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Knowing now that complications do happen (not only with the other WLS ops)and that the posibility of re-operation or losing the band is much higher than I thought pe-op,and the fact that I have lived with heartburn and a lot of pain since getting the band......no,I wouldnt do the band again....would have WLS though,just dont know which operation.....

I'm too soon in to my band to give a worthwhile answer, but I know two sisters who were banded about 5 years ago, they were pioneer patients who travelled from MO to MN to be part of the release studies. Since we don't have a lot of long-term bandsters here, I thought this info might help. Sister 1: about 5'1, 380# pre-op. Currently 86 pounds, wearing a baggy size 0. Her band has been slipped for over a year, which is what has caused the extreme weight loss an inability to swallow much more than her own saliva, she knows this, knows she should go to the doctor (and has, once), but refuses to let them remove or repair the band because she's afraid of gaining the weight back. She admits her complications are largely self-caused. I asked her the week before I got banded if she would do it again and she said, "Without a doubt, I wouldn't think twice. Even though I'm having problems, it can be undone. Problems with other surgeries cannot." Sister 2: about 5'2, 370 ore-op. She has had not had complications with her band. She crrently weighs 120 and wears a sz 8 comfortably, She has gained about 10# from her lowest weight because (per her own admission) she has slacked off and let more sweets into her diet, and has not been keeping up with her exervise as much as she should. I did not talk to her before my banding, but my mother spoke with her 3 days after my operation. She did not know I was getting banded. Her first comment was, "Oh my god, I'm so excited for her. I hope she doesn't regret doing it, I know i don't!" FWIW.

I am a band to sleeve revision. I was happy with my band for a long time and lost a good amount of weight. Then it malfunctioned after my pregnancy and never worked again. I can tell you that in my experience so far (6 years banded and now 11 weeks post sleeve) that it is much easier to eat around the band than the sleeve, and my weight loss is faster (so far at least) even though I have always been a "slow loser". I think personally that the sleeve is a better surgery. The band is safer if you are worried about major complications like leaks. But long term people seem to have more problems with the band and the most recent research I have heard indicates that more than 50% have the band removed by 5 years post op, mostly either due to slip, erosion, or inadequate weight loss. Of course, these are my opinions based on my experience and what I have heard from other band folks. The band is an attractive idea but doesn't seem to work as well in practice. Good luck to you.

i feel like i need more information... what were all the 6 procedures she had done after the initial bypass surgery? Were they all from having bypass, or some other complications?

I am looking to get the band "off label", and have a "low" BMI of 31 so my insurance won't cover the surgery. I am wondering, If there are complications afterwords, swelling, infection etc and I need an adjustment, would my insurance cover that? Thanks!

