WLS Q & A Database

1. I am 6 days post op Lap RNY and feel wonderful. (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (1 answer)
2. I had the gastric stapling procedure in 1984, and due to various reasons, I ruined it (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (2 answers)
3. Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (7 answers)
4. How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (5 answers)
5. I am going to have the lapband surgical procedure no date yet (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (2 answers)
6. What test does Dr.David Dyer request you have before surgery. (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (1 answer)
7. Im 5 weeks post op LAP RNY what do I order when I go out to eat.... (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (3 answers)
8. 1 month out lap rny and I get pain after I eat sometimes please help..... (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (5 answers)
9. Today is my 7 year anniversary:) (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (7 answers)
10. any one approved for reconstructive surgery with bcbs federal? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
11. How small can the atrophied small intestine become? Does it stay connected? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (1 answer)
12. Can anyone recommend a primary care physician.......... (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
13. Menstruation after surgery and menopause? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (3 answers)
14. Surgery date (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (4 answers)
15. How long does it take for insurance approval for... (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
16. Could I be grieving food even before I have surgery? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (8 answers)
17. Everyone talks about stretching your pouch, how do you know if that has happened? (Jul 24, 2008) (View) (2 answers)
18. Should I have lap band or RNY if I'm on warfarin for A-fib? (Jul 23, 2008) (View) (3 answers)
19. What liquid protein drink is good for people who are lactose intollerant? (Jul 23, 2008) (View) (8 answers)
20. nausea (Jul 23, 2008) (View) (8 answers)

Q: Today is my 7 year anniversary:)

[Jul 25, 2008]     Congratulations and happy anniversary Bob. I had my surgery there with Dr. Samer Mattar and I miss both Dr. Mattar and Dr. Schauer. I, too, miss our support group. Have you talked to anyone at any of the UPMC facilities about beginning another group? I haven't been to any of my follow up appointment lately since I hadn't had insurance coverage for a few years. I'd love to be able to go to support group meetings again. If you do get something started, please be sure to let me know. Keep up the great work. Best wishes for health and happiness!     — Donna F.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I am 6 days post op Lap RNY and feel wonderful.

[Jul 25, 2008]     Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you! Mine isn't scheduled yet, but hoping I will do so well. Keep it up!     — Kathleen H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 25, 2008]     Remeber, it takes approximately 21 days to learn a new thing. Do not beat yourself up for cheating but recognize it and address the issues. We all cheat now and then .... get it?     — Sonya R.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Help...I think Ive stopped losing weight.

[Jul 24, 2008]     Hi, I'm six months out, RNY. During the last month I've bounced all over! Got down to the goal I had set for myself and went right back up, as much as nine pounds! Then down, up-down, up-down. Finally came down to goal weight for real and then lost another eight pounds overnight! For real! Here's the deal....Drink your water, do the protein, exercise and watch what you eat. I do a least two SOUTH BEACH bars a day. 19 Gm of protien and no sugar and they taste good. If you're like me, it's getting easier to eat...anything! Be careful, remember why and what put you and I here...FOOD. Be of good cheer my friend, you're not in this alone! Read a self help book for a few minutes a day. I read THE SECRET. It helps, a lot. My post name is moterman. And yes it is mispelled. I need to update...but? Check it out and enjoy the ride. Look how far you've come. We're all proud of your accomplishments!...Bob Flick     — Robert F.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     A friend's mom told me recently that she did that after her RNY ... She would be craving fried chicken, so she would go to KFC to pick up lunch for her coworkers, and she would get herself a piece of chicken ... She said she would take a bite, chew it until she couldn't get anymore flavor out of it, and then spit it out. If that's all you're doing, and you're not swallowing any food, I would think you'd be okay ... But you should talk to your surgeon's office - maybe they can suggest some different stuff for you to drink. Stay strong! It will be soooo worth it when your surgery date comes around. You are doing something wonderful for yourself ... Positive reinforcement goes a long way ... If you have a support system (family and friends, people here on OH, etc) USE THEM! That's what they are there for! And if you need some support then let someone know! You will do great!     — Lauren V.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I had the gastric stapling procedure in 1984, and due to various reasons, I ruined it

[Jul 24, 2008]     Oh my my..... We have soooo much in common. Please e-mail me so we can get each others phone numbers, I need to talk to you. Really. I live in Fort Worth Tx. But I sure can help you out with this... Thanks Vickie.. I hope to speak to you this week-end. e-mail: purplepassion555@hotmail.com     — Vickie S.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems?

