Ann F.
Points of General Interest:
Recovery pain for me: Scale of 1-10, 10 being worst: 10! I was very sore and it was difficult to move much less roll over. The bar above my head in the hospital helped me. At home, it was sure hard to lie in the bed! Whew! I’m glad those days are over.
Gas pains: Gas rolled up and down my whole body but wouldn’t leave. Gas-X does not work for me. I take Mylanta Gas but it didn’t even do much for me at that time!
Shoulder pain: LOTS of neck and shoulder trouble! Left shoulder still giving me fits at almost 4 months out!
Am I glad I did it? You betcha!!!! I couldn’t be happier. It was a great decision for me!
Hair Loss: Mine is from the anesthesia. Been losing steadily starting 30 days after surgery…still losing and it’s been almost 4 months. Have lost more than half my hair.
Protein: Recommended to get around 60 grams of protein per day.
Protein drinks: Most advise to skip except around fills and during pre and post op. I happen to LOVE Spiru-tein Blueberries and Cream so sometimes I have that instead of breakfast.
Food: My dr. advises between 600-900 calories per day. I cannot do this. My nutrionist says my meals should be about the size of a measuring cup that comes on top of a bottle of liquid medicine. Yeah, right. I am eating about 1 ½ to 2 cups per meal. Update: 10-18-06--after my 3rd fill I am eating about 3/4 cup food at a time.
Fills: No fluro. Has difficulty finding my port. I don’t mind this process. It doesn’t really hurt and I’m glad to be getting a fill every time! I have had 2 fills. I am at 2 cc in a 4cc/10 cm band. Update 10-18-06--I have had my 3rd fill. Now I'm at 2.5cc
Medicines: I take HCTZ daily, Iron, 2 Flintstones vitamins, Celebrex and Rolaxin for my severe back/sciatic nerve pain, Crestor. I have no trouble getting any of it stuck and the Rolaxin is actually pretty big.
Sleep Apnea: I have Severe Obstuctive Sleep Apnea. I wear a CPAP and am unable to sleep without it. Pressure down from 15 to 14
Why I’m willing to share my story:
I read tons of profiles before my decision to have surgery and all of those people who would take the time to write about their experiences, their ups and downs and to be honest about their weight, their exercise, their slow progress, difficult and easy surgery, fills, etc. clearly helped me make a decision about the surgery and helped me be prepared for the realities. I wanted to provide this for others who are making decisions, looking for accurate real-life experience, etc. and also to help me remember why I did what I did and to be true to myself and remember the commitment I made to myself to keep trying to improve my life. So, the information I have provided here is MY REAL experience…everything--even way too much information sometimes-- because it might help someone else the way that others who did this helped me.
My profile is NOT here for nosey friends and family members who want to make fun or me/my weight, etc. This is my life, my destiny, my problem, and my resolution and if you don’t struggle with a weight problem (or alternatively are not actively supporting in a positive and respectful way the weight problem of someone you love deeply), then my life—none of it—including my weight is any of your business.
About me:
I am married with 3 children (13,8,6), work full-time in a demanding job. I work long hours and travel and am under a great deal of pressure almost all of the time. I am generally happy but my weight brings me down in most areas of my life.
About my decision:
I heard about the Lap-Band procedure last summer. I thought about it on an off, researched, etc. until November of last year and finally scheduled an appointment with a surgeon (not Dr. Baker--he comes into the picture later after some serious prayer and I believe divine intervention) for a seminar. It was impersonal and a little disappointing but I want control over my life and I can't do it by myself. So, we started the insurance approval process and I was approved on 12-5-05. I scheduled for May 30th but when I called to verify the doctor received my paperwork, then they realized they had overbooked for my surgery date and they moved me to June 6. There were several hiccups that made me feel I was just a number and that my best interests weren't their priority.
How God answered my prayers:
I have to say that the night before I told my husband before going to bed that I had to pray. I have cried over the past few months as much as I have been excited because some previous problems I have had have me scared to have surgery. So, I got on my knees and I pleaded to God for faith in Him. I also pleaded to be able to raise my children and I told him, "You know me....you know I can't back out now because I simply don't know what else to do. If I'm not supposed to do this, I need you to take control. PLEASE place me in the hands of someone who has my life as their top priority." AND, GOD ANSWERED MY PRAYER.
On that day of my surgery, just prior to rolling me away to the OR, the anesthesiologist discussed with me some previous problems I had had with being intubated and also discussed the significant risks of doing the Lap-Band as an Outpatient procedure for someone who has severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) like I do. He called the surgeon and said he was uncomfortable doing the procedure in that method. I went home! I firmly believe that anesthesiologist saved my life! He was concerned, compassionate and ethical.
Later, the doctor was planning to do it as Outpatient anyway, but was going to arrange for a nurse to stay overnight with me. I was concerned about that and looked for a new surgeon. I have found one that I am very happy with. (Dr Baker enters the picture here.) He had already held seminars this week but he brought me in and gave me his undivided attention. Met with him today (6-9-06) and we are tentatively on for an Inpatient procedure next Wed. He was thorough in his explanation and very clear about the lifestyle changes. He's very strict and firm--no nonsense! But caring and non-judgmental at the same time. STAFF EXCELLENT!!! We are finalizing the insurance changes to switch docs and to switch to an inpatient procedure. He even sent me over to meet with the anesthesiology department to discuss my concerns about intubation, etc. I am very anxious. I have written letters to my children and my husband "just in case". I finalized custody papers for my children in the event that something happens to both my husband and me.
I hope this is the right decision for me and that it all goes smoothly and that I am strong enough to survive the pressure from others to EAT, and that I am strong enough to not be so absorbed by my love of great food.
More than anything, I just wanted to put this out there to remind you that God will answer prayers. I also want people to know that having Outpatient surgery when having Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea is dangerous, particularly if you have a difficult airway in other ways as well. Apparently, the National Anesthesia board is reviewing the Lap-Band procedure as it relates to Sleep Apnea and outpatient procedures. If you have these issues, make sure your surgeon and surgery team is taking your situation seriously. Make an informed decision!
Pre-Op diet:
The “BAD” surgeon put my on Myocel for breakfast and lunch with a small sensible dinner. I did this for 3 weeks to prepare for surgery but then I switched doctors. The “GOOD” doctor put my on HMR-800, a true meal replacement, and I did this for about a week prior to surgery. The day before surgery, clear liquids ONLY! My doctor cancels any surgery for someone who has smoked or eaten…he’s very strict.
Pre-Op testing:
Dr had to submit a letter of medical necessity, which was approved. My dr. required a letter from my PCP saying there were no psychological contraindications to me having the surgery…they normally require a psyc eval, but took the letter instead since I had been on the liquid diet for so long and was ready for the surgery. I had to do 3 hemmocult tests…supposed to eat no raw veggies…I forgot that lettuce actually counts in this category…I had a ton of bloodwork done through my PCP. Additionally, my surgeon required some pre-op and required me to have pre-admission testing at the hospital. I went for that the day before the surgery. Because I have severe sleep apnea, they had to take blood from an artery in my wrist to measure my normal oxygen saturation. THAT was painful!!!!
SURGERY:
See my first journal entry (6-17-2006)
