in going through all of the tests. Many people would not have even started the process and you're almost all the way done. I flunked the sleep test also. Many, many lap banders flunk the sleep test. I also flunked the EKG AND the stress test that followed that AND I had to have an angiogram to just make sure everything was ok. And it was. So my point is, don't let the sleep apnea discourage you. Who is saying that you have to use the cpap for 1 1/2 - 2 months before Dr. Sarker will do surgery? Is that from Dr. Sarker? Your insurance? I did not have that stipulation. I did use the cpap and it is a good thing.

Maybe you want to schedule surgery for after your family vacation. What ever you decide, please do not feel disappointed in yourself. We overweight people are always so hard on ourselves and that isn't right. Let us know what you decide. Good luck, no matter what decision you make.

[raajr1962 0]

Well, it's been at least 1-1/2 months since my last post. I have a follow-up with pulmonary/sleep Dr. finally tomorrow. I'm a little upset with her since my doctor contacted her around May 6th and she never called me about what was discussed. I know my doctor tried to talk to her about signing off since I spoke to him about it. But so be it, tomorrow I'm hoping that she finally writes off on the surgery, I've been sleeping with cpap since May 1st every night. I just want this over with so I CAN GET ON WITH MY NEW LIFE.

[raajr1962 0]

Hello Everyone!

Well, what can I say, Gayle from Dr Sarker's office called me today to let me know BCBS of IL has APPROVED MY SURGERY!!!!!!:scared2:. I'm all excited to get on with my NEW JOURNEY. Surgery is set for August 5th, 2010 (Thursday). I'm sure as the time gets closer the more nervous and scared I'll be.

Please let me be aware of anything I need to know prior to going in.

Thanks, and I will keep everyone informed. Looking forward to hearing back from everyone.

Ron

[marie715 0]

Hello Everyone!

Well, what can I say, Gayle from Dr Sarker's office called me today to let me know BCBS of IL has APPROVED MY SURGERY!!!!!!:ohmy:. I'm all excited to get on with my NEW JOURNEY. Surgery is set for August 5th, 2010 (Thursday). I'm sure as the time gets closer the more nervous and scared I'll be.

Please let me be aware of anything I need to know prior to going in.

Thanks, and I will keep everyone informed. Looking forward to hearing back from everyone.

Ron

Hey, Ron!! Super, super, super congratulations! I can tell you that each of us remembers exactly when we got that call. I am so excited for you. They take excellent care of you in the hospital. Keep posting. I'll be sending you all sorts of good, healing energy on Aug. 5th and beyond. Go get 'em!!

[raajr1962 0]

Well today my wife and I met with Dr Sarker to talk about the surgery. I am so excited right now, it is finally happening and I'm ready to start my new journey of my new life. Surgery is set for Thursday August 5, 2010 , 2 days, but, no time yet. Any last minute advise that I should know prior to surgery and what to expect after surgery.

Thanks Ron

[marie715 0]

Ron, Good luck on Thursday. I'll be thinking of you. They will take very good care of you at Loyola. No last minute advice from me. Just follow the doctor's orders. Post another message as soon as you can to let us know how it is going.

[raajr1962 0]

Been home for 2-1/2 days now. Surgery went well. already been outside for short walks. A little tenderness in the incision area where port is. Any early advice on what to expect in the coming weeks?

Ron