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R U secretly married to Big Paul? You both have a way with words and give great words of wisdom. I don't have my band yet, but not once have I been discouraged by the complications of the band. I know some newbies say the complication threads scare them. To me, knowledge is power. I want to know your story of how & why you lost the band. I want to know what works for some and what doesn't. I am EMPOWERED by those that have had the band for awhile and inspired by those newly banded. I thank you for your honesty and integrity. It speaks volumes!!!

I felt like I couldn't breath a sigh of relief until it was done and I felt like I was past any complications that might come up. So, after a few weeks and I was feeling better and the weight was coming off...then I finally got excited. And that has continued. Still love to see that I haven't gained and even more excited when I loose. Wishing you much success. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I am 3 months post op and down 35 lbs. I have had no complications and just got my first fill a few weeks ago. Today I had a very weird fluttering feeling around my band. It felt like it was spasming. It didn't hurt, just made me nervous. Has anyone had this happen to them. It only lasted about 30 secs but happened about 3 times in 30 mins. I also hadn't eaten yet so it may have been my stomach growling? Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!! -Mandy

It is possible that your sleeve is too tight because that's what happened to me. I had the GI test the morning after surgery and immediately the doctor said it was tight. The liquid went in and we all watched as it never came out. Eventually the liquid did come out but it took an abnormal amount of time. I had a scope procedure done so that they could open up everything but that was two weeks after surgery. I can relate to the restriction but I can tell you that if your sleeve has a small complication like mine, it will pass. As the swelling goes down it will naturally get better. Hang in there and hopefully it passes soon for you!

I picked the sleeve over bypass for several reasons, but only YOU can choose what's best for you. If I was diabetic, I would have had bypass. I am not. I wanted to live and eat as "normally" as possible and I was not interested in the possibility of "dumping". I wanted to be able to have a bite or tow of cake or a brownie here and there and I can do that with the sleeve. That said, rich ice cream (my favorite dessert in the world) makes me dump like a pansy biotch. Rich cream Soups do, too. ARGH. Malabsorbtion scared me. I suck at taking Vitamins and pills and I did not want to be on that regimen forever. I don't swallow pills. With bypass that's a must. With sleeve it's a YOU REALLY SHOULD DAMMIT but I don't. I didn't want my intestines re-routed. I don't have a logical reason for that, I just didn't. I loved the idea of my grehlin factory being shut down and it has been. Appetite suppressants have always worked well for me, now it's happening naturally. WIN!! The sleeve was my best option and my surgeon was behind it 100%. As active as I am, and as dedicated as I've proven to be, he agreed that the sleeve was my best bet. I am just over two years out and have been at goal for almost 16 months. I'm thrilled.I more than thrilled. I'm feaking ecstatic. I've had my share of complications but I don't regret a single moment. Not even for a second...

i am booked for Aug 26 for Bipass. The doctors at my hospital dont give you a choice it's bypass or sleeve if they find complications when they get in there. I am soooo scared. I am very healthy other than being overweight. Worried i am gonna trade one problem for another. I am trying to focus on the after, but it's so hard not to worry. Having surgery at St joseph's hospital in hamilton, somebody pls talk to me

