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6 month requirement for revision?
Who'sThere replied to Who'sThere's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Got the answer today from my insurance company. If there are complications with my band that deem my revision surgically or medically necessary, there will be no waiting period. Otherwise, 6 months Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App -
Family Ties Band Together?
justduckie replied to winner's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
My DH was very supportive after I took him to a wls seminar and we looked at all the stats.....especially after we look at the rny vs. the lapband. My mother was VERY worried and though not negative, definitely wasn't very supportive. She thought it was unnecessary, that I just needed to exercise more and eat less. Even though she has been heavy her whole life and knows it's not as simple as that. My dad, on the other hand, was all for it! It was and still is, very excited for me. My children were worried, but they like the progress they see and are very supportive. My older sister was very supportive and thinks I made the right and smart decision, going with the band instead of the rny. She is a nurse and sees a lot of the complications with rny. My younger sister, who needs to lose more than I do, is.......well, distant. I think she thinks that I took the easy way out and comes up with tons of excuses why she can't lose weight, won't lose weight, refuses to look into the options.......I hope she realizes that it can be life changing and very much worth the hassles. My friends and co-workers are all excited for me....even if my partner supervisor at work is the "food nazi". He's always saying, "can you eat that? Should you eat that? Why are you eating that!!!!!" Sometimes I wish I had never told him! -
My insurance will let me stay "23" hours. NOt 24 mind you but 23. So unless complications happen, I will be going home early early on the 12th of Sept. ONe week from today!!!!
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Man, I really can relate to so much of this. I do a "chew and spit" thing all the time, too. Not only do I not enjoy food but the process of planning what to eat or forcing myself to eat is extremely anxiety-inducing for me, too. I didn't have all of these complications you had to deal with, but from day 1 I've had a really (irrational) intense worry that my new stomach isn't strong or that if I get something stuck it will just tear or explode... things that don't even really make sense or have any chance of actually happening. I feel much, much better when I restrict my calories. Maybe not physically. But mentally, on the days I have some reason (whether real or invented) to greatly restrict my calories, I feel like I'm doing well. The days I actually eat 1000-1200 calories - I've only had two of these days - I feel absolutely horrible and the urge to drink nothing but a Protein shake or two the next day is almost unbearable. The fact that I do lose more when I starve and stall or gain when I eat enough, coupled with how good my bloodwork still looks, just reaffirms my positive reaction to not eating enough and my anxiety and self-criticizing just pushes me further away from actual physical health. I'm in therapy too. Let's hope we both kick these problems in the ass in the end.
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No support from Gynecologist!
iggychic replied to sheree212's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I have two dear friends who are MD"s. ONe is my OBGYN and she supported me in this decision. She is a tiny little thing BTW but once weighed over 300lbs. Not everyone who is tiny does not know your struggle My other dear friend was against the surgery for me. I had no comorbidities and he felt I should do the band. I wish I'd have listened to him frankly. As to the "easy way" honestly....this is the easy way. Why sugar coat that. Even I, who went through hell with complications have to say this is far easier than anything else because I don't have any options other than to eat small amounts. I also can't eat sugar or high carbs because they make me sick. That does make it easy. Sure ANY weight loss journey is hard, but this is by far the easiest IMO that I've dealt with. For most the surgery isn't what it is for me, so for those folks...heck ya it's rather easy in comparison to other options. No fighting yourself That is easy. -
Gastric Band Or Gastric Bypass? Need To Decide
vingotti33 replied to Bwilson21b's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ben I am the same height as you and when I started I was heavier than you. I chose to have the lapband done. Bypass will have a person lose the weight faster but the surgery is far more extreme. With the bypass/RNY they cut out half of your stomach and re-route your intestines. This can cause malnutrition. From my research I found that complications are more prone with bypass. Fatality rate is much higher as well. With the band it is work, but the band will assist you and aid you to success. It isn't a quick fix, you will have to be aware of the your food choices. Protein being the most important source. Definitely research your options, keep in mind the band is reversible where as once you do the bypass there is no turning back. -
Anyone taking Probiotics before surgery? And if so what are the benefits? I'm trying to make sure that my body is as strong and as healthy as possible before surgery in the hopes to eliminate any complications after. Any suggestions on ways to prep to make the recovery go smoothly is much appreciated. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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I started with going through the "best" hospital in my area....we have several. Turns out this was not a Bariatric Center of Excellence and my insurance balked two months into my program. I swapped over to another surgeon who was affiliated with a Bariatric Center of Excellence and only enough it was through the oldest and smallest hospital in the area. Funny thing is that I ultimately chose to self fund the surgery as it was less costly than actually using my insurance....insane, right ? My new surgeon was OUTSTANDING in every way. He did a great job and was excellent in his advisements and coaching. My suggestion is to locate a bariatric center of excellence. These have proven statistics over time of low complications and excellent results.
