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YOU POOR THING!!!!! I can't imagine needing to be off meds for 2 months. That seems too long... but I'm not on mtx or cimzia. I am taking Humira and sulfasalzine, and tramadol. But I also have to take a thyroid medicine, or I'll get palpitations. Stupid thyroid! Auto-immune treatment and the disease, complicate everything so much. People who don't have to deal with it can't understand what it is like. I don't have a date yet for my surgery, but I find myself with a lot of fear over it that I don't quite understand yet. Perhaps the waiting for approval is the time to get our game faces on, huh? I would love for you to keep me in the knowledge of your process, and if you need support - I'm here! Hope to hear from you again, lsmargiassi

I'm 3 1/2 yrs post lapband. No soda is allowed with the lapband because it can cause band erosion or slippage. I occasionally will have a sip of hubbys soda if we're out to eat, but basically don't drink it anymore. My band is slipped now (thanks to my frequent vomiting) and I'm revising to a sleeve soon. From what I've been reading, they say no to soda because of discomfort. banders are sposed to have discomfort with soda too, but I have none. So is it medically ok to drink soda but it's up to the individual on whether it causes pain - or is it across the board a no-no? Just curious....

I am also 22 and had gastric sleeve on April 5th. I actually posted concerns like this on here about a month ago but have had not one complication since my surgery. The only thing that happened after was I threw up from all the pain meds and anaistesia. I don't do well with pain meds. I will be straight honest with you that it will be a very big challenge for you in the beginning but I am 3 months out and struggled terribly in after but am now doing better and do not regret my decision. I did horribly the first couple months but I truly know I would of ate myself to death if I did not choose this option. The struggle is all mental and I still deal with anxiety and depression but I have always had it but masked it with food. I am now forced to face my demons head on and not hide behind food but I feel like that I really did need that. I have lost 35 pounds so far and already have so much more energy and no pain in my back and neck. It will be scary at first but I promise you will make it through. 4 members of my family had gastric bypass and are 10 years out with no complications. If you ever need someone to talk to you can message me ❤ Sent from my 0PM92 using the BariatricPal App

Interesting thanks for the info. No complications I hope! Yeah hospitals aren't generally the most fun places in general -- add staff that are carrying around their own personal issues and drama, and the stay can become even less enjoyable! I was kind of surprised this specialty clinic is based at Deaconess instead of Sacred Heart - my impression is that the latter is a newer and more carefully run facility. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I say go through with it. My mom and dad were supportive of me getting the lap-band, but not the sleeve. I had the sleeve anyway, and I didn't tell them otherwise because I wanted to avoid the confrontation. They were afraid of me having a "real surgery" in Mexico. I was afraid of having the complications that came after the band, and having a re-operation to remove it (which is almost guaranteed after so many years). You know your body best, so do what you need to do. Your mom will come around, she has to. It's not like they can reattach your stomach!

I wouldn't. I live in Canada and our healthcare system pays for this treatment for obesity. Also, the news here are quick to point out the people who have come back with complications. Now, our healthcare system does pay... but I had to wait 2 years. It's a first come first serve system. Waiting can be anywhere from 6 months to 7 years + depending on where you live in our country.

I was 23. Ask them if the <1% of dangerous complications is scarier than the huge likelihood that being obese will kill you decades early. You may be young, but you are not stupid, and if you've made it this far and know that this is the right thing for you, don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Can't tell you how many times I've heard or read "oh man, I wish I had done this when I was younger!" Do what is right for you and your health. Your loved ones need to accept that they are no longer the authority in your life. They are now the spectators, and it's time for you to take the wheel. You can do anything you want, and you truly have an entire life ahead of you. by the way, I've love almost 160 pounds since surgery 9 months ago, and the naysayers are too busy complimenting me to remember what they were freaking out about in the first place. Good luck to you! I hope you have the same success in the near future! Feel free to friend me or message me anytime if you're looking for someone our age to talk to. I would also be more than happy to friend you on facebook, if you'd like (https://www.facebook.com/abbylynn113) Hang in there.

