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I am a paramedic and in nursing school. Every facility has its own infection control issues. I brought up Mexico to him but he is not on board with it. He is under the impression that it is unsanitary and not an option. I tried to get him to look into a few surgeons there and continuing to do research. I think just like a doctor here research and seeing stats on paper are best. The issue with Mexico is that they are not required by Medicare, Joint Commission to report their infection rates. Some do it as a personal standard, Those are the guys you want to look into. The ones who do not use an outside source reporting on their infections rates and re-portable complications or events need to be bypassed. I am going to continue to work on surgeons both in the US and Mexico, but as hoping he could get insurance to cover it like mine did. He did find a surgeon in Dallas that does it for 8500 but I have not gotten the name from him to research that doc. It seems low for the US.

I wouldn't worry about it.. I was 356 going into surgery.. they gave me blood thinners before and after surgery. I didn't have any blood clot disorder. I did have to get the cardiologist clearance because I have a high heart rate all the time. I only had to do a 5 day liquid diet prior to surgery because it helps shrink your liver and make surgery easier. My surgery only took an hour and I had no complications, only had one night in the hospital. You will be just fine, I think the more you worry the more bad things you imagine can happen. My dr said this is a pretty safe surgery, yes you will have pain, but you will recover much sooner than anything you mentioned above. Stay positive, having a positive outlook is key! Good luck

So here I am, today makes 3 months exactly post op and I am down 42 lbs. I am finally in Onederland. I am so amazed at how easy this journey has been in comparison to the Lap Band that I had placed in 2006. I am so happy that I went through the revision surgery 3 months ago. The sleeve is everything that the band was promised to be and more. Thank God I have not had one complication and I feel fantastic. As of now I have no regrets and I feel healthier than I have felt in years. I want to send out a special thanks to my surgeon Dr. Aceves for changing my life.

yes I have the rings haven't had any problems can eat pretty much anything lots of research about the rings the rate of erosion and complication are very low I'm happy with it I'm down 57# in 4 months

If it is helpful, my NUT at Swedish recommended eating like the induction phase on Atkins for the pre op diet. I did not have any trouble with that as lots of practice there. it is essentially a very low carb diet, no breads, starches, etc. You eat Proteins as much as possible with some low glycemic vegetables. This kind of diet actually works remarkably well post op to drop lbs until you are able to add back in good carbs. The surgeon stated that I had a super healthy and small liver because of doing this when he opened me up. Most people will end up losing 10 lb in a week by eating low carb before surgery. For example, I switched my diet one month before surgery to be like Atkins induction phase and lost about 30 lbs, probably reducing complications that might have been present had I been 30 lb heavier and still eating junk. I felt it also gave me a good kick start on learning to eat better *before* post op physical and mental struggles. Really important!! Maybe this simple suggestion will help you or others. I also like the idea from space dust regarding drinking Protein shakes before surgery. That will help you get used to the post op drinking of Protein Shakes. All we drink are protein shakes for up to 3 weeks post op, so the more you prepare yourself for this, the better. However, I do have to warn you that your favorite protein shake flavor pre op may no longer be your favorite protein shake flavor post op. Our tastes often change going over to the other side. For this reason, it is not a good idea to load up on tubs of Protein powder pre op thinking you will be also drinking that post op. MyBariatricPantry.com and other sites like this let you buy sample packets of protein shake flavors. Try some or all until you pick one or more that you do not mind drinking. Again, do this post op as your tastes may have changed after your stomach is removed. I happen to like nectar sweets (several flavors) both pre op and post op, but did not like Nectar fruits post op where others really like Nectar fruit flavors post op. i used to be big on Peach and banana flavors pre op, but hated them post op. Everyone will have different tastes. Water and milk will taste different post op, maybe even gross. I could not drink milk again due to lactose issues until month 5 post op and plain water again until month 6 post op. You may find an alternative like light soy or almond milk will work just as well as nonfat/low fat milk post op. it will be smoother on your stomach. Everyone is different. As for water, I could taste all the minerals and it sat heavy in my stomach post op. I am still flavoring my water today at month 9 post op, but can drink bottled and tap water again without flavor if the need arises.

