Search the Community
Showing results for 'Complications'.
Found 17,501 results
-
I miss my vodka!
Webchickadee replied to aamandddaaaahunt's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I posted on this EXACT question 2 days ago: Now, with greater experience, and most than 1 year post-op, I feel I can elaborate a bit more. I would STRONGLY advise against drinking ANY alcohol so early after surgery!!!!! Alcohol dehydrates your body. At the moment, your everyday battle is staying hydrated and allowing your surgical site to heal. The lime in the margarita will likely irritate your stomach lining, causing great discomfort. The alcohol will get you drunk VERY fast in VERY small quantities, and you will not be in good control of your decision making regarding other foods, which could lead you to make dangerous decisions around what is safe to eat so early on. Feel free to go out with your friends, but take on the role of designated driver (if you don't want them to know WHY you're not drinking), or just tell them you are staying away from alcohol for a while because it conflicts with some meds or supplements you're taking. Of course that all assumes they don't know about your surgery. If they know, tell them the truth! Your surgeon and nutritionist have strongly advised....NO DRINKING for min. 6 months post-op. You surgeon may not have spelled that out to you (though hopefully it was discussed). The physical effects of alcohol are bad, but the psychological possibilities of developing a new dependency or addiction (alcohol vs food) are very real and serious and worse than the hangover and illness the booze might temporarily cause you. Even if the addiction part is not "in play" here, the possibility of your having less control of your decision regarding food at the concert is still very real if you've been drinking. You really can't afford to slip up and eat the wrong thing this early post-op. It could have serious repercussions and land you in the hospital with a leak or complication you could have easily avoided. You made a smart choice with this surgery. Keep up the good choices and stay away from alcohol until you're better healed and in a more normal eating/drinking routine. -
Hi All, I'm scheduled to have my revision surgery on August 7, 2015. I have Dr. Rabkin. I'm traveling alone across country from CT to CA. HELP! Anyone can relate? What do I do? Strange city. No one to run to the pharmacy for me. Have to stay 4-5 days in hospital. Will be open, not laparoscopic. Argh. What about complications? What if I have a meltdown? Having the hardest time finding an affordable place to stay, Dr's office of no help. Any advice, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks NurseSmart
-
Finally made my decision...New member!
worm2872 replied to cat1342's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Cat, Welcome and congrats! One thing I will say is you may still be on pain meds at that point so you will not be able to drive. I would plan for the following week. Also, that will give you time if you have complications. I did and there was no way I could go back in two weeks. Also, I am Sr. HR person with my company and a lot of companies have medical leave options if you are not yet qualified for FMLA. I had mine at 6 months. I know you are excited to have your surgery but make sure you plan for complications and contingency plans if you maybe not reacting well to the surgery. I did not tell really anyone at work, not even my manager. However, she did see my return to work note from the bariatric center. -
Approval went through and I finally have a date. It's going to be a little complicated because my hubsband will be away and I have to travel by myself to have my surgery. Thanks goodness I have good friends to help with kids and it may be more relaxing recovering in a hotel for a couple days. The only downside is that I have to tell more people than I origionally wanted to. I'm so excited to have this done. I start pre-op diet monday!!
-
band+plication on friday march 1st.
