Search the Community

No imagination at all...hee hee...I think I was on a holiday sugar high at the time and I can't be responsible for my actions. The two of you are a little newer here than I am, but I'm sure you're doing your research and should feel comfortable with your decision (I'm sure I'll be a ball of nerves right before my surgery too...everyone is). My opinion only...If you know the work that you're going to have to do to make this tool work for you, and what can potentially happen if you don't follow the rules, as well as possible complications, then you should know now whether it's a good choice for you. Personally, I think this 6 mo. diet I'm on is a little long, but I've been researching this for over 3 mo. and only now do I feel really comfortable with it. I can't imagine being one of those that has the surgery a few weeks after starting to look into this...I think those are the people who are surprised that the LB doesn't do it for you, how hard it is, problems they have. It's not the right choice for everyone. I can follow a diet and an exercise program and I don't mind that the weight will come off slowly, have done so before. I have a person close to me that cannot, but would be better suited for a different procedure. I'll be nervous at my surgery, but most of that will be nervous anticipation and excitement at getting the tool I need to make this work. Good luck with your upcoming new-you's! Keep me posted as to how you're doing!

Hi! I have about 7.5 cc's in my 10 cc band and still have VERY LITTLE restriction! I don't understand. Could there be something wrong with my band? I haven't had ANY complications at all. I had the band put in last September but have only managed to lose 40 lbs. He takes the fluid out and measures each time I get a fill so it's in there. I'm not sure what to do/think. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

All I can say is ... the haters can kiss my (thanks to my band) cute, small(er..) bee-hind!! I find that kind of thing so ridiculous. All of these kinds of surgery seem to work really well when done by good surgeons and on people who work the tool they are given. I don't view one as better than another -- I think it's really a matter of personal situation and preference. That said, I'm hearing good things about the sleeve from a few former bandsters who had to revise to the sleeve due to complications. But, otherwise, I don't know too much about it. The band worked very well for me -- I'll be 4 years out in October, and I've been at or under goal for more than 2 years. Best, Catherine

I think you're doing fine. Personally, I fall off the wagon about once a month (most people call it PMS) and I have an overwhelming desire to devour everything I see. Ah, thank you Lap Band for the limitations you put on my insatiable appetite! For me, the fix is to make sure I don’t surround myself by trigger foods. I buy candy, but not candy that I like enough to sit and eat an entire bag worth. I avoid carbs because for me, one carb = two carbs = three carbs and so on. I buy a lot of healthy veggies and fruits and make it a point to veg out on those as opposed to more fatty alternatives. In regards to the emotional eating, that’s more complicated. I think a big part of resolving that issue is discovering why you are eating- which emotion are you ‘overcoming’ by indulging? For me, it’s boredom. As long as I can avoid boredom, I can avoid emotional eating. What causes you to emotionally eat? Are you stressed out? Depressed? Anxious? Angry? Bored? There are other ways to address these emotions besides eating. Google has quite a few options for addressing emotional eating. Some of them have been very successful for me. Best of luck to you- keep up the excellent work J

Hour and half ride home didn't bother me and my pillow. Band removal and replacement only took a little over an hour. No complications! Yeh!!! They confirmed the leak, which suprisingly was in the band itself and not the tubing or port. I guess you could say I had a flat tire. I am feeling pretty good now. I am sure thanks to the pain meds. Sipping Water for my sore throat. Hope all the others banded today are as fortunate.

2 weeks ago today I had 85% of my stomach removed. Wow, I really did it. I am still uncomfortable-pain in my left side continues, and even extended around to the left side of my back-like pain through and through from front to back. MD says its normal-don't worry. Ok, sure. My regret is that I ended up telling almost everybody, and now I'm getting those looks-you know the kind-"maybe you shouldn't have done this", "maybe you should have tried harder at dieting/exercising, etc", "so sorry, but you did this to yourself!" . Good grief, I know I should be thankful I have not had worse complications, I'm able to drink just fine, haven't vomited since leaving hospital, no leaks (so far), and I have been able to complete my online college course with an "A" , so I haven't lost brain function due to lack of calories! But I can't roll over in bed without horrible, tearing pain. I can't sit still very long without the burning irritation driving me nuts, and I can't pick up my grandsons or sit on the floor, or bend over.....:wub. Ok, 2 weeks down, 2 weeks till I have to return to work-it WILL GET BETTER , right? I did get some good news, I broke my stall- down 2lbs this morning from last Monday. Of course, 2 lbs is good, but was hoping for more in these early weeks. I suppose it will start going faster once I can work out again. We shalll see what next week brings.....

I think the key to proper restriction is this: if you eat the portion size you are "supposed" to eat -- around 3 oz of Protein and 1/2 c of veggies -- and are not hungry for at least 3-4 hrs afterwards, then your restriction level is right. If you are eating solid food in appropriate portions and get hungry too soon, then you likely need a fill. So many complications come from having your band too tight. You don't have to use the band to prevent yourself from eating too much at one sitting. You can use it as a way to feel satiated once you've chosen to eat a small portion of healthy food. If that makes sense. And yes, I know that some people, by the time they get the band tight enough to help them stay satiated for 3-4 hrs, also have it tight enough that it prevents them from eating very much and they have foods they can't eat anymore. That's not true in all cases though.

My surgeon mentioned the sleeve during the informational seminar. He does not do it-yet. He is waiting on more research for it. He says eventually it will probably replace the bypass. It works as the bypass but less complications. It is permanent. But like the bypass you can gain for same reasons. that's all I remember.

I found out about a year ago that I have one (1) mutation of factor five leiden in my blood after suffering from a superficial blood clot in my left calf, at the time I was smoking about a pack a day and on the birth control pill Yasmin. Anyone been banded with the condition?? Any complications?? Thanks

There are 2 forums here you should probably check out, 1 is the complications forum, and the 2nd is a forum for people who've had to have their bands removed. You might check those out for information.

Hi, I thought I posted this thread already but guess not..........anywho...... I was just wondering why you guys chose lap band over the gastric sleeve? I'm reading a lot about gastric sleeve now and it seems like it has less complications. So confused.....I really had my heart set on the band. TIA

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!

Immediately Post-Op (in the hospital) I could not pee. The anesthesia slowed my system down I guess, and I had to be straight-cathed twice in the hospital, just so I could pee. That pretty much sucked and wasn't expected. I had some anxiety and anxiousness for a few days in the hospital and at home... like restless, walk from chair to chair to bed, time ticking on slowly, not knowing what to do with myself. That was weird and thankfully settled down by post-op day 5. When I started to transition to pureed foods (from clear liquids) I had nausea and had trouble. Had to go back to Clear liquids for a day or so and start over. vanilla yogurt and scrambled eggs was the best "1st foods" that worked for me. Not too bad, if these were my only complications. I'd say I had a pretty okay time, compared to other things I've read that could happen. Good luck to you!

Questions......it was a 3 page questionnaire, and basically anyone whose done their research should know.....like VSG is permanent.......honestly, that was one of the questions.......they want to make sure the patient has a clear understanding of what is going to happen pre-op, immediately after and long term as well as the 5 stages of post-op diet.....not to mention complications.....

I was banded on sept 8, 2008 and have lost 36lbs. my daughter was banded 5 weeks before me and has lost over 50lbs. we are feeling great!!!! My goal is 150#, it all depends on your md. I did not go gastric it has many drawbacks for me. Too invasive, i have read and seen many complications. and no reversal possible without more pain. If the band didnt work you have a simple removal. Please these coments are based on my life. You have to believe in what you are about to do other wise you will never feel good about your final desicion. Pray and ask the lord for guideness and help. ben age 59 Puerto Rico benitogarcia523

Hi everyone. I am new here, referred by someone. I would really appreciate any help you can offer. I have been banded for 4 years and have struggled for 3 of those 4 years. I haven't had any official complications until recently, but the band has only served as a tool to keep me from gaining, it hasn't helped me lose in quite some time. I belong to other support groups, so I do know what I takes to make this work for me and believe me, I have given it my all. I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Sanchez and have had follow up care in the states with a couple of surgeons. But I have been unfilled for over a year because when filled I experienced major discomfort and a dry cough the doctors believed was due to undetected reflux. So I wanted to be safe, not sorry and had my band emptied. Well since then my restriction has seemed to slowly come back - implying a possible slip. I went in January for an endoscopy to make sure there was no erosion (since I hadn't had one since banding) and it showed some gastritis and inflammation (had my esophoagus dilated) and a return of the hiatal hernia I had repaired at the time of banding. I then went a couple of weeks ago to get an esophogram and it appears my band has slipped (and it's been empty for a year). Since I was self pay (due to insurance exclusions) I am now facing a self pay for the removal. Problem is I am BROKE. I have spent a lot of money trying to make this band work for me and now that I may have to have it removed I just don't know what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get my band removed and have my insurance pay for it because of issues NOT related to the band? Like to go in and fix my hiatal hernia and just take the band out while in there? I assume a band doctor is the only doctor who can do this?? I can hardly eat, I throw up after almost every meal and if I can get food down it causes pain. I obviously can't live like this, but without money what is a person to do? I don't own a thing. Thanks for any help you can offer. -JP

When I had my gallbladder out, they called it an elective surgery and so I couldn't get in until about 6 weeks after the initial diagnosis. Gallbladder surgery is NOT a cosmetic procedure! I say, even if you are getting a boob job, you are still going under the knife and it's still scary and there still could be complications. If they have a club to give something to people who are out sick in the hospital, they should be consistent and not make judgement calls as to who "really" needs it and who doesn't.

Thanks, but there were no fill centers within 100 miles of my area. My lap band is now gone and without insurance, or even with it, no one here will touch me. If I have any complications, I'll just go back down to Mexico where they treated me very well and at an extremely reasonable cost. The airline ticket is less than what it would cost me to see a surgeon here since I have no insurance. Besides, I was told in a walk in clinic that no surgeon would touch the work of another surgeon because of 'liability issues'. I was a lot sicker than I thought and the trip to Mexico saved my life. The county hospital here was happy to give me a scrip for antiobiotics and send me home to die. I most definitely would have died had I not taken that flight. I only wish I'd done it 7 months ago instead of waiting because during that time the infection from the port went up the fill tube to the band and they found half the band inside my stomach. I now have a gastrostomy that will have to be in my belly, along with the horrid tube for six weeks. The doctor there showed me how to remove it myself because no one here will remove it for me. It's a 2 minute procedure, but I asked the doctor at the walkin clinic and he said that he wouldn't do it. I hate Texas, hate it hate it hate it.