[Jul 24, 2008]     I have Aetna OpenChoice POS and their response was almost immediate once the doctor actually submitted the paperwork. I called several times once the doctor's office said they submitted, but Aetna didn't really get it (the office told me they submitted to get me off of their backs). Once the office actually submitted and I called Aetna, I got my approval letter within 2 days. My advice...bug the surgeon's office and f/u with Aetna to ensure they received the paperwork.     — H K.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I had the gastric stapling procedure in 1984, and due to various reasons, I ruined it

[Jul 24, 2008]     It wasnt your fault, the surgery of that era wasnt very good and failure was common:( My surgeon specializes in revisions, you may have to shop for a surgeon willing to take on the more challenging cases. our support group had many revisions that did fantastic.     — Bob H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     Has anyone not cheated? Many patients who are significantly overweight need to fast to shrink the liver to make the surgery safer.     — Nancy C.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     Every surgeon and doctor have their own ideas and protocol as far as pre and post op diets. They would not give them to you unless they had a good reason. I agree with the above poster....if you can not handle this 3 week diet then you are really going to have problems post-op. This is tool given to us to use to get healthy. It is not magic, there is a lot of hard work ahead of you. That is why wls patients highly resent being told they took the "easy" way out. There is nothing easy about this surgery no matter lap band or especially RNY and other types of weight loss surgery.     — Gena L.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     Every surgeon and doctor have their own ideas and protocol as far as pre and post op diets. They would not give them to you unless they had a good reason. I agree with the above poster....if you can not handle this 3 week diet then you are really going to have problems post-op. This is tool given to us to use to get healthy. It is not magic, there is a lot of hard work ahead of you. That is why wls patients highly resent being told they took the "easy" way out. There is nothing easy about this surgery no matter lap band or especially RNY and other types of weight loss surgery.     — Gena L.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     I NEVER HAD TO FAST BEFORE SURGERY .. WHAT'S THE REASON THEY TOLD YOU TO FAST?     — Jamal Y.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I am a insulin dependant diabetic I hope to come off insulin after my lapband

[Jul 24, 2008]     My Surgeon dr philip schuer past president of the ASBS is part of a study of the diabetes cure rate for gastric bypass. for those type 2 less than 10 years its about 95% plus they are studying for normal weight type2s the instinal bypass part, its cure rate was similiar last I heard. I recommend you at least check into the RNY because of how it helps type2s.     — Bob H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Today is my 7 year anniversary:)

[Jul 24, 2008]     Nice. Great to hear. Congratulations. U R an inspiration. Take care and keep on keepin' on. :)     — Jammie C.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone cheated in the liquid diet 3 week period before surgery

[Jul 24, 2008]     You need to stay focused on your surgeon's protocol. Try iced tea, they too come in flavors. I have a decaf instant, a peach flavored instant and one other I can't recall at the moment. If you think the pre op is hard, wait until after surgery. It's best to wean yourself off of caffeine, sodas, sugary foods, etc. prior to surgery. Once you've had the surgery, then it gets serious. So the better you can do as your surgeon wants now, the easier it will be post op. You'll have at least one week of a liquid diet post op. You might try some sugar free popsicles now, as those are allowed as part of your liquid diet post op. DAVE     — Dave C.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im 5 weeks post op LAP RNY what do I order when I go out to eat....

