Search the Community

My insurance will not pay for ANY complications. The policy says they do not pay for anything related to obesity treatment, including complications. I have had to have a surgery to fix, I had to have testing, etc. done; and my insurance is adamant, they will not pay. Even if the band was eroding, I would have to come up with the money myself. Definitely call your insurance to confirm with them, as I know mine did not budge.

You would think I would be right there on the band wagon so to speak. BUT.... I think her comment was more out of fear for you. I had a LOT of people who worried about the surgery. It wasnt that they didnt want me to lose the weight, it was the fear of what could happen to me with surgery....and RIGHTFULLY so! I mean, people do have complications with this surgery. Its not a step your going to take lightly, why is she going to? Its a natural fear for people who dont have a weight issue to be uneducated in everything you have studied up on for a while. Give her a little chance to show her love. AFTER the surgery is where you will see where the friends and family are that support you. Hang in there

This is an article from the Amerian Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf This is an article I found on another site: The VSG is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve, a newer type of WLS in which most (approximately 85%, depending on the surgeon and patient) of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a slender "sleeve" of stomach about the size of a Sharpie marker, with normal connections between esophagus and stomach and stomach and small intestine. At one time, it was performed most commonly as the easier, less-invasive first stage of a two-stage procedure (the second stage being a Duodenal Switch, for example) on super-super obese people (BMI above 60) who were not physically in good enough shape for a RNY. After losing the first 100 or more pounds post-VSG, the patients were then fit enough to go through the second surgery to lose the rest of their excess weight. Presently, it's also done as a stand-alone WLS procedure on people who have less weight to lose, and the surgeons are finding that many people with high BMIs like mine lose all the weight they need even without a second surgery. The sleeve, like a RNY pouch, cuts gherelin production (which suppresses physical sensations of hunger), but unlike the RNY pouch, it still produces stomach acids so that meds (including anti-inflammatories) can still be taken normally once the sleeve has healed post-op. The VSG procedure is strictly restrictive, like the LapBand, rather than restrictive and malabsorbtive, like RNY, so calories and nutrients are better absorbed during digestion. Nutritional supplements are still necessary, however - I have to take the same Multivitamins, Calcium, Iron, B12, etc. as RNY patients, although I could get my calcium as carbonate rather than citrate (I don't - I use the same calcium citrate products as everyone else here on TT). The surgery is irreversible, unlike the LapBand, but has a better weight loss rate than LapBand - more like RNY. Most insurance companies don't cover VSG yet because they still consider it "investigational", but it tends to have a lower complication rate because it's a simpler procedure and many WLS surgeons believe it will eventually be widely performed. Through my own research, I have found some information which would be helpful to those considering WLS. This is neither authored by nor endorsed by the owners of this forum but is simply the gathering in one place some useful information I personally have come across. Let's look at an overview of the major WLS options out there: http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-l...omparison.html http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html Restrictive versus Malabsorptive Surgery There are a number of weight loss surgery procedures available to treat obesity. Bariatric surgery has two primary approaches to achieve weight loss, and treatment typically emphasizes either the restrictive or malabsorptive approach or a combination of the two. Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery This type of bariatric surgery involves closing off parts of the stomach to make it smaller, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten. The LAP-BAND?, Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedures are restrictive types of bariatric surgery. LAP-BAND? Surgery The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure, more commonly known as LAP-BAND? surgery, is growing in popularity. This restrictive procedure involves using a Silastic? band to create a smaller stomach pouch, causing patients to become full after eating a minimal amount of food. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty weight loss surgery procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch by stapling off a section of the stomach, then using a band to restrict the passage of food out of the pouch. After stomach stapling, the patient is unable to consume large amounts of food in one sitting. Once the food leaves the pouch, it goes through the normal digestive tract. Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery This weight loss surgery approach entails altering the digestive system to decrease the body's ability to absorb calories. The Biliopancreatic Diversion and Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedures are malabsorptive types of bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) Biliopancreatic Diversion involves first creating a reduced stomach pouch and then diverting the digestive juices in the small intestine. The first part of the small intestine, where most of the calories are normally absorbed, is bypassed. That section, which contains the bile and pancreatic juices, is reattached to the small intestine much further down. There is a variation of this procedure called Biliopancreatic Diversion with "Duodenal Switch." This operation utilizes a larger stomach "sleeve" and leaves the beginning of the duodenum attached, but is otherwise very similar to standard BPD. Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E) This weight loss surgery procedure is a variation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass operation. It differs in that a somewhat larger stomach pouch is created, but a significantly longer section of the small intestine is bypassed. There is less emphasis on restricting food intake quantity and more on inhibiting the body's ability to absorb calories. The Combined Approach - Restrictive and Malabsorptive Surgery The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is a combination operation in which stomach restriction and a partial bypass of the small intestine work in tandem as one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This operation involves severely restricting the size of the stomach and altering the small intestine so that caloric absorption is inhibited. Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery There are also varying techniques that can be used during bariatric surgery procedures. The two techniques are laparoscopic and open bariatric surgery. Open Bariatric Surgery While laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed through several small incisions in the stomach area, open bariatric surgery requires one larger incision that begins directly below the patient's breastbone and ends just above the navel. While both the open and laparoscopic procedures produce similar long term results, open bariatric surgery is associated with a longer recovery period. Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery As opposed to "open" bariatric surgery, laparoscopic bariatric surgery involves making several small incisions and performing the operation by video camera. A laparoscope, the device used to capture the video, is inserted through an abdominal incision. This provides the bariatric surgeon a magnified view inside the abdomen, allowing the operation to be performed using special surgical instruments and a television monitor. The long-term results for laparoscopic bariatric surgery and gastric bypass surgery should be similar to those for open procedures. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach include less post-operative pain, a shorter recovery period, and less extensive scarring. The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by more and more surgeons worldwide. The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band? procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, Vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that ?stretches? the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ?first stage? of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient?s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ?stage? the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively ?downstages? a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the ?second stage? of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux?en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band?. Current, but limited, data for this ?two stage? approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band?and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band? patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band? group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band? but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn?s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ? patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn?s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Much of the above information was garnered from information from Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. The following links provide additional important information you may want to consider in your research: http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariat...ion_sleeve.pdf http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Me...eDietGuide.pdf http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery....astrectomy.pdf Happy Re-Birthday to Me - One Year Out, 244 Pounds Down Post-Op! Aviator's Log Book

A very humble believer here. God, through Christ has been very merciful to me. I am currently revised from lapband to sleeve. I know, beyond a shadow of any doubt that God has intervened in my life several times giving me the opportunity and blessing to enjoy life and family here on earth. Before the lapband I was a very big guy with many medical issues and was given a second chance with lapband by helping me lose 120 pounds and begin to enjoy life and my family. 4 years after the lapband, God intervened again, when by accident I discovered that my esophagus was with issues due to lapband complications and was revised to sleeve. I am very grateful for this tool(s) he has made possible for me. God is good all the time!

I'm so sorry that you've had complications. Sending positive, healing vibes.

Sorry to hear you are having issues. Have you been told what the actual problemis? Is it on the list of possible complications you should have been provided with pre surgery?

I had second thoughts five years ago when i first sought out surgery. I Was unhappy with my weight, but didn't feel strong enough that I needed such a drastic, permanent change. In reality... I just wasn't ready and I'm glad I backed out then. Other factors (wasn't a fan of the surgeon at the time) helped, but after now having done surgery, I knew I wouldn't have be ready for these changes then. I had bypass in April. Regarding down the road complications...i took a long hard look at family history, knock on wood-- we're a fairly healthy bunch. No one in my family relies in nsaids, sure it may change for me but at least I know it's unlikely. Re nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption... If I do my part and take my supplements and follow up with blood work as prescribed it shoulnt be an issue. And so far I don't dump, it could change but the'fear' of the unpleasant side effects keeps me on track. Just think of all the complications remaining overweight/obese can add in your life. (Diabetes runs rampant in my family...i wanted to avoid it at all costs) Your situation is a bit different since you have to wrap your head around a whole new surgery. Second thoughts are normal though... Only do what you are ready for. Maybe just follow the supervised diet for a few months and make a decision at the end of it?? Good luck! Ugh sorry, didn't realize this was the men only board.

@@Clementine Sky Hopefully, you have not had any complications at all. But I am curious - if you had, going back to Mexico would not really have been an option so I assume you checked into getting any complications taken care of locally. Did you find out beforehand if your insurance would cover medical expenses from a complication if if you didn't qualify with them for the original surgery? This is one of the main reasons why I have ruled out Mexico if I get denied, even though it is so much more affordable. Concerned about the potential for complications and the costs. Would love to hear what you know. Thanks!

So sorry you experienced this. Though extremely low, there is always a chance of a complication like you said. Though, I’m surprised by such severe leakage & bleeding from your surgery. My surgeon sewed & stapled so double sealed my tummy. I wonder if your surgeon did this? I’m very glad you were in the hospital when this happened & they are able to operate again to help you so quickly. All the best with your recovery.

I used https://texasbariatricspecialists.com/ Dr. Reddy performed my surgery in San Antonio. I was self pay, so I utilized there surgical center center in San Antonio. Most of their patients are utilizing insurance and they have a team of people that help get the insurance companies to pay. They do perform surgeries in Austin, Killeen, and San Antonio. They have two clinics in Austin, one south and one north. I picked them because they are a center of excellence. I will say that their pre-op diet and post-op diet appear to be one of the most strict from reading these boards. I didn't really vet that part because my main concern was making it out of surgery without complications. I had the sleeve done 6/11/18. You do have to buy their vitamins and shake stuff once prior to surgery, but they don't really push it. I also liked that they gave very realistic expectations during the initial seminar. I have a friend who had RNY done through BCBS and really liked her surgeon who is also in Austin, he recently took out her gallbladder as well. Dr. Abando, I believe he is in Cedar Park.

Hey everyone. I've been lurking for a few months. Thought I'd finally post since I had my surgery on 6/10/13. I had a revision from a band that I have had since 2008. I loved my band too, but after losing 123 lbs, it slipped last year. I gained 65 lbs back in about 10 months. I started having so many complications, EXTREME acid reflux being one. I feel hopeful that now ill be able to get this weight off me once and for all, but I'm still feeling some kind of way. Maybe it's the "starting all over again" feeling. Ugh! But anyway, so far so good, I'm keeping up with my daily liquids intake like I should. Just wished I was further along already.

Yup. I came home from the hospital at 9 days post-op (I had non-surgical complications) and when I weighed myself a week later I was down 19 pounds. I was worried I wouldn't lose any more weight after I came home, but in my second month I was down another 10 pounds.

You can't control IF a complication is going to happen. Follow your plan provided by your doc. That's what you CAN control. You've made it thru the past week with no complications - consider that a success! Focus on your fluids and Protein intake and taking care of your body. Rest when you need to. Walk when you can. You're going to be fine - worrying about things is not going to get you anywhere.

I'd just like to add I'm not shopping doctors because I was told something I didn't like. I just was treated very poorly by staff and was made to feel belittled and like I was at fault for my lapband complications though I had no control over a port flip.

I had one as a complication after sleeve surgery and it was found a month later when I collapsed at home and had to go by ambulance to hospital. The cause was suture failure. My symptoms then were weakness (could barely stand), fever, nausea with vomiting and abdominal pain. It is a rare occurrence so if you are not suffering with any of these I think you don't need to worry, you are just causing yourself unnecessary stress when you are already going through enough to deal with following surgery and coping with food planning etc. I also had other complications post surgery with pancreatitis and abdominal abscesses so basically anything that could go wrong did, I ended up spending three months in hospital over a period of four months. They closed the gastric leak by using clips and mesh via gastroscopy but that failed, twice. I now have a tube coil like thing that was inserted in order to drain fluid and hope that the hole will then have time to heal and close. The only information I was given in advance of the surgery about it was that it could happen but the surgeon did not go into detail and just said she had never had a patient have a leak, guess I am her exception if she will admit it to others in the future. No other details given to me such as cause/effect/symptoms.

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!!!

Yes, TMF is totally correct, do NOT make yourself throw up. Vomiting is a major cause of slips with the band and the last thing you need is to turn a minor stuck episode into a serious complication. When was your surgery? You should really fill out your profile, it makes it easier for us to help.

Just checking in. Life has been hectic the past week or so, so I haven't been around a lot, but I have come at least once a day to read posts. I don't get a fill until 4/17/08, and I'm okay with that. I did call the other day after reading all of your posts because I didn't know what size band I had or how much I would get on my first fill. They said I have a 10cc band and that they put in 2ccs at surgery. She said I would most likely get 1cc at my first fill. I still have some restriction, or at least I'm telling myself I do. I can eat pretty much anything, but I do get full a lot faster than pre-band days. I have not any of the complications like PB, nausea, or sliming. I have had some pain around my port occasionally, but she said it was nothing to worry about at this point. I have been walking about 2 or 3 times a week, 2 or 3 miles each time. When I called I asked if I could do other exercises now and they said yes. I've been looking into a gym membership, but I'm trying to shop around. I don't want to get sucked into a year-long contract and then wish I had gone someplace else. Just want to say thanks to all of you for being here. I have learned so much from all of you. You inspire me everyday!

any throwing up or stomach pain when you eat too much? I had my band removed last year due to all the complications. I'm hesitant to try the sleeve because i's permanent

I was banded in 2005 and revised to sleeve in 4/2014....So far I have no regrets and No complications. I am 20 pounds down and have been feeling normal since day 3 of coming home from the one night stay at the hospital...We are all different and we will all have different results and different feelings. I really like my Sleeve and its nothing like the band, no throwing up,no stuck food, no fills and unfills, no being too tight at night. Good luck with your journey and decision.

Wow Im sorry to hear that...i noticed alot of wls patients state that they are tired or weak Im wondering if you are getting all your vitamins in and enough b12...we all are different and wls isnt for everyone...i hated bein banded for numerous of reasons besides complications...i wish yu luck and great success to everyone trying to be healthy

I am starting to schedule my lapband and after following along here for months, I am getting nervous about doing this surgery to lose weight when I don't have any REAL health issues. My BMI is 39 but all my bloodwork & everything else is good. I am worried that I might be creating problems by getting this surgery when, right now, none exist. My weight has controlled my life since I was 12yrs old, I'm a major yo-yo dieter & have never kept weight off like everyone else who has tried. I hate being fat. BUT I just read a book called "weight-loss surgery, Everything you need to know about Bariatric Surgery" by the former president of the ABS and it has freaked me out. The book keeps saying over & over that it's a last resort & you should be willing to accept death as a possible consequence. I know all surgeries have that risk....blah blah blah but if we really thought we were going to die I'm sure we wouldn't do it. I'm worried I will be running to the doctor now for life because of slips, erosions, overfills, underfills etc. Who else had the lapband that didn't have serious health issues? Has it complicated your life? I am worried I might be better off fat then slimmer & having all sorts of eating problems with the band in place.

Hey all, first time posting here and I've been dealing with this for months now. I got the duodenal switch about 7 or 8 years ago when I was about 16. Crazy young I know, and to this day I still question that decision and probably always will because of my age. I've had a great experience as far as weight loss goes, but as I've gotten older I've gotten increasingly worried about malnutrition/deficiencies developing over time. I'm religious about my supplements, and I literally got my bloodwork done earlier this week so I'm good about that. However, the anxiety about potential deficiencies that I feel like might go undetected in bloodwork (for instance I know B12 tests can be inaccurate in detecting deficiencies) or that there might be a time that supplements become ineffective for me is becoming extremely difficult to bear, keeping me awake at night, causing anxiety attacks, making my life miserable, etc. All to the point where despite not technically being diagnosed with any deficiencies, it makes me regret the surgery and feel like I'm going to get severe side effects or die an early death because of this decision. My entire family has had the procedure and I'm the only one who really deals with this to this extent so it's difficult for me to cope. I have appointments with my primary care physician and plan on contacting my surgeon to discuss these risks more with him, but I have the feeling that this anxiety will persist as my anxiety causes me to have doubts about the ability of modern medical science to adequately monitor the effects of a procedure this radical. I realize that all of these concerns are likely what should have deterred me from the surgery in the first place, but at the time my family, medical team and myself thought it was a good decision. Tl;dr: having extreme health anxiety about longterm nutritional complications despite doing everything by the book and don't know what to do about it.

Im' 2 weeks 4 days post op. I eat whatever I want with no problems. However, I puree them as instructed. I also don't eat any bread, Pasta, patatoes or corn. I get plenty of flavor with all the variety but everything is pureed. I will start soft food in 2 days. I also feel that I could eat regular food but I know that this surgery was expensive, my life is important and not following the directions could cause not only short term but possibly long term complications. Give your body a chance to heal, you are worth it! The weight will come off focus more on your Water thats also very important. Good luck!

If everything looks good at the hospital.... I would still check with your surgeon. But remember your body is still healing..... It's pulling energy from you to do that. You need to rest and keep yourself hydrated with Water and Protein shakes. Are you taking Vitamins? When my stomach refuse to take anymore Protein Shakes (burnout) my liquid vitamins kept me alive without complications. I'm eating mushy foods now so I put nonflavored Protein powder in my yogurt, hummus and some liquid drinks. Plus everything I eat has protein, fish, Beans, eggs, cheese and so forth. Stay safe. Sent from my SM-J700P using the BariatricPal App