by "second surgery", do you mean you have a second stricture that needs to be stretched? That's not unusual. I had to go in twice to get mine stretched - after that, I was fine - never had problems with them again. About 5% of bypass patients get strictures. The PA at my bariatric clinic said it's the most common complication - and it's an easy fix. They almost never happen once you reach the 3-month-post-op mark, so it's doubtful you'll have one again after you get this one stretched. you'll be able to eat more the further out you get from surgery. It's really just the first few months that you have certain food restrictions and can only eat a tiny amount of food. you should feel a lot better once they stretch out the stricture - and it's unlikely you'll have another one after this.

Here is a scary story for you - this actually happened to me. 2004 - Lapband put in - no complications at first. Lost 50 lbs in 7 months. Then all of a sudden the band stopped working. Tried to get my surgeon to listen, but he was a jerk and just kept blaming me for not doing what I needed to do to lose the weight. All this despite the band not holding a fill for more than 1 day. Decided not to go back to my surgeon after trying to convince him to listen to me for 1 year. 2009 - Lapband taken out. Found the courage to go to another surgeon. He confirmed that the band was not working and needed to be replaced. He did surgery - took out the band and did NOT replace it. I asked him if there was a medical reason for not replacing it. He said no... 2011 - Lapband put in. Found the courage AGAIN...to go to another surgeon to have a band put back in. Band put in on April 6. Felt funny in the upper part of my stomach. Based on my previous band surgery, I felt that it was taking a very long time to heal. Due to the swelling and pain I was having post-op, I kept in contact with the doctor's office almost daily after my initial follow-up appointment after surgery. Week 4 post-op started having fever of 103...lasted 5 days. Band doctor insisted that it wasn't the band so I went to my primary care doctor. Got antibiotics from primary care for what they thought must have been pneumonia (by the way...I believe this 5 day Z-pak saved my life by buying me some time). Fever never broke completely. Pain got so bad - ended up in ER. They could not find the problem. Band doctor insisted it was my gallbladder even though all tests ran by other doctors (CT, MRI, Hida Scan, Blood Tests, etc.) indicated the gallbladder was fine. Finally, after living with the pain for 6 weeks I called the band doctor's office and told them that they would be performing an exploratory surgery on me THAT DAY!!! As it was on a Friday, they tried to tell me that I would have to wait until the following Monday to be seen. I DID NOT WAIT and they DID the surgery as soon as I got to the hospital. Turned out that I had a horrible infection - ended up in the hospital for 5 days - touch and go a couple of times. The infection was a result of the surgeon perforating my stomach while putting in the band. I ended up losing my gallbladder due to the infection infiltrating it. Here I am on short term disability - 3 weeks post-op and still having problems. Ended up with another infection at the scar site. Band doc had to cut my skin open so that the infection could drain. Waiting on that to get better now. I do not know how long this is going to take to get completely better...BUT I CAN TELL YOU THIS - DO NOT GET A REPLACEMENT FOR A BAND THAT WAS REMOVED!!! The scar tissue can contribute to the complications of the surgery. My family is too important to me to EVER try something stupid like weight-loss surgery again. I think the "Big Guy" was giving me the signal that I need to accept who I am and be happy with my life. I hope this story will help...blessing to all.

I was basically a diabetic, though was just keeping my A1C levels down under the diabetic threshold with diet and exercise...then came the near fatal car accident, multiple fractures and the months of intense physical therapy which seriously restricted the amount of exercise I could do like I had before. I had other comorbidities which I coped with, but could never wrap my mind around being a compliant diabetic. I was facing the diabetes related complications...so the decision to have the band became a no brainer for me. No regrets! My A1C levels have returned to normal...

Also, be careful to not be swayed by a surgeon who wants to influence your decision because he is more familiar with doing one type surgery over the other. Decide what YOU want, then find a surgeon who has performed at least 300 of them, and has low complication statistics.