I signed up to this forum solely to pass along our story in hopes others can learn from our experience. Please read (It IS a long read) As soon as I picked up the phone & heard her crying, I knew it was bad news. Her Specialist had diagnosed her with advanced Liver Fibrosis. Between her tears & what she said, I felt like I had the wind sucked out of me. So what now? Almost as quickly as I took in the news, a sense of defiance started to spring up within me. I had waited 45 YEARS to meet my soulmate & I was damned if I was gonna lose her now. "We have to tell Dr. Kantner" I insisted to her. Her Obesity Specialist. Yes, my wife is Overweight & has type 2 diabetes. And to be hit with this news on top of everything else... Through fate or fortune, she had stumbled into our specialist's care through me, as I was already seeing the specialist for my own weight issues & shortly, after we met, I told her about my Doctor & thankfully, Dr. Kantner took her on as well. Through her own program, Nancy was scheduled for Bariatric surgery. Specifically, Gastric Bypass. We prepared to wait up to possibly 2 years for her surgery, but now the situation had changed. Would she even be able to make it that long? She did tell Dr. Kantner & somehow, through her influence, was able to fast track Nancy to having her surgery within six months. Still a bit of a wait, but a lot better than having to wait two years! So now the waiting. And being the anxious personalities that we are, it seemed to take forever. But as the days drew closer to the date, it began to get more & more real, until finally that morning, when we were up at 4am, we knew this was happening. Finally! I had spent that last few months emotionally supporting her, reassuring her how everything was going to be just fine, while at the same time trying to convince myself of the same. It had finally reached zero hour & we were on our way to the hospital. Her surgery was scheduled for 7:45am, so we had to be there at least two hours prior to prepare. I gave her as much encouragement as I could until she was told to change into her hospital gown & I followed alongside her on the stretcher till the last possible second when our tightly clasping hands reluctantly separated and she disappeared into the Operating Room. For the first time, I felt helpless as her fate was now in the hands of the Surgeon. Perhaps I was being a tad overdramatic as the procedure usually takes anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes. Counting on this, I went over to the McDonalds across the street, where I figured I'd pass the time by having a long, leisurely breakfast. So, as I enjoyed my Sausage & Egg McMuffins & Hashbrowns, I watched the time go slowly by. 8:00, 8:45, 9:10... Still no word. I couldn't sit still any longer, so I went into the Mall & wandered around. 9:30, 9:50... still no word. Now, I was getting worried. Maybe she was already done & they didn't have my phone number to let me know to come & pick her up? 10:00. I stopped by the Pizzeria & had a slice & tried to make it last as long as I could. 10:20, I had another slice. Finally, at 10:40 I felt my phone vibrate. It was the hospital. "Well," The Doctor said. "It wasn't easy, but we got it done." Apparently, her previous surgery from 20 years ago for Acid Reflux had caused some "challenges" for them. But, even though it had taken longer than anticipated, it was finally done. I could pick up my wife & we could go home. But when I got back to the hospital, she still hadn't been moved to the Recovery Ward. What's going on? About an hour later, I'm let up to see her in a room that felt entirely too small & too hot. I looked into her exhausted face & when she opened her eyes, we both felt it. That mutual spark of joy we bring to each other. "Hi Honey," she said in a weakened tone. She HAD been through something. But it was finally done. Her Surgeon soon arrived & filled me in on the particulars. Because it had been a "complicated surgery" They would have her stay overnight for observation. Great. I have to go home without my wife. I stay with her till the evening & I go home around 8pm. I call a taxi & indulge in McD's Drive through on the way home. I wake up in the unfamiliar position of not having my Nancy beside me. I don't like it. I get up & get dressed first thing. I can't wait to pick her up & take her home. I call the taxi & return to the hospital & grab a Starbucks, conveniently located in the main lobby. I get upstairs & there she is. Looking much chipper than yesterday. She is understandably weak still, so we wait patiently for the doctors to give her the all-clear to go home. Once again, 11am..., 12noon... she ultimately wouldn't be released till 2:30pm. But, she was finally released. We taxi home & I assist her to our suite & I deposit her on the couch. She is still in some discomfort, despite having taken painkillers that morning. We both figured having a good night's sleep should help. The next morning, having barely slept & taking painkillers all night, she is still in pretty rough shape. Still sore & not even able to swallow even a drop of water without experiencing pain. In her recovery plan, it says to expect some "discomfort" immediately following surgery, but I'm beginning to wonder if discomfort includes burning dry pain whenever she even tries to take a breath. Fortunately, I had booked the whole week off work, so I could be home to help her through her recovery. But after 5 days, things don't seem to be getting any better. If anything, in fact, they were getting worse. The Doctor gave us his private number & encouraged us to update him every day, which we did. Despite our relating her situation to him, he dismissed it as being normal. Now I may not be a doctor myself, but I can tell when something's not right. Especially when it comes to my Nancy. By the time came for me to return to work, I was an anxious ball of nerves, as I checked in with her whenever I could, and whenever she wasn't napping to try & deal with the pain, she would tell me of how bad it was getting. Then... SNOWMAGEDDON 2019. It had dumped nearly 20 cm overnight. NOTHING