In this alone... I need some advice!

karen39 · February 6, 2008

Hello all...

I am new to this site and have enjoyed looking over many blogs and messages. I am due to have surgery in March... and I am having it in Monterrey with Dr Zapata. I just recently went through a long, painful divorce and am using some money from my small settlement to pay for the procedure. A friend of mine is coming with me... and I feel good about what I am doing. I also feel somewhat alone in this, and I have many questions. I am hoping that some of you can answer some of these for me.

I see alot of you have mentioned the liver is a big issue. I was told to just follow the Adkins diet the 2 weeks before surgery. I am currently 290 lbs and goal weight is 170lbs. Because I have not met with my doctor, being that the surgery is in Mexico, should I take it upon myself to use a more drastic diet method?

After surgery, how long is it before I can eat solid foods?

How long after surgery can I start an exercise regimen? Can I do sit ups? What physical activity should I avoid.

Is band slippage common... and if so, does the doctor have to go back in to fix it? What if it happens here in the states? Do I have to pay for a whole new procedure?

I am getting the Johnson and Johnson band. Any info from others that have got this band?

How long does it take to physically recover after surgery?

Thanks in advance for the advice. I am so very excited about this next stage in my life. And I am grateful to have found this forum to discuss the lap band procedure with so many of you.

~Karen

AUSSIECHIK · February 6, 2008

hey glad that u are making the desion for a band as im not yet done yet but have been on here for a few months...

some 1 will give u alot of advise but i think most of us find most our info from serching thru the forums i find thAT ANY questions i have are normally answered thru just reading thru every 1s experiecne with out this forum i think many ppl would be lost

Sades · February 6, 2008

Congratulations on your decision. As Aussiechik said if you go to search and type in what you're looking for you'll usually find a thread on it.

I see alot of you have mentioned the liver is a big issue. I was told to just follow the Adkins diet the 2 weeks before surgery. I am currently 290 lbs and goal weight is 170lbs. Because I have not met with my doctor, being that the surgery is in Mexico, should I take it upon myself to use a more drastic diet method?

I didn't diet before my surgery (starting weight 229 lbs) but most people do. Some have to go on liquids for 2-4 weeks prior. If you haven't been told otherwise then stick to what you plan.

After surgery, how long is it before I can eat solid foods?

It varies. I was told to do 2 weeks of liquids, then 2 weeks of mushies. Then I slowly started on soft solids and went from there.

How long after surgery can I start an exercise regimen? Can I do sit ups? What physical activity should I avoid.

I was told to start walking about 2 weeks after surgery. It's not recommended you do anything strenuous for at least 5-6 weeks... you need to heal first.

Is band slippage common... and if so, does the doctor have to go back in to fix it? What if it happens here in the states? Do I have to pay for a whole new procedure?

Check out the Lapband Complications section for this one.

I am getting the Johnson and Johnson band. Any info from others that have got this band?

I have the J&J band... 10cc with a 6.5cc fill. I am reasonably restricted but feel I need another 1cc in it.

How long does it take to physically recover after surgery?

I was back at work a few days after my surgery but worked from home for the 1st 3 days. If you can take 1-2 weeks off work, then I would.

karen39 · February 26, 2008

Thank you so much for the answers you povided. I have been looking over some of the posts and feel more confident in my decision. I am having my surgery March 7th... wish me luck!!

Sades · February 26, 2008

Congratulations Karen, not too far away now!

Longhorn · February 26, 2008

Sades is right on with all of her answers. You'll find variations from doctor to doctor but her experience sounds pretty typical, from what I can tell reading the board.

Also, I don't know the different doctors but many members have talked about how accessible their Mexican doctors have been by phone and/or email. Not that we don't give great advice but you can probably call your doctor's office and get answers, too.

Good luck!

karen39 · March 13, 2008

I did it! I had surgery Friday March 7th. I went to Mexico... I had the best care... way beyond my expectations. It was an amazing experience... and i can already feel myself losing weight. I weighed myself the day before my Mexico trip... I had gained 20lbs! 305 lbs to start. I ate light last week up to my sugery day ( I got to Monterrey on the 3rd... vacationed before the sugery). As of today I am 292... that is a 13 lb lost!! I am stoked... I know I am going to be successful. I can't wait!

I went through a horrible divorce last year... my weight fluctuated a bunch. 305lbs was the most i have ever weighed in my life. So far, this year has been life changing. I am starting school in the summer, not to mention going to England in August. I am excited knowing that i am going to have the energy to do so much. I am so siked!

Thanks to all of you for the words of encouragement.

~Karen:thumbup: