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I had my second visit with my surgeon today. I verified that he DOES in fact perform sleeves. However, he stated that he's only done 6 of them to date. Now, mind you he's had extensive experience with bypass and the lap band. So, my question is would you feel comfortable having him do your procedure? I mean someone's got to be the "firsts", right? Do you think that he'd be even more wary/alert because it's a new procedure to him? Just curious to get others opinions.

Looking for information on whether or not the lap band is the right choice for me. I don't want gastric bypass. I am currently 192-195 and 4 feet 11 inches tall. I am in excellent health. What can I expect to lose and what is life like after the band procedure? Lots of questions I know, but I am truly a real newbie where this is concerned. Thank you so much.

The research all shows an excellent result in complete reversal of type 2 diabetes with the mini gastric bypass. Lots of dats showing some people showed no more signs of diabetes as little as 3 days after bypass surgery. You should discuss this with your surgeon. Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I am rapidly approaching the date of surgery. I do not have an official date but have 2 more things left to do before it is set. I was just wanting to hear some opinoins on the sleeve and see if there were some good success stories. The doctor offered me a bypass or a sleeve and I went with the sleeve for several reasons. Several of my family and friends are iffy about the situation and I would like to hear some good things!! Thanks!

The creator of this forum Alex Brecher posted this a few months ago for those who want a more informed, balanced and complete study of the different WLS. DO THE MATH 164 Studies, 161,756 Patients Over Nearly 10 Years: What Does This Add Up To? BARIATRIC AND METABOLIC SURGERY IS EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE THAN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AND GETTING SAFER! A new meta-analysis of studies carried out between 2003 and 2012 shows higher remission rates of diabetes and high blood pressure and a lower mortality rate than previously reported. The study, published online in JAMA Surgery, is an update to a meta-analysis of studies conducted between 1990 and 2003 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, Buchwald et. al.) back in October 2004. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis reviewed outcomes from nearly 162,000 patients in 164 studies (37 randomized clinical trials and 127 observational studies), over almost 10 years. They discovered 92 percent of patients in randomized clinical trials experienced diabetes remission after surgery, slightly higher than the 86 percent remission rate found in observational studies, but significantly higher than the 76.8 percent remission rate found in the 2004 JAMA study. Remission rates for hypertension were about 75 percent in both the randomized clinical trials and observational studies, while the remission rate in 2004 was 61.7 percent. Body Mass Index (BMI) loss five years after surgery ranged from 12 to 17 in the new study. Before surgery, patients had an average BMI of 45.62. "With the 2004 study, we now have 22 years worth of data from over 180,000 patients and 300 studies," said study co-author J. Esteban Varela, MD, MPH, MBA, Fellow of the ASMBS. "The data continues to prove bariatric surgery is not only safe and effective in providing significant and sustainable weight loss, but is the most effective treatment today for diabetes, hypertension and an array of other diseases and conditions in people with obesity." In the new study, 30-day mortality rate was 0.08 percent, down from the 0.3 percent reported in 2004. Complication rates ranged from 10 to 17 percent and the reoperation rate was about 7 percent. Complication and reoperation rates were not reported in the previous meta-analysis. By procedure, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy resulted in the greatest weight loss, but had a higher rate of complications and mortality than adjustable gastric banding. Gastric banding had the highest reoperation rate (12% in randomized trials), while gastric bypass had the lowest at 3 percent, followed by sleeve gastrectomy, which had a reoperation rate of 9 percent. The new meta-analysis included sleeve gastrectomy, which was not available in the 1990s. Of note, sleeve gastrectomy had comparable weight loss to that of gastric bypass at 5 years. "This is but the latest study to validate the high degree of safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery," said Ninh T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and Vice-Chair of the Department of Surgery at UC Irvine School of Medicine. "Today we are performing operations that are as safe or safer than gallbladder and hernia repair surgery." According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 78 million adults were obese in 2011–2012.1 The ASMBS estimates about 24 million people have severe or morbid obesity. Individuals with a BMI greater than 30 have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of premature death compared to healthy weight individuals as well as an increased risk of developing more than 40 obesity-related diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.2,3

May I suggest the sleeve? Unless you're extremely heavy (like 600 or so) or looking for a quick diabetes reversal, I think the sleeve is able to help you drop some lbs, while being simpler/lower complication than the bypass and also not being malabsorptive--you can still keep the Vitamins from food you ingest.