mrsto replied to bandedtigerlily's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That's really good to hear... And congrats on the weight loss!! I know how good you must feel I am leaning toward the plication as well. From everything I read, it's seems to minimize complications with the band; slipping, erosion, fills, etc. And I'm so glad to hear that you were back to work within a week. I did very well when I had my hysterectomy, so I expect the recovery on this will also go smoothly. Have you had any fills? If so, how many.....how often? Thanks for your input. -
Every insurance company has different requirements. I have an out of state BCBS (illinios) and my employer is Catholic Health Initiatives and they have a program called carewise. Through them I had to have six months of phone nutrition calls with a documented end weight from primary doctor at end of six months. I also had a RN case manager. Basically, we talked about any diagnosis I had, concerns, changes I needed to make to prepare for surgery. I lost maybe 10 pounds then regained bc I hurt my back and was literally in bed for a time. So in the end I weighed 3 pounds less then when I started. They were fine with that. I struggled with years being insulin dependent and very metabolically resistant even when I ate low carb. I also had to have a psych review, primary doctor review. The entire process went fast even though initially I thought six months would take forever. I am glad it took that long gave me plenty of time to weigh my options and do lots of research on complications and lifestyle changes. I started the process May of 2012 and had surgery Jan 24 2013. I can say trying to eat smaller portions, with baby spoons and all that is tough prior to surgery and for the most part I didnt do it just knew I would have changes to be made after surgery. I have had no issues since surgery. Good Luck
-
Cousin passed, had lapband now the family is freaking
socalgal3 replied to LosingIt08's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I am sorry for your loss. As you are considering your options, Lap-Band is generally thought of as less invasive than gastric bypass and a safer procedure. If your family is worried about the risk of complications, it is lower with the band. I also feel that there is too much you don't know about her passing. If she was already 5 weeks out, was she experiencing problems with the band? She may have had issues and the band is not necessarily to blame. Again, that doesn't make the loss easier to take, but it doesn't mean you should stop pursuing the band. -
Anyone have info on Dr. Jonathon Ray in Maryville, TN
finallyready@51 posted a topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hello everyone, I am scheduled for surgery on 4/30. This past week I had a spouse of a CRNA express concern about my choice of surgeons. It actually freaked me out a little bit. She suggested I do my 'due dilligence' and look at complication rates etc. I have done all that, in fact did it before I selected Dr. Ray. Now, it is making me a little freakie. I chose him and his office because they were a 'Center of Excellance' as certified by the American Bariatric Center. Anyway, I would be interested in hearing of anyones experiences with Dr. Ray. -
why did you choose the band? How much weight did you lose?
hummingbird7 replied to rockdutchess82's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I chose the band for many of the same reasons Missy did. Two family members had the gastric by-pass and had every possible complication you could imagine. It was just too drastic for me. My surgery was almost a month ago and I've lost 19 pounds as of a few days ago. I feel great! I go for my first fill on Thursday. -
why can't i do it myself...
BluAlert replied to devonmae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I heard the same thing from two of my friends (both over weight). One of them said her moms friend had it about a month ago and had to go back in the hospital due to complications (but shes 20 years older than me and smoked for like 30 years). And my coworker says her aunt is a bariatric nurse and told her about all the complications. I just changed the subject bc I don't need to hear that crap 2 weeks pre-op...I'm scared enough. Plus ive done my research. But I'll be interested to hear what they have to say 6 months from now. I won't be surprised if they are asking for my Dr's name and number! -
Does everyone have a pre-op liquid diet?
chell1978 replied to chell1978's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, I was. I have a pre op class 3/28. Maybe I get details there? I'm going to a seminar on possible complications tonight perhaps I can ask someone. -
How to explain why i need this
iggychic replied to mistysj's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think you got some good answers here but I'd just like to add...why won't you ever be drinking or having caffeene and why do you think you'll be on a diet for your lifetime? I didn't have the sleeve because I wanted to live the diet lifestyle and I don't. I enjoy wine regularly and a cup of coffee each day (which is all I ever have had). I eat more protein than I used to, but that's the only real change I have. I can eat so little that it's pretty much impossible to gain weight even if that "little" includes things like french fries or ice cream. I can only eat about 4 fries anyhoo Since the surgery I do find that sugars are harder to consume and I keep those very low, not because my "diet" requires it, but because they don't sit well on my tummy. That's not a bad thing I'm six months out and while I regret having had this surgery due to the complications, it would not be fair for me to say that I didn't lose weight and that I have absolutely no hunger drive. I have to really think about eating because if I miss a meal I can't make it up as I used to. The loss of hunger thing is different for all of us but I know many people six months to a year out who still have no real hunger issues. Head hunger? Sure that's a demon many fight with, but real hunger...it's just not there, even when it should be. -
New to the site and still deciding...
