jnt1

All this just goes to prove how ineffective and basically incorrect the BMI scale is.

In Australia, like the rest of the world, we work in Kilos and Centimetres (metric), so my numbers might not mean much to most readers. But back 25 years ago when i was diagnosed and hospitalized as annorexic; very thin to look at and by measurements, my weight of 48 kilos was just barely below the "recommended" lowest bmi weight of 54 kilos !!! But i was very very sick! Just crazy!!

My height of 165cms shows a healthy range of 54-74 kilos.

The bmi takes no account for varying bone density or muscle mass.

I would be very happy to weigh 75 kilos again. I could wear any outfit and looked slim and healthy.

I'd be very worried if my doctors started telling me i should weigh 54 kilos again!!

My nutritionist says they're aiming for us to lose about 60% of our excess weight. Not to fit into the healthy bmi range.

But it would be nice to sctually look slim????

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Are u all sleevers on this post? Any bypass just starting on pureed?

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I had my lap band and RNY done at the same time, as well as my gallbladder removed and hernia repair on April 12th . I may be a big wimp but it hurts! Yes the port area is a little more tender then the rest. But the pain does get so much better everyday. I'm 13lbs down in 2 weeks.

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I had the same..removal and bypass in one procedure. With hernia repair.

The pain from bypass is no comparison to the band!!!!

Im 11 days post op and having a few pain issues and had an episode of dumping. ..omg!!

I was lucky for the single procedure. It doesnt work for everyone. Lost 15 lbs in 11 days.

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Im 11 days post op ( bypass) and I've lost 15 lbs. Its so strange looking at the scales and seeing the number.

Ive fasted many times before this surgery...but usually not lost any weight at all.

Im not feeling well though...had a rough patch with pain and dumping that has set me back strength wise.

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I haven't dumped except during the soft food stages when I was ok'd to eat Bariatric vegetarian chili. It was just this side of hell. Not something you want to go looking for. I have kind of poked at that bear a few times like tasting a bite of cake(it was gross btw) and it didn't do anything to me. I've had Pasta sauce that was over my 4g of sugar limit given to me by my NUT and still no dumping. Not all people dump so you cannot count on that safety net. You have to just go knowing that it "may" be a possibility, but don't go poking for how much you can get away with before it happens. When I recognized my behavior I made changes so I don't go testing to see what I can get away with again. It's not very beneficial in the long haul to be trying to defeat or push the limits of our surgeries.

I had my first experience of dumping 2 days ago.

It was the worst pain and discomfort i have EVER experienced in my life!!!

Im only 10 days post bypass op.

I think it was because i accidentally became dehydrated (a 1 hour doc appointment turned into 3 and i didnt ask for water)

Later that evening i was celebrating my husbands birthday and had 1 scoop of vanilla icecream. BIG mistake!!

The ice cream into a dehydrated intestine.....

Within 30 mins i was writhing in agony, sweating, shivering...just wanted to die!

So if thats dumping i dont ever want to go there again...ever!

I had had 1 scoop of ice cream before, as i had become hypoglycemic and my surgeon said i needed to increase a bit of sugar intake. No problems then. So i think it was in combination with dehydration.

Does anyone have any tips on how they get through terrible episode of dumping if it happens???

I was just unable to do anything to help myself.

It scared me to death. I dont have any appetite now because im so afraid of feeling that again. I can only bring myself to drink weak cordial because i know i can tolerate that.

I have been asking myself what have i done?

But i know I'll get past it.

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Lol... So went to hospital today. Did two swallow tests one b4 and one after... Such a difference. The first one the band totally blocked. No wonder I was nauseous... And I even vomited back up the first swallow.... Oops. Doc took all the Fluid out.. 5 cc and a half... But I think band tight from blockage and then inflammation.... Anyway as he was taking the Fluid out I could feel everything getting better and better. Thanks for all the support. I am going to be fluid free for a month and then I will start slowly again ... Focus more on exercise and just keep the band in play in the background cheers for now

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Hey I just saw I wrote barbaric review not bariatric review .. Ha how funny

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Haha Barbaric is right!