Imaginegirl, like people have already said, you might have trouble finding a surgeon who still do bands. Also, long term about 50% of people who got the band 10 years ago are having difficulty and getting them removed. There are LOTS of us here who have had to get revisions done. I went with the band those 11 years ago with the same reason you did, I just wish I knew then what I know now, and I'd have gone straight to the bypass and not wasted 10 years fighting with my band. Of course it's your body, but do your homework and be sure the band is really what you want. Either way, good luck!

Got a phone call last night. I was approved, which should be exciting news except there are a lot of tricks to this. Since my doctors have been prolonging things, my insurance is up on my birthday October 31. When i turn 23, This is the COMPLETE cut off date for Tricare. They are trying for surgery the 23rd. With no pre opt diet. Is this going to work? And if it does..... I won't have insurance until November after the surgery. Is this a bad idea? Should I just forget having the surgery? But if I don't have it, that's 8 months that I waisted away planning for this day. I'm so confused and alone right now!!!! I'm going crazy!! Not to mention, I have NO MORE TIME OFF left at work. Could I go back to work during recovery? I only work 4- 5 hours a day during the week as a bank teller.

Hey there. Sleeved November 26, 2012. Starting weight 303. Today I weigh 191!!! Lost 112 pounds! Feel fabulous!!

My identical twin sis had the bypass done 12 years ago, sleeve was way too new then. She lost a lot the first year and has kept about 50% off. She stretched it over the years. She went with me for my sleeve consult and her/our doc put her back on track and spent more of my consult time on her ensuring she has the tools to get back into the game of losing again. She said she needed that and is actually losing again. I have my surgery in a week and I am happier I have this choice. The absorption problem is an unnecessary burden I think with this other option. Bottom line is that both surgeries need work now matter the procedure. She also started back on vitamins and took biotin for first time and her hair and skin has never looked nicer. So, it can all be helpful to do what they tell you years later

That is what I've heard. My buddy did bypass there in Feb. And he said the same thing about nurses. Yes, I do add frozen pineapple, banana, cooked beet's, yogurt, not for the taste, but to feel full. Honestly I cheated all two weeks, I had some grilled chicken breast, few slices of corn beef. Nothing serious, but men, it is hard. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using the BariatricPal App

Each BCBS plan has different exclusion in their policies. You would have to dig deeper into what you plan will cover and what it will not. My BCBS in Iowa would not cover the sleeve so it made no sense to appeal their decision. They would pay for the band and a bypass but no sleeve.

Thank you!! I thought it was odd myself since the bypass is a more complicated & more expensive surgery.

Well guys, I am afraid I have no good news. Anthem BC/BS denied my appeal level 1 as “investigational”. Surprise, surprise, right? Even after I have all my papers, letters from my doctors that stated that I need to take NSAID and my surgeon office provide medical researches on my behalf, no dice. Now I am fighting with them to let me bypass Appeal level 2 and go direct to Independent external review appeal witch I believe would be my best bet. I feel that Appeal level 2 will provide the same results since Anthem is not looking at your medical problems they are just hiding behind the policy. As I read this panel have three doctors independent of insurance panel that they look @ the medical necessity only. If they rule in your favor, the insurance has to cover your surgery, no questions ask. The whole thing It’s depressing and frustrating especially when all other major insurance companies already updated their policy to include sleeve. But I am still not giving up.

You're getting the bypass ?

I've heard that the sleeve is much less complicated than bypass. Though, I don't know what kind of insurance you have. Some insurances won't cover the sleeve, and will only cover the bypass; not sure why. I would definitely try for the surgery again. 475 pounds is extremely worrying and very detrimental to your health. I'm 249 pounds right now, and even I am risking a lot by being this big. You should never feel ashamed. I think that anyone who can get to your size must have a thyroid problem. In my opinion, it seems impossible to be that size by just eating alone. Something isn't right with the body when it allows itself to get to that size. So, it isn't your fault. I see now where you said you are going to see another surgeon. I am so happy about that! Please keep us updated. <3

I am not sure how much they will actually be able to get done, since they either have to have the cooperation of Bush or a huge majority to bypass a veto. The more important thing, I think, is that they will be able to block a lot of what Bush wants. I think that was a major problem when we had a Republican congress. They were basically a rubber stamp for the President. I hope they do have some investigations and are able to shed some light on the lawfulness and ethicalness (is that a word?) of things that have been going on. As much as I think he deserves it, I doubt they will try to impeach Bush, unless something shocking and totally unforgiveable comes to light in the investigations. I have a feeling the Democrats want to be seen as the better party, not distracting a President when there is a war going on or when there is a possibility of terrorism. I think they want to be able to say something like, "Republicans knew about the possibility of terrorism in the late '90s and still chose to distract the President from dealing with that possibility. We are not going to be that party."

