Search the Community

My doctor said nothing carbonated after surgery because it could cause complications. My nut said it can cause you to not feel as full as you should. I did try one sip of soda and hated it I didn't like the taste or the carbonation. It also hurt my stomach. Before surgery I loved coke zero and would drink a six pack per day. Tried the soda last week and I was sleeved on 12/31/12

That's great news!!! I have to agree with you...I was doubting my doctor because my weight wasn't coming down. He kept telling me it was due to the complications after surgery but I didn't believe him....thought I was the only person that surgery didn't work for. Now, all of a sudden I am dropping weight like crazy!! Guess they know more than me!

My surgery is tomorrow morning 1/15 and I am a huge bundle of nerves right now. I can't remember the last time I was this nervous about something for so long. I haven't been sleeping much since I got my surgery date the week after Christmas Here's a little about me and my fat history: I was a little overweight in my childhood, but I was also a three sport athlete through high school(Football, wrestling and baseball), which helped keep me around 200lbs my senior year (5'11). I joined the Marines right after graduation and got down to 170 and maintained 170-190 for the 6 years I was in. I got out when I was 24 and finished up my last two years of college and got a desk job. That's when the weight started creeping up on me. Fast forward 12 years to 2010 after I had ballooned up to 340lbs, I decided to diet pretty hard and managed to lose 90lbs from 2010 to mid 2011. I was feeling pretty good about myself, but for some reason decided to sabotage it all and proceeded to put those 90lbs plus an extra 40 back on from late 2011 all the way to now. I decided I had had enough in June after years of yo-yo dieting and trying every diet in the book that it time for a change and looked into WLS. I considered the lap band at first for the usual reasons (not cutting up the insides), but after talking to another doctor and reading various forums about a lot of lap band removals, I decided on the sleeve. After spending six months on the insurance weight management plan for bariatric surgery, it's all happening really fast now. It's finally real. Anyway, this time tomorrow, my surgery should be finished and I'll probably be high on anesthesia/pain meds. I just need to keep telling myself that I'll be in the 99% of people that don't have complications.

Hi! I'm Chris and I am new on vertical sleeve talk. I'm currently pre-op with my surgery scheduled on September 4th. I am both extremely excited and completely nervous. I know that the VSG is the right move for me but I am nervous about the potential complications. I have had a lifelong issue with my weight. I remember going on my first diet in the third grade. I got to a point when I turned thirty that I was considering weight loss surgery, but I wanted to try and give it another shot on my own. I didn't really like the idea of the Lapband or the gastric bypass for myself, so I didn't really want to do surgery at that time. I worked with a bariatric doctor and a nutritionist and went from 326 to 207. But then the my portions grew again and the scale started to creep back up. Now at age 35, I knew I had to do something and talked with my doctor who gave me a surgical referral. When I began talking with them they told me about another surgery I didn't know about, the sleeve. After some research, I realized that was the surgery for me, it was the one I was waiting for. When I began this process I weighed 301. Right now I'm at about 270. I appreciate anybody who has advice, encouragement, or even complications to watch for. Thanks! Talk to you guys soon!

Hi there! My name is Tiffany and I am a 26 yr old mom of 2 from Louisiana. I have started on my sleeve journey this week! I have gotten the go ahead from my psych visit, I have my 6 months of non medical, and I have a bmi of 40. I am 5'5 with a weight of 241. I also have some weight bearing joint issues, but with the bmi, I do not need to document the co-morbidities. It is a blessing that my insurance will cover the surgery...we pay enough per month for it. lol I am a little nervous about the surgery and complications. I got a sheet today from the seminar that the morbidity percentage is at .39 percent, which is a little scary to think that around 1 in a few hundred ops, someone doesn't make it through the surgery. I would love to get some feedback about anything and everything in regards to the sleeve. I have had a great time looking at the success stories!! Congrats to all those that have had such amazing results and good luck to those that are at the beginning of your journey! I look forward to getting to know y'all!

