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Excited to have replies. Infinite Butterfly - you hit the nail on the head saying when you said "focusing on other stuff instead of my next mean". That is me - I actually talked with my surgeon over the phone on Friday. We are acquaintences, and he also performed my lumpectomy for my Breast Cancer in January 2013. I thought I had been having gall bladder pains and he called because they were having to reschedule some appts and he wanted to talk with me. He said at one point that there was something he wanted to discuss, but did not mean it in a bad way. I told him I knew exactly what he was going to say and was going to bring it up to him during the appt. He said that he liked the Sleeve over Bypass and LapBand because it was metabolic also and not just a physical one. He explained about the hormone. I also would not choose the bypass because before I started teaching I would for a gastroenterology group. I saw too many people with complications with dumping syndrome. And as a science teacher, I can understand removal over rerouting. Our intestines were made to flow a certain way. I will still have some stomach after the surgery and food will flow through it like our bodies were made for. My college roommate's husband (who is an OBGYN) also had this done. So, I kinda figure that if a doctor has it then it should be pretty safe too. He is next on my list to call before the appt.

I made the mistake of letting my gp know and he was upset about the Mexico route. Same old stuff about a stateside doctor not being willing to help you out if there are complications. From what I have read on here most with complications had it done stateside. I still have not actually heard from someone that was refused care or that insurance abandoned since they went to Mexico. I am wondering if it is just an urban legend.

:tongue:Well my daughter came back from Mexico last night after surgery with Dr. Ortiz, thank God she is home safe. Even though I am the one who told her about him I still had my reservations. But after her insurance denied her for a no weight loss surgery clause that her employer had put in, she really didn't have a choice. She said all went well they picked her up in San Diego drove her to the hotel. Next day took her to Dr. Oritz had surgery stayed overnight, back to hotel for one day and they drove her back to airport. I only hope all goes well with no post-op complications since he is so far away. My surgeon Dr. Michael Nusbaum (Livingston NJ) will do fills for her and he is fantastic. She probably saved over $11,000 by going to Mexico. Well I mean I saved over $11,000. Now her fun begins!

I had my surgery one month ago today, and here are my basic stats so far: 1. I've lost 30 pounds from my highest point this fall 2. I've lost 14 pounds since my surgery date 3. I take in 700-900 calories a day 4. Two weeks into working out again-- about 4 times a week Overall, this has been a really positive experience. I was very lucky and had no complications and very little pain after surgery. I'm tolerating food pretty well-- I'm just not hungry! (Which was the point, right?) Maybe I've been reading too many astounding weight loss stories from all of you, but I am a little disappointed that I've only lost 14 pounds since surgery. I had hoped to lose 20 in the first month. But, I truly can't complain. That's not too bad considering that I had a 2 week stall in the middle of that. (I literally lost 2 pounds weeks 2 and 3 post op.) I would not have lost this weight without the sleeve. And as everyone says, it didn't go on overnight, and it's not going to come off that way, either. On another note, I signed up for my first 5K. It's 4/20, and I've started a 10 week couch to 5K program. I'm currently on week two. Working out is harder than it had been before, though, I have to say. I think it's because of my diminished calorie intake, but it takes a lot out of me. But I'm working through it, and it's starting to get a lot easier again. And, the loss of 30 pounds has really been good for my knees. I don't have as much pain as I used to after working out. So my next goals? 1. 215 2. size 16 3. Enjoying running (I really, really, really want to enjoy this. So far, not so much.)

