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Well, this could be an "it depends" answer. Everyone recovers and heals at a different pace. That being said, I probably would not want to go to theme parks or places where I have to walk a lot at 3 weeks. At 3 weeks, barring any infections or complications, your incisions should be healed with scabs over them. However, your insides are still healing. The suture line of your stomach will still be healing and I probably wouldn't recommend lifting luggage. Remember, you will have just had major surgery. While you may look OK on the outside, your body will still be recovering. That, combined with the major change in your dietary intake, you will more than likely have fatigue. It's one thing to walk around your house or try to walk a little in your neighborhood, it's an entirely different thing to have the energy and endurance to walk a theme park. Then, there's the logistics of your diet. You will not be eating "regular" food by then. At best, you'll be on soft foods and possibly still on puree. It's hard enough to get through the stages of food in recovery without the added stress of trying to find food that you can eat. You ask how long would anyone suggest. I'm not sure there's a good answer to address the kind of holiday you're describing. I went on vacation at about 6 weeks out. At that point, I had the energy for an 1100 mile road trip. I helped pack/unpack the vehicle and walked my dogs. However, the vacation was more of a visit to family/friends. I engaged in no activity that required strength or endurance. I struggled quite a bit with maintaining my diet and finding "safe" foods. I found myself placed in situations where there was food I hadn't tried or food I shouldn't eat. Protein shakes and bars only go so far.

I prefer his PA!!! I had signed up for him to follow my journey for 5 years and he wanted to add my success in his Computer Data. But I ended up firing him and going to another Bariatric Center. I have to drive further but at least I get some much needed guidelines, also, my problems are dealt with respectively!! I had problems with strictures and my hubby used him for his own surgery but had complications. Now my surgery was July 2, 2013 hubby's was Sept 2013. He almost died and "OUR much loved professional Surgeon called us "PROBLEM CHILDREN!! How professional was this? I tried to stay with his office but just to many things weren't addressed. I was told that it was hard to find another DR that wanted to clean up after another DR. This man dropped my husband in the middle of severe Bacterial infections. Our PCP finally pulled some help from a fellow PROFESSIOAL Surgeon to take care of my hubby. I have since found out that a Suregon makes the most money on the Surgeries and not so much the aftercare. This is why his PA takes his patients on so he can make more $$ doing them. They get especially with Medicare, they get a blanket amount that starts from the day that you are approved until aftercare which should be until you are well ...but not in our case. He dropped him and said go to the ER or your PCP because this was his surgery day!! I'm so sorry that I have got on my soap box!! I'll shush up and try to get this anger under control again. I hope your Monday is going great!! KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

I had the gastric sleeve done by Dr Jensen on November 26 2013 love her and loving my sleeve! I had no complications and an so happy with my results so far

Thank you Dasha for your kind response I am a worry wart by nature, but he is 65, diabetic and has other complications. He has never had major surgery, unlike me. So I worry that this will be a really tough surgery for him. Four hours is still a lot of time in the operating room! Yikes! How is your pain level right now? I was just submitted for a band-to-sleeve revision yesterday. I'm scared of everything. Scared of being denied. Scared that when/if my surgeon goes in, he won't sleeve me in the same operation, which is what he does 95% of the time. He is super conservative and likes to do it in two sessions. Ugh, that means two hospital stays, two sets of expenses, two times under general, two times in pain etc. NOT interested in that. I watched so many videos yesterday where the surgeons were doing both in same surgery. These surgeons obviously felt it was safe enough!

I have to lose at least 25 lbs to gety bmi down. The dr said its for my safety that they have found people with bmi over 60 could have complications

Honestly I try to avoid a lot of negativity because half of the people that is being negative only wish they where able to get the surgery but can't afford it, so they get on these forums and try to discourage the ones who have taken a step to get healthier, I look at this way I was 300lbs I had so many complications high blood pressure, I WAS a diabetic so if that didn't kill me then I figure Im here for a reason, obesity can kill also, so to the negative people out there please get your self a life and leave the ones who are living a healthy life along...BLOOP.....