My parents were not thrilled with my decision. They kept their mouth MOSTLY shut on the issue with a few comments like, "But don't you think you could do it on your own?" "Do you really think this is the only way." I had my husband's blessing (with trepidation, but full support) and my kids were on board and that was all that mattered. But really even if my kids hadn't understood I would have gone forward. (I needed my husband because of course it did cost money). Ultimately you are in charge of your life, yes it does affect others, but if you are an adult then your parents are secondary. If you have children/SO then they could have a say, but ultimately this is on you. The day of surgery my parents came to the hospital and with them and my husband we prayed before surgery. I did break down a little and said, "If anything goes wrong, please don't be mad at me. I know I have to do this to get my life back. And the only thing I am afraid of is if something goes wrong and I become a burden to you all." That was my only fear about disappointing them. They all reassured me, we hugged and here I am two months later feeling so much better. All my family is so excited for me. So ultimately your parents will understand, they are fearful (understandably) but they need to realize if you don't get your health back they may lose you sooner rather than later due to complications from obesity. Stand strong, do what YOU need to do to get better! ((hugs))

I have had my gall ladder removed, small bowel obstruction surgery and I have had my appendix removed, today during a visit with the surgeon that is doing my VSG surgery h informed me that he needed to pull all of the records from those surgeries to read about them because I could have scar tissue that will affect my surgery. He said that doing it the laproscopic way would be best and has fewer complications but the scar tissue makes it difficult. Has anyone else had to deal with this?

This journey is HARD. Pre-op diet and post-op diet especially are difficult, plus if (God forbid) you experience a complication, you are going to need support. My psych eval included ensuring I have plenty of support at home to help me with my recovery from surgery and help me stay on track. As much as it would be awesome to say "Piss off!" and just do what you want anyway (LOL) you have to live with this guy and let's be honest, that ain't gonna work. Your hubby is very wrong that this is the "easy" way out. As someone who's done WW, and lost and regained the weight a few times, I can tell you this is just as difficult. It's a hard decision, it takes will power and dedication, just like any other lifestyle change you make. He needs to be educated. Suggestions: Would he respond better if you wrote him a letter explaining why you feel the way you do? Sometimes if people see it in writing, it resonates better. Do you have a support group through your surgeon's office that you can take him to? Would he go to a meeting? Don't take this the wrong way, but a mediator or therapist could help, too. There is NO shame in it-- sometimes having someone in the room to push the conversation in the right direction (meaning, understanding each other on a deeper level) would be helpful. Just throwing ideas out there. I would also provide him information on how safe the surgery is. I'd be willing to bet he's afraid to see you go under the knife! Completely reasonable to be afraid, but the surgery is very safe, generally. Especially if you're young (you look it) and have few health issues. If he wants to keep you around for a long time-- prevention of health issues is best!! That's why I did it.

:clap2: December 21, 2006 I began my journey to a new me. My surgery was at 1:00pm and I was out of recovery by 4:30pm. There were a few complications with my blood pressure going up extremely high, but with all the prayers of the saints of God I was covered and brought through. December 22, 2006 I am released from the hospital today. The pain is not as bad as I thought it would be.

