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Thanks 1Day, The physicians are a bit ridiculous here. The choice to go to Mexico comes with a lot of "what ifs?" Part of the decision making process for me is determining the importance and relevance of each of my questions. If a complication arises, it just happens. I wouldn't necessarily have any more control over the situation in Florida vs. Mexico. I wasn't planning on having surgery until this summer while the kids are out-of-school. I have a consultation scheduled with the Florida doc in April. I think it would be prudent to keep the consult and get a feel for the doctor. I've had some really bad experiences with some docs that were too cocky to listen to their patients. That's part of my interest in a Mexico based physician. I feel like they will be more responsive to my concerns because they rely on these tourism dollars and are focused on building (and maintaining) a good reputation. Either way, I'm happy that I have time to make a decision that I'm comfortable with.

Belladonna, One of my points was that the physician I selected in Florida is over two hours away. Therefore if a complication did arise, I would not be going back to him for follow-up. I would seek local care. So either way, I would be on my own for follow-up. Good point about the insurance coverage for complications. If I use insurance for the procedure, I won't be responsible for paying for any additional charges once my MOOP is met..... Provided it occurs during the same calendar year. I need to research the medical tourism insurance policies for comparison. Ally

Almost 10 months here and I agree, complications free just get use to the fills and eating again. I would be second in line behind you Tanya.

It sounds like you have a lot of trust and respect for your Dr and that is a good thing to have! Although you respect her, does she respect you? I am firmly against scare mongering, which seems to be her objective to sway you from weight loss surgery. Yes there are complications and yes some people gain their weight back, but she isn't giving you the global facts. Where is her unbiased information? What about all the success stories? The successes far outweigh the failures. I think to go through this, or any medical procedure for that matter, a person needs to have an unbiased support team. Up front and center should be their Doctor. If you've voiced your questions, desires, your own fact finding details with her and she is still spewing the negatives, you may want to consider seeing another Dr. A doctor shouldn't control your life, or attempt to control you with horror stories. They should guide and support you where your health is concerned. Do your own research. Become knowledgable on what it takes to stay committed, how it works, the struggles, and all the complications so you can make an informed decision. The decision is YOURS, and no one elses. Good luck ♡

Hello Topgun. I understand exactly how you feel. I started this journey back in 10/2011 only to have my insurance come back and say I had to switch facilities in 12/2011. Now that I have completed all of my pre-op and scheduled for surgery 20 days from today I am freaking out. I thought I was ready for this now I'm not sure. Wondering if I will lose the weight? If I will have any major complications? Will I gain the weight back? How much skin will I have? I just hope I am making the right decision. Not only that but I have lost 15 lbs so far and will prob end up losing another 10lbs before surgery. I'm just thinking to myself how come I can't lose the weight and keep it off without surgery. Anyways...we can hold each others hand on this one. Good luck

I remember taking a PFT back in 2001 before my original surgery. My surgeon at the time said it was to make sure I could handle the anesthesia without being intubated because intubation makes things more complicated. The revision I just had didn't require much pre-op tests just the barium swallow, endoscopy, CBC work up & an EKG. Best of luck on your journey it's so worth it and it works if you work it Sent from my iPhone using BariatricPal

Keep in mind, everyone gets cold feet the last few weeks, so what you are feeling is normal nerves. BUT there are people that get the surgery and regret it long term, so use this time to weigh all your options. Option 1. Get the surgery as planned. 2. If you are a candidate, go with a sleeve instead.. fewer complications (but if they do happen, they'll be just as expensive as the bypass ones). 3. Cancel the surgery, with the understanding that you may reschedule when you are comfortable. 4. Reschedule the surgery for January. 5. Have the surgery in Mexico, and that would leave quite a bit of money in your bank account to help with any complications. (I went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and have no problem recommending that option to others. It was a very good experience.. and Dr. Illan is willing to help with any future issues, you just have to be able to fly down for the care). Complications from surgery would be expensive, but so are complications from morbid obesity. Diet and exercise programs are a bargain, so if you haven't tried them, that may be a great thing to do if you choose options 3 or 4.

People please by all means take this very serious...The lap band isn't for everyone and needs to be thought of carefully....I've seen commerical after commerical for the lap band placement and I'm here to just state an opinion about it....Personally for me it wasn't worth it....I had my band in for 5 yrs and had horrible complications from it all...Within 2 yrs I wanted it removed and the doctor wouldn't remove it....So, its not that easy to get it reversed....The only way I was able to have it removed is I ended up with a GI Bleed from all the vomiting I was constantly doing and they found that the band was in 3 different sections....Then once they got in there, they (doctors) found scar tissue all over the band pieces which was causing the horrible pain that I kept trying to tell my orginal doctor about and he wouldn't listen. So, PLEASE think about the band carefully and only if its a last resort after trying dieting, exercise and all that good stuff first before doing the band....I personally was on a 1500 calorie a day diet with 15 grams of fat and cycling 5 miles a day which I didn't lose any weight from after 6 months....So, therefore that's how I got started on my trip to having the lap band....But, I take it back now and have the scars to show what used to be....I am more healthly than I was when I had the band in and thankful that a TEAM of doctors finally listened to my plea. Txbbwstrwbry

