Search the Community

The weight loss center I had my operation at has only had 1 death and it also was a heart attack not from the surgery itself. I did do alot of research before operation and at the semenair I had to go to is where I made my final decision on which surgery I was going to have. The sleeve seemed to be the best choice for me because of less complications. Good luck with you surgery. I do love my sleeve!!!!

I was 386lbs the day of surgery Oct 5th yes 8 days ago. I'm alive and well had no complications. Preop I stopped reading all the negative and just had faith. I was so peaceful on the day of surgery until my husband couldn't believe it. I'm down 21lbs since surgery. Don't worry you're all gonna do very well

R U secretly married to Big Paul? You both have a way with words and give great words of wisdom. I don't have my band yet, but not once have I been discouraged by the complications of the band. I know some newbies say the complication threads scare them. To me, knowledge is power. I want to know your story of how & why you lost the band. I want to know what works for some and what doesn't. I am EMPOWERED by those that have had the band for awhile and inspired by those newly banded. I thank you for your honesty and integrity. It speaks volumes!!!

Uh no its not. Well my surgery wasn't just having the second band put in. It turned into 4 hrs of surgery to fix a hiatal hernia, tons of scar tissue and remove part of my stomach. I had this done July 11th and have never been in so much pain and discomfort. All these were caused by the first band and its complications secondary to it being messed up. I had to spend 2 days in the hospital unable to eat or drink until the swelling went down enough to wear I could pass the GI study. I will never go through this again.

Hi: I think that having your mind in the LAP-BAND® mode is what makes people the most successful with their bands. You really have to be ready for the changes that will make your weight loss successful with the band. I didn't have any complications (except gallbladder removal after 9 months) with my band and I lost most of my weight in 15 months. People can make poor food choices and graze with the band. I was grazing for about nine months and gained 20 pounds back. Once I made up my mind to get back on track I lost ten pounds in a month. So, it's great to know that my band was there to help me to get back on track once my mind was made up. I only have one regret with the band. I regret that I didn't get it done alot sooner. Best wishes to you. I love my band and my new flat tummy! Sue

I was told 18 months... sorry I'm just surprised by the 12, ahaha. But yeah, because our bodies are still adjusting to the shift in nutrition, it could put more stress on a pregnancy to do it beforehand. That and the lower your weight, the easier time you'll have/less complications. I'd just urge that whatever you do, talk to an OBGYN beforehand (if you're planning).

I am a nurse and I have the Aetna ppo insurance. I had to complete a three month multidisciplinary monitored education wt loss program that my surgeons office did. It had behavior modification, dietician, exercise, and weigh ins. After my three months they scheduled me but my date was a month and a half later so really I did almost 6 months pre op before my surgery sept 25 th. I was disappointed it wasn't scheduled for August but things worked out well. I got all my pre op requirements in at my work, had some complications with MRSA and needed a last min infectious disease clearance. My irritation came in that I had been questioning my MRSA status from the beginning and my doc blew me off then when the hospital required a swab and it was positive the office completely over reacted saying I needed to be placed on a different floor, change my time to the end of the day so the room could be decontaminated, and maybe delayed altogether. however I got it all straightened out and my day went off without a hitch.

Hello all, SW 245lbs CW 193 I am truly happy with my outcome so far although I've had complications with dehydration and becoming lactose sensitive I doing a lot better. I do have a question to those who have had the surgery, is anyone else experiencing migraines ? This is new to me considering I haven't had an headache since surgery on October 27, 2016 and now is going on 2 weeks with constant migraines. Any feed back would be nice. Thank you for taking the time to read my complaint.

I had my surgery at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the medical tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. Regarding complications, I met with my PCP beforehand and she was 100% supportive. I knew that if I had any issues post-op she would be my advocate. Additionally, US hospitals CANNOT legally refuse to treat you if you present to an ER, regardless of what caused the complications. Now, would a US bariatric surgeon agree to take you on for follow up once you've been stabilized? Maybe not. But that's why you should establish post-op care BEFORE you have surgery. Additionally the complication rate with bariatric surgeries is VERY low in general; these are long established surgeries with very good post-op outcomes. My PCP is also doing all of my labs, meds, etc. For travel, my surgeon recommends blood thinners for 7 days post-op. I also wore compression socks and a compression shirt for my flight home. I started walking as soon as I could post-op, which also helps. Blood clots are a risk with this surgery, whether stateside or abroad, and the travel aspect can increase that. So take your blood thinners and walk as much as you can. Money wasn't a huge factor, though it was a factor. I have very good insurance but after all the pre-op appointments, tests, scans, and everything else, we estimated our out of pocket would be in the $7,500 range. Out of pocket including spending money, an extra night in the hotel, and flights, I paid about $5,500 for surgery in Mx. It was also SIGNIFICANTLY faster. With the 6 month diet program and required insurance approvals, it would be about 9 months from first appt to surgery vs. less than 3 months from intake to surgery in Mx. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. For me personally, medical tourism was the right choice and I'm extremely happy with my decision. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions!

What everyone said above. I healed well and fast after my initial complications in the hospital. I had a stall that lasted forever too. You will feel the restriction like everyone says once you can eat actual food.

I wondered exactly the same thing. I am so glad that I watched the computer screen as I took the leak test. I think everyone should check out the size of their stomach that way. I had a very easy recovery and had absolutely no complications. Now at just 8 weeks out I can eat anything I want. All of the "cautions" they gave us at the pre-op have not caused me any problems at all. This sounds crazy but I seem to lose more weight when I eat a little more than when I don't eat much. Obviously, I certainly don't eat what I used to eat but I am satisfied with much less.

Wondering how the band does in the long run - like after 5 years. Has anyone had slippage or other complications after this time period?

You guys are terrific so much knowledge. Big smiles! I am healing after some surgical complications and I’m averaging about 120 each day as per my MD. He also states 30 is a max in a meal - so of course this means I wake up in the middle of the night and have a protein shake with a handful of antibiotics! Fun times

I agree with Terri! I've only just begun, but so far I love it! I keep track of my calories, and the first couple of weeks having 300-400 calories a day, I was simply amazed. Now I have no restriction till my first fill, but I get full so much quicker.. pre-band I don't know that I ever just got full. I was either hungry, or stuffed (very rare.. Thanksgiving..) So now, until I get my fill I do get hungry more often and have had my 'binge' moments, where I want a lot of food. And then when it's all said and done, my binge is only 1/10th (maybe less) of what it would have been before the band..so it's keeping me in check! It's also teaching me to slow down and think about food choices.. if I can only have so little food, I want to make it count! About beating yourself up over not being able to do it without the band.. don't feel bad, in America over 60% of people are overweight.. it's not like you're an outcast! We all can relate.. believe me, if I could have done this on my own, I definitely wouldn't have risked surgery. My number one concern (besides a cathetar) going into surgery, was that.. if I died doing an 'elective surgery' that my parents helped me pay for, they would never forgive themselves. But the risks of complications is sooo small (.5%), so once you get your surgery date, it will come and go before you know it! Good luck

I was self pay and boy did I have complications. After surgery I developed double pneumonia and severe anemia. I had to be hospitalized for a week. My insurance paid. then, being stupid i got a peice of meat stuck and insurance paid for that too. Now band complications, ie leaking etc, I have no clue about.

I'm glad you got to spend the night with your babies Jessie. I know that had to feel wonderful! But I am worried about that fever! Whatever it is, and I know it's hard, go back in and get to the cause hun. I nearly died due to complications and while the separation from my child was hard, very hard, dying would have been so much harder on him! Have they done a barium swallow on you yet! It's a leak test, different than an xray or cat scan. That was what finally diagnosed mine. Keep us in the loop if you can. We all hate to see these stories, but now we are attached . We want to kow when you are out of the woods...I would bet you do too! As to the weight gain...I gained 40lbs the first six weeks. All from multiple surgeries, procedures and the IV fluids as well as the tpn feedings. That took a couple of weeks to get rid of but it does fall off. 8lbs is pretty normal and easy to get rid of. But I also understand your regrets. I still regret the risks I took. I don't know if that will ever fade.

I am not yet banded, and will be a self-pay. Obviously I have to get exact details from my insurance, but has anyone had complications after a self-pay surgery? Will insurance cover infections, flipped ports, and other problems associated with banding? :smile2:

Do you "need" to tell your whole family? Can you tell the members you are closest to? I told my mom, knowing she would be against it. She really hasn't said anything bad. She definitely lets me know there are other ways to do it. Insert George Castanza's mom on Seinfeld :Oh my, you are breaking my heart. Just go on a diet, will ya?!: It is a personal choice on who to tell. If you know it will be touchy, approach the subject in a serious, yet calm manner and arm yourself with facts. When they spew out other options like diet and exercise, show them the rate of how unsuccessful those things are for overweight people. Show the low complication rates for VSG. Information is power in this situation. And stand your ground. If it become confrontational, back out or change the subject (or leave). You do not need to defend your reasoning for wanting to be healthy!!