If you’re still considering the lap-band after learning about it in detail, it’s time to think even more deeply about whether the lap-band is right for you. Before you decide, it’s best to consider the amount of weight you can reasonably expect to lose with the lap-band, and balance that with the potential medical risks, or complications, of getting the band. You’ll also need to find out whether you’re eligible for the surgery. Risks with the Lap-Band First, let’s take a look at some of the possible risks or complications that can happen with the band. Nearly all patients get some sort of complications or side effects, but not necessarily severe ones. Excessive bleeding and blood clots are risks that you take with any surgery. Of course you’ll have abdominal pain as you recover from lap-band surgery; after all, your surgeon had to make cuts in your stomach to put the lap-band in place. These are some of the other risks with the lap-band: band slippage leakage band erosion esophageal dilation nausea vomiting trouble swallowing (dysphagia) obstruction constipation Many of the complications are more common in patients whose starting weight (or BMI) is higher. That’s obviously a potential drawback for higher-BMI patients, but it’s also important to look at the alternatives. If your BMI is higher, you’re at higher risk for obesity-related health problems if you don’t lose weight. Also, many of the complications are preventable if you carefully follow your surgeon’s post-operation instructions, especially regarding your diet. Weight Loss to Expect We know; here’s what you’re really interested in! How much weight will the lap-band help you lose? The numbers vary, but within a year of getting the lap-band and following the lap-band diet, you might expect to lose a significant amount of your excess weight. Your excess weight is the number of pounds over your goal weight, and you might be able to lose 40 percent – or more – in a year. Many patients have been able to maintain their weight loss for five or more years. That’s great news if you’re sick of watching your weight cycle as you try diet after diet! The amount of weight you lose and whether you keep it off depends on you. To control your weight, you need to stick to your lap-band diet. These are the basic requirements of the lap-band diet: Choose nutritious foods Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods Avoid beverages with calories Eat small portions Limit snacking Exercise helps burn calories and speeds up weight loss, too! Are You a Candidate for the Lap-Band? Not everyone is eligible to get the lap-band. You have to meet certain criteria before you can get the lap-band. These are some of the normal requirements. Some of them are set by the FDA; others might be required by your insurance company or surgeon: Being at least 30 pounds overweight, with a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of 30 to 40 along with an obesity-related health condition. Having struggled with your weight for at least five years, and having a history of unsuccessful dieting attempts. Being willing to attend educational seminars about the lap-band to learn about the procedure. Following a special diet program before your surgery to demonstrate that you’re able to do it. Promising to follow your surgeon’s aftercare program, which may include follow-up appointments, dietitian visits and group support meetings with other lap-band patients. A contraindication is a condition that makes you ineligible or a poor candidate for getting the lap-band. These are some of the common contraindications: Heart or lung problems that can make your surgery dangerous Drug or alcohol addiction Low pain tolerance (you will feel pain after getting banded) Unwillingness to commit to the lifestyle changes and lap-band diet necessary for losing weight and preventing complications Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant within a year Since the lap-band has such a long history, there’s been a lot of research done on the risks and benefits of the procedure. Chapter 4, “Is the Lap-Band the Right Choice for You?,” in The BIG Book on the LAP-BAND, goes through this research in more detail than this short summary. You’ll get to see some of the particular numbers, such as average pounds lost or percentages of patients who have specific complications. This information, together with seeing the eligibility criteria, can help you make an informed decision about whether the lap-band is right for you.

Excited. Anxious. My husband is sitting here still researching... he has tried to talk me out of it for 5 months. I think he's just scared of possible complications. I think he is more nervous than me. I'll let you know how it is. I'm thinking there will be no sleep tonight. We're a hour away and I check in at 5:30. Hibiclense shower tonight and in am. Planning on starting at 3. ???? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using the BariatricPal App Thanks.... Good luck to you too! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using the BariatricPal App

Sounds like you are well on you way! Your BMI is about the same as mine was at surgery. I was able to drive fairly comfortably after about three days, although the seatbelt had to be adjusted so to not rub the incisions and getting in and out of my car was a bit uncomfortable. I felt pretty good after one week. I would say that barring any complications, if you do not have to do any heavy lifting, you will be just fine in two weeks. The drinking thing seems pretty difficult at first but it is mainly habit and once you break the habit it isn't so bad. The biggest thing is to make sure you do not have a drink within reach while eating. Honestly, after about a week I was fine with it....I don't give it much thought at all now.

yikes! i too am having complications but not the same as yours. ive never heard of a complication like yours. i have a leak. i cant keep anything down due to astent being placed in me in which is making me soooooo sick. im supposed to keep the stent i for a total of 4-6weeks. its been 2wks & 1day & i am requesting them to take it out!!! i cant deal with being so sick.. the constant vomitting, not eating, barely drinking, constant nausea & discomfort. its HELL!!!!!! seriously. i cant deal with it anymore. i feel as if i am dying slowly & they are trying to drag me to the 4week mark & i cant do it.