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Hello everyone, and Happy Holidays to each of you! My name is Susan, I'm 41 years old, single with no children. I live in the South Suburbs of Chicago. This journey for me has been a long, but enlightening one. I've been heavy pretty much all my life, with my highest weight coming about 2 years ago after thyroid issues leading to thyroidectomy, discovering thyroid cancer, and being hypothyroid for several months while have treatment. Also going on anti depressant meds didn't help Anyway, bariatric surgery is not new to me as my mom had RNY bypass back in the early 1980's. She has been successful at keeping about 2/3 of the weight off, but has had anemia and B-12 deficiency since the surgery. I'm not sure how I started reading up on LapBand, for a long time I was kinda anti-gastric bypass. But I researched starting in Sept 2009 and attended my first seminar in Nov 2009. After all the requirements hoops and such I was approved and set for November 8th. I think some of you have heard this in the post op thread but technically I "had" the surgery, minus the band There was a little complication not related to the actual banding and my wonderful surgeon decided to hold off for a few weeks to make sure no infection came up. Sooooo I have been thru the gas pain, abdominal pain, etc, but got to go back on solids for 2 weeks and just have to do 3 days liquid now before Monday So round two the 29th... I am very anxious to get started with getting healthier. I have a few comorbidities such as hypertension and prediabetes that I trust will get better by losing weight. Also there are so many things I want to still do while I'm "young" lol most of them involve being ACTIVE. But in my head and what my body can do now and two different things. I thank God often for this gift and opportunity. Best wishes to you all and I appreciate your posts and updates! I think that support by others who are going thru it is important for all of us!!! God bless and see you around!
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Packing My Hospital Bag...
BairwithMe replied to Half of Bri's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Here are somethings that I was glad I packed-toothbrush and tooth paste, deodorant, phone and charger, I did pack my kindle fire for reading and I am glad I did because I ended up being there four days due to complications. I forgot to bring a pillow so hubby bought me a medium size sea lion stuffed animal to lay over my stomach for the ride home. that really helped with the bumping on the ride home. I wish I would have brought chap stick..ohh the dry lips after surgery was awful and I wish I would have brought a sleeping mask to block out the hospital lights from the hallway.. as usual it is hard to sleep in the hospital..but I think that would have helped. The nurse case manager told me to bring slippers to walk in and I never used them because they give you those non slip socks that are just fine for walking and when I left I wore the same clothes that I came in with. wishing you the best of luck=God bless. you will do fine!!! -
Hi i am about a month away fron getting sleeved and this is my second time trying to get the surgery but then i get scared and back up from it i love to google and recently read so many bad things about the sleeve this lady even has a picture of what your stomach looks like and it looks so drastic and horrible i feel like not getting the surgery again but this time for good im tired of thinking every single second of my existence about whether i should or should'nt do the surgery ! Its become an obsession , and because of this my depression has gotten worst i feel like a coward and a failure because i know i have to loose weitght one way or another and cant do something about it. Sometimes i have even thought that the best thing would b just to die that way i wouldnt have to decide or loose weight or suffer anymore ! I am 39 years old have suffered being overweight all my life i currently weigh 241 lbs at 5'2 and have most of the comorbidities of being over weight : hb pressure sleep apnea etc etc... I tried to loose the weight on my own and i do accomplish to loose but then i fall off thw wagon and regain so its yoyoing for me all my life and im exhausted but im shitting on my self of fright of the drastic meassures you have to take to feel some what normal in this cruel world. Congratulations to all who have had the surgery and my prayers go out to you so all is well and you continue to b successfull ! My children are very supportive of the surgery but my husband has begged me not to get it because he knows someone that died after the surgery due to complications, but i need something to give one way or another as i am very un happy with my self and very unhealthy! I always ask god for guidance and to help me do whats right ! Love this forum i spend most of my free time here godbless
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Doctor Is Pressuring Me To Have Surgery, Only Need To Lose 30 Lbs
Mom of Five replied to Mom of Five's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, I've read some of those. I'm not sure I'm willing to risk the other complications of the surgery for at best a 56% chance. I am from south Texas and am extremely concerned about the risk of dehydration, which seems to be a common post-op complication. I have enough problem with dry mouth after surgery, so to only be able to take in an ounce at a time is unacceptable to me. I take birth control that needs to be taken at the same time every day and Zyrtec, so need to be able to drink at least 4 ounces of Water to get those down. I'm unwilling to risk pregnancy, and other birth control methods are out. I also take a lot of Ibuprofen, and if I can't take that over the next couple of years would have to take narcotics 24/7. I would be open to a modified version of the surgery, but will not budge on being able to consume 8 ounces of water at a time, as in 5-10 minutes. I am also concerned that my lifestyle would make it extremely difficult to keep up with the supplement regimen. I have five children that I get out the door at four different times to four different schools over a 3 hour period every morning. I will be recovering from a hernia mesh removal at the same time, which is bad enough, and for which I will need to take Percoset and Ibuprofen. My doctor is telling me taking pills right after surgery won't be a problem, but I call bullsh!t on that, from what I have read and what the dietician told me. I already consume more Protein than the recommended amount but have low albumin levels. I'm afraid I would be constantly taking in protein to the exclusion of vegetables and fruit. I'm also anemic, and have been for quite a while. Of course, being pregnant and breastfeeding for the better part of 17 years up until a couple of years ago has a lot to do with that. But I have trouble remembering to take that one little Iron pill a day, so taking several throughout the day is probably not going to happen. -
How did I allow myself to get this way?