You can never know everything before surgery. You can never know exactly how you will feel about your new normal until you experience it. You can never predict every post op complication that you might encounter either. Most people do great but some of us stay ill and incredibly debilitated for months on end. No amount of research can predict exactly what the outcome will be post op. I am nearly six months out and still can't eat normally. I am exhausted, hungry and weak. I did my research thoroughly for over two years pre op. My bariatric team just say "this happens sometimes". Well they never told me that any of this could happen! By six months out, I was supposed to be well and up on my feet. Yes, I am at normal weight now but what good is that if you are too weak and sick to move? For some people, this surgery was just not the right decision. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App To suggest that your experience was something that is going to happen to all is irresponsible if it can drastically improve the health of others. Too many people have had positive improvements. We shouldn't push our negative opinion on others as the rule. When it is not. I have multiple auto immune illnesses and have struggled with weight which compounds the discomfort of arthritis, fibro, CFS, hormonal imbalances causing leptin resistance. Metabolic syndrome, High Blood pressure. Diabetes, I am a nurse and have bad knees, hip etc. celiac, and diverticulosis. Graves Disease and Graves Eye Disease. So after all my research in a way to improve quality of life, this was the answer. So that's all I'm saying! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I am not pushing my opinion on anyone. My having a different experience than others does not make it invalid. I have never said that this surgery isn't good for some people. I have clearly said it was simply not right for ME. And people like me should not be expected to keep quiet simply because we aren't "happy sleevers". There are people struggling out there who need to know that it is okay to feel the way they feel regardless of whether they like what they chose to do. I certainly never suggested that our experience is "going to happen" to anyone else. We are in the minority for sure. You can't have it both ways though. Either people need to do their research and be educated pre op ( which means they should be aware of people like me ) or they should just skip merrily into surgery hearing only the success stories. Being healthy should be our goal and sometimes just getting thinner can have a higher physical cost than high blood pressure. I understand that you are happy with your decision and some if us are not. That's all I am saying. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You were being asked about in these parts...so glad you are home. I'm sorry about your complication, though. I was super tight post-surgery, but not like you have been! Take it slow and easy. It's good to have you back!

Anxiety about having surgery and essentially changing your lifestyle is to be expected...even the most grounded individuals will have some reservations about making those types of sweeping changes. I know i did... Trust me when I write that life as you have known it will resume, with a few minor exceptions. I'm only 5 months post op, but now I'm able to attend parties, go to restaurants, travel, and go sailing. Pretty much all of the activities I enjoyed before getting my band. I just make different choices on the menu, and every meal I order gets stretched into 3 meals. For the initial month or 2, you are still adjusting to the many changes we need to make...and inherently, people do not do well with change. How we interpret the situation we are confronted with makes a huge difference in how we ultimately will adjust to our new lifestyle. It's important to understand that the more self determination we feel in life, the healthier we will be from an emotional standpoint. Having a band is very self empowering; you and only you will determine your level of success with your weight loss journey. For some, that can be a frightening thought, because many have a fear of failure. Day to day, remaining compliant with your diet can be very challenging, but overall, we do not need to be perfect, only make the best effort every day to do the best we can to follow the rules. People who do not need to loose weight do not have the surgery...and the reason many of us got to the point of choosing to have the band was because of our relationship with food. That has to change; food is not your friend. We must learn to eat to live, not the other way around. When you have to say goodbye to a friend, you can actually go through a grieving type process as you adjust to understanding that you can no longer seek solace from food to cope with stress or boredom. I was fortunate to have a chance encounter with a woman who had been banded 2 years ago...she helped me to place things in a better perspective. What is more important to you, having your health and mobility or knowing that you can eat whatever you want to in whatever quantity you want to? Put into those words, discussion over...just do it! Yes, it has been a major adjustment for me; and pre op and initial post op times are the most difficult. Gradually you do get your life back to some sense of normalcy. My interpretation of having my band is that it is an opportunity for me to restore some of the health that my weight was stealing from me. I still feel fortunate that I was able to have my surgery, even with the complications I have experienced. Because I know what the alternatives would be...so my thoughts remain positive and I do my best every day to remain compliant, and I also accept that I am not perfect. Get in touch with your reasons for choosing your band, and keep them at the forefront of your thoughts so you can review them when you have moments of anxiety or regret. Best wishes...

I got my band on 3/6/06. Unfortunately this is my first full day home from the hospital. I had a rare complication that my doctor says only happens to 1-3% of band patients. My stomach swelled so tight around the band that it was choking my stomach. This caused discomfort and a lot of dry heaves. I had to spend a few days with a tube through my nose and into my stomach to pump out all the stomach fluids to help with the heaving. I still had it off and on for the following week. But it has finally settled down. I also now have almost uncontrollabel high blood pressure. It topped out in the hospital at 230/108. Now that I'm home, I'm just taking it easy, taking my meds and praying that I can stay here now. I have lost about 28 pounds though, the hard way.

Thanks Cajun, that information was priceless. I actually remembered that a friend works for a gastro here so I talked to her for a bit and, she recommended I go see him. Not going to happen before Monday, however. She also told me - good thing I was sitting down - that the EGD is about $4000 minus the self pay discount!!! Sheesh! Maybe a trip to Mexicali won't be so bad afterall... ! All that aside, I still refuse to have complications! Thanks again for your words. I hope to hear from more folks but I think it might be a good sign that there are just not that many complications!! Woo hoo!

I had my surgery on 2/27/12 and was supposed to get my fill today, but getting back to Mexico (they are having transportation issues) seems to be too complicated. I got in with a clinic closer to me and now have a scheduled fill for May 9th. UUUGGGHHHH, I want the fill now LOL. Oh well, it will happen I just have to be patient and keep telling myself "I'm not hungry, I'm not hungry"

Great job losing weight and staying on track for so long! That's a huge accomplishment, and it definitely shows that you are ready for a lifestyle change. My instinct is to tell you to go ahead and get the band. It will help you so much with the hunger. And, even if you do decide to splurge, the band will keep it in check so that it doesn't turn into a binge. One thing I've noticed is that even if I have a few bad days, I maintain my weight. It's almost like it has taken the upswing out of the yo-yo diet. It shouldn't have to be hard to lose weight, and for me (so far at least) it seems almost effortless. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune when I have less to lose, but that's okay! And, it's totally compatible with getting pregnant, so you can just get an unfill when you get pregnant and then start losing again after you have a baby. I know it's a tough decision. You've been reading this board, so you know there are complications and frustrations. It's no magic bullet, but I think it could be a great tool to help you reach your goal. Good luck with your decision!

Similar stories and feelings, glad you are getting this under control while you are young. I too had the complication of extreme constipation. I just wanted to suggest that you get off any pain meds you might still be on as well as the antinausea drugs. They slow the bowels down. Keep drinking tons of water. Good luck to you.

Hi Pictou, I am so glad to hear everything went well with your surgery. It's good to hear your surgery was outpatient and you didn't have any problems or complications. I wish you the best on your new journey

I am sooooo sooooo glad I had my TT. It's definitely one of the best things I ever did for myself. I actually had pretty significant complications and I still don't regret it, because now I am years out from it and still enjoying my results. The complications are a distant memory. Here are some pictures of my scars and a side-view pic. These photos were taken maybe 5 years post-op?

I do not regret it at all. I am 3 and 1/2 weeks PO and I feel great. The surgery was not bad at all and I had no complications. Make sure you research your Dr. If you look up Bariatric Center of Excellence, you will find a list of Dr.s that have had great outcomes. It is a total change in life and I have struggled a little but I am new at this and I am learning every day with my new body. I am down 23 pounds and my clothes fit so much better and I am excited for my future, for once. Good Luck!

I actually put off surgery at first because I was so afraid of complications. I ended up going ahead this time because I was insured for bariatric coverage and I knew at least that protected me financially. I remember looking at myself in the mirror after I had my surgery date scheduled and being like “what the heck are you doing”. But I went forward and I’m glad every day I did. For me it was reminding myself that risks aren’t only present with action, but also inaction. Sometimes we assume that we are safe if we stick with the status quo but there are medical risks with staying overweight as well. They may not be as obvious as surgical risks but they exist nonetheless.

I have been reading here for months and have learned a lot, thank you! I have completed most of my pre-op and only waiting on a psych evaluation. I am 67 years old and I blame all my health issues on my excess weight. The clinic I am working with in Northwest Arkansas does mostly gastric bypass, about 70% gastric bypass and 30% gastric sleeve. In talking with them it is obvious they promote the gastric bypass over the sleeve. They talk about the benefit of keeping your stomach and the longer track record with the gastric bypass procedure. I have two friends who have had their gastric bypass done at this clinic with excellent results. I have two other friends that have had the sleeve performed at a hospital here in Southwest Missouri and that was the only option at this hospital. They also are very pleased. In all my research I had been leaning toward the sleeve but now am wondering if the gastric bypass is a better option. I am not diabetic so that advantage with the gastric bypass does not exist for me. I do have Afib and take Eloquis and have read that may be a reason to not have gastric bypass because of marginal ulcers where the intestines join. The surgeon I am working with dismissed that concern. I was leaning toward the sleeve because I did not like the idea of rerouting my intestines, the sleeve seems to be less restrictive on the kinds of foods you can eventually eat and there seems to be fewer complications with the sleeve. My question, why did you choose the sleeve over gastric bypass assuming you had a choice between the two? Your thoughts will be much appreciated.

