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I started looking at the lapband first and then discovered the sleeve. After a lot of research and being honest with myself about what I needed my tool to provide for success (and read up on the complications with the band), the sleeve won for me. I guess the only advise I can give is to really think hard (which I know you are doing based on this post) about what you need. Do you feel you need the malabsorption to help you be successful? Only you can determine what is best for you. If you have questions, this board is very supportive and hopefully it will help make this decision a little easier to figure out.
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Help just told need to replace or removw my lap band
genade replied to cardshark's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I was banded November, 2008. The first year and a half was great. I was loosing weight and did not have much heartburn. I then had my first prolapse and the doctor removedl all of the Fluid from my band to give my stomach time to correct itself. After 6 weeks the swelling went down and I was able to have fluid put back in the band. A few months later I suffered another prolapse and ended up in the ER. Had all the fluid removed again and waited 8 weeks and the swelling went down and I was able to have fluid slowly added. Then I had my 3rd prolapse in March of this year and it was really bad. I was throwing up and choking in my sleep. Doctor once again removed all of the fluid and asked if I wanted to have it removed or wait another 6 weeks to see if the problem corrected itself. I really did not want to have the band removed for fear of gaining the weight back. I chose to wait. Things did get better for a few weeks and now I am prolapsed again and it is the worse it has ever been. I am scheduled for removal next week and it can't happen fast enough. I have not been able to sleep for about a week and a half now. I am sleeping on the sofa with the pillows behind me so that I am sitting straight up and I am still throwing up and choking in my sleep. I sleep for about an hour and then I wake up choking and it takes about 20 of coughing to get my lungs clear of the stomach acid. I constantly feel like my throat is swelling shut and I have a lump in the back of my throat. I am able to eat/drink very little. I have resorted back to the soft food phase of the the post-op diet. I have lost a significant amount of weight, but I still have about 60 lbs to loose. I am trying to remain positive and focus on the weight I have lost. My fear now is gaining the weight back. I was debating having gastric sleeving, but I am hesitant because there is a greater risk for complications or infections because I have had the lap band. Also, I am fearful because the sleeve is not reversable. I am going to try on my own after the removal, but I am fearful. I really need to get this band out, because I feel like my body is trying to push it out on its own. I really thought I would be at my goal weight by now and I didn't think I would be having surgery for removal. gena2431 -
Low BMI to Start - Anyone Else?
5DogMa replied to ATeam's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Go for it girl. Why spend the best years of your life miserable on yo-yo diets and spend thousands of $'s on diets that don't work. I'm going to help my daughter who's just like you but she's 28 years old get VSG next year. Why should this surgery be limited to the morbid obese with other health issues. Do it now before you get those health issues or you lose your self confidence because of your weight. Just know this is very serious and a life long committment. Not a fad or quick fix and you can complicate and ruin it and gain back the weight. Long term weight loss will all be on you, not the surgery. It's just a tool to help you get there and stay there IF you are willing to stay the course and change your lifestyle. Good luck to I hope it works out. I am scheduled to have VSG December 7th and I know I'm going to wish I had it done sooner. -
Newbie here. Anyone else scared of death?
Onion posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Heyo folks. I've been obese my whole life (40 years now), and finally made the decision to really do something about it this past spring. The funny thing is, I was scheduled to have the surgery on May 7th of 2001. I backed out because I was 25, arrogant and a know-it-all. I thought I could beat this thing myself. Well...I did beat it, and it beat me back 10 times since. This has been a decision I have been struggling with for the past 15 years. Now...I am well on my way to surgery. I'm a couple of weeks away from my final appointment and meeting my surgeon. Looks like my surgery is going to be the week of Christmas. I'm scared of a few things: Death due to anesthesia. Death due to blood clotting. Death due to complications. Thing is...I don't want to die, and that is why I am having this surgery. I want to extend what's left of my life. Would be nice to have grandchildren one day, watch my kids get married, grow old with the woman I love. Just scared of not even getting out of the gate. It's keeping me up nights. I wake up and can't get back to sleep. It's a veritable hell I am going through on this. It's started to depress me and make me irritable. It's overwhelming fear sometimes. I've almost talked myself out of it. Sometimes I think the lengthy process makes you process too much at times. The time drawn out from classes, appointments and insurance approval almost makes you wait too long, and sit with your thoughts and anxieties. If it were August or September and you told me I was having my surgery tomorrow, I would jump with joy. Has anyone else experienced this? How did you deal with it? Any pointers or suggestions? Thanks O -
