Search the Community

Hi, I've just now found this post and I have to express how sorry I am you have been through all of this. WoW... You really have been through a lot! I hope now that your life is better. I had the sleeve 5/21/12. I had my gall bladder removed in March. I too have severe esophageal spasms and I know how painful these things are!!! I have severe bile reflux and gastrits. My complications though are no where near what you have suffered. My surgeon is trying to get me to do the GB to help with the GERD and spasms and now that I've read your post I know the RNY will not help with the spasms. I had already refused to do the RNY. I am taking levsin as well for the spasms. I can't sleep on either of one of my sides at night because if I do, I will get a spasms and you are so right, they make you feel like you are having a heart attack and feels like labor pains in my chest and right side! How are you doing now with the spasms and your life in general. Again, I hope things are better for you. God Bless!

You absolutely can not forget to take your vitamins. This is non negotiable. Set a reminder in your phone if needed. Do whatever it takes to make sure that you get your vitamins in. Otherwise you will have complications for sure. i had emergency c section 39 years ago. It was so bad that I never had another child. I was in pain immediately after sleeve surgery but the pain was not even close to my c section. You will get through it

My moms BFF had bypass in 2002. She went from 380ish to 155ish (she is 5'9). 5 years out she actually had a band put in to help with restriction- her pouch stretched and she wound up gaining some, but it has put her in check. I had a BMI of 50 at surgery. I went into this knowing it was the first stage of the DS. Now- 2 1/2 months out and 53lbs down- I couldn't imagine going back. I have had zero problems. I follow the rules 90% of the time. I get my protein and I am thrilled with my decision. My sister's dr is trying to get her to move from the band to the sleeve. She is on band number 2- and is having lots of complications. Good luck with whatever you choose. And FTR- my dr wanted me to consider the rny as well for diabetes (everyone in my family has it), but I went with the sleeve based on all of my research.

I am definitely feeling a bit discouraged right now. I've had the gastric band since January 2011. Since the very beginning, I've had the throwing up/regurgitating. It doesn't matter what I eat. If I have any restriction at all, I'm throwing up 2-3 times per day. My current surgeon (not the one who did the surgery) also said according to the X-ray, my band is slightly higher than it should be, but not technically "out of place". They had to loosen my band, and since then (2 months ago), I've gained about 15-20lbs back. My HW 300, SW 290, LW 220, and CW 270. My surgeon said he'd do everything he can to help me. I've done the nutrition class (again) and the psych evaluation. They submitted to insurance yesterday, and she said I should hear back within 2-3 weeks if I'm approved or not. But I've been reading A LOT of stories of people being denied for revision unless there is a serious complication with the band. I have BCBSNC. The insurance company that originally paid for my gastric band surgery was Tricare Prime, by Dr. William Richards in Mobile, Alabama.

Is there a military hospital that you can go to and get the sleeve if that is the surgery you really want. I refused RNY/bypass when I had to revise from the band and I listed the reasons below. I've also included the basic information about both surgeries. There are many reasons why I chose VSG instead of RNY, and my VSG was covered at a military hospital 100%. I would recommend checking out the obesityhelp.com website, look under surgical forums, check out the Revision forum so you can see how many people are looking to revise from RNY because of weight regain or complications, and then check out the failed weight loss surgery forum just so you can get an idea of people that are further out. Here are my reasons for getting VSG instead of RNY: The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by approximately 20 surgeons worldwide. This forum is titled “VSG forum” to include the two most common terms for the procedure (vertical and sleeve). The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band® procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that “stretches” the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ‘first stage’ of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient’s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ‘stage’ the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively “downstages” a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the “second stage” of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux–en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band®. Current, but limited, data for this ‘two stage’ approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band®and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band® patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band® group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band® but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn’s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ® patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. As Dr. Jamieson summarized in 1993, “Given good motivation, a good operation technique and good education, patients can achieve weight loss comparable to that from more invasive procedures.” Next: Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy >> This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Next: >> Frequently Asked Questions About Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Bypass information

