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I am scared and nervous I guess this is normal.. My surgery is SCHEDULED for NOVEMBER 12th and I am starting to get cold feet.... I have started my pre-op diet and it has been hard....I have made it so far, I guess what I am curious about is the diet afterwards...I guess I need to hear some good encouragement.....

So I figured I'd post post-op bypass. Today is Day 4 Post-op. It went really well. I was in the hospital two nights. Day 1 & 2 I was so nauseated I needed lots of anti emetics! Day 1 I had dilaudid PCA for pain and I think I just pressed it for the fun I it. Thy took down the pain pump day 2 in hospital. I actually have been getting away with minimal Percocet & Tylenol ...but mainly only Tylenol. The gas was horrific. I think I am a little addicted to gas-x (maybe because I like the taste & can't have anything else). I am on liquids...have my intense nalgene (48oz) bottle & am drinking my fluids adequately. SF pops are my buddies and I've been drinking Water & crystal light. As well as my Protein drinks. It's so crazy how I can only take small sips...my stomach gets mad and I swear my back starts hurting. But so far I am sooo glad I did this. I did this for my health, my confidence, my wife & my future children! I am down 10 lb so far. I even did the Wii a bit today! <<Ash>> Pre Bypass: 247.2 Goal: 140

Terry I was (and am again) drinking one glass of wine before dinner - more days than not. But just to be clear, I did not drink wine (or anything alcoholic) until one year post-op. I was diagnosed with the ulcer at about 13 months post-op. So, did the wine have anything to do with it? I really don't know. The doctors were aware that I was drinking wine and they didn't know either. Some doctors advise their patients not to have alcohol for a period of six months following the surgery. So one year would appear to be on the conservative side. The anastomosis (which is where the ulcer was) should have been completely healed after that period of time. I was slightly anemic and a stool test picked up a little blood. There was never any pain or any other symptoms, just the anemia. Following the endoscopy and the diagnosis, my surgeon increased my Prevacid from one capsule (30mg) to two a day. That was it. No other treatment. A second endoscopy about three to four months later showed that the ulcer was completely healed. I went back to my glass of wine and blood work was spot on at my 18 month check-up. Sunday will be my two year anniversary and I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday. Lab work is already done so I'll know the results on Tuesday. Ulcers are one of the more common complications following bypass and are usually the result of bacterial infection (H. pylori) as opposed to food (or drink) related causes. But that doesn't mean that alcohol is not an irritant and was not/could not be a contributing factor. It appears to be a difficult question to answer except in extreme cases such as alcoholism or family history of ulcers.

Hi my name is Quinn, I'm twenty two and currently trying to get things moving to get gastric bypass. My first seminar is this Thursday and I'm pretty much feeling around in the dark about this whole thing despite how much research I do. I could use friends who are going through the same thing or have already gone through it. I am willing to communicate via this site, facebook, email, or even phone. Any takers? =)

I had my surgery the 22nd of November was in 4 days.. About 2 weeks later I developed an infection and ended up back in the hospital for 4 more days.. Got released with a wound vac.. Had that removed a couple weeks ago and now just "packing" 2 wounds forcing them to heal from the inside out and am on antibiotics for 5 more months Munky

I'm still pre-op (bypass in June hopefully) but I want to increase my exercise now and hopefully become one of these people who loves to work out afterward Currently, I walk, usually just 1.5 miles/day taking my dog, so it's not always fast or continuous, depending on his need to sniff. I also have a nice bike I plan to start using again soon but I know doing some weights would help with strength and possibly reduce the loose skin a little bit afterward (I'm 53 and realistic!) I bought a Jillian Michaels DVD for kettlebells and still need to buy a/some bells but was wondering if anyone else uses them?

Hello, I need help please. I had my lap band surgery in 23 November 2016. My band is 9 CC filled so far. Before I did the surgery my weight was 82 kg (180.77 pounds) and my height is 174 cm (5.7). We are now in Mid February and my weight is only 78 kg (171 pounds). I am feeling like I am not loosing weight. Is there any problem? I am starting to regret that I did the operation from the first place. I am so frustrated and sad. Can someone please help me. Thanks!

Please let us know how the surgery went. If my insurance does not approve gastric bypass I am planning on going to cancun, mexico for surgery. Let us know how they treated you, how the facility and equipment looks like. Thanks and good luck everyone.

