Search the Community

Glad to have found this group. Believe it or not I am 50 and am glad to be part of this group. I got my first tattoo about 5 years to Celebrate the life of my mother that passed. She is also my inspiration to get this weight off. She left this world way too soon. Her death certificate does not say she died of obestity, but the complications of her obesity, lead to her early death. I celebrated by approval for my surgery with a butterfly that is flying away. I put it on my chest, so that everytime I look in the mirror, it reminds me of this gift and to make the most of it. On a side note, not that I have the bug, I added another set of butterflies and flowers to represent my kids and grandkids. The reasons why I need to get my health back, so I can be a part of their lives for a long time!!

I just had my surgery 3 days ago. My bypass took three hours do to existing hernias which made it a more complicated procedure.

Thanks I will stop freaking out now. I will just try to relax. My surgeon will know best whether it is safe to do an all in one with my band complications.

I struggled with this topic too. I actually put out a similar Forum a few months back. I have decided to tell my mother, father, both stepparents, my best friend, boyfriend and 3 co-workers. That's it. I am not even telling any of my siblings because my sister is heavier than I and believes that WLS is the easy way out and so forth. I suffer from PCOS and had an ultrasound last week due to heavy bleeding and the Ultra sound tech was asking questions and such and I mentioned that when having the Bypass my GYN was going to be there to remove cysts, endometriosis, etc. The look on her face was that of pure DISGUST!!! She then said "You're going to be a twig" "There are so many complications with that" "You can't eat and drink at the same time" I was so annoyed but it made me realize why I don't tell just anyone. This is a decision for US not anyone else!!!!

I am so sorry you ladies (and one of your daughters) are going through this! Thanks for letting us know about this possible complication. My thoughts and prayers for a rapid recovery are with you.

6 months and a week ago, i had no health problems even with a 47 BMI - BUT i felt so disgusting. I hated clothes. I wore things just to hide myself. I knew I had a pretty face but that all others saw was the fat. Today, 6 months after surgery and 88 pounds later, I feel INCREDIBLE. i am all about what i'm wearing, my make up, I feel just plain unstoppable. I want you to know that yes there can be complications. I have experienced none so far (truly this is thanks to GOD and following my surgeon's instructions) - but they can happen. I am very, very sorry I did not do this 10 years ago (I'm 38). But i cannot dwell on that. This is a LIFE CHANGING thing if you let it be. I truly wish all of you the best of luck in your decision and if you have the surgery - the best of luck on your journey. It TRULY is a journey. God bless us all!!!!

I am waiting patiently lol for your next youtube video. I am so excited for you about your trip and so sorry about all your complications. You look great!

I'm a failed LapBander. Go sleeve! My personal opinions (not to be taken for medical fact or for normal comparisons - I have many LapBand friends through blogging that have been quite successful): BAND Requires active maintenance to get to and stay at "green zone" for optimal weight loss Body fights foreign object in your body Complication rate relatively high (much higher than when I got it in January 2010) High incidence of acid reflux Stretching of pouch Intolerance of many foods (for me - lettuce & bread were the big ones...but nachos went down easy?!) SLEEVE Virtually maintenance free Permanent alteration Lower incidence of complications than LapBand Forced behavior modification from the word "go" - no fill/unfill drama of LapBand Currently the top, and best rated, WLS on the market - being used in higher percentages now vs. LapBand because of complications Long story short, my LapBand slipped in early 2011 because of the fill/unfill game my horrible doctor played without ever doing a barium swallow to see what was going on. I lost 120 pounds initially, but when I developed a solid food intolerance (had to force myself to throw up daily) because of the severe slippage (now being treated by a phenomenal doctor), I regained all but 30 pounds I had lost because I developed "soft food syndrome" - in essence, I drank high calorie liquids to soothe my pain. Finally had the LapBand removed in March 2013 and was sleeved 9 days ago. I learned great lessons through my LapBand ordeal and have gone into the Sleeve surgery with my eyes wide open and my brain in a better space. I'm eager for my new life!