So, two topics today because life has been nuts and I haven't had time to do this. I had my pre-op class last week. I was so surprised when they said it would take all of three hours, barring any complications. And a little more than two hours of driving. Insane, huh? Otherwise, we got very brief presentations on diet, mental challenges (surgery is on your stomach, not on your brain!) etc. I am grateful for the specific ideas on clear/full liquid diet suggestions. I am a low-income single mom with four growing kids who still need to eat, so my budget is extremely limited. With these ideas, I can start shopping a little at a time now and slowly build up my pantry/freezer. Uggghh, the diet coke thing. I have had a few over the last few dates, both cases in extreme heat situations. I had been drinking ALOT of water, but really, the water just wasn't doing it for me.... maybe because I have been drinking it so long. It was also easy to justify, because I havent actually had the surgery yet, so I figure I have a little room to work with. A few over several days is still much better than a few in a day.... or a few before noon. 23 days until surgery. And the last big hurrah...... sigh. Here in my hometown there is a fabulous street festival every year that centers aroun the harvest of the most amazing peaches. It is right up their with Christmas in terms of favoritism for me. I purposely planned my surgery for after this date, which also roughly coincides withthe end of summer BBQs etc. I thought it would be so much easier to have the funnest things behind me for the year before I start this journey. But then.... Well, we did the parade, we did the burgers. Walked through the booths. We indulged in water and icees because it was so incredibly hot, and finally, yes, one diet coke. We went to the car show, the kids played at the park. We went home for dinner and R&R before returning for the carnival. THe numbers varied during the day....anywhere from 1-3 adults and 4-7 kids. With that many people, and in a huge crowd, it gets hard to do what every person wants to do. So, by the time we got all that in, the booths selling steaming hot, fresh peach cobbler had closed up shop. I was, of course, very disappointed. ANd at 11 p.m. in total and complete exhaustion, I couldn't figure out why I felt like it was such a big deal. I didn't remember, until about 4 a.m., that I had planned to make that cobbler be my last big hurrah before I start putting my health first above everything. Not sure what I am going to do about that just yet. I see the dietician on Friday, so I have about a week before I start the low-cal pre-op diet. I was going to use that time to start cutting back on what I am eating so that next week isnt so painful. I know all of these baby steps are quite necessary, but I am really starting to get a bit impatient. It is so much easier to just DO rather than think about what to do all the time. :thumbup: PS. Comments are always welcome!

Don't be too stressed that is not good for you, do as the Dr. Says and it will probably straighten out. There are always a few complications tho minor with most surgeries. I had red incisions and used the antibiotic cream, then I had itching and a rash, then I had to have an unfill, but after losing 82 lbs I would endure this all over again. God Bless you and I am praying for you to be well and get on with life after the band.

I was banded 2/23/09 and I love it. I am more disciplined because of the band. I knew this was my last resort. GB,GS, and all other permanent WLS are out of the question for me. This is because as a nurse I have seen the complications. I read a lot of post and as others said the problems with some bandsters are compliance. They don't understand that the band is just a tool. And like any other tool they are useless unless we use them properly. I also think it makes a difference in why you got the band in the first place. One of my doctors made a statement that stuck with me. He said that when he look at his patients that have did any type of WLS those who did it because of health reasons had a better outcome then those who did it for cosmetic reasons. He said because most of the people who do it for health reasons are more willing to make the sacrifices to make it work whereas the others usually get discouraged when they don't get the quick fix or response from others that they want and quit or self sabotage their efforts.

I went through this as well. I just told them it was a necessary surgery. They did prod a bit, and I lied and told them it was my gall bladder. I am now having a tummy tuck and breast reduction. This time I told them it was complications to my gallbladder surgery...it worked. Bottom line it isn't their business and they can't make you tell them. BUT if you are getting paid time off you may have to tell them. Good luck!

I wouldn’t take the advice of anyone here regarding altering post surgery rules because they are not doctors. Logically though if your surgeon gives all his patients the same eating plans it makes things more simple to analyze when complications do occur. After surgery there is inflammation not just from cutting but also anesthesia. There are many reasons you start on liquids almost everywhere that I have read. Do not trust forum posters guesses with your life. Ask your doctor why they do it the way they do it

I just had the opportunity to chat with "the attending physician" who supervises fellows where I could have had my plastic surgery (free to me, long story.) I asked him to inform "junior" that if he continues assuming that he knows what patients want without bothering to ASK them, that private practice might prove to be a food stamp experience for him, as well. (In this case, he figured that when an MO patient is going in for PS, she must want to look like Calista Flockhart and, since she won't, she won't be satisfied with the surgery. My Beverly Hills plastic surgeon said, "Tell me what you're looking for." I said, "Rubenesque." He said, "We're on the same page. My insurance will pay and my surgery is in two days.) Can you decline the services of the fellow, or is he a "given" with the coverage you have? I ask, because--and I don't want to scare you--but I wouldn't want a beginner doing my band. (And I'm not a total snob; I did have a beginner do my panniculectomy.) The band complication rate is tied directly to surgeon experience. Anyone who would want you to make a scale move in short order--and basically, the only way you can do that in time is by dehydrating yourself--is not practicing common sense, let alone good medicine. Best of luck...

