Sun Godess

The one thing you haven't denied or confirmed is whether the patient death in question happened or not.
I'm just an interested bystander, but when you started bringing up irrelevant things and ignoring that question, you became suspect.
I'm only asking again to give you the chance to respond with the clarity you claim to operate under.
After all, as you point out, patients do sometimes die on the table, especially very high BMI patients with multiple comorbidities. But even knowing this, you've continued to ignore the question.
Respectfully, doing that makes you come across as shady, which I assume you don't want.

Yes, it doesn't compare to the band...it is far better!
1.you WILL have significant restriction...THAT IS THE POINT! You can't eat bread or rice. You shouldn't eat bread or rice anyway. There is no needed nutrition from bread or rice. (I CAN eat bread, but rice is still difficult.)
2. Acid reflux. Nope, not everyone. I had esophageal erosion and tooth erosion from reflux with the band. I have NO acid issues at all with the sleeve. I don't even need any acid medication any longer!
3.vitamins. You CAN live without them, but should you? Even with a perfectly normal digestive system, you should take Vitamins. My hair, skin and nails are better than ever because of vitamins!
4.NSAIDS. Not every doctor eliminates them. Some do. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) even if your dr says NO NSAIDS. I don't take pain meds too often because I just don't have the pain like before.
5.you may have slime and you may vomit, but get a stomach bug and you vomit too. I did vomit a couple of days ago because I ate rice and it kept growing and overfilling me!

Your stomach and eating may not ever be normal, but look at where normal got you before. Some people have horrible experiences and some have life altering experiences. You work your plan every day and spend the rest of your life making more good food choices than bad food choices! If I had it to do over, I would not ever get the band and just get the sleeve!!


Banded 2010 weight:327
Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
Currently 220.7 lbs
106 lbs down!!
Heather in Texas

Sounds like a good decision! I didn't even look at insurance here. I talked to several friends that went down to Mexico and decided it was good. Really convinced me when one of my good friends who is a nurse went down to the same place I'm going and said it was awesome. Not nearly as "fancy", but very adequate, sterile and good care. My sisters are freaking out on me though.

April 1st here. I'm on day 2 of liquid diet. No fun, I'm hungry, got horrible headache!!! I'm doing what I gotta do and telling myself to remember the bigger picture. I know it can only get better from here. I'm getting my lapband out and getting sleeve.

Stay strong, it does get better! I am on my 4th day and the first three days were the worst. I was so hungry and had a massive headache. I also had to say no to one of my co-workers who always brings sweets to share with everyone. Usually I am the first one to take one and it took so much for me to say "No thanks" she even looked so shocked and asked if I was on a diet (I am not telling my co-workers I am getting weight loss surgery).
Day #4 and I am not even hungry - it took me forever to finish my Protein Shakes and was so full from all the Water and liquids I've had. You did great in staying back and avoiding temptation. That's exactly what I have been doing and it's working. Stay away from smelling or seeing anything that may be a trigger. It's only 2 weeks of struggle for a lifetime of a better you.
I have a calendar by my desk with the 14 days of my pre-op diet and every day before I go home I cross out another day and it feels soooo good.

Thank you all! Everything you've said rings true. Although I know I'm taking a measured risk with surgery, I'm just nervous and hoping everything goes goes well. NoMoBand, you have a point. I have heard of heartburn with the sleeve. Unfortunately, I want this thing out, and know that for my greater long term health, I need a tool to help get me to a healthy weight. I have no health issues, other than being overweight, and do not want to be regretfully met by any because I did not get it under control. I hope the sleeve allows me to be successful.

April 1st with Dr. Illan. Band to Sleeve.

UMMMM.... Maybe you need to bring your attitude down to a Zero because my comment was not directed to you. You should read that I offered her an option. I did not Quote you nor read your Quote. The world does not revolve around you and what you have posted. To make sure I am talking to you, I have now Quoted you.

I worry about those too, but not just because of going to Mexico. Complications happen in the US too, and sometimes complications happen from patients not following proper post op care. If you Google or even look through the message boards here there are all kinds of stories of complications right here in the US because this surgery is not risk free. No surgery is. A young guy I went to college with just died from a routine outpatient gallbladder removal!

I've been researching doctors for over a year now and for me it always comes back to Dr. Illan. Now that he partnered with BariatricPal and they've vetted him, that just sealed the deal for me that he is one of the best Bariatric surgeons in Tijuana. And I would bet he would rank highly among Bariatric surgeons world wide.