Shirley, The only way I was able to get my band out was not through having insurance and being basically diagnosed with a GI bleed before anything would be done....I'm sorry to hear that you are going through such complications because in my mind at times they will get worse and then better....So, just hang in there and find a hospital willing to take it out if your doctor says it needs to come out. I had a doctor that basically said I had a GI bleed and when that didn't appear to be the case and ruled everything out the only thing left was the band....So, they removed the band and I'm fine now. I'm not sure if you have Chrons or not, personally I would get a 2nd opionion on that if you think its your band....Let me know if there is anything else I can try and help you with. Txbbwstrwbry

I'm traveling for business this week and have not been able to eat since I landed. Does flying cause complications? I tried to have dinner tonight but vomited several times. Only able to tolerate broth. Cold liquids come right back up. Does this mean I have a slip. Should I go to the ER? My co-working know nothing of my surgery. How do I explain this? Need all the advice I can get. Surgery date 5/8/12 6.8cc in 10 cc band

1. Are you satisfied with your lap band? Are you happy you chose the band over vsg? 100% satisfied, but vsg was not an option in 2006 so it wasn't a choice as such. 2. I'm afraid of the unkown. Do you feel normal...like just living and being your normal self and don't know it's there? Totally normal. Don't know it's there. 3. Do you get used to eating little portions? Do you feel deprived? Yes. No. 4. I work on a team, and we eat lunch together and chat daily at work. I don't want to tell anyone at work. I'm afraid I won't be able to do this without them and or me having eating issues in front of them? Do you think I will be able to? What are your experiences? I told very few. But you have to find a reason for being on liquids for the post-op stages. I said it as a medically supervised diet. True! 5. I've heard many people say "oh, the band is only 25% of the help...It's really me." I'm hoping the band is A LOT of help, not a magic wand, a GREAT help...more than 25% else wise, what's the point! What is your opinion/experience? How much help is the band for you? ALL the band does is dim hunger. You can always eat round it by eating soft foods or by grazing. 6. I need appetite suppression... Does the band actually do that? What exactly does the band do you for you? n How would you describe it? As we eat, the narrowing caused by the band makes the oesophageal walls move more - this tells the brain we have eaten maybe three times as much as we have. Our brain thinks we are full. If I am busy, it doesn't occur to me to eat, if I am bored, it does. I haven't felt stomach rumbling hunger for nine years. 7. Looking back, do you think you could have lost your weight without the band? Possibly, but not as much and never have kept it off, 8. I hear a lot about eating slow and small bites...I am very afraid of this! I don't want to be a spectacle in front of others or feel weirded out and miserable having to eat with baby spoons and pea size bites. I want to eat normal. How is this for you? You will learn. No-one I eat with would guess I am banded 9. Any personal testimonies, advice or warnings? There is quite a high complication rate further down the line. Studies vary and figures cover a wide range. But some studies show re-operation rates (slips, leaks, removals) as high as 30% or more. Some doctors no longer implant bands because of this. I am not in the US but am told that the Mayo Clinic is a major centre and no longer does bands. Please share and

read up on the surgeries (all of them) to see what would be a good fit for you...remember any WLS works and none are better than the other no matter what anyone says.....WLS is a complete life (lifestyle) change and for best results, always do what the dr who operates on you advises.. unless you decide to eat better, exercise, no WLS will help.......people get one surgery, it dont work for them and off they go to another one......the person looking at oneself in the mirror is a HUGE reason a WLS can work or not work.......(granted some complication can and does happen on any WLS) but those are small risks in my opinion to gain a longer life. so if you want to be healthy and get healthy do it....but expect to do some work...

Certainly understand! One thing I would like to add is that it is NORMAL and GOOD to have these worries and concerns. They are healthy because they motivate us to make the good decisions before surgery. Ultimately the worst thing that happens is the surgery is delayed a bit. And while that is emotionally hard, it is best so that you have the greatest chance at success without complications that you reaaaalllllllyyyy don't want. Being prepared is key. You are on the right track. I wish I could send a magic wand to prepare everyone for the roller coaster they will encounter (some are small coasters and some more challenging) but like you said, before you know it you will be on the other side and headed to a healthy life! Congrats on your decision! Keep us posted!!

I was just wondering if anyone out there has had the band for a long time and if you had any complications? Would you do it again if you had it to do over again?