I agree - Dr. Manigat is a great surgeon and is dedicated to his patients and takes his time with each and everyone so that they understand the procedure before and after. He is very busy and you may have to wait - but it is worth it. I have had the LapBand over 2 years with no complications and have been at goal for a long time.

To original op I was banded 7 1/2 months ago and down 93 pounds (at doctor's goal as of today and 10 away from personal). I have had no complications, including no pbs or vomiting. I have gotten stuck for not chewing good and eating too fast though. I had a lot of fears reading this site too, but I tried to just put that in the back of my head and let faith take over. I love my band, it gave me back my life. I worry about complications down the road but I would just get another band or surgery if I had to.

Lauren, as others have said, you need to put it into perspective. For every individual who posts here (or elsewhere) with a problem, there are THOUSANDS who have no trouble at all. And if everything is going right, there aren't likely to be posts from those people. Even on this forum, if you read the older posts, there are many names of successful bandsters who have achieved their goals, and they've moved on. Some of the most prolific posters here haven't posted anything in several years. Why? I think it's because they got what they needed and they're out living their new lives. So rather than focus on the potential problems others may be having, try to concentrate on what you'll do to NOT have those kinds of issues. As band surgery gets to be more commonplace, and more surgeons have more experience doing it, the rate of complications should logically be going down. If you find an experienced surgeon, study things to prepare yourself, and follow your own journey through the process, you'll be best prepared to have a successful banding. If you follow the rules, the odds are in your favor you'll be just fine. Wishing you best of luck on your journey, and fantastic success along the way. Dave

MaineJackie...that's what it is all about. Working the band....not thinking it will work for you. Good going. One thing I forgot to mention to the OP, Lauren. I do not discount your apprehension with reading different posts and threads that involve complications. I remember having a panic attack and almost hyperventilating while reading things on LBT prior to being approved and prior to surgery. But, I am so happy that I pulled up almost every thread. It helped me to prepared for one of the biggest decisions of my lifetime. The good, the bad and the ugly. That's basically what life is all about. You can put blinders on and not look at the ugly, but it will only shelter you from being educated on the issues. I hope by now that you have had enough responses that you can put things into perspective. Hugs. Off the subject...Lauren...you are just cute as a button. What a beautiful woman you are. Keep your sites set on making a healthy and active life for yourself...no matter which route you decide to go.

I had this done december 30th. I'm still swollen. Also can you pop your stitches if u eat too much ? I don't get a fill until feb 21st. But I was curious if anyone has had complications with this surgery. I'm still tender on both sides of my stomach. Especially the port area.

I understand the healing issue but it still doesn't make sense. Extra diligence during the healing phase can eliminate most of the diabetic risk of complication. I'd say it's more of a risk to *not* do anything. I saw three surgeons and none of them mentioned an a1c requirement. But then again.....a lot of the rules don't make sense. The one that truly kills me are the policies that insist you lose certain percentage of weight before they'll pay for surgery. It's like....seriously?? Hope your blood sugar troubles resolve enough for surgery!

Hi Dannygirl, I'm being banded in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. The cost will be $10,600 which includes everything but my airfare and food. The hotel is covered, anesthesia is covered, transfers to and from airport and hotel and hospital are covered, any problems with the band, erosion, leak, infection all covered in that $10,600. Dr. Rumbaut will do all fills or even remove the band if necessary in that same $10,600 - for the life of the band - in other words, foreveer. I know Mexico sounds very scary but the hospital has an extremely good reputation and is very modern - I understand this is the hospital designated to care for the U.S. President in case of emergency when he's in that area - and Dr. Rumbaut has done THOUSANDS of lap-band surgeries, has a below average percentage of complications - less than 1% - and is banded himself. He TAUGHT a lot of the surgeons in the U.S. who are now doing the surgery. If you want more information his website is www.gastricband.com. Good luck to you on journey whatever path you choose.

Hi. I don't know about hard/soft masses? I had my Sleeve almost 3 weeks ago. We knew I had a small Hiatal Hernia going in. Well, the Dr. said, it was really big. They just sew it shut. I know its going to make me feel better. I have had no complications. Again, unsure if we are talking the same issue/Mass? Good luck too you!

