Calling patients of Dr. O'brien - questions

Hi there, I'm approved for the band with Dr. O'brien and will be having my surgery in April what I'm wondering is.. what does he require pre-op from his patients What sort of diet? What sorts of tests? Just want to be as prepared mentally as I can be =) Melissa

I had to lose 10-15lbs pre-op in order to shrink my liver. I believe he asks that of most of his patients. You can do it any way you want but his office can provide you with a diet guideline or you can go on liquids 1-2 weeks before. I chose to lose by just cutting back calories and ended up losing 18. To me it was easier to do it over time rather that suffer through liquids cuz you'll do enough of that after surgery. I also found that this helped me get in the right frame of mind for post op. You will have the normal pre-op physical, you will have to attend a class and you will need to be cleared by any other specialists you might see. I had to be cleared by my pulmonologist (sleep apnea). Just be careful not to gain weight. The temptation is to go on a final eating binge the months/weeks before. I definitely had my favorite meals beforehand but in moderation. You don't have to think of it as saying goodbye to food, you'll still be able to eat just in moderation...that's the whole purpose. Good luck! Dani

thank you so much Dani! I sort of suspected the weight loss before hand, and appreciate knowing for sure when I still have 3 months to do something about it. I'd rather not be on liquids any longer than I have to be =) How are you doing with everything? Melissa

Since August (2 mos before surgery) I have lost 40 lbs which is great but have been at a stalemate the past several weeks. I had my first fill end of Nov and didn't get any restriction with that but go back in about 3 wks and hopefully that will help. I haven't really been a good bandster lately...Dec has just been a crazy busy month for me so I haven't paid much attention to myself or the band.

Hi Dani, From what I read on the bandster board this happens to a lot of people, some have said they need 3-5 fills to finally reach the right restriction. And another theme I hear all the time is the band is the best tool for starting over, as many times as you need to (grin) 40lb is awesome!!!! Don't give up on yourself, you'll do great. And just think, its the new year, and a new you! =) Melissa

Hi! I am scheduled for surgery on Feb 1 and am just now having 2nd thoughts not sure if it is nerves or if it isn't for me. Did you go thru that feeling at all? Also how long were you in the hospital after surgery? I am hoping for a next day release date. What kind of pain did you have? When did you return to a normal routine? I am in my first day of the liquid diet before surgery. K

Everyone has nerves especially at this point but by the last few days before I was just ready to get it over with! I was in the hospital overnight. I was in pain but it wasn't excruciating by any means more just very uncomfortable. My surgery was on a Monday, home Tuesday and after getting a great night's rest I woke up Wednesday with no pain. I was lucky. I took 3 weeks off of work just because I have a ton of benefit time built up but I definitely could have returned to work after a week (as long as it's not heavy labor). You've come so far...don't let nerves get the best of you but you need to be absolutely sure that you want to do this for the best odds of success! Keep posting especially on the lap band board, there are tons of experienced people out there with lots of support to offer! Dani

Thank you so much for your response!!! I love this site and plan to keep on reading it helps a lot to read what others have gone thru!! Kristie