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Thank you Corinna! I think I have watched too much Grey's Anatomy and I am that person who googles side effects and complications of everything SO i am doing it to myself!! Good luck with your sleeve!!! -Angie

If you choose to look for the rain cloud in everything, you can find it. I am also one of the people to whom a complication will occur if possible. I went in for a quick procedure on Arpil 6. Doc said if mid -week, I'd be back to work the next day. Procedure on Friday, feeling weird by Sunday, Monday night fevere of 103.8. Tuesday at the ER. Turns out, a simsple catheter went to a bladder infection to a major blood infection (sepsis) that fast. While a UTI is common after a catehter, it is uncommon for it to go into sepsis. No one's fault, listed as a possible complication of the overall procedure I had done. Just had to happen to me. This was NOT band related. Bands are meant to be in place forever, the fact that some are not doesn't really matter at this point. Your GF has a band, she should use it to the best of her ability and deal with complications if they crop up. There is no sense in agonizing over what could happen. Do appropriate aftercare, see her surgeon once a year at the least, and have everything checked. If something doesn't feel right, she should call and be seen. That is what it boils down to. iV Fluid retention wii be gone in a few days. Hope she is feeling better soon!

You make a lot of assumptions. I have disclosed what kind of band i have and recently posted my fill information. Along with Chickie, I also disagree the importance of this info as every person is different. A 5 or 7 fill amount will have a different reaction for me than from someone else, So my info is not relevent to someone else's experience. I have told you out of courtesy, but it proves nothing. I like my docotr, but I have honestly not seen him (until this last fill last week) since the day after surgery. When I have gone in, I have only seen his Assistant. Like Chickie says, if you want to risk complications doing your own fills, thats on you, but you are being extremely irresposible in advocating that other go against their doctor and against medical advise and treat themselves. I think thats where we have a problem with you. I too find it creepy that you post a link to all my previous posts. I know its public info and I have nothing to hide, but very strange for you to link it it your post.

I’m 37 and was sleeved 3 weeks ago. I had a major complication with a GI bleed, but once that was under control my recovery has been smooth sailing. Today I’m about 95% back to normal, just holding off on the lifting. I was tired in the afternoon the first two weeks but that has eased up too. Including my one week pre-op diet I’m down 30 pounds!

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

Thanks everyone...for some reason this really got to me and I wish I could have said. This just pushes me to work hard and make the band work in my favor. I understand that there could be complications but good things rarely come easy for me....and i am glad about that.

I too have waited many years thinking about WLS. I work in healthcare and see so many bypass complications that haunt patients for years. I don't see band patients though (I work in a bariatric hospital). I have the issue that even though I know I'm overweight I don't feel overweight. I'm very active and "see" myself skinnier then I really am. I lost 110 lbs in one year (11 yrs ago) doing Atkins/exercise.....kept it off for 2-3 yrs then it started to creep back. I've gained 60 back total, so not a total loss! I decided on getting banded this past fall, have done all the work for approval (lost 18 lbs too!) and got my surgery date today! April 16th will be here before I know it!! I wish you the best with your band and know that we are taking a great step towards healthier lives!!!

Hello fellow sleevers. I was sleeved 1/31/17 I am so excited to be on the losers bench. I now realize that you really have to be mentally prepared for this journey and it is very hard. I first decided to get the sleeve because I failed at so many diets. Then after I went thru all The blood work I found out I had sleep apena, pre diabetic and high blood pressure. At that moment I knew it was time to change my life forever. I am so grateful to have took that step to start my journey on healthier me. I go to my post op appointment Wednesday and I can not wait to get on full liquids. I haven't had any complications as of yet. (Thank u Jesus ) I just still feel very hungry and a little heart burn. I actually going back to work today. Sent from my SM-T113 using the BariatricPal App

Best of luck with your surgery! Wishing you a quick & complication free recovery!

I agree with Rick. Should be fine unless you have complications.

I know its hard to quit smoking, I am an exsmoker. You have to decide what is more important. Your life or the bad habit that you have had for years. Having a MAJOR operation to remove your stomach is a very serious, and to be smoking before this is not healtjy at all. You are taking a chance with your lungs colapsing, blood clots and many more complications. If you cant do it for yourselves do it for the people who love you. I gave it up cold turkey, I was having alot of drama in my life at that time but I still did it. I know each and everyone of you can do it, I have faith in all of you. You just have to figure out what your priorities are. Living healthier or continue down a road that will eventualy take your life. I wish the best for everyone. I know you can do this give it all your will power and you will succeed.

like some others, I wouldn't worry too much about the bedside manner reviews. Surgeons jobs are to cut. After they're done, you'll likely be dealing with other clinic staff for your follow-up appts (dietitian, likely a PA or ANP, etc). It's hard to say whether the complications comments are due to her skill or would have happened anyway.