I honestly have never heard, met, talked to, read about anyone having a remotely bad experience with Dr. Aceves. Nothing negative pops into my head about Dr. Alvarez either. I can share my opinion with you. I was a revision patient, I have some medical issues that can cause complications outside of the actual surgery, I researched Mexico and US surgeons, and at the end of the day, Dr. Aceves would have been my surgeon if insurance would not have come through on my revision, and if I needed to travel outside the US. It was a comfort level thing for me. All the research led me to him, his staff, the facilities he operates out of, the sheer number of successful revisions he'd performed, plus additional years of surgical experience that he has under his belt, all contributed to my choice. I had some stateside surgeons picked out as well that are located in Texas because that is where my family lives. The aftercare that is available to you with Dr. Aceves via email and phone was big contributing factor to making him my choice for MX surgeons. Plus, the 3 months f/u labs and upper gi that he offers and recommends gave me another level of comfort with him. I mean seriously, how many MX surgeons offer aftercare at all? Not many. Just my 2cents.

Hi all. I need some help. Had my surgery Oct 2020. Went private in the UK which means no psychological help/therapy beforehand & £10,000 out of pocket 😕 I lost very quickly & easily, minimal complications. I'm about 12kg from my goal bmi of 23 and feel & look a million times better. But... I've stopped trying. I injured myself about a month ago & couldn't exercise, I stopped tracking food & started eating rubbish. Not binge eating but actively making terrible choices, partly because real food was a struggle for a while & junk gave me energy at least. I'm not losing but not putting on. I'm fit again but can't bring myself to exercise. Friends & family haven't noticed an issue as I'm a normal weight now but I know I have more to lose & would like to. Not sure what's happened, I just can't seem to remotivate & I'm terrified about wasting this "golden" time & know that if I carry on I will eventually start to gain. Any advice or suggestions would be most welcome. Every day that passes I feel a little more lost & useless.

I came to the site to research also and at first I was upset by all the possible side effects, complications, etc etc. Then I noticed that not once (until I saw a reply on this thread) did I ever hear anyone say they were sorry they did it. Also, other than the period of time you're going through the process and banding, I find that I come here to see if anyone else has my post-surgical or post fill symptoms. By voicing that we feel this or that and hearing back, we find out all is well, and that everyone has some kind of "blip" along the way. You probably could find the same in sites about other issues, diseases, etc. I still have some kinks to work out but I have a new system to learn and so far, even not back 100% yet (I was banded end of April), I've lost 37 pounds that I won't see again. When I left 300ville, I cried because I've dieted down a few times but went back up. Now it is unlikely I will. The band does a lot, but you have to be ready to work as well. There's time adjusting, time healing, time healing mentally as well. You are the only who will know if you can make the committment. I don't know your weight but I know that my life was slowly being held hostage by weight. And my health would soon have followed. It isn't as easy as eating and an alarm goes off to say stop, at least not yet for me. But maybe it will be, or maybe there will always be foods I can't have. But not, I have a chance. Take yours!

For me, I was on the lower end of the BMI range of qualifying for WLS. I consider bypass to be very drastic, and my health was not bad enough to need something that drastic. Along with other points made earlier about not wanting the rerouting and malabsorption, I didn't have diabetes, else I probably would have done bypass, as it works wonderfully for sending it into remission. The recovery period was not an issue for me, a few extra weeks when it comes to the rest of my life is not really a factor. It was a bigger picture issue for me. I also didn't like the idea of the honeymoon period that bypass has. When that is over, if you haven't changed your habits, it is easy to regain. I know myself, my habits don't change that easily. While my food choices are not bad, I knew I'd still want the treats now and then. The band provides me the guidance I need to easily maintain my weight. The downsides of the band? More follow-ups, getting fills. You have a foreign object in your body that can lead to complications down the road, from erosion to leaks, to who knows what in 20 years or more. You have a port to deal with, placement can cause issues. For me it is near my waist, and waistbands on some pants can be quite painful.

