Hi Lisa, I amost had my lapband surgery cancelled two dys before because of a low dilantin level, 3.1. My seizures I was taking it for was under control. I have a seizure disorder and was taking oxycontin and it caused seizures at night. I took 400mg qd and it stopped it. The anesthesiologist got his undies in a bundle and it took three docs to tell him not to worry about it. THEN insult to injury, the three days I was in the hospital, they never gave me any dilantin? How ironic. Have you ever seen a hematologist? There has got to be some reason you have an elevated WBC, which type? Call your insurance and get a name of a PCP and try to get your lab results and a copy of the medical records of your surgeon you are seeing. Some docs want as much evidence. I hope this helps. Hope you get your surgery on time, what kind? Hope your hospital stay will go smoothly and you'll sail through surgery. Take care, Barbara Cole San Jose, CA

It is official I finally have a date for surgery 3/17/06. Wow, I can't believe it is finally here. The Dr. office called Tuesday and said they had a cancelation and would I be interested in this Friday, of course. I was still waiting for the approval from the insurance company. This will work out perfect because as a nursing instructor we are on spring break next week and clinicals don't start for another 3weeks due to spring break. My job at the hospital well they'll just have to do without me. Needless to say this will be a nice little break from working

The RNY doesn't go that far down the bowl, so you don't need to be completely empty. Clear liquids then NPO clears you out far enough.

You are not insane, you are a gift! I am doing the same thing...going crazy trying to select a school !!! Look out 2008, here we come! Kelly

Hi Lorraine, I too am in your shoes...I am now wondering if I should switch to the lap band due to the complication potential with the RNY. I also did myself a disservice by reading a website about WLS gone wrong....boy that was a mistake. I try and think rationally about this that the weight factor alone is more of a risk factor to us that the surgery and with this surgery, we have an incredible opportunity to achieve a much healthier life. I think your anxiety is normal and as nurses, we know just enough to really overthink and lose perspective on the risk benefit analysis. If your sister, or mother or daughter was considering the same surgery, how would you feel about it then? We are making informed choices, and nothing in life is without risk (even going to the grocery store), but we have made a decision to improve our lives. When it comes right down to it, I would rather face the potential risks than continue to exist in this shell of a person I now am. We are all pulling for you.... Kelly