<p><p>This is awesome! I called insurance today and initially the lady said gastric bypass is not covered as my husband's employer didn't pick up the rider, but when I asked about lap band she said "Isn't that the same??" Ummmmm...... no! I don't want bypass, I want the lap band. Trying to determine if that means no weight loss surgery at all or just no bypass. I am hoping that if it is nothing at all I can piggyback it on with getting my hiatal hernia taken care of. Heck, they can check for more endo while they're in there too. This gives me hope that I can work something out. For those of you who have done this, did the DR let you pay in installments or was it one big amount?</p></p>

Can anyone give me an approx idea of how long the whole process takes? I have just made my first apointment with a surgeon at Greenslopes in Brisbane, and it is for the end of August. From there what other appointments, tests, etc etc need to be done before you get a surgery date? My main problem is that I have an overseas trip booked for November, and am thinking that I will have to put off the operation until next year as by November I probably wouldnt be used to the eating regime etc to be able to head off overseas! I also have no idea how long the waiting time might be...is it usually weeks? months? Any info is welcome....thanks! :ohmy:

I never had any issues with ovarian cysts but ended up with severe pain in my left ovary a week after my bypass. Turned out I had a cancerous ovarian tumor. Probably wouldn't have known about it for a long time if the bypass surgery hadn't irritated it. Definitely get it checked out. Better safe than sorry!

If we are all getting the same surgery...bypass, why are different Vitamins suggested by surgeons. For instance my surgeon specifically told me no Flintstones chewables or Centrum. IDK I'm just thinking we all need the same amount of vitamins after surgery... correct? I feel like I have to purchase the more costly ones from particular websites until I can swallow actual pills. At least that's how I feel about my Multivitamin. I know I can grab the others at any drugstore. Am I missing something? Sent from my Y538 using the BariatricPal App

Because a lot of your intenstines have been bypassed, the sugar all goes directly into your bloodstream and spikes your insulin levels. This causes people to feel sick, have diarrhea, etc.

Don't be discouraged....well, it's easy to say, but I know, I felt the same way. Keep this in mind - we did not gain this weight overnight, and we haven't been able to lose it....it is tough to wait that month for the seminar, but you can...and then it can be possible you have to do 6 months of physician monitored weight loss, before you can even see the psychologist....and then finally you can see the physician....so it could realistically be 6 + months before you are in the surgeon's office....so think...where will you be weight wise if you don't start this process in May? I went to a surgeon over 2 years ago, and didn't like what he had to say, because he wouldn't consider the lap band for me...preferred the gastric bypass, which I didn't want. So I didn't go back to the Dr. for weightloss issues for a year! Then I found out about Dr. Fielding. I had to wait a month to be able to attend the seminar. Then I had to do 6 months of weight loss monitoring. I should have gone to the psychologist before the 6 months or during that time, but I didn't realize I could....doh! Then I went to the nutritionist (which is primarily to ensure you know whst to expect for the pre and post op diet), which I could have also done sooner. Ok, so I'm slow...lol! Anyway, after all this, my insurance kicked the paperwork back. Talk about discouragement! The reason for this was my physician didn't do his notes properly. My suggestion, get a copy of each visit's notes to be sure it has basics, such as Weight, diet discussed, exercise discussed, recommendations discussed, etc. because some insurance can be picky about how it is presented, and make sure your physician is making legible notes! After all this, I saw Dr. Fielding only once before the surgery, but was very much at ease with him. I had surgery on November 1, 2008, and am 55lbs less than my highest pre op weight....and losing. I know they use the phrase "worth the wait" for some sex ed program, but it applies to this also....it is worth the wait! Stay positive!

First of all, what does he mean by "the band failed"? Does that mean it eroded, or slipped, or does it mean that the patients simply did not lose weight as they had expected? It's not a magic bullet and it does fail when people don't follow the rules, but so does the bypass. I'm not all that familiar with your culture, but it sounds like your husband is relying on the advice of your friend/surgeon primarily because he is a man and a physician, and dismissing your logic and preferences out of hand. Is there another doctor you might get to bolster your argument? Can you point out to your husband that you are an intelligent woman and ultimately, choices regarding your health should be made by you? At the end of the day, it's still your body and you are the one who has to live with the consequences of your decision.