LisaDM posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My name is Lisa, I am 29 and from Maryland. I have battled my weight my whole life, but especially struggled in the last 12 years. My highest weight ever was 270 lbs, but I am currently 250 lbs at 5'10". In muy early 20's I was able to get down to 180lbs, but in a very unhealthy manner, using diet pills and horrible eating habits. In the past 8 years I have yo-yo'd my way to my highest weight last year, then went to a physician assisted weight loss with phentermine last year and got down to 235. That only worked for a few months, though I took it for a full year. I have since developed high blood pressure and my doc advised me to stop taking the phentermine if I stopped losing weight. I have a friend who got the sleeve last year, it was the first I had heard of it. I had heard of gastric bypass and the lap band and knew people who had had those procedures. Neither seem appealing to me. The bypass seems way to invasive and the lap band I know someone who had repeated complications and dumping syndrome. I have though about it somewhat secretly for a year, and have recently started really discussing it with my husband and doing heavy research with my insurance and with my work. One big concern is the lifting restrictions I work in health care and there really is no form of "light duty" in my line of work, but luckily I have short term disability. I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life, but then I think that just shows my addiction that I am scared to not be able to eat crappy food. My husband has said he will support my decision, but I also don't know what I want to tell others. I almost feel embarrassed to tell friends and coworkers, like I failed all other weight loss pathways. I have never felt that way myself toward others who have there surgery, because it really is a big commitment to weight loss and healthy eating. But there is still a part of me that wishes I could handle it without surgery, but my history shows that I can't. So I guess my main questions to those who have had VSG are: 1- Have you had and major complications from the surgery? 2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? 3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? 5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? Thanks for any support you can lend to me! :-) -
Well the 12th is getting here really fast. I dont say much on here but could write a book with the things going through my mind. This site has been a great comfort. I am in a new place with no friends around to talk to. I have a wonderful understanding wife but she cant really relate. Its been really good for me to read the sucesses, the what to bring checklist, and even the complications just to know that if I have any of them, I wasnt alone and not in the dark about them. It doesnt take away the nerves but it has helped alot. Thank you to all that have shared the good, the bad, and the ugly and after Tuesday, I will be adding more experience to everyone looking for information. E
-
A little worried about what issues my surgery might have on my marriage
SKNYMEBY47 posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am wondering how or if my relationship with my husband may change after I have my surgery. In the beginning he was so against my having the surgery, mainly because he knew nothing about the current procedures and such for the surgery, he only knew of the old days when a lot of people died from complications and stuff. It took quite a while to get him to come around and thanks so much to his daughter who is going through nursing school she helped quite a bit in reassuring him that the advances in technology these days makes the surgery so much safer, and then when he finally saw how many medications I have to take daily, he finally got it. The part that has me a little worried is if and when I start to loose the weight, I worry he may start to feel differently towards me. My husband in a rare man, who actually likes woman who are large, fuller size woman. I'm worried that he may start to "fall out" of love with me. I know I just may be thinking silly thoughts but every now and again those thoughts do creep into my head. Most of my family and friends are very supportive and actually happy that I'm having the surgery and even though my husband as come around and now accepts that I am having this surgery no matter what. My medical condition has forced me to go forward with the surgery now rather than wait any longer and I know he fully supports me when it comes to my health. I also sometimes wonder if he is worried too, worried that if and when I loose the weight that maybe I won't be interested in him any longer. But that is completely silly to me, he is my husband and I waited 11 years for him to finally marry me (he had been married before and it ended in a very nasty divorce) so I understood he didn't want to rush into marriage too quickly, so I loved him and he loved me so it was worth the wait in my mind. But I wonder if somewhere in the back of his mind he fears I will loose the weight and leave him for some other man. I'm wondering if anyone out there who has already had their surgery is going through any of these kinds of things in their relationships. Does getting this surgery put a lot of pressure on relationships? And if it does, can it all still work out in the end? -
Can someone clarity for me complications that might arise out of pbing too often. Thanks in advance.
