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Hi everyone from SC, I live outside of Charleston, and had my surgery in Dalton GA, Dr. Ponce of the Lap Band institute which is in Chatanooga TN- only 30 min. from Dalton. The cost out of pocket was $13,800 for everything and he has done over1200 surgeries. I almost had the surgery here in Charleston and found out that the doctor here was taught by Dr. Ponce. The doctor here kept trying to push me to have the gastric bypass, and it wasn't for me. I had my surgery on the 14th of March and am doing great. Good Luck to you all- Gretchen

I have bypass last July and haven't been able to loss any weight for last 6 months. Not going up, just staying the same. Any advise how to get the weight loss going again? Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok so i have been struggling with my weight since I can remember.... even when i was a cheerleader I was never the small one so i was self conscience... anyways I have gained somuch weight and I know part of it is from all the diets I have tried... I think the only diets I didnt try were like NutriSystem... well I am desperate and I've been looking into Labband.. now according to my research I am a candidate for the tool that will give me that boost and real results... the problem is 1) I have never had any surgery in my life.... 2) after reading blogs I am so so so so so scared that things will go wrong.. I read how people throw up all the time or all these horror stories of the lab band ... I have read how people reccommend a Mini gastric Bypass instead because you can eat regular food or what not and how with the bad some people do not loose weight... anyways I need advice because this is something that I am desperate to do .. and I do not want to invest 13 grand on it and then it go all wrong..... Please Help... (btw tomorrow I have my first consulataion) One more thing... I am getting annyoed by people saying that I am going to take the easy way out... and that I just havnt tried hard enough with the diets... anyways ya's advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi. Do you mind sharing which hospital you are using? I went through Lahey with Dr. Brams. I am 2 weeks and one day out; and things have been going really well. Due to another health issue it ended up taking me 8.5 months to have surgery. I am not a patient waiter. One thing to keep in mind is the more weight you loose up front; possibly the lower weight you will end up with at goal. I ended up loosing about 52 pounds from my first consult to surgery. Most doctors require you to loose weight before the surgery mine said 30 pounds. The way I look at it is that I have lost weight in the past (more than 100 pounds 3 times) but gained it back. This time I am going to loose it and keep it off. I actually started exercising (hour of cardio 7 days a week) and semi watching what I ate in November 2008 and am now down 94 pounds. One thing to consider is to find an exercise you feel comfortable doing. The more often you exercise the more it becomes a habit. I have knee problems so my Ortho told me to consider swimming. Due to Clorine allergies I always hated swimming. Well I got a snorkle (covers eyes and nose); and a Water proof MP3 player. Makes swimming so much nicer. Helps pass the time. Even with the individual TV's at the gym I would rather swim than do the cardio machines. If you can only do 15 minutes that's fine consider it 15 more minutes of exercise than you used to get. Exercise does'nt have to be epic it just needs to be something you can sustain. And I don't know if it's because I was so fat that I actually get a lot of support from people at the gym. I think they are astounded that I exercise every day. I even had someone stop me at a store one time and said they recognized me from the gym and wanted to congratulate me on my weight loss.

Does anyone here have 30/32...5x jeans or shirts that they could mail me that they don't need anymore. I am in need badly of some. I have one pair of pants that fits me and they are almost dead :thumbup: and I have very few shirts that fit me. I am losing slowly but surely but I really need some 5x's to hold me over until my surgery in November. Thanks.

Why did you want to revise from sleeve to bypass? I had horrible reflux and unsatisfactory weight loss. I had taken the medicine to reduce acid for so long I was having side effects from it. I have not had one episode of reflux since my surgery. Thank you Dr. Illan.

You won't have to worry about your metabolism if you make exercise a regular and permanent part of your life. Your eating capacity will eventually increase slightly a year or 2 out, but never to the point it is now. The idea is to work hard to reach goal before you get to that point, so once there, you will have no trouble maintaining. But in getting there, you have to learn a way of life that is healthy. You cannot plan on going back to your old ways (as some do) once you reach goal. For me that means always monitoring my food intake and my weight, but it's different for everybody. And as far as a "last chance" is concerned. The sleeve is not the last chance. You can get a bypass after the sleeve if I'm not mistaken. That's what the sleeve was first developed for, as step 1 of a 2 step process for severely overweight people. But but but....don't let it come to that. Work your sleeve and it will work for you. People who expect the sleeve to do all the work are the ones who end up dissappointed.

Ha! November 30, 2041. Figures...I probably choke on leftover turkey or some gawdawful thing like that! #snort

I also agree that the sleeve is an easier surgery with very little "down time". I was self pay so I researched my options in other countries. I settled on Obesity Control Center with Dr. Ortiz. It was the right choice for me. The surgery was the easiest thing I have ever done. The surgery was on a Monday and I was on my way home by Friday. The sleeve has only been available for a few years in the US. The surgeons in Mexico have been doing it for years. I am now 3 mos out and have lost 40 lbs. I take Prilosec OTC ( over the counter) once a day if I remember.My weight loss has been slowed by an ankle fracture( no weight bearing for 3 mos. I broke my ankle April 28 and had my sleeve May' 28,2012. I now have a swollen painful knee that occurred during rehab. I think it is a miracle that I lost as much as I have. My husband is having the sleeve in November in Mexico. We are both Certified Family Practice physicians. He was so impressed with my care that he chose to have it done in the same clinic. I wish you well on your weight loss journey. You will be so happy with your results.

My wife had a bypass 10 years ago. I had a sleeve 6 weeks ago. The sleeve was a much better choice for me. I am living a very normal life at this point and losing almost a lb a day. My wife was not nearly as successful with the bypass, and she has regained much of her weight. The real world is more complicated that the summary weight-loss charts in the medical journals. I hate to say it, but surgery is driven as much by personality as it is by science. If you read this forum a while you will see there is enourmous variation in procedures and follow-up care between surgeons. It would not be surprising if your surgeon has a bit of a preference for the familiar and proven bypass procedure, but at least he is giving you the choice. You are thinking about the right issues. Your success depends on how well your procedure fits the life you plan to lead. The absence iof dumping, absorption issues, and fewer problems with good getting "stuck" were a big deal for me. I have lived up-close and personal with the alternative for years. I would not have had WLS if the sleeve procedure was not available. The studies show that the average weight loss for sleeve is less than the average weight loss for bypass. But these studies also show enourmous variation in the amount of weight loss between individuals. That shows that the outcome has more to do with the individual's approach to the weight loss surgery, than the type of surgery chosen. The bottom line is that you can do really well or, rather badly with either procedure. Make the decision with all the best information, realizing that the people advising you are human too. Once you make the choice, commit to the change and do not look back. If you do that you will be OK either way. Sent from my iPad using VST

HELLO!! And welcome ???? my name is Pauline and I'm 24 years old. I'm also happily married and had gastric bypass on March 23rd! Im all ears if you ever need to talk or vent on here

I have had a few stalls for various reasons. I had the bypass four months ago and I've lost just over 110lbs but I had further surgeries and each time stalled due to excess fluid and sleepy bowel constipation etc. The last time I was not sure usually I add more protein and water but this time I had some extra carbs and it seemed to shake things up a bit. I think our bodies get a bit used to it. I lost 2lbs in two days now back to normal. Fluids have played a big part for me if I eat too much salt the next day I will have gained half a pound. What kind of fats are you eating that makes you think it could be that Sent from my CPH1607 using BariatricPal mobile app

Welcome to lap band talk! The decision is really a personal one whether you want to have the lap band surgery or a gastric bypass. If I were you I would call your insurance company and ask them what doctor they would recommend for lap band. Then at least you know that the doctor is in your network and will be covered to the fullest extent. As for the smoking, it is hard, and some doctors will require that you quit in order to have the surgery. The reason why is because when you smoke you lower your body's ability to fight infection, you can slow healing, and put yourself at risk for having a blood clot as you heal. A lot of doc's don't want to take this risk, esp with an overweight patient. Read the threads on the board. Use the search bar. Really go through everything and if you still have questions, post them. There is also a local section for your state, and I am sure that some locals in your area would be able to tell you who a great doc is in your town. You can also read up on docs outside of the country. I know you want this quickly. But make sure you go through and really research all of your options. That way you won't be left asking thousands of questions AFTER being banded. Just a few hundred. :eek:

Hi Eddie....I've only had the band since 21 Apr...but I did a TON of research on it before deciding "band or no band". I know everyone is different...and to each their own; I respect that. But, personally (this is MY opinion here so don't anyone jump all over me!!!) for ME....I would never ever EVER consider gastric bypass. Even though the risk isn't extreme....it is still a much greater risk than the band surgery. That is the main reason I would never have chosen to go down that road. Bottom line is that I love my husband too much to ever put myself at any "great" risk to leave him alone. And then, obviously there are the other issues (besides the surgery being so much more invasive) that occur afterwards with the bypass that I would never wish to subject myself to. But again...that is ME. You are taking the right step by coming on here and asking questions and researching...this will lead you to the info you need to do your own research and come to a decision that is right for you. Either way....all the best to you and congrats on deciding to take a positive step towards a healthier life!

