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Hi all, My name is Nicole and i posted a few times last year (in fact i had talked with Alexandria a few times and recently i talked with De Larla, about paralegal stuff) I have been to see my Dr. recently and I have complained about weight gain (i am taking Effexor for depression, and i have these 3 torn disks in my neck which i can never have surgery for, so instead of working out at the gym 5 days a week as i used to, due to pain i can barely go to Water aerobics 3 times a week) Oh and i am on the work comp nightmare for my injury. Okay so my doc sugessted Gastric Bypass, i DO NOT want this surgery i am more intersested in the Lap Band, so my ? to you is how did you get your Dr to get the insurance to approve LB and NOT GB??? I have Health Net HMO. At this time the dietican wants me to write a list of all the diets i have tried and failed. I am 4ft 9in and now weigh 205lbs (according to the dreaded Dr. scale. Thanks all, i always read this site and i will be around alot more. Nicole

Sorry for all you're going through. Just wanted to say I am 3 months post gastric bypass and at 3 weeks out we discovered I have an anastomatic stricture and marginal ulcers. I understand how it feels to not be able to tolerate even liquids. I have had 4 endoscopies with dilation, with a 5th one next week. I'm still on liquids but feel better. Take care, and I hope you get better soon. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Whew girl!! I'm a Lap revision patient too and last night I fell asleep hard on my side for a couple of hours. I woke up very very sore on the side my port was on. I think your right about maybe us Lap people have a harder time side sleeping .

God, I'm so glad I'm not the only one having problems w/Prof. Weiner! I went yesterday with some concerns and to get another fill b/c honestly I have really been struggling, and I felt like he was mad I was there. I asked him about the pain I'm having on my left side and he just blew off my question saying it was normal but not explaining why. I kind of feel like he doesn't like doing the band, he thinks it's unsuccessful and he feels like we're all going to fail and just be back for bypass at some point anyways. So, he doesn't give us any help or advice b/c it's like he doesn't think it's worth his time or something, blah!

Hi I haven't posted in awhile but I need you guys help please. I was banded in Nov. 2007, I've lost almost 60lbs, I'm pretty much at goal. Over the last several weeks I'd noticed the band becoming tighter and tighter. I had major surgery 4 weeks ago, so I put the band on the backburner. Today I went in for an unfill and they said the band had slipped!! My doctor wanted to revision surgery tomorrow. I was and am in hysterics. First and foremost, I was self pay and in no way can afford to pay for additional surgery. Now they did say that my insurance "should" cover this emergency surgery. I am still not healed from my surgery on Aug. 1st and it was horrible. My surgeon did call me back and say it was ok t ohave the band repaired. This is my dilemma. Should I just have the band removed? I know I will gain every pound back but I'm afraid of this happening again and if my insurance decides not to pay we are sunk financially. How hard will this revision surgery be. Having the band placed was ruff, I don't want to go through that again. My doctor stated he just needed to go in and reposition it and stitch it back down "most likely" or he may have to replace it. Anyone with insight on this please post. I am crying as I write this, I'm trying to calm down. Ironically, today I told my husband, was the first day that I've woken up pain-free since my surgery on Aug. 1st. Now this:cry_smile:

Hi Ashley and welcome! My heart goes out to you. I started this journey over 400 pounds too so I know first hand how crappy life can be when you're morbidly obese. My biggest piece of advice is to research it thoroughly. Having Lap-Band or any other WLS will require you to change your eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime. A lot of people even greatly benefit from counseling to help them overcome the mental aspect we've had so long with over-eating. I am copy/pasting a bit I just replied to on another thread to explain how and why I got the Lap-Band surgery: I knew I had to do something. I watched my kids' grandmother die when she was only 55 years old. She was a morbidly obese chain smoker who died of congestive heart failure. I too was a morbidly obese chain smoker and her death terrified me because I knew if I didn't make drastic changes, that would one day be me. I quit smoking over a year ago and then started getting serious about researching WLS. I also happen to have Multiple Sclerosis. I can't cure the MS, but I figured I could take a lot better care of the rest of me so I'd at least have a fighting chance against this crappy disease. Having MS is bad enough, the last thing I needed was to have a bunch of obesity related (preventable) illnesses like Diabetes and high blood pressure, too. Originally I was scheduled for Gastric Bypass, but at the last minute, I canceled. I just couldn't justify rerouting perfectly healthy organs irreversibly without first trying something far less drastic and reversible. So, I started researching Lap-Band and I knew it was the one for me. I had surgery 6 1/2 months ago and have lost 122 pounds so far. I can't begin to tell you how much losing this weight has drastically improved my quality of life. I still have a lot to lose but I know I'll eventually get there. For me, getting the Lap-Band was the best decision I've ever made for myself.

