Pre Op Questions

mkcarpen · September 4, 2003

:rolleyes: I am scheduled for the banding surgery on September 5th. My doctor has me on a diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. The first week consists of (1) meal of 500-700 calories, <10 grams of fat plus 2 Protein drinks a day. The second week consists of 4 -5 Protein Drinks a day. 48 hours before surgery is nothing but Clear liquids. I was told this is to reduce the liver. Does everyone go on such a strick diet prior to surgery?

My pre-op weight was 204 lbs, 5'2". With 10 days to go until the surgery I am down to 200 lbs. I will probably lose another 5 lbs by the 15th. My insurance has approved the surgery but as I tell people I am doing it they say I am not big enough. Am I crazy for doing this?

FoxyJeun · September 4, 2003

Hi,

Here in Holland they want you to drink a lot of milk starting a week before surgery as it reduces your liversize too.

Just calculated your bmi...it's 37 now and that's obese too.

Here it's either you have a bmi of 40 or higher or 35-40 in combination with other healthproblems like high bloodpressure,asthma,arthritis etc etc.So no...you don't weigh too little to be wanting this surgery.

I had my surgery on august 1st and have lost 34 lbs so far.

My weight has dropped from 249lbs to 215 lbs and I have my band 5 weeks tomorrow.I'm 5ft6 btw.

My bmi has dropped from 41 to 35 and I feel so much better.

The lapband will change your life and you'll feel so much better.

Alexandra · September 4, 2003

Hi MK,

You'll probably see by looking around this site that there is a wide range of pre-op experiences. My doctor didn't prescribe any pre-op regimen, but it's always possible that he does for other people with different bloodwork.

Whether you are "big enough" for the surgery is your and your doctor's call, of course. There is a point below which the risks of surgery are greater than the risk of staying at one's current weight, but that point is something like BMI 31 or so. This surgery is relatively free of the risk of serious complications.

I don't think you'd get anyone here telling you you're crazy for doing it. What does your heart tell you?

bobby_hamrick · September 5, 2003

I would ask if you feel like you are always in a struggle to keep weight off and if it was reall bothering you. If so then whats it matter the BMI because the quality of your life will dramaticly improve. There is no price tag on that. I wish you luck...

:rolleyes:

mkcarpen · September 5, 2003

My heart tells me to do it. I am a single parent with two boys very active in sports. It seems like before every ball season I would tell myself I would lose weight so I would not embarrass my kids. When my son made the school team I knew for sure I would lose weight. I was so proud of my son and I wanted him to be proud of me. I never lost it.

My youngest son tells me I am going to be like an office supply. I quess he means a pencil.

Thanks for all of the encouragement. I am ready.

highest 218/now 200/130