Cheer Mama

Beauty, I posted this a week ago on another thread and it sounds like you could do with reading it. As the knowledgeable ones above have said; if you're not comfortable, get a second opinion. I have a BMI of nearly 36 and there's no way, given the amount of academic research I've done, I would consider a band. Closer to home, I know a lady who had the band operation, had three corrective surgeries on it and then had to go to sleeve, which due to the scar tissue the band had left, failed, so it had to be revised into a bypass. An absolute mess. This, of course, is an isolated case - but the academic research proves that the band is simply not as effective, you don't lose as much weight, but does, on the plus side, have a lower mortality rate. If you have any queries about the below, please do not hesitate to contact me. All the best, R x
"I posted this on another forum and felt it might be useful for other people to have a read of, if like me, you like your scientific facts.
Maybe the below will provide a bit of clarity as to the 'nuts and bolts' of some of the bariatric procedures and their long-term (within the limitations of the data) efficacy.
This first academic journal quoted was published in May 2013. So, it doesn't get more 'up to date' with regards to evaluating the comparative effectiveness in the three biggest weight loss procedures. I have only reproduced the abstract and have quoted the source below as the abstract covers the salient information we'd be interested in.
The second section is all about the metrics, with a snapshot of all the procedures being evaluated in a tabulated form (the table was removed from the cutting and pasting process, so read left to right) and the risks associated with the operations. The primary and secondary sources are also cited.
Better to make decisions based on rigorous scientific research, than hearsay and charasmatic sales pitches, I feel... Hope it helps.
Article 1:
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), laparoscopic gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures.
Background: Citing limitations of published studies, payers have been reluctant to provide routine coverage for SG for the treatment of morbid obesity.
Methods: Using data from an externally audited, statewide clinical registry, we matched 2949 SG patients with equal numbers of RYGB and LAGB patients on 23 baseline characteristics. Outcomes assessed included complications occurring within 30 days, and weight loss, quality of life, and comorbidity remission at 1, 2, and 3 years after bariatric surgery.
Results: Matching resulted in cohorts of SG, RYGB, and LAGB patients that were well balanced on baseline characteristics. Overall complication rates among patients undergoing SG (6.3%) were significantly lower than for RYGB (10.0%, P < 0.0001) but higher than for LAGB (2.4%, P < 0.0001). Serious complication rates were similar for SG (2.4%) and RYGB (2.5%, P = 0.736) but higher than for LAGB (1.0%, P < 0.0001). Excess body weight loss at 1 year was 13% lower for SG (60%) than for RYGB (69%, P < 0.0001), but was 77% higher for SG than for LAGB (34%, P < 0.0001). SG was similarly closer to RYGB than LAGB with regard to remission of obesity-related comorbidities.
Conclusions: With better weight loss than LAGB and lower complication rates than RYGB, SG is a reasonable choice for the treatment of morbid obesity and should be covered by both public and private payers.
SOURCE: Carlin A, Zeni T, Birkmeyer N, et al. The comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. Annals Of Surgery [serial online]. May 2013;257(5):791-797. Available from: MEDLINE with Full Text, Ipswich, MA.
Article 2:
September 2012: Morbidity and mortality associated with LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB from the ACS-BSCN dataset
LRYGB LSG LAGB 30-d mortality (%) 0.14 0.11 0.05 1-y mortality (%) 0.34 0.21 0.08 30-d morbidity (%) 5.91 5.61 1.44 30-d readmission (%) 6.47 5.40 1.71 30-d reoperation/intervention(%) 5.02 2.97 0.92
SOURCE: Data from Hutter MM, Schirmer BD, Jones DB, et al. First report from the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has morbidity and effectiveness positioned between the band and the bypass. Ann Surg 2011;254(3):410–20 [discussion: 420–2], in: Timothy D. J, Matthew M. H. Morbidity and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity. Advances In Surgery [serial online]. n.d.;46(Advances in Surgery):255-268. Available from: ScienceDirect, Ipswich, MA"

All the testing and prep you did can be taken to another dr. You will not have to start over. Don't let that dr talk you into a procedure that you do not want. I have only met 1 person that lost all her weight to goal and said she was having no problems. Be very sure. You don't want to have a second surgery.

