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I've been having issues and at times I have little to no restriction, and then sometimes I have food get stuck after just a few bites. It's a bit frustrating. My band can hold 11 cc's, and right now it has 9 cc's of saline. Even though I'm most likely revising to the VSG, I'm thankful for having had the band put in. Without it I would never have been able to lose and maintain a loss of 90+ pounds over the past 4 years. I no longer have high blood pressure and I no longer have to take any medications. I just have reached a point where I know that I'm not getting any younger and I know that I need to do something else, as I still have over 100 more pounds to lose. Thus why I'm looking into revision surgery.

Hi guys, I used to stalk this forum a lot when I was pre op. Due to insurance issues I was switched from the band to the sleeve just 2 weeks before surgery. I was ok with this as I knew there was a risk that if I had the band, I might end up with the sleeve eventually, due to complications. I don't have any experience with the band, as I didn't end up getting it, and am not trying to swing people over to the sleeve. I am posting on here to let you know that if circumstances change, if complications occur, if you are one of the ones that the band just isn't working for, the sleeve is not that bad and you can still have great results. I'm only posting this because the advice I got from here was invaluable when I was pre op and making my decision. I wanted to return the favour somehow. The band is a great tool, and for some, a great first step. If you find yourself having to take the 2nd step of revision to the sleeve, you have not failed and you can still expect great success. Good luck on your weight loss journey. 210lb Scars - 2 mo. post op.bmp 125lb. Surgery was on 13 August 2012.

Since your profile shows you had the sleeve, she just assumed that was what you had done. You may want to update your profile to reflect that you had the bypass done instead of the sleeve.

I had my Lapband January, 2011 - it was nothing but problems the entire time. I had too much restriction the entire time and the weight gain. The last three, or so, years of that torture device, I was unable to eat and in doubled over pain most of the time. I also developed severe GERD. My gastro referred me to a different Bariatric doctor. Long story short - the Lapband caused multiple problems and I had to have an emergency revision to gastric bypass. Dr. Did not recommend the sleeve for me because a high percentage of patients that already have GERD, it makes it worse. Please see another doctor before your situation gets worse like mine did. I don’t think you will be sorry with a revision to sleeve or bypass. It was a wonderful decision for me - not constantly sick anymore!

My Dr said wait one month and then it's fine. He said it's the main reason people with chronic pain opt for the sleeve over bypass; because ou can still have Ibuprofen.

Hello I am interested in knowing what procedures are for getting gastric bypass surgery, I've Already spoke with my doc, she's sending a referral in the mail so I could see someone else about it! But I am pretty lost and would like some info on the process of everything! Please if someone can help me out I would really appreciate it!

You're new here so take this as it's intended. For more people to see your post, you need to start a new topic/thread? There are only 9 people following this thread. If you start a new topic, hundreds of people will see it. So, go to the forums page, click on general weight loss surgery forum. You should see a box that says New Topic? Click on it and then paste what you just posted here and you should get a good response. Most of the forum members posting here are lap banders so we may not know enough about what Bypass patients should eat? Hope you find help?

Is this wellness doctor submitting claims to your insurance company? If so, it could be that she's afraid to note these charges as "obesity/weight related" because if records are requested by your insurance company it may not be a coverable expense. That's the only thing I can think of.... About 10 years ago when I had a consultation with a surgeon for gastric bypass (which I did not go through with) I ordered chart notes from an orthopedist I had seen for back pain and she had the comment in reference to me, "her massive form". I wasn't there about weight issues, but back pain. I have never forgotten that reference in her notes. And I mention it here because it's a reference to the fact that if you are discussing your weight and general nutrition with this person you would definitely think that she would have that recorded in your chart notes.

So sorry to hear of your troubles, especially acid reflux as I was under the assumption that the Gastric Bypass usually cures that. On the flip side, you lost 71 pounds and should be admired for that, as it is so hard to lose in the first place. Best wishes to you always.... Stephen

jsm - I am one week out and I also was very scared - still a small amount. But I can tell you this. I've gotten to two different restuarants with my kiddos and hubby and I'm not even interested in their food. I've lost 22.5 lbs in two weeks = one week preop and one week postop. I believe this sleeve will work for you if you follow the program... Now I have a friend that had the complete bypass a week before myself and she's gained weigh but in talking with her she's been eating small amounts of food the first week - hello... my doctor doesn't have me eating pureed food until three weeks out. You must be completed and work the tool. Hope this gives you some insight.

Did anyone else see the news about lap-band being approved for lower BMI patients? Here is a link to one of the articles: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/bf0ef1ec-62b7-5f8e-adec-5151c1de71b5.html I suppose it is good that BMI requirements are coming down for some weight loss surgery, but as a lap-band revision hopeful, I am really concerned about how the news media is covering all this. The article says there are only 2 weight loss surgery options: lap band and gastric bypass. I don't know, with all the lap-band billboards and this news coverage, I am really frustrated that there isn't more real information out there. I am so glad this board is here - it has given me hope of a better option. Have a great weekend, everybody!