It's so true about the other sites being "anti-band". When I started out researching, I went on all of the websites, and found Thinner Times and Obesity Help to be very negative towards the band. I also read many horror stories from people with the bypass, so clearly, the margin for complications is present no matter which way you go. As stated above, yes, there is continuous aftercare with the band, as opposed to the other surgeries. However, the band can be removed if there are major issues, and most all of the time, everything returns to its pre-band state. THAT alone was my reason for going with the band. I was very clear that my work would start the minute my eyes opened from surgery.....and I was okay with it. No matter what surgery, the work has to start at some point, and I was fine having that be immediate. Being 5 months out, I have no regrets, and I'm still thrilled with my choice.

You can't live on liquids forever. And once you stop liquids, it's VERY difficult if not impossible to not gain the weight back. Why? Because a liquid diet is a crash diet. It completely kills your metabolism. It is a fact that the more you crash diet, the likelihood of you gaining all the weight back and MORE is far higher than if you didn't bother dieting at all. The band carries a risk of complications, yes. I have never seen statistics that support a 6 in 10 complication rate. But assuming that's true, let's put it into perspective: complications with the band can range from a port flip (easy fixed in day surgery) to erosion or worse (requires band removal). In Australia where the lapband was used routinely long before it was approved for use in the US, the complication rate is about 5% (all complications). Erosion rates are at sub 1%. Of these complications, some are caused by band failure and some by patient non-compliance, so that too is a factor. Forums are NOT an unbiased representation of a population. Generally speaking, people seek out forums when they wish to discuss a problem and need support. This means that a lapbander who is at goal who isn't experiencing issues would usually have no reason to post, and few of them do (even on this site). Why would they? So your best bet in terms of getting information regarding complication rates, risks and issues is to seek real studies regarding short, medium and long term prognosis for lapband patients. Paul O'Brien has been placing lapbands in Australian patients since 1994, and my own surgeon has nearly 2 decades of experience and still advocates banding for his wls patients. Do your research and then make your choices, and don't necessarily accept other's personal experience as the only facts out there. Or else how is that different from me saying I lost over 100% of my excess weight with my band and have kept it off for 5 years with nearly no real imposition on my life?? I don't expect everyone to be like me, so those with complications shouldn't expect everyone to be like them.

Hi Miker1, I had my sleeve done in Montreal in November and I had all of the same fears you mention in your post, with of course my largest fear being death and leaving my two young children behind. I went into the surgery at almost 300lbs and I am 5'8", so my BMI was 44. I did mine privately in Montreal and I only spent 1 night in the clinic and was then moved to a hotel where I had round the clock nursing care for another 2 days. Everything went very well and so far no major issues. I also found out after my surgery that I had severe sleep apnea that I was completely unaware of and despite that everything went well and no complications with the anesthetic. I am currently 3 months out and have lost 70lbs as of yesterday. No one can predict what your outcome will look like, and nor do I have an understanding of what your comorbidities are and what type of risk factors you have, however, just know that I was petrified as well and deeply concerned about the surgery even up until then brought me into the OR and yet everything worked out just fine. It's natural to be scared because it's such a big decision. So far I have had no regrets and am extremely happy I did this - for myself and for my children with whom I am more involved with now because I can move better and because I am happier. Where are you having your surgery done?

Katerzz didn't you have some complications that kept you in the hospital a little longer than most? Forgive me if my memory is faulty on this. If you had a normal procedure that amount would be WAYYYYY over the top. The bill for my procedure was nowhere near that amount, and I live in just about the most expensive state in the Union for healthcare.

I'm curious to see how many people became anemic as post-ops, and how long after surgery did it become a problem for you? I'm almost nine years out and have suffered nearly zero complications up until last year when I was diagnosed as severely anemic and had to get a blood transfusion. I'm now scheduled for an appointment with hematology this month and it looks like I'll need another blood transfusion and also Iron transfusions. This is pretty common in gastric bypass post-ops, but what was unsual was how long I went (8 years) before it actually happened to me. I realized that I'm further out than a lot of folks, but I'm curious about others: if and WHEN it happened (if it did yet). Thanks!