Thank you everyone for your stories. Does anyone know the statistics for complications with the VSG?

I'm doing great, the pain is normal for someone who had such extensive adhesions and hernia and the complication. I am not stuck on Full Liquids because of the pain or complications, this is what my doctor's office has for all his patients. The do not want to risk a leak and err on the side of caution. On Monday I go. I can only get down at the most 1/4 cup of soup and often times not even that much. I can get down 1/2 of a small dannon light & fit or healthy & whatever yogurt. I just keep craving pickles and Tuna. I cannot wait for Purees and on Monday they better advance me lol.

My suggestion is to do as much research in the next few weeks as you can to prepare yourself! This site is a good place to browse to find answers to specific questions you have, all you have to do is type a few keywords in the search bar. But I caution you to take what you read of people's experiences with a grain of salt. You'll see a lot of the bad experience stories on here along with the good ones. Do not let that scare you!! If you follow your surgeon's guidelines, your chance of complications is minimal. I also encourage you to read blogs on this site or on the web in general. There are a lot out there devoted to LapBand success stories and when I first started my journey I found it comforting to read. I felt more prepared reading what others did to be successful. I have a blog, the link is below if you want to check it out. I have a lot of info about my journey from insurance approval to now. Other good blogs to try are LapBand Gal and BandedWendy (video blog). You'll find links to other blogs in these places as well. Best of luck to you!!! You'll do great

I'm sure that part of your pain is complicated because of Christmas. You probably have a lot to do and food is everywhere. The first 2 weeks after my surgery, I just had to physically leave the kitchen when others where eating. My mom came to help and of course she cooked all my favorites for my family. It was hard. It's an emotional time. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not hungry. You are. Physically and emotionally you are hungry. It does get easier like everyone on this thread has said. They're not lying. It will get better! The first month is the hardest. Lots of adjustments, but you can do it. Keep logging onto LBT and feel of the support! Good luck December bandsters!

This time tomorrow I will be sleeved! I am excited, but starting to get really nervous. Today has been kind of tough, it's the second day of my clear liquid diet. My husband heated up something in the microwave for lunch and it smelled sooooo good. I asked him to go out for dinner and not bring it home:-) Right now I'm re-reading about all of the possible complications that may occur, but I keep telling myself that I just have one more day and all will be fine. I'm hoping and praying that everything goes well. On a positive note (sort of), I resigned from my job last week and don't have a new one lined up to begin until October. Financially this will be a little tough, but this should give me plenty of time to recover and try to work this sleeve to the best of my ability when it comes to food and exercise. Next time I post, I should be on my way to a healthier me.

There's been some patients that had part of the hospital bills from complications covered by insurance, but others have had complete exclusion of any complication bills being paid by insurance that do not cover the initial procedure. It seems it's all in how the hospital bills the charges, and how the doctor handles the complications. It's a tough situation to be in as I would not want bypass, and I would have self-paid for my revision if insurance would not have come through for me.

Hello, and welcome! You've definitely come to a place with lots of information, and a lot of us will be happy to answer questions! I haven't yet been sleeved, but I've been hanging around VST for about a year now, first researching and now waiting for all the ducks to finish lining up so I can have my surgery this summer. I can definitely talk about things from the pre-surgery side, and about the various theories and "how it works" sorts of things - I'm a bit of a research geek that way First, do you already have a bariatric surgeon picked out? If not, you might see about attending whatever seminars the local bariatric specialists in your area may have and start getting answers. Additionally, look into having a 1:1 consultation with reputable surgeons after you do that research. Ideally, find a surgeon who will take time with you to make sure your questions are answered! If you've already picked a surgeon, you've made a great start. There's no question that you should think about this carefully and weigh your options. No surgery is without risk, and this one certainly has risks for complications or even death. There are people on these forums who will tell you that they very much regret having the surgery because of the complications they've had to live through and are still dealing with, and that's a fair assessment from their perspective. There are many more who will tell you this isn't easy, but it is the best choice they could have made and they are very happy with the results. Make sure you understand the risks as well as what success really looks like. It sounds to me like you have a lot of motivating factors, but it's a seriously big decision. Third, don't have unrealistic expectations. This isn't a magic bullet - you'll still have to work and diet and exercise. What it is, is a tool. If you do what your surgeon and/or nutritionist tell you to do, you will lose the weight. It won't be instant, but it will likely be pretty quick in the overall scheme of things. Realistically, they will tell you that most sleeve patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight and if you do that, you've been successful. Honestly, though, if you're truly focused and determined you can lose it all, it just gets slower as your overall weight gets lower - there are plenty of folks around here who are near or at their goal weight, and others who are still moving down the scale. Finally, don't get hung up on comparing your decisions and your diet and your progress with everyone else. We all respond differently to this surgery, to the diet, and so on. Remember it's your personal journey, and if you're moving in the right direction, then you're probably doing just fine. We're all here to support each other. That doesn't mean we'll always agree with each other, but don't let that bug you too much. Mostly, the disagreements are because we passionately care that we all succeed. Good luck in moving forward!

