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I had my band removed in 2011 and soon I'll have surgery for the gastric sleeve. I had my pre-op appointment with my surgeon on Friday and he mentioned something I didn't know or realize - that my surgery will take more time because I've had a band, due to scar tissue. And because of that, I have a higher risk of developing a leak near the top of my stomach where the staple line will start. He said that when band surgery is performed, they sew part of the stomach over the band (pars flaccida technique?) but when it's removed, it's not 'undone'. And that area has scar tissue? Or maybe it's the band itself that causes the scar tissue but he also has to undo that area stitched over? I knew my original surgeon did that but I had assumed the on-call surgeon undid it to remove the band. He was a HUGE jerk who treated me like an idiot and talked over me when I asked informed questions (anything that seemed to question his authority, it seemed). I just stopped asking questions. My current surgeon seems to think since it's been so long since the band was removed (and I haven't had any issues) that the scar tissue will have softened quite a bit. (I know he mentioned it to drive home the sipping of water as opposed to gulps but I'm surprised it didn't come up in our original consultation). ANYWAY, have any of you gone years after lap band removal and then had gastric sleeve surgery? If so, what was your experience? This bit of info threw me and I didn't think of follow up questions right then and there. I'm just over a week out from my surgery. I'm getting nervous about this and the added risk of complications. I'm a worst-case-scenario kind of person, so... =/

I planned meals before considering WLS. It helps make sure a meal is on the table rather than fast food after work. I keep a spiral bound notebook and write a header for each day - and then I simply fill in a meal under each header. Now that I'm mindful, the 'meal' is just a protein and veggie and how I intend to cook. I love doing it this way, since I can make my grocery list from the menu and everything is on hand when it's time to cook. I can leave it on the counter - the fam can peek at it to see what's for dinner and even start prepping with out you. If you find it overwhelming, try doing it just for dinners. Repeat your breakfasts and lunches to simplify things. If you get stuck on planning, you can flip through your notebook and view previous weeks for inspiration. This week,my meal plan looks like this: Sunday: Taco Salad (no tortillas, dairy or cheese for me); Monday: Vegetable beef soup; Tuesday: Zucchini and meatballs with marinara; Weds: Lettuce wraps with ground turkey & cucumber salad; Weds: Grilled steak & asparagus. It doesn't have to be complicated

So my sleeve will be February 23. My surgeon decided he wanted to wait 3 months so there is less chance of complications. I am ok with it now. Will be interesting to have no restriction after 9 years. Even if it is for a matter of weeks.

So my sleeve will be February 23. My surgeon decided he wanted to wait 3 months. So lap band out Nov 27 and sleeve February 23! It seems that 3 months in between is becoming the standard. They told me they wanted to wait 3 months so there is less complications.

Thank you all that replied and didn’t berate me over it. I obviously realise I stuffed up massively and won’t do it again. And I don’t even know what made me do it. I wasn’t hungry and have been sticking to my plan. I have had no complications and everything has gone well. I don’t know how I found myself doing it. Thanks again to the ones that were understanding, your words were really helpful. To the ones that berated me, it was totally unhelpful and makes me not want to post again just like other posters that have left because of responses from dreamingsmall - wish I could just learn how to block you because you just come across as argumentative in every response to people’s questions. I’d be happy if you never answer my questions again or on my topics. Sleeved: 2/12/2017 SW: 209lbs/95kgs

I had my lap-band removed Dec.6th this year after living with it for 10 years, and although the first few days were not pleasant, I am beginning to feel a lot better. My journey hasn't been very successful re losing weight. However, I have a busy life, swim 5 times a week, and have managed a family, full time work, now part time, and a good social life. I am now in my 70s, and am still talking about weight. My weight had been fairly average (about 140 lbs) until my second child, at 35yrs, which was triplets, the surgeon who did the Caesar made a mess of it, Laughed about the "mess", and told me that "I would always look pregnant thereafter" . I became depressed, tired, and started poor eating habits, and was too exhausted then to consider seeking some useful support. Most of the medical input I received was not helpful, and took the direction of anti depressants. I have gradually been increasing my weight over the last 30 years. My eldest daughter suggested lap-band surgery in 2008, so I would drop some weight before her wedding. I thought it was a good idea. The surgeon put me on Optifast formula for 2 weeks prior to the Op. and I lost 10 ks prior to the surgery, but very little thereafter. Had lots and lots of vomiting, which I hated, pain and discomfort, and eventually gave up eating red meat. Found the easy alternative was more milk drinks when in a hurry. The lap band gave me increasing problems, slipped about 5 years ago, and I developed ulceration, regurgitation and constant re-flux. I went back to the surgeon, who refused to remove it, and said he wasn't doing that surgery any more. I did not pursue it, which I should have. However, the complications increased and eventually I sought another surgeon. I was nervous about having it out , after having it in for so long. It has now only been 4 days, however, I am able to lie down without re flux, eat small amounts comfortably, and have my bowels starting to work normally. Actually I am feeling better than I have in years. Having read many of the comments on this site, Quickly rereading this, it sounds gloomy, and I'm not really so negative. I think for many women, "weight" is a complicated issue, and often relates to childhood or other Trauma (and the research by Dr. Felitti in his obese work on the ACE scores). So, saying, I have noted the positive comments about Bright Line references and will follow through to explore that, as it appears to have had a good outcome for many people. I think for me Lap banding was the wrong decision in 2008. Sometimes, we have to take difficult journeys to find out what suits us.

I haven't posted much about this. I'm still kind of waiting to figure out what the game plan is. Long story short, about a month ago ( 4 months post op) I started vomiting daily it's gradually turned into vomiting five or six times after EVERYTHING I eat or drink. For the last week I've been on liquids only because I have a really bad stricture at the top of my sleeve. It's not caused from my sleeve surgery, but from my lap band. When I had my revision we knew there was a whole bunch of scar tissue and he did his best to clean it up but the scar tissue has rehardened and created adhesions around my stomach that have caused two structures. The one at the top of my sleeve that has a pouch above it that sort of pools food in it, which was one of the very first things I noticed. In the beginning of this I noticed that whenever I would throw up it would be undigested food. Literally broccoli from a day before would come out like it was never even digested. I had an endoscopy last week, and an upper GI attempted. But because the stricture was so tight the barium wouldn't go through. They also discovered that below the stricture I have gastroparesis. And then at the end of my sleeve, right before my duodenum I have another stricture. I meet with the gastric surgeon on Tuesday to figure out what they're going to do to help me. Anyone have any experience with these problems? Any advice on what they might do? If they do a dilation will they be able to do both strictures and how will that affect the part with gastroparesis? This is the x-ray from my upper-GI. The barium (2 swallows) just sat up in the pouch, never really went through except a little bit... The part where it sort of fades out is the part with gastroparesis..

Hi there! Insurance told surgeon that my high blood pressure, high cholesterol and BMI were not enough. I have documented severe high blood pressure for over 10 years. My BMI is 34. Dr told me it would qualify with the other comorbidities so that's why I continued the process. I'm in Texas. I have AETNA. Good point, I will ask the new surgeon about complications!

I'm 5 days post op and seriously thinking what is wrong with me for doing this during the holidays!! I'm experiencing the same. I'm not feeling full. Physically I'm great no pain, no complications. I'm trying to say busy so I don't think about food. It's everywhere though!

You don't really give the exact reason for denial, or insurance criteria for coverage in your post. Elaborate please and what insurance - work provided, state provided, ACA, etc. I am happy you lined up an alternative solution, just research the surgeon so you know what you are dealing with, also if there are complications from the vsg, your insurance may not cover that and you could have a huge out-of-pocket outlay afterwards. Just be informed. Good luck.

If they ignore you and put you off now, they won’t be there for you post op if you have a complication. . I made every excuse for my surgeons failure to return my phone calls or the fact that he was never there and I never could discuss my pain and swallowing issues cause the nurse said I had to talk to him and she couldn’t do anything. It wasn’t until my other dr was angry I was being ignored that I realized how inappropriate it was. And all the very serious complications he didn’t care about have caused damage to my esophagus and sleeve. I now have attempted a revision from sleeve to bypass once which couldn’t be done due to damage at top of my sleeve caused by GERD. so I was referred to a third surgeon to attempt a revision again. I suggest you make it clear that you need to be a priority or find another surgeon who will make you one. I immediately realized how awful the first surgeons office was after getting many additional opinions and no other office treated me like that. Make sure you are confident and comfortable with the person you are letting put a knife to you.