was moving. Even the busses had been grounded. I figured I would get a pass from work due to the situation, but when I called in & pleaded my case, they were so determined to have me show up for work, the president of the company himself drove out to my place in snow chains to drive me to work. I was not only astounded they would do such a thing but genuinely enraged. That they would put such effort into manning their shift, when the rest of the world had pretty much shut down. On this particular morning, Nancy was in more pain than she had ever been in. I really didn't want to leave her to go to work. I explained this to the President, to which he turned a blind ear. So, after an hour's commute which by taxi would ordinarily take about 20 - 30 mins, I am deposited at my site, to which anyone around was astounded there was someone working the shift. Trying to hold my anger at my company at bay, while dealing with all the problems that the snow was causing, & would continue to cause throughout the day, I soon found out that I would be working a double shift because my relief was unable to make it to work? Strange how the president wouldn't also give that person a ride to work... When I finally was able to check in with Nancy at 5pm. She was NOT doing well. She was in so much pain, she couldn't stand it. We both agreed something was VERY wrong & we called the Ambulance. So. Now I have the prospect of working still another 7 hours in the WORST snowstorm I had ever been in. My wife was home waiting for an Ambulance & I'm stuck here. Helpless. I call my boss pleading how I need to leave because my wife was on her way to emergency. After he practically cut me off in mid-sentence with an abrupt "NO. You have to stay till the end of your shift!" I snapped. I couldn't hold back any longer. I BLASTED him, screaming obscenities in a rage-filled tirade telling them how they were a bunch of heartless fucks who only cared about making money & how they didn't give a flying f**k about their employees. I got home just as the Ambulance had arrived. I have no idea by what miracle she was even able to get one as it was a frozen tundra outside. But an ambulance did show up, festooned in chains & 2 saints who would answer the call of duty on this disastrous night. My Nancy was doubled over in pain sitting on the computer chair. So much pain that we had to move her in the chair, into the elevator & down to the lobby as there was no way to get the stretcher upstairs. Not even a stokes could be used. But with the help of some god-sent residents, we are all able to transfer her into the stretcher outside & finally into the Ambulance. To give you an idea of just how bad the snowstorm was, ordinarily we would be no more than 5 minutes max from the Hospital as we lived not even 2 blocks away. But even with chains, the Ambulance struggled through the impassable road & we got to Emergency in about 15 mins. As we unloaded her, the inevitable throng of Crachkeads, Junkies & other Mentally Ill people that clog up our system was crowding the area. But again, we were fortunate enough to be fast-tracked & she was in the ward within the hour. I never spent a more uncomfortable time than when I sat with her there. I stayed as long as I could, but was exhausted & could no longer stay awake & trudged through the snow back home. I really didn't sleep a wink the rest of the night. How could I? My Wife was in Hospital, & I was alone at home for the first time in 5 years & I hated it. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't even eat. I certainly couldn't sleep. In some ways, I was worse off than she was. For the rest of the night, I sat anxiously, wondering if/when I should phone to find out her status. Finally, around 10am the next morning, I called, only to find out she had been transferred to Richmond Hospital. Holy ****. What now? I called the Taxi immediately & raced out to Richmond Hospital. Like everyone in this life, I too have had my share of sadness & sorrow. Even Heartbreak sometimes. I don't know HOW to label the feeling I felt when I got to see Nancy in her own tiny room in ICU. But seeing her there, with all kinds of tubes & wires running in & out of her looking like something from Star Trek. I felt weak. PHYSICALLY weak. Like I was going to pass out. I had never seen my Nancy this way. My mind couldn't process what I was seeing. Quickly, I stepped out. I couldn't hold back. Tears just exploded out. I never knew a person could feel this depth of sorrow. I told myself, Snap out of it man! You've GOT to be strong! If not for your sake, then for HER sake! I don't know how, but I gathered myself together & re-entered her room. Her eyes were closed. The nurse told me she was heavily sedated & that she might not recognize me. But when Nancy weakly opened her eyes & she saw me standing over her, she knew. WE knew. that look of love we share was there. Again, fighting back the urge to bawl my eyes out, I said: "Hi Honey." My hand around hers, she weakly gripped my hand. I closed my eyes & just sat with her while she came in & out of consciousness. I had never felt such sorrow. Such a feeling of helplessness. I stayed as long as I could until it became clear she needed to rest. Taking the Taxi back into town, I stopped by McDonald's & loaded up on comfort food. I didn't care. I needed something, anything to feel better. To at LEAST, not feel what I had felt in that room. I won't even speculate how much money I was throwing away on Taxi rides to & from Richmond & the West End. I only know that with an average of $30.00 per trip, I was rapidly cutting into our bank account. Needless to say, I returned the next day. Although still upsetting to see her this way, it wasn't as shocking as yesterday. I still felt like crying, but I was able to at least put more of a brave face on. Although I knew she knew what I was feeling. I returned again the next day, only to find she had been moved to the Recovery Ward. THANK GOD! The first positive since this whole thing began. This time she was in a bigger room with 3 other patients. When I saw her sleeping in her spot, I quietly as I could pulled up a seat to her bedside & within a minute, she opened her lovely eyes and when I saw how they lit up, I felt like crying all over again. She still had all her tubes, including Breathing in, but now she was able to speak. She was still heavily sedated & communication was difficult, she looked a whole lot better & at this point, this was all I could ask for. I stayed with her until around 8pm, althewhile the Nurses tended to her as I could never imagine. I'd like to mention here just how special these people are. As I write this, we are in the midst of the COVID 19 Pandemic, and living just 2 blocks away from St. Paul's Hospital, we are privileged to be able to not only see & feel the love for the incredible Medical staff, but we are able to lend our small voices to the raucous applause in appreciation every night at 7pm. As nice a gesture as this is, I still don't think it's enough. These people are heroes in every sense of the word. I was already blown away by how well they took of my wife through the entire ordeal, but seeing these brave souls risking their lives each & every night. There is simply no possible way to ever thank them enough. But back to my story. I won't outline each & every visit I made out to Richmond during Nancy's Recovery. Only by the time she was FINALLY released, it had been nearly TWO MONTHS since her initial surgery, which was supposed to be a day surgery with an overnight for observation. During this time, she had undergone a total of 4 surgeries & 2 "procedures" SIX bodily invasive procedures in total. Not the least of which included the placing of a Stent on her stomach, due to a rupture caused by the initial surgery, which would end up causing leaking from her stomach to further complicate things. But today, this was it. She was finally coming home. There was no particular time set for her release.. I didn't care. I was there before noon & as soon as I got there, I packed up all her belongings & sat with her anxiously on the bed, just waiting for the word. 1 pm. No word. 2 pm, 3 pm... she ultimately wouldn't be released until 10 pm. The Taxi Driver was most courteous & helpful in assisting us with our many bags, including a Walker. I held the lobby door as she hobbled in, escorted her to the elevator & when I opened that door to our apartment and she crossed the threshold, an indescribable sense of both joy & relief washed over me. My wife, my Nancy was home! BUT... Our story wasn't over. Not yet. Despite the stent being applied to her leaking stomach and having to carry around what can only be described as a miniature Colostomy bag that more looked like a grenade than anything, her suffering was STILL not over. Along with the awkwardness of carrying around the bag, who's smell is something you have to experience to believe, she now had to contend with not only being able to physically FEEL her stent inside her but the resulting gas, nott o mention involuntary heaving due to her body trying to reject this foreign object would make the next several weeks nothing short of challenging. Imagine having to put up with the urge to throw up, several times a day, but never projecting anything, but waking up in the middle of the night because of it. This, accompanied by substantial gas pains, which also added to her struggle. Yet through it all, she bore it. I could tell just how much pain & discomfort she was in & at some points, wondered if maybe she had been released too early. But somehow, this exceptional woman endured for weeks. To their credit, the Hospital didn't leave her high & dry. She was being checked in on & her doctor had even given her his private number, asking her to text him every 2 days with an update to how she was doing. She even had weekly appointments at the Wound Care specialist, to ensure her leakage bag was functioning properly. Weeks later, her drainage bag was not only NOT slowing, but seemed to be getting WORSE. Bad enough so that once AGAIN, she had to go to Richmond Hospital. Although this time, not only was the procedure successful, but they even removed her stent, which only made sense as she was already there. She has been 1000 % better ever since. She is STILL leaking from her stomach, but there is considerably less now & most importantly, she is pain-free for the first time in months so she can enjoy the rest of this Pandemic Lockdown in peace. BUT... Our story isn't even anywhere NEAR done. It's now March and not only do we have to deal with this Pandemic/Lockdown, Nancy's tube had become dislodged. Another trip to the Doctor. One positive that came from this, was that they decided to not only remove her colostomy bag but to ALSO remove the stent, despite it not being scheduled for a few weeks. With the cursed thing FINALLY removed, she instantly felt %1000 percent better. At LAST. The whole ordeal is finally over. Or was it? Of COURSE not. After her stent was removed, Nancy would get the best news yet. She would have to GO THROUGH THE WHOLE DAMN THING AGAIN! Yes. You read that right. Whatever sport god was having with my Nancy, he STILL wasn't done toying with her. In short, the sleeve around her stomach had come loose, in effect, undoing the entire surgical procedure! I couldn't believe it. My sensory perception can only process so much. Are you f**king KIDDING??? At this point, I'm convinced I'm just having a nightmare. Because there's just no way possible this much bad news can happen to anyone. It's just not humanly conceivable. As I resign myself to this, we follow the plot of this terrible dream who's storyline now plays out that she will have to re-book a new surgery date sometime within a year, so with little choice, I submit my will to my apparent dream-state & can only hope I, that WE wake up soon to escape this nightmare. SO, Why do I tell this story? Simply as a warning to all those who are considering undergoing Gastric Bypass, or any other kind of Bariatric surgery. Granted, this is probably an extreme case in the negatives column, but it DID happen & I ask you to please read this before you make your decision whether Bariatric Surgery is an option for you, or not.