I haven't had any complications with my gastric bypass. I am 1 yes post op down 134 lbs. my daughter is getting surgery this month. We have a blog call Lovemypouch.com Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

WASaBubbleButt, Thank you so much for replying. I have read your posts over the past year or so and appreciate your honesty. After being unfilled for two weeks (liquids only), I had an upper GI done. It came back "absolutely perfect". No slip, erosion, ulcers, or irritation. Because of this, Dr. Aceves said I could eat anything. I have been careful, but have eaten half a hamburger and a few fries for the first time in 2 1/2 years. It was nice to have real food and throw it up! The doctor now feels very confident that he can do the band to sleeve revision in one surgery. That was what I was hoping for. When you have some time, can you tell me exactly what to expect from getting to Mexico to leaving? I was happy to hear that Dr. Aceves has not had any leaks. I think she said no complications in any sleeve operation. Thank you for your help. I know I can trust that you will be honest in your experience. Cheryl __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

36F, he is convinced it has excellent results with fewer complications. So far, at least in my case, he is right!

Thanks @ Ready4Success for the well wishes and suggestion. I hope to work out payment arrangements for the medical/hospital bills and pray that works out! AND, congrats on your weight loss! @ cindimca4, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience! I have to say that the surgical center where I had the procedure performed was BEAUTIFUL, like a spa; but one of the things the US hospital made clear was that the equipment and processes for complications and emergencies are VERY limited in Mexico. And, I don't completely fault the doctor, I think the doctor thought the situation could be remedied and continued attempts when I probably should have been transferred to a US hospital. I ended up in a GREAT hospital back in the US and the nurses and doctors took really good care of me. I am so blessed to be alive and not have any on-going medical issues. Having only lost around 20 pounds, I totally identify with the question of 'is it worth it'...I hope that very soon the both of us can firmly say "YES IT IS"!

I was sleeved on 10/23, I had no complications (knock on wood), getting my water and protein in, gas was decreasing, somewhat regular BM,, pain was steadily decreasing. However, yesterday the pain became worse and steadily increased. Today was no better and it got worse. I went in to my PCP, (who btw had bypass be same surgeon), from there I was sent to the ER (at surgeon's request). They gave me pain meds which only took the edge off the pain and conducted CT scan. They said no leak, no hernia. The CT scan was all clear. So they are thinking it is muscular pain (only hurts when I move), and sent me home with more pains meds. I am very relieved it was nothing serious; however, I am curious if anyone else has experienced anything like this?

My cousin was sleeved by Dr Nick. She had a very good experience with no complications. Shes never said anything negative about him. She is about 16 months out, and is still losing weight. She looks fabulous!