Im new here- heres Czech Republic, Europe:-)
Eficka replied to Eficka's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hello everybody: HeatherGurl:Ahoj Heather :-) yep its really common, I remember when I was in the US and I met people who had someone Czech in their family. It was so nice, because I was far from my family, but actually close to others due the fact that we have something in common.oh I spoke today to my obesitologist about the surgery.I was asking if they sew the bottom part of stomach to the upper part to prevent slippage and she told me that the main surgeon Dr.Fried (Czech) was the one who invented this style and he tought it in America.Isnt that cool? So now Im totally positive that I am in the right hands:-) How is it going with ur band? Have a great day! :cheer2: fiveholts714: thank you for your answer and your compliment on my English. I thought that there might be problem with food:-) I guess that Im gonna be on some mushy stuff when I fly to Greece, but its not that long flight(2-3hrs). I was just afraid from taking off and landing, I wasnt sure if the band could slip or something else:-) Great to hear that there are no complications with that. Congratulations on losing 20pounds! Thats amazing you have been banden only for not even am onth and you already lost that much! Great job! :clap2: -
Hi everybody, I find this forum soooo helpful. I am now deciding about the lap band. I am from Czech in Europe and here they use Johnson and Johnson bands. Are these good or should I ask specifically for Lap Band? What kind of checks did you have to go through before surgery? I have to see a psychologist, diet nurse, surgeon, someone to do stomach sonograph and the gastroscopy (tube to my stomach) (sorry for my Engllish but I dont know all of the medical names ). Now I am on a diet about 1200 calories and I am losing some weight, here you have to prove to them that you will be able to change your eating habbits. The insurance pays it all if you are BMI over 40 or 35 with complications. The doctors are very experienced and at this private clinic they specialize on the laparoscopic lap band surgery. 3/23/06 I have scheduled a meeting and hopefully we will schedule the operation date. I have a question the op. will be probably in April at the end of the May Im going on vacation to Greece, but by plane. Do you think that there might be some problem with the band due to the plane? Thank you for your answers and I am very happy that I found this forum. Good luck to everybody!!:clap2:
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I am 1 week out. I started at 196. I am waiting to weight myself until my doctor's appointment at my 2 week check up. I am craving food. Ugh! I remind myself I am on the path to the new me and a healthier life. Even though the lapband failed and complications from that I am looking that this surgery wll be the tool that I need!
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Newbie here. Anyone else scared of death?
Onion replied to Onion's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wow guys.... Thanks for all the replies! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in these feelings. After a long holiday weekend, I am feeling a lot better about getting the surgery. It seems that I might be actually boring myself with these thoughts, as I am feeling more relaxed the closer I get to it. Fact of the matter is that I am in dire need of getting rid of this weight. I have to take this opportunity to better my life, and the life of those that love me and want my presence on this earth. After doing a bit more research, I realized that a lot of these complications that happen and result in death, is the patient themselves not following Doctor's orders post-op. This will not be a problem for me. Thanks again. -
Tasha, Thank you foe explaining . I was asked by another Washitonian if I was going with Eviva too but they never told me what it was. I only had to have three month of monitored dr visits, so I chose to use my surgeon. It was no big deal. Each appt went over weight, BP - as mine is high and a indicator being used for my justification for sleeve, diet intake and any other questions I had. I also had to have an ekg, labs, and pschy eval. All of the later were good. Yes a week from today is my surgery. The hospital called today to pre-admit me. I'm not nervous. I have had 4 major surgeries since Feb 2015. Unfortunately they all had complications which either required longer surgery time, readmit to the hospital or a second surgery. So I am being told I should be freaked out about now....LOL. I am excited, ready for it to be done. I think I have more concern over the loose skin issue. Christina
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Chris, Can't wait to worry about loose skin! Out of curiosity, did your insurance go by your starting BMI for approval? Is your surgery going to be out patient? Mine will be barring any complications. I'm super excited for you! Best of luck! Tasha
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Anyone Getting Or Been Sleeved In Kansas
Pre-OpLoser619 replied to msstori's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm out of olathe ks and am waiting to be sleeved by dr malley. My surgery will be at menorah hospital. I looked into them years ago and decided not to use them for those exact reasons. I then found out later that they have alot of issues with complications, etc. in my opinion I would look elsewhere. Sorry! -
New to the site and still deciding...
