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Panic mode venting, surgery soon. Is this normal?
meyouus posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It's three weeks till the big RNY. I thought I had it together, perhaps not? I don't have the pre-op liquid prep that most do. I'm doing my lung function test tomorrow which I'm scared of. I had pneumonia in late April, then again in early to mid May. The pneumonia is gone, but the cough still remains, for the most part. I have gurgling in my throat, possibly from all the post-nasal drip I keep swallowing. So I PRAY I pass! Im ending my second bottle of Prednisone. And I have been SO FREAKIN hungry! I have lost little since my second NUT visit and I fear pissing off my surgeon. I WANT to eat like there's no tomorrow. Could be side effect of Prednisone? But definitely a panic response. I was SO set and educated about the lifestyle change, And did it successfully, and will continue to do so. But I'm having these panic responses. I'm a revision from Band to RNY. What can I do to fight these very different urges to eat? Can I get away with a last supper here or there, or small cheats? I'm not going to be able, by necessity and CHOICE to eat some of the cravings I'm having for years. That, too, sets me into panic mode. It's really a tough time for me. A true test of my commitment. I am 48, and am being screened for uterine cancer, tomorrow too. I'm WAY stressed out about that. My Dad, 83, has been in and out of nursing homes and the hospital from complications from Leukemia. A lot more stress to that story. I'm completely broke. But the prize at the end of the tunnel is the RNY on 6/17. IF I pass all the "tests". I will die if it gets postponed. I've been prepping for this moment for years, and now that it's three weeks away, all the stress and panic is brewing in me full force. I am in shock. I am ready. I am obviously not aware of the test of self, post surgery. My therapist told me psychologically, the shits gonna hit the fan when I can't turn to eating, and food to cope. But then, we've been working on that all along. I don't know: Were YOU scared? Did you cheat? Do you pull your crap together eventually? I love you for reading this by the way, thank you! Vent-ology..... -
Gallbladder Inflammation :(
Pigluva replied to heycrystal2052's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It's from losing the weight so fast. Years ago I was going through a divorce and could'nt afford to eat so all I ate was tomato soup and lost 100 pounds in like 4 months. That's when mine started acting up but they could not figure out for awhile what it was. It is so painful - I always felt like if I ate something I would feel better but it just made it worse. Stay away from greasy foods - that's what seemed to bother me the most but I also had a stone nearly the size of a golf ball and it had torn up my gall bladder so badly they had no choice but to remove it which I'm glad that they did so it would'nt happen again. If you still have your appendix have them take that out while they are in there - one less thing to worry about. Don't look at this as a complication - it's just part of life. -
Actually, to be fair, it could cut more than 5k off the overall cost IF, and it's a big if, I get accepted. Not only because subsequent complication costs would be 93% covered, but because I could afford to go to a surgeon in town (out-of-pocket would be 17k or more) instead of going to someone hours away much less in Mexico. For reference I am 23 (24 next month), 5'5" and 250lbs. I've been exercising and dieting for the last couple years, although I've never had my weight loss by a doctor/nutritionist.
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I think you are doing great. I also had lap band booked but had to post pone due to some other issues. Since then I have started eating healthier and I wouldn't even call it dieting because I still treat myself and I have lost 20.5 pounds. I was starting to have cold feet with the lap band when I had to post pone it and now I'm glad I did. I'm not naive enough to say that this time it will work for sure but for now it's working and I feel great. All the negative postings and complications that I have read on this forum had me thinking twice but since I did postpone the surgery I am ok with my decision. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading your updates on your weight loss. Prove to everyone that willpower can go a long way!
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Is my BMI too low for the sleeve?
Kindle replied to maybesomeday's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You definitely will not qualify for insurance. More than likely you won't find a reputable surgeon in the US that would do it period. Your best bet is probably to look at going to Mexico. But personally, I would never consider taking the surgical risks and complications including leaks, abcesses, internal bleeding, strictures, twisting, GERD, and even death for just 2 BMI points. Have you looked at the Obera or other balloon options? Non surgical, reversible and specifically made for low bmi patients. -
Purpose of the Complications Forum
Terry Poperszky replied to Baba Wawa's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." ---Unknown Nope, don't have complications (yet), don't have any personal animosity towards MsMaui (actually like her). Nor do I really care what forum she chooses to post in, if I believe that her (or anyone's) posts are biased against the band and out of context I will speak up and give what I believe is the other side of the story. Frankly I would take the same path on someone who downplayed the risks of being banded. Personally, I don't care which WLS people choose, I made the choice for myself and they can too. But I would hate to think that I might of passed on the benefit of the band because someone only told me part of the story. She quoted a Dr. (Who did all three WLS) who said the band was the least effective. Alex put up a video clip with a Dr. (Who did all three WLS) as saying the band was the most effective and backed it up by having it installed in his own body. Neither of those Dr.s is the whole story, it is only when you hear BOTH sides do you start to understand the truth. -
To fill or not to fill? That is the question!