I sometimes felt like the Reverse of a goose being prepared for fois gras!

Good luck and be careful when flying!!

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Do you think perhaps the meds are what are triggering the dreams and headaches?

I found when i had the meds in hospital i was actually dreaming (i never normally do) and my sleep was off....

When i got home i didn't take the meds only paracetamol and ive slept perfectly since

Hi AussieGirl81 Did you hav a band procedure?

I had band removal ( much scarring) and gastric bypass surgery.

The pain difference is like night n day.

I didnt need at home meds after band at all...not even panadol. But the gbp is 2 hours+ and a whole other world of pain. At days 6 + 7 I'm getting by on panadol... but only just. ????

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Hi

I have been sleeping ok...considering im resting all day at the moment...so not a lot to physically tire me out.

But i have been having the most horrific dreams!!!

Im always being attacked...either physically or mentally...just horrible nightmares...every night since day 3. Im day 7 now. I also have terrible headaches...blinding like a Migraine.< /p>

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i hear you! Have had the headaches as well up until today (6 days post op). I stopped pain meds day 2 cos they make me feel worse and contribute to the headaches. I particularly find Oxycodone gives me a cracking headaches. Could it be your pain meds?

I stopped the strong pain meds a couple of days ago...only taking panadol...but the headache continues.

I've eliminated the meds, dehydration and hypoglycemia so i think its coming from my neck. It was quite stiff post op...but obviously masked with the hosp meds.

My procedure was quite long and I'm thinking maybe the intubation etc for anaesthetic has caused some muscle spasms or ???

I feel more pain from my headaches tgan stomach atm.

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Sounds to me the alcohol inflammed your stomach making your band tighter.

Stick to non inflammatory soft foods for a couple of days. .. it should resolve.

I also found that if i travelled in a plane it would get tighter for a week or so

Yes AussieGirl81

This is because the band and small pouch is actually under pressure. The air pressure from flying increases tge airpressure in the band and creates quite a dangerous situation.

You should always have fill removed for long flights.

You can easily see what i mean next time you fly.

Put and elastic band just lightly around your wrist or ankle before you take off. ..see how tight it is when you get to the other end.

....scary stuff!

Im in aus too.

Just revised my band to bypass after 7 years with lgb.

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Thanks do much for replies. Sorry I didn't say what country I was in...its Denmark. I think I said it in another separate post. I am going to spend today finding a specialist. I found two websites in Danish but they do all speak English. I will keep u informed. Thanks so much. And hey Miss Meg I came from Melbourne lol

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I'm in Perth but have spent a bit of time at Cabrini Private in Melbourne when my band has been too tight and caused exactly your problems.

You'll find all doctors in Denmark speak English.

I used to live in Switzerland and as much as i tried to dpeak German they would always answer back in perfect English????

I dont think Denmark is doing bands any more.

Just be careful of any costs because it probably wont be covered under travel insurance. ..its a pre existing condition.

NB. Never fly with your band too tight!!!

Its a pressure situation iside your new baby pouch and you can damage your esophagus!

Always have Fluid removed before a long haul flight...please!!

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Hi there. I am 9 months post gastric band. It's all gone well till last week. I had three glasses of wine. Woke up next day in terrible stomach pain... And got major food blockage. Iced up and reverted to liquids and now two days later cannot keep real food down. Just regurgitated Water now. Everything seems stuck.

I eat two bites and that's it I feel full instantly. Is my band too tight? I just moved to new country and have yet to org a specialist to support me. Any advice?

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Oh and yes... Wine, actually any booze at all definitely off the cards these days

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Yes. Your band is too tight!

Dont try and wait it out...go to an emergency department niw and get the fill out for a week.

Please don't try and "wait n see".

Once Water is coming up it means your band opening has become inflamed and the gap has closed.

The risk of dehydration is very real and dangerous!!

It only takes 3 days of severe dehydration to really cause damage to your organs!

Dont blame the alchohol! I was banded for 7 years...alcohol was never the cause of a blockage.

For me it was usually chicken...but once it was a grape skin...not chewed carefully enough.

When the band was too tight practically anything could set me off on a terrible bout of vomitting, dehydration, pain, suffering....

It is not you...it is the device!

I say WAS banded as i had to have the band removed.

Like 80% of patients within 10 years.

Many surgeons no longer work with the lgb. The risks are huge. Europe and Scandinavia (who invented the lagb) have all but banned the device. The surgery of choice now is sleeve or bypass.

The story of ruptured esophagus, erosion by the band into the stomach wall, adhesions, scarring, Barretts esophagus. ....too many risks.

Just get yourself to ED and get the Fluid out for at least a week.

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Be very careful going to Mexico! I have read too many nightmares! Plus you will hotel fare, flight there and back, is it really worth it.! Try and find a way to stay in the good ole USA!! Just my opinion though.

Follow up is the issue when going to a foreign country. Most surgeons wont touch someone elses work!! What price do you put on your health & ultimately your life?

If you're standing at the pearly gates and you were asked , "would you like to pay $4000 not to be here? " .....what would your answer be?

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Hi

I have been sleeping ok...considering im resting all day at the moment...so not a lot to physically tire me out.

But i have been having the most horrific dreams!!!

Im always being attacked...either physically or mentally...just horrible nightmares...every night since day 3. Im day 7 now. I also have terrible headaches...blinding like a Migraine.

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Hi April pals

Did anyone else find that they gained weight in the post op days in hospital??

I list 3.5 kilos on the pre-op phase.

Sugery was on 19th April. I have been on clear fluids and I.V. fluids only since. I weighed myself today (23 April) and I have "gained" 3 kilos!!!

I cant believe it?! So dusappointing to gain weight on i.v. and mostly Water in hospital.

Any other with the same experience...or some advice....

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I'm having my bypass surgery today...in about 3 hours time. I am absolutely terrified!!!!

Right now i just want it to be over with and wake up in the other side! Any last pieces of advice?

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Had RNY surgery in March 2015 when I was 51 years old. Have lost 125 pounds. Best thing I ever did.

I love to hear that Hagengirl3!

Im same age and having revision from band to bypass in 2 days time. I'm so scared that I'm making a mistake and that I'll regret it.

Have you regretted your decision for bypass at all??

Can you tolerate alcohol at all? I just hope to have a glass of wine occasionally.

Im mostly afraid of never being able to eat out with friends at restaurants again. Its a big part of socialising here in Australia.

Have u found foods that you just cannot eat at all?

Would you do it again if you could go back in time?

Julie

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There should be other treatment you can take for your asthma that will be kinder to your stomach.

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For those of you having RNY and wondering if you will be able to eat normal foods again, the answer is yes absolutely! I am 19 months post op RNY. My favorite meals consist of good Protein and a salad or veggies. I eat fruit everyday.

My hunger came back but it is different, it's more of an empty feeling that can be resolved by having a very small amount of food. A few bites and I am full.

I still fight head hunger every single day. They are cravings and I have learned to ask myself questions like am I really truly hungry? If not I simply have some Water. If I am, then I choose a healthy snack.< /p>

I really wish I had dumping syndrome but so far I don't which means I have to hold myself accountable to not eating sweets. In the beginning I didn't care for anything sweet, now I do like sweets but the less sugary ones. Anything too sweet is just gross. Give me a tiny piece of lightly sweetened cheese cake and I am in heaven. Other sweets like cakes and Cookies....could care less about them.

