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Hi all! I posted this in intros- but then saw the self-pay section. Hopefully between the two- I'll get some good insight. I'm living in South Korea for the time being. I just went to my first consultation apt. with a Dr. here in Seoul. Living in Asia, I would be completely self-pay (which is about $5K here.) I'm worried that if I fall into the very small margin of patients that have difficulties bad enough to warrant more surgery (e.g. errosion, slippage) I won't be able to afford it. Also, when I come back to the states (next year) will it be covered by a health care plan if there's complications later? I'm pretty overweight (5'5" and weigh 200lbs). The doctor here said he could band me no problem, and that my BMI is 36, and I'm carrying a little over 40 kilos (90 lbs) of fat on my body (after they did a full body analysis.) I calculated my BMI on the web, and it said mine should be 33, but the surgeon said I'm actually a pretty petite person. I've already run into medical issues b/c of my weight- I had my gallbladder out last year, and have circulatory problems (my feet swell.) Also, I'm really sick of being the "fat girl", not being able to wear skirts b/c of chaffing, lower back pain from a big belly, acid reflux, my feet swelling if I'm on them too long (all day), feeling tired all the time, and easy things have gotten a lot more difficult lately- like stairs. This is the heaviest I've ever been, and I'm only getting bigger! I don't see myself getting down to a healthy weight w/out serious help in the future. I feel like I can't keep living my life this way, I've tried diet and exercise but they never work for long. If I have serious complictaions I may not be able to afford to fix them though (b/c I'm self-pay.) If anyone out there has some insight, experience or advice I'd greatly appreciate it!
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My doctor uses a 36. When I spoke to him about it he said that smaller sizes have a higher chance of having complications occurring but no significant difference in weight loss.
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Looking for 1st hand feedback
GBLady41 replied to Cambridgemom's topic in Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum
I had MGB over 5 months ago. I haven't had any complications whatsoever. I was self pay and went to Tijuana, Mexico, where Dr. Illan was my surgeon. I was in the hospital for three days, and then went to the hotel for two days, where a doctor came to visit me each day. I have steadily lost weight with no stalls, and it's one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am almost 70 lbs down and I couldn't be happier!!! -
Hi Everyone, Are there any statistics about the risk factors for gastric sleeve complications? Any long term sleevers here notice any trends? Like say, does a super high BMI have more complications, or are there more complications over 50, or do people with diabetes have more (or less) complications. I'm just wondering if anyone has noticed any trends? One thing I've noticed in the short time I've been here (about 1 month) is that the guys seem to have less complications-- both serious and minor. I read a post here that said that the larger size bougie patients usually have less complications...Do I have a choice or say in the bougie size? Thanks! Dana
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Waiting! Getting closer to having my VSG surgery!
thinoneday replied to mountain_lover's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Here is what I found on the subject. . . . hope it helps a bit. . . thanks, this is copy and paste, it doesn't come from me. . . H. pylori infection occurs when a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects your stomach or the first part of your small intestine. H. pylori infection is thought to be present in about half the people in the world. For many people, H. pylori infection causes no signs or symptoms and doesn't lead to any complications. But for others, H. pylori can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers and stomach cancer. In the United States, H. pylori infection rates are declining. In turn, the rates of serious complications are also declining. Most cases of H. pylori infection produce no signs or symptoms. Signs or symptoms that can occur with H. pylori infection include: An ache or burning pain in your abdomen Nausea Vomiting Frequent burping Bloating Weight loss When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical help if you experience: Severe or persistent abdominal pain Difficulty swallowing Bloody or black tarry stools Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds H. pylori infection is caused by the H. pylori bacterium. H. pylori is primarily passed from person to person through direct contact with saliva or fecal matter. H. pylori can also be spread through untreated Water. H. pylori bacteria enter your body through your mouth and passes into your digestive system. The stomach and its stomach acid make a hostile environment for many bacteria. But the H. pylori bacterium is especially well-adapted for survival in the stomach. It produces an enzyme that, through a series of biochemical processes, creates a low-acid buffer zone for itself. -
Frustrated Suggestions Please
needachange replied to needachange's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
In Tyler Texas. I'm not sure who around here could do a second opinion. I could go to dallas I guess. He was like well you have has a complication so that slows things down. I hate to do surgery again and it leave more scar tissue You just never know what could happen when you go in for multiple surgeries. I think if I could increase my calories my body would move out of starvation mode and lose weight. I've been saying that for 3 months though. My scale hasn't budged since end of march first of April. And it was we can stretch ur esophagus again but that's ur call. Let's see how ur feeling. Really? I'm pissed cause I spent all this money and efforts and for this?? How do I think I feel? I was told my strictures were caused from scar tissue from my large hernia. He said it was quite large. Digestive guy says cut the tissue out. WL guy says let's we what happens ? -
I don't want to say anything negative and I certainly don't know everything especially since I haven't even been sleeved yet but I've been to two different surgeons for pre op consultations and both use 32-36 bougie. They both showed slides in their seminar where studies have shown 40+ bougies have virtually no affect on the patient. It sounds consistent with what you are saying. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I think you may have to work that much harder or possibly ask him to make it smaller My doctors also said the smaller the bougie the greater the risk of complications of a leak. Maybe your doctor was playing it safe. I don't know all the answers but I thought I'd mentioned what I've learned from my doctors. Good luck and I'm sorry you aren't getting the much desired results of the sleeve.