I called my insurance company and the may not cover the removal of my band bc I didn't have that insurance when it was placed and I need to have "significant complication/technical issues" to have it removed. And I have to show compliance with a nutrition and exercise plan. I had Fluid taken out of my band almost a month ago, I was way too tight, throwing up a lot. Now I'm coughing half way through a meal and have a lot of gas, even on my shoulder. I chew slow and do't drink from a straw. I made a second appt with the nut and will go to the support group meeting. I don't know what else to do.

I'm two months post op and I had my surgery in Tijuana Mexico. No complications at all! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Lizzie, The only thing that really requires immediate attention for a lapband is being too tight and not being able to keep liquids down. Slips, erosions and most complications are things that happen over time you don't even know they are going on. Surgery doesn't have to be the same day it can wait. My first slip I was traveling and I knew something was wrong but I couldn't get to TO so it waited a few weeks to get looked at. So don't stress over 90% of the complications they more than likely won't happen to you and won't be life threatening that is the nice thing about the band. The worst you can experience is a band too tight to keep liquids down and that becomes dangerous in several ways, dehydration etc. Heather

First I'd like to say thank you to all the posters who have been so kind and open to share their experiences. It's been such a great help to new researchers like me. But as much help as it has been, I admit that it has also added to my confusion... I've read about a relatively new surgery which DOES NOT involve cutting the stomach, but instead folding. Claims to have the least complications in comparison to other weight loss surgeries yet yields great weight loss results. This is the surgery that I am VERY INTERESTED in having but the problem is, I do not know what the procedure is called?! This is due to so many procedures being described the SAME WAY but are being called so many different names (i.e. Super Sleeve, Gastric Plication Sleeve (GPS), Total Gastric Vertical Plication Sleeve Surgery (TGVPS), Gastric Imbrication, VSG etc.) I know I am not the first person to question this but I guess with all my research, i haven't found a definite answer? I thought the key word was "PLICATION" but my confusion continues when I see a poster referring to the success of their "PLICATION" surgery and then another poster commenting that they too have had the same success with the same surgery but they refer to it as the "super sleeve" or some other name? Are they actually talking about the same surgery? In addition, I'm confused as to which Doctor's are currently performing this procedure (the one I describe at the beginning of my post) - I was told by Medical Tourism Corporation that Dr. Corvala in Mexico, is the only Doctor. I have since learned that Dr. Watkins is also performing the same said procedure (at least I "think" it's the same procedure!). Both doctor's websites confirm this. But what confuses me is again, other posters stating that they have had the procedure done by other doctors (i.e. Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Dr. Cottam and another Dr. in Mexico whose name I cannot recall) yet when I visit the websites of these doctors, they do not list "plication" as one of the procedures they offer? So to make a long story short (and I do apologize for the length of my very first post!), can ANYONE help me sort out all this information? Thank you in advance

Im having my surgery on the 24th aswell. its been a very looooong 2 weeks of fluids. I dont think i can go on anymore, i just wanna have the opp over and done with now. im getting admitted tomorrow at 1pm. im counting the hours now actually and im hoping for a safe surgery with no complications..

Hi Sharzi, I was just banded in April, and just had my 3rd fill. I've done well with the band with no side effects so far. Doctors seem to like the RNY for "morbidly obese" but I think it should be your choice. I had the same feelings about the invasiveness & risks of the RNY. I had my 1st fill 6 weeks post-op, then another month, then another month. My next fill is in 2 months. My doctor thinks I should be set with this fill or the next. I don't think the maintenance is as bad as some make it sound. I suppose if one has complications, its another story! On the other hand, it is a commitment and your doctor should be monitoring you anyway. At my pre-op appointment, the nurse made it clear that I would be continually monitored by them, and I have to be OK with that. Good Luck Barb

Looks like research shows both work for type 2 diabetes, but bypass may give you an increased chance of better results. Gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial. http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21339423 RESULTS: Of the 60 patients enrolled, all completed the 12-month follow-up. Remission of T2DM was achieved by 28 (93%) in the gastric bypass group and 14 (47%) in the sleeve gastrectomy group (P = .02). Participants assigned to gastric bypass had lost more weight, achieved a lower waist circumference, and had lower glucose, HbA(1c), and blood lipid levels than the sleeve gastrectomy group. No serious complications occurred in either group.