Well if you're opinion is that we should only post the sunny happy stories and never mention the negatives, failures or complications.... I have to disagree. That would make this website a total lie. In spite of the fact that everyone wants to get "support" from VST....it's still a huge research tool for most new people (whether that's good or not is another story) and it should reflect the whole ugly picture and not just the successes.

I know this is prolly a stupid question but.... is it ok to have the surgery when you are on your period? Ive got mine and was just wondering if it will cause any complications during or after surgery. thanks:help:

Also if you haven't already you can go to the FDA's MAUDE site and look up lap band and realize band. It will give you all the reported cases of side effects, complications and etc associated with the band. MAUDE - Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Hope that helps you!

I'm not sure how many people agree with how I did this. I got all of the statistical facts on what 'could happen'. I really tried to avoid 'complications' and 'removal' part of this forum till after my surgery. I had read some, and they made me nervous and worried.. and I had already decided 100% I WAS getting this surgery, I will not become bed-ridden and dead at an early age because of morbid obesity.. So.. I read all the support forums, the before & after pics, the happy yay-goodness stuff.. to keep me pumped. I did educate myself on the risks, and complications.. but I didn't read problem testimonials on it until April 17th. Reading them now, I'm not as scared.. because I'm not letting it affect my decision to get the band. Good luck with your decision!

So, I work with a lot of heavy lifting (wine boxes and loading them into u-boats, etc) and work has been accommodating to me, but I noticed that I was scheduled for a shift to basically go back into that on my 5th week from surgery date and I was advised to not do heavy lifting until the 6th week; is it going to cause complications? Or do you think it'll be manageable? 😬

Well only 5 more days till the day. I am so excited & scared both at the same time. I don't think I was nearly half as excited as I was for my wedding day. I of course am not into being the center of attention. I am the caregiver and don't have much time to care for myself, that is why this surgery is so important to me. IT IS ABOUT TIME I START CARRING FOR MYSELF!!!! :frown: At my preop appt on June 18th I weighed in at 236 with a BMI of 44.1. My highest weight after nursing my son was 243 on May 31, 2008. My husband has been supportive throught the preop process by going to appts with me and asking questions that he was concerned about. I have chosen to tell some people and haven't really decided on others, but you know how people talk, so I am sure that I won't have to tell many more people because the will have heard it from "the grapevine". This weekend will prove to be a busy weekend. There is the birthday part on Saturday for my lil cuzin that is turning 1. Then Sunday another big day "my future niece's baby shower, can't wait to see you RaeLee!). Not to mention Sunday may last day of eating... At least preop. I start a clear liquid diet Monday-Wednesday and can't drink anything after midnigh on Wednesday.... I hear this can be one of the hardest parts, I am excited to start the process. My husband won't be able to go with me when I get my surgery. Which in the long run might be better as he tends to get anxious very easily and if there were to be any complications it may be harder on myself. 5 more days and counting!!!!

Well only 5 more days till the day. I am so excited & scared both at the same time. I don't think I was nearly half as excited as I was for my wedding day. I of course am not into being the center of attention. I am the caregiver and don't have much time to care for myself, that is why this surgery is so important to me. IT IS ABOUT TIME I START CARRING FOR MYSELF!!!! At my preop appt on June 18th I weighed in at 236 with a BMI of 44.1. My highest weight after nursing my son was 243 on May 31, 2008. My husband has been supportive throught the preop process by going to appts with me and asking questions that he was concerned about. I have chosen to tell some people and haven't really decided on others, but you know how people talk, so I am sure that I won't have to tell many more people because the will have heard it from "the grapevine". This weekend will prove to be a busy weekend. There is the birthday part on Saturday for my lil cuzin that is turning 1. Then Sunday another big day "my future niece's baby shower, can't wait to see you RaeLee!). Not to mention Sunday may last day of eating... At least preop. I start a clear liquid diet Monday-Wednesday and can't drink anything after midnigh on Wednesday.... I hear this can be one of the hardest parts, I am excited to start the process. My husband won't be able to go with me when I get my surgery. Which in the long run might be better as he tends to get anxious very easily and if there were to be any complications it may be harder on myself. 5 more days and counting!!!!

