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Hiya all! I’m after some advice please, if you’ve got any pearls of wisdom then they’d be greatly appreciated! ;0) i had a lap band put in situ 4 years ago and lost just over 6 stone.. and I felt fabulous!! Sadly though a year ago I had a car accident that left me with lots of issues.. one of the these being vomiting after eating food. i had a barium meal which showed I had a slipped band and esophegeal motility issues which was likely caused by the slip. they removed all of the fill in the band and since then I am still sick when I eat ‘good’ food but I am also hungry all the time because there is no trigger to the brain to stop any more. As a result I have put on over 3 stone due to eating crap because it’s the only thing that stays down... and to be honest, it also cheers me up for all of 30 seconds. As all of the above clearly spells out, I have not conquered my food demons at all and need something to stop me from putting back on everything I have lost. This is why I am considering revision surgery for a sleeve instead, but I’d like to know if they are as good as they appear to be. Does anyone have any advice please? oh, also my BMI is only 30.2 at the moment and so anyone had the surgery done at this BMI as I know they won’t do it under 30. thanks for reading my essay ;0)

my only question would be if the band caused any reflux. if yes, bypass is usually the way to go.

My doc is not a big lapband fan as the European studies and current US studies are showing high failure rates over time, so the option of revision or replacement is out of the question with this doc. I have had a CT scan, Fluro/barium swallow, and endoscopy over the past three months. They believe my band has tightened due to scarring of the stomach lining.

I have had my band since 2009 and started having a lot of complications with it in 2012 so I am having the revision to Sleeve on 11/27/13. I have heard a lot of people say they had to have a hernia repair what is the causes of getting a hernia with the band? For the last month I have had swollen, pinching, stabbing, and pulling feeling around my port area when I move or bend a curtain way. Is this something I should be concerned about?

FAB---U------LUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your very creative revision of the song! Kathleen

I agree, I feel like the wight loss guinea pig!! ive had the band, then the sleeve, well, sort of a sleeve since he didnt do it right, and now hoping he will do the bypass...ugh..im so over this crap...just want it done and over already! thnks tiny, i feel better now....LOL...

I revised only three weeks ago due to severe acid reflux. Unfortunately it has not helped my reflux at all. I'm in pain 24/7. Literally. However this is NOT the norm apparently and I would encourage anyone to revise who has GERD.

I had the sleeve to bypass in May of this year, 2 months out today. I have lost a total of 56lbs (since pre-op). I am still shy about eating food and am only allowed to eat fish, seafood, chicken, turkey & veggies. I am now able to eat about 3 ounces of food but at a time but I never finish it. I don’t feel full, I just feel like I have had enough. I am still nervous to eat to full for fear of overeating. I had no complications and am so glad I got it done. I didn’t lose much with the sleeve and developed GERD. I am currently on my second stall since surgery but that’s to be expected

Gastric bypass will definitely teach you to eat slower. I've never had it come back but I have a couple of occasions where I was undeniably sorry I ate it so fast. A good thing I reckon in the overall scheme of things. In my case, eating too fast is also usually synonymous with not chewing well enough. Very uncomfortable!!

Hi, I wish I still lived in Dallas! I miss Texas, plus I'd love to go to that conference. Would you please ask a question for me? My band was filled slowly; .5 cc at a time. Only .5cc ago, I had no feeling at all: no restriction, no discomfort, nothing. Now, I can't take a bite without a choking sensation and nausea. Some days, even a sip of Water or swallowing my own saliva triggers this. I 'm miserable, and nobody (least of all the doctor) has any help to offer. ( Except, of course, that he'd be happy to remove the band and do a bypass charging for both, of course). Somebody online said this is called first bite syndrome. The solution of sipping warm liquid helps -- but then there's no restriction at all. There seem to be other people out here with the problem, but no good answers. I've sen people blame a too-tight band, or blame themselves for panic and vomit -- but that's just not it! What I would like to know is this: Is this what restriction with this band feels llike? Or are there people who just feel full (not stuffed) and put their fork down? That's what I was expecting. It's what I had before (with a type of band no longer used), when I was successful at losing all the way to goal and keeping it off ten years. I want this band to work, and I'm tired of feeling miserable. Is there something I can do??? Any advice for those of us who can't seem to find proper restriction??? Thanks! (nd I hope you're having better luck than I am!)