If I understand what you are saying.....we can skip our Vitamins because we were sleeved vs bypassed ?????? Flawed logic, in my opinion. Our post-sleeve diet is mainly Proteins and doesn't have the capacity to allow all the fruits, vegetables and other eats that provide all the nutrients we need. It's not a matter of our piping not being altered.....it's a matter of us not taking in the nutrients to start with. Supplementation with vitamins is crucial.

Some times is scary to post a comment here because I will get slammed with a shame on you! You should know better and I know I'm right!! Well here it is and please take it as just a comment my doctor said that yes is necessary to take Vitamins everyday but is ok if we forget it is taking us time to not them or if people say they feel ok with out taking them she said only people with bypass and the ones that really need it because they did rerouted their digestive system for us they only made out stomach smaller so is not like we really can't absorb nutrients and minerals.... So ask your and see what they recommend!! Thanks

Actually, you can bash me, too. My doctor is affiliated with a research hospital and has a long track record of highly successful bariatric surgery. That's why I chose her. I followed her protocol for supplements. At 3 months my blood work was perfect. She said I could go back to my Multivitamin which I've taken for years. She does not treat sleeve patients the same as bypass. According to her, research shows that provided the sleeve patient is following a balanced eating plan they do not exhibit the Vitamin deficiencies that bypass patients do. So I take no special supplements. My 6 month blood work was perfect. If there is ever an issue, she said it would be addressed when presented. At 10 months out, down 88 lbs, I feel fabulous and have more energy than I've had in years. My hair hasn't fallen out and my skin is great. No supplements from month 3 has not caused me any problems. Here's the deal. I trust MY doctor. I listen to MY doctor. This is a discussion forum. I can read what others do and find it interesting. But in the end I follow what MY doctor tells me. If your doctor is telling you to take supplements... and most do... then take them.

Regarding getting mad and being upset…I try hard to keep these forums civil. I want everyone to be able to express their opinions, ask questions, and disagree in a way that is not offensive to anyone. I think we can all benefit by remembering to take a few breaths before answering any post, and also to remember that what you type might not be read exactly as you meant to say it. Regarding bariatric vitamins…the ones you need to take and how much you need to take depend largely on your surgery type. Like some have mentioned, the gastric band doesn’t interfere with nutrient absorption from food, so you won’t need as many supplements with the lap-band as you would with the bypass or sleeve. The supplements you need also depend on your diet. Right after and maybe for months or years after WLS, your diet will be pretty restricted – you won’t be eating much food, and you might not be eating a huge variety. That means it’ll be hard, if not impossible, to meet your nutrient needs from food – so you need supplements! Yes, it is good to have your doctor monitor your levels for life to see which supplements you need to start or continue to take, and/or if you need to change your doses. It’s also important to remember that calcium doesn’t show up on any easy test. You can get blood calcium tests done, but they don’t show how good your calcium levels are in your bones.

Hi I had the full gastric bypass 8 years ago . I lost 255lbs . Anyways, I had one child pre op who is now 14. And 14 years later I am now pregnant again . I still can't eat large meals . And after pasta my sugar reads 5.8 for pre diabetes . Even when I was 450lbs I never had any medical issues whatsoever . So it's a bit nerve wrecking for me. I'm also afraid of the glucose test, I heard it could kill bariatric patients . Anyone else have anything similar ?

I am about 3 weeks post op (surgery was 10/3), i have never suffered from acne, but since the surgery my chin/face has broken out.... Its so strange because i completely follow my diet ( ie water, protein etc)... Has anyone else experienced this? I am 31 yrs old, im starting to feel like a teenager.... Grrrr... Any advice/help is appreciated... Have lost 20lbs since surgery.....

Cindi, You are doing the best thing ever...getting this off your chest. We all have days like that so you are not alone. Like you said - you had the sense to stop at 500 not 5000 calories. My only advice is to use a cooking time or your cell phone as an alarm -- let it go off when you need to eat or else you'll forget. I learned this from my friend who had gastric bypass and it works for those of us with lap bands. You are doing great and will be a success on this journey! Take care, Dolores

The Lap-Band is adjustable and is customized to be a tight as best for YOU! The sleeve is "one size fits all" and there's no turning back. While the Lap-Band is meant to be for life as well, it can certainly be removed if complications arise (which is quite rare). Also, REALLY look at the long-term data -- same percentage of weight loss with the Lap-Band, Sleeve, and Bypass over 3 years. Why would you not go with the option that doesn't reroute your organs? As for the fill process with the Lap-Band, it is not something to discount the surgery. If you can't handle getting fills, if that's too *inconvenient*, then perhaps you are not ready for a weight loss surgery. There will be many changes in your life, regardless of which surgical option you choose, and getting to a doc a few times for a fill is the LEAST of them! You will still have to have regular visits to your surgeon with the sleeve as well. Follow-up appointments are part of any surgery. Please educate yourself on all the options and their LONG TERM results!

my husband has been really supportive since the start of this journey back in December. He has encouraged me, gone to all the appointments with me and stayed by my side the entire time I was in the hospital. I am a really emotional person and become a hot crazy mess easily with just the slightest hormone flux. I do take meds to help (lol) I warned my husband about the possibility of the crazy fluctuations in hormones that could take place after this surgery. I clearly remember the nurse warning us as well at the 1st appointment. The last few days I have been a BIG hot mess! Crying, yelling, lashing out, frustrated, angry, jealous. I'm sure there's more... Simply put...I had gastric bypass 5 days ago. I'm starving. I see people eat and it does something inside of me that seems unnatural. It feels like torture and a punishment. I become flooded with emotions and know it's too much. I have been trying to avoid the situations however in addition to the surgery i lost my grandfather the same evening as the surgery and to be honest I felt no emotion about that for a couple of those days as I was so doped up. I know I am an emotional eater. I know I am a mess..I am really trying to handle this but it's a LOT at once and right now honestly when people eat infront of me it Pisses me off. I am on a broth, Water, Jello diet till Sunday as I couldn't handle the shakes. For the most part I am healing well but the foodie issues are over taking me. My husband has yelled at me and made me feel pretty awful for having these hormone fluxes and issues. He has told me I am cruel and rotten and did so infront of our kids. Is this the same man who has been my biggest support?? Wtf? I am also frustrated and upset as A.) When I arrived to town for the wake/funeral my father who was one of the few people I told about the surgery...had told my entire family!!! And B.) my husband has now, what he says is "confirmed" for some of his employees and another manager/co-worker friend from another store that I had it. Friends, I am so freaking hurt!! The 2 men In my life I should be able to trust the most!!! OMG!! My husband says he doesn't feel bad about telling his friend (who btw is a woman and I am ok with that but still..) as he needs someone to talk to because I am hard to handle right now. How should I even feel?? At this point I am so confused and hurt and lost all I keep thinking is how I really wanted this to be very private and now so many people know. I am embarassed, ashamed and now I feel like the spot light is on me with everyone watching to see if I fail. Not sure where to turn. Any advice?

1) 45 lb. in 3.5 months is actually a good weight loss especially with a band. 2) Esophageal stacking is bad news and can lead to bad health problems. Personally, if I had it, I would be asking about a revision to another WLS, not going to see a shrink. (Though maybe your surgeon wants you to go for other reasons?) 3) Mini-bypass is WORSE NEWS. The surgery is dangerous and people gain their weight back. The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons does not include mini-bypass in their list of viable procedures and reputable docs don't do this procedure. But there are other WLS types you can revise to such as the regular bypass, the sleeve and the duodenal switch. Since you have done so well with the band, I would consider a restriction-only surgery like the sleeve over something with malabsorption like bypass or the switch. But those others are viable options too. Here's a chart that explains the differences: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

Our weightloss with LapBand is not as quick as it is with those who have bypass, It is totally conceivable that diet and exercise would do it. Honestly we are doing 90% of the work, the only the band does for us is to keep us feeling full, everything else, we are doing for ourselves. I am with you, Only 2 people in my life know, my husband and my sister, I intend to keep it that way.

I am extremely upset at the tactics of the surgeon (Dr David Kim) that my wife and I used for our surgeries. I also want to warn you all about Forest Park Medical Center where Dr Kim did a revision to gastric bypass on me. In 2009 the hospital charges to my insurance alone was $158,000. The sad thing is my insurance paid 100% of the fees becasue we had met our max out of pocket. I had not really had any issues with Dr Kim until a fill my wife recently had done. The link below is a link the the charges that were submitted to my insurance in the ammount of $1,878. We are on a high deductible plan, but the insurance allowed $623.54 and the doctor wrote it down to $194 which is what we were billed. Now that may be perfectly alright for some, but to me in addition to being grossly overcharged for the service this is insurance fraud. I actually filed fraud complaints against FPMC after my surgery with the insurance companies fraud department and Texas Attorney General but nothing ever happened. Healthcare in America is broken and I am not sure how these folks sleep at night. Even if insurance pays these ridiculous charges, it will come back and bite us all. Our son is in his 3rd year of medical school, I agree physicians should be rewarded with large salaries, benifits... But if you have had this proceedure you know these charges are not ligitimate. We will be shopping around for another provider but wanted you all to be aware. Insurance Statement attached, read it and take note.

Hello Everyone, I am new to the site and just wanted to say hi to everyone. I was banded on January 24th. at Kaiser in Harbor City and my doctor is Dr. Zane. Prior to starting the classes with Kaiser I was 316lbs. and currently as of today the 11th of June I am at 251.5lbs. :cool2: I originally was going to get the Gastric Bypass but upon researching online the various options, I found the LapBand was better for me. I hired me a personal trainer at the gym and meet with her twice a week and twice a week I workout by myself. I attend the support group Kaiser offers but almost everyone except for 2 of us had the Gastric Bypass. I would like to see if anyone knows of a support group in the closest to Los Angeles. I did have a question for those who are more familiar with the band. I already had my first fill of 1cc in my 4cc band in March. I am going for my second fill on the 16th of this month. I am planning on flying to Las Vegas on July 3rd and fly back on July 7th and heard someone say that when the altitude changes that your ban gets really tight and stays that way for a few days. Is this true? :confused2: I look forward to talking with people who have the band and learning from their experiences.

Gosh, your post touched me. Tracy, I dealt with all of it. I was where you were. BIG TIME. The story is too long to recount but trust me, I have been there. I was "The Worlds Most Remedial Bandster" - I mean really. I knew folks who had the RnY Bypass around the same time, and of course, they seem to lose so quickly. Then I actually had people around me (5 were my CLOSE friends) who gave me so much flack.They meant well but they were like "Errrr.... it's not working, is it?" And those were the nice comments. My body wasn't doing all that it should have do with the band, and no matter what I did I couldn't lose my flabby lower abdomen area. I was so desolate - I also thought of the RnY Bypass. Luckily, I stuck with the band and I'm glad I did. It all worked out and three+ years later I can say I had the last laugh. I got to goal (slowly but in time, I started losing & losing) and a bit past it. I found out I didn't have a flabby lower abdomen - it was fibroids. My Plastic Surgeon found them. Oy vey! That meant a fibroid removal surgery that was the equivalent of a C-section. OUCH Recovery was so slow & long but I now have a smoother mid-section. Of those 5 toughest critics, 4 (yes, 4 of them) are now LapBanded too. I lost as much as some friends who had RnY. It took me longer, but the slower weight loss helped now look (to strangers) as if I've never been heavy. As they say, living well is the best revenge. (There are pics on the Before and After thread that document my progress.) Don't give up yet. You've got a great tool, don't beat yourself up. It can happen.

I saw yet another patient this week who was 1.5 years post gastric bypass. Lost 150 pounds, and developed an ulcer. I asked one of the GI docs about why it happens and he said that the protective lining is gone and so anything that causes inflammation or irritation of the tissues can lead to an ulcer. This includes alcohol (extremely irritating to tissues) and smoking which increases inflammation. Regular acid reducers cannot reach the area of the ulcer, which is why Carafate is used. Yes, ulcers can heal with the medication, but ulcers can also kill you if they perforate and bleed badly.

Hi all. I have Kaiser Permanente in California, which refuses to pay for lap-band surgery, only the invasive gastric bypass (and even then you have to spend months and months going through a pre-op program, which I cannot miss that much work for). I am going to have lap-band done in Mexico, either through my own research or through a medical travel firm. Any recommendations? I've seen varying prices from $5,500 from a doc in Tijuana who has gotten some pretty bad reviews, to $8,000 by a doctor Ortiz, who has gotten good reviews. Any other advice? Money is an issue, since I'm paying for this myself, but I also don't want to go with the lowest possible price if the doc is dangerous. Help! Thanks.