I am a 44 yo registered nurse who is a Director of Quality in a small hospital in NWO. I have researched all my options. Orginally I wanted the VSG but now I really feel that the gastric plication is the tool I need to increase my chance of losing weight and keeping it off. I like that it is revisable and is not associated with malabsorption . I made my decision after two years of lurking on weight loss sites and trying various diets, personal training and pills. I would lose 15 and gain 20. I have watched my ability to snorkel and walk on vacation turn into shortness of breath and fatigue. I walk up the stairs to beat of 132 pulse. This has improved with cardio at the gym (120's ) I have beat myself up. Refused to go out with my husbands friends because they are thin and I am embarassed for my husband. Really I have spent my time making other people happy and not myself necessarily. Weight loss will not make me beautiful ( It is what is inside that counts). It will not make me successful as I feel that I am succesful professionally regardless of my weight. Weight loss will increase my energy and my overall health. My fears are complications related to the surgery. I am having my consultation appointment by phone with Dr. Brad Watkins from Cincinnati Weight Loss on Sept 7, 2011. I am 5 ft 3 inches and 216.5 today. This is a 38.4 BMI . So far I dont have high blood pressure or diabetes. I dont want them either. I will keep you posted:)

I was banded June 9. The best decision I ever made. I had one regret after the surgery because I had a few complications the week following the surgery but that was because I had an add on surgery with the lapband and it caused to much swelling. I have lost 87 pounds and feel so much better, I wish I would have done this earlier.

Okay, so I was banded in July 08. No complications. Until now. I went to my PCP yesterday, diagnosed with bronchitis. I woke up at 2 am with terrible acid reflux, and what feels like contractions moving up into my throat. Went to my band dr., he thought the mucous was irritating my stoma, so pulled out 4cc. At first I thought I felt better, now I'm still having the reflux and contractions that move up into my throat. It feels like I'm being choked. I haven't eaten anything since last night, strictly liquids. No pain around band or in my stomach. Has anyone else had this happen?

I'm sure that part of your pain is complicated because of Christmas. You probably have a lot to do and food is everywhere. The first 2 weeks after my surgery, I just had to physically leave the kitchen when others where eating. My mom came to help and of course she cooked all my favorites for my family. It was hard. It's an emotional time. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not hungry. You are. Physically and emotionally you are hungry. It does get easier like everyone on this thread has said. They're not lying. It will get better! The first month is the hardest. Lots of adjustments, but you can do it. Keep logging onto LBT and feel of the support! Good luck December bandsters!

Removing wisdom teeth is a standard but complicated procedure—a blood clot forms in the hole after removing a wisdom tooth, promoting rapid wound healing. Sometimes a clot does not form, most often in smokers. After a few days, acute pain may appear, with which it is necessary to consult a doctor. I put dental implants in Allen, and my dentist recommended I restore the immune system after all dental treatment procedures and avoid surgical operations for six months.

It does get better. For the first 10 days I mostly drank Water, decaff peppermint tea with truvia in it cause it tastes good warm or cold and it settled my tummy. My first priority was 64 ounces of liquids. I did have some sugar-free popsicles too. I had a rough time drinking out of a water bottle. I still can't do it without causing too much gas and bloating in my esophagus and I'm 4 weeks out today. I still revert back to using the the one ounce med cups (or a shot glass and throughout the day I try drinking out of a regular glass. I drink my shakes out of a regular glass and I am still struggling getting shakes down. They fight me. I drank these shakes for 7 months before my surgery and I loved them. Now they give me issues. Most important thing is to stay hydrated, walk when you can, sip and rest. I took a nap every day for 10 days. I sat in a rocking chair, walked. To see how far I was walking, I basically walked in my living room into kitchen then dining room in a big circle and I would try to get my walking up to 20 minutes and I did that 3 times a day. I started doing it outside when I felt like I could walk far enough away from home. (liquids in liquid out) Cut yourself some slack, you just had surgery, this was a major surgery and you need to focus on healing, that's the main focus...healing and you can only really heal if you get in enough fluids. Proteins while important is not that important the first two weeks. Do the best you can with them. Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon. Take it from someone who had serious complications during surgery which extended my surgery another 5 hours...after it was already in programs 1-1/2 hours and I have Lupus and mixed connective tissue disease, a 3mm brain tumor, Glaucoma and I will be 49 years old soon, every day is a little better than the day before. I spent 5 days in the hospital and I would do it all over again.