Hi all! I have been considering getting a lap band for a while now. I couldn't before because of my insurance but it looks like my husband's new insurance *might* actually cover it... knock on wood. I went to a meeting a while back and the doctors were saying that, in order to succeed with a lap band, one must have a lot of self control and, if not, one should opt for the bypass instead. Personally, I could probably keep myself in check if I was single but I have 2 children and a husband that ALWAYS attempts to sabotage my weight loss attempts. I don't think it's conscious but he is not willing to get the lap band with me and I fear that if I get it he will only encourage me to push it to it's limits. I don't like the idea of rearranging my organs, (at all), but I don't want to get a lap band and then not be able to keep myself in check, with him taunting me along the way. Has anyone had a similar situation and, if so, what came of it and your weight loss decision? Please, no "no one can sabotage you, you can only sabotage yourself" kind of comments. I have heard them all and have learned one thing over the years: if it's in front of me, I will probably eat it, (and like it). Thank you, in advance, for your experience! Shannon

Today was a nerve-racking day! :smile2: I had some very back news today of someone who was once married into our family that committed suicide last night. It was so sad because this poor guy had no one who loved him. Even his own mother denied she was his mother and wasn't planning on burying him. I had to keep it together because I had my networking luncheon today called the Hispanic Network of Austin with 50 people coming to network. While I was setting up for the luncheon, I got more updates on my surgery with the location of the hotel that True Results is putting us up in because the surgery is in another city. I'm trying to write this down, set up, and NOT cry. I was nervous knots all day!! I felt off my game at the luncheon, but it was still a GREAT luncheon! One of my acquaintances, who's fast becoming a friend, was SO supportive and wants to meet with me before my surgery and visit me post-op. She had gastric bypass before the lapband was an option, so she understands me and what I'm about to go through. I'm so grateful for her and I hope I'll be able to count on her when I need encouragement. The surgery is next Friday and I'm so excited and so scared all at the same time. Is that normal? I don't know, but it's something I must do for myself and my health. My mother-in-law is so funny. She's visiting with us and not from this country. Where she comes from, there just aren't a lot of obese people, so she can't understand why I'm getting surgery. Why can't I just eat salad? LMAO!! :lol:If it was that simple, I would have done that by now! My husband's so supportive and I'm very fortunate in that sense. He has always taken such good care of me and has seen me through some difficult health situations. He curses me back to health, but I know he worries about each time I get sick. I'm hoping that my health will improve now and he won't have to worry so much.

Debbie, Good luck. WLS is a personal journey for each of us and I have seen many fail at lap band, sleeve and bypass. The key to success is like you said keeping up with it. You have to change your way of thinking, eating and your entire relationship with food. Have LB surgery has been the best thing I have everydone for myself, wish I had done it sooner. I finally fill like I am getting my life back. good luck and please let us know how we can support you.

I would really like to chat with some people who had the mini gastric bypass surgery. And especially if you've had a sleeve first. Please I need information about this and opinions. Thank you so much Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I've a question- before you have weight loss surgery do you have to do a colon prep like before a colonoscopy? I feel like I should already know the answer but I don't really. It seems like it would make sense, especially if you were having gastric bypass or a duodenal switch where your intestines are going to be manipulated. So does anyone have an answer? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

So, I have a date set for March 5th to have VSG. I'm now feeling I should go for the Bypass....anyone else feeling this way? My surgeon says either are fine, but I just don't know. Anyone out there have any advice? Sleeved or those with bypass. I appreciate the help. I hope to make some friends on here, not many outside my family know about my upcoming surgery. Could use a suppo a system. [emoji4]

No, not at all. I was going for the sleeve first but when the surgeon read that I have dealt with and been medicated for years for Acid reflux, he immediately recommended the bypass because people who get the sleeve often have problems with heartburn so I am thankful he made that decision for me. I am fine with the bypass. From what I have read, sometimes people who get the sleeve ultimately move on for a second surgery which of course is the bypass.