-
New to the site and still deciding...
jh5497 replied to LisaDM's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You said "I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life". This for me now is 20 minutes when I'm at a restaurant with friends until I'm at my new "full", or at Christmas dinner when everyone gorges for hours, but they all feel gross after -- I don't! And those few minutes when I'm sad about being different and unable to binge pale in comparison to the months I spend being ridiculously happy/confident, showered with cute male attention and staring at myself in the mirror. 1- Have you had any major complications from the surgery? Nope - nothing! 2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? Six weeks from anything over 20lbs I think, I only had two incisions, so I didn't follow this too exact... and was still fine! If you are a nurse, care aide or moving/transfering people, take a good two weeks off for sure! 3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 2 days in Hospital, 2 days at a hotel post op 4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? I told them I was having surgery - I was vague with the nosy people I didn't like. Some got the details, some didn't. Now I think most people know. I haven't ran into a single person who has said anything negative. The important people care enough that they want you to be healthy and happy no matter what road you take. I armed myself with statistics about the sleeve, just in case I ran into a Negative Nelly. 5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? That I didn't do it earlier. I'm 28. I wish I would have done this at 20. I feel like I'm reliving my life the way I always pictured it to be. I have guys fighting to buy me drinks, dance with me and kiss me on NYE. I don't feel like I will have to settle on "some guy" because no one else will ever be interested -- I can actually find someone worthy of ME. I finally have the confidence I always wanted and it shows to others. My relationships have gotten better now that I'm happier too. I can hang out with my brother and he's not ashamed. I can be in the jumpy houses with my neices and nephews. Life is better. -
Well I am new to this board and I just got approved by health insurance which is HAP. I live in Michigan and HAP is using Henry Ford Hositpal in Detroit. I went my group consultation and gotten all of my appointments. I believe my doctor is Jeffery Gawel from I been told he is good doctor and patients are his number proitiy in the OR. My mom is also having it as well and my sister already had it does not regret. She got two kids. I want to Sleeve instead of the bypass. The bypass scares a little because of the complications and the fact they have cut into the small intestine
-
Introduction: Fat even when I was skinny...
Comfy_Blue posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Howdy, My name's Blue and I've always felt fat even when I was skinny. Back in high school, I weighed 140lbs (I'm 5'7), but I thought I was fat because my two best friends at the time were teeny, tiny. One wore a size 00 (Extra, Extra Small) and the other a 0 (X-Small), whereas I thought I looked like a beached whale in my size 8/10. In addition to self esteem issues, I suffered from untreated OCD most of my life which contributed to my 100lbs weight gain over the last decade. I know the LB is not a magical cure and the hardest part is going to be retraining my brain not to reach for food as a comfort (and not to replace food with another vice like excessive drinking, gambling, shopping, etc). I am fearful of choosing the wrong doctor and the incision getting infected and/or having some weird complication that threatens my life or possibly kills me. HOWEVER, if I continue on the path I am now, then my own body will be my executitioner. Right now, I am in the planning phases. I've been researching online for a LB surgeon in my area so I can get in initial consultation. One of my friends had the procedure done in another state, so I'm thinking about asking who did hers. A little non weight stuff about me - I'm 29 years old, a classroom teacher, and the wife of an amazing man. I'm kind of artsy-fartsy and though I can't draw very well, I appreciate art and enjoy seeing it in books, museums and exihibits. I'm always reading and want to publish a novel someday soon. I listen to a varity of music (rock and roll, alternative, punk, classical, New Age, pop, etc). I watch more t.v. than I should, am a Christian who believes heavily in karma and good vibes and I like going to the movies, dinner, road trips and shopping. -
Removal of Gall Bladder and RNY
aprildiva22 replied to Mrsleahhs's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi guys just wanted to post update in case someone else may have similar complications. I have been taken off the operation list for Monday 6 May my bloods were apparently not encouraging and surgeon wants me to resolve the elevated liver enzymes before the roux en y. Not quite sure what to make of this second postponement. I'm praying that my liver is ok and bloods improve. I suppose being cautious is prudent. I thought the gall bladder was the problem but there seems to be a concern that in case it's not i may not be healthy enough to proceed with the wls. I wish everyone the best if I'm cleared for surgery I think I'll post operation instead of raising my hopes up. But I'll continue learning from all of you and trying to loose on the protein diet. All the best to upcoming surgeries. -
Friends no longer as supportive
deletedsally replied to Lynn B's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think most people have heard horror stories about people who have had serious problems with RNY and they assume that VSG will be similar. Many of my friends and family members were supportive of me, but not necessarily supportive of the surgery, because they were afraid I would have serious complications and come to regret the surgery. Then there are those people who have never had significant weight problems, who think that those of us who struggle with obesity are either uneducated about nutrition ("don't know how to eat"), or gluttonous, or lazy, or totally lacking in self-discipline. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "Well I just ___________" (blah, blah, blah) Yeh...well I've heard all their self-assumed dieting expertise. It makes me want to barf. Come on...why does being at a normal weight give a sister who eats Lucky Charms for Breakfast and a big bag of M&M's every day for lunch the idea that she is entitled to give me dieting advice??? (I kid you not on that one.) As someone who has lost well over 500 pounds over the span of 30 years, I think that I know a little bit about how to diet. I also know that diets have had a horrible effect on my metabolism, fat storage hormones, and appetite regulating hormones--and actually sabotaged every reasonable effort that I have made to maintain any weight loss. I refuse to honor people's uninformed, presumptuous opinions about anything related to my weight or weight loss decisions. I've been valiently fighting a battle with obesity my entire life, and I think that this surgery is the best option that I have to improve the quality of the remaining years of my life. I don't expect anyone who hasn't fought the same battle to comprehend why I would voluntarily allow a surgeon to remove 80% of my stomach...how could they even begin to understand? You deserve whatever it takes to be healthy and have a better quality of life! Would anyone dream of telling someone with breast cancer not to have a mastectomy if they had previously elected to have a lumpectomy, but were still having problems? Hardly. Don't let other people make you feel guilty or ashamed. Do your research and trust yourself to make the best decision for you! -
Sleeve vs bypass?
T'snewstart replied to karpouzian's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I got the sleeve because I had 2 co-workers get the bypass and they just seem miserable. It just seems most people I have come in contact with was so unhappy after the bypass. While I wanted a change from the constant struggle with my excess weight I did not want to be unhappy. Beside all the medical reasons ...as I am sure you have researched the differences. The bypass is so much more complicated. Many more complications can occur. One big problem is the lack of ability to absorb the Vitamins and nutrients that is needed. The sleeve for me was the best decision ever! My weight loss results are exactly the same as the co-workers. I do not have the troubles they experience. I live a happy normal life. Socially it is easy to adjust ( after the first few months). Over all it comes down to the individual really. The surgeons expectations goes as follows: after the first 2 years bypass patients are expected to lose on average: 60-80% of their excess weight , sleeve patients 50-70% of the excess weight. However, that too is up to the patient. At my 5 month check up I had already lost 40% of my excess weight. I said all that to say..... If you follow the surgeons instructions and get the most out the of the sleeve you can have equal results..... Best wishes on your decision and surgery! -
Marijuana & Sleeve
Supersweetums replied to PiggyPantsPaige's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am glad that you are planning on stopping. I have nothing against it for occasional recreational use, I don't think it is much different than alcohol in that sense. But I was curious when you posted this, so I just did a little searching, and, like tobacco, it can slow the healing process which can result in complications. Good Luck with your surgery. -
Wavering back and forth which surgery choose the sleeve, about 3 weeks pre-op
JennyBeth replied to ccrim03's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon told me unless a patient is adamant on getting the band he doesn't recommend them anymore and tries to educate patients to go with bypass or sleeve. He said in another few years it won't be a procedure that will be offered any more due to the high risk of complications that are associated with it. -
Im very nervous about my upcoming gastric sleeve operation.
Bridget312001 replied to FrankieP83's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Frankie, The internet has its good and bad side. I obsessed over the doom and gloom stuff too before surgery..but then realized that there will ALWAYS be that 1% who are either negative or who have other complications that skew their perspective. Franc is right…where will you be one year from now if you don't do this? Turn off the youtube, quit searching for train wrecks on the internet and trust the facts.