You would think I would be right there on the band wagon so to speak. BUT.... I think her comment was more out of fear for you. I had a LOT of people who worried about the surgery. It wasnt that they didnt want me to lose the weight, it was the fear of what could happen to me with surgery....and RIGHTFULLY so! I mean, people do have complications with this surgery. Its not a step your going to take lightly, why is she going to? Its a natural fear for people who dont have a weight issue to be uneducated in everything you have studied up on for a while. Give her a little chance to show her love. AFTER the surgery is where you will see where the friends and family are that support you. Hang in there

You have to understand that this isnt a one shot surgery and I am "fixed" kind of thing. There are revisions, complications, appointments to adjust restriction.... point being its a lot of time, money and effort. A doctor is going to tell you that should plan on 50% of your excess weight loss with the band - so for you what is that like 35lbs? I am not sure its worth it for you. That said, and end to the yo-yo dieting might be. You also have to ask why your fat... Do you have portion control issues (I did) or do you eat all day long (I didn't). From what I have seen on here the band seems to work better for folks with portion issues. Also what do you eat? The band isn't going to help you make the right food choice - you will still have to do that on your own. I had never been the thin guy - but I am now thanks in part to my band. 296 with a bmi of 42 to 165 in a little over a year, but not without two additional surgeries. But still the best decision I ever made. Good luck

I actually believe that I read a post around here somewhere that someon came home the same day with no complications no restrictions etc etc.. it sounded fake to me. I know some sleevers personally by 3 diff docs. Perhaps it's because it was the same facility but if you went in on monday, you didn't leave til tues evening. Also, it depended on the patient. Some of them stayed longer. but none were out sooner.

Would love to here from any former banders that had an erosion from the band and whether you have had any leaks or other complications since your VSG. Thanks in advance!

I was put on low carb three weeks before surgery. Lost 20 lbs pre-op! My doctor also requires clear liquids two days before surgery. Sounds like you have a good plan. Stick to it. It is important to shrink your liver prior to surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Good luck!!!!!!!

I did for my first surgery. For the second (due to complications of the first) I was in a hospital. i chose outpatient because i was so low risk and because i spent years in hospital when my son was a baby. this is MAJOR surgery. a day surgical center is not properly equipped to handle serious complications. i needed a blood transfusion which i had to be sent to hospital for (in an ambulance in great pain at additional costs of course). this is not outpatient surgery. not in the US nor in Mexico. Have your surgery at a hospital....a good one!

I am almost 2 weeks out and I have to say it wasnt nearly as bad as I had prepared for. The pain isn't bad, I was drinking enough and have only had several waves of nausea that quickly passed. I am newly sleeved and already know that this was the best decision of my life. I would be saying this even if I did have complications. Weight has controlled too many things in my life and I am sure it is similar for you. End the end my health and happiness were worth more than possible (and rare) complications. Good luck while making your decision. Either way is not the wrong decision.

So I'm thinking about giving up on my insurance fight and just switching to self-pay. I had a slipped band over a year ago. It took 6 months to get the insurance company (Fed BCBS) to finally agree to remove the band but they denied a revision to VSG stating it wasn't medically necessary because my BMI was under 35. I submitted an appeal to the Federal Office of Personnel Management in October for what was supposed to be a 60 day appeal. They "lost" my case and had to start over. Then they closed it because they didn't understand I was asking for a revision and not some sort of random partial gastrectomy. They finally sent it out for review but it sounds like they didn't select a bariatric surgeon because the answer last week came back that it isn't medically necessary because my weight isn't over a 40 BMI. The told my attorney to wait for the report and then call and talk to the nurse but I haven't heard back yet. At this point it's been almost 7 months since I submitted the appeal. This has been going on for so long I'm almost back to my original weight. If I had it to do over again I'd have done a self-pay revision with Dr. Aceves right from the start. Heck, I'd be at my goal weight by now. I just don't have it in me to keep this up. I went ahead and requested a surgery date with Dr. Aceves and put first-class airline tickets on hold on my miles. I can't think what hoops the insurance company would have next. They just don't get that the standard of care for a revision doesn't require you to regain all your weight first. I could go forward with the surgery and then sue them after the fact but I'm not sure it's worth the mental energy after all this. I had some old Microsoft stock lying around and it's almost enough for the surgery. I'm thinking that I'll never miss the money and can just get on with my life. I don't want to self-pay up here because it's really expensive and they don't cover complications like Dr. Aceves does. I could be down there next weekend having this done and just moving on. Thoughts? I could use some additional input... Thanks! Britt