I also feel more at ease having 4 days of monitored post op care. Here in the US you get discharged from the hospital after 24 hours and I feel like you're kind of on your own until your 1-2 week checkup.

Transparency helps a lot.
The word of caution should come from simply Googling somebody and running off to get yourself cut up. Acts of desperation do happen quite often and that's likely where many of the bad results come from, whether it be surgery or not taking care of other issues first (i.e. psychological or physiological).
Before I joined the forum I heard of this being done in Mexico and was like, "no way in hell", but reading more and more about people's experiences with specific doctors helps a lot with trust building. One thing absolutely no one should expect is there to be no risks. Always be ready for potential complications.. hell, the very surgery papers you sign undoubtedly inform you of those risks.
So while I would still suggest when it comes to Mexico using a bit of caution it would really be no more than surgeons in the US. Given the importance of this surgery I'd go with any proven good Mexico surgeon than a random US one.

Thank you all! Everything you've said rings true. Although I know I'm taking a measured risk with surgery, I'm just nervous and hoping everything goes goes well. NoMoBand, you have a point. I have heard of heartburn with the sleeve. Unfortunately, I want this thing out, and know that for my greater long term health, I need a tool to help get me to a healthy weight. I have no health issues, other than being overweight, and do not want to be regretfully met by any because I did not get it under control. I hope the sleeve allows me to be successful.

I'm 9 months out and haven't had much of an issue with heartburn. I get it if I'm eating/drinking too many acidic things, but it's not often. I take a Prilosec and then i'm perfectly fine.
On the actual topic, I had Dr. Illan and it was the best experience I've had with a doctor. I was terrified going. I wasn't a revision patient, but it's nerve wracking either way. Specifically BECAUSE there is no guarantee. There is a risk no matter who the surgeon is or where it takes place. As long as you've mitigated the biggest part by finding a good surgeon, you significantly lower that risk. And you have! Dr. Illan is amazing.

I will say that 3 years into being revised, I love the sleeve. Life is pleasantly different from banded life. Even with battling GERD, I have no regrets. Everything will go well and you will be much happier afterward. Let us know how it goes. jake

So...I have a lap band. I never got to the "green zone" or optimal restriction, just increased unbearable heartburn with additional fills. I have insurance, and kind of fell into the revision process this December. My insurance requires the repeat of the 6 mos diet process again to submit for a revision to sleeve. I do not want to wait and take the chance of ultimately being denied. So, I have scheduled a revision with Dr. Illan in a few weeks. Everything is all set up. I told my lap band surgeon a couple weeks ago at my last appt. He seemed concerned but understood.
This morning I got a personal call from my lap band surgeon. He said his partner was in surgery as we spoke trying to fix a leak from a patient who had a sleeve done in Mexico. He said he was not trying to scare me, because he understands that I have to do what I have to do. He was just warning me that they see this regularly. He did not know the doctor or anything. So, I feel that I have done a good job, but am worrying now about the what if's due to it being a "revision" surgery of lap band to sleeve, and the possibility of a leak. It is scaring me now, and whether they REALLY REALLY REALLY check thoroughly before closing you up! I know they do leak tests during and after, but then how does someone get home and then have a leak!?!?! He did say, yes, it can happen to anybody. I am just wondering, scared and slightly second guessing. I can't afford to get back home and have complications and be in the hospital!
I have found one band to sleeve patient on here who went to Dr. Illan. I have heard all glowing reviews. I have phone conferenced with Dr. Illan and feel good. I don't want fear to hold me back. I don't want to wait until July/August to hope to have surgery and maybe be denied because there "technically" is no mechanical error with my band. I am ready to move on and find success NOW beginning of April, be several pounds down by summer, all healed up, and moving on with my life...not to mention over this heartburn!
Any words of wisdom and experience...especially of band to sleeve revisions would be greatly appreciated!

April 1st with Dr. Illan. Band to Sleeve.

I am no expert, as I have only had the lap band a month and some change. I will say I totally understand where you're coming from. I am a very scary person, and I have pondered this for 4 years, but kept telling my self it was so drastic....do I really need to do this? I had to finally be honest with myself, that I was not successful on my own. No one truly understands "your" battle, it may not be theirs. So, it took me this long because my fear of the unknown held me back. I hit a new high, said I will have to make healthy changes one day soon, by force, or by my own choice. I decided to put fear aside. Don't focus on the negative, but take your life by the horns...it's your life and your future. How do you want it to be? I naturally was wondering the first couple days after if I had made the right choice. I know I did! My band only has a half of a cc in it, and I can tell the difference. I feel totally normal. My stomach was sore for the first 5-6 days, but really on day 5-6 I was at the store finishing my Christmas shopping! So far, I am very glad I did it and gave my self a CHANCE at being successful, and I am only beginning my journey! You can do this!
Best Wishes!