I think I asked this before and I still have a difficult time wrapping my mind around your situation? So your pouch is enlarged and now they're going to wrap a band around it? Do they remodel the rest of the pouch below the band if it's dilated? At any rate, good luck with this and lean on us if you struggle with portions sizes and any complications from the band. tmf

I hope they gave you injectable blood thiner's, I was unable to walk for 7 days after after I woke up from my RNY and my surgeon prescribed them to protect against clotting also those things that squeeze your calf muscles. All that and I still had complications, I lost 2 units of blood in my sleep. As a resold I was on the liquid phase for over 120days.. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery. 440lbs my biggest 404lbs 8/24/09 RNY 177lbs 8/24/2010 !!! 205lbs Today and holding Surgeon DR. Chau @princton medical group.

Hi everyone. I’m new here. I’m going to have a Lap Band put in next month (August). I have a Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass in 92’ and lost about 200 pounds. After two pregnancies and many years I gained about 100 pounds back. Currently I am about 60 pounds more than my lowest weight with the Roux-En-Y. My pouch lost its shape and the opening is stretched out so I am hungry pretty much 24/7. I meg with a doctor who said the Lap Band would give me my pouch back and I’d be able to be full again. I was super excited to FINALLY get approval (just waiting on the surgery date). I’ve been reading this forum and read all the horror stories. Am I making a huge mistake? Am I making the right decision? Has anyone had success with the Lap Band with no complications? ANY input would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you! Kimberly

I did a 7 day cruise 8 weeks post op last year with out having a fill. My doctor and I chose not to do the first fill until after I returned - just in case of complications. I did not have any issues with food on the ship. I did bring my protein shake mix just in case I had food issues. I ate in the main dining room 3 times the rest of my meals were in the buffet line. The only thing that I was disappointed in was that I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at night with my husband but I always felt "full", like I just didn't have room for the drink. I did gain 6lbs on the cruise but I think it was mostly water retention - When I got home those 6lbs were gone in a week. Just listen to your body, try not to overeat, try to make good choices in your food, drink lots of water. Have fun - enjoy your vacation. I can't wait till our next cruise - we have booked a family Christmas cruise for December 2012 - I know crazy, I am already counting down the days

Since you mentioned you've posted several times about already having a "stall", I will respond with a excerpt from an article written on Bariatriceating.com because it may be of interest to you: Your internal surgical wounds must heal – this is no time to go to the mall, out to dinner, visiting friends and on vacation. Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid & soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. NO alcohol for a year… NON-negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough Water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan. I personally like their no-nonsence approach to this life altering surgery we've all had. Also, yes to wait staff looking strangely at us but it won't last long. I found it harder for them when I wouldn't want to order anything to drink since we can't drink while eating. Now I tell them, "No thank you, I don't drink when eating". I've been asked "why?" many times. I then tell them how no one should because it doesn't allow your food to be properly digested when liquid is present. 95% of them tell me they're going to try it. I wish you nothing but success

i was in no way implying there would be bad food choices. the problem with the band is that it is sometimes difficult to eat the "good" foods b/c the bands may not allow you to eat them - certain good for you foods just get stuck and you have to eliminate them. others want restriction, but if you can feel tightness, you have too much. i think the band is highly misunderstood, which leads to so many complications. i am a highly compliant patient and still have had some major complications. i hope it works for you. i just believe in putting both the good and bad out there so you can make an informed decision

Guile, that's not a "complication," that's a normal bandster learning event. You're not going to cause slippage from a few PBs, believe me. If that were the case there simply wouldn't be any successful bandsters. You're doing fine, healing up, and this transition to solid food will take a little learning. EAT SLOW, chew thoroughly, and keep your chin up!

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/9, and I'm trying to get a handle on what kinds of complications people have been seeing. I know for the most part everyone is happy with their results even if they've had complications; I'm just wondering what minor and major issues are potentially on the horizon -- and if, in the long run, virtually everyone has some issues. Those of you who have had the band for years, please post too! Thanks much :eek: