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What type of weight loss surgery did you have? If you had bypass you might try the pouch test which allows you to understand if you have stretched the pouch. You can google "Pouch test" or 5 Day pouch test. It basically has you begin the first week as if you just had your surgery. I would start by totally going back to the basics. Liquid diet. And then introduce high Protein, low carb meals back into your diet. Are you exercising? if not, you have to get back on that horse right away, it will help boost your metabolism. Also make sure you are getting 64 oz. of Water per day. All of those things will help you get back on track. Good luck!

I only visited the one... it probably would have been a good idea to visit 1 or 2 others but I had gotten his name from another bariatric patient and was anxious to get the process started. I had the sleeve done because I was insistent upon it but he was kind of pushy about bypass and didn't listen much to my concerns wrt how bypass would affect me as a college student in particular... and his APN (who I have all my post-op appointments with) seems really against me being on sites like this which I think is kind of weird. So I think I might have been happier with another surgeon/team but my results have been pretty good so it's whatever. If you think the commute might be an issue I'd visit the closer surgeon just to get an idea for it.

So, I'm finally scheduled for the sleeve on April 7th! YAY! However, I'm continuing to research and I'm reading if you have acid reflex before having the sleeve it may not be a good idea to get the sleeve but rather the gastric bypass (RNY)! BOO! I'm so upset I'm sitting at the computer bawling my eyes out! Did anyone have acid reflex before the sleeve? did it get better or did it get worse? My acid reflex has been under control with Prilosec for a few years now but before Prilosec I would have terrible heartburn! I was given an upper GI where I had to drink this stuff and they would take x-rays of my esophagus. The test results had come back that I did show signs of having past heart burn problems. UGH! Wouldn't you think if it were bad enough results my doctor would tell me it wasn't a good idea for the Sleeve? Please, Can someone bring me some relief until I can get a hold of my doctor next week? Thank you, Jess xoxo

Do you even need to crush them (that's more of an RNY thing due to the fear of pills getting stuck in the stoma)? Some programs give the same instructions to both sleeve and bypass patients more out of convenience than necessity - what does your program recommend (don't just go by what you see others online doing)?

If you're talking about an open enrollment period at his place of employment, you don't need to take a chance. Call the insurance company--or check their website--to determine their policy for covering bariatric surgery. (And don't let them get away with saying it has to be "medically necessary." When they told me that, I said, "So, if any doctor says I need this, you're going to pay for it, right?" THEN, they found the criteria.) If it looks like you meet that criteria, change insurance in November, but change back the following year. Unless the insurance is $1000/month out of pocket, you'll still save money. And even if THAT doesn't work, see if his employer offers a Section 125 account, which will let you pay out of pocket with tax free money.

I have Blue Cross of California PPO, and they are paying a portion of the Lap-Band surgery. They didn't even mention bypass as an alernative for me. They do require you have the procedure done at a "center of excellence". In order to get authorization, I had to have my primary and psych doctors write letters about my ability to understand and commit to the program. I also had blood testing, EKG, treadmill EKG. I also had to meet with a nutritionist and a life coach. To tell you the truth, I was really surprised how quickly it all came together. Now I'm worrying (of course) whether akk the good news was bad info. But we'll take it a day at a time.

My daughter had the bypass surgery. She lost 100 pounds in 6 months. However, she did have a dumping problem and unknown to her she had ulcers in the part of her stomach that was bypassed. This is a real issue for people who have a tendency to have stomach ulcers. Her ulcer went undiagnosed. They thought the horrible pain was a gall bladder attach. She had her gall bladder removed on a Thursday and died on the following Saturday of a perforated ulcer in that part of her stomach. So, for my husband (who had the sleeve done in August) and myself, having the sleeve on January 16th, there was no problem deciding. We went with the sleeve. Not everyone has this problem, but if you have severe pain, even years after, it is imperative that you get to an emergency room and have them call your bariatric surgeon. It could save your life.

My dad is a Doc so he went to my first appointment with me, the Surgeon wanted me to do the bypass because I so heavy, I said no thank you I want the sleeve. The funny thing is that my dad is like 'Paola, he's the doctor, he knows best', I just refuse to have my organs moved around more than necessary. So the Surgeon said he couldn't force me and that was that. I am very afraid of all the malabsorption, and the dumping. In my opinion the most important part of both surgeries is that your stomach will be much smaller and you will eat less; therefore, why not go for the one that is a little easier on you and your body?

I am having my surgery November 25th in Plano and I am looking for people who went through the Baylor weight loss center. Very nervous and just have a lot of questions. Thanks

It comes down what you believe is best for you and your lifestyle. I choose the sleeve because I thought the bypass was for the extreme. For people that could get up and move. 400lb plus people. If you are going with the bypass just because of the dumping to prevent you from eating the wrong things you might want to look into why you want this surgery. You are going to have to have will power and its not easy you will have to work at it either with the bypass or the sleeve. Its a tool that helps by helping you not eat so much. It doesn't force you to eat right, follow the rules, and work out. all that is on you. Again its up to you what surgery you choose but I wouldn't put you in the extreme category by looking at your profile.

Are you adding anything to your wardrobe for the fall and winter seasons, or are you going to work with what you have in your closet? I LOVE :wub: to shop so I will be adding a couple of tops and sweater from Marshalls or TJMaxx. I'd also like a leather/pleather dress or skirt...if the price is right. I should be having my surgery late October to mid November so I know it won't be wise to spend a lot of money on clothes but I'm just curious as to what everyone else plans on doing. Post pictures if you like. I'd like this dress...

I have leaned toward the sleeve since I decided on surgery but that's because I was only researching the sleeve and also didnt like the rerouting of organs..... I'm just afraid because my doctor explains the staple line as quite long and a lot of area for leaks and the bypass has more reaearch

Have you met with the doctor one on one yet? That's when we looked at my particular situation and came up with the decision together. I don't know if the dumping syndrom is permanent.....I travelled with a bypass patient, and at 5 years out, she clearly did not have that......but she did experience it early after surgery. I understand the calorie absorption of the bypass is not permanent, but the malabsorption is....if you are anemic or have any other nutritional concern, bypass may not be the best choice. As you said, they both have their merits......good luck whatever you decide.....I know people who have the bypass and someone who had the sleeve, and they all had 200+ pounds to lose and everyone did it very successfully and are maintaining.

My surgery was approved and it's scheduled for November 6th!

This a decision that is ultimately up to you. I was originally going for the bypass but when I learned about the sleeve and also learned more about the potentially unpleasant side effects of the bypass (dumping syndrome) I opted for the sleeve. It has changed my life! The bypass is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgeries because there are ling term studies showing it has good results. Any surgery is a risk and all weight loss surgeries can be defeated if one doesn't embrace the life style changes necessary for long-term success. Get as much info as you can and make your decision based on both that and you gut feeling about what is best for you. (Pardon the pun!)

The best tip I got. Get The BIG book on the Gastric Sleeve from amazon. Its got so much great info!! Welcome to the November sleevers!! (I'm 11/18)

When I started with my first consultation back in January 2013 I was certain I wanted the bypass. As I read and did more research, I realized that the part of the process that concerned me the most was not the surgery itself but the re-routing of the intestines, the malabsorption part of it, and the possible complications from those two things. That is not to say there are not possible complications with the Sleeve, but for me, those were my main concerns. I realized because of that that the sleeve was a better option for me, even though I may be able to lose more weight with the bypass. I feel like whichever surgery I had would be an awesome tool. if the difference between what I would lose with the 2 surgeries would be 20 pounds more with the bypass, than I would do the sleeve -which I was more comfortable with -and WORK IT to get those extra 20 pounds or so off. Know what I mean? That's how I came to my decision and haven't regretted it! I would say though, don't depend on anyone's experience....read up, do as much research as you can, and make the most informed decision possible that you feel the most comfortable with.

I had my sleeve November. In January started vomiting first a little than a lot. Than everything I ate and drank came up faster than in went down. Why because it was not going down my stomach torsioned and went into my chest. Took one hospital a week to figure it out and than that sent me to the Hospital who did my surgery. Took 3 surgeons to get it out of my chest my lung collapsed and I woke up with a huge fat lip from where I bit through it during surgery. Hernia was repaired again this time they say it ain't going anywhere. Pray their right. Have not lost any weight in 3 weeks but I'm so weak not moving around much. Was in the Hospital a total of 3 weeks. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

There is one in Austin at St. David's. Not too far from Round Rock. There is also a group that meets at the TGI Fridays somewhere north. I live Downtown so far north is out of the question in rush hour. You can join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CenTexBandsters/ They have info on the TGI Fridays mtg. Let me know if you have questions~ St. David’s LapBand Support Group 2006 Meeting Schedule St. David’s Medical Center 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monthly on 4th Thursday (*Denotes variance of schedule) June 22 – Success Habits: Vitamins and supplements July 27 – Coping With Head Hunger August 24 – Plastic Surgery Options –Conference Hall September 28 – Getting Back on Track October 26 – Pants Across Austin Celebration! – Conference Hall *November 16 – ‘Tis the Season: Dealing with Emotional Eating *December 21 – Holiday Party and Clothing Exchange – St. David’s Bariatric Center All meetings to be held in the Private Dining Room (located inside of St. David’s Cafeteria) unless otherwise noted above.

I had my surgery April 20th I was in pre-op room next thing I know they said Richiele...and I thought ok here we go for surgery and they said no you are done! I said are you kidding? I have no memory of any of it. I stayed 3 days. I was in for my birthday. I also had my own room my husband stayed with me and helped me with going to the bathroom and walking. But I do not remember anything except what my husband says. I had the gastric bypass. The thing I hate most was I a big Water person now it taste like perfume to me. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

i think my story might be of some help. remember we are all overweight because we all have eating issues. our brains are wired differently. i orginally went into surgery to have a gastric by pass. this surgery was deemed the most beneficial for me due to my many health issues including diabetis. i came out of surgery with a lapband. i didn't know much about the band just the mechanics. i was so disappointed. i cried in recovery. but as the months have gone by and i have seen where i am having the trouble even with the band i belive now the good Lord had my back. i think i would have failed at the gastric bypass, being one of those that lost the wt. quickly but than gained it back. the band keeps me in check. even when my poor unbanded brain wants junk food. it will keep me in check for the rest of my life. i can have it adjusted as the doctor and i see fit. the band and my type of eating disorder which was portion control is working for me. i am now a happy bandster. glad things went this way. i know i will be successful. why? the band controls the amount of food i can eat where as the by pass or sleeve does not. i know my personality, i would have been able to eat around those two surgeries. i hope you find this helpful. my advice is to research everything there is to know about all 3 surgeries. not just the sucess stories but the failures too. good luck on this road to skinniness

Whatever you doctor says, you have to go with the choice you can live with. I was scheduled for a bypass, but freaked out and cancelled it 10 days before surgery. The thought of rerouting my God given plumbing didn't sit well with me. And my next door neighbor had the bypass, and after a few years, ended up having the band put over it. My sister's coworker had the sleeve, and is slowly gaining a lot of weight back. She can't eat much at one time, but grazes on crap all day long. Imagine doing that after have 75% of your stomach removed. Scary stuff! I'm not trying to push you in any one direction. Only to say that compliance is key with any of these surgeries. Many of us are really good at it in the beginning, but as life moves on, old habits rear their ugly face. Banded, bypassed, sleeved.....whichever, we still have to fight the fight. Do as much research as you possibly can, and make an educated choice on the one you can live with. It is true that the aftercare on the other surgeries is nil compared to the band. But then again, the band is reversible, and the choice is available to revise to something later, should unrepairable complications set it. It's a lot to think about, but it's most important that the decision be yours, and not what someone else "thinks" you should do. Good luck!

Here's a list of questions (with recent updates) that I posted quite some time ago. Since you're coming up on your last appointment you'll likely have answers to some of these already but hopefully you'll find others that will prove useful. What are the risks? How often do patients have complications following surgery? What side effects are the most common? What are the benefits? What should I expect after surgery? Realistically, what weight loss should I expect following surgery and over what period of time? What are "stalls" or "plateaus"? How long do they last and if I do experience them, what can I do to shorten their duration? Will any new technology be used e.g. robotics? Is the hospital and surgeons office accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)? This is a combination of the programs formerly offered by two highly respected surgical societies - The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Beginning in 2012, this accreditation replaced the former Bariatric Centers of Excellence. Are you board certified in bariatric surgery? How many roux-en-y gastric bypass surgeries have you performed? Have you experienced any surgery related mortalities? Do you have patients that are willing to share their weight loss surgery experiences, positive and negative? What types of support groups and counseling will be available post-op? What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand the surgery? How often do you see your patients following surgery? What is the significance of Protein following surgery? Does your practice offer support services for psychological needs? What assistance is available for helping me secure insurance approval? Who should I speak with regarding insurance related questions? What pre-op testing will be done? What post-op testing will be done? Will I need Vitamins after my surgery and if so, what types? When can I start exercising after my surgery? How likely is it that I will regain weight after surgery? Think of the meeting with your surgeon as an interview. You're looking for an answer to "Why are you and your team the most qualified for the job?" You're gonna love the new you!!

HI I joined forum today. In November 2012 I started my journey...my insurance required 9 months with a medical doctor for weight loss efforts. I completed it and all other test and clearances by August 2013. I didn't hear anything for about 2 months. I tried to contact the clinic and all they kept telling me was the person over the department had to review my file and send it to insurance. Called my insurance and they said it only take maybe a week for approval BUT no one sent then anything. Frustrated, it seemed when I called the clinic to get some direction people avoided my calls and began not being as friendly as they had been before. Now, I wasn't calling a lot and I even told the redeptionist I understand workers are busy and things take time I just wanted to know a time limit..1mth...3...6..before my paper work is submitted to insurance? Everyone who has been through the process knows for insurance it is time sensitive because after a certain amt of time I would have to start my 9mths all over again. Then one day the receptionist said well you need to speak with the coordinator she has some questions...ok 2 mth later and you are just telling me this? At this time I had postponed starting a new position because I couldn't miss any days during my 6 week training. Left a message for coordinator to contact me..stil nothing I had to start my training. In my 3rd week of training she finally called me at 8am in the morning and she wasn't friendly at all. I was told that since I had gained weight during the 9 mths that they need me to do another psych eval which I was cleared before. They all knew I was seeing one of their doctors for weight loss using phentermine which I lost 22lbs in 3 mths 20 in the first 2 mths. I had gained 10 of those back during the last 7mths being off the meds and by law you can't be on for more than 3mths at a time. This has been my weight loss struggle for over 20 yrs I would do well on some meds until the effect wore off and although still trying weight over the years would creep back on plus some. We all know that story. I was very upset that it took them 3 mths to get in touch with me to tell me they wanted another psych eval and my insurance company was stunned as well they even said "It is proven that usually people who take meds for weight loss regain some if not all and more weight back after the dosage has stopped". I was not happy...I am ok with the waiting process as long as things are moving forward but it was the disregard I felt that made me uncomfortable. So I thought if it is this hard to get and answer and the feeling I was bothering those who are suppose to help...how will my after care be? How will the surgery go? One lady in one of my nutrition classes said her April 2013 surgery was postponed due to sergeon not being available and it was July and she was still waiting for a new date. So I called another hospital OSU Medical Center. They scheduled me for intake. I met the coordinator first who was very nice and gave me a lot of information on what she will be doing for me during the process (she will handle paper work for insurance) and same day met the nurse who went over all my options because they do all 3 surgeries at OSU (I stuck with lapband) and after her met with the nutritionist. They received my paper work from the other clinic and if all goes well all I would need to do is 4 weeks of nutrition with OSU (once per week) and meeting with the surgeon because everything else hopefully is done. They did their own lab work on me but will accept all my other clearances. I felt comfortable and at home at OSU. Crossing fingers that I can get approved and maybe surgery before the summer. I will finishing up my degree in April this year as well! woot woot lol Looking forward to the support this forum offers & future banding friendships. ~Blessings

Every surgeon is different here is what I had to do: I requested appt with surgeon in October.... he was booked until Dec 5. During that waiting period I completed the nutrition course (three classes one hour each over 3 weeks) in October Had my psych eval in November. Meet surgeon on Dec 5 and he sent me for pre op blood work. They sent in my request for surgery day after they got blood work back to my insurance so around Dec 7th. Insurance approved me Dec 17th. Surgeon called and said "you are approved". Sent me for pre op testing at the hospital on January 13. Had EKG, Chest Xray and more blood work. Had to attend a required exercise/post op class at my surgeons office January 15th Had to see my PMD on January 27th for medical clearance. Surgery Feb 3rd. Discharged Feb 5th. Follow up appt Feb 11th. Hope this helps