This is my story and Journey after having my bypass years ago-9 to be specific. It all started out with a huge hiatal hernia to be repaired. My surgeon recommend me to seek lap band surgery, as being overweight might not hold the hernia repair , and he told me it would be a real diservice to me if he did not advice me to do so. So, off I went to a weight loss seminar, and spoke with Dr. Gregory Schroder as to wether or not I would be a candidate. He felt not, as having the Nisson Fundoplasty could potenuate problems down the road. I so appreciated his honesty, and he mentioned a surgeon who performs gastric bypasses to see if I was a candidate. Immediately I was, despite my history of depression and chrohns.. So off I go. Oh I was told that there could be complications such as a leak, and nausea post op, but this rarely happends. I was also told to be very strict with my diet, because after three years, your puch my be stretched, and weight gain indeed can happen. I was very compliant. Weight loss very successful.Hoever, ther have been so many complications down the road. My surgeon left to go to Doctor's Without Borders, and has left the state. I ended up having immediate surgeery to remove my gallbladder 1 year later. Dr. Shroder's group did that for me. Three years post-op I had an open strangulated hernia repair- again by Dr. Gregory Schroder. I suffer from chronic nausea and vomiting. I have terrible painful lower cramps as well. I had a picc line 3 years ago, as my weight has drooped so low due to the nausea and vomiting. My weight has dropped as low as 86 pounds. I just can't keep the weight on. How ironic life is. You'd think how nice it would be to eat and not gain a pound, but it has become a curse. I could not work anymore in my favorite job as a PACU nurse, as I didnt have the strength to move the stretchers anymore, or the stamina. The excertion just made my weight drop even more. I can work , but can't do physical labor anymore. I want you to know I watch MY 600 POUND LIFE. My husband and daughter don't understand. So many people struggle with different things in their lifes. Life after surgery is a Journey in itself, and will always be. I so applaud those who share their stories, and know that the journey never stops. I share my story here, becaus gastric bypass is a serious surgery. I think people should really think about it instead of jumping on it right away like I did. Learn to love yourself. I know how hard it is to be overweight. Everyone wants a quick fix. I know I did. I wish everyone who does have the surgery much success. I will continue with my story as time progresses. Bless you all-CBT

My heart breaks for you. Are you having complications? What's wrong?

I am so sorry that you are going through such a tough time. It's hard enough to adjust to this new way of life without going through the complications that you have had to conquer. Take care of yourself right now and let your family help you. I will put you and your family in my prayers. It will get better even though it doesn't seem like it ever will but it will! I 'm glad you vented your emotions with us that is what we are here for. Keep talking to us and let us help you get through the days! I am sending you a big hug!

Whillow, I eat about 3/4-1 cup of food at each meal. I always start with the Protein and try to get in at least 2 ounces. Then I make sure I eat at least 1/4 cup of vegies. If I still have room, I'll eat 1/4 cup of carbs...no more. I don't worry about whether or not I'm getting enough protein because I drink 3 low carb, low cal Protein shakes each day (one mid-morning, one mid-afternoon and one mid-evening). They give me all my protein grams. I keep the carbs low mainly because I'm a diabetic and I find it easier to control my insulin requirements (which are becoming minimal as time goes on) without the complication of the carbs. Plus, carbs make me crave more carbs unless I keep them to a very minimum. If I eat carbs for lunch (say in the form of a few crackers or half a grilled cheese sandwich), I won't eat them for dinner and vice versa. I never eat carbs for Breakfast. Ok...I do but they are a couple grams here and there. I probably don't eat more than 35-40 carbs per day.

^^^^ Exactly! It's not about the "diet" - it's about risking complications this early out! And having a cheat day once a week is asking for trouble - "cheating" on diets has gotten me where I am - morbidly obese! This is a lifestyle change not a diet.

My surgeon gave me the option of doing it all at once or separate surgeries. I chose to do separate surgeries because I had the band for 10 years and figured there would be alot of scarring and adhesions and to be honest I was still coming to terms with whether I wanted 85% of my stomach removed. When they removed the band in late September, they spent alot of time removing the adhesions and I will be sleeved and hernia repair in December. I don't think it is a skill level question; I think it is a question of what do you think is the least risk. I suspect that there isn't very good data on which approach gives best results statistically speaking (ie fewer complications) so surgeons are working off their own experiences. for me, this has been good. I have been so hungry and gaining weight, in spite of trying to diet since the band came out. It has really removed any dellusional thoughts of "I can do this myself". It may sound crazy, but i needed that last dose of reality, that my obesity is out of control and I can't get a grip without bariatric surgery.

Heyyy yea its under my left breast looks a bit swollen too ... I am so worried ... I am at the hospital at the moment hopefully its just imflamation or something ... I got done by Dr Durmush apparently he had no complications till date ... hope I am not the first one @@NG76

My name is Knapptown and I have just completed my Lapband surgery on 5/29/14. A little background - I am a 45 yr old male 6'3 - former football player. My weight had been gradually increasing since I laid my helmet down in 1994. When My career was over - I weighed 295lbs. The month prior to my operation - I weighed in at 355lbs. Although the weight I picked up in 25 years was just 60 lbs.... Carrying 295 lbs as a football player @ 25 is VASTLY different from carrying 355 lbs as a 45 year old man. I had no interest in carrying this type of weight into my late 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. So I maned up and banded up. I have several complications that go along with obesity - low back pain, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and a host of others. Furthermore, I am in love with food! Not just the eating part, but the pageantry that goes along with dining. Fun to me is a 4 hour dinner at a great restaurant with 20 friends. But a week after my surgery I can already tell you it was the best decision I ever made. I am down 20lbs in one week and I realize that I have completely embraced this new lifestyle.

Hello All, I was sleeved on 5/20 after having issues with my band of 2 years. My surgey was difficult due to lots of scare tissue and complications so I was in the hospital for awhile. I went back to work yesterday and boy do I feel drained. My biggest problem is this constant feeling of of bubbles and irritation down my throat every time I try to drink anything. After week one it went away but a few days ago it came back full force. Have any of you had that happen? I am working through it rig now because I know I am still healing but I hate this one step forward two steps back.

I have had significant left side and shoulder pain since I got the Lap-Band placed, August 6, 2013. I know that it is due to the phrenic-vagus nerve being stimulated. This nerve has to do with breathing and eating as well as your eyes and sinuses. I had very significant pain there directly post-op, but I passed it off as gas pains. Since recovery, I have had pain there at almost all times. I have not been able to sleep on my left side for 11 months, making my right hip have joint problems (that's a whole other issue though). I am wanting to know if anyone has had experience with this? My surgeon is recommending a complete unfill, so I will have an inactive band, causing me nerve damage (I have 5cc in my 10cc band, no restriction). I understand that this pain can be common to have sporadically, but is usually not constant as it is with me. I have been in pain that is significant enough to keep me from going to work and school. Has anyone else had an experience with a complication like this? Or does anyone know of the complications that my band rubbing against a nerve could have long term? If so, what was done to treat this issue? I am only 18, so I was planning to have this band in for the long haul, not to have serious complications haha. Thanks!

My doctor said surgery was day one. I was scheduled for a 11:00 surgery which due to complications from the 10:00 surgery I was pushed out to 4:30. Buy the time they got me to my room all I did was sleep until day 2.

My surgery was in june 6 of this year haven t had any complications so far, yesterday i helped moved some heavy equipment including a piano, having having to lift and strain to lift it up into a truck. Now everything EVERYTHING i eat is getting stuck and i have to throw it back up, other than calling my doctor which is the obvious i need suggestions on what i might of done, and what i can do. Thanks

I am not an expert but have done extensive research. My surgeon DOES NOT even place bands any more because of all of the complications. Please think long and hard before you choose that option. I chose gastric bypass because the long term results were better than sleeve and more reflux and nausea with sleeve. Good luck to you!

Heya everyone! I am about 12 hours away from the actual time of my surgery tomorrow morning, and I am terrified. Even though I am in the program at a Center of Excellence and my doctor has an amazing success rate with an incredibly low rate of complications, my anxiety is still through the roof. I adhered to my pre-op diet and all the testing I had to go through came back A-OK (my PA told me that I am, and I quote, "a healthy fat kid"), but my mind keeps racing with all the "what-ifs". How did you veteran sleevers deal with your pre-op anxiety, if you had any? Also, is there anyone else getting sleeved on or around tomorrow (December 9th)? I'd love to have some surgery buddies! Lots of huggles to everyone! ~ Polara