Hi, I have a bmi of 32,off on holiday next week so it is bound to rise over the two weeks away, my question is this,is there any way I can get a sleeve with this bmi, Ive been offered the band but really don't want it as there seems so many complications and horror stories Would it help my case if my mum and two sisters have developed type 2 diabetes and my dad has had to have a quadruple heart bypass? Anyone had the sleeve in uk with lower bmi and who did you go with? Any advice greatly welcomed x

I remember when I was pregnant with my daughter. Everyone had a horror story about 48 hour labors, delivery complications, etc. At the time, I wondered why on earth people would share such terrible things with someone who was so happy to be having a child. (I went through infertility treatments - the pregnancy was a blessing and I was scared enough.) You know there could be complications. I'm assuming you know the numbers and the frequency. If not, ask your doc for that info. They are relatively small. And you have the story of every person here who had an experience that was uneventful and is thrilled with the choice they made. Like me. If I had the choice, I'd do it all over again. CJ

Like buyer's remorse? 4 hours of preop clearance yesterday! All set to go in 7 days. Praying for no complications for any of us♡ Sent from my SM-G977U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm in preop waiting and so scared. Not of the surgery but potential complications long term

wow 18 pounds already! thats amazing. Im getting really nervous about my surgery on the 18 of this month. I worry because I have Barrets esaphugus (caused by reflux) I already have some pain from this condition. They say it should help having the surgery cause it will force me to change my eating habits and I will lose the 75 pounds I need to lose. The more I read on this sight the more scared I get. Reading about the complications people have and such! I hope your pain in your chest goes away soon!! Take care and keep me updated on your recovery and progress.

That, my dear, is a LONG explanation on how it's supposed to help lose weight. First, your doctor must think you're insulin resistant, or he wouldn't want to prescribe it. If you have not been diagnosed as insulin resistant, or prediabetic and he simply wants to have you take it for weight loss, he is an idiot....sorry. If you are insulin resistant, that means your body has high level of insulin all the time and doesn't use insulin like it should. To make a very long complicated story short, if you have high levels of insulin in your system all the time, your body wants to store fat, not lose it. It's much more complicated than that, but that's the Cliff notes on how it works. So, by taking Metformin, your body is better able to use the insulin it produces, thereby theoretically not wanting to store fat all the time. Now this sounds good, but in practice, like I said before, almost no one loses weight by just taking Metformin - if they did, EVERYONE would be on it and it would all over the news as the magic bullet/pill everyone is looking for and none of us would need surgery!! Your sleeve has put your body in a catabolic (losing) state already, which has already forced your body to produce less insulin and use it more wisely - that's why I can't see how on earth at this point, you taking Metformin would produce any sort of weight loss. So, all that being said....you have lost almost 16 pounds since surgery on 8/31. That's 16 pounds in 5 weeks.....sure it's not as much as some lose, but we are all different. I also noticed that you were on the 'smaller side' when you started and in my experience on these boards, those that don't have a large amount to lose, tend to lose slower. You also lost weight prior to your surgery, and that's fantastic, but that also could mean that you wouldn't drop weight so dramatically after your surgery as your body wasn't 'shocked' like those that didn't lose weight beforehand (like those that didn't have to do preop liquid diets, etc - they tend to lose more right after surgery). I honestly think you need to look at your calorie intake and the makeup of foods you are eating (carbs, Protein, fats). If you are not eating ENOUGH calories, that will definitely slow down weight loss, as well as they wrong type of calories. You can certainly try the Metformin, it won't hurt....I just don't want to see you disappointed when you don't lose weight on it. And, any doctor that tells you that your weight loss to date 'sucks' needs a quick swift kick right up the ass, in my opinion. What a horrible, horrible thing to say to your patient! You have lost an average of over 3 pounds per week! Which is amazing compared to all other types of weight loss plans. As long as you are losing, and the slope is downward, keep your chin up, honey. Don't get discourage...you just may be one of the 'slow' losers. But it will come off!!

Hello Miranda: Believe me I was really nervous (I've never had any type of surgery before) and not knowing what to expect made my fears appear bigger than life. I entered the clinic and everyone did their best to calm me down. Needless to say all my stressing raised my blood pressure and my body temperature. Dr. Yau came in to speak to me and he alleviated most of my fears. When the anesthetician came in he alleviated the rest of my fears. I asked him if he had any complications arise from the anaesthetic and he said that yes he had some but based in my being essentially healthy he did not anticipate any issues. He then went on to explain that if I caused him complications he would have to fill so much paper work that it really wasn't worth it (LOL). He had me laughing all the way to the OR. Didn't get a chance to thank the staff as they were very busy but I did appreciate everything they did for me. When do you go in and which clinic are you using? Best of luck to you.