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I wasn't put on a pre-op diet at all, but on my own I was doing the same thing your doctor recommends for the five months preceding the surgery. I lost 42 lbs and had a very smooth surgery with no complications. Correlation does not equal causation but perhaps the two things are related? Maybe your doctor is on to something.

When I was looking into WLS I went to a seminar that the DR provided as an overview to all of the procedures. I went in dead set that I wanted the LAP Band and after the seminar and talking to people both there and online I found that the sleeve was the better option for me. The surgeon I went to had a very low complication stat with the sleeve surgery, and he explained it was because of his surgical technique. The only complication or negative affect I have had from it was some heartburn here and there which is not very fun but it is livable, and lactose intolerance now, which again is livable. Check into surgeons you are considering and find out their stats on leakage and other complications from surgery. Most of the time complications arise from people not following the diet plan correctly. To me that was really important and really afterwards your body will really tell you what is right and wrong.

I was sleeved on July 1st and chose to do one month before on a liquid diet. I felt great going into surgery and had no complications. I was told it was a head start on weight loss and I am glad I did it that way.

About a year and two months ago I was perusing the card section in a local shop and I came across one that read “Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself” and I almost started to cry. I was at that point in my life where lots of people find themselves- I was morbidly obese, had a job I didn’t really life, a couple of guys who were hanger-on-ers and not really all that into me, a bunch of friends that felt like they were drains on me, and basically a life that didn’t feel like my own. I had made a promise to myself when I turned 30- that this was going to be MY year. I was going to turn myself around. I was going to loose 50 pounds before my 31st Birthday. At 6 months from my 31th Birthday I had gained 10 more pounds. After reading that card, I decided I needed help and had to do “something”. I was terrified of the bypass, but more terrified of continuing to live as I was. In the back of my mind I remembered seeing on the news an alternative procedure that didn’t involve cutting anything up. So, I started researching. And I found the band. Immediately I knew I wanted it. Needed it. Couldn’t live without it. I researched and researched and started posting those “newbie” questions that we old timers now can find a little annoying until we remember we asked them too. I got lots of positive feedback from people online. Then I decided to talk to my family. I was so scared but I knew two things- one, that I was going to have the surgery regardless of how they felt about it, and two, that I really wanted them to be supportive. And they were and have been. I’m very very lucky. So, to get to the good part- I found a surgeon I wanted to do my surgery, and was offered participation in the FDA trial for the Swedish Band. From the time initial call to the surgeon’s office to attend one of the seminars, and the day of surgery was about three weeks. Again, I am very lucky. It was one year ago that I had my band placed. As much as it is a cliché, it really was the day that changed, and saved, my life. I’m a slow looser…and that’s ok with me now. At first I spent a lot of time and energy negatively comparing myself to other bandsters. I’d spent my whole life comparing myself to other people- am I the fattest in the room? Am I fatter or skinnier than her? Do I dress like that? Does my butt look like that? I had a tough time in the beginning emotionally. Physically I healed quickly with little or no pain and no complications. Emotionally I was a mess. I stopped calling my friends, I stopped working very hard for my clients, and I retreated and withdrew from my family. I felt so different inside. Yet I still looked the same on the outside. I wasn’t loosing any weight, yet my eating was restricted. I couldn’t use food to get me through the emotional upheaval I was going through. I was so lost. Then one day I walked into my bathroom where that card is framed on the wall and thought- why am I waiting for the band to change my life? Why do I wait for other people or events to change my life? Why don’t *I* change my life? I suppose it was about 4 months after surgery that I started to feel like myself again. Only this was a new “myself” that I didn’t recognize. I went to my therapist and she helped, although not having a weight problem led me to teach her more than her teach me. But she did help me in so many ways. I started to stick up for myself. I felt worthy of being treated well for the first time since I was a little girl. I had a long and authentic conversation with my biggest client and told them if they didn’t start listening to me and my advice I was going to walk away. WHAT? I said that???? And it worked. They respected me in a whole new way. I told the guys in my life that showed up once and awhile that I was done with them. I told my friends that I was no longer in the friend-therapist business and that they needed to support me and be my friend. I lost some friends this way…but then they weren’t friends. I started to like myself. To feel confident and assured in a way I only remember feeling as a little girl. The biggest change is that I stopped trying to fix everyone else and started to fix myself. And it’s not like I’ve lost a ton of weight and found this new me. I’ve lost about 1 pound a week. I’m down -51 pounds as of this morning. I can’t begin to list everything that has changed in my life- but I want to hit some highlights. Especially to help those just starting the process or who are slow losers too. I can now run up and down the stairs. I can play with my dogs and chase after them. I can fit into the ‘regular” plus size clothes again. I can wear necklaces because I have a new neck. I can get in and out of cars without needing to grab onto something. I can fit in a movie seat without spilling onto my poor sister. I bought a little SUV with four wheel drive so that I never have to feel like I only have to take the regular road. I can create my own if I want! I am so much more compassionate of other obese people- I think not comparing myself to them and making them the opposition changed how I treat them. I volunteer more. I go out dancing. I get hit on by men. The door is opened for me. People meet my eyes. I get smiled at by strangers. I eat fruits and veggies and whole grains. My skin has improved. I have a little glow about me. I wake up in the morning so excited to see what is going to happen that day I can barely stand it. I laugh even when I’m alone. I no longer feel the weight of loneliness at the end of the day. Now I take the dogs for a walk and giggle at their silliness. I read a book or listen to a new CD. I take care of myself now. I like myself now. I have a long way to go to get to my weight goal. But I am very, very close to my other goals of creating a new life for myself. Having the band literally saved me-emotionally and physically. Megan

Exactly its major surgery. But an optional one. If I dont go ahead with it risks of complications of surgery are nill. Who wouldn't feel guilty that they may leave their kids motherless? I gave birth and was out of the hospital in 6 hours with my second son. If I had to have life saving surgery from illness then you simply can not reconsider it. But as I have no other illness apart from being Fat, I don't consider this an urgent life or death surgery. So their is always thoughts of re considering. Others who have significant illness with obesity may think differently.

I think if you opened up your stomach you would know. I'm not a doctor, but I don't believe you would be able to post if your stomach had opened up. That being said, for the first 10 days my surgeon had me on 1ounce of liquid every 15mins. Yep! No proteins. The only good thing about that is I had zero hunger. Thank God. I was so nervous about complications, I followed instructions to the letter until I saw her on day 11. So, unless you were told specifically how much to consume per hour, just slow down and take good care of yourself. Best.

So it is 9:30 pm here and I am about to try to get some sleep. The last steps before my surgery (3/5/2012) are tomorrow. We leave at 5:30 in the morning and I have blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays and upper GI starting at 7:30. Then, at 9:30 I meet with the nutritionist. After a break, I see my surgeon at 1:30 for my pre op appointment. I'm sitting here wondering exactly how I am feeling...but it is so complicated. I'm so very excited that the date is finally so close. I'm hopeful that this will be the tool that I need to finally accomplish the goal of a healthier me. Admittingly, a little bit blue that food won't be so important to me anymore (strange, I know, but I honestly do feel a bit sad for that). I'm really happy and proud that I am doing this for me. But for the most part, I am scared to death that I will fail. I'm committed, for sure...100% committed....but still so fearful of the "unatainable goal". I really need some words of encouragement from people who understand.

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

i am terrified of complications or death

Hello everyone! I was banded last Tuesday, the 16th of April. I had only minor complications, which I was very thankful for. :thumbup: So far I have lost a whopping 20 lbs!!! I know this will slow down once the purees and mush start next week. Does anyone have any advice on how to make it through this next week with just liquids? I get major stomach growling and feel pretty weak. Thanks, Lara

I am not any kind of expert but I liked the reasoning my doctor had to the bypass vs. sleeve discussion. His take is that he sleeve has far fewer complications - both for the surgeon and the patient. A sleeve can later be converted to a bypass if needed. (In fact, many doctors do a sleeve for the super big folks because it will help them lose weight and make the bypass operation less of a risk.) The fewer things that have to change (rerouting your insides) makes recovery faster and more likely to have a positive outcome. In his experiance, his sleeve patients have as good or better results than the bypass ones. I also agree with everyone else. You need to do what is comfortable for you. I'm in engineering and we are an anal lot. I research stuff to death before I make decisions - especially big ones like WLS.

I had lapband in May of 2013. My bestfriend since nursery school had gastric bypass in July of 2013. This was our journey togehter. Thers is such comfort of having a friend that is exploring this journey with you. Someone who tells you like it is, who doesn't play games, who is as real as it gets. She passsed away on 9/8/13 due to complications from WLS. I'm lost. I'm heartbroken. She's the only person (other than my husband and immediate family) that knew I had lapband. She was the one person that I confided in about everything. The one person who "got it." She was my sanity. The one who broke through the bull ****, could talk about the real issues of being fat, without getting caught up in the bs, who knew what it was like to be a fat mom, but wanted the best for our kids (we both have 5 and 3 year old), who could admit what we were missing without feeling sorry for ourselves, who could talk about how different our lives would be when we reached our goal weights, who knew that it sucked that we have "rib fat" or an "apron" of fat, that we couldn't see our kitty kats and that our 'girls' were better off before we spent years breastfeeding. She made me laugh, she was raw, but real, and that's what I loved most. I miss her. I miss her honesty. I'm desperatly seeking someone who "get's it," who isn't tyring to play the game, trying to be a perfect mom or pretending to live a life that is completly conformed since surgery. I'm struggling every day and am assuming that others are as well. Am I crazy to think that there are others out there that understand where I'm coming from or who feel comfortable with iinappropiate humor/raw reality? If so, I'm dying to conncet with you. I miss my friend dearly and am desperaly in need of someone to fill the void of honestly. When alll is said and done, i'm looking for a friend in this journey. No judgement. Just realality and honesty about how much life sucks with being a fat mom (or dad!!!!)

Mine is a 36. There isn't much difference between 34-40, and I think they are all pretty standard. Too small can result in increased complications.

I'm going to my (second) consultation on Feb 14th. I have a list of questions I plan to ask - please let me know if you think I should add any others: will I be able to take any kind of NSAIDs for my arthritis in the long term will you be able to fix my hiatal hernia at the same time as the sleeve how many incisions will you make how many VGS have you performed proportion of your patients have developed leaks or other serious complications will you be able to prescribe liquid Vitamins, other versions of my many medications while I am healing and unable to swallow large pills post surgery support systems available chances my GERD will actually get worse after surgery will my anemia and low Vitamin B levels get worse after this surgery/injections for these? Feedback appreciated - thanks!

You said weight but not height/bmi That's a big factor I have Aetna. And less pre complications with my health than you and got qualified! I am 19 days post op. Get excited, you'll get it done. ????

This is the time to make your list of all the questions you may have. Any and all of them. You will probably see the surgeon, who will evaluate whether or not you qualify for the surgery. Now is the time to ask them ANYTHING. Then they will probably go over with you what type of surgery would be best. They will go over all the complications that can arise, and, depending on if you are to also see a dietician and nurse, they will set up a schedule for appointments, and the plan you will need to follow. You might have a long session with the nurse in regards to your health, and they may ask you millions of questions regarding your health. They may do bloodwork. They will weigh you. Just a whole bunch of stuff. They may set up a psychological exam for you. They may go over financing with you. Or talk with you about insurance. Bring anything and everything you think might pertain to the surgery. Bring a friend for support, if you wish, although they may not be allowed anywhere but the reception area. So LOTS of stuff, but then again, it may just be a preliminary meeting, to see just if you qualify. All surgeons have different ways of doing things, so just be sure you ASK ASK ASK!!!!! Good luck to you on Monday! I'll be thinking about you!

It must of been the week of the sleeve! ???? I also had mine on June 3rd 1230pm. Unfortunately last year I had the band removed from a bad complication so my dr wasn't sure if he would be able to do it laparoscopically because of the tons of scar tissue and hernias from the past surgeries. Thank God he's awesome! Cuz he spent 2hrs separating the scar tissue so he can get to my stomach! It was a rough first 3 days I was very nauseous and in in pain. I was discharged on Friday late afternoon with a drain still coming out of me though so I can't do too much running around and it's hard to go anywhere because of the drain bottle and bleeding. But I feel better everyday! Im trying to cram in my protein shakes and liquids. Has anyone else had to leave with a drain? Also does anyone get hunger pangs through out the day?

Posts like this will always get a polarized response. The best I can suggest is to follow your plan and don't get so independant. The stages are established through observations on tens of thousands of bariatric patients and what actions cause horrid complications that could have been avoided. Eating food too soon is one of them. Your tummy has been brutalized. Your brain did not get the memo. That is common. Head hunger is a crazy-maker. Please take care of yourself.

It will be worth it...be very happy your parents are helping you..I borrowed from my 401k and pay it bi weekly for the next 5 years. My total was 15grand and I did stay overnight and glad I did..had no complications but I felt like I needed to stay there I was ready to go though by the next morning! my doctor makes his patience stay overnight but I got released by 10am the next morning. its hard because you think of all you can do with that money but I wouldnt change a thing. Im only 3 weeks out and had a rough first week but never regretted it!

My current employer's insurance carrier doesn't cover any bariatric surgeries. For two years, I've been after them to get on board, but it's just too expensive, they said. I asked again a month ago if they thought there was any chance that Aetna would offer coverage for bariatrics this year. They said they really didn't think so. A month ago, sick and tired of being on the fence for so many years about it, I decided to just withdraw $10,000 my from retirement (ouch!!) (of which I only realized $7500 due to taxes and penalties), and I paid down my outstanding bills in anticipation of being a self-pay in MX (which I would also finance). I researched surgeons, prowled boards, viewed YouTub vlogs of other sleevers. And finally, last Thursday, I pulled the trigger: I chose Dr. Ariel Ortiz, OCC (who had a high American profile, the lowest complication rate, operated at a Center for Excellence, and who could see me soonest). I scheduled the surgery for April 30. I submitted the down payment ($500). I bought the pre-op diet Meal Replacements and Vitamins ($240). I booked my flight from NYC ($400). And I told my employer that I would be out 2-3 weeks for surgery. Then yesterday I get a call from HR - "We wanted to let you know asap.... we MAY be switching to an insurer that would cover bariatric surgeries. We'll know next week." Wah-Waaahhh.... So the dilemma, if there is one: IF the company DOES switch insurers, should I cancel with OCC (and probably lose the down payment?). If I change the flight (for vacation, etc.), I will lose $200. Also, I don't know if the new carrier would make me jump through all the old hoops that I had jumped through 3 years ago (waiting six months, etc.). I don't want to wait.... But I also don't want to finance my surgery ($6000), either, if I don't have to.

Go with the insurance. It will definitely help incase of complications. My insurance took into consideration my prior nutritionist and weight watchers visits also. So I applied for insurance for surgery. They told me that they need six months of nutritionist visits. I asked them if consultations with my physician ( every timeyou talk to him abt diet) and weight watchers will do. They said "yes" YAY! ... So my physician compiled a medical necessity letter ... I am completely healthy other then the weight... So basically he wrote that if she does not have the surgery she will be at a risk of blah blah blah ! And he also included a chart of my past two years visits and mentioned that everytime I met with him we spoke abt nutrition diet n weight... He also mentioned all the diets that I have tried. Then my coordinatir in the surgeons office filed it ( with all the other tests) and I heard from them witin a week that I was approved. I have been approved since March... But I too scared of having the surgery so I am taking my time. I have United Healthcare as my insurance. Hope it helps ????

Hi Charity. Thank you for replying! Congrats on your weight loss so far. It's so good to hear that so early in your journey you have come to realize food is fuel. That's my downfall. For me still food is, a lot of times, a reward. I don't eat unhealthy which I believe is why I don't have high cholesterol. I eat entirely too much (for example I could eat an entire head of steamed broccoli and tell myself it's OK because it's healthy, along with a large portion of boneless skinless chicken). UGH! This is why I am so afraid of over eating after surgery. I don't eat bad foods......sigh. I haven't been here for a few days because I read thru the complication section and got a little scared. There are some really poor outcomes and of course some fears crept in. I have had 7 surgeries so I am not fearful of the surgery itself, but reading the complications was an eye opener. I just need to be prepared on that front. Perhaps the delay that has me so frustrated is exactly what I need to be as ready as I can be. What made you decide it was time? In addition to my hip pain I am just steady increasing in size. Never down, always up. Walking is ok, but if I put any speed to it my hips go numb and throb for days. Can you share what you've been eating and portion sizes? Exercising? What you've found hard? Thanks!

Hello! I have been approved and I think I have decided to have the LB surgery. I am going on vacation to Mexico with my DH and DS June 9th-15th. The soonest date I can get my LB is May 16th. Is this too close to flying to Mexico?? Will I be completely recovered? What if there are complications? Please give me your suggestions. Margo

this question is for vluckey, did you have a good experience with Dr. Curry? I am getting ready for surgery with him. Have you had any complications with the band. Have you had any fills yet, in general how would you rate his service. Where are you located at if that is ok to ask. Please all the info would be greatly appreciated.

Complications happen and I am sorry you went through that even though it was unavoidable. I'm glad it was an "easy" fix. Congrats on your success and best of luck! Keep us posted!!