I leverage Protein Bars for that sweet salty fix when I need one. For me, Atkins Peanut Butter pretzel meal bar makes a great meal or half for a snack. It has chocolate, Peanut Butter and salty pretzels. It is low carb and 16 grams of Protein. One of the better choices. I also dry fruit or fruit in general once a day.

Oh Djmohr i love your story! Thankyou!

That is my biggest fear.

My life with the band has been so terrible i just cant imagine how much better it will be with bypass.

Everyone says its like night and day, but i just keep worrying that I'll be living on sloppy yoghurt forever

It seems like such a bizarre concept to cut away 85% of your stomach!

How did you find going back to work?

I'm a busy high school teacher and I'm worried about the first couple of months!

Any tips?

How long was it before you could eat medium foods like soft vegetables etc?

And then how long until meat?

I find the info dieticians give me is accurate but not from experience. They really cant imagine as they sit their in their size 2 mini skirt explaining food choices.

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Pure misery and gained 1 to 2 pounds consistently...I was ravenous beyond compare...only soft ...not good foods were tolerable...my chocolate cravings were out out of sight...just miserable.My teeth suffered,my gums are a mess...

RNY has changed the game.

Im so glad to hear that the rny has cganged everything for you pinkgirl1234!

The concept of creating a tiny compartment of stomach and not expecting the larger stomach (and the ghrelin) to be sending hunger signals is ludicrous!!

I gave to wonder what the hell the original developers were thinking??

The physiology of the body reacts to starvation with cravings...thats why the bypass is do much more successful by actually changing the hormones.

Have you tried a glass of wine or similar at all yet?

Im not a big drinker, but i do like a glass of wine occasionally. Info says it affects you much more.

With 3 days to go I'm still nervous and trying to convince myself its the right move.

Cant get the fesr of the future out of my head!!!

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Wow you all know my pain. I was banded in 09 and have regretted it everyday since. It is painful, and embarrassing to vomit almost daily. I have two more appts and then I wait to hear if I am approved for the bypass. Good luck to all

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Embarrassing is so true!! I was at a wirk function once 100 people for a stand up lunch in a courtyard setting. I aye something that just stuck instantly and straight away i was vomiting into my serviette and standing over the rubbish bin. I had no option. I felt like i was going to projectile vomit so i was lucky to get to the bin! It was soooo embarrasing!

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@@jnt1

Hi and congrats on taking the big step. I haven't had my revision yet (scheduled for May 13) so I can't really tell you much, but just wanted to say you are definitely not alone. I felt that same way... And even right now I am also terrified of this revision but I am determined to go through with it and make it work. Best of luck to you as well... It's just around the corner are you on liquid diet right now? I am supposed to start mine on 28th. Not too thrilled lol but needs to be done

Hi! yes ive been on liquid pre-op for just over a week.

I've lost a couple of kilos (I'm in Australia ).

At first it was terrible but then i made use of the option for a light vegetable Soup for dinner which made it much easier.

Also my NUT allows me 2 cups if certain free veges/salad. Good fir tge crunch aspect of eating.

I live 2 hours from my surgeon and the hospital. I have a pre op on minday and surgery Tuesday so my husband and i will stay in a hotel the night before. Would rather be in my own bed, but thats how it goes.

There wont be any room service that's for sure. My hubby will have to go and have dinner by himself

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Why didn't I get the lapband from the start!???My friend who had the sleeve...throws up!! I have not had any dumping or sliming or throwing up since my revision.I also don't have any gerd or burping or belching.

My surgeo told me that the sleeve really operates on the same proviso of the band which is Restriction.

The bp is if course restrictive but there us no valve at the bottom to create that pressure.

The worst thing with the band is the feeling if hunger. Because that sectioned off stomach was ready and waiting for food that just never arrives!!!

I felt restricted but always hungry. Stupid concept.