Hi my name is Debbie, I go under Pinkturkey. I had my Lap Band surgery 11/22/05. I got my first fill at 6 weeks and my port had broken loose and they had a difficult time giving me my first fill. I had no restriction what so ever. The second fill had to be done under live xrays at the hospital because he couldn't locate the port. Only felt restriction on the first day after that none. Third fill done in xray, I was so discouraged and ready to give up. I complained loudly that I only felt restriction on the first day and by the next morning, nothing. Well, Dr. Rohrscheib, shot some dye up into the port and watched it all leak out. The first fill had poked holes in the port. I now had to have my port replaced. I had this done in the office, since I didn't have the money to go to the hospital. Port replacement was a success. he filled me to where I was supposed to be on that day. I went for my first fill after port replacement, he put in .2 cc's and I started having problems immediately. I was leaving on vacation and didn't go back, I put up with vomiting 5 days out of 7 for 6 weeks. Boy was I stupid, I didn't even think of going back. I did finally call and make an emergency appointment when I vomited for 1 hour 45 minutes straight because I had eaten a small piece of raw cauliflower. I had gotten where I couldn't eat anything and couldn't drink anything. Well he took out 1 cc and I will go back in 2 weeks for a small fill. I have been very discouraged. I have only lost 30 pounds since November and I had lost 40, but I put on 10 pounds in like 3 days and my body just shut down. I am now struggling to get it to start again. My goal is 100 pounds and I am determined to do it. I could use any advice I can get. Thanks for reading...

I was turned onto this site by a friend considering banding. I had my band placed june 2010, and have had little to no result with it. I dropped pre-op weight however after being able to eat again gained it all back. I have had no problems with vomiting, things getting stuck and have had 5 fills in 2 years. My Dr. Told me that simply the band does not work for some people and suggested that I consider conversion surgery where they remove the band and perform bypass. Has anyone else had this kind if problem with the band? I exercise about 3 times a week and never feel full off 1cup of food. I make sure i am drinking plenty of water and eating enough protein as well. Lately I find my sf seriously considering the surgery but i don't want to find my self in a similar position again after spending thousands more and putting my body through another surgery!! Help, suggestions are greatly appreciated! Melody

A bypass such as a SADI would be a good choice. That's what I did. I haven't had any unexpected negative side effects post surgery. Another option to try is just to do the sleeve reset, a dietary change that may reduce the current size of your stomach.

I am 36years old and after almost 7 years post-op from my sleeve surgery, I've gained ALL the weight back over the course of these years. I know..how? Well, I had two jobs and school and no time for "myself." Managing all three of these commitments, I also started by old eating habits in eating junk food and fast food since there was no time for cooking and meal-prepping. So after my first visit, I asked my doctor if it was possible to get a re-sleeve. He discouraged me and said he strongly recommends a revision to the gastric bypass. I am a little nervous since I've heard so many things from my friends about malnutrition, having to randomly use the bathroom any type you eat, and possible depression. Not sure if anyone here can help me in making this decision. I have a meeting with my doctor on July 7th and I want to be ready to tell him with confidence that I am ready to have a revision to the Gastric Bypass. Please tell me what should I be expecting, any concerns, any questions that I should raise?

you should not be expected to drop 20 lbs in a month. actually that is one of the differences between gastric bypass and the band. the band is supposed to be a slower rate of weight loss. now some do loose a lot and very fast but usually those people are weighing in the 300-400 lbs range. the more you weigh the faster you loose. now also you might not have much restriction until you get a few fills. i was able to eat like normal for almost 4 months after my surgery. now that i have had more fills and tighter restriction i am really starting to loose the weight. be patient and try not to care what everyone else thinks.