[Jul 24, 2008]     If you are on soft foods and you are at a diner, order an omelette. If you are at a different type of place, think about soup (most will have something like that on the appetizer or starter side of the menu). When I was on solids, and I was able to tolerate them, I would order an appetizer portion of shrimp cocktail that always seemed to sit well with me. Remember that after your RNY, the goal should be protein first-- and you'd be surprised at all the options you'll find in lots of restaurants. I have eaten the top off of pizza, the insides out of sandwiches and, when in a real pinch, scraped the fried coating off of chicken cutlets.     — Steve C.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Today is my 7 year anniversary:)

[Jul 24, 2008]     CONGRATS! I true inspiration to all pre and post op! I am glad you posted! Maybe you can find another support group or try to host a small one at your place? Go treat yourself!     — Bridgette H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems?

[Jul 24, 2008]     Oh yeah I might also add that I only had to do a 3 month non surgical weight loss program with my surgeon. Aetna in there guidelines has a 3 month and a 6 month the 6 month is usually supervised by the PCP that is why it takes longer. You also need 3 years of history documenting your weight.     — Bridgette H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: OK I am one month out and am on soft foods doing good but:

[Jul 24, 2008]     Red Lobster was my 1st out to eat restarant and I ordered Grilled Shrimp, which came with a salad and fresh veggies. I was able to share with my son and have left overs for a few days.     — Kathy S.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 1 month out lap rny and I get pain after I eat sometimes please help.....

[Jul 24, 2008]     Alicia, I was getting the pains in my left side. Have a high tolerance to pain so didn't worry, just an irritation to put up with. However it continued and I called Dr. She went over the same stuff all of these kind people told you. Slow, chew, drink separately from food, small bites and watch what you eat. Stay away from fruit for a month or so. Little or no bread...only wholewheat and only 2 tiny bites. Hold the line on bread. No solid meat yet, salte in liquid (turkey, hamburg,chicken) and put in soup to help it down without getting stuck. If you do these things, your pain will disappear. Mine was gone in 6 hours. Good luck. Lyn     — Lyn A.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems?

[Jul 24, 2008]     After submitting and them actually getting it I was approved in like 3 business days. But they sent it off on the 12th of June and I found out on the 22nd of June...so I actually waited 10 days to hear. Mine was Aetna Open Access. Similar from what I was told to yours. Hope this helps!     — Bridgette H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems?

[Jul 24, 2008]     Aetna required me to go through the six months supervised program. Once I completed that and my surgeon submitted it to the insurance company Aetna used the full 30 days THEN they called me for additional information. I then continued to pester them for three more weeks and received my approval.     — Bonita J.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does approval take with Aetna OpenChoice POS? Has anyone had any problems?

[Jul 24, 2008]     Aetna required me to go through the six months supervised program. Once I completed that and my surgeon submitted it to the insurance company Aetna used the full 30 days THEN they called me for additional information. I then continued to pester them for three more weeks and received my approval.     — Bonita J.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Today is my 7 year anniversary:)

[Jul 24, 2008]     Your Awesome Bob!!!!!!!! You are truly are inspiration to everyone on this website. Congrats!!!!!!!     — Franchesca M.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I am going to have the lapband surgical procedure no date yet

[Jul 24, 2008]     Hi Brian, I was banded 4 months ago (ok well almost 4). I've lost close to 30 lbs (post) and have approx 25 more to go... I agree with the previous post about not feeling full but satisfied. My doctor calls it the green zone. It took me 3 or 4 I forget how many fills to reach this point but everyone is different. I think you are making a great choice to have this procedure. If you have any questions don't hesitate to post. People on here have been a wealth of support and information for me so far.     — Danielle T.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What test does Dr.David Dyer request you have before surgery.