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Hello everyone! I've been reading this forum for a long time now but have never posted before. At my nutritional consult the psychologist really recommended I reach out to people who've had the surgery I am going to get (DS) to get some real life accounts of what life is like after surgery and to help me feel more prepared. I've had my initial consult, psych evaluation, nutrition consult, and am on month 2/3 of my doctor supervised weight loss program. I'm very excited that I'm getting close to (hopefully) being approved and getting my surgery date. I really feel like I'm ready (I've been reading everything I can on this particular surgery for over a year now, including many posts on this forum) and just very excited to become a healthier person who can really enjoy life. Anyway, I guess I'm looking for any stories of any kind that you feel might help me feel more prepared for surgery. I'm very concerned about what to expect in the pain department immediately following surgery, I would say that's my biggest fear at the moment. I am well acquainted with the diet and supplements and how different life will be in that regard. That will surely be a challenge for me, but it's one I am looking forward to at this point. What types of issues or complications did you guys have after surgery? How long will it be until I feel like myself and have energy again? I have 3 kids from infant to school age so that's another concern of mine too. Has anyone been disappointed with their weight loss following this surgery? I am looking to lose about 170 pounds to reach what is medically considered a "healthy" weight for me. My surgeon is Dr. Sudan at Duke, who I have all the confidence in the world in. I'd love to connect with anyone who has had him as a surgeon, but I'm mainly just excited to hear from anyone who might be able to help me get prepared! Thank you
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Just checking in. Life has been hectic the past week or so, so I haven't been around a lot, but I have come at least once a day to read posts. I don't get a fill until 4/17/08, and I'm okay with that. I did call the other day after reading all of your posts because I didn't know what size band I had or how much I would get on my first fill. They said I have a 10cc band and that they put in 2ccs at surgery. She said I would most likely get 1cc at my first fill. I still have some restriction, or at least I'm telling myself I do. I can eat pretty much anything, but I do get full a lot faster than pre-band days. I have not any of the complications like PB, nausea, or sliming. I have had some pain around my port occasionally, but she said it was nothing to worry about at this point. I have been walking about 2 or 3 times a week, 2 or 3 miles each time. When I called I asked if I could do other exercises now and they said yes. I've been looking into a gym membership, but I'm trying to shop around. I don't want to get sucked into a year-long contract and then wish I had gone someplace else. Just want to say thanks to all of you for being here. I have learned so much from all of you. You inspire me everyday!
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Need some advice re Dehydration & Low Protein Levels...