Misinformation about Weight Loss Surgery If you have ever who has discussed weight loss surgery with uninformed individuals, you know that the initial reaction is likely to be negative and backed by false information or no information at all. Many people who have not investigated weight loss surgery believe that the surgery is a quick fix for lazy people. They may think that you can walk in off the street and leave from bariatric surgery a couple hundred pounds lighter; that you chose to ignore your weight for years; and that all bariatric surgery is the same;. Wrong, wrong and wrong. These misperceptions contribute to the stigma associated with weight loss surgery. People may look down on surgery as the “easy way out” for “lazy people,” instead of as a tool for hard-working people to have the opportunity to lead the healthy lives that everyone should have the chance to lead. You already know that you’re not lazy and that bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet; the next time you run across an uninformed, disparaging individual, you can patiently explain to them the steps of the process and the hard work you and every other successful weight loss surgery patient puts in. Not Everyone is Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery You can’t just “go get bariatric surgery,” and this is an important fact to understand to reduce the stigma associated with weight loss surgery. Each weight loss center has strict eligibility requirements that you have to meet before you can become a candidate. In general, patients must be morbidly obese, with a BMI over 40, or have a BMI over 35 and have health complications related to being overweight; for example, you might be eligible if you have a BMI of 35 and already have type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Most clinics have additional eligibility criteria that you need to meet before being considered as a potential bariatric surgery candidate. You need to have been overweight for several years, usually over five years. You also need to show that you have tried, unsuccessfully, to lose weight multiple times through diet alone. You cannot be a smoker or be an abuser of alcohol or drugs because the additional health risks from surgery will be too great. Pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant soon should not have bariatric surgery because pregnancy is only safe after your weight is constant. The decision to have surgery requires significant consideration and planning. Bariatric Surgery Requires Preparation Bariatric surgery itself does not guarantee permanent weight loss success, and much of the responsibility for losing weight will be up to you. Even after going through the screening process and learning that your clinic agrees that some form of bariatric surgery is right for you, several steps remain before you can undergo the procedure. The steps are in place to ensure that you are likely to succeed with the surgery and are not signing up on a whim. You will meet your bariatric team members, including your surgeon, dietitian and psychologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, you will undergo a psychological interview or series of tests to make sure that you are capable of sticking to the required diet. You may be asked to follow a specific diet for weeks before your scheduled surgery to demonstrate your commitment and ability to succeed after the operation. This step may also be required by your health insurance company for your bariatric procedure to be covered. There are Risks People need to understand that you can’t take bariatric surgery lightly. Each type of surgery has risks, although different processes are riskier than others. The lap band is relatively low-risk, with minor concerns of the band slipping out of place or infections at the incision site. Roux-n-Y gastric bypass carries a higher rate of complications, including ulcers, spleen injuries, leakage through staples and deficiencies of micronutrients, such as vitamin B-12 and iron. Nobody would choose to have a bariatric procedure if they weren’t convinced that they had tried all of their other options to get healthy. It’s a Long Process Bariatric surgery is a crucial milestone, but it is early in your weight loss journey and bariatric care plan. After surgery, you will continue to have follow-up appointments with your surgeon as dictated by your health and type of weight loss surgery. You will also meet with your dietitian regularly to stay on track with your diet. Most clinics have optional or mandatory support groups to motivate you and provide opportunities to ask your surgeon and fellow patients questions in a group setting. The surgery does not take off any weight. It’s a tool to make it easier for the patient to follow the proper diet for the long term. Contrary to what some people may believe, you do not lose any weight during the surgery. All of the weight that you lose is because of changes to your diet. The surgical procedures help you eat less by limiting the size of your stomach and making you feel full faster. Even if you lose 100 pounds in your first year, which is a standard benchmark for success, you may still have more weight to lose. Once you reach your goal weight, you still need to watch your diet and exercise regularly to keep the weight off. In Conclusion You’re already familiar with the intensive efforts required for weight loss surgery, but unfortunately, most people are not. This often leads to negative reactions when you tell them about your procedure. An important step you can take in reducing the stigma is to explain that the procedure is a component of an overall program to improve your health through lifestyle modifications.

I seem to recall Dr. C Everett Coop testifying before Congress when he was the Surgeon General, that nicotine was more addictive than heroin. My mother in law quit smoking with the help of Zyban. That and the fact that she had a CXR with a funny spot that scared the s*** out of her. I can't tell you about the number of patients I've seen with several complications of smoking that still can't quit. People on supplemental oxygen secondary to emphysema, still smoking; people with amputations secondary to vascular disease worsened by smoking, yet they still smoke threatening the other limb, etc... Don't be discouraged if you can't quit the first time. Keep at it. In the long run the health benefits are worth it! Maybe you can use your Lap Band surgeon's support group to also discuss and encourage your tobacco cessation. Good luck!