lapband4meNOW replied to lapband4meNOW's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Kat THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This info is so great. I now have a better understanding of what fills are for. I guess reading all about those people who couldn't get even Water down, or had other complications after a fill, they were probably just too tight. Like you said, too tight is not what they want. I will getting my first fill in about 4 weeks as I will be traveling for the next couple of weeks. Until then, I will try to increase exercise and battle my head hunger. I have been logging what I am eating and each day I seem to be eating a little more. That is why I think I need a fill. I find myself getting a sense of hunger quickly after eating, within an hour or two I am seeking food. I am still learning how to know if I am really physically hungry or if I am doing the head hunger thing. I have to say this experience has been such an awakening as to how bad my eating habits were before. I have learned so much about what made me have the weight problem. It feels empowering to have that knowledge that I don't think I would of gotten without having the surgery. THANKS FOR THE INFO!!! -
Purpose of the Complications Forum
oldoneyoungagain replied to Baba Wawa's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
All the responses to this forum are very interesting. But I do have a question. What was the purpose of having the lap band? Mine was to save my life, and it has prolonged it. Now though, after three years, never having any problems with it that I knew of until two weeks ago. I have no signs, no symptoms to this day, absolutely nothing, since I came out of surgery when they put it in. But the doc says it has to come out after doing an endoscopy. Now my life is depending on getting all my weight off and maintaining until I die. For some, who can go on without anything, I admire you. I'm not that fortunate. Three years ago when this band was put in, the cardiologist basically said I had about five years without it. Now they actually don't know as my health has improved so much. So there seems to be life threatening complications or just complications with all these surgeries, but we all elected to have it done for some reason. So my band has failed, life happens. But my main concern is why I had it in the first place. I wanted to live a little longer than five years and I still want that. So next will be bypass, maybe it won't develop any complication for four years, but that is four more years I get to live what is now a fairly normal life without the health issues I had four years ago, My opinion is that we have to do what is best for us not putting down one surgery or the other. None guaranteed that there won't be complication. We are the ones who have to elect what complications would we be able to live with it one develops. Just my thoughts. -
Purpose of the Complications Forum
catfish87 replied to Baba Wawa's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
A very good post with some VERY good points. Sometimes when I read the posts in this particular forum, I ask myself why those who aren't experiencing difficulties, are so vocal in support of the band, IN A COMPLICATIONS FORUM. There are PLENTY of support forums. I try to NEVER, EVER let the poster's name determine whether I "like" a post or not. I've read helpful post from people who have no complications, like myself, and from people who have had issues with their band. I wish you much success in your future with OR without your band. -
Those of you 1 month out, how do you feel now?
ttdish replied to jobillandjosh's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm 5 weeks out today. I think you read about a lot of people who have miserable recoveries, or loads of regret in the first few weeks. Keep in mind, that those people need a place to vent, so they come here. I think most people have a much better recovery, they just don't post about it (what's there to post? I'm two weeks post op. Feeling good. The end. LOL). If these boards were your only measuring stick, you wouldn't believe that the complications rate for this surgery are very low. I've had a very smooth recovery. My surgeon had me on real food very early, so that helped (sometimes I think the misery in the first few weeks comes from the liquid diet. I would imagine it's mentally and physically tough). I have zero regrets. I still have minor muscle pain, but am otherwise back to normal- well, except for the 37 pounds I've shed along the way (including 2 wk pre-op diet). It's good to have realistic expectations, that there may be pain, nausea, etc, but know that it may also be much easier than you expect. Try to remember the big picture, and know that the hard parts are such a tiny part of this whole journey. People on these boards may disagree on a lot of things, but the overwhelming majority are glad they had they had the surgery. You can't count the people who regret it in the period immediately post op, as that nearly always passes. Follow your surgeon's instructions. Don't be afraid to take the pain medicine (that's what it's for!). Walk as soon as you can. Get your Water and Protein in. Rest, and let yourself heal. Some things are out of your control, but these are the things YOU can do to make your recovery as smooth as possible. Good luck!! ~*~ Find me on YouTube: Trisha's Sleeve Story ~*~ -