Hello gang, I had WLS in 2004. I was one of the early lap band recipients in Australia under Prof. Paul O'Brien. I did great and lost 46kg (101lbs), but then life set in and I had two kids and a suicidal husband so I let the weight creep back up. I had a revision in 2013 due to a hiatus hernia so large I was having esophageal spasms. So now, I'm at the heaviest I've ever been, and I've got a ventral hernia that goes from my navel to my sternum. My surgeon said he won't even try to fix it if my BMI is over 30 because it will just come right back. He then talked to me about how the lap band has fallen out of favor because it was not as effective as the original studies promised. He suggested a revision to a VSG, and set me up in my insurance's approval program for WLS. The first step is the removal of the band and port and recovery from that. Surgery is scheduled for July 7th. After that I'll progress through the "hoop-jumping" to qualify for the VSG, which providing everything goes smoothly, I'll qualify for in October. So far no one has stated any pre-surgery weight loss requirements, but I have been studying the various plans and doctor's programs I've found online, as well as reading personal stories from support forums like this one, so I can get an aggregate view of the entire procedure both pre and post-op. I must admit that the pendulum swings widely across what I've seen, both in program execution and in individual responses. Of course, I realize that there are outliers on every scale, and I'm averaging what I see. I got this little binder from the program introduction meeting (Dignity Health), and I've been adding my own research to it, things like print out of appropriate bariatric (or equivalent) vitamins based on their recommendations, worksheets for tracking eating and drinking, pre and post-op protein shakes, mixes, and recipes, motivational type posters, and text documents on things like how digestion works, how protein is used by the body, etc. Note, all the research is stuff from actual university or journal studies, I'm not taking answers from Reddit or Quora as facts! I've decided the biggest issue I've seen is the grief process that hits people after the surgery when they suddenly realize they can't eat what they want. I've read a lot of threads (not just here) of people rebelling and hating themselves and hurting themselves because of this. I do not want to deal with this. I'm already working on changing my eating habits, albeit slowly. I want to be more in control of this transition than I've seen, So, if you've read this far, my questions to you are: Did you make any effort pre-op to really change your eating habits? Did you experience grief or regret post-op if you didn't? Did you regret your surgery for any reason OTHER than the food restriction/complications? Thanks for discussing!

Banded on 8/7/12. Starting weight 304.5. Weight as for this morning is 271.8. While I wish it were MORE of a weight loss, I also realize almost 33 lbs in just over 6 weeks is nothing to take for granted. I have a concert/girls weekend get away the first weekend in November, and my goal is to be to 250 by then. I had my first fill on 9/20. I feel exactly the same as I did before the fill. I go back on October 5th.

Hi all I am planning to have my surgery as soon as possible and I am in contact with few doctors trying to make the right decision. I wished that this forum doesnt have members who might be getting money referals and they only talk about their own experiences to help each other . Anyway thanks all for ur help my major question is was anyone here helped by a lady named Rita Coonrod, she sounds like a respectful nice lady and she is trying to help me to get my surgery by dr Mario Almanza, it's a package to go to san diago.....Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery, Mexico - The Bariatric Group s the company she works for I guess th epayment should go to ISA in texas , has anyone done that b4 and is it safe to send the money this way . Rita sounds like a nice proffesional lady but I just want to make sure that I am on the right track and no spam is involved. Another one is Sandy Johnson who is very porffesional and helpful as well , she gave me the same package for a different price . have anyone been helped by this lady or did the surgery through her. she workd for www.MexicoWeightLossSurgery.com Both look good to me and I just want to hear from people who did it NOT WHAT PEOPLE THINK PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE in a lot of threads I notice that members start fighting so please please please dont do it here , if u have anything personal discuss it personally , I would like to get exact info so I can do my surgery very soon thanks

Hopefully your life is more under control now so that you have time to commit to the bypass surgery otherwise If you face similar issues you may face the same challenges. But I only dump if I have something high sugar or fatty content which is obviously rarely. You need to learn to eat clean and healthy again.

First photo is around 540 pounds 5 years ago and the last was November last year around 250 pounds Sent from my Nexus 6 using the BariatricPal App

I think you made a good choice! Don't do anything you are not emotionally, mentally, and physically ready for. I am also 265, but my BMI is 50. I thought I wanted Gastric Bypass about 10 years ago, but it didn't work out with insurance and I felt as though I just needed to give it go on my own as well. Now here we are ten years later and I still haven't been able to keep the weight off. Plus with gastric sleeve being less invasive and having less complications, i felt as though now was my time. I wish you well on your weight loss journey! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App