LisaDM posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My name is Lisa, I am 29 and from Maryland. I have battled my weight my whole life, but especially struggled in the last 12 years. My highest weight ever was 270 lbs, but I am currently 250 lbs at 5'10". In muy early 20's I was able to get down to 180lbs, but in a very unhealthy manner, using diet pills and horrible eating habits. In the past 8 years I have yo-yo'd my way to my highest weight last year, then went to a physician assisted weight loss with phentermine last year and got down to 235. That only worked for a few months, though I took it for a full year. I have since developed high blood pressure and my doc advised me to stop taking the phentermine if I stopped losing weight. I have a friend who got the sleeve last year, it was the first I had heard of it. I had heard of gastric bypass and the lap band and knew people who had had those procedures. Neither seem appealing to me. The bypass seems way to invasive and the lap band I know someone who had repeated complications and dumping syndrome. I have though about it somewhat secretly for a year, and have recently started really discussing it with my husband and doing heavy research with my insurance and with my work. One big concern is the lifting restrictions I work in health care and there really is no form of "light duty" in my line of work, but luckily I have short term disability. I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life, but then I think that just shows my addiction that I am scared to not be able to eat crappy food. My husband has said he will support my decision, but I also don't know what I want to tell others. I almost feel embarrassed to tell friends and coworkers, like I failed all other weight loss pathways. I have never felt that way myself toward others who have there surgery, because it really is a big commitment to weight loss and healthy eating. But there is still a part of me that wishes I could handle it without surgery, but my history shows that I can't. So I guess my main questions to those who have had VSG are: 1- Have you had and major complications from the surgery? 2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? 3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? 5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? Thanks for any support you can lend to me! :-) -
New to the site and still deciding...
jh5497 replied to LisaDM's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You said "I also keep having second thoughts about not being to eat what I want for the rest of my life". This for me now is 20 minutes when I'm at a restaurant with friends until I'm at my new "full", or at Christmas dinner when everyone gorges for hours, but they all feel gross after -- I don't! And those few minutes when I'm sad about being different and unable to binge pale in comparison to the months I spend being ridiculously happy/confident, showered with cute male attention and staring at myself in the mirror. 1- Have you had any major complications from the surgery? Nope - nothing! 2- How long were you on restrictions from lifting? Six weeks from anything over 20lbs I think, I only had two incisions, so I didn't follow this too exact... and was still fine! If you are a nurse, care aide or moving/transfering people, take a good two weeks off for sure! 3- How long were you in the hospital after surgery? 2 days in Hospital, 2 days at a hotel post op 4- What did you tell friends and coworkers? I told them I was having surgery - I was vague with the nosy people I didn't like. Some got the details, some didn't. Now I think most people know. I haven't ran into a single person who has said anything negative. The important people care enough that they want you to be healthy and happy no matter what road you take. I armed myself with statistics about the sleeve, just in case I ran into a Negative Nelly. 5- Do you have any regrets about having the surgery? That I didn't do it earlier. I'm 28. I wish I would have done this at 20. I feel like I'm reliving my life the way I always pictured it to be. I have guys fighting to buy me drinks, dance with me and kiss me on NYE. I don't feel like I will have to settle on "some guy" because no one else will ever be interested -- I can actually find someone worthy of ME. I finally have the confidence I always wanted and it shows to others. My relationships have gotten better now that I'm happier too. I can hang out with my brother and he's not ashamed. I can be in the jumpy houses with my neices and nephews. Life is better. -
Unsupportive Primary Care Doctor
Slimsoon1988 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Tomorrow is my Sleeve surgery. Today I met with my primary care doctor for final clearance. She has never been supportive of the surgery. I asked what does she know about the sleeve, she said that we have less complications then the bypass but most people just gain the weight back... Def not what I wanted to hear the day before surgery. -
Hi Gaintheworld! Sounds like your doing really well. Even tho you feel your loss is slow. Did you have bypass or sleeve? You lost quite a bit prior to surgery. Good for you. I wish you luck! We're all here to cheer you and each other on! I'm always around if you need to talk. How are you feeling? Thanks for the encouragement, I had the sleeve and am happy with the progress so far. I've gone from a size 22 to a 16 and am feeling so much better mentally and physically. The first 6 weeks, I was really tired but other than that no pain or complications. Good luck on you're journey!