Sorry to hear about your complications. You should be okay once you start getting fills again. Good luck.

Call your doctor or coordinator to clear up the confusion. Different doctors have different requirements. Then, ask your questions to the doctor since they know you best. They may tell you that a sensible dinner would be ok for you, and they may have a reason for wanting you to follow a liquid diet for a full two weeks. Ultimately, you want absolutely no complications while you are on the table in the OR. People do slip up on their preop diet. It happens. If it happens to you, don't beat yourself up over it. Get back on track as soon as possible, and be honest with your doctor.

Blue Cross federal will not deny complications. It doesn't matter where the surgery was done, or how it was paid for, they will treat it like any other claim. At least that's what they told me via a secure message. If you're thinking of traveling for surgery, you can get post op insurance. I think it's based on a time frame and dollar amount. For example, 300k for 30 days might be $500. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Best of luck with your surgery! Wishing you a quick & complication free recovery!

This morning here in the UK there was a lady on TV raving about her Band there was also a consultant surgeon on there. This lady has done fantastically well lost over 10 stone with her band and has had a lot of reconstructive surgery to fix saggy skin problems in total its about £20.000:eek: I am not sure of the exchange rate but I think that’s about $40.000 a lot of money. The consultant is quoted to have said that the Band has no complications what so ever:mad: . I have some issues with this let me out line my issues. While I endorse a procedure that does work I feel that if doing non direct advertising on the TV the truth should be told. Here in the UK we have the NHS WLS is available on the NHS it can take a while to get the procedure but it is available. This surgeon was representing a Private hospital were the band cost £8000 this can buy you a very nice car brand new. If I was in a position to be able to self fund a surgery such as WLS I would be so angry if I paid my £8000 having been told I was 100% guaranteed I would lose weight and had a 100% guarantee there would be no complications. The band does have the highest failure rate with UK statistics being a 20% chance of failure. And a 1 in 5 chance of further surgery being needed due to slippage or erosion. So if I have re-mortgaged my home and gone into a fancy private clinic and paid this £8000 believing the consultant. Were do I stand if I get a port infection or my band slips. Who will pay for this to be fixed will I have to pay or will I receive treatment on the NHS? If I can’t pay and the NHS won’t pay were the hell do I stand we don’t have insurance over here like the USA what position am I left in because I made a decision on the basis of what I was told. And I am under the impression that ANY surgery carried out has a potential danger more so if you suffer obesity? There are so many other issues I have with this type of private surgery I like the facilities but when you pay so much money and put your hope and dreams into a cure I feel consultants have a obligation to tell the truth. If I went for IVF I would be told there is a failure rate my hope would not be raised while I know it’s a business I believe we should be told the truth and it is as simple as that. I had my band on the NHS I have had nothing but problems and I am lucky my PCT (health Authority) have agreed to fund any medical need I may have. But my sympathies go out to those who have self funded and there left in a state because they are experiencing problems they were not told about. On the flip side of the coin many people tend to go ahead with WLS believing it won’t happen to them like a smoker does every time they light up. But had they have been warned they would have been able to make an informed decisions. Does a consultant hold any responsibility or is it the patents responsibility to do the research?? Do you think I am nuts and on my high horse do you agree? Have you suffered complications due to the band according to the surgeon this morning there are no band complications can you prove him wrong if you had to. I think the band is a great tool for WLS some master it some don’t but it’s a complex argument I just feel information is key. any way sorry to have bored you all i will jump off my soap box :faint:

I'm such an optimist I'm hoping for an insurance coverage "miracle" between now and April 21st. I also know I'll be strict and follow all the rules because I'll be concerned about a complication. You're right about leaving it to a higher power. If trouble comes, we'll deal with it then. Looking forward to talking with you all in the coming months. Thanks for all your support and responding to my introduction. Linhopp:)