I just wanted to update everyone! This has happened so much better and faster than I (or anyone in my world) ever expected . I had my sleeve done on October 16, 2012. I was low BMI but hypothyroid so this should have taken longer but I'm so close to goal that I can taste it. I started at 194 with a goal of 115. My goal has since been revised to 120-125 as I've taken into account my short curvy body type. That said, as of this morning I weigh 134.8... I need to reach 128 to be a normal BMI and I know I'm almost there! I've posted a pic showing me today as well as my highest weight which was right before my Hypothyroidism was diagnosed (first pic) and my weight a few months before surgery (middle pic).

Everyone loses at different rates. I lost 23 lb in first month. It the 3 week stahl and the scale just started moving for me again. I am 6 weeks post-op tomorrow. Oh I forgot I had revision from lap band to bypass.

wow can I empathize with you. The only thing I can say is at least you found out BEFORE you had surgery!. I was approved and had surgery (revision from lapband to sleeve) in November 13. I was hospitalized 4 days due to complications. A few weeks later I get a bill for ..... wait for it.... $132,000. So I have a major anxiety attack and call my insurance who tells me they indeed did approve the surgery but my policy only covers up to $25,000 per life time. They never told me that nor did they tell the program coordinator at the hospital I went to. Now, I have to tell you, the hospital did "reduce" my bill to $47,000. That was nice of them. When I called to make payment arrangements, the lowest they would accept per month was $800.00. That just isn't going to happen, I'm a social worker who works for a non profit agency. Scary stuff.

I had my bypass on November 5th. I am now absolutely grossed out by anything sweet. It's bizarre because I used to have such a sweet tooth. I can't even bear anything labeled sugar free. I haven't had any actual sugar but the taste of the sugar in sf Gatorade, protein shakes, etc is too much for me. Anyone else get this?

I had my bypass 8/25 and when I started solids it was painful too. But I have learned to eat slower and have figured out when to stop. It's a process but trust me that uncomfortable feeling will pass and don't think u made a mistake! Give it time! Hang in there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone! My name is Kim and I'm new here. I was looking to talk to people who have had lap band surgery that are in a similar to me in their goal. I am 5'5" tall and weigh 295lbs. I live in Southern California and have a referral for the weight loss surgery process. My medical group requires 6 months of classes (2x per month) prior to the surgery. Did anyone else have to do this? If so, was it beneficial? I have one child (almost 2 yrs old) and was really hoping to have more children. When I was pregnant I ate really well and lost 50 lbs (while pregnant) and since he was born, I have gained all of it back and another 25 lbs. One of my biggest concerns is not being to have children after the proceedure. Anyone have information on having children after the proceedure? I am terrified to have gastric bypass and feel more comfortable with the lap band proceedure but I have to do something. I really just don't want to have complications and possibly die from either proceedure, I have a child to live for. I am sure I will be posting more :smile:

Hi! On December 30th I had an IVC filter put in because I already had a blood clot and have factor v (clotting disorder). That night I was in terrible pain. Turns out that when the nurse was putting pressure on my groin to close the vein it pinched a nerve. So the week before surgery was painful. I had gastric bypass January 3rd (of course we got snow and it was declared state of emergency so the ride to the hospital was fun). Surgery went very well. Was up and doing laps around the nurses station. They even laughed saying how fast I was going! One week post op I had my first f/u. I was down 20lbs! The surgeon removed the drain and all looked good. The next night I was in terrible pain on the drain site. I went to the ER and I had an infection in the drain site and was very dehydrated. They put me on antibiotics and fluids and admitted me for 2 days. All is better now. The pinched nerve is healed, the infection is gone. I am 3 weeks 2 days post op and down a total of 44 lbs! The surgery was definitely not easy. I was very sore up until recently and get very tired very fast, but I would do it all again! I can't wait until I'm fully back to normal. The only problem now is getting all of my fluids in and figuring out what I can eat...a lot of things I'm trying are not going down so easy.

Don't be bummed about that! Bypass patients lose weight a lot faster than we do. Because we tend to lose slower, our skin has more of a chance to rebound. Also, you still have age on your side. I have read on here about people even into their late 40s not having issues with hanging skin. Another thing to look at, you are doing this for a healthier you. Being skinny is just the by-product. Don't let the POSSIBILITY of lose skin stop you. My surgeon actually brought in a patient in her 50s that lost 120lbs. She said that she never had to have any plastic surgery because of the rate that she lost weight. Ok, sorry, I can tend to run on. I just think if that is your only hold out, don't let it be. Don't worry about that at all.