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Another LapBand Clinic sprung up in T.O.!
peaches9 replied to peaches9's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
1 year support? that is total crap... And frankly, I can't beleive you are still considering this CLINIC (and I use the term loosely) for your lap band proceedure. This IS serious business. Complications DO happen. I know from personal experience as I have a leaking band and am going to have to have re-vision surgery. Dr. Yau has told me that he will replace the ENTIRE band with a new one, not just fix up the leak and send me on my way. I don't know you, but I do care about YOUR success and health. Please, Please do some more research. -
I had one as well. Doc said it's actually super-common in all people, not just those overweight and that most never get treatment as it doesn't always cause major complications or even symptoms. Mine was small, but having never had either surgery before this one, I couldn't tell you if it added to the discomfort or not, but I will say I never had anything I would call "pain". I would label it as discomfort and nothing more.
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Im Oct 13th for the sleeve and i have a half sister who had bypass at least 10-11yrs ago. She says no regrets the only thing she says is that your stomach is small but your mind still can't process the new small stomach. She did say that most people stick to vitamins and are compliant for about 3 years and if you don't get monitored or get regular bloodwork that is when complications happen not because of the procedure but because of neglect. So key thing is not falling into old habits.
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My Biggest Fear - I Need Your Advice
Neuanfang replied to WestTexasGal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hey everyone, I found your letter very touching as well as all the comments. My biggest fear and I am pre op is, that I might look 10 years older after all the weight is off and that my husband no longer finds me attractive. I would have to say that I am a little afraid of complications and also if I will still be able to enjoy life without my long and close friend "food". I have also not told my friends or children about the surgery because I don't want anyone to try and stop me from doing it. The alternative to the surgery doesn't sound appealing to me either, since I don't want to be fat for the rest of my life however long that may be. I feel older than I am because of all this weight and I just want to be able to break out of this shell I have hidden in far too long. I will be following you guys here because I may need a lot of encouragement as I am getting closer to surgery date. Susanne -
AM I MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION 😩
Jaelzion replied to ErikkaJ's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
No one can answer that question for you. Only you can decide whether you're up for a permanent change in your relationship with food. But we can share our experiences. Like many people, I had a tough first week after surgery, but by week 3, I was much better. I had no major complications and I lost all my excess weight. I have no regrets or complaints of any kind. There are lots of people on here just like me. The thing is, people are more likely to post about unusual or negative experiences, so you won't see a lot of folks logging on to post "Everything is still fine." So reading the posts can kind of skew your impression of how the surgery goes for most people. Complications happen, but it's more common to come through the surgery just fine, with no major problems. I wish you all the best in making your decision! -
All These Complications are Making Me Nervous!!!
MaineJackie replied to LaurenAshely's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
No complications here. No issues......and working my band every day for all it is worth...... -
Hi Guys, I am also pre-op and as of a few days ago made the decision that I need to get of my butt and get to working out again like I used to. I find that I am way to tired to go work out after work, so I get up a little bit earlier and go to the gym for 20 minutes on the elliptical before work. Even thoug hit has only been a few days I feel a much better and am much more energetic throughout the day. I want to be pretty "fit" before my surgery in order to cut down the risk of complications.
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Generally speaking EVERYTHING carries a risk. Having a VSG and going through 3 months without and leaks or complications I would have to say that statistically you should be at perhaps only slightly higher risk of stomach issues like leaking or other troubles. You have afterall drastically altered the form of the stomach from it's natural shape and function, redcing it's capacity so that it can hold less than it orginally could. Should you force feed yourself you CAN do damge to your stomach sleeved or not. This all has to be taken along with the very real benefits of weight reduction and the possible elimmination of some health problems associated with obesety.
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Surgery Today 12/14/17 and Scared
ExtracticPris2017 replied to Roxytrini's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You will have no regrets I had my sleeve on Oct 4th and it has been the best thing I have done...follow Dr’s orders and you will be fine...I had no complications what so ever and by the way I am 59 yrs young..God Bless[emoji106] -
Banded on Thursday and cried yesterday
mariecarmen replied to lapband4meNOW's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My first conscious thought after surgery was, "What the hell have I done to myself?" My insurance company required an overnight stay in the hospital and by early the next morning I was crying in bed. I wanted my husband to be there, I wanted to be home, I wanted not to be banded. That lasted about 45 minutes till my real brain cells took over and gave me a good slap in the face. It was a rough adjustment in the beginning, but I concentrated on following the surgeon's instructions so I healed without complications. One step at a time, eye on the goal and frequent visits to this forum for support. I think you're reacting very normally to such a life-changing event. You'll get past this and find that things may not go 100% smoothly from now on, but you sure are headed in the right direction. Reread this post in 4 months and see how differently you feel.