achappex3 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What was your breaking point? When did you realize "I cannot keep living like this" I'm up, and cannot sleep... And can't help but wonder, "how did this happen to me?!" I'm 22 years old, and fairly active... Well I thought I was until I realized my phone has a tracker and I wasn't doing nearly as much as I should've been doing. (That has since changed). I have twin girls, and realize that my mother can now get up and get to them quicker than I can. My mom is only 43, but that's no excuse. There is absolutely no reason why she should be more fit than me. None at all. My girls get away with more than they should because I'm too tired, or too lazy, to get up and remove them from what they're choosing to mess with at that moment... My girls are two. I am depriving myself of seeing their future. Everyday. I just don't get it. How at 22 years old have I allowed myself to get to the weight that I am? And why hasn't the things that I've tried worked for me? -Slim4Life: I lost 30 pounds! Felt great, but slowly and surely the weight crept back on. -Weight watchers: same deal. -21 day fix was super complicated for me. I don't get. I've tried several little "crash diets" but nothing came of it. This surgery is one of my last resorts. I want to know what it feels like to feel and genuinely look amazing, healthy. I want to know what it's like to walk into a room and literally not be the biggest one there. I want to know how it feels to not worry about not waking up the next day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
Hello To All! I'm the Newbie...
Kimba Maria Wiggins posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've decided to get Sleeved because at 33 years of age, my BMI is 60 and I have degenerative osteoarthritis in both knees as well as high blood pressure. My family has a long history of heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and arthritis. My grandmother passed at age 62 in 2001 (a week before Christmas) due to obesity-related complications. I used to be a track and field athlete and a weightlifter (when I was in high school). I've looked into the gastric sleeve surgery and I know this is what I need in order to regain my health so I can live a healthier, longer life. I live in NY and have Straight Medicaid, which requires 3 months of NUT visits and from what the surgeon told me that I may get sleeved in either September or October of this year. I wasn't told how much I needed to lose, but I heard it was minimum 10% of your body weight. I've tried everything from Slim Fast to Kashi GoLean and taking diet supplements. I'm more than ready for a change in my life. I know what lies ahead for me, and I know my path to wellness won't be easy. -
% of complications in Us vs. Mexico
Kindle replied to Susysleever's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It's so easy to shift the blame of a surgical complication on something else, so the stats will never be accurate. For example, if you have a hip replacement, and then develop an infection, the infection could spread, and you could become septic, resulting in organ damage or shut down. Your COD would be kidney failure, heart failure, septicemia, etc. not "hip replacement surgery". Or for us, say you become dehydrated because of severe diarrhea and you can't drink enough because your sleeve is so small. You decide not to go to the ER for fluids and you die from kidney failure. Your COD would not be "WLS". Or you do actually have a direct complication like a leak and you chose to go to another doctor for treatment. Your original surgeon would not include your complication in his stats because he never treated you for a leak. And again, what do they consider a complication when collecting their stats? Only leaks and strictures? How about depression, GERD, constipation, diarrhea, alcoholism, gall stones, etc? -
Humor is a good friend to take with you before, during and after your surgery. My surgery ended up being around 5pm. The patient before me had unexpected complications and her surgery lasted 6 hours instead of 2. At least your laundry will be done when you get back home. And Netflix will be waiting too. Isn't it amazing how a good (or even a not so good) movie can help you cope with nervous tension? I don't know you, but I'll be wishing you... and the other poster on this thread... the very best tomorrow. Promise to update us as soon as you feel able. OK?