Looks like you and I may be a few weeks apart from when we did our surgeries - mine was the 28th but I'm guessing yours was much earlier in the month since you've gotten your first fill.
I'm getting my first fill on February 8th. My PA told me that she'd give me 2 cc's if I said I could eat a salad plate full of food and still feel hungry after/between meals. If my hunger level isn't that strong she'll give me 1 cc. She said it would take on average 3-6 fills before I hit the "sweet spot" and to expect some hunger/difficulty initially.
The best advice is be patient and stick to the diet as best you can. Practice eating as though you're at your ideal restriction. Small bites, chew well, and pause between bites. Easier said than done, I know. The goal right now is just do your best. Temper your expectations and focus on getting a good workout routine going. Think of your long-term goals and try to stay motivated.
I'm still feeling the effects of a swollen stomach so I've been able to eat small and do fine. It helps knowing I can physically get by with much less food than I thought I needed. My pre-band strategy was to shave off a couple hundred calories daily because I didn't want to "starve." Thought I couldn't function on 3 meals on salad plates but it turns out I do just fine. I gotta remember that when I hit bandster hell myself.
Hang in there. You don't want to get too restricted too soon. Some folks get to the point where they can't even swallow Water and that sounds horrible. I'd rather go slow and steady myself. It took me years to get this fat, and it'll take time to get the weight off.

Best of luck on getting to the right fill. IMHO slow and steady on the fills seems to be more effective ... In the long run... Risks with overfilling and regurgitating can include ruining your band , removal and many other very unpleasant things. I'm banded many years and it is life changing. And can be a bitch! Most days are great... The hunger goes away! Amazing.
Some days you may have to remind yourself to eat.... Other days are hard to feel full.
The most common rules I read here
With success stories are. Protein. Water. Exercise. Low restrictions on the band...
Wishing you well on finding your
" right " spot????

Hi Guys,
Glad to hear everybody's surgery went well. I am doing pretty good. Feeling pretty good. I started full liquids today. So I can have creamed Soups, yogurt, Decaf coffee, thin grits or cream of wheat, thinned mashed potatoes, and Protein drinks and milk...
I'm doing pretty good at not being hungry, and the scale is moving down!
I have been able to sleep on my sides now. Last night I had about a 40 minute horrible experience with trapped gas that I needed to burp up, but it seemed like it was stuck like couldn't get past the band? Not sure, but it was like pressure and a bubble in the back of my throat! oh my, I didn't like that! I just kept walking and drank hot peppermint tea. Eventually I was able to burp several times and it relieved it.
Other than that, I have been out and feeling pretty good.

Hey Guys,
Wow! Glad everyone is recovering well. I am excited! I admit the first couple of days after I got home, I was wondering if I had made the right choice, and what the hell have I gotten myself into!? But, everyday has been better and better, and I feel great! bel1995, I am THEE scariest person, so I know just how you feel! If I can gather enough nerve to actually go through with this, you will be just fine!! It will be fine, everyday is so much better than the day before, and every time I let doubt and fear creep in, I just reminded myself of the bigger picture! I had to let reality of the truth and my future take precedence over my own fear! Fear is what took so long to finally start the process after researching and pondering this for 3 years. I reminded myself that soon, I would HAVE to make changes! If I do nothing, because I am NOT and have NOT been successful at loosing weight on my own, I would be forced to make changes, because irreversible diseases like diabetes would befall me, and then you're stuck with it and it is a slow and silent killer. If you get stuck with it, you STILL have to make lifestyle changes! Or, even if you try losing weight on your own, YOU WILL HAVE to make the same changes!!! So, why not get a little helper installed to finally give yourself the support you've been needing and missing, and making those same changes will come easier, and you WILL FINALLY BE SUCCESSFUL at it!!! I deserve it!! I have NOT been myself with all this weight on me. So, this is what I kept in mind, whenever fear crept in. December banders....WE DID IT!!!! We are on the other side! The hard part is over!!
I am sooo proud of myself for taking the steps to improve my health and create an opportunity to live longer, and best of all...LIVE MY BEST LIFE, not just any life! So, as I feel better everyday, I'm gon rock this damn band out!!! Can't wait for the 1st fill to get this sucka fired up! I asked my doc right before surgery to fill this puppy up with a couple cc's for the meantime and in between time! LOL!! He said it fit nice and snug, so he did NOT put any fill in. So, I guess...don't wanna be to tight!! I got the standard Allergan 10cc band. I have my 1st follow up apt with him tomorrow, due to the Christmas holiday.
Looking forward to blending up so Christmas leftovers like my husbands delicious turkey that I couldn't even taste, with some greens and mashed potatoes and a lil gravy!!!! I guess I'll get to taste some of our Christmas dinner after all! LOL! Hopefully my doc will move me forward when I see him tomorrow!!!
banded4change, how exciting! The hard part is over now, and you have so much to look forward to! I love Florida!