Hi JoAnne and welcome to the forum. I honestly think this is more than a program. It's a complete lifestyle and mindset change. For me, the sleeve forces me to make better decisions. I have yet to feel "real hunger", and I'm 3 months out from my revision. I had a lot of faith in the band in the beginning because it did work until I lost restriction. When I started researching my revision (due to complications with the band), I knew the sleeve would work because it's immediate restriction. I struggled with my weight for years, and I decided that being fat came with much higher risks than having surgery again. I absolutely love the restriction I have when I eat. I have had several ups and downs with my revision post-op, but I have no regrets. The sleeve works. I won't deny that every day brings either a struggle or success. I have my bad days, but they are fewer as every week passes. Some days it's easy to make bad choices in what I put in my mouth, but the next day I make a better decision. I have to make the effort for the sleeve to work. I could eat ice cream, mashed potatoes, and junk food every day, but I would not be using the sleeve as it was intended. I hope ramble of mine helps some.

My answers below in blue. First, for those of you that have lost the weight, is the port identifiable under your skin? I have a mental image of seeing a small circle protruding from some part of the body where the fill port is pushing from the inside out onto the skin. Hopefully this is just a crazy, paranoid question but I might as well ask. I'm down about 175 - 180, still have 30 - 50 lbs to go. So far my port is not visible, but I can easily find it by touch. Where mine is placed, I'm not sure it would be visible unless I actually became underweight. The boxing class does not allow blows to the head but body-blows are acceptable. Same for the martial arts classes. Considering I'll have a port near/at the surface of my skin, should I rethink my exercise choices and take up Yoga instead? I was an avid Aikidoer pre-op, but gave it up post-op. For one, the port area is sensitive to the touch, even when you're healed. Not to the everyday touch, but direct pressure smarts a bit. I talked to my surgeon's nurse about this and she thought I was crazy for even thinking about it. It amkes sense, a direct hit could do some damage. I'm not thinking of trying to do this in the next week or two after surgery - more like six months or so (or what ever the doctor recommends). I'm just wondering if anything changes as a result of having a port... Women mostly find that some sexual positions become uncomfortable. I take it "Mike" is not used in a female way. :biggrin: Some people have their port placed in an area where it does show, so they either deal with it (I have seen them to where they show through clothing), or seek revisions to low profile ports. If it's something you're concerned with, maybe talk to your surgeon now about a low profile port. Can't think of any other times that my port is even something I remember I have... Hope this helps.

I'm 5 dayz out from my bypass. I have been drinking veggie broth, chicken broth, but yet to try beef broth. I have been reading about gaining ur sense of smell. And dam I guess it's true. Cuz the smell of my fridge makes me gag. After over a week of drinking the same thing, I find myself not eating. I have tried the Greek yogurts and we'll I got sick of it fast. I do have the privilege of having someone to talk to that's close to me about wat to expect. My cuz had it done 3yrs ago and lost over 100 pounds. And looks good. But i wanna try new things but is it to soon. Like beans. Eggs. Etc. I read bake beans are bad but black beans are ok. Then read sugar free ketchup is still ok. Please help I'm way new to this and never expected it to be so hard. But i know wen u talk about it to people who have success it will boost my morale.. so any suggestions.

I am having my gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 24. I have been on my pre op diet for almost 2 weeks. Nothing but clear liquid on the day before surgery. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I had my sleeve done in 2011 but had serious complications and had to have a bypass in 2012. I am constantly nauseated. Eating or even thinking about eating makes me nauseated. I've had a pregnancy test negative. I've lost about112 pounds in these last two years almost. If I do eat my stomach starts hurting horrible Any suggestions? Ideas?

I was also traumatized by the pureed stage! So glad to know I wasn't alone. I did read a comment that said "Don't forget about cottage cheese!" I'd rather eat pureed chicken. And that ain't happening. I am just a little over 2 months out from my gastric bypass. I am still having quite a bit of trouble swallowing, quite frankly, most meats. I have had most success with very thinly shaved deli ham and turkey. I know I'm supposed to be eating 60-90 grams of protein each day, but I'm not getting it from meat. Fortunately, I love the high-protein Greek yogurt. It is saving my life right now.

Praying for you that all will go smoothly for your surgery, and your weight loss journey - giving God all the honor, glory, and praise! I'm one month out from my surgery (Lapband revision with Gastric bypass).

The hospital I had my surgery just had a support group meeting talking about alcohol and they basically said what you said, if you are going to have a drink, don't drive. They said because we are bypass the rule changes from one drink an hour to one drink every 2 hours and even if you don't feel drunk it stays in your blood stream so if you get pulled over you will probably blow high enough to get a DUI. They also told a story about a woman who had a drink, thought she was fine and killed a pedestrian, so definitely not worth the risk! I know you already answered your question but just wanted to re-affirm for you!

Its all relative. This is the BEST surgery with the best stats. Thats just the way it is. I agree weight regain is ALWAYS a concern. But this one has the least regain. You may indeed regain some weight after losing a lot, but it will be relatively little and it will be extremely easy to take it right back off. Right now you probably only notice weight gains of 10-30lbs. After the surgery and weight loss, you will notice gains of 1-3lbs and you will have an extremelly effective tool at taking it right back off. Yes, you can eat around your weight loss surgery and sabotage yourself, so if that happens it is time to see a head doctor to help. Bypass, has really given WLS a bad perception, since so many had it and regained, but this surgery doesn't have nearly the same regain statistics as the old ones.

I'm 4 yrs out and the weightloss has been super slow but I now weigh 150. It's almost impossible to lose that last 15 lbs. Ive lost and gained the same 5 lbs for months. Everyone I know in my Facebook WLS board seems to think that maybe 150 is my good spot and my body is rebelling againt more loss. On July 19th I'm having a RNY revision. I've had 4 years of severe reflux with my sleeve. Hoping my post op diet and new tool, I may be able to get to goal. Hope so! My before (160) and after (150). If I lose more on my legs, I won't be able to hold the top part up. I look like a marshmallow held up with 2 toothpicks!

Hello all, I am from Springfield MO, 32 yrs old, 300+ pounds. I can lose weight but have never been able to keep it off. I like to eat. I am lucky to feel full after any meal maybe once every two weeks. That is reguardless of what I eat. I can go to pizza buffett and eat 20 slices and feel pretty much the same as when i entered. If any of you were similar to this before the surgery can you tell me if the band has worked for you. I am also looking into the mini gastric bypass surgery just for this reason. I know a person who had it done, and he is down over 100 pounds and still losing, but is able to sit down to a dinner and eat a 8-10 oz steak and baked potato and salad. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Don't worry - you are only 1 month out. Isn't it great to put on those jeans and feel good and comfortable in them. That, to me, is better than what the scale says. In regard to the dieting perspective, I felt the same way as you did. I got my second fill the end of march and have so much restriction that I can barely eat more than a cup or 2 of food at a time and if I don't eat slow enough, watch out. Never PB'd but that stopping feeling is enough to drive the dieting theory away. Sure, I have to make good choices now or I don't get the right kind of nutrition. I can go to a restaurant and order a salad with grilled chicken on top, pick at it, have one of my son's Buffalo wings and I am stuffed. But, alas, I have lunch for the next day and I ate what I wanted but just a bit. On Saturday, I had a very stressful day and said to my husband, I would love to eat a bacon cheese burger and onion rings right now. He said order it, but it will probably last you a week. I thought why I wanted to put such junk into my body and realized it was just comfort food. I ordered something else and found that satisfying. I guess what I am trying to say is that until I got my second fill, (1st one did nothing and I protested my doctor to add more) I was upset that I had to do the dieting thing too. I was upset that I felt hunger with my band. That was the one thing I wanted to accomplish when I had my surgery was to not be hungry all of the time. Well, let me tell ya, now I am hardly ever hungry and I can hardly eat alot so I don't feel like I have to diet. I do feel that once you get to good restriction, you have to eat very healthy foods. All the bad stuff goes down way to easy. I could eat chips, cookies, Icecream, pretzels and chocolate really, really well right now but it is harder and more of an effort to prepare, chew and not drink with my meals. I have to make to right choice and WORK with my band. I realized that the band doesn't work for you unless you work with the band. It takes will power on bad days and effort to make the right choices on good days. Sometimes it's painful if you eat too fast and sometimes it is just right when you feel the liberation from always stuffing your face. For me, I take to good with the bad. Sometimes I eat a peanut butter cup to satisfy my sweet tooth but atleast I am not eating 4 or 5 of them. I think if people wanted effortless weight loss, then the bypass was a better choice. If you eat the wrong things, you get sick, simple as that. More risks, more weightloss in the on set, but the band will be with you a long time if you treat it well and baby it and make a choice to eat right and over indulge once in a while and realize it is o.k. to have a serving of ice cream. The band won't work if you chose to have the whole pint. Hang in there until your fill. If after a week or 2 of your fill, you still feel no restriction, insist that your doctor add a bit more. There is no reason why we should feel hungry with the band. That is why we got it. It's been 3 months that i've had my band and I feel that the dieting mentality is all but gone. Good luck and don't get discouraged.

Thanks. All that matters is that I want people to be aware of the pros and cons of different surgeries and to investigate. This is a lifetime commitment. Know what you are getting into. I didn't have reflux before the sleeve, boy do I now at times. You're right - it is all about tradeoffs. I think those who have it before may be well served to understand what happens if they want the sleeve, complications and may have to go to bypass after all. I could not imagine that ... kudos to you for getting thru it.

And THAT's why I'm having the bypass.