[Jul 24, 2008]     Hello Pugsley, I had Dr, Olson but Dr. Dyer and Dr. Houston all work togerther and seem to follow the same booklet they put out. There is a psychological consult, there is a long questionaire to fill out then you do a 1 on 1 short session with psych dr. Then when all is approved there is blood work and ekg. I was not able to view your profile. It's not often you find a post from your home town. Also the name pugsley caught my I because I have 2 female pugs myself. Kiwi and Molly. How about you any pugs? I'm 2 mo. out and had my 2 mo. check up today. I'd be glad to correspond with you and give you a heads up on things. Michele     — Michele P.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: nausea

[Jul 24, 2008]     I am about 4 months post op. I had the same problem and figured out that it was the whey protein shakes I was drinking about 3 times per day in the beginning days and week after surgery. I called the nutritionist at barix clinics and she suggested the I go to GNC and purchase the soy based protein powder. It worked. The lactose intolerance that i had before surgery got worse after so the whey upset my stomach.     — Tracy K.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Im 5 weeks post op LAP RNY what do I order when I go out to eat....

[Jul 24, 2008]     If you are on solid foods then you should be able to eat anything your band will tolerate......grilled chicken and veggie or baked potato....if grilled chicken is not on the menu ask if they could do it for you....most of the time the answer is yes....there is nothing wrong with fried food as long as you don't make it a habit....Mexican food is the easiest to eat.....you can always have soups........don't bring attention to yourself just oder and eat what you can......check out Yahoo Groups and type in Bandbuddies.....it's another site with great info and people. Good luck Pam / Ft Worth....Bandster Bites Silverware...pphillips4720@aol.com     — Pam P.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 1 month out lap rny and I get pain after I eat sometimes please help.....

[Jul 24, 2008]     Make sure you are taking tiny bites and chewing your food to mush......do not drink with your meals......you may be eating to fast...not chewing your food good enough and overeating....there is another site you might want to check out as it is all Lap band and has great information......go to Yahoo Groups and type in Bandbuddies...the join the group the infomation is so good. Pam / Ft Worth....Bandster Bites Silverware....pphillisp4720@aol.com     — Pam P.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I am going to have the lapband surgical procedure no date yet

[Jul 24, 2008]     Hey there and congrats on your decision to have LapBand. I am 2 weeks shy of my 2nd "surgiversary" and have lost well over 100#. It could have been much more had I made better choices everyday. The word "full" has really gone from my vocabulary. Me and my surgeon prefer to use the word "satisfied" or "satiety". Those are the terms you should become best friends with. You eat until you are satisfied. I completely know where you are coming from though. Eating large portions and the need to feel full were a huge thing for me other than medicating/anesthetizing myself with the food. Food was my best friend and of course I wanted to be full of it at all times. Initially, the surgeon can only fill so much at a time and it is very important that fills happen slowly over a period of visits. A little more restriction each time and slowly reaching that elusive "sweet spot" is where it is at. I know you want restriction quickly to lose the weight quickly, but your stoma will swell after each fill and needs time to heal. If too much saline is injected into your port at one time, your stoma will swell shut and you won't even be able to swallow your own saliva. It is no fun, believe me. Also, you need to remember this.... the surgery is done on your stomach, not your brain. LapBand surgery is 45 minutes of one day of your life.... it is just a tool as I'm sure you've heard a thousand times by now. Dealing with the emotional issues of obesity and making the lifelong comittment to eat healthy and exercise is up to you. My surgeon says the LapBand is 5-10% of the deal, the rest is up to you. It truly is a wonderful feeling to eat a very small portion and be completely satisfied. My mother saw me smiling at Thanksgiving last year and asked what was up? I had eaten off of a teacup plate, chose to eat healthy and was completely satisfied and proud of myself for not making the holiday about the food and making it about being with family and friends. The non-scale victories are just as satisfying as the weight loss. Clothes falling off of me, people giving me compliments, being able to walk up a flight of stairs, being off all blood pressure and blood sugar meds....I could go on and on. As you can tell... I absolutely love my band. I have nicknamed him Oscar for the round "O" shape and for the days when he is grouchy and acts up which really isn't that often. Go to support group meetings, get the junk out of the house, you have already had plenty of "last meals", start exercising now even if it is just walking in place... it will all make your surgery go smoother and healing will be quicker. I started at 2 minutes on the treadmill and thought I was going to die. The next day 3 minutes, and so on. Small changes add up to big results. Start now! Good luck to you, I'm here if you need to chat, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC     — Dawn V.     (See other answers/post your answer)