Thanks everyone, for your good input. I'm hoping the attorney will call me with news one way or the other and I can move ahead. I've left another message for them today. ouroborous, how did you reconcile the risk of complications? I wanted to have my surgery with Dr. Billing at the same clinic you went to but Amber (their insurance person) tells me that complications aren't covered. Even if I could get a reasonable price for the surgery, I just can't risk catastrophic costs if I had a leak or other serious complication. Britt

14 months ago I embarked on an incredible journey. I have struggled with severe depression since my early teens and, like most, I took to eating as a coping mechanism. Throughout the years I have tried many diets. All of which were soon abandoned within the first couple of weeks. Towards the end of 2009 I had an injury and knew exactly what the cause was. The gavel in my mind slammed down. It was time to make a change and change for good, even if that meant taking drastic measures. I had always been against any form of weight loss surgery. Thinking, "Why can’t you just lose weight like everyone else on a normal diet?" I finally caught myself in a huge pit of denial. After much research and consoling with my family; I decided to opt for laparoscopic banding. I knew that if I was to be paying for something this drastic, I would do it right and stick with it no matter what. On 8/9/10 my 10 day pre-op liquid diet began, and my weight was 435 pounds! My surgery took place on 8/19/10, with no complications. I remained on my liquid diet for a total of 28 days. After that I was slowly re-introduced to foods. Having cut out all fried food, fast food, and sweets (I have had NO FORM of rice, bread, or Pasta since beginning). I now love my new diet. Fresh and healthy is a lifestyle I have learned to love. Sure, someday I will enjoy what I cut out from my diet, but I will be way smarter and more health-conscious when doing so. After losing a hefty amount of weight, I was ready to hit the gym! I started a membership in January 2011, and have been dedicated to going at least 4 times a week since. Through the months, as the weight has been melting off, I begin to feel superhuman! Things I have not been able to do since my early teens, I now enjoy and love doing! I will stay true and dedicated to this lifestyle, even after my goal is met. Thank you everyone for your support and love. Life is good. Oh, by the way, I have gone from 435lbs to 244lbs. A loss of 191lbs, as of 10/22/11. Before: After(pic is a couple weeks old):

I'm a belly sleeper and I'm 4 weeks out and I can't do it. I had some complications plus hernia surgery so maybe it's just me. I can get onto my sides now, but sometimes going from side to back still hurts me.

I am glad that you are planning on stopping. I have nothing against it for occasional recreational use, I don't think it is much different than alcohol in that sense. But I was curious when you posted this, so I just did a little searching, and, like tobacco, it can slow the healing process which can result in complications. Good Luck with your surgery.

I had no problems at all securing care, blood panels, prescriptions for Vitamins, etc. The real concern is if you have a serious complication post op. No doctor or ER is going to be permitted to refuse you care if there were a life-threatening emergency BUT your insurance could refuse to cover the complications. That said...I'd have to really search here to find a case where that happened. Maybe someone with that kind of experience will chime in. My surgeon (Dr. Aceves) did my tests for me before I left, and the only reason I'd do another swallow would be if I had a complication and suspected a stricture or something. Depending on your relationship with your PCP, you might want to disclose that you're having surgery before you do, but that's up to you. I go to military hospitals and clinics and count myself lucky if they can say my name properly. I wouldn't bother telling my doctor anything because they wouldn't remember and likely wouldn't even note it in my file. Hopefully you have better care than that. ~Cheri

It might might not be as smooth of a schedule as you think it might be. There might be complications which may extend your stay. Even the minor complications like not being able to get your O2 levels high enough, not being able to swallow or not being able to go to the bathroom on your own are reasons your stay could be extended. This is major surgery! Inoperable you are able to find someone who can cover for you with the kids while you take care of your own recovery process in the hospital. Just as a reference, I was in the hospital for 5 days when it should have only been one overnight. The reason is for most of the minor complications I listed above.

LOL Thanks all...yup just lazy Oh and then there was the almost dead thing in the hospital thing and two surgeries...but Lazy is so much easier to go with OP, I was just making fun of myself to make you feel better about hanging out at home for a couple of weeks. I had serious complications and a second surgery hence the 58 days...(half of that was in hospital). Don't rush it If you push too hard you could end up where I was. A couple of weeks rest after major surgery isn't a luxury, nor is it lazy It's a good idea so that things heal properly. You will also be on a weight lifting restriction, so things like the grocery shopping should be done with someone else to carry bags, or by someone else. My mom might still be available