This varies from doctor to doctor.. But the standard answer is "follow what your doc says". Mine was solid foods in week 7 post-op, meat in week 8 (including red meat). They suggested softer meats at first but to be honest I had more problems with things like hamburger and got the solid meats down easier. Certain semi-soft foods seem to get stuck at the start of the sleeve, while the more solid items pushed through. The NP said this was not uncommon, and a slight stricture at the opening to the stomach would cause this but that it would loosen up (which it did). 4 months for red meat seems like an awfully long time. Compared to many here the 8 weeks my doc states is even a bit on the long side. I know it's not something you want to jump right into as your stomach needs time to heal. But that's the first I have heard of anything that long... Were there any complications before during or after the surgery or was this a band to sleeve revision? Something that might suggest additional healing time is needed? Or is this his standard guidelines?

For me it would be a no-brainer, even if I were 200# overweight... I just don't like the idea of an irreversible procedure, causing malabsorption (malnutrition), with a high rate of serious complications. No thank you.

I have to respectfully disagree Bean. But what do I know. If you increase the diameter of cylinder, the volume is greatly changed. Think of the difference in surface area of a tv. Do you notice the difference between a 32" and a 40" TV? Then add another depth element to it and the volume difference is that much greater. All we can do is trust our surgeon that they make the correct choice for us. I had read that larger bougie surgeries experience less complications and less acid reflux effects, but also may have a higher change of stretching. I am sure the surgeons have waaaaaaaay more data points to support their reasons for doing what they do that we forum trolls have to consider.

I spent at least 2 months doing research, I was adamant on having the lap band done. After learning about the sleeve, I was drawn to it, and then I was against being banded due to many complications that I’ve read others have gone through. Here is my journey: July 8 – Met with surgeon for the first time July 10 – Had upper GI July 18 – Met with dietician July 22 – Scheduled surgery for September 12 July 25 – Received a phone call saying that insurance has approved surgery July 20 – Received insurance confirmation in mail August 21 – Will have a 2-hour class with other soon-to-be-sleevers, to review pre-op liquid diet, what to expect while in the hospital, etc 1st week in September - Will have a pre-op pysical, do blood work, etc September 12 - Surgery date!

Thank you all so very much. With my situation I do believe the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. I have to stop listening to what people have to say. I'm a diabetic I have complications from that . I was on dialysis for 2 years until I got my kidney transplant in July 2006 . I had the lapband surgery in June 2005 to lose weight for my transplant and I lost 120 lbs. but since then it's been a yoyo affect for me because of the amount of medications I take . All of my doctors are on board with me getting the bypass and I'm definitely doing it. I'll keep you all posted!

Three more hours I will be going back to into surgery. I'm hoping to wake up with getting through the procedure this time with no complications. It was truly disappointing and a set back for me the first time due to low heart rate. My whole focus was thrown off and depressing. I'm asking all buddies to please pray that this time around be successful.

I know three people who have the gastric bypass and they are all still considered to be obese. So, I thought why would I subject myself a more complicated procurers, unless it was my only option. I am using the sleeve as a tool to help me lose weight. Ultimately whatever surgery I chose I am going to have to diet and exercise the rest of my life period. Maybe, you can join a gastric bypass forum and get more information on the surgery and the outcomes.

I had 4 weeks of liquids after surgery, so it could be worse than your 2 weeks The reason is because your stomach has been sutured, manipulated, and wounded. If you don't follow your post op diet exactly, you are putting yourself at very high risk for complications such as ripping stitches in your stomach. Your stomach needs time to heal.