Hey Guys, I am sorry to repeat what I know others have said many times, but I just have to vent somehow. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow, due in on 9th Sept. And I am really really afraid. The problem is I'm not really sure what I'm afraid of.... one minute I think I am afraid of going under anaesthetic, then a couple of days later I am freaking out about the flight over to Southampton. Just when I've convinced myself that the flight is going to be fine, I start fearing complications. Then I get scared of never being able to comfort eat ever again. But I got over that.... NOW I am scared that for some reason I will regret my decision. That for some reason I am going to have to admit that I was weak and should have just done this the "proper way" by exercising more and getting further therapy for my eating problem. That I am going to have to face "I told you so's" from those who haven't supported my decision. Right now I honestly wish I could look into the future and make sure that I'm doing the right thing. I know that no-one can tell me what is right for me. I also know that you all have your own fears and concerns and probably don't want me adding mine to the table. But I also know that some of you have been through this and now have no regrets. I honestly hope I can be strong and become one of you. Thanks for listening. Lyndsey xxx

My band came out this morning. It was fairly easy as much as surgery can be easy. Surgery at 9:30 am, on my way home at 2 pm. No pain meds needed at all, even immediately post-op. Moving a bit slow, especially sitting down/getting up, but this has been WAY easier than getting banded. There was a fair amount of scar tissue that my surgeon removed. The band had also pulled my fundus (left portion of the stomach) up through my diaphragm, causing some misshaping that needs time to heal. My surgeon still wants to wait four or so months to revise to the sleeve. I know it's for the best, and I'm fine with waiting, although I of course would like to get started sooner. But waiting is the best way to reduce complications, and I just need to remember that this is for the REST of my life, which means four months are just a blip on the radar. I could possibly get sleeved around my three year bandiversary, which would be late November. On bland mushies today and back to a normal diet tomorrow. I still can't believe I am band-less!

Hi, I'm almost 4 mos out and have never felt tired.Im a nurse who works quite a bit of OT and am working out 6 days a week. The only time I felt sick is when I ate too much too fast, it didn't last. I had zero complications other that immediate post of nausea/ vomiting, went away in 2 days. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I would probably have spent more time planning for my immediate post op diet for when I got home from the hospital. I have not tried drinking soda yet and am not sure if I will.

I really don't have that much of a diet plan--like I said, my surgeon's plan is "do the best you can" with no specific goals. I try to get protein in first and drink a lot. I am behind on progressing the diet due to some early complications. I would prefer a specific X grams of protein, X calories, and X carbs or less, but for whatever reason my surgeon's office is vague and evasive when I ask. From the tone of your post it sounds like I am not losing at the rate that one would expect. Can you share what your daily goals are regarding Fluid, protein, carbs, calories and exercise? Thank you for your advice!

Sorry you are feeling let down. However I am sure that the surgeon has your best interests at heart. Surgery is dangerous and the higher your BMI the more dangerous it is . A BMI of 68 is extremely high.Far better to lose the weight prior to surgery than to die from complications on the table. It is also normal in the US to have to undergo a 6 month supervised diet prior to undergoing surgery . This proves to the insurance company that you are serious and have tried your best and are not just looking for a quick fix. you are not the first person i have heard of that has to do a 4 week preop diet. The purpose of this part of the process is to help shrink the liver. When you are obese the liver is enlarged and fatty. If it is not reduced in size prior to surgery you run the risk of having to have open as opposed to laparoscopic surgery or of it getting damaged during surgery which is highly dangerous. If your Dr suggested a bypass you need to find out why do not just dismiss his suggestion out of hand.Yes there are some Dr's that push bypass because it is their preferred surgery but your Dr may feel that a band would not suit you. With weight loss surgery there is no one size fits all - different surgeries suit different people depending on their types of eating.Bands are generally recommended for people that eat large quantities but do not have as much of an issue with sweets. bypasses are recommended where it is felt that malabsorption is also required. There is another option - the sleeve.I have even heard of people having a bypass and a band combined. Price should not be your deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. I understand that it is important but it is more important to choose an experienced surgeon that has done lots of the procedure that you choose and that has a good track record. Their are countless horror stories of things going wrong when using a cheap or inexperienced surgeon. That is not to say that all surgeons offering cheap surgery are bad but you do need to be careful. This board is a great place for you to vent, get support and do research.Read some of the threads from people that had revisions from lapband to bypass to help you with your decision as well. Wishing you all the best.

I really haven't had negative comments, but I had one person say they were sick of dieting and wished they could just have surgery like I did. She was just being a patronizing bitch, so I turned the tables on her and gave her my surgeons name and contact info, told her all about the the preop and postop diet and how lucky I was not to have any of the complications ( which I described in detail) How now I can eat anything I want, as long as it's not bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and sweets. Exclaimed how great I feel now that I can't drink beer and don't wake up with hangovers anymore. (She's a big partier). Made suggestions on the best vitamins and protein powders to get, talked about drinking at least 2 liters of water everyday, and how many great bariatric recipe websites there are. Described how nice it is to only have to eat an appetizer at a restaurant, so I was saving so much money. The more I encouraged her, the more excuses she made of why she couldn't do it. I put a positive spin on my whole experience, but I think I made my point about how " easy" this all is.

