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((((((((((Oh Babs! )))))))))) I am so sorry you got this news. Yeah, "medically neccessary" is quite the quandry, especially when viagra, et. al, get approved, but birth control is another matter entirely.... It took a long time to get my second skin graph after my motorcycle accident. I cannot tell you the number of Dr.s who said I just needed to baby the original site. Baby it hell! I had to sleep with a wet cloth on my leg just to help control the uncontrolable itching. In warm weather I would have to spend all day with my leg elevated to held reduce the seepage. And they kept telling me that I just needed to baby it an to quit whining about it. The insureance company kept turning the revision down bacause it wasn't "necessary." Fight this Bab! Fight! Fight! Fight! You know that we are all here for you. We all send you such wave of positive energy, we remember you in our prayers, no matter whom we pray to. If you need help with your letters, I know we have some very eloquent writers here who would jump at the chance to help you. You said the skin on your thighs is breaking down, are you bleeding? I should think at the very least you are suseptable to skin infections similar to celulitus. You might think about that angle when you write your letters. (((((((((( Babs! ))))))))))

Hey Everyone I am confused on which surgery to have I want the bypass and I am thinking about the LAP-BAND® but I am confused I do not know what to do I do not know if my insurance covers the fills and can someone help me figure out what to do. I am possibly looking at lay offs and then I heard that the new insurance if i get another job would pay for the reconstructive surgery. the LAP-BAND® I do realize is much slower but I would like to lose about 30 lbs per month but do not know if it will be possible. What do guys think?

Isn't this the hardest part about life... we often know what to do and how to do it, but simply don't. They call this part bandsters hell for a reason... it is difficult and frusterating because you are at where you were before the surgery. but, now we have more guilt because we feel like we made a mistake and our time/money was waisted. The best advice is to just stay on the right path. You knew going into this that this surgery was not a magic bullet and going to fix all of your problems. Everything worth achieving in life takes ambition and sacrifice. You made the right choice in having the surgery, now we need to just take more and more babysteps in making right choices. my best advice is to slowly switch from your old ways if you cant quit cold turkey... things i did/and am doing Food: i work alot and find it hard to make meals and not eat fast food... If its hard to stay away from fast foods then alter what you are getting there... at first instead of getting a hamburger get a grilled chicken sandwich and fries... and after you feel comfortable start cutting out the fries. Working out: start out with little steps... ie, take the stairs instead of the elevator... and then try walking around the neighborhood for 30 minutes instead of watching the extra re-runs of 2and a half men... then actually start going to the gym... Stick with it, you made the first big step... dont quit on the journey now. Dont regret not having bypass, this is far more healthy in the long run especially for younger people. My parents both had the bypass and they have to take LOTS of pills several times a day to supplement their diets. And they still strugle with dieting every day like i do. After having the lapband and seeing both of my parents have bypass i can honestly tell you that its not about the procedure you had, its about your personal dedication and devotion to improving your life. Good luck! Keep pressing on!

Have you started a food Journal to keep an eye on your intake? Remember this is not like gastric bypass total weight loss can take up to 3 years to achieve. Keep up the good work and remember this is for a better you no matter how long it takes!!

I know MANY women who have WLS suffer from PCOS, I am only 3.5 weeks out so idk if my cycle has/will regulate but did anyone else have excess hair growth from PCOS and if so, did that stop, & when???

im in stafford. ct... had my gastric bypass 2/25/15 def interested in a buddy

Unfortunately, we will be tested like this everyday, and every time we open the fridge, the pantry, or go out to eat. The surgeons can fix the stomach, but they cannot fix the brain, and all the triggers that make us crave the foods that got us into the situations that caused us to have gastric bypass surgery. You need to be strong, things will get better, you will learn to find healthier choices to the foods that you crave. Eventually you we be able to introduce some of the things that you like, back into your diet in moderation. It is also great motivation to keep on tract when your weight starts to drop weight like you're melting away. I have now lost 112 lbs in 5 1/2 months and it feels great! Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

I'm 5 weeks out from revision from band to sleeve and I have been taking Prilosec daily for acid reflux/heartburn. But the past couple of days I am have pretty bad heart burn. Any one else experience this while taking an acid reducer?

Hello: First, congratulations! Second, any regrets? Any issues you want to share with someone who's considering bypass? What Vitamins and/or supplements do you take? Do you, or did you have #2 issues in the bathroom postop? Do you feel hungry much? Thanks for your time answering my questions. Sue

So sorry you are still dealing with this. Maybe check airfare for Houston and come see my doctor. He is awesome and does revisions and special cases. Have you looked into the family leave act at work?

