Lap Band FAQ
 

How about we start a thread for FAQ?

When considering WL surgery of any kind, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get as much information as you can, talk to as many people as you can, get ALL the pro's and especially the cons. Sit back, reflect, then decide.

WLS is serious, its not the cure to WL, its only a tool. You will still need to diet and exercise. Who ever thinks its the easy way out is sadly mistaken because its not, infact its just as hard!!!

Posts by members, moderators and admins are not considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy. Please see your physician before taking advice found on the internet.


WHAT EXACTLY IS LAP-BAND: http://www.lap-band.com/

Here's a list of abbreviations:

LB: Lap-Band

PB: Productive Burp
When you eat something that can't go down and it comes back up.

Slime: Thats what happens before the PB actually come up. Foam/slime will come up before the PB.

PCP: Primary Care Physician

GP: General Practitioner

NSV: Non Scale Victory
You've achieved something other than the #'s on the scale.

WLS: Weight Loss Surgery

MO: Morbid Obesity

BMI: Body Mass Index

GBP or GBS: Gastric Bypass Surgery

RNY: Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

GERD: Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

BP: Blood Pressure

DS: Duodenal Switch

WARNING: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY ADVICE AND/OR ANY OF THE DRUGS LISTED BELOW:

NSAIDS: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (painkillers which includes ibuprofen. Banded people should try to avoid because they can add to ulcer risk).

DRUGS THAT CLAIM / CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH:
Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofen
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx
Voltaren


DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFER FOR THE BAND:
Benadryl
Tylenol
Dimetapp
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace

Food Stages EXAMPLES ONLY

Not all Doctors follow the same food guidelines but here are some examples / info on the stages after surgery.

The most important thing to do / remember during all of these stages is LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR and no one else !!!

Make sure your doctor / hospital supplies you with a list of do's and don'ts before you go home. okie dokie ;)

Clear Liquids: - this is usually about 1 - 2 weeks after surgery.
Diluted 100% Juices: Apple, Cranberry, Grape, Orange (no added sugars)
Broths: Ckn, Turkey, Beef, Veggie (no particles or solids)
Jello: Regular or Sugar Free
Popsicles: Regular or Sugar Free (no fruit pieces)
Cold Drinks: Sports drinks (Gatorade), lemonade, iced tea (reg or sf), crystal light, flavored waters (propel, reebok, snapple-elements, fruit2o)
Hot Drinks: Coffee or tea with skim milk or creamer, w/sugar or sugar subsitute.

Thicker Liquids: This is usually 2 - 3 weeks after surgery:
Cream soups (no hunks in it)
Milk / Soy milk
Milk Shakes - thinned
Protein Drinks - thinned
Yogurt Smoothie Drinks - thinned

Mushies: This is usually 3 - 4 weeks after surgery (the OMG, I've died and gone to heaven stage LOL).
Cottage Cheese
Cream of Wheat
Eggs
Yogurt
Pudding
Refried beans
Applesauce or other fruit sauces
Canned fruits mushed up
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal

Solids: This is usually 4 - 5 weeks after surgery (the OMG I'm scared stage...but you'll be fine, trust me). Just listen to your band/tummy.

Leenie - this is FABULOUS! you've learned so much!

i'd just like to add a note for the bypass folks. although there are many similarities between the lapband and the bypass diet for the first few weeks, THEY'RE DIFFERENT ENOUGH THAT WHAT WORKS FOR ONE GROUP ISN'T THE BEST THING FOR THE OTHER!

so, listen to your doc. watch the carbs [we're re-wired so that we are far more sensitive to carb loads than lapbanders are!].

If anyone has any questions they'd like to ask, please ask away!!!

Does anyone know if insurance is covering Lapband surgery yet. Last time I checked it was too new a procedure and they weren't covering it. Thanks in advance....Sis :)

It depends on the insurance company. Some are, some aren't.

Yes it depends on the insurance, my insurance paid for mine.

In the first weeks where you cant have any solids, what happens if you are on medications for highbloodpressure and on blood thining tablets (asprin as mentioned above) How are these tablets taken?

freaky - talk to your doc about this. most of us are on SOME form of medication at the time of surgery. it's generally not a problem EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD THINNERS! the doc will probably have you stop taking them at some point before the surgery.

but every doc does things a little differently, so it's best to ask.

Yes, ask your doctor. The pain medication the hospital gave me I was able to crush up and take w/my water or juice in the beginning. Also, some medications do come in liquid form so ask your doc.

Sorry I didn't see this earlier :hug:

Last week i had the flu.For 2 days I threw up everthing i ate.Now everytime i try to eat something soft or even taking my dialy meds the pain in my stomach is so bad i end up throwing up.So my question is can you do damage to the lap-band from throwing up so much?The worst of it all is the prescription iron meds i have to take causes so much i just double over.

Jo, I'm sure damage could be done if your violently throwing up day after day, especially in the beginning when your newly banded, you could tear the stitches. If you know you have a hard time with meds then you might want to reconsider having the band and talking to your doctor about what could happen. I don't think some one who has a hard time with meds, throwing up and stomach pain would be a good candidate for the band or any WLS.