I'm 43 (44 in March), 6 months post-op and just learned that I am 4.5 weeks pregnant. This is my 3rd pregnancy (kids are 16 & 11). I'm scared and excited....worried because I was warned to wait a year (I wasn't trying, TBH sex was barely happening so this is a big ass shock!!). I had an IUD in for 10 years prior to the surgery and decided to give my body a break due to my age and minimal sex life with my hubby. Well lo and behold, removing the IUD seems to have revived my libido! I'm sorry if this is TMI, but I am hoping to hear from any other 40 somethings who have been pregnant in their 40's post surgery. Any unique complications specific to our age group? How did or is it going for you?

I used generic gas x chewables they are a god send for gas. Idk if you’ve had a bowel movement yet but once you do gas seems to subside. I feel so good honestly no side affects, pain or complications thank god. Water is going down so much faster and smoother. Everyday gets better 4 more days until purée and I’m ready because I have hunger pains. Sf food makes me have the runs so the doctor says nothing is lasting in my stomach to make me feel less hungry but purée will help. Good luck

Hello. I have decided to get a gastric band and being impatient I want it asap! I am going to India on 6th June and would love to have it done between now and then. I have email the surgeon about this issue and am awaiting a reply (only sent tonight though). What are your experiences? Should I wait until I return or will it make little difference. I really would love to get it done before I go so that I can come back and wow!! I have looked at a few private clinics in New Delhi incase there were to be any complications and they do look very clean and I am confident in them. Am I likely to have any complications? I would hope to be banded April so would have approx 2 months or slightly less to become used to it. Thank you all Anna xxx

It is 3 years today that I went for my life saving surgery. I had no idea of the positives or negatives that would befall me on this journey. I wonder if I knew then what I know now would I have done it at all. I think the answer is yes! With all the complications and difficulties I personally faced and still am facing I am a changed girl. One that is free to walk long distances. Go anywhere with out people staring or making unkind remarks. I have become invisible to the masses. I like that a lot. Soon I will undergo skin removal surgery and will really be changed forever. ( always being watchful of my addiction of course ) I live in a different world now. I started my own business and now work for a organization that appreciates my efforts. My journey is unfolding before my eyes. For the good may I say. I don't feel the same about anything in my life. I can't remember being this happy and it all began with the approval for WLS. I know who I am better. My weaknesses and I have much more compassion for others. The complications I still have are a strict reminder of where I have been and how far I have come. It has been quite a ride! Thank you everyone for being part of it. Couldn't have done it without the support of so many on this site. Thank you Alex for giving us a place to discuss freely the ups and downs of WLS. Jane

Hi, in my case I found my binges to be controlled just as Julie said....because the hunger disappeared! I do get the head hunger munchies stuff on occasion, but the fact is to overeat, causes me pain, and is NOT worth it! I can eat 99% of the things I did prior to being banded. When my grandchildrens birthdays roll around, this Granny has a piece of cake with them, but only a small one, and I am done. I can eat out in any restaurant you care to go to....I WILL have leftovers. The band has allowed me to lose the weight, and not feel deprived. There were many reasons the band appealled to me over bypass. First of all, I am a cancer survivor. My risk of recurrance is naturally higher...if that should happen, I can have my fill removed so that I can take in more nutrition. If a younger woman chooses to have another child...not a problem with malnutrition. I do not know your age, it is not on your screen, but as a sahm, you are likely younger than I am...and I felt I was too young to permanently lose part of my intestines and stomach. The strides they are making in the study of obesity, and weight loss--involving the hunger producing hormone grehlin, are amazing. It is very possible in my lifetime for a non invasive cure for obesity to be found. With the band and its reversability, even removability, I am as much of a candidate as someone who never had any type of WLS. With the bypass, part of my stomach and part of my intestine are still gone. With the band I chew 2 Flintstones vitamins with my granddaughters each day---and have no issues with malnutrition. In that alone, it has taught me to eat healthier---which again is easier when you are not starving 24/7. Bypass was too drastic for me to consider, the complication rates too high. I studied long and hard before deciding IF I were to do anything it would be the band. Then I began studying it---and made everyone around me crazy with stats I found. I lived, breathed and slept thinking about the band. Made the decision, and have not regretted it at all! Research for YOU---as you stated, they gave general info on all. Talk to people who have had the surgeries. Talk one on one with a Dr. who performs bandings.....don't let anyone else make a decision of this magnitude for you. Good Luck in your research! And welcome to LBT!! Kat