For me it was gas or a burp that caused that problem. It was from drinking too fast. They did keep me on nexium for the first 30 days post op and then we stopped that. Bypass is supposed to cure acid reflux. I had very severe reflux and Gerd prior to RNY. I have never had another episode. My chest pain always comes from drinking or eating too fast. I have learned to avoid that and then I don't get the burps stuck. Sometimes when I have to take a pill I find myself gulping instead of sipping and that creates gas in my tummy. I am 9 months post op and even now if I get a burp stuck it is uncomfortable until it comes up. Drinking through a straw can cause that as well. Adds more air into your pouch.

@Reina73 you have a desk job. it might be a little easier to return to the office if you are not too tired. if you can financially afford it/and time is given to you - i suggest one - two weeks if you are feeling "ok", only a little tired. - BUT don't push yourself,it's not worth it. maybe go back at first taking 1/2 days then full days. See what works for you. i have said this before, in my case i returned to "work" the second i was home. i am happily retired☺️ good luck w/bypass next month. speedy recovery kathy

Glad to see a Men's section. Oh no I am cross posting!!! Hello: I am going through the process of all my tests/appointments. I am on a 3 month diet for insurance purposes. I was hoping for Bypass surgery, though, The Doctor and I thought a Lap-band be the safer route. The reason is that I had a colon resection of the large intestine in my 20's. I have been overweight all my life. About every couple years,I end up on Weight Watchers 6 months then gain it all back. Though, I become obese and morbidly obese in the last 10 years. I got involved in a bad relationship which ended in a nasty divorce. With going through all the evaluations and Doc appointments, I was able to identify key events in my childhood when I started gaining weight and turning inward. My outlook on life has changed recently, I am looking forward to the surgery and my new lifestyle. I am happy to find this forum exists.

Hello everyone... I have been lurking for awhile getting as much info as I can. I have contacted an office that does banding here in Ohio and I have to do a seminar and then an evaluation before any details are discussed. I'm hoping that my insurance will pay for the procedure. I had considered gastric bypass but the thought of having my digestive tract permanently severed scares the dickens out of me! In addition I work in an ICU at a local hospital and we get to see first hand the bypasses gone wrong and it is terrible. So I want to say hello...congratulations to those of you who have succeeded in getting your band. Keep your fingers crossed that mine will come through for me.

1, Date of banding. May 9, 2006 2, Weight/BMI on date of banding. I think it was like 48.6, weight was 331 pounds 3, What band do you have. Swedish 9cc Midband 9cc Vanguard Lap Band 4cc or 10cc :biggrin1: 10cc Heliogast 7cc or 9cc A,M,I soft band 7cc or 9cc 4, What was you own person reason for WLS Cosmetic :biggrin1: To look better and not feel like everyone is staring at the fat guy Health To lower my blood sugar and blood pressure. Both were high and doctor wanted to put me on meds for both 5, Why the band and not Bypass or DS. Safer, wife was not supportive of RNY 6, What were you’re expectations about the band. After much research and doctors advise, I knew I would have to work hard. This is a tool and not a magic potion to loose weight 7, What were you’re expectations about the impact weight loss might have on you’re life. Longer and happier life 8, What is you own personal target weight/BMI. 170 pounds 9, What is the realistic target/expected weight loss/BMI. 160 pounds 10, How much was you’re band and how did you fund it. Insurance :biggrin1: - about $500 out of pocket Re-Mortgage Loan NHS (uk patients) Savings 11, Do you consider the cost of your band justified or expensive. Yes, much cheaper than a lifetime of taking medication for health problems, not to mention doctor's visits and possibly hospital stays. Also much less likely to have to have joint replacement because of the reduced weight 12, How many fill’s/unfill’s have you had. 4 fills, 5cc I beleive 13, How did you have you’re fill’s Blind 3 fill's 2 unfill's Under x-ray all 4 done under flouro 14, How much are you’re fill’s $15 co-pay through insurance 15, Does your surgeon do your fill’s or a fill provider. Surgeon or Physicians assistand done at his office 16, If you travelled for your band why did you travel. N/A17, Did you experience any complications/Difficulties. No 18. When did the problems begin. N/A19, what problems did you experience were they resolved and how was they resolved. N/A 20. Would you be banded again or chose another op. In a heartbeat. Best thing I have ever done. I feel like the band has saved my life or at the very least made it worth living.

It's funny you mention the McDonalds right after groceries. I would always go grocery shopping then pick up something quick for dinner...after I just BOUGHT food!! Made no sense to me, but it was habit. Congrats for bypassing the bad food!! I knew the first 10 lbs I dropped were Water weight, but it didn't matter...it was 10 lbs gone!! Feels good, right?

So I was banded today with the standard lapband. I had such a great experience. I had to be at the center at 6 for a 730 start time. I was the first one of the day. I must say I loved that I felt like I was in and out. I got there and they took me right back. My nurse was Amy and she is such a kind soul. She has truly found her calling. After that I got my IV and had lots of people who were in the OR come talk to me. Everyone was so kind every step of the way. Then Dr. Malley came in to see if I had any questions at all. I didnt so we got to start early. I was in and out in 40 min. When I was done I was told that the Dr. went and spoke with my husband in the lobby. What a great Dr. He is so kind. He had bypass about 10 years ago so he knows what his patients are going threw. My nurse was so attentive during my recovery. I had my swallow test and was in the car by 1145. Less than 6 hours. I am not in any pain. Every now and then I get some gas but I just walk for a min. and I burp like a baby and I feel much better. I am so excited to start this journey. My goal for now after recovery is to work towards a 5k. It will be a big step for me but I am ready and going to meet my goal.

Hello, I had my surgery a little over 3 weeks ago. The surgery went very well and I've been doing well so far. I was having a problem with anxiety for a bit. It's all so new and there is so much to think about. My primary doctor has put me on a very low dose anxiety med (I did suffer from mild anxiety years ago); and I feel so much better. I'm currently on soft solids and am starting to run out of food choice ideas. I'll take any suggestions. I do get to add in fibrous veggies in a few weeks; so I know that will help. I have a friend that had the band done, a friend that had the sleeve done; and a friend that had the full bypass done; but I'm hoping to find some people to talk with that are currently going through the same thing. My friend that had the bad done is almost three years out and doesn't remember a lot of the stuff from just after she had the surgery. I hope I can help others with any questions they may have too. I guess that's about it for now. Hope to talk with people soon!!!

I received this email last week concerning changes to the support group meetings ~Mel Dear Support Group Participants, The Program for Weight Loss Surgery at Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals (BW/F PWLS) is dedicated to providing excellent care and support to all of our patients. In order to best serve our patients, the gastric lap band and gastric bypass support groups will be merging to allow each post-operative patient and surgical candidate to get the most out of each support group. There will continue to be one support group held at Brigham and Women's Hospital and at Faulkner Hospital each month for the convenience of our patients. As always, you are welcome to attend a support group at any location. The support group held at Brigham and Women's Hospital will take place the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm in the Carrie Hall Conference Room. The support group held at Faulkner Hospital will take place the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-8pm in Atrium 2. As always, please check with the information desks to confirm the location. The new schedule at Brigham and Women's Hospital will be effective December 2011, while the new schedule at Faulkner Hospital will be effective January 2012. Please see the attached support group schedule for 2011/2012 dates. In addition, we would like to announce that we will be holding a Winter cooking demonstration at Brigham and Women's Hospital for all support group participants on Tuesday, December 6th at 6:00pm. We look forward to working with you in the New Year and hope you will share the updated schedule with your BW/F PWLS friends and family. All the best, Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals Program for Weight Loss Surgery 2012 Faulkner Hospital Location Gastric Bypass, Band, and Sleeve 6:00-8:00pm 3rd Wednesday of the month Atrium 2* January 18th February 15th March 21st April 18th May 16th June 20th July 18th August 15th September 19th October 17th November 21st December 19th DIRECTIONS to Atrium 2 Conference Room: For Centre Street/Atrium entrance, walk straight past the first bank of elevators and down the corridor. At the end of the corridor, take the elevators on your right to the 2nd floor. Turn left and Atrium 2 will be on your left. For the 3rd floor rear entrance take the elevators on your left to the 2nd floor, turn left and walk down the corridor for until you see Atrium 2 on the left. Please note that this group is sometimes held in Atrium 1 or Suite 4420, which will be indicated at the Information Desks. 2012 Brigham and Women's Location Gastric Bypass, Band, and Sleeve 1st Tuesday of the month Carrie Hall January 3rd February 7th March 6th April 3rd May 1st June 5th July 3rd August 7th September 4th October 2nd November 6th December 4th DIRECTIONS to Carrie Hall: Enter at the 75 Francis Street entrance. Bear to left and take the elevators or stairs up to the second floor. Follow the main hallway down the Brigham and Women's "Pike". Follow the Pike past the 45 &15 Francis St entrance. You will see Carrie Hall at the end of the second floor hallway.

I will having my band over bypass on May 10th, so its this Friday! Super nervous. Anyone else?

I chose the sleeve for a few reasons. It is less risky and the chance of death is about half that of the bypass. There are much less long term complications that can occur with the sleeve than with the bypass. The whole malabsorbtion issue mentioned by others. With the sleeve you are supposed to be able to eat all foods in moderation. With the bypass if you eat certain foods you will get very sick.

At my surgeons office they advertise that they do RNY, sleeve and banding, but it became clear from the very first seminar that they want to do RNY as the default for everyone. The doctor I saw on my first visit was very candid that they want to do the bypass because all us fatties cannot control ourselves and there is immediate negative feedback for life in the fo of dumping when you get the bypass. She asked me which surgery I wanted and I told her that I was leaning toward the sleeve but was willing to listen to medical reasons if the surgeon disagreed. She said I just needed to decide no later than my surgeon visit just before surgery date. It turned out, of course that I really needed to decide before all the paperwork was submitted to insurance. They called and said the surgeon had approved me for both the bypass and the sleeve. I told them the sleeve. So fast forward to my first appointment with the surgeon the Friday before my scheduled Monday surgery. He hands me the consent to sign and it says--RNY! I said, "you are going to have to get me a new consent for the sleeve". He responds, "oh, you're not having the bypass"? "No", I say, "I am having the sleeve". He then asks me why I don't want to have bypass. I told him that if I can accomplish what I want (100 lb weight loss) with less trauma to my systems, that is what I want. Our bodies work, for the most part, best when left alone. I can accomplish my goal without re-routing my intestines and without malabsorption that goes with it for life. Oh, and I told the surgeon that I was going to take a sharpie and write SLEEVE across my tummy the morning of surgery so he wouldn't forget!

Hey everyone! I'm scheduled to have gastric bypass on April 4th and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on things maybe the dr left out or things from a patients perspective on what to expect. I was also curious on some food ideas once I am able to eat solids...maybe an idea on Protein shakes or food people like when they go out. I was thinking of drinking Isopure for its whey protein isolate. Any feedback is so very appreciated. Thank you all Ashley

Great job with your weight loss jaylow! When I went for my follow up at 4 weeks, I too had lost the required weight and they went ahead and booked me for the surgery (which was almost a month later). Yes there are a lot of bypass people and I've questioned whether maybe I should have gone that route, but for me it was just too invasive with the rerouting, the malabsorption, etc. I can be a really good dieter when I want to be, so I'm hopeful that I can work with the band as a tool to get results. Let me rephrase that...I KNOW I can work with the band and get results!! :thumbdown:

Hi Everyone! I have been checking this forum out for the past few days and just registered today. There is so much knowledge and support available here. It should be a requirement for patients to register for this site! I am currently saving for my lap band surgery since my insurance doesn't cover it. My main reasons for having surgery are for my future health. Diabetes and heart disease run rampant in my family and it's just a matter of time before I am diagnosed. Also, my joints have been really bothering me lately. I went through the posts and have seen numerous questions regarding excess skin, cosmetic surgery etc..... What I ask may seem to repeat other posts however I want to see if there are others my height, size shape etc.. that can tell me their experiences. I am 33 years old, have never had children and am engaged to be married. I have been overweight my entire life however I have always remained active. In High School I was a 3 sport champion athlete yet still managed to graduate weighing 235lbs. I am tall (5'10) and my body has always been pretty well proportioned. My great grandmother was 6'6 350lbs (I'm not kidding!!) :smile2: I have always had a lower "pooch" belly but it does not hang down real low like a lot of others that I have seen. I've always been told that I have a shapely figure. (just a bigger one) My weight is currently at 305lbs. I wear a size 42D bra and wear a size 24 at Lane Bryant. I have steadily put on weight since High School and have not lost or gained anything significant other than 25lbs on weight watchers. Unfortunately, my lower stomach now has an upstairs neighbor. I've had stretch marks since I was young however all of the stretch marks that I have are very faint and thin. I can still see them if I really look but they are nothing like the stretch marks that I have seen on some people that have had children. I know that everyone is different but I am wondering how many other people like me faired with their skin bouncing back after weight loss.. Are my chances good that my skin won't be saggy since I will lose weight slower than gastric bypass? I appreciate all responses........ Thanks for listening.... Emily ..........waiting for the day where I can wear ultra low rise jeans and LOOK GOOD!!!!!! :thumbup: