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I need to decide by tomorrow whether to get banded on September 12th or not. Obviously, I could do this at some future date, but realistically, I don't see another window, since insurance doesn't cover my surgery, and I'm quitting my well-paying, stable job for my own business. I'm super excited about the opportunity, but having the time and finances to take off just isn't something I can count on for the foreseeable future. I didn't really consider lap band, because I didn't think it was an option until recently. I didn't know you could get a lap band at my weight, or that it was financially practicable. I'm currently 31 and healthy, with very low blood sugar, great cholesterol and other blood work. I've been a vegan for two years. I jog 15 miles per week without a problem in addition to walking my dogs for 90 minutes each day. I use fitbit and over the last 6 months, I've averaged almost 15,000 steps per day, so objectively, I'm pretty active. My resting heart rate reflects this. Though I'm obese, most of it is "healthy fat" carried in my hips and thighs. My waist circumference is under 35". No obesity-related illnesses run in my family. My BMI is 30, has never gone higher than 32.5, but has never stayed the same in one month either. I'm an awful yo-yo dieter. Great at losing the weight through every method, sane and insane. Terrible at keeping it off. And it's drastically affected the way I live my life. I know that a lot of it is mental. But I have so little confidence. I've been fighting my weight since I was 12 years old. I don't date. I don't put myself out there. I avoid family events and socialization when I'm heavier... I look at the world completely differently. I'm a binge eater. I have my life together in other ways. But I also think this would make a huge difference professionally. I'm a corporate lawyer, and I work in an office with over 500 attorneys. I'm one of three obese female attorneys at the firm. A few carry some extra pounds. But most are noticeably slim. As much as I hate the observation, perception matters an insane amount here. I have to think all the moreso when I go into business for myself. Overall, I do realize that my problem is not really my weight, but the obstacle I've let my weight become to living my life. I don't want to do something rash- I've never needed any type of surgical intervention before, and this is one- one that comes with complications, and doesn't even always work. One that, no matter how minimally invasive, does result in scar tissue, and diligent upkeep over the years, and in all likelihood, will require future surgery to remove/adjust/replace. To do this for pure vanity reasons seems potentially unwise. I'm pretty sure I'd probably tell a friend not to go through with it. Except it's not just vanity, you know? Mental health counts for something. Confidence. And I've already gained and lost over 50 pounds five times in my life. I'm so sick of trying the same thing and expecting different results. I think lap band, combined with some therapy and a little inner work, could really work great things in my life. I guess I'm just looking for feedback from anyone else who's gotten this done. Whether they would if they were in my position- if it wasn't a physical health risk- because I just can't bring myself to believe that mine is. Should I just try to lose weight again and keep it off? I need to be objective about cost-benefit here and whether this is really worth it.

I've never dumped, and no absorption issues. With the exception of iron (some people can't absorb oral iron and have to have occasional infusions - but the vast majority of us do fine on oral iron). anyway, besides the iron, absorption issues are pretty uncommon as long as you keep on top of your vitamins. as for eating, I can eat anything now except for really fatty meals. For example, before surgery, I used to love to go out for Friday night fish fries. These would consist of two or three pieces of breaded, deep-fried fish, French fries, cole slaw with mayo, and a roll with butter. No way could I eat that much fat now. I could maybe have half a fried fish filet. Anything I had with that would have to have little to no fat. Other than that, I have no restrictions - I can eat everything I ate before, just in smaller quantities. As an example of that, before surgery, my husband and I would get a large pizza and each eat half of it. Now I can only eat one or two pieces. I physically cannot eat any more than that at one sitting. But...that's fine. That's about what most of my never-been-obese women friends eat, so... as far as "finality" - a couple of thoughts. RNY is technically reversible, although it's a complicated surgery and is only done if you have a serious medical issue that cannot be resolved another way. Sleeve is not reversible. The other part of your stomach is gone forever. As for revisions, the most straightforward one for sleeve is DS, since at one time the sleeve was the first phase of the DS back when they did the DS in two stages (they discovered a lot of people were able to lose their weight just with stage one, so they started offering that as a standalone surgery a few years back, and it pretty much replaced the lapband back when that went out of vogue). They also do VSG to RNY revisions, but that's mostly when there's an unresolvable GERD issue. RNY usually improves - if not outright cures - GERD (not always - but usually). RNY can be converted to DS, but that's a complicated surgery that only a handful of surgeons do. To do that, they have to reverse the RNY, then do the sleeve, then do the intestinal bypass (stage 2) part of the DS. Although to be honest, most people with RNY don't get revisions. We do see some revisions from VSG to RNY because of GERD, though.

High blood pressure - gone. Type 2 diabetes - gone. Cholesterol - normal. sleep apnea - gone. Back and knee pain - gone. Weight loss - 120+ lbs. (actually 126 at today's weight). Waist size - Pre-op: 48" - 50". Post-op (11 months): 36" 95% of Prescription meds - gone. Dealing with the psychological aspect - it starts with "finding your why". I found mine. Health - Obesity is a progressive, degenerative disease that is the second leading cause of premature, preventable death in the U.S. The links between obesity and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and a dozen other serious diseases are well documented and virtually undeniable. Options - Diet and exercise as a treatment for folks with a BMI of 30 or greater is a myth. It is a statistical virtual impossibility with a failure rate approaching 100%. And science is just now beginning to understand why - http://www.drsharma....or-obesity.html . For more information - "Medicare's Search for Effective Obesity Treatments - Diets Are Not the Answer" - http://motivatedandf...s_dont_work.pdf . Bariatric surgery is the single most effective weight loss option known to medical science - by a very wide margin. The September 19, 2012 Journal of the American Medical Association reported the results of a study done with 1,156 surgery participants 18 - 72 years old, along with two control groups totalling more than 700 participants. One key aspect of their findings: "At 2 years, 99 percent of surgical patients had maintained more than 10 percent weight loss from baseline and 94 percent had maintained more than 20 percent weight loss. At 6 years, 96 percent of surgical patients had maintained more than 10 percent weight loss from baseline and 76 percent had maintained more than 20 percent weight loss". Read more at: http://medicalxpress...higher.html#jCp Quality of life - The ability to go into any store, anywhere, anytime knowing that there will be endless options for the new you. The ability to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. The ability to play with your children (and grandchildren) for more than five minutes. The ability to take a long walk in the woods with your black lab and actually enjoy every delicious, pain free moment of it. The thrill of looking in the mirror every day and thinking that you look pretty damned amazing. The knowledge that you almost certainly will live a longer, happier, more fulfilling life. The ability to comfortably sit in a restaurant booth. Or an airline seat. The almost limitless energy that you had long since forgotten. Just plain feeling good about yourself for the first time in a long time. Living your life free of the "obesity stigma" - that only those of us who have been there can really understand. The absolute elation of knowing that you did it. That it's sustainable. And that you are finally in control. Complications - zero. Would I do it again? - If I had it to do all over again there is one thing, and only one thing, that I would change. I'd do it twenty years earlier!

WOW, congrats and great job on the weightloss for those who have posts with that included. Thank you all for sharing your info. I am pretty sure I want the sleeve now. I had yet another dr for the upper gastro test tell me today she would highly recommend the sleeve as well. She discussed some of the complications with the other two surgeries. I will be scheduling the actual surgery for May. Thanks again all. Looking forward to learning more from members here. I just ordered Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on the GASTRIC SLEEVE.

I had my surgery July 4th and the good news is that I am down 60lbs but the bad news is that I ended up between July 3rd and Nov 1st spending 12.5 weeks in hospital with complications following the surgery. I had pancreatitis and then also got infections as the surgery didn't completely close my stomach so I ended up with a small hole. Ended up having a number of gastroscopes, tubes fitted to my stomach and back to drain the infection and now have an internal tube fitted in my stomach, which will eventually (I hope) make its own way out as my stomach heals. Had really bad reflux until about two weeks ago when I started taking tablets with simeticone so it has eased considerably. Still in pain often, feels like my stomach is either bruised or pulled muscles. It is great to have lost the weight, especially as the hospital had me on feeding tubes with nutrients etc., but at the present time I feel like I would not recommend this surgery to anyone unless it was life or death. I lost the last few months of my life basically and know that the trauma is effecting me, can't sleep much (partly due to the pain and partly due to not being able to shift the hours the nurses would wake me), feel exhausted and also feel a bit weepy at times.