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Feeling like my life is over
KimTriesRNY replied to Kels7887's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
But your life isn’t over. You are only 30. As frustrating as it is with surgery there are potential complications, that’s why we sign consents to let surgeons operate on us. There are no guarantees that each of us will tolerate the operation the same. You cannot predict what will happen to you after surgery. There are many risks to remaining obese as well. The only thing you can do now is focus on healing and following your diet guidelines. Not all people that have complications have them forever, so don’t get stuck in a negative way of thinking that what you are experiencing now will last the rest of your life. Start on miralax for the constipation. Not pooping can make you miserable. Work on meeting the fluid goals. One day at a time. If you continue to have issues maybe it is prudent to have a second opinion. -
2nd fill w/Realize band 6cc total no restriction
kiz replied to betrthnever's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm very sorry that you're having so many problems. When you say you got sick on 1/18, was it a stomach virus with vomiting, or do you think it was band related? I'm just not sure if you mean your illness on 1/18 was from your band being too tight. If you caught a stomach virus and you were vomiting, you might have irritated the the area where your band was sutured to your stomach, or possibly you've just irritated the stoma (the small opening betweeen your upper and lower stomach), and you're having swelling issues. Has your doctor told you why he thinks you're having these problems? Since you were just about a month out from surgery, had you just started regular foods? Another possibility would be that you ate something solid and didn't chew well or ate too much, and irritated the area and it's caused you extreme swelling. I hope you're feeling better soon. I wanted to add that if you don't get very many responses in this thread, start a new thread under Lap Band Complications forum. I notice that you're new to LBT, so I wanted to go ahead and give you a link to that forum: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/ -
Neuropathy numbness neurological complications after gastric sleeve.
BarrySue replied to teecee's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Ugh, I'm so sorry you're going through this. In reading all the different studies and reports, it seems like Vitamin noncompliance or an inability to properly absorb is the main cause of peripheral neuropathy. How long have you missed your B vitamin compliance, and have you tried to get B Vitamins through shots or sublingually to avoid malabsorption? I wish I had answers for you. As for the headaches, while they are common after a lumbar puncture, if you are STILL having them days after, you need to get back to the hospital ASAP because you may have a leak that could lead to complications! -
I'm also pre-op and am looking at mid-June for surgery. One question I asked myself in deciding if this surgery was for me or not was, could I lose 80-90 pounds in my own and permanently keep the weight off? I answered no because I've been trying to do just that for about 20 years and have failed. The other issue for me was BMI and life expectancy. People with a BMI of over 40 can expect to live 10 years less...that scares the hell out me a whole lot more than whatever short term complications or pain I may experience from having this surgery. I'd like to be around for my grand kids some day. I think it would be beneficial for you to sit down and write out a pros/cons list for having the surgery and I'm almost positive the pros list will win out. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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What was the amount of between your approval and actual surgery?
duckydoom replied to reachbree's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
when I had my lap band, I applied for FMLA, and had the doctor give me a range just in case there were complications I didn't get dinged for unapproved absences. I'm probably going to do the same when and if I'm approved for the sleeve, and just use vacation days at first. I have it in my head that I'll be able to be back to work the following week since I telecommute and have a desk job, but I still want that FMLA buffer just in case. Congrats on your approval and surgery date! -
Can't stop smoking :(
reachbree replied to Hanasleeved's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am not a Dr. but please consider postponing your surgery for a later date, when you've been able to get a handle on the smoking. I know its waaaaay easier said than done, but I was informed, although Im not a smoker, that the smoking prior to this surgery can cause serious complications. Take care of yourself. -
So my SO is totally supportive and has been really excited for me but now that surgery is getting close, he keeps making comments about when I'm skinny and different sly things about how I will prob leave. My surgery is really high risk. I know he's scared to death and now I think he's starting to question us. He doesn't have a weight issue and works in the entertainment industry. He's never had a problem with confidence and is the life of the party. Anyone have any tips? Do I just ignore it? Reassure him? Let him act like a whiney baby?[emoji38] Why are they so complicated ?! [emoji13]
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Surgery on 3/21
JamieLogical replied to ilovevsg~susie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh my goodness! How unusual to see two severe cases of complications so close together. I don't blame you for feeling a little scared after that. Do you know what caused the death of the woman who passed away? I would usually give you my spiel about how the risks from WLS are lower than the risks from knee replacement. But since you've seen severe complications first-hand so recently, I'm not sure that would do much to ease your mind. -
This is just a mini-rant, but I find it so aggravating to read about patients who didn't understand -- perhaps because they were never educated by their bariatric surgical practice -- about the sole reason for the pre-op diet, which kinds of foods to avoid during the pre-op diet and WHY. The point of the pre-op WLS diet is NOT to lose weight. It's to shrink the liver by depleting it of glycogen, thereby minimizing the risks from serious surgical complications. This is Weight Loss Surgery, folks, not Weight Watchers. /rant
