surgery question

jojo · May 20, 2007

I am scheduled for surgery this week and although I have researched the proceedure for over a year, I just watched an actual lapband surgery being done online. I didnt realize that they stitch the stomach up over the band to hold it in place. Is this always done? It is the first I have heard of this and am wondering if all doctors do this or not. I cant believe that I was never told about this part of the proceedure. Can anyone fill me in on this?

Yoda · May 20, 2007

I am scheduled for surgery this week and although I have researched the proceedure for over a year, I just watched an actual lapband surgery being done online. I didnt realize that they stitch the stomach up over the band to hold it in place. Is this always done? It is the first I have heard of this and am wondering if all doctors do this or not. I cant believe that I was never told about this part of the proceedure. Can anyone fill me in on this?

I certainly HOPE that wherever you are going for your surgery that they stitch the stomach (at least part of it) up over the band (as you put it). This anchors it much more effectively in place. A few yrs ago, this wasn't being done and it resulted in more slippages....so now, the "better" doctors do the anchoring better by doing this type of stitching. Trust me, you WANT them to do this. This was one of the first questions I asked my doctor ...I wanted to make sure they were "current"...and of course, they were. You make it sound like it is a bad thing, when in fact, it is quite the opposite!

JLB · May 20, 2007

JoJo, congrats on your surgery date. It will be here and gone before you know it!

The band needs to be stitched into place so that it can heal properly and anchor itself. It's not something to be concerned about, just part of the procedure. I had my surgery on May 9 and am very happy with my decision toward better health. Just so you know... you can't feel the stitches inside. Overall, most people are just sore from the surgery itself and some good self care post-op makes it all better very soon.

Enjoy the journey!

jojo · May 21, 2007

JLB, thanks for the encouragement. I have considered this proceedure for some time and I guess I am just getting a little nervous as the date approaches. Of course it makes sense that they would stitch it in place it just wasnt mentioned at my consult as they probably thought I knew.

Just four days to go! I am excited yet scared all at once. My main concern is how will I cope with life without food for comfort. What a crazy thing to worry about eh? But then this whole journey I've had with food seems a little crazy.

jojo · May 21, 2007

Yoda thanks for the reply. I am goint to TLBC and I am confident they will do a proper job. I'm sure they thought I knew about the stitching and didnt mention it. My husband and I were surprised when we saw it online recently. It does make sense and at least I know it will have less of a chance to slip.

JLB · May 21, 2007

JoJo, believe me it's NOT at all crazy to be thinking about losing your best friend - food. I can totally relate. This is part of the journey that I have experienced so far and I'm sure will continue to deal with. It's about changing your relationship with food and learning new habits. It's hard, it's frustrating, it's challenging and it's rewarding. Hang in there and come to this board for lots of support from great people.

Only a few more days - WOOHOO!!!!!!

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

jojo · May 21, 2007

Thanks JLB I really need the encouragement right now. I am so nervous about my new life. Only a few short days to go and I am a whirlwind of emotions. I start my pre-op diet today and that has made it real to me. I change my worries hourly and at this point just want it over with. You are a few weeks ahead of me and I appreciate any advice you have.

JLB · May 21, 2007

JoJo, you only have to do three days of pre-op diet? How come? Usually it's much longer, like two weeks, at least that's what I thought???

jojo · May 21, 2007

I dont know why its only 3 days, but Im glad. I was expecting a couple of weeks of the pre-op diet. Hopefully it will go quickly. I'm not sure how they decide how long to do the pre-op. I'm pretty healthy, no diabetes or high blood pressure, so maybe that has something to do with it.

argon · May 21, 2007

Jojo, do you mind me asking how much you're wanting to lose? If you don't have much to lose, then the pre-op diet isn't as important for you (because you wouldn't have as 'fatty' of a liver as me, for example, who had 140lbs to lose).

Congrats, and good luck with your big day!

Mandi

jojo · May 21, 2007

I need to lose 45 pounds. So maybe that is why my pre-op is short. However, 45 pounds is still a lot of weight and I can't wait to get it off. Wow you have done so well. I was getting nervous reading some of the posts by people who have recently had the proceedure done, so I stopped reading them. I hope I dont have some of the same issues they have had. I think its better not knowing some things ahead of time and just deal with them when or if they happen.