While I think the study is vague and poorly designed, I think breakfast is still hugely important for WLS patients. I know theres a reason that many weight loss programs usually include something along the lines of avoid going more than 5 hours without eating/drinking. Considering that if youre sleeping and eating dinner at reasonable times, youre probably looking at a solid 10-12 hours of not eating from the time you had dinner to waking up. I think balancing your macros/nutrition adequately after WLS becomes substantially more difficult if you dont have breakfast. Even if its just a protein shake. Otherwise its going to get you into a cycle of starving and binging to catch up, which cant be good for the long term success of your WLS, and thats in addition to the previous mention of getting adequate and optimal nutrition. The argument for/against breakfast in non WLS patients is probably far more complicated, especially once you factor in all these gimmicky things like IF KETO and all that ****. But with WLS patients I think the benefits of having breakfast are clear cut

Did anyone do any type of thank you for the nurses that took care of them? I stayed 3 nights in the hospital following my surgery then an additional night a few weeks later after some complications. I stayed on the same floor and had all the same nurses Each RN and LVN was fantastic. Friendly, caring, etc. I didn't have any family staying or visiting me in the hospital and they all made sure to spend a little extra time with me just chatting. I'd like to get them a thank you but I'm not sure if that is weird or what to get. Did anyone else do a thank you for the nurses or doctors office? I was thinking I'd do something for the day shift and something different for the night shift. Any thoughts or nurses out there with ideas! These people had the good drugs, they're my hero!

Sleeved 10/30/17 and I usually have egg whites w/ 1 slice of bacon for breakfast, premier protein shake for snack, small salad for lunch, and fish and veggies for dinner. I can get down 4 bottles of water in a day (I'm working on drinking more fluids) and I workout for 30 minutes everyday and I go hiking on Sundays. I love it! I've lost 70 pounds so far! And I feel great! No Complications- and I even had to call my doctor to make sure he did my surgery right, because it's not as bad as I thought lol.. I guess I was watching too much "My 600 pound life" smh LOL~

After 3 months of tring to achieve my weight lost goals I'm happy to see my results. Today I have completed total weight lost of 100 lbs.started at 328lbs now 228lbs. With no complications going to the gym 3 times a week, and eatting less and helthy. Main secret is set your mind,set a goal,and don't look back. Good luck to all of you heroes of your own selfs. Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

Good luck. will be thinking of you this morning! All will be fine. The risks are super low. The reason you went through all the testing and requirements were to lower the risk of complication. Have faith and trust in your qualified team. Congratulations, and we are all so proud of you!

1. What day did you have your port removed and do a leak test? Leak test is performed immediately after Dr staples your new stomach and removes excess stomach. 2. Did the leak test make you have diarrhea? (Just thinking if I should spend an extra day there because the idea of being sick like that on a plane sounds like 0 fun) No, at least had no effect on me.. I was at hospital 2 days. De wanted to monitor and make sure I was able to meet my liquid intake prior to go home. If any complications I would be in good hands. By the way, no complications at all 3. Did you need to take blood thinners for flying so soon after surgery? In my case I had blood thiner shots few hours prior surgery, and first/second day while I was at hospital. This is just to prevent blood clog 4. Is it true that after surgery you tend to have a lot more gas? Even months after surgery.... The reason for that is because Drs use gas to inflate your stomach. Once surgery is done, you still have residual gas. In me case Dr recommended gas X strips to release gas and walk as much as posible once you get up. It wont me easy because you will feel that gas discomfort in your abdominal area, chest and stomach. But will go away in days, every days that passes it feels better 5. I have PCOS which is a contributing factor as to why I'm considering this surgery. I'm not wanting kids just to be a healthy weight.....for once. Anyone else out there have PCOS and the surgery? How is your journey going? Not familiar about PCOS, sorry can’t contribute 6. Is it realistic to be able to go to work a week post op? ideally 2 weeks, but yes 1 week is realistic, I took 1 week off and came back to work. I still had a bit of discomfort in my stomach due gas.. but all good. 7. I have zero desire to tell anyone I'm having this surgery, is going there solo etc okay? Were you able to drive yourself home after you made it back? no need to be ashamed or hide it. As many people know about it, the higher support you get. At least to close family 8. I've heard there can be a lot of pain even months after surgery, eating different foods etc is this the rule or the exception? the pain is mostly discomfort due gas used during surgery. I was back to normal (100%) 6 weeks post surgery. You will have issues swallowing, meeting liquid intake or eating because your stomach pouch is smaller than a baby, it is like everything with time gets better, at my 2nd month post op I almost forgot I went through this surgery 9. If you've had the surgery knowing what you know now what is one piece of advice you wish you could have given your self pre-surgery? walk as soon as you open your eyes post surgery.. set your timer and walk every 1 or 2 hours. Take your gas x, use compression belt , at beginning drink coconut water to hydrate, pain/discomfort wont last long as soon as you keep active. Most importantly do not hesitate, get it done 10. How uncomfortable was flying? If driving was an option would that have been easier? When flying would you have waiting more time been a better idea or was it okay to go when you were cleared? I haven’t taken vacations since then, so I cant say anything about it.. bit shouldn’t be an issue.. Best of luck pal

I'm curious, If anyone has had an issue - such as a stricture - after having your procedure in MX, if you live in the US, how was it handled by the hospital/facility where you received treatment at home? Did your health insurance cover the complication...did you have complication insurance that covered it...or did you have to pay out of pocket? Also, did doctors at home give you a hard time/treat you differently because you had your procedure outside the U.S.? Thx!

My experience was great to say the least. I was picked up with my friend at the Holiday Inn. (We came early to go to the San Diego Zoo) We went across the border to the Oasis of Hope hospital, which I believe now they have a brand new hospital just for bariatrics. It was very nice and clean. The staff was all great. I was sore for a few days, but nothing major. I haven't had any complications and I've had a lot of success with my weight loss. I never felt unsafe in Tijuana and the valets were always close by. I would do it all again if I had to.

I was extremely nervous before my surgery too. It's totally normal to second guess yourself. But just remember everything will be okay and this is the best thing for you to do for your health. The complication rate is extremely low so let that comfort you. It's similar to having your gallbladder removed laparoscopically in my opinion. You'll be fine. Time to get to the next chapter in your life. Good luck.

I think that a 34 bmi as a female should be fine for wls. Doubts are normal. Don't listen to them in this case. Your brain is super powerful, and wants you to stay overweight/obese. Many of these doubts end up in...I should be able to do it on my own. However, they begin in...My lifestyle will have to change. My eating habits will have to change. I will have to give up many of my favorite foods, and won't be able to drink alcohol. What will people say or think? What if I fail? What if I have complications from surgery? These are just a few that I felt myself, and have read in this very forum over and over again. Some are true. Some are not. Your lifestyle and eating habits will have to change, but is that a bad thing? Your relationship with food is going to jeopardize your health in the long-run. I never had health issues...Until I had them this year. I still enjoy most of my favorite foods, but in a healthy way. I also only have them every once in a while. I will be having my first alcoholic drink on New Years Eve. I don't care what people think, nor am I afraid of failing. This tool is helping me to do what I need to do to ensure my long-term success. I didn't have any complications from surgery, so that is good. The chances of having complications are very small. You can lower them even more by choosing a reputable surgery team with proven success, following your plan to a "T", staying hydrated, and walking as much as possible before and after surgery. You'll be fine. You've jumped through all of the hoops, because you obviously felt that you needed this. Do it for you!

Hi Wesja - In the end, it's your call. You know yourself better than anyone else and only you can weigh risks vs. benefits. However, as someone with the EXACT medical conditions -- Hashimoto's and PCOS -- I need to tell you that having gastric sleeve surgery has been nothing short of miraculous for me. It has completely reset my metabolism and allowed me to do the impossible -- lose weight. A lot of it. Six months in and I've lost 64 pounds. Something that was impossible for me before surgery. And, I've had zero complications and zero side effects. I'm a lot older than you, and I wish this option was available to me many years ago. The older I got, the more these metabolic conditions kept me from longterm weight loss success. When I added a physical disability and menopause into the mix -- gah! I was roadkill. Oh and by the way -- my endocrinologist and primary care doc both said I didn't need the surgery. That I wasn't "fat enough." Now, they're both thrilled with my weight loss and improvement to my overall health. I wish you the best of luck. If you have questions for me, shoot me a message. Take care!

I’ve done a lot of home health nursing in my career and saw terrible complications from patients who smoke. A very wise choice to quit!

Quick few notes: Surgery: gastric bypass Surgery date: 10/31/2017 Highest weight: 388 Pre op weight: 344 Today's weight: 287 I am following the post op diet and losing weight successfully. But I regret this surgery every day. Multiple times a day. I was so blinded by "wanting to lose weight" that I sought out a surgeon and allowed him to mutilate my body to take away my ability to choose food, portion and how I live. My surgery was successful with only 1 post op complication. Its not even about the complication. I am mourning the loss of my ability to choose what and how much I eat. Anyone considering any WLS surgery... don't do it. Find another way to transform yourself. No matter what you say today, no one will be able to tell you how you will feel losing your ability to choose. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 on T-Mobile

By the by, it's not some office worker who makes these policies or determines whether or not you're a good candidate. It's rules that have been written out by experts, and included in your health care information. You have a right to this information, to read exactly what would be required by you before you even begin, and potentially to contest it if you have good reason. It's frankly not even that complicated; I'd say it took me less than an hour all total to figure out what my requirements were, before I entered into my program. Reducing it to "some office worker choosing your treatment" is extremely inaccurate and not particularly helpful.