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@@Shakti As you can see from all the posts this is a personal decision. For me, the idea of possibly having to have the band removed was enough to steer me towards the sleeve. Every surgery has risks and it gets more dangerous the older we get. Also, research is not supporting the band as a great long term option. None of that means that you personally will have a problem- but the risk is there.

Below I have pasted an abstract from a long term study. There are some other studies also linked there which you may find interesting. Good Luck on this journey!

Long-term results after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: a mean fourteen year follow-up study

• E.O. Aarts, M.D.^, ,
• K. Dogan, M.D.,
• P. Koehestanie, M.D.,
• Th.J. Aufenacker, M.D., Ph.D.,
• I.M.C. Janssen, M.D.,
• F.J. Berends, M.D., Ph.D.

• Department of Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.

Received 30 May 2010, Accepted 3 March 2014, Available online 5 April 2014

Show moreShow less

doi:10.1016/j.soard.2014.03.019 Get rights and content

S1550728914001427Refers To

• Allen F. Browne
• Paired Editorial to SOARD-10-151
• Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Volume 10, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Page 640
• PDF (47 K)

Referred to by

• Allen F. Browne
• Paired Editorial to SOARD-10-151
• Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Volume 10, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Page 640
• PDF (47 K)

Abstract Background

For over a decade, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) was 1 of the most performed bariatric procedures in Europe. This study is a retrospective analysis with prospectively collected data of the experience in 1 specialized Dutch center with the adjustable gastric band over 14 years.Methods

Between 1995 and 2003, 201 patients underwent an LAGB for morbid obesity in our hospital. Data on preoperative clinical characteristic, postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns, and co-morbidities for up to 18 years are presented and evaluated using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS).Results

Average follow-up was 13.6 (±2.0) years (163 mo) and 99% of patients with complete follow-up. Two thirds of patients reached an excess weight loss (EWL)>50% at some point after LAGB placement. However, due to insufficient weight loss or complications in 53% of patients, the LAGB had to be removed or converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Additionally, half of the remaining patients had disappointing results according to the BAROS score. In total, less than one quarter (22%) of patients had a functioning band with a good result after the follow-up period. Although initially the number of patients experiencing co-morbidities was reduced, most of them returned and a large number of patients developed new co-morbidities. Complications, other than weight regain, were numerous as 47% of patients experienced at least 1. In total, 204 reoperations were performed in 137 (68%) patients. Furthermore, patients who were lost to follow-up did almost twice as bad in terms of EWL compared to patients who had regular follow-up.Conclusion

Morbid obesity is a chronic disease that can be resolved with bariatric surgery. One of the treatment options is the LAGB, which in the short term shows good results in terms of EWL and co-morbidity reduction. In the long term, however, EWL and co-morbidity reduction are disappointing, and the LAGB does not seem to live up to expectations. Besides the decrease in EWL over time, the number of reoperations required is alarming. In total, less than a quarter of patients still had a functioning band after a mean 14 years of follow-up.

The 10 year Swiss study also supports the Dutch results. It hasnt been a success long term. And erosion of the stomach is a real concern.

My experience long term confirms this and after 7 years I'm revising to bp.

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It should be banned.The lapband has caused me so many complications...RNY is a godsend...a second chance....

I cant believe surgeons are still using it. Dangerous and so many issues leading to band failure.

I love hearing your story Pinkgirl1234! I am really afraid that my social life will be over with this bp. I havent eaten very much for years, but im afraid that i wont ever be able to go to a restaurant with friends again????????????

Im used to eating small entree while they go the 3 course....will i be able to do this again eventually pinkgirl1234?

Please tell me some positives i can look forward to:)

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Oh...that gastric band is the worst device ever!

Im having a band to bp revision in 4 days time.

Im so afraid that i wont lose weight and i will have chopped my stomach out for no reason.

Im sort of fixated on this lately...would love to hear some success stories to keep me positive!

I was banded in 2009. ..good loss but soooo much suffering.

I hope bp is a better outcome.

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