I smoked for a long time. This is my second time quitting. This time around I quit to do my bypass. But now after a month with stress etc I wanna smoke. Is that ok. I did have a cigarette.

LapBandTalk.com is a wealth of weight loss and healthy lifestyle tips, a source of information specific to your situation, and a place where you can locate and connect to the best bariatric surgeons in your are. Despite this abundance of resources, most of our members come here for another reason: the positivity. Our members are supportive, encouraging and empathetic. But among the general population, it’s a different story due to misinformation and hasty judgments. Why Weight Loss Surgery Misinformation is Rampant In the age of digital media, information can be immediately available to millions of people as soon as someone posts it online using a laptop, smartphone or other mobile device. Unfortunately, nothing is automatically censored, so misinformation is just as easy to spread as facts. In the blink of an eye, people can post random thoughts via Twitter, Facebook or other social media platforms without even realizing that their followers may take their intended musings as hard data. How People Choose What to Believe Many people are unable to distinguish between weight loss surgery fact and fiction because they simply do not know enough to make a sound judgment. Some people are cynical by nature, and have a tendency to instinctively believe the worst when they are presented with opposing facts. These people, for example, may automatically believe that weight loss surgery is harmful and ineffective instead of low-risk and healthy for the right patients. Common Myths If you want to combat widespread weight loss surgery information, you should know some of the common myths and how to respond with the truth. These are some common false beliefs surrounding bariatric surgery and their realities. Myth: It’s a quick and easy fix. Reality: It’s not quick, and it’s not easy. Surgery does not make you lose a single pound. You lose the excess weight over the course of years through diet and exercise modifications. Myth: It’s dangerous and invasive. Reality: Complications are rare for lap-band procedures, and they are usually minor, such as needing an adjustment in band location. Roux-n-Y can cause nutrient deficiencies, but you work with a dietitian and have frequent check-ups to lower your risk. The procedures take less than two hours, and full recovery takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Myth: You don’t have to change your diet, or, you can only eat a limited variety of foods. Reality: The truth lies somewhere in between. You are encourage to eat a nutritious diet and avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods as well as liquid calories. What Can You Do? With instantaneous transmission of information, rumors spread like wildfires in the social stratosphere. Worse, rumors can easily because widely accepted as facts. How can you help to combat this harmful gossip? These are a few possibilities. Fight fiction with fact: Social networking platforms, such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter are just as good for spreading truth as they are at spreading lies. Every time you come across an inaccurate or demeaning statement about weight loss surgery, stand up for you and your friends who have had weight loss surgery. Be a good example: Most people tend to base their judgments on what or whom they know. If they know one person (you) with weight loss surgery, they’ll base their judgments on you. Hopefully, they will realize the benefits of bariatric surgery when they see you eating well every day, exercising regularly, being more productive at work and being a happier, healthier person overall. Emphasize that not all bariatric surgery options are the same. Roux-n-Y is irreversible and more drastic than Lap Band procedures, which take less than an hour. Can Celebrities Help? Celebrities can be spokespeople for the cause. If you know of any celebrities who are bariatric surgery pateints, consider contacting them and asking them to be more verbal about the cause. Nobody can get the message across like a celebrity. These are a few examples of famous people with bariatric surgery. Carnie Wilson, television host and singer: Roux-n-Y, 1999; laparoscopic band over bypass, 2012 Star Jones Reynolds, television host: gastric bypass, 2003 Brian Dennehy, actor: Lap-Band, 2008 As a bariatric surgery patient or someone who is considering the procedure, what are your thoughts? How can we change the negative perceptions surrounding aftercare? Does the terminology need to be changed? Can some sort of publicity campaign online or in the offline media be helpful? As an individual, can you be a role model to demonstrate that you have worked hard for every pound that you have lost, and that you are continuing each day to make healthy choices in your diet and exercise? Let us know what you think!