Hi Guys,
Glad to hear everybody's surgery went well. I am doing pretty good. Feeling pretty good. I started full liquids today. So I can have creamed Soups, yogurt, Decaf coffee, thin grits or cream of wheat, thinned mashed potatoes, and Protein drinks and milk...
I'm doing pretty good at not being hungry, and the scale is moving down!
I have been able to sleep on my sides now. Last night I had about a 40 minute horrible experience with trapped gas that I needed to burp up, but it seemed like it was stuck like couldn't get past the band? Not sure, but it was like pressure and a bubble in the back of my throat! oh my, I didn't like that! I just kept walking and drank hot peppermint tea. Eventually I was able to burp several times and it relieved it.
Other than that, I have been out and feeling pretty good.

Hi All! I too am days away from my pre-op diet and surgery. I start my pre-op diet on the 10th and have surgery on the 17th. It's getting real now that it's days away, and I am most terrified of the pre-op diet! I am really worried that I will be starving on liquids and veggies and yogurt for a week, and if I can actually do it without cheating. I think it's going to be torturous. I am ready, but do waver at times, wondering if I could just get it together and do this without surgery. Then, I get excited because I feel hope on the horizon, and that going through with this could finally bring success at losing weight. So, I am experiencing some moments of mixed emotions, but I have come this far and am ready for change and a healthier life. I just hope, I will be happy I did this, and adjust well to banded life. I am not telling anyone except my husband, of course, and I am feeling as it gets closer that I wish I actually knew someone or had other real people around to talk to. Today I logged on and saw so many other December banders, and that was nice, so I will be checking in and hope to share our adventure!

kiba78 & banded4change,
How exciting we will have ours on the same day! I do my pre op apt with the anesthesiologist on the 10th and will find out my surgery time then. I don't start my pre op diet til the 10th. I did buy everything I will need, so I don't have to worry about anything. I got Vitamins, Protein drinks and powder, etc. My preop consists of Protein Drinks, broth, unsweetened apple sauce, grits or oatmeal, milk, Decaf, no Creamer or sugar, greek yogurt, and vegetables. and goes down to Clear Liquids only 2 days before. I just hope I can make it on this diet for a week, I'm not worried about after surgery, cuz I won't be hungry like that, but before hand, will power and hunger scare me!
Banded, good luck on your surgery! It sounds like you're all ready! Yikes! I haven't told anyone but hubby either. I am hoping this works because I have never been able to really stick to a diet for more than a week, and not lost more than 10-15 pounds and that was only 2 times...years ago! So, I'm hoping this will be the miracle I need! I'm ok with losing -2 lbs. a week, shoot that's more than I can consistently EVER do on my own! I just really need this to work, and I want to still feel normal in my daily life. I don't want to be deprived.

Hello All,
I have been cruising on here for a few years periodically, but today I finally got up the nerve to post. I love this community and have found so much valuable information, positivity, and insight into having a lap band. I have secretly been thinking about having the lap band for about 3 years, but the thought was very scary and seemed extreme to me. Well this January, after no weight loss success, I decided to get a consultation and begin the process. If they use a previous weigh in, I may get surgery in late June.
Considering all of this, I am getting very scared of the unknown and actually doing it. I know I am NOT good at loosing weight! I have never lost a significant amount of weight on my own, except for 2 times, which I did the low carb, drastically starving for a few weeks and lost about 15 lbs. but didn't keep it off. That was years ago. Now I am married with 2 kids, work, and just cannot concentrate and stick to something. I have tried weight watchers many times, but loose focus after a couple weeks, and find that I do well all day some days, but then am hungry at the end, and blow it! I have no health issues, but want to be a healthier me, live long, get back to myself, and FINALLY be successful at losing weight.
I have had so many questions and fears and as the reality gets closer, I am feeling confused if I should go through with it, although I know I absolutely need help other than appetite suppressants that make you feel crazy. I really need something to help me stick to a diet without giving up and starving. I cook, we eat Protein and veggies and a starch every evening. I do eat lots of healthy foods, love Protein and love vegetables, but am honestly a junk food eater and love chocolate!
If anyone could give de honest real feedback on these questions I would be SOOOO very appreciative!
My doctor tried hard to talk me into the sleeve and said he thought I would lose about 50 lbs( I'm 258 lbs).
1. Are you satisfied with your lap band? Are you happy you chose the band over vsg?
2. I'm afraid of the unkown. Do you feel normal...like just living and being your normal self and don't know it's there?
3. Do you get used to eating little portions? Do you feel deprived?
4. I work on a team, and we eat lunch together and chat daily at work. I don't want to tell anyone at work. I'm afraid I won't be able to do this
without them and or me having eating issues in front of them? Do you think I will be able to? What are your experiences?
5. I've heard many people say "oh, the band is only 25% of the help...It's really me." I'm hoping the band is A LOT of help, not a magic wand,
a GREAT help...more than 25% else wise, what's the point! What is your opinion/experience? How much help is the band for you?
6. I need appetite suppression... Does the band actually do that? What exactly does the band do you for you? n How would you describe it?
7. Looking back, do you think you could have lost your weight without the band?
8. I hear a lot about eating slow and small bites...I am very afraid of this! I don't want to be a spectacle in front of others or feel weirded out and
miserable having to eat with baby spoons and pea size bites. I want to eat normal. How is this for you?
9. Any personal testimonies, advice or warnings? Please share and

Hello All,
I have been cruising on here for a few years periodically, but today I finally got up the nerve to post. I love this community and have found so much valuable information, positivity, and insight into having a lap band. I have secretly been thinking about having the lap band for about 3 years, but the thought was very scary and seemed extreme to me. Well this January, after no weight loss success, I decided to get a consultation and begin the process. If they use a previous weigh in, I may get surgery in late June.
Considering all of this, I am getting very scared of the unknown and actually doing it. I know I am NOT good at loosing weight! I have never lost a significant amount of weight on my own, except for 2 times, which I did the low carb, drastically starving for a few weeks and lost about 15 lbs. but didn't keep it off. That was years ago. Now I am married with 2 kids, work, and just cannot concentrate and stick to something. I have tried weight watchers many times, but loose focus after a couple weeks, and find that I do well all day some days, but then am hungry at the end, and blow it! I have no health issues, but want to be a healthier me, live long, get back to myself, and FINALLY be successful at losing weight.
I have had so many questions and fears and as the reality gets closer, I am feeling confused if I should go through with it, although I know I absolutely need help other than appetite suppressants that make you feel crazy. I really need something to help me stick to a diet without giving up and starving. I cook, we eat Protein and veggies and a starch every evening. I do eat lots of healthy foods, love Protein and love vegetables, but am honestly a junk food eater and love chocolate!
If anyone could give de honest real feedback on these questions I would be SOOOO very appreciative!
My doctor tried hard to talk me into the sleeve and said he thought I would lose about 50 lbs( I'm 258 lbs).
1. Are you satisfied with your lap band? Are you happy you chose the band over vsg?
2. I'm afraid of the unkown. Do you feel normal...like just living and being your normal self and don't know it's there?
3. Do you get used to eating little portions? Do you feel deprived?
4. I work on a team, and we eat lunch together and chat daily at work. I don't want to tell anyone at work. I'm afraid I won't be able to do this
without them and or me having eating issues in front of them? Do you think I will be able to? What are your experiences?
5. I've heard many people say "oh, the band is only 25% of the help...It's really me." I'm hoping the band is A LOT of help, not a magic wand,
a GREAT help...more than 25% else wise, what's the point! What is your opinion/experience? How much help is the band for you?
6. I need appetite suppression... Does the band actually do that? What exactly does the band do you for you? n How would you describe it?
7. Looking back, do you think you could have lost your weight without the band?
8. I hear a lot about eating slow and small bites...I am very afraid of this! I don't want to be a spectacle in front of others or feel weirded out and
miserable having to eat with baby spoons and pea size bites. I want to eat normal. How is this for you?
9. Any personal testimonies, advice or warnings? Please share and