bigbeauty78 this must be a difficult time for you - wanting the sleeve - doc pushing for the lapband
doc sounds pretty adament that he prefers the lapband
even if he DOES say ok to the sleeve - i can't help but think his heart isn't into it
i wouldn't want "that" doc to have my life in his hands
repeating what others have said - many docs don't want to do the lapband anymore
there must be a good reason
years ago, it was either gastric bypass or the lapband - they were both supposed to be terrific
we know of the malabsorption problems with the gastric bypass
and the lapband has so many problems, erosion et al
(to be fair, i never had the lapband - but i hear all these awful things concerning the procedure)
conversion from lapband to sleeve???
hmmmm, why do you think so many OP have this done if there were no problem with the lapband???
we're the sleeve board, so we're all biased towards the sleeve, but................
we all made the wise decision to have the sleeve, cuz its the best (and so are we )
just that your doc is trying to pull you towards the lapband
i would run/not walk away from his offic
there are many surgeons in the sea
find one who likes the sleeve - (that shouldn't be hard to to do)
good luck with your sleeve procedure!!!!
you will love it
take care
kathy

70 lbs is awesome!!! Congrats!! You will hit goal - just keep your eye on the prize!

I was sleeved 12/21/12..........I am down 70 lbs as of last Friday.....I have 56 lbs until I hit goal, but I have stalled lately I suppose my loss is good though I just want if off yesterday lol also I have chronic low back pain due to just being dx with moderate to severe lumbar facet arthritis so exercise is painful.....I am 5'9 to 5'10 and my nutritionist wants my calorie intake to approx 1200 per day........I don't know everyones different but I find myself thinking my wt loss shoud be better

I'm 11 days out and experienced the same discomfort with drinking. The easiest to get down was powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein drink. Warm and soothing. It gets easier. hang in there.
KimberlyU sleeved 7/24/13

If your liquids are ice cold, you might find it easier to swallow them warm, or even room temperature. It may lessen the nausea, too. Also, some people have a problem with plain Water at first. Adding some flavorings like Mio or Crystal Light may help reduce the surface tension and help it go down more smoothly. I also found tea was soothing, if you are permitted to have it.
Hang in there. It really does get easier! I'm a month out and drinking and eating much more normally (albeit in massively smaller amounts :-D )
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Hello Thinner, I am post op day 6. I am on Clear Liquids. I, too , had that sensation of pain, Fluid getting stuck, and cramping when I sipped on fluids. It is normal. Just take small sips, take time between sips, and take deep breathe in and out if it feels like fluid is stuck and won't move.

At 3 days post op all sorts of discomforts make themselves known. All of these are mentioned in posts here frequently. As always, your docs are experts we are just far separated observers.
Water drinking was very difficult for me for the first 2 weeks. I still feel like things stick in my throat at a year and a half out. I don't know what that is. When I get to a doc I will have him/her look at it.
On the positive side I have lost oodles of fat, am as healthy as a race horse, and get pinched by my wife.

Try taken smaller sips and a lots of them. It's important not to get dehydrated. If your not able to call your doctor.

Hello experts! I'm post op day 3 and having trouble with liquids going down. My throat feels tight like there's a pill stuck in there. Of course have not swallowed anything solid. My sleeve cramps when I drink liquids and I feel slightly nauseated. Is this normal?