I simply did not want a piece of plastic floating around in my abdomen so I chose the sleeve. I also did not want a full bypass with the resulting lifelong malabsorbtion issues. I didn't want he hassle with insurance that I've heard others in my company fight with over WLS so I elected self pay and went ti Tijuana MX and paid $5K and was done with it in less than a month. The sleeve is minimally invasive, introduces nothing artificial into your digestive tract and bypasses nothing, it's simply a permanent restriction. MOST people have good results, a lot have excellent results and a few like me have EXTRAORDINARY results. I've lost over 135 pound in little more than 6 months. For ONCE in my life something has worked out way above and beyond what I expected. There are SOME people who have issues, a few that seem to still be ravenous even after the sleeve, a few with life changing complications and fewer still that completely failed, lost nothing or lost and regained. Nothings perfect especially something like this that not only effects the complicated digestive tract but the human psyche as well. I did it, lost weight, eliminated a whole host of medical issues and feel a WHOLE lot better. I exercise now and actually enjoy most of it. At least I'm not wheezing like an old broken down steam engine hating every second of it. I can do things I couldn't do even just this last fall. I can have sex with my wife and it is SOOO much better, no pendulous gut hanging in the way and it requires less effort just to move. Regardless of WHAT you do I'd recommend you do SOMETHING even if it's JUST diet and exercise.

My husband supported me but never believed I needed the surgery. He felt I was beautiful and he didn't want to see me struggle if it turned out like the dozens and dozens of failed diets I'd put us both through over the years. He was also worried about complications during surgery, because he didn't want me to risk my life because I felt I had to lose weight. He stood behind me on this because he knew it was important to me. And truthfully, he would rather I had stopped losing weight about thirty pounds before I actually stopped. He genuinely likes larger women. He calls me skinny all the time. That said, he's still very attracted to me and loves how much more comfortable I am in my skin and how much happier I am. Loose skin was never an issue. And honestly, I'd love to tell you otherwise but it's a rare case when a woman gets skinnier than she'd like to get post op! Usually it's a struggle to drop those last fifteen to twenty pounds and hit goal. Now that I'm no longer diabetic and can keep up with him physically (he's more athletic than I am) and he sees that I have more energy for our kids and my own interests, he's glad I lost the weight. But he never stops reminding me that he has loved me and been attracted to me every day he's been with me, because I think deep down, he wants to reassure me that he loves ME not the body I'm wearing. Anyway, you have to approach it with education and honesty. You have to understand they do not understand what it feels like to be so unhappy about our appearance. If he's overweight himself and food is a big part of your time together, expect an adjustment period where he also mourns the loss of that ritual and socialization. But most of all, reassure him that you're doing this for you, and for him as well, because you want to live a long and healthy life as his wife. Too many men have heard of or know someone whose wife lost a lot of weight and the marriage fell apart. Every case is different, but usually if there are problems and trust issues prior to surgery, they might be exacerbated as you go through physical and emotional changes post op. If the marriage is on solid ground beforehand, it's usually stronger afterward. Good luck with your surgery, ~Cheri

My name is Kristen...and I am totally a food addict. It took me forever to figure that out. I eat because I love, love, love food. I am not an emotional eater. I am not eating to hide myself. I just love food so much, and I experience "high's" from food consumption, just as a drug addict would. I also work in software development. I work from home for a company on the east coast as a SQA engineer...and I also have a photography business. I am 39 years old, and as long as I could remember I have struggled with my weight. For me there wasn't a moment where I became fat, like having a baby or something...no, I have just always struggled with my weight. I have yo-yo'd with diets and weight gain all of my adult life. So last May, my mom had a heart attack. She has always been successful managing her weight, and it happened to her. So I knew it was time to change. I started my VSG journey in October of 2012. I was sleeved on 1/28. For the most part, I have had very little complications. Immediately after surgery, my hearts started having a lot of PVC's (irregular heart beats), so I got the whole cardio package in the hospital. I have always had PVC's, but I guess they didn't occur in the surgery, and started pretty crazy in recovery. I am still working at getting released from the cardiologist, but I am thankful that they are taking it so seriously. I was sleeved in Topeka, KS! Recovery has been pretty good since then. I am down 42 lbs at 4 weeks out. However, that includes my pre-op diet. I am married with two children. My kids are 18 & 20. Daughter is 20 and getting married in the fall. She is a junior in college and studying to become a HS English teacher. Son is 18, and a freshman in college, not sure what he wants to do. My husband is the best person I have ever met in my life. We have been married over 21 years, so if you do the math - we got married at 18. Ran off and eloped 3 days before he left for basic in USAF! Pre-op, I truly had a lot of self confidence. At one of my dr's visits, my Dr. was talking about my daughter;s wedding and she said something like "You are going to look so much better then!". My reply was "I look pretty dang good now!" I am not really that conceited, but I do hate the idea that people think they were hideous when they were overweight. But then again, my husband tells m everyday how beautiful I am...so he would never allow me to feel ugly. He has been so supportive of me getting the sleeve, too...frequently telling me how proud of me he is. My husband and I coach a competitive fastpitch 18U team in NE KS. We love our players and their families. This is our 5th year. Both of us have a tremendous heart for children/teens. We have invested much of our life into the youth ministry. My personality, I am always upbeat and happy. It is a choice I make everyday. I used to be pretty negative. Then I realized I was the one with the problem, not the rest of the world. So now I choose happiness. I choose laughter and often times silliness. Life is way too short to be miserable. I have already offended a couple on here with my sense of humor, I suspect that I probably will offend someone else. So I apologize in advance and will try to be on my best behavior. I stress "try". The last few weeks of my life have been really hard, so my theories on happiness have been challenged hardcore. One of our softball players was in a car accident and broke her neck. Because of her circumstances, my husband and I think of this young lady as our own. She frequently stays with us, and we pick up a large portion of her softball expenses. When it was time for college recruiting, we took her on all of her college visits....so watching her go through what she did...I truly felt like it was my own kid. While she was in the hospital, my son received some devestating news. His football career is over. He was recruited by over 100 schools his junior and senior years in HS. Several D1's were in that mix. He took an illegal hit to his right knee in a game in his senior year...3 surgeries later it is somewhat fixed. Test results on his left knee shows a 4th surgery is in the future, so as a family we made the decision that football was finished. Knees are something you need a lot longer that a college football career. My daughter pitched in college and made the decision to retire after her sophmore season, because of health issues...that was hard...but she at least got to play in college and experience that. My son signed for a college, but never stepped on the field. Then after all of this...we are dealing with the impending/looming sequestration. If congress doesn't agree on something by Friday, my husband will soon lose his job. He has been an air traffic controller for 21 years, and he will lose his livlihood. There will not be any other ATC jobs if this happens. The tower he works at is scheduled to close as part of the Dept. of Transp. cuts. In all of this, we will make it. We are blessed...am hoping for things to chill out a bit, though. This is who I am...I look forward to getting to know some good support friends on here. God bless, Kristen