Google weight loss surgery appeals lawyers. Www.wlsappeals.com I've heard good things about them. My local bariatric group says to get a lawyer & appeal always. Its cheaper than self pay & you are sure to get coverage if you have complications later. If u give up & go to Mexico you could end up in mucho bills. allons-y

So sad. I know my eating habits did not allow my kids to always make the healthiest choices as easy as they should be. They are getting better though. The family needed major intervention. Sadly I have a feeling the boy will have complications as the family is not making follow up appointments.

Hello all, I have a 4 hr drive to the hospital where I will be having my surgery. My surgeon likes his patients to stay in the area at least a week post op in case of complications. Although I do think it’s a good idea, I would really rather be in my own home/bed while recouping. Hotels are on summer rates and will be really expensive to stay there......anyone else have to travel?

Anyone here suffer from complications related to Gastric Bypass? I am getting it this spring and trying to mentally prepare. Thanks!

As long as you’re sensible and follow what they tell you , there’s no reason why you should have complications. Of course , none of us can predict what can or can’t happen , even if you follow the diet and rules to the letter, you could still get complications that aren’t your fault, but the key is to make good food choices and excercise , and of course , keep to the golden rules! I read and researched everything I could . I wish you every success on your journey 😊

Lapbands are mostly going out of favor due to complications such as erosions and not-as-good results re: weight loss. I can give more info later; maybe tomorrow. Depending on your BMI or other co-morbidities, it may actually be contraindicated; the sleeve or bypass might be a better option. As above, many former LapBand patients convert to the sleeve. Some surgeons still do the band, but in a recent medical conference of 4,000 bariatric surgeons (and some counselors, nutritionists, etc.), the LapBand is less well received or done these days. I'll try to post to this again tomorrow should I get time. Weigh all factors, then do what feels right for you. In any case, here's praying for a safe journey and no complications next week or after.

I explored 4 surgeries: band, bypass, plication and sleeve. I got scared off from bypass because I knew personally of someone who died from complications and even though there are successful bypass folks at my support group, I just couldn't get past it. So then I looked very seriously at the band but my employers insurance had a WLS exclusion for several years. Fast forward to 2012 and I decide to look back into surgery only now I start hearing about band complications and that maybe it is not as permanent of a device as first thought. I decided I only wanted one surgery and I wanted something permanent. I love my sleeve and have lost 100 lbs. I don't think I would have had the same results with a band. Not that you can't lose weight with it but I wouldn't have lost as much as fast. For comparison, a very good friend of mine got banded 8 weeks before I got sleeved. Over a year out and she is still heavy and has lost maybe 40 lbs. The sleeve was the a** kick I needed to get the weight off.

Quote I had a consult with a surgeon and he's trying to talk me into the band. Given my bmi is only 36, He thinks I will loose a great amount of weight and become malnourished. I believe there are other reason for his push on the band. Like follow ups and the fills, means more . I over heard him through the wall, to the room next to mine, trying to push the band on another patient. Should I give the band a try first then have revision later if it fails?? So stressed over this! I have had the band for five years and for about the first 2 1/2 it worked great. I am finishing my final process to have a revision to the sleeve. Because my complications with the band are becoming so unbearable! I am actually on an all starch diet due to gastritis which I have NEVER had in my life. Now with these last few weeks constant diarrhea and dry heaves are horrible and make u feel dizzy! Honestly I would choose the sleeve first if I knew what I know now. Aftercare is set up for any and everything required. You don't even come in till you feel you need it. Why put yourself through two surgeries the sleeve was the newest option When I got my band five years ago Chat With me privately if you want to keep talking about it