I was quite set on doing it until I read of all the complications everyone has had!! DARLING NOT EVERYONE HAS COMPLICATIONS - I HAVEN'T HAD A ONE (THANK GOD) IT IS VERY INDIVIDUAL - YOU AND I CAN BUY THE SAME CAR - YOURS IS A LEMON MINE IS GREAT - STUFF HAPPENDS YOU CAN WALK OUT YOUR FRONT DOOR AND GET HIT BY A TRUCK TOO.. I wondered if you could help me answer a few questions about Lap Banding to help me make up my mind? 1) Would you do it again if you could reverse time? YES IN A HEART BEAT 2) Does everyone have such bad pain after the op? NO IT'S THE INDIVIDUAL - I HAVE READ THAT SOME HAVE GONE BACK TO WORK THE NEXT DAY - I WAS BACK AT WORK ON DAY 6 (DESK) 3) How long would I need to take off work after the op? THAT'S UP TO YOU - YOUR AGE TYPE OF WORK YOU DO - I TOOK OFF 4 DAY I'M 52 i HAD SURGERY ON A TUES AND WAS BACK TO WORK ON MONDAY 4) Does everyone have problems with bad breath, dry wretching, nausea, vomitting, leaking ports etc? NOPE NOT EVERYONE HAS THESE PROBLEMS - I HAVE PB BUT THAT'S MY FAULT FOR EATING TOO FAST OR NOT CHEWING meat REAL WELL. 5) Why would you have an 'emergency unfill'? CUZ YOU ARE TOO TIGHT IT CAN TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS FOR A FILL TO TRUELY SET IT'S SELF 6) Has anyone had one in Belgium or Prague I DON'T KNOW - WE HAVE A GIRL FROM IRELAND IN MY GROUP 7) Can anyone recommend a good surgeon / clinic in the UK? THERE IS A UK THREAD I SUGGUES YOU LOOK THERE 8) Does it really help much more than trying to restrict portions yourself? IMHO IT IS BOTH 75% OF THE WORK IS UP TO YOU BY MAKING HEALTHY food CHOICES AND ADDING EXERCISE IN YOUR LIFE AND 25% IS THE BAND THAT CONTROLS YOUR PORTION SIZE - THIS IS NOT THE MAGIC CURE TO YOUR FOOD ISSUES... THE BAND DOES REQUIRE WORK ON YOUR PART GOOD LUCK..

If you lost all your weight and have no problems, why would you question your choice? The majority of band problems are patient failures not band failures. Statistically speaking, only 5% of band patients have serious complications by no fault of their own. Here's the study: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

Hello. This is all new to me also. Was banded may29th in kansas ! Doing great and loving my new journey. Down 30 pounds already. No complications , havnt even had first fill yet and down that much. So much support on this site. Whatever ur feeling u can find someone that will give u advice!!!and lift u up. I was nervous before surgery but thought of my kids and how I want to be healthier and live long happy life with them. It's so worth it!!!!

During my initial consultation, I wanted a sleeve. My family was very anti-sleeve because it is permanent. My doctor actually agreed, saying my health was fine and that I didn't need to lose so much weight that I would need a permanent surgery like the sleeve. When I saw my doctor last, I asked about revising to the sleeve as I have concerns about the band longterm. She said again that if I was having no problems, I did not need to revise. Maybe the weight gain since then would change her mind? In the band's defense, despite not being great for actual weight loss, I did not experience many of the horrible complications I have read about online. My gallbladder actually had nothing to do with the band, but with years of extreme high protein/low carb dieting and quick weight loss. Still, I want to lose weight! Maybe I will see what she says. I don't really have time right now for a revision, but I want to be healthy and if that is what it takes... It is hard because she is so glamorous and I can really tell when she is disappointed. Well, I worked up the courage to reschedule the appointment I cancelled this week. I have one in a few weeks. Maybe by then I will have lost a couple pounds from restricting calories? Yeah, that feels right to me! I am shooting for that as I find it difficult to meet Protein requirements (and be a pleasant, functioning human person) at 600-800. If I find that I'm not losing weight, I can restrict down.

I will give you the same advice I give so many on these boards who have complications. Get copies of all your test results, including and most importantly your operative report. Get all the follow up doctor visit reports. You might be surprised at what you learn. I agree that your port infection could have traveled to your band. Was the type of infection identified? You should proceed with caution with these doctors since they were looking for an erosion so soon after surgery they must have had reason to believe that it could have happened so soon. Or maybe that's what they told you but were actually looking for something else. Definitely get a copy of the test results that told the doctor it was band erosion. And if you can actually get pictures of that endoscopy, even better. Good luck.