THIS IS MY FIRST ENTRY INTO MY BLOG. I AM A 36 YEAR OLD MALE FROM VIRGINIA. I AM 6'1" AND WEIGH 372 AS IT STANDS TODAY. I AM HOPING TO HAVE THE SURGERY IN MARCH; BUT I AM CONCERNED WITH THE STORIES OF PEOPLE HAVING COMPLICATIONS WITH INFECTIONS IN THE INCISION SITES. I AM DOING THIS FOR MY 5 MONTH OLD SON, MY WIFE AND OF COURSE MYSELF. ANY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON THIS SUBJECT TO EASE MY MIND WOULD BE HELPFUL... JERRY:eek:
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Hello, I was banded by Dr. Benavides on Wednesday (12/20). I did a lot of research into who would be the best doctor to perform my procedure. I am a healthcare professional and have access to certain industry/regulatory quality databases that allowed me to compare complication rates (in a rudimentary, rule of thumb type fashion) for various surgeons, anesthesia groups and facilities. I chose Dr. Benavides because I believe he is very competent and knowledgable. In the event my surgery was uneventful and I was d/c'd home after three hours. My experience tells me that he is indeed an excellent surgeon. Many Surgeons are not as knowledgable about medications as Pharmacists or their Internal Medicine and Family Practice colleagues (in the same manner that these specialists are not as knowledgable about Surgery). If you are on any medications, I would visit your pharmacist asap and ask him/her if there are any liquid alternatives for any of them that you could use after lap-band surgery. Next, get the necessary prescriptions from your doctor. When you see Dr. Benavides the day before surgery ask him which meds he wants you to discontinue that day and when he wants you to continue them post-surgery. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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My story that I think is a success!
Cupcake replied to angelinnc32's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Angelinnc32 congrats on your weight lost and your choice to being healthy you have done an amazing job , thank you for sharing your story because it is an inspiration , does your doctor state why you must be 200 pounds even? I am sure it is not a health issue , my doctor told me that I can not have any surgery to remove any skin until I am at least 1year post opt and he really perfers two years post opt unless you are having major complications. Because he states by then you would have lost all that you are going to loose , I am currently 9 months post opt and I am looking forward to loosing more weight. Good luck and keep us posted, by the way have you considered going to a different doctor for your surgery? -
I felt great after surgery I have low bp to begin with and for a while it was really low. have had no complications was sleeved on 4/4 and down 42lbs just started working out with a trainer I need the motivation can only do it for awhile too expensive but with it. Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST
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I was banded on 11/31/06 and its had its ups and downs. but you would have never caught me saying anything until now. I would highley recomend a different size band. That band was dropped here in the states do to being defective, and I can believe it. The Thursday before GOOD FRIDAY I was admitted into the Hospital for a slip. The band was strangled the esophagus, wich was squeezing on all the nerves, wich caused a serious of seizures. "no I don't have a seizure disorder" after the 6 th. one my Heart stopped, and I died, they started CPR then Jolted me back after 4 minutes. I'm GLAD to still be here with no complications either. I was told that the old 4 cc band is a 50/50 chance that it will either fail or not after 5 plus years. To the above people that it has lasted, I wish mine did to, but its not ment to be. I feel like I been kicked in the chest by a mule, and I'm Black, and Blue Everywhere, so yes i hurt, but i'm very lucky to be alive. If I could give you a piece of advice, I would say pick another size, and save yourself a headache, and heartache. I have to make arrangements for complete removal, and I feel like i'm having my heart cut out. But I got a second chance, and i'm not blowing it. So avoid the problem period, and don't pick a band that was dropped by the FDA, get your moneys worth, unless you like to gamble. I was offered the new band, but I didn't want to get cut again. I should have done it.
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I started looking at the lapband first and then discovered the sleeve. After a lot of research and being honest with myself about what I needed my tool to provide for success (and read up on the complications with the band), the sleeve won for me. I guess the only advise I can give is to really think hard (which I know you are doing based on this post) about what you need. Do you feel you need the malabsorption to help you be successful? Only you can determine what is best for you. If you have questions, this board is very supportive and hopefully it will help make this decision a little easier to figure out.
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Also, be careful to not be swayed by a surgeon who wants to influence your decision because he is more familiar with doing one type surgery over the other. Decide what YOU want, then find a surgeon who has performed at least 300 of them, and has low complication statistics.
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Side Effects and Complications
GBLady41 replied to onwarddown's topic in Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum
I had MGB on 12/12/16. I have had no complications. I have had no acid reflux issues. I do take a Protonix every day but that's simply because I have LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease or silent reflux) and I haven't gotten a checkup with my ENT doctor. My surgeon also gave me some omeprazole to take after surgery when I was discharged. I started taking the Protonix after I ran out of the omeprazole. I have lost 51 lbs so far and am almost in onederland. My heaviest weight was 298 lbs. My pre-op diet weight was 259.2 lbs. My surgery weight was 247 lbs. My current weight is 201 lbs. My goal weight is 145 lbs. I am 5'7" tall. I get nauseous at times but it doesn't last long. I'm not sure why it happens but it doesn't happen often. I have dumped once right after surgery on my way home. I bought the wrong Gatorade drink and took a few sips. Almost immediately I started to feel light headed and dizzy and just generally bad. I figured it out pretty quickly. I tried to pour water into the Gatorade but that didn't work so I just threw it away and got something else. The thing that has worked for me is having an eating schedule and keeping in touch with my surgeon and my NUT. They have helped me tremendously to make sure I am making progress. I hope my experience helps you make a decision. Having this surgery is one of the best decisions I have ever made. [emoji2][emoji41][emoji3] -
Hey there, I had 2 abdominal surgeries approximately 15 years ago. Scar tissue and the fear of having open surgery scared the crap out of me. Needless to say, I was sleeved on Monday 4/2/18 without complications. I’m 2 days post op and currently recovering in my hotel room
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Gastric Bypass Surgery Monday! Nervous
A_new_sara replied to Real California April's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
My surgery is Monday too.. I'm a revision from sleeve to bypass due to some complications I had from my vsg I in July. I'm scheduled for 7:30 Monday morning. Good luck to you! I hear the recoveries are similar so I can tell you that the first couple of days are kind of hard because you can't drink, and you're in pain from the gas pain in your chest so just take a hot pad and make sure you relax and use your pain medicine Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app -
I'm in the process of scheduling myself for Mini Gastric Bypass for May 15th. I have read as much as I could find on the procedure and all the various side effects, but I'm very interested in hearing that information from people who have actually had the surgery, not a research article or summary of the procedure. Do people have trouble with acid reflux, how have you treated it and was it effective? Any ulcers or any other side effects? I'm not morbidly obese, but have been quite heavy my entire life. I'm 50 years old, and have finally decided to do something for myself. However, I'm having second thoughts and would appreciate input from anyone about any unpleasant side effects.
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Iron still low and I'm frustrated!
VSG AJH replied to mswisdom's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This thread is so concerning to me! My NUT called a couple of weeks ago to tell my iron and vitamin D levels were low. She said I needed to add a vitamin D tablet to the multi, but no additional iron. She said also the low levels wouldn't delay surgery, and the next recheck would be at my 3 month post-op visit. She didn't relay any actual values to me, but after reading this thread, I'm terrified this might be that random something that delays surgery, or if not completely corrected in advance, might be the thing that leads to complications. Pardon my ignorance, but if my levels don't get to that normal range before surgery, what am I looking at? Fatigue? Poor healing? Worse? -
I'm cash pay BUT...will my insurance cover other stuff post surgery?
5BeautifulDays replied to LightlyMyDarling's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
Look up BLIS. They actually insure your surgeon, so you have to use a surgeon who is part of their program. The good news is that they have a vested interest in only insuring surgeons with a very low complication rate. -
Self-pay post-op insurance coverage
friarmyth replied to goldndiamondzboy's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I had my surgery in the US, but I paid for it out-of-pocket. I had rare complications 2 weeks after surgery that resulted in a week's hospital stay and a lot of expensive, on-going follow-up care. My insurance company was billed for all treatments I have received for my complications and they have not balked at payment. They've even paid for a couple of blood tests as part of my VSG follow-up-- I think because they didn't realize that the blood tests weren't ordered as the result of the complication. I guess think of it this way: if you made the choice to jump out of an airplane and hit a tree on the way down, the insurance company would have to pay for your injuries, even though they wouldn't pay for your plane ride. So even though they won't cover your surgery, anything that happens to you afterward is their responsibility. -
Self-pay post-op insurance coverage
JoytoLose replied to goldndiamondzboy's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
This is just a thought wrapped in a question. If your insurance won't cover complications after WLS, period, it really doesn't matter whether or not you self pay in the States or in Mexico, does it?