Ok, so I've thought about WLS on and off for years, I tried to get gastric bypass 10 years ago when I was 26, and 90lbs lighter. I went through all the requirements and got denied. I appealed and got denied again. I was upset, but I lost some weight on my own and was feeling good about myself, I then unexpectedly met my husband and I forgot about WLS. But over the years I gained weight, which wasn't an issue for my husband, but bothered me. I would talk about WLS but never really felt ready, then within the last 4 years, I've lost a lot of family and loved ones, to cancer, heart attack, or complications from their illnesses.
I started thinking of my life and my health, I have hbp, but nothing crazy, I'm on a low dose of hbp meds, sleep apnea, and of course I'm fat. I decided I wanted to get WLS.
So I researched and found a Dr. On the list provided by my insurance, found a Dr. I liked and my insurance had a designated center for excellence for bariatric surgery, so I felt good about my decision, started my requirements to get approval in January. Met the surgeon, Dr. Hilaro Juarez and he took his time going over my options and history. I felt good. Did my 6 month weight lost attempt, ekg, pulmonary testing, and got my family Dr's support. My paperwork was submitted on July 9, got my approval 5 days later, got my surgery date 3 days later. I'm scheduled to have surgery on August 19th, do my pre-op testing tomorrow August 5, and start my 2 week liquid pre-op diet tomorrow too.
With that being said, I'm scared. I'm freaking out. I'm aware of the complications and everything, but I'm scared. I can't help it. My brain is going through so many scenarios and I am worried. I have been so confident with my decision up til now and with it 2 weeks away, I am so scared and don't know what to do. Anyone else have some crazy anxiety before surgery? I need some feedback, I have a great support system, which is my husband and kids, but they don't know how scared I am, and I don't feel right putting them through my fears when I know they have their own. Ok. Done spazzing out for now.

I am in the same boat. I am 5 weeks post op and I am throwing up daily. I can barely get 2 oz of food down.

Are you for real? I go for my 2nd follow up on Wednesday too! Haha! What a small world. I can't remember what time my appt is, either 11:45 or 12:45. He is a great surgeon. Always happy to answer all questions, makes sure you have asked all of the questions you had, he is very nice, and he can laugh at a joke too. He performs surgery well too I believe. I mean for all I know they could have been having a party while I was knocked out but I came out ok so I assume he did what he was supposed to while I was in the operating room. I was a self pay also and like you, it made the difference as to whether I would have been able to afford the surgery or not. The price could not be beat. I did try premier vanilla shakes and did not like them too much. I have not tried the chocolate premier. I drink chocolate Muscle Milk. So far that is the most tolerable for me. I kind of think I am not going to love any of the Protein drinks or supplements. I would rather just tolerate what I can rather than to spend anymore money and time trying others.

I am going to see him on Wednesday for my 2nd follow up. I think he is a wonderful surgeon who truly cares about each of his patients. Everyone I know that used him as there surgeon has been extremely happy. The office staff is outstanding as well. I was a self pay so the fact that he only charges $10,500 was amazing to me. It was the difference between having it and not. Have you tried Premier shakes? They can be bought at Sam's or costco. I think Sam's is cheaper though. It seems to be the favorite for a lot of us. Good luck to you!!

Today is my one month from my surgery my highest weight loss 489 last year I started the program at 415 I'm now down to 340 all I can eat is only 75 Protein ony 3 week your feel a night at least for me. I'm walking more still have side pain. And the scails up and down . don't worry if it does for you . keep steady and strong . it worth it remember it a toll and your mind might block you . don't let it

NEVER NEVER trust the fart!!!!!!!! Truer words have never been written.

NEVER NEVER trust the fart!!!!!!!! Truer words have never been written.

What a bunch of perves! LOL! I keep feeling myself up too!
pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

I find myself feeling my shoulders and collar bones. Never really thought about shoulders, but I'm amazed how different they feel after losing almost 150 pounds. Still have 70 to go, but lots of changes. I also had to switch my wedding rings to middle finger and play with them constantly. Can't wait to get them sized.

I feel my neck..... It has really thinned out!

Yep - I had this as well. Not fun but I just thought about it as totally cleaning out all the gunk in my system. I'm 10 weeks out and have liquidy bm's about half the time. I'm just glad that I continue to have bm's at least once a day (for the most part). The alternative seems worse to me. Good luck -- each day gets better I promise!!! :-)

I almost wish I had the loose stools back . At 10 weeks out, I struggle more with Constipation.< /p>
Shel in Kansas - Sleeved 5/21/13

Totally normal... i had a few accidents the first couple weeks... and I agree NEVER trust a fart! I am almost 7 months out now and deal with weekly Constipation issues. I have to stay away from cheese and anything else that can make me stop up... otherwise its no bueno for 3 or 4 days.

So normal. My kids loved my belly noises, my dog, not so much. She actually barked at my tummy. It goes away after a few weeks.
Water poo is also the norm. I am 11 weeks out and still have watery explosions. My best words of advice? Never trust a fart.