Wondering how much extra I have to pay to get the band removed. Thanks

I'm still pre op as well and trying to decide between sleeve and bypass too. My surgeon was no help to me as he thinks either procedure will work well for me. What do you mean by "People can go off a little mentally with bypass?" Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App Like crazy. They're not sure why but it has happened. Not really frequent and it stands out for me because I have a depression and anxiety diagnosis so that's how it came up for me. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Oh ok...well thanks for the clarification. I guess this just reinforces the fact that I need to make finding the right therapista high priority for post op life. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App Good idea I can't, He can, I'll let Him

I agree with what's already been said and I would just keep an eye on it and not panic. You are bound to have occasional pain considering you have just had an operation and as it was revision surgery there will be more scar tissue etc. I still get pain every now and then but nothing that I am overly concerned about considering what my stomach has been put through. I did get sharp pains soon after surgery, especially after eating or drinking and it was just my stomach being sensitive, which it would be after having had a band slipped the third of the way down it, daily reflux and vomiting and then most of it cut out and the remaining bit stapled up!

I read this article today and thought I would share. Nothing to do with weight loss surgery directly but only indirectly. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago and the most difficult part of the process was dealing with the insurance companies. This article explains the undue pressures being put on our medical staff today by the government and insurance companies under the guise of medical coding. I would probably rename the article "Medical Coding: Driving Our Physicians into Early Retirement". http://acsh.org/news/2016/09/15/government-torture-physicians%C2%A0-where’s-outrage-10163

I am 21 months post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. My weight loss leveled off after the 7th month after surgery. I was very stable in my weight for over 6 months after that. Then a stomach flu hit and I completely lost any appetite for food. I lost a pound a day. With 2 bouts of stomach flu, I lost a total of 10 pounds. I decided to try and maintain this additional weight loss since then. But it does bring up an interesting point. When you get sick, a person can lose weight quickly. And therefore it is important to keep a little fat on your body in reserve as a buffer. I feel that some people are so obsessed with their bottom weight number that they lose sight of the fact that they may become sick which might threaten their health.

Agnes, Thanks for giving us an update. It's wonderful to hear that you are doing well. I was wondering how it had gone for you. Remember, you are in the "healing" period now. Don't worry about your weight or anything else. Just rest as much as you can, balanced with reasonable physical activity. Do EXACTLY what the Dr has told you to do, and you'll be just fine. The gas pains were a very big problem for me as well, at least in my second surgery when they took the band out and did the Bypass. It was Open (not laproscopic) so a lot of air got inside me. It hurt quite a bit for over a month. But you should not have nearly the problem that I did. Keep us posted, let us know how you are doing. We'll expect some pictures, ya know! :biggrin: HH

Dumping seems to be a topic that generates a lot of confusion. Some believe that everyone has dumping following gastric bypass surgery. Some may experience it and not recognize that it is dumping. Others believe that the presence or absence of dumping affects the potential success (or failure) of bypass surgery. Still others are so concerned about dumping that they avoid trying new foods or even eating healthy amounts of calories and Protein. So let’s see if we can dump the confusion about dumping. Who Experiences Dumping Estimates vary widely but somewhere between 15% to 50% of gastric bypass patients never experience dumping. It’s difficult to be exact because some experience dumping without realizing that their symptoms are the result of dumping. Others experience symptoms that they believe are the result of dumping when the cause is something else. Regardless of the exact number, a significant percentage of all gastric bypass patients never experience dumping. What Causes Dumping There are still some unanswered questions regarding the causes of dumping but it is generally thought to be the result of food being “dumped” too quickly from the pouch to the small intestine. Food high in sugar or simple carbohydrates (aka “simple sugars”) can create a rapid increase in blood sugars (hyperglycemia). The rule of thumb is that white foods (e.g. potatoes, rice, Pasta, white bread, etc.) are usually simple carbohydrates. The sugar in the small intestine rapidly pulls Water out of the bloodstream and into the small intestine. A number of the symptoms of dumping including severe diarrhea can result. With “late” dumping (see below), the body responds to the rapid rise in blood sugars with an increase in insulin to process the sugars. The increased insulin can cause the blood sugars to “crash” producing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dumping symptoms follow. Symptoms may or may not include vomiting. I have experienced late dumping on several occasions, usually after eating fruit, such as grapes, or white rice, both rich in sugars. In my case, symptoms are shakiness and general weakness but I have never had any vomiting. What are the Symptoms Just about everyone knows that dumping can cause vomiting. But all vomiting is not the result of dumping and all dumping does not cause vomiting. Symptoms of dumping include: · Nausea or queasiness · Profuse sweating · General weakness · Vomiting · Shakiness · Diarrhea · Faintness · Fatigue · Heart palpitations (or increased heart rate) Types of Dumping Doctors divide dumping into two types and the symptoms may vary depending on which type you have: · Early dumping – usually occurs within 15 to 30 minutes following the ingestion of certain foods. Roughly two-thirds of people who experience dumping have early dumping. · Late dumping – usually occurs within one to three hours following the ingestion of certain foods. But it can occur as much as twelve hours after eating. About one-third of people who experience dumping have late dumping. Late dumping is linked with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Success of Gastric Bypass and Dumping There is no scientific evidence that patients who experience dumping are any more or less successful than patients who do not experience dumping. Dumping is not on the long list of factors that make gastric bypass surgery so effective for so many. So if you’re worried that your surgery might fail because you don’t have dumping, it just ain’t so! Fear of Dumping This is a good news, bad news kind of thing. If fear of dumping helps you to make better food choices, it’s a good thing. But if fear of dumping prevents you from eating a healthy number of calories and getting ALL of your protein requirement, it’s a bad thing. Remember the Prime Directive – the bypass surgery is a tool but the gold medal is lifestyle changes. Fear of dumping (or anything else) is not sustainable, it’s not compatible with living and enjoying your life, and it’s not a realistic expectation. Lifestyle changes are about control, not denial. So How Do You Avoid Dumping · Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains instead of simple carbohydrates like white bread and sugary sweets. · No liquids for 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating. Pretty much a standard recommendation for all bypass patients but especially important for avoiding dumping. · Some people may not tolerate dairy products. · Eat smaller meals more often. · Keep a food diary to help you track your reaction to various foods. In addition to helping you avoid dumping, research has repeatedly shown that folks who maintain food logs lose more weight, lose it more quickly, and are more successful at maintaining their ideal weight. · Incorporate high Fiber foods into your diet. Fiber takes longer to digest and extends the time the food takes to move from the pouch into the small intestine. So there you have it. Dumping is not pleasant. But it’s often easy to avoid with dietary changes. Dumping does not always involve vomiting; there are a number of possible symptoms. A significant number of patients never experience dumping. And dumping has nothing to do with long term success or failure of gastric bypass. Stay focused. Stay active. Stay away from the scales. You’re gonna love the new you!!

Hi Tulip, I was banded by Dr. Marsden on Oct 19th. Now I'm all freaked out about my port flipping.. YIKES! I guess time will tell, huh? I wonder if he used the dissolvable stitches on me, or if he used regular. Any idea when he switched? I'm glad the revision surgery went well - hopefully you'll be up and around in no time! Best of luck to you.

How long are bypass patients on liquids. I am VSG and we switched to soft mushy foods the 2nd week post op

You guys, listen, you just got banded... 2.5 weeks post op... or 4 weeks post op.... calm down.. your body is still healing and you're not going to lose much and you might even plateau for a few weeks. Dont' automatically start blaming the band and saying "i paid this much and it better work".. give it a few months... give your body time to heal. A lot of people will lose a lot on those dumb liquid diets pre-band, and then gain some or not lose anymore when they actually start eating food.. don't become anorexic over it or panic over it. I didn't get good restriction until my third fill. I still lost weight, but I was doing the south beach diet before I got good restriction. The best advice I can give is to go get those fills as soon as you can. Don't wait. My doctor told me every 3-4 weeks and you better believe I was there by the 3rd week. Now I have perfect restriction and have even cancelled my last two fills because I didn't need them. I'm consistently dropping 8-10 lbs a month, which is a good amount to lose. Remember, we didn't get the bypass here.. we got the band. If you are losing 1-2 lbs a week you are doing awesome. But even plateaus are good because it tells your body you've accepted the weight loss.

I had a bypass 2-6. 2 wks prior to surgery I was on a high protein diet only protein shake 2xday and 4 oz protein and veges for my meal wasn't excited about that a good start loss 10lbs prior to surgery. Liquid only day of and 2 days post op purée for 4 weeks. Then soft for weeks. A day o did not adhere and had a bite or 2 of a shrimp and I paid for it. I am sure I plugged my pouch I had severe abdominal pain for 12hr and threw up at least twice. Follow the plan. At about week 3-4 I plateau but it turned around I am down 39lbs. I feel I'm behind but not gaining