Hi, I am posting my story because during my "research stage" I have found other low BMIers hard to come by and I want to help someone else like myself out there looking, hoping to find someone with similiar stats. My story: I am 36 years old, 4'11" and my BMI is about 32. I have 3 kids (2 biological, 1 adopted). I am married and my hubby is 12 --count em, 12 yrs younger than me! I have struggled with my weight since I hit my 30s but after my 2nd child it has been completely unmanageable and I can sell you a bunch of other reasons why I am doing this but its irrelevant at this point because now that I have researched everything sleeve related NOTHING can stop me LOL I am obsessed. I was initially researching TT and lipo because I am "not that big" according to everyone (except myself). You see my body type has always been "thicker than a snicker" and it was cute when I weighed about 125 lbs. My bottom had always been my my best asset lol but now that I am over 160 umm it aint cute! If i was to just have TT and lipo my hubby would probably be like dammmmmmmmmmmmm a$$ for days but honestly it would look unnatural and I would STILL be unhealthy and overweight. I would still yo-yo diet and per genetics, keep gaining. So I let go of that idea and started looking into the lap-band because at that time even I thought these other procedures were too drastic for me cuz im "not that big." well that didnt work out because i found too many complications and revisions so i set my sights on the sleeve. YAYY SLEEVE YOURE GOING TO BE PERFECT FOR ME!! Next, I was like ohhh yeah Tijuana here I come because eff paying full price here in the US so i spent countless hours reading up on going to Mexico. But when I told my husband my great idea he said HELLNO. Okay fine. More than likely (depending on my endoscopy next wednesday) I will be paying full price here in my hometown, approx 10k. I dont care about the price at this point, I am so excited and so looking forward to this i can barely think straight. Oh i got sidetracked by my excitment but i do want to say that the certified world national board of whatever says you qualify for surgery at a BMI of 30 or higher. In fact the lower the BMI the better the sucess rate and less complications (for sleeve). That is something a lot of people are not realizing when someone like me is getting this done. I have found some negativity from both wls vets and non-wls. All those other requirements are for insurance purposes. My surgeon said that I am the perfect candidate and he wish everyone would spare themselves the misery of waiting until their BMI is morbid. If you are low BMI and you have the means, do it. I am. You are not alone.

Hi Everyone - I'll take the plunge! I'm 5'6", and started at 333. Charts list my ideal weight as between 130-145, so I figure I can claim the 200 lb group. I was banded 1/23/03, lost my band to erosion 7/04, and was sleeved by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali 8/14/09. As of Monday I am down 100.4 pounds - woot! Of course, my situation was a little accelerated, as I had complications and was on liquids basically from my surgery date until Christmas, so those of you who had normal recoveries shouldn't be bummed if your journey hasn't gone quite so quickly. Donali

I just had GPS with Dr Watkins on Jan 19, 2011 and was able to go home 6 Hrs after surgery with no complications. I am 4 days Post Op and have some discomfort while trying to drink on the left side of chest more frustrating than painful, I believe this will fade as I learn to slow down and SIP. I feel like a New Person already experiencing somethings I havent in a long time scratching my lower back LOL. I Never thought I would be a Forum Person but I am on here a couple times a day and sure glad for the post as detailed as yours when I am playing Head Games with myself. Cant say THANKS ENOUGH.