Our stories are very similar. I was sleeved in 2016 and similar weight. Lost 90 lbs, my surgeon wanted me to lose 100. Had 2 additional babies 2 & 3years later, then covid. I’ve been offered Topomax & Lomaira after starting a weight loss program, but not very effective. I lost 15 lbs at the most. I have a date 6 weeks out for DS revision with my same surgeon. How has healing been the last 2 months, and have you seen progress? How long was your hospital stay?

Back when I was one week post-op I asked why wasn't I losing weight????? I was so very frustrated. I had 'only' lost 4 pounds since my surgery the week before. Boy, was I young and naive. Those 4 pounds were just the fluids from the surgery, and about the only weight I lost until about 5-6 months post-op when my fills finally kicked in and started working for me. But, the nice people here at LBT boosted my spirits and reminded me that until I got to my green zone, my weight loss would be limited. Then I starte getting my fills, and the weight started coming off...pretty easily too. Easily if not consistently. The Lap Band literature tells us 1-2 lbs per week. That was a pipe dream for me. I averaged 3/4 lb per week. Yes three quarters. Some weeks were more than others, some weeks were gains, some weeks/months were plateaus. But the overall trend was down. I stuck with my new portions and habits, and I got to a healthy BMI, my blood pressure normalized, my cholesterol normalized, and my blood sugar improved. Sometimes, when the short-term is sucking...look at the long term...focus on portion control, food choices. Even if your portions are not tiny, make them better. One of you was banded in November...you've had what? 1 maybe 2 fills? The band isn't helping much yet. But it's there, and you are working on it. The July bandster, DON'T compare yourself to bypass patients. We had completely different procedures. That will mess with your psyche and set you up for failure..."why should I get a fill, it won't help..my brother's lost 100 lbs already...there's no point, I'll never catch up." We are in this for life, being banded is not really about losing the weight. It is about making changes forever that help you become a healthier, thinner person. Work on the habits...the weight will follow.

hi! i feel the same way. I was banded 7/23/11 and have only lost a total of 30 pounds, that's from my very first appointment BEFORE my surgery. I can't say i really have lost a lot due to the surgery. I have had three or four fills I think. I need to go back but I havent had the time. I know we just have to be patient and visit the dr often and get more adjustments to find the "green zone" but it is SO frustrating. My brother and mother had bypass a month ago and have lost an immense amount of weight. good luck in your journey!

I read Khaliah Ali's story Fighting Weight and it was like looking into a mirror. Several years ago I considered Gastric Bypass and my therapist wouldn't give approval, my employer stopped paying for bariatric surgery and so I didn't give it much more consideration after that. The gastric surgery always scared me, a friend had the surgery over 5 years ago and she has regained weight. I've been working with my therapist and we agreed gastric bypass was too radical. But after reading Fighting Weight, I thing banding is the answer, and it helped me see that being severely obese is a medical condition along with my co-morbidities - hbp, syndrome x, pcos, depression and anxiety. I think I'm better equipped for banding than I was when I was considering gastric bypass. I haven't been able to figure out why I can't get myself to exercise everyday but in the book it was the factor of failing, failing again, not being able to face doing the work and failing, we set ourselves up to fail believing the People magazine yearly article "Losing 100 pounds without Surgery doing it with Exercise and Diet" - what chances do I have losing more than 100 pounds with just diet and exercise. Banding is a tool and I'm ready to use it

I can’t decide which revision is best? Any opinions would be appreciated!!

I'm 38 and would love new friends going though the same journey as me . Had bypass on 3/23. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App