Get some gauze from Walgreens and tape over it. The meshy kind of gauze you get at the hospital is going to stick to the wound, it heals into the mesh. You want something more like a pad, with some absorbency but so that it won't stick. Now, if you are seeing halos of yellow/greenish color on the bandages and see anything yellowish if you press on the areas around the wound, or notice that there's a lot of redness around the wounds, you have infections and that is why you're not healing. Surgeons don't like to report infections in incisions because it's technically a complication, and it has to be reported. Nobody wants it on their record. So you may want to see your primary care physician about it, to get satisfaction...but I'd go have them looked at, ASAP. You should be scabbed over by now, as long as your Protein intake has been up to snuff.

I'm being honest here and I don't want to ruffle feathers, but if my insurance had been denied, I would have financed it here. Again, the surgeons there are just as good and sometimes better, but what legal recourse do we have if something does go wrong? You go to the ER and they fix you up, but your insurance doesn't cover it. Yes, way broken and no thanks. I didn't have one complication, but the boards are full of people who did.

I am 5 1/2 months out. I am 75 thinner. I have no regrets but i have not had any complications. I went through surgery with fling colors and the nurses kept asking me to push my button and i wouldnt. food wise i miss some foods only cus they sit funny in my tummy but i am doing great. I no longer diabetic and that is worth it. If your having regrets you should sit and talk wirh your dr. And your nut. See what your tummy is telling you. Everyone has a diffrent reaction to the surgery. Good luck

Listen to anything RJ says. She has been through it all, and above anyone else on this site has the most valid and respected perspective on surviving complications. CowgirlJane is another bariatric sister who has endured through some discouraging circumstances that would have brought orthers down. I am so sorry that your wife is struggling, but I am confident that you will find some comfort here.

I'll be having my surgery at a surgical center. As soon as I can swallow drink and pee that's pretty much it providing there's no complications.

I don't think it's about the money. Even though I have heard wonderful thing about the bariatric surgeons in Mexico, there is still a stigma attached. It's even in the pop culture. I remember watching a Grey's Anatomy episode concerning a botched bypass done in Mexico. I think it's very small of them to not let you in on the support groups, but I think there is an unwritten rule like the cop's blue code that shuns the people who have had surgery in Mexico and doctors like to keep their patients separated. I was curious myself how the insurance deals with it. My surgery cost $15.000. I paid and extra 10% for lifetime follow-up and the support group. Also, what if a complication arises? Will insurance cover a Mexico sleeved patient? There also may be malpractice insurance regulations that these surgeons have to follow. They may not be allowed by their own insurance to see Mexico sleeved patients. That said, why can't these surgeons be a little kinder and explain things? As a side note, 99% of my surgeons patients are either lapband of bypass. There are no sleevers in my surgeon's support group. That's why I come here. This is a great place!