It's good that you are reading about the band before you get yours done. Yes there are complications as there is with any type of operation. However they don't happen to everyone. The complications with lapband are far less than the advantages of the band. I have only one regret myself and that is that I didn't get it done sooner. Other than that I have had no problems at all. I was banded 10/23/09 and am down 78lbs so far. I'm loving my new life. What you should expect after surgery. Yes you will be sore for a few days. But they give you pain pills and I suggest using them. I wouldn't necessarily say that you are in excruciating pain. If you have ever had your gallbladder out it is less painful then that. I had my surgery on a Friday and went back to work on Tuesday the following week. If you work, depending on what you do, you may also. If you have a desk job you should be able to return. If you are on your feet or you have to lift, I would suggest taking more time. If you have small children that you have to lift, you will need help with them. You won't be able to lift anything for 6 weeks. You will be on liquids for a couple weeks and then onto mushies. You will probably experience some gas pains after surgery because of the air that they pump into you when they are operating so they can clearly see inside of you. To help with this you will need to walk as much as you can after surgery and taking Gas-X strips help. You will probably not feel very hungry for the first week after your surgery but you have to force yourself to get the fluids down so you don't dehydrate. Once the swelling goes down you will find yourself getting hungry. The procedure itself takes about an hour. It's normal to be nervous and it's normal to be afraid. Keep reading and asking questions. You are in the right place. You can read my blog. It might help you a little. Good luck and if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.

Does anyone indeed do tae bo and if so, have you experienced any complications after doing so?!? Is it safe. Please let me know. Thanks!

An IVC filter is a pretty straightforward procedure with a low complication rate. It is definitely a patient-by-patient choice to place a filter or not. Most of us rarely use them routinely but if we do, we place a removable filter so we can take it out 4-6 weeks after surgery. Permanent filters used to be all we had but, long-term, there are some of these which can clot completely off which isn't a good thing. Definitely something to talk to your doctor about including the plan of removable vs. permanent, what time period to remove it, etc.

I believe it has slipped because I have restriction but no sense of fullness but my doctor says it isn't impossible because of the way it was anchored IF it's impossible THEN NO bander would ever have or HAD a SLIP and I know people that HAVE HAD SLIPS, what he's probably saying here is that with the "older" versions slipped MORE, then they discovered that by doing a pars flaccida technique it has reduced the % of slips. My doctor is recommending that I have plication surgery to reduce my stomach volume and that works well with existing bands. I am leaning towards getting it done because I am heading towards gaining all of the weight back. I am leaning towards plication because it seems to be the least invasive and no resectioning of internal organs. Has anyone else here had the plication surgery after the band? What are your thoughts. I'm playing Devil's advocate here... What happen's if you agree to Plication but since your Doctor didn't do any other tests on the band, Endo, Fluro and then does the Plication and finds a problem with the band and removes it, how would you feel? you might want to research more on Plication, sleeve etc..(not promoting either, when I'm done with the band that's it for me JMHO) Plication can fail too, (you can stretch the stomach,) any WLS surgery can, I guess I'm saying Any time they do surgery it's invasive, you just need to know what your willing to deal with on a personal level. And maybe find out First WHY the band isn't working for you any longer, your NOT ALONE, it happens. Good Luck on your journey~ LB Complications link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/ Plication Link http://weightloss.clevelandclinic.org/gastricplication.aspx http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3397205/

I woke up in recovery hungry, genuinely hungry. I would have eaten seafood if they'd offered it and I hate seafood. I'm one of that minority that didn't lose my hunger, in fact, I wasn't hungry before, it came back after surgery! Not fair! LOL I find hydration is important for controlling hunger. I had to have a stern talk with my body about how shakes are nourishment and head hunger was complicating the picture because I just wanted to chew on something. Sugar free popsicles helped. I was on liquids for 2 weeks post surgery, strict liquids, no cream of wheat or yogurt or pudding. I agree with Arabesque, distraction is your friend. As is drinking your shakes on a schedule and hydrating all throughout the day... I saved my popsicles for the evening, when I'm most used to eating a meal. Your doctor is mistaken if they assume being hydrated or having shakes takes care of hunger. It doesn't for everyone. Each body is different. Just remind yourself this is a finite period of time. Try warm broths to alternate between the cold, sweet shakes.

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I had RNY surgery. “Not obese enough”??? If you medically qualified for the lapband then I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have medically qualified for the sleeve as well. They go by BMI and I believe it is the same for sleeve and band. (40 or, if you have comorbidities then it can be 35) It sounds like you likely used a general surgeon instead of a bariatric surgeon. Both are qualified to do the procedure but a bariatric surgeon is far more educated on the actual Bariatrics aspect. They are much more informed and actually take a couple of years to specialize in WLS. As opposed to a general surgeon who only learns the procedure and then does it. He doesn’t take that extra time to learn the ins and outs of it all. Even being on the smaller side of overweight, I still don’t understand why a surgeon would perform a procedure that has SO MANY complications and such an incredibly small rate of success. Why would he perform this operation at all? It is such common knowledge within the bariatric community that the band is a hugely bad idea. If you said you had it done several years ago then I might understand more, but you had this in 2017. The surgeon should be ashamed. Did he tell you the complication rate is far higher with the band than with any other procedure? Did he tell you people lose far less weight with the band and the rate of regain over a 5 year period is almost double that of the sleeve and RNY? My surgeon told me it won’t be long before we are seeing commercials saying “if you’ve had the lapband and had complications, call the law office of...” I’m very sorry this happened to you. I am super angry for you, to be honest. Your surgeon did you a huge disservice. I actually had a lapband for a long time and the loss was incredibly slow. After several years, I developed complications and nearly died. I had to have the band removed. I chose to also have a revision to RNY and it is a completely different experience. It’s so much better. If you continue experiencing pain or the other issues you mentioned, I would strongly suggest finding a new surgeon and having a consultation. Try your best to find someone who specializes in Bariatrics rather than just a general surgeon. I had a general surgeon with my band too because I really didn’t know the difference, to be honest. It was a huge mistake. I wasted a lot of years of my life with that awful band. Again, I’m very sorry. I’m seriously angry right now. I can’t believe these surgeons are still doing this procedure. Please don’t give up. I know this is hard. It’s so hard. But just remember why you did this. You wanted a healthier, better quality life. You can still have that. It may just happen a little differently than planned, that’s all. As of October 12, 2017, I am 4 months post op and have lost 100 pounds. I have reached my goal weight and could not be more ecstatic!

I was sleeved on the 17th too. I have one week of clear liquid diet then ten days of high protein full liquid diet. At this point I am not going to give up because I don't want any complications. Yes, it's hard to drink broth when my family is eating pizza and whatnot, but I keep telling myself I've been given this opportunity and I'll only hurt myself if I cheat. If you're able to do blended soups, Pacific Organic makes some that are delicious. I plan on adding protein powder for an extra oomph and keep dreaming of my first day of soft foods! You can totally do this!! Check out theworldaccordingtoegghead for recipe variations!! So much great info!!

Hello... I'm new to BP. Thought I was 100% certain about having surgery (sleeve), but I keep thinking "Am I REALLY doing this?!?!" Have done all evals, except for meeting w/nutritionist. question. Am I normal? Is it normal to be overly certain one day then not the next? Truth is I fear complications but as my hubby said, I could have a heart attack, etc. due to the weight I'm carrying, HBP, diabetes, etc. Thanks for "listening."

I think this was meant for RJ. I have been blessed with no complications.

I doubt very many people are at risk for leaks or any other complication. But me I started having difficulties from the get go.....I was the luck of the draw I think. It has nothing to do with my surgeon. Or my team..They have been there with me through it all...I thank god for them.... I was his first patient to ever go through anything like this...And from what I gather his last so far.....This has cost me dearly..But it could have cost me my life if I kept on the path I was on. So I view my team as miracle workers...And love them all to death...... If you are doing what you are supposed to do and have few complications I think you will not have to worry....Unless you abuse your sleeve by over eating or grazing constantly........

Well I am already three days post op. I continue to do well. I have no hunger. I am able to get in all my fluids and protein. I just set myself up a schedule and sip sip sip all day. I am still tired but not as much as yesterday. I have mild pain when changing position from laying to standing. My big problem is that I have developed an allergy to the surgical glue. My whole tummy is red and inflamed. Some spots are blistered. Ice packs help. I have to call in the am to see if I can take some Benedryl for the itch. Other than that it has been smooth sailing. I am so lucky. Because I was a band to sleeve revision, there was a greater chance for complications. I really thought it would be much worse.

So to make a long story short, I was originally getting the sleeve but the insurance will only cover the lapband. Due to that, I had to go back in to see my bariatric doctor to resign consent forms for the band. That whole office has been pushing the sleeve so I was, of course, disappointed that I couldn't have it. However, today he said that he believes I will be successful with the band. That because I'm "young, don't have much to lose, and have a low BMI" it should work really well for me. First off, I have 100 pounds to lose and am at 43-44 BMI. Last time I checked, that's the weight of a 10 year old. Anyways, that kinda just grated my nerves a bit. He also does both bands-Lap Band and the Realize Band. I didn't know this and had automatically assumed I would be getting the Realize band as I've heard that's a tiny bit better. However, he told me that for young people such as myself (I'm 27 btw) do better with the Lap Band...so I guess that's what I'm getting. Have any of you heard of that before? The good news is that my doctor has had only ONE patient with a complication. Also, she said they have a patient who has lost 100 pounds on the band. That made me feel better. Anyways, just thought I'd share my experience! Surgery is only 4 whole days away. Also, I've lost 8 pounds so far on the pre op diet. The diet sucks.

I showered the day of surgery. I had my period and begged them. My husband had to come in and stayed in case I needed help. The shower had a seat too. The nurses offered to help but I was ok. I showered the 2days I was in. I had my it pole outside the shower but was still hooked up. I brushed my teeth daily I the hospital. I didn't have any complications and felt fine I had a lot of energy.

I got banded in April '06. I've lost 90lbs. It was the BEST decision of my life. I was sooooo nervous wondering if I was making the right decision. I was self pay and my husband was reluctantly going along with my decision. I felt a lot of pressure. I have not looked back. It has changed my life. This year I will finally post before and after pictures. I've gone from a size 18/20 to a size 6/7. Very few complications other than my port practically sticks out now that I'm so thin. That's a small price to pay though. I've had very few complications. No, I don't get to eat everything I want to eat but isn't that the purpose of the band?? Recovery time .... what recovery time? The day of the surgery I recovered in the hotel room and the next day my husband and I were up walking around Tijuana. That was the only recovery time I needed. Afterward I went sight-seeing in San Diego for a couple days before returning home. The 'gas' people talk about is not gas like burping or farting but shoulder pain. I believe it's described as the gas used to inflate your stomach for the surgery or something like that. I bought Gas-X strips to help with the pain and was fine. Be sure to pack those if you have the surgery done. Hope info from someone 5 years post op helps a little. Wishing you the very best in your decision. I know you'll do what's right for you! Lynn

Addy had bypass specifically for GERD she didn't know she had. VSG not an option and can make worse. See her "Complications" video on our YT channel. Joe

The way my doctor explained the pre-op diet was that when a person has rapid weight loss, the liver shrinks first. That is important because the doctor will need to lift the liver to get to the stomach. The smaller the liver the healthier you are and the less opportunity for complications when lifting the liver. That said, I agree that it would be difficult to stay on a liquid pre-op for additional time. Perhaps you can call and talk to them to find out if he is going on vacation and whether or not you can adjust your liquid diet it a high Protein diet for e remainder of the pre-op time. I will keep you in my prayers. ~s.

Did your surgeon give you a meal plan? 13 days out from RNY I was still on full liquids. I started puréed foods in week 4 and remained on puréed foods until week 8. Every surgeon is different, but I would be very concerned that you are pushing too much into your new pouch before it has a chance to heal in the hopes of feeling full. You should not feel hunger at this point at all. You could literally survive for several weeks on nothing but liquids. I know that probably isn't what you want to hear but it is the truth. If your doctor gave you a food plan you must follow it, if he/she didn't. Call them immediately and get one. I would hate to see you have a serious complication because you are pushing too far too fast. Oh, and you do need Protein. Applesauce is not worthless but must be eaten with the right other foods. My puréed diet included a balanced approach which actually included applesauce. Your doctor needs to provide you with specific instructions. Call them a sap.

They all do "bloodless" surgery. It's minimally invasive. 4 tiny incisions that looks like a cat scratched you afterward. And like mentioned above, as they cut away the stomach it also staples it. Complications are another thing. In that case none of them can guarantee that you won't need blood or some alternative method.

Hi Leener , There are bandsters who are vegetarians and do quite well. I dont think long term you have to stick to a low carb diet, but for folks with PCOS, it is generally advised that they do stick to one because typically they are insulin resistant as well. I am assuming that because you are obese that you have made the wrong food choices in the past or have a satiety disorder like the rest of us here? Which means making some changes are a good thing because even being a veggie means that you will have the band to help you with portion control. It will be harder for you to get your Protein, but protein can be found in low fat dairy, Beans, tofu, low fat cheese etc... You will not starve and the most important thing is that you wont be very hungry since the band is a restrictive device that will help you with your portion control. Now regarding complications, yes there are some. I have had a great experience with my band and no problems. I PB very very rarely (less than 10 times in 2.7 years) All ya need to do is chew chew chew. You might have to stay away from some of the fibrous veggies, since they can be stringy and cause you problems. No one knows which foods they will not be able to tolerate. It is trial and error. Regarding the Water, I can still drink water at a pretty rapid rate. I have been tight occasionally where I sound like a drain pipe when I drink too fast, but you should still be able to drink your water without a problem. Thicker drinks do go through more slowly and you will have to be careful to pace yourself. I still love food just as much as before. I now eat foods that I would have never considered before banding. I love veggies now and I especially love fish and wouldnt have touched a piece of tilapia pre banding. Now I eat fish several times a week, love making turkey/ veggie chili with zucchini and 5 different kinds of organic beans etc... You may have to supplement your diet with some Protein shakes or bars since you will need to keep your protein intake high if you want to lose weight. But at the end of the day, it boils down to calories in and calories expended. My advice is to be aware of the pitfalls, problems or complications of lapbanding, but dont become obsessed with the negative. Nothing is perfect and nothing is foolproof. It is a tool and you will get what you put into it. Dont worry dahlinggg...... Babs in TX 334/180 -150 ish

Will I heal? yes Will I become infected? no Will I get pneumonia? no Will it be freaky because there is a freaking device wrapped around my stomach? yes perhaps for a while then you'll get used to it then no. Will I become dehydrated? no Most of us can drink plenty of Water whenever we want. I love water and drink tons! And farther out: Will I pass out from PBing? Depends, I hardly ever PB Will I have terrible pain in my chest like some people? Perhaps, but pay close attention and you'll learn how not to do that and then no. Will I erode? extremely unlikely so no Will complications from erosion in my stomach kill me? I've never heard of that happening. Emotional: Will I enjoy life without my food? You'll learn to love the fact you can have what you want and stop eating before you're gorged. Will I ever be able to enjoy food again? Yes. I eat almost anything I want. You really can eat almost anything if you eat it slow enough. I choose to eat healthy most of the time because I didn't do this to eat cheeseburgers. What will life be like without being able to just drink and eat whenever and however like before? Thinner and healthier. You'll be able to drink anytime except right before and after eating. What will I do with my time without it being centered on eating and cooking? Center on cooking healthy meals that you enjoy. Center on making the foods you enjoy in a more healthful way. Made chicken chili tonight for the first time. YUM! What will I do with my thoughts and emotions that can't be comforted with food anymore?? That's a good one. I'm still working on that. I am finding myself struggling with frustration and slight depression and that's not me. Can't figure out if it's winter blues, PMS, the band thing or all three. I get over pretty quickly (usually when my hubby apologizes whether it's his fault or not.) :puke: I will learn to deal with stress in a different way. I'll have too. But you'll be amazed at how you will be able to deal with losing weight without being afraid of gaining it back. That's a pretty cool one. Good luck to you!!! Hope this helps!