Oh dear, please, do NOT go with the band!!! :-/ I have had two of them now! Please take a minute and read my story on my profile. The band gave me some up front success but then nothing but problems and multiple surgeries on top of all the maintenance!! It's taken 10 years, but I am finally getting this thing out of me! There are so many people with stories just like mine. I wish I had never messed with the lap band, and wish even more that after I did and had it taken out, that someone had told me about the sleeve before I tried it again (though it wasn't near as well known in 2006). There's a board here called "Lap Band to Sleeve Revision" ... Go read up there and also on lapbandtalk.com under the complications section. There are definitely risks with either, but the long term (2+ years) complications of the band far outweigh that of the sleeve! Good luck with your decision though. I know there's nothing easy about it. And I certainly understand the appeal of the band... but it's a trick

Hi Walter, I haven't had my surgery yet, so you can take this with a grain of salt if you wish. The odds of you losing weight (and keeping it off) the so-called "natural" way is almost zero. A lot of people say you have a less than 5% chance of keeping the weight off non-surgically, but I've read other studies were the odds were worse than that - 0.015% for women, and for men it's closer to 0.001% (sorry, I can't find the study now, but I'll try to look for it). The human body, for whatever reason, will fight you tooth and nail to stay fat, if you are obese. The best book I've read so far about this is by Dr. Robert Lustig, called Fat Chance. If you prefer YouTube, my favourite videos about all things related to bariatric surgery are by Dr. Matthew Weiner. He explains things very well. You might also want to watch this HBO special, called The Weight of the Nation. If you want to see the effects of how bariatric surgery can help obese people, there's a great series out of the UK also on YouTube called Fat Doctor which focuses on real people struggling with obesity, and doesn't have the Jerry Springer-like feel of some of the U.S.-based shows. You say you are worried about the surgery, but honestly, for most people, the odds of anything happening to you are about the same as having gall bladder surgery or an appendectomy. And those are pretty routine surgeries. But remember - if you stay the weight that you are, any surgery will be a risk, as it is for all people who struggle with obesity. You listed quite a number of conditions that you suffer from -- two questions to ask yourself is, 1) do you want to keep suffering from them and know that they will only get worse with time? and 2) what odds are better for you, in terms of being around for your family - staying morbidly obese, or having the surgery and be given a real chance to not only lose weight, but to keep it off? Sorry to be blunt, but there it is. Is this a big decision? Of course it is. Could there be complications? Yes, but that's true of any surgery. However, I think most people who have had the surgery will say it was the best decision they ever made, and that they wish they had done it sooner. For whatever reason, sleeve or bypass (not lapband, which few surgeons do anymore do to low success rates and other problems) "resets" the body in many ways - within 24 hours to a few weeks to a few months after surgery, people may no longer be diabetic, get off high blood pressure or cholesterol meds, have no hunger to fight against (some forever, but most regain some sort of hunger pangs within a year and a half of surgery), and there can be major changes to your metabolism. Your taste buds will probably change, and you may find that certain foods that you used to like will no longer appeal to you after you've had surgery. Of course, there can be some negative side effects too, like food restrictions and gerd and dumping syndrome, needing gall bladder surgery, some depression (immediately after surgery, but I haven't come across any long-term stats about that), and sometimes addiction transfer (for example, changing your food addiction to something like alcohol addiction). I would really recommend to write down a list of all your concerns and talk about them with your surgeon. Finding a therapist would probably also help. I don't know where you are (I'm assuming the U.S.) so if you have insurance I'm sure you'll have to jump through a few hoops in order to qualify for the surgery, but that can be a good thing, as it gives you time to deal with your fears/concerns before having the surgery. Whenever I get worried about anything, my motto is: think of the solution, not the problem. I find it really helps to get my mind out of the self-defeating loop that will make the problem seem bigger than it is. In this case, I think educating yourself about the surgery, about anesthesia, etc. will help you feel better (or not) about having the surgery done. Good luck.