:hug:

Can anyone tell me what kind of chewable vitamins you take - I am allergic to Aspartame and some of vitamins I have found contain that - also what types do you take - I am having lap band on the 23 of July.

I take Centrum, not sure whats in them. I think One A Day makes kids chewables as well but I think there is aspartame in them. You can try liquid vitamins.

.

HI LADIES ~ got some questions for you; a friend of mine (who doesn't own a PC) asked me to ask you about LAP-BAND surgery. Her doctors want her to consider this op as she is 340 lbs & 60 y/o; and has been on numerous diets and re-gained all the weight and more (sounds very familiar).

Anyways, she scared of the staple one; not sure about the by-pass; but thinks the lap-band is just a tight band that they put around part of the stomach which makes the stomach much smaller. Her doc says she won't lose weight as fast or as much, but is the least intrusive of the three, with the least possible complications (which is her greatest concern).

Will she end up vomiting a lot (one of my friends did)? Is it true that you can only eat 4-6 tablespoons of food for a meal? Does your stomach stretch bigger again after awhile? Do they eventually remove the band or does it stay on forever? I tried to get info off the lap-band site (above) and couldn't get past the sign-in thingy.

ANYWAYS, from what you say, she couldn't eat any solids for 4-5 weeks after surgery. When and what kind of solids will she be able to eat then? She eats a lot of fruit and veggies now, but very little meat as she is diabetic and has severe kidney stones.

Anything you can think of for her; she says this is her doctor's idea and his recommendation to her; not her idea, and she's unsure of it all. She is going to see the specialist very soon. What should she ask him? She is concerned that they won't tell her the whole truth about side effects and what she will be able to eat afterwards. Thanks for your input and answers ~ ROSEBUD.

UPDATE INFO ~ my friend called yesterday to say that she just found out that her insurance won't pay for LAP-BAND surgery because it is too new a procedure (our gov usually waits for 10 years to approve these things). She said that it only pays for the other two kinds; and that the only reason she considered LAP-BAND is becuz it didn't involve cutting any internal organs.

I understand her concern; she said thanx for trying to get info, but she won't be going for the other ones, and will be informing her doctor of this shortly. She's still going to see the specialist though; which kind of puzzles me. So not-to-worry about the info ~ claims she doesn't need it now! Thanx anyways ... ROSEBUD

I wish your friend much success :hug:

question
 

I was wondering...what if you have a heart attack and someone does CPR on you, with the lapband and where their pumping on your chest....won't that cause damage to the Lapband? And, should you wear a medical alert bracelet telling what your health conditions are?
I try to think of everything, so I'm sure I'll be back asking ??
I guess though at that point they won't care, they'll just try and save our life.

Worrisome...MiddleSister

Those are some GREAT questions bout the Lap-Band.I have NO clue on any of your questions.When I had it done my only goal was to get help losing weight.But you have made me think about these things (thanks) and I will write a list and ask my Dr. who done the Lap-Band.

I can't answer your question about CPR, but I do have a medical alert bracelet.

Front of Bracelet is says:
My first and last name
See Back


Back of the Bracelet is says:
Gastric Lap-Band
No N/G Tubing Without Scope
Dr.'s Name
Dr.'s Phone, Town, State

I wore it alot in the beginning but now it sits in my wallet.
I really should just get a medical alert card for my wallet.

Leenie

newbie considering lapband
 

I've started the process for lapband (insurance info, first nutrition class) but am feeling a bit nervous about such a drastic step at my age (63). However, it's really now or never as it's not recommended (so I'm told) for folks much older. My DH had a GB 2 yrs ago and has lost (gasp!) 180 lbs and is doing great. He had a hard time for quite awhile with dumping, etc. so I'm staying far away from that option. Recently ran into an acquaintance who's lost 100+ lbs with LB & is doing great, which was what spurred me on. My surgeon is fabulous with an incredible amt of experience - that's not the issue. It just seems so drastic. Guess we all fear the unknown. I'm an emotional eater and it's gotten worse, not better since the nutrition class LOL! Hardest so far is not drinking 30 minutes before/after food (haven't been able to do that yet). Just looking for support for those who have been there or are just about to have it (LB).

I am a lap bander for two years now
 

It was covered by my insurance, and it seemed the less evasive of all the other surgical options.
I was just getting bigger and bigger with a never ending hunger.
I had to lose 10 lbs before surgery to shrink my liver, I was on a liquid diet before surgery so I lost the 10 lbs no problem.
I had high blood pressure/pre diabetic/with a history of bloot clots and a newly fixed hole in my heart.
And they still let me have the surgery, I was 43 at the time and have no regrets, I have lost 75 lbs and all my blood pressure problems are gone so is the diabetic issues.
I can eat 3/4 cup a food at a sitting, sometimes more if I cheat a little, and that is drinkig with meals, not recommended by the drs though. But when I am out to eat in a fancy resturant and you just want to enjoy the food a little longer it works.
My dr says eat protien first, veggies next and breads if there is room.
I always know when to stop when I get the hiccups, if you go to far and eat too much or eat foods that are too dry, or don't chew wel enough you can vomit. Not a big deal it doesn't happen that often as you are retrained to eat.
Foods I liked before have changed now it seems I like favorful foods that are better or me as what to put better things in me.
I am on vitamins children chewables,
I want to say you are gonna lose weight, I don't do diet foods and I lost slowly just because the amount you eat is less.
I still want to lose another 4o lbs and now i feel I have to work at it .
I anyone has any questions please contact me and I will be glad to offer assistance if I can.
Lynne

I have been there and I would do it again in a heart beat, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself..
It is a surgery but not a bad one I have had alot worse, I hope you choose this it is so much beter than being obese..Lynne

Hi Grammy and :welcome:

I do know a few people from another site who have had the lap-band and are over 60 years old. They are so happy the they did it. When I first started the process my nerves were shot, I ate and ate out of just being so terrified, so I know how you feel. Just take it one day at a time and do what ever the doctors tell you. Mostly remember every doctor is different and will have different requirements for you, so try not to worry about anything until you find out from your very own doc. Don't worry about the water, it will come naturally to you. Good luck

Leenie

.

Thank you SO much for the welcomes and good advice! This afternoon I sat in front of the TV and watched the TLC show about Brookhaven Clinic in NYC which really got my attention! Wow! If I don't do something now I might end up like those poor people. You're so right about "one day at a time" - I do tend to get panicked when I forget that and then really burrow into food out of fear and for comfort. But your website and all these wonderful posts give me real hope and confidence that it (weight control) can be accomplished, even for an *ole lady* like me, LOL! (Maybe I can shock my g'kids and appear in a Santa bikini next Christmas, hehheh)

obesityhelp.com is another good lapband site, send me a private message for the link
Lynne

Thank you, Lynne - I haven't posted enough yet to be able to send private messages, but I did find the site - it's really a good one. Thanks, Carol

What are some items you wish you had available after surgery that you didn't think about before? I am going to Mexico for my surgery in May. Can you all please help me make a packing list of things I will need to take? Thanks!

Hi Bizzy Bee and Welcome

If you read the first two posts of this thread you'll get some idea's of what you will need when you return home. What you will need really depends on your doctor, what sort of diet he is putting you on after surgery etc.

Two things come to mind that you should definitly have...one is a prescription pain killer from your doctor before you get home (I had percocet), and some gas-x to help with the gas pain. Do you have some one at home that can help you?

I slept in my recliner for 1 week because laying down in a bed straight hurt to much.. for me that is. Its strange, some people are up and running in a day and then there are others like me where it took 5 days before I felt like driving again..hopefully you'll be the up and at it kind ;)

Do you know what diet you will be on when you get home? you'll need to prepare for that.

Good luck !!!

My insurance will pay for the lap band surgery. I wonder about the port though. Will it be visible? Will you be able to feel it? I really don't want something that can bothered by clothing, or exposed if I'm wearing a swimsuit. Silly concerns, I'm sure, but concerns nevertheless.

you will be able to feel your port if you press on your stomach. it feels like the round end of a stethescope. your biggest scar will be on top of it or near it. good luck

First, you are VERY luck your insurance will pay.

You won't be able to see your port. As you start losing weight, you'll be able to feel it with your hand when you press on your stomach. (Just like Mistymed said!)

Good luck to you. If you have any other concerns, please post them. This is a great group and everyone has been wonderful to me!

I agree with the sister chicks....you prob won't be able to see it... only feel it. But isn't that small bump better than big rolls ;)

Congrats on your insurance covering it.

.

Leenie- so true! :)

I haven't lost all my weight yet, but I can feel my port if I press down on it.

questions
 

What are the pre-operative procedures for LB Surgery?

thanks

Hi Beckyjo, it really depends on your insurance. Some will make you jump through hoops and others won't. Most will require 6 months or more of supervised weight loss (doctor) and some medical testing. They may require you to go to a nutritionalist and a psychologists. A way to find out to find out is call your insurance company and ask them.

Good Luck, Leenie
.

September 26 is my last weight check (yeah!) and Ive seen the nutritionist and psychologist. With everything coming to an end and the surgery becoming more than just a hopeful dream, what are some things i can do to prepare for surgery? And for life after surgery?

MelJoi....I'm considering lapband surgery, when is your's scheduled?

Hi everyone
I am considering the LB procedure, still going to look into insurance and such, but wanted to know about post op pregnancy......what if you become pregnant....how would that be delt with, does anyone know......
I have a daughter she is 2 1/2 and wanted our kids to be close in age as my brother and i weren't...there is 6 years between us......but I am totally willing to wait if it means being healthy and not having high blood pressure while pregnant this go round. thanks for your help:?:

Hi Roots Girl, and :welcome:

From what I understand, if you become pregnant the doctor will remove the fill from the band so you are able to eat more. Thats it !!

But this is really something you need to discuss with the surgeon so that you can hear it strait from the horses mouth ;)

GOOD LUCK !!!!