A Follow Up With Dr. Ellner

I had my PRE-pre-Op appointment with Dr. Ellner today to get more information on the Pre-Op tests, confirmation of my surgery date as well as answer questions.

I came prepared with my tabbed three-ring binder and pen in hand.  We did the weigh-in first and from my "heaviest" weight (remember I had to gain weight to clear insurance 197 - HEAVY!) - I'm down 12 pounds - my usual weight (185 - obese, right?).  But now I'm just on liquids for the next two weeks - yikes. I'll probably be down another 5 pounds in two weeks. 

Pre-Op testing is all day, Friday, July 15.  In the meantime Stefan and I are going to get our Estate Documents (Wills and the such) in place and in order.  Not to say anything is going to happen but I want to be prepared.

Here's to a Long Life!

So here are some of my questions and her answers,

Q:  I'm nervous about some of the complications that come with lap-band that is listed on your site, what percentage of patients experience some/all of the complications?
A:  Less than 5% of her patients experience complications due to the band because the new bands are built so much better, more pliable.

Q: How long will I have the band in?
A: For the rest of my life. Patients that have the band removed gain back the weight they lost within 90 days.

Q: How will I know if my liver is ready for surgery?
A: The Pre-Op blood test, EKG, and the hosts of other tests will determine if my cheating (I was bad on the 4th of July) will prevent me from having surgery.


Q:  How long before I can leave the hospital and how long will I be down?
A:  Surgery is out-patient and most patients are home the same afternoon. I will have to be down for about 5-7 days and no driving for two weeks along with no lifting anything over 10 pounds but after that I should be fine.

Q:  I heard my hair might fall out or thin?
A:  The rapid weight loss causes a hormone shift so hair loss or thinning is possible but less with Lap-Band patients and more with Bariatric Bypass patients who lose weight more rapidly. I'm actually going to get my haircut today because my hair is so thick and starting to fall out now that I want to minimize the mess.

Q:  Will I experience slower weight loss because of my Thyroid Disease?
A:  Dr. Ellner has patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis who lose the weight as quickly as patients without thyroid disease. Average weight loss with lap-band within the first year is 30-40% of my excess body weight.

Q:  Will I be able to make my family Mammoth trip so shortly after surgery (10 days after surgery)?
A:  I won't be able to drive or to eat out at the restaurants, I can't fish or go on long hikes but I will probably be able to do short walks and rest in the condo while Stefan, the girls, Jedo & Nana take in all of Mammoth but I can recoup. Looking forward to the down time with a cool view.