Pouch dilation is a complication from banding, not as serious as band slippage -- but is a prelude to slippage if saline is not reduced and caught in time, it can cause the pouch to get really big and prolapse, but it is a complication where it makes it difficult for the band to be effective... Pouch dilation happens when someone is filled too tightly TOO LONG and continues to try to eat on a very tight band (along with frequent vomiting), sometimes it can happen pretty quickly after being filled too tight, this is why it is very important to return immediately to your surgeon when you've been filled too tight to prevent permanent damage to your band. Pouch dilation is tricky also, sometimes you think you are doing well with a very tight band and losing weight, and after someone who have been too tight for a long period of time, start noticing they can eat more food, they think they need more saline, but sometimes the pouch will dilate .... Here are more causes and differences in pouch dilation and slippage: http://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/gastric-pouch-dilation-versus-slipped-band-an-important-distinction/ Aggressive band inflation and creation of excessive restriction to compensate for patient lifestyle non-compliance may contribute to morbidity including gastric pouch dilatation, band slippage and erosion. It is essential to be able to diagnose gastric pouch dilatation and its causes. Treatment of pouch dilation includes band deflation, which preserves the device and ongoing patient educational counselling. We recommend that restriction should be increased in patient’s with aLAGB commensurate with their compliance and lifestyle change in order to avoid complications.

I had the sleeve because I didn't want to risk complications that can happen with the bypass. My surgery was October 17th. I never experienced gerd before but did have it rather severely for the first 2 weeks and strangely it was worse when drinking water. That has thankfully passed. I have a high BMI but I'm ok with not losing quite as fast as with bypass. Maybe it will help with lose skin. I am determined to lose all my excess weight, not the 65-70% average predicted.

I have had surgery before, And yes I'm scared.... I'm grateful to have been approved for surgery it's definitely something I need. Just worried about all the complications that I have read about. Thanks 2012 for your reply I feel alittle better knowing that I'm not the only one beating there self up.... Looking forward to being thinner.

Due to reasons that are too complicated to get into, my insurance is going to cover a boob job after I reach goal (I'm 3 weeks out). I went to a plastic surgeon today to get some info. What he's going to do sounds so involved--but I forgot to ask how long it takes to heal from that surgery, and how much it hurts! Anybody have experience in this dept willing to describe what the surgery process is like? I have 46Ds now. I want to end up with perky C cups.

Congratulations!!! I am 25 and also a shortie haha I'm 5 feet even. I am 2 weeks post op today, and like you I feel well. No complications so far. My surgery weight was 264 ( in the beginning I was 274) and I am currently down to 245.I hope my journey is as good to me as it is to you.

Hello everyone! Reading the subject line sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it... I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience, or has any thoughts on how to deal with US doctors and insurance companies who know - or who might need to know - that you had surgery in Mexico. Does anyone know if there are any laws that protect us from discrimination by doctors or insurance companies for that reason? I had a slip a few months ago and am fighting with my health insurer to cover the slip surgery. Thing started to unravel when I had to tell them last week that I pay cash to the doctor I see for fills. Talk about awkward. Things got more complicated when I consulted with the law firm (obesitylawyers.com, if anyone ever has questions on that subject) who I hired to help me with my appeal. My health insurance company didn't ask me about my (cash) fill doc's records [yet], but what I've learned now is that my fill doc does -not- keep records on cash patients at all. Which, according to the lawyer, is illegal. Gulp. I have a sinking feeling that if my health insurance company finds that the doctor who was treating me prior to my slip was doing something illegal, it's going to reflect pretty poorly on me and my appeal. Taking this one step further leads me to question what would happen when the insurance company found out that my original surgery was in Mexico. I'm thinking this would end my appeal for sure, whether its right or wrong. I have to admit, when I opted for surgery in Mexico I didn't realize that any of this could be an issue later. Don't get me wrong... it's still worth it, I would still do it again in a heartbeat. I welcome any thoughts that anyone has on the topic... Thanks, and much success to all, Laura