Personally, I would not have a major, potentially life threatening surgery for a BMI that low, especially with no associated health risks. If you lost 10% of your weight, that would probably be enough to move you out of obesity and into overweight. I know people here with low BMI who have done this surgery, succeeded, and are fine, but you asked for opinions. My opinion is that the risk far outweighs the benefit in this circumstance. The statistical risk of complication is low....until YOU become the one with the complication, then it's 100% you...and your three little kids. Not sure if you've looked on this site for complications, but I'd suggest you research that. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I was set up to have the DS on AUG 13th, but I may go for the RNY do to my doctor just had spinal surgery and he is saying that he will not be physically capable of performing the DS by my surgery date. I can push the date out and have the DS done, but all of my support from family flying in and papers have been set for my current date and they are very hard to change. My Surgery is Aug 13th. And I was excited til today. My Surgeon is basically putting it in my hands to choose. He says that the DS would be better for me. But because there may be complications do to the band not easy to remove that he may not be able to put the sleeve part of the DS and he would probably have to do the RNY anyway. I was mentally prepared for the DS, but now I’m conflicted. I really don’t want to push out my date again.

I was going to do the sleeve at first too but after going to the seminar and given the statistics, the RNY patients lost more. In my case I started at 360lbs so it was better for me. In your case you may not need to lose like 200lbs so the sleeve may work. As far as sugar I have mentioned in other places on the forum that once you start drinking shakes everyday it really tends to ween you off of sweets. Like I am typically a chocolate addict but since I have a chocolate shake daily, I don't crave it in candy or Cookies etc. you may find that different but for me it's great. There are pros and cons to both surgeries and there are always risks. I would say the complications aren't near what they used to be as RNY is more common now. Either way we are here to support you! Be blessed, Onyx

I had my surgery on Feb. 8th 2012 and had a starting weight pre-surgery was 315 I lost down to (it was my doctors requirements that your lose between 10 - 15lbs before surgery) the day of surgery I weighted in at 299 and today I am down to 282. I had my surgery at Pikeville Hospital in Pikeville Ky and my doctor is Amy Johnson, and I could not be happier with the care I received from both. I have not had any complications, however I have followed the diet my doctor gave me. I am 32 years old and have been overweight for most of my life. My parents put me on my first diet when I was in the 3rd grade and I was up and down since then. But after I met my husband (and got comfortable in the relationship) my weight began to creep out of control, I told him he must have feed me to well (we would eat out alot). I was always able to starve myself and get my weight down to what I thougt was manageable, but July 2 years ago I had a complete hysterectomy and from then on I have not been able to lose. So after I tried to ride the swings at an amusement park and would not fit I decided it was time to do something. I have 2 girls ages 8 and 6 who keep me on my toes and I have always been active even as a large girl, but it was a real eye opener when that happened. So I am so excited to be on my journey! How do you get the weight ticker?

Donali's sister, Cheryl, called me an hour ago. Sorry it took so long to post but I'm going in too many directions this evening. Donali was in surgery 4 hours. Cheryl didn't call them "complications" but the surgeon had some repairs to do. I don't have any other information yet, other than her sister is with her at The Oasis Hospital, and her mom is waiting at home for her in San Diego. I think we can all agree that she's truly amazing. Actually, you all are. Cheryl told me Don was touched with all the support here. Believe it or not, I'm at loss for words.

Hello All, I had my surgery on Sunday, Aug. 7. I had complications...:ermm and had to be sliced down the middle. I know that my case was special because my husband had the operation at the same time, is fully functional and is feeling great. My question is,....has anyone else had this occur to them?...Please let me know that I'm not the lone stranger. I got really depressed today because I am not further along in my recuperation. I scared because I am scheduled to go back to work day after tomorrow and don't feel I am "all day" functional. What do you think?............Talk to me, please! you Inamed friend, Cyndi

Hello! Anemia? Sounds familiar. Great to hear your story, JoAnn. I see you have your 3-Year Bandiversary coming up! I'm an also old school Bandster (who's young at heart in my 30s). I was in the original FDA study way back 5 yrs ago but my band was faulty & didn't really work (I never had a fill the first time. EVER!). Believe me I've had complications of course (rarely will you see a long-term veteran without some bumps in the road, as you would understand.) So I had it replaced last year with new port, new tubing so basically I'm banded for the first time.... I'm pleased to finally see some progress and for the first time For once I might be within sniffing distance of my doctor's (overly conservative) goal but the closer I get, the harder it's been. Plus I'd like to get at least 10# below his goal so that puts me at least 16# away from where I need to be. Well, I've blathered on enough. Just wanted to say HELLO and let you know you're not alone.

Please be careful! Eating Fiber as an appetite suppressant without drinking enough liquid to pass it through can cause blockage and lead to very serious complications. Trust me! I had my intestines twist and had to have a bowel resection which was REALLY horrible!! It didn't happen for me because of fiber but was just a freak thing. Either way, it is definitely NOT something you want to go through!!

It is rly hard, some days are easier some days are tough but it does rly help you after your surgery. Also it's about shrinking your liver for less chance of complications for surgery:) keep going, try and stay positive, you can do it!

Hi Jeanette, Researching the good the bad and the ugly of any decisions is always a smart move. While yes these things can happen, they are complications that most of the time can be avoided by proper band practice! (pardon the pun) Following the rules that your surgeon gives you and practicing good eating mechanics and food choices will all help to prevent things like esophageal dilation, or pouch dilation. As you search for your "green zone" for optimal weight loss and satiety as you begin to have fills, making sure that you are never too tight, where you are having issues swallowing liquids or having reflux will also help to ensure that you do not experience band erosion. There is a down side to everything, but with proper usage, open honest communication between you and your surgeon, and adherence to guidelines provided to you the odds of you experiencing any of these complications is minimized. One step at a time. Keep a good outlook and don't let fear dictate your actions for you. Read, research, and then decide what is best for you. If you are having serious doubts, my advice is to schedule a session with your surgeon and compile a good list of questions and have them answered before your surgery date. Best of luck to you!

I just had my surgery this Tuesday and despite doing the research on everything for the surgery prior to making a decision, I still had a major anxiety attack the day before my surgery and started reading more of the complications and really letting it get to me. I did get an actual anxiety prescription the day before just so I could be well rested and relaxed going in which really helped. What I can say is that I'm doing good, although I've picked up a cold and a bacteria infection unrelated to surgery so immune system is clearly lower the week of the surgery. Probably pushed too hard as I went back to work Thursday after a Tuesday surgery which was a mistake. My dad had the surgery 10yrs ago and has lost 150lbs and is likely only with us into his late 60s as a result of this surgery which prompted me as well. I don't feel very hungry, so unlike diets it's nicer. The stomach pain and nausea will be nice to recover from in a week or so, but I am feeling up beat and have dropped 10lbs just prepping for the surgery and since so there is early results. Good luck and stay calm!

We had almost the same conversation almost 3 years ago now, only DH wanted the surgery and I was worried about un-insured complications. It worried me a LOT. But then our doctor told us that if DH didn't lose weight, he wouldn't be here in 10 years. Scary when you are 41. So, in a way it was much less a gamble for him. For me, my health wasn't that bad. My surgeon said my health history was boring! But I couldn't do the things I wanted. And since I'd tried everthing more then once, I knew I wasn't going to do it without surgery. It does sound like you and your DH are able to talk things through, and be honest with each other, that's a very good thing.

this is simply incorrect. every single study shows RNY with higher long term weight loss than the sleeve. the mini-gastric bypass beats the RNY by a hair, and the DS offers the most loss potential (but with higher chances of malnutrition complications).