We are welcome to our own opinions and if that is what was posted here then there would be no conflict. For example if what had been posted was... 'going to Mexico was not something that I was comfortable with. The struggles facing our border with Mexico concern me and I chose to spend my money in the US.' That is something that is an opinion but blanket statements about entire groups of people is hateful. My sister in law lives in Oaxaca and her husband is from Ensada, my husband is a Border Patrol Agent we live in a border town with a 96% hispanic population and my brother is dating an illegal immigrant that crossed here when she was fourteen. Our country is complicated, a melting pot of culture, food, language, ideals and that is American! We were built on the melding of difference and in that we found unity. Now its shifted become more complicated in ways but there is no room for blame here! God made us all equal in His eyes and therefore not a single person on this earth means less to Him than any other! His love is unending and completely impartial. Even for those that don't see it that way!

Hi, I will be starting solid food in 2 weeks (YAY!). And I need your valued opinion on some stuff. I want to try some food but I want to know if I'll get in the required amount of Proteins with these items. 1) Many have commented that they eat cottage cheese for Protein. I love cottage cheese but I'm a bit skeptical about it because of the fat content. I know there are some low-fat brands but I dont get many options in India. So, do you think it is advisable to have regular cottage cheese? How many grams of protein do you think it has in, say, 3 one inch cubes (coz that is what I think I can handle for a day with my sleeve LOL) 2) I rarely eat non-vegetarian food. I only take eggs regularly. So I'm out of touch eating chicken though I used to LOVE it in my school days. I'm planning to start eating chicken when I start solid food. Now, I was wondering how many pieces I'll be able to eat for a meal and how much protein I'll get from it. I know everyone has a diff capacity but I just want to get a rough idea. 3) Some say they eat peanuts, roasted soybeans etc. I'm again skeptical about these because of the fats. Your opinion pls... I welcome any other suggestions from you. I want to have a protein rich diet when I start the solid phase coz I haven't really been able to get as much protein as required till now. Though I'm making sure my food is low carb and low calories, I havent been concentrating on proteins. I just take 1 protein mix a day (20 gms protein), 2 egg whites (6.5 gms protein), lentils and pulses 2 times daily (10 gms protein), milk twice daily (3 gms protein). I barely get in 40 gms of proteins a day. Though I dont have any complications I really dont want to mess up because of my carelessness. PS: What do you think is the healthy amount of fat and carbs that I can take in a day?

The standard protocol for my surgeon's sleeve patients is absolutely zero working out other than walking (no more than 2-3 miles per day) for the first 4-6 weeks. Due to my complications, I was not released to work out, or walk more than 1 mile per day until my 3.5month post-op follow up.

I don't know if flying would be advisable with a fever. Have you asked your Dr. would it be okay with a fever? I would be concerned of other complications such as blood clots at this point being in such high elevation.

MsBatty, This first week has been a learning experience and a half.... I had my surgery on the 28th had to stay extra day due to vomiting and bp sky high after surgery.... I finally came home on Sunday felt weak but ok. My world literrally turned upside down with the next 48 hours of constipation. I hadnt had a bm since Dec27. I wasnt expecting any complications within the first week but i literrally wanted to die Monday and Tuesday. I was in such pain and couldnt walk or see straight due to not being able to have a bm. I was straining and pushin so much on Tuesday because my body and mind were doing their own thing and i just couldnt help it. Needless to say my biggest incision is now bruised and one of the smaller incisions started to bleed late Tuesday night. I finally took milk of magnesia after calling dr office but i had taken miralax monday and tuesday morning with no results at all. I was so desperate i took a stool softner because i just wanted my bottom to stop hurting from all the straining. Sorry for being so graphic but im being honest. Well i finally got relief from the miralax, milk of magnesia and stool softner at 4am on Wed. I was so afraid to go because i didnt know what would happen and my poor behind just couldnt take no more but once i started peein the bm started slowly trickling out and then the big one(yikes) i felt like a new woman constipation is no joke. Now its Thursday and my stomach churns growls feels bubbly and gassy since i had the bm yesterday. I feel like im starving but i know its the process that i must go thru to get to the end and this too shall pass No reqrets just a learning daily experience with a new tummy that i never had. With that being said i stepped on scale i discovered i lost 7lbs so far and i tried on a shirt that was very snug and its not as tight which is a plus. Best of luck to all 28'rs and your wl... Be BLessed TD