Oh yes V.A. ...I'm starting the Airborne on Monday. I get it in little packets that can be added to bottled Water and it will be my beverage of choice for the week prior to surgery. (sure hope there's nothing in there that will affect surgery...don't think so). I've been to Mexicalli twice now and never have seen the mall...sure hope I get a chance to this time. I've allowed a day of flexibility at the end of my trip to Mexicalli just in case of complications. If I get discharged from the hospital on time, I'll have a whole day to kill....if I get bored I might go to the mall, walk around and pass gas for them! (I'm sure they'll be thrilled that Medical Tourism has come to their part of the country). Vitamins......um....er.....I'm not taking any. Seriously now, should I start now? I never can remember the dang things...I know I'll need them after...but will it really have time to help boost my system if I start now? Water I already drink alot of...so I'm safe there. Tracy

Had lap band surgery, 3 days later ended up with blood clots in my legs and both lungs which normally kills you... well I lived... after 4 months finally got the clots to dissolve after multi med changes blood thinners etc... lost 130 pounds with no fills was loving it.. til December 2014 couldn't swallow food water nothing, for 29 days total couldn't swallow anything severe dehydration malnutrition had to be fed by tubes and IVs.. multiple swallowing tests later found out the band caused esophageal dysmotility which is a common complication. Which is basically where the band won't allow any food of fluid to go down your esophagus. Had to have the band removed. Blood thinners for life for the blood clot risk. Still can't swallow like a normal person. Never be the same. Brain damage and nerve damage from lack of fluid, Lots of other crap. Just a nightmare.

No I can never get another surgery. Any surgery i have to be in ICU on iv blood thinners before and after and closely monitored. The blood clots and thinners complicate everything clear down to birth control and even taking a simple ibuprofen. It all sucks. My family would disown me if I had another WLS. I wasn't "that" obese, I didn't have any of the norm medical issues that you get approved for, I have a connective tissue hypermobility disorder, and more weight on the spine more pain. I guess that's why I was approved. They thought the traditional way I've always lost weight before was the way to go again. I had lost tons of weight before several times but always gained it back, that's why I wanted the lifetime change with the band. To answer your question no i wouldn't have died from the amount of obesity, I basically just wanted to be thinner. It wasn't a life or death obesity situation to answer your question. I should have known.. i have the worst luck ever but I took a chance that didn't work out as planned. It's a constant battle for me every day when i think of the last 2+ years and everything I've been through..thanks all for the well wishes.

I chose the band mostly because of the lower mortality/complication rate. I didn't have any other health problems and didn't feel bypass was worth the extra risk. Also because I too have a history of losing and gaining it back. I feared I would do really well with bypass at first, but I would be one who would gain it all back after a few years because I would have a bad couple of months and stretch out my stomach. The band is always adjustable and if I screw up a little a few years down the road, I can get back on the wagon. I wish you the best of luck whichever you decide is right for you.

HellO! I'm 2 weeks post op, I had ZERO pain at all after my surgery. I had some complications during the surgery so the Dr had to stitch up the stomach all the way, even with this complication, there was no pain at all. Mainly just discomfort. Don't worry about the pain, I think you should remind yourself why you chose this surgery in the first place. Everything else is all worth it! For a healthy lifestyle the rest of your life, this 1 day stay in the hospital is no biggie. Good luck and I pray for you! Hope to hear from you after your surgery! Gwynne

Hi! I was sleeved Dec. 18th. I knew that had sleep apnea for a few years but wasn't officially diagnosed until one month prior to my surgery. The anesthesiologist usually want to know this prior to putting you under to assess any complications you might have during surgery. I woke up intubated and could hear the nurses and doctors talking about how shallow I was breathing and my blood pressure being out of control. I was in recovery nearly an hour. Since the surgery, I have felt 100% better. No waking up with headaches. I am waiting until 6months post-op to schedule my follow-up sleep study.

Absolutely. @@slvrsax is right, don't let price be your decision maker. The reason I chose Dr Verboonen was that I live in a very small town in a rural county in Oklahoma & at last count I believe there were around 80 people from here that had been to him & I had not heard one complaint. All I heard were good reviews & some were far enough out from surgery that I could see good results & no complications. I did research some other drs but in the end he's who I felt the most comfortable & confident in my decision.

Just read ur post and was curious who did ur surgery? I live in upstate SC (Liberty) & went to Bariatric Solutions in Greenville, SC. I had RNY 10/10/11 & have had only a few complications. My sister went to a surgeon in Spartanburg & is disabled from seizures as well. She had a PICC line that got infected & they think that affected her brain. You are right, the psychiatric ramifications are a huge part of the surgery. They really don't focus on that as much as they should, which is a shame. Hope things get better for you. I will keep u in my prayers. -Mandy