bignik posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Guys , post op 1 week ( 2 weeks from first band which had complications and fixed a week later ) . I seem to be having problems I think with dehydration , skin on face dry , my eyes sore , headaches last couple of days , Ive stuck to my liquid diet to the letter and in my opinion I am constantly drinking plenty Water , I walk around with a bottle of mineral water all day constantly sipping throughout the day. Anyway last couple of days Ive been run down , and all the symptoms of dehydration , yesterday I drank a rehydration drink mix I got from Pharmacy and it helped last night , today though as the day progresses I feel headache and a little nauseau setting in again. Where am I going wrong , any advice ? Should I just get more of these rehydration mix packs and take them daily for now ? Do you think its perhaps lack of food .. I know my Protein levels have been very low since op , but today to try combat that I when to store and purchased a load of Low Carb, High Protein shake Mix .. 96 calories per glass which yields 18g protein . Ive only been averaging 28g protein per day last two weeks, so think 2 Protein shakes a day will supplement this up to about 60 -70g daily , I believe I should be trying to achieve 80 grams , but as Im sure you will be aware , on liquids only , getting protein levels up is very difficult. Some help and advice would be very much appreciated. Regards Nick -
Be careful, as my surgeon had a lot of "uncovered" fees that really added up after the portion that my insurance would cover. And I have really good insurance, low deductible and out of pocket. Also, the estimate the hospital provided was a fraction of what it actually came to. I think the final bill to the insurance company was close to $130,000 for a 34-hour stay with no complications. Thankfully, I only had to pay a small fraction of that after all was settled and done (I was covered at 90%). They also quoted me around $15,000 for an overnight stay, and I paid cash of the anticipated co-pay to get the 20% discount. Good luck! I hope it works out in your favor!
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5 days post of story
Mrs Havelock replied to Sweetbaby1's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am aghast. Have you not received a food plan for post op? Clear liquids, full liquids, runny, mushy etc. Over several weeks. You run the risk of a serious complication up to and including death. Please, please read and learn before you do any further damage to yourself. -
Not Ready To Go Back To Work...
sarcasticwriter replied to missmachine's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Are you an independent contractor renting the space, or an actual employee? Do you work full-time? How many employees work for your company? If you're a full-time employee, and your company has enough employees to qualify, you'll be protected by the Family Medical Leave Act, as long as your health issue is documented by your doctor. You can research if you qualify for FMLA here: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/ . However, you'll have to tell the truth that during your vacation you had a medial procedure (you don't have to tell her what it is) and that you had complications from it. And you'll potentially have to fill out some FMLA paperwork for her. Tell her ASAP. She's probably going to be deeply annoyed that she only has a couple of days notice, but if you qualify for FMLA protection, she legally *can't* fire you. -
HI!! i was banded June 12th and had no complications. The only problem is i feel no restriction and i have no self control. Im not regretting the band at all, but i have already taken it upon my self to eat whole foods, chewing until liquifief of course, but still why did i do this when my doc said liquids only. Did i already screw myself over? Someone please yell at me and tell me how dangeous it is to eat that food now! Im stubborn and need someone to tell me no!!! other than my mom and boyfriend! Please help me stop!!
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i had my rny sept 19th but i wont lose too much. this was done due to a complication from the sleeve. ive lost 10 lbs and would love to lose 5 more.
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Beer & Basketball
coloradobanding replied to ToddNYG's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Todd, glad you are "back on the wagon". I just wanted to know when you were banded. If you were banded recently I would strongly suggest not introducing beer back in for several months or a year. The carbonation and foam in beer can cause severe complications. A person in our group had emergency surgery to have their band removed after having 2 beers 8 weeks after surgery. This could be a very rare case, but just wanted to let you know to be very careful. -
After sending you a PM tonight, I read some other posts on this website in the forum VSG Complications and Support (or something like that). You might want to do a search of the name of your doctor on this site and read what some people were saying tonight. Since I had read your post earlier, I thought I should let you know. At least, I would like someone to do the same for me. It would minimally give me a reason to make a list of questions to ask about procedures used.
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I have a sister who the bypass 20 years ago-she gradually ate her way through the procedure and gained back all the weight she had lost. The gastric bypass is a surgery with all the complications that surgeries can entail. I had the lapband as it is a procedure that is less invasive (I went in at 6:00am and was home by 3pm same day.) My sister had vitamin deficiency problems as are a known problem-and lost alot of hair. There aren't vitamin absorbtion problems with the lapband as nothing is removed. My MD told me that my reflux would likely improve due to weight loss and it wasn't a contraindication according to my MD in Chicago.
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Once you have restriction, how long does before your next fill??
KelinTx replied to w28's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
In the beginning stages i went for a fill every 4 weeks. I opted for small frequent fills in hopes of avoiding any issues or complications. Going frequently for less aggressive fills worked for me, i have only pb'd a few times in 2 and 1/2 years and never have had heartburn or indigestion or have had to be unfilled. -
Confused and discouraged
Phranp replied to fredgood's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Fred, it sounds like you didn't find ths forum until AFTER you were banded, true? Even if that is true, all is not lost. You have the band and you can still lose weight if you are willing to do what it takes. That you had the idea that the band could stop you from grazing just by being in place leads me to believe that you weren't well informed about the band before surgery. Keep reading this forum and you will learn a lot more about the band. For one thing it is not a miracle device, it is a TOOL, not a magic tool, just a tool. If you use the tool properly it will do its job -- but only if you do your job. Another thing is that -- drum roll -- YOU must change the way you eat. Yeah, sad but true, putting a piece of silicone or plastic or whatever it's made of in your belly won't control your mind OR keep your hands from scooping ice cream (a slider food, BTW) into your mouth and swallowing. Only YOU can do that. But here's the thing Fred, it is SOOOOOOOOOO empowering when you learn to take control of your health and well being. Your lapband helps you do that. Please read through this forum and do other research about how the band really works. Then, make it work for you. Take your life back! The band has helped so many people. As long as you are not having complications there's no reason you cannot succeed. Shame on your doctor for not giving you better information! Don't give up, you can do this! Try a few support groups too, it could help. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran -
Is it really worth it?
RJ'S/beginning replied to SleeviePete's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I almost died for the sleeve....5 months in the hospital due to complications.....Had everything go wrong that could....Now 10 months later..... Believe me when I tell you I would do it so fast again it would make your head spin!!!!!!!!!! I can cross my legs. I sleep through the night and am up early everyday. I can now tie my own shoes and sit in a regular chair.... My clothes are a lot smaller then i have worn for years....No one recognizes me at all, no matter where I go i have to tell them it is me...Sometimes I don't and that is entertainment for me...... I do not move the seat back in the car if I am driving. I do not need a belt extender. All my rings don't fit...And now I can wear a 16 in. chain around my neck....Was wearing a 22 in. Chain before..... All the little things that keep happening to me were just a dream I thought! It is my turn now to have my chance to get healthy and active and be thin...I am on my way....I am not saying I am perfect...I make mistakes with the sleeve..But I away's see tomorrow as a new day... For me it was worth all the pain, hardship and expense to be where I am today..... Make sure you are ready for this before you jump in.....It is not for the faint of heart! -
Please help me with this 6 mo agonizing wait!
Elizabeth21 replied to vixen1978's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well... I had a different approach. I focused on my mental preparedness to ensure myself of my decision. I thought of all the various foods and eating situations that I enjoyed and made sure that I experienced every one before surgery so that I could say "good bye" to them. I focused on the actual pleasure, and noted that I could live without it forever in exchange for feeling better and fitting better in the world. I think this really has helped me with avoiding any cheating or temptations because I gave myself time and opportunities to make peace with it all. My other main focus was on arranging work and personal obligations so that I could ensure that I had four weeks to recover from surgery and establish good habits from the beginning. This was especially helpful for me since I ended up with a complication and needed some extra healing time. I did spend time learning about what I would need post surgery and having necessary materials. But I knew I would have nothing but time to focus on the new habits post surgery and was mentally prepared to follow through on that. Good luck! -
Baylor Mom welcome to the site. You will find very good information on this site. Just do go the complication site too much I find it very scary at times. For the back pain try walking and a heating pad. For the port site pain try an ice pack. See how this works Congratulations on your new life. I live in Arlington TX. I will email you so we can keep in touch
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There are some great surgeons in Mexico, however you must be very careful when choosing one. For instance, stay away from the ones that still use the outdated 4cc bands. The 4cc bands are no longer used in the US due to their very high rate of complications, but many Mexican surgeons still use them because they can get them at a cheaper cost. Also, you need a bariatric surgeon locally to do your fills and manage your health. It's very important you find one before having surgery in Mexico because many American doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico so it's crucial you have one established ahead of time. Otherwise, you run the risk of coming home with a band no one to fill it or help you. Just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't go to Mexico for any form of Medical Tourism, including weight loss surgery. I just don't feel like your health is something to "shop around" for the best deal on. Best wishes.
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I feel like a success story ... for now!
Humming Bird replied to LookingForMe's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
I agree, you ARE a SUCCESS! Your pics show just how far you've come. I hope you can look back at this complication as just a bump in the road.
