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Showing results for 'Complications'.
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Got a date... Chickened out!
Brandeis replied to JeezLouise91's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Complications are EXTREMELY rare. Of course there's always a risk, but they wouldn't be offering the surgery if there were extreme risk. At 33 I can tell you, I wish very much it were something I'd done at 26 instead. The risks are worse down the line, for many reasons -- and your results won't be as good. Mine have been excellent but it's taken work. Almost 10 years ago, I wouldn't have all the loose skin I have now, I wouldn't have to worry about that so much. However, if you keep freaking out, I think what you need to do is talk to a psychiatrist. This sounds like true anxiety, since it's so extremely irrational -- and that's fine. It's a hard thing to deal with. But if you're serious, you need to actually deal with it, and talking to someone might help with that. -
So a letter came in the post a couple of days from the hospital. They offered me the 16th of November and as I read the date I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. I said that I wouldn't be able to do that date and would February be possible [emoji28] the lady said no February is too late, we're going to offer you one more appointment in January at the latest and if you decide not to take it you will be kicked off the program and will have to be re refferd by your doctor again. That was me told lol. Looks like I'm really going to have to make a decision soon. This is so hard. One day I wake up with such confidence like what's the big deal? Loads of people can do it so can I! The next day I'm full of anxiety and thoughts of complications. In regards to complication worries: Are you at more risk the older/bigger/unhealthier you are? Or can leaks etc just happen to anyone? I'm 26, not the biggest but obviously big enough, have no medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Only pcos which is to do with hormones. If any of you read my last post you're probably thinking "not her again, stop being a chicken and just go for it" lol. I do apologize. There will probably be another post next week from me crying [emoji23] Sent from my F5121 using BariatricPal mobile app
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Hi I just had my sleeve done 9 days ago. I had a few complications and just wanted to know who else went through it. At this moment am really in the regret stage. As within 2 days of going home I had to go to the er because I was deshidrated very nauseated couldn’t even put anything in my mouth every smell in my own home bothers me , I hired a cleaning lady to come deep clean my house. At the hospital they also notice I had a uti. I was there 5 hours thank god no leaking ect. So I go home for one day still can’t barely drink the broth(which I hate) next day back to the er. I was on two ivs at the same time and a nutrient one from the pharmacy recommendations of my biariatric physician. I came home and two days late I was able to drink 3 oz of chicken broth and some protein shake that day only took me 2 hours each time. At night my stomach hurt and it feels like am hungry at the same time but when I do drink even water feels like I drank quarters and I feel discomfort the whole night. Mind you still can’t sleep on my belly as it’s my only position I can rest in. When will I feel normal again ? Like not feeling the heavy feeling in my stomach when I eat? Or the hunger pains ,Help !!!
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Surgery in one week, freaking out
Mattymatt replied to Kikidi's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You've come this far in the process so don't back out now. You do not want to be 40 years old and potentially even heavier. Trust me, I am 40 and I need to lose 176 pounds which is more than double what you need. I have Sleep Apnea, Type 2 Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure - I could have a serious cardiac event at any given time. Do this now and your 30s will be happier and healthier. I believe that if you do not go through this now, you may have future regrets. The statistics say that only 10-15% of people that lose weight through diet and exercise alone can keep the weight off whereas 65% of those that use surgery as a tool keep the weight off. Will this be a huge change? Yes, of course it will. Will this be easy? No, it won't be but if you're getting your surgery done at a Center for Excellence, then your prognosis is incredibly good. The statistics show less than 1% of people developing complications. That is almost statistically insignificant. I am certain it is normal to be nervous about any kind of surgery but think of this as life saving. -
Anyone on Blood Thinners Pre-Op
Sparker7 replied to Sparker7's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Thank you both for replying. I take warfarin and my last dose was the 30th with surgery on the 4th. I've been having excessive bleeding, so now I'm sitting in the lab waiting for blood work to determine why. I'm concerned about postponement and really hope it isn't necessary. My hematologist had me take a fondaparinux injection on the first and that's when the bleeding became excessive, so she had me not take one yesterday and I was already not supposed to take one today. I'm very nervous about the outcome as I sit here in the lab. It doesn't look like either of you have had complications so far. Hopefully this is just a tiny bump in the road for me and not a complication. -
Have someone got complications like GERD etc. after one year or more post op?
havetobestrong posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am so afraid to get complications cause this surgery its not reversible. I am 5 months post op and thankfully I don't suffer with acid reflux or other symptoms. But I would highly appreciate if you could tell me your stories if you have suffered with complications after post op. -
Diabetics (cure or reduce?)
Berry78 replied to Pat Pac's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I came across an article a while back, that gave a way for physicians to make an educated guess as to which procedure would be best for their diabetic clients. It split the patients into 3 groups: mild diabetes (short time, easily controlled with 1 medication), moderate diabetes (up to 10 years, controlled with 1-2 meds), severe diabetes (long time or uncontrolled or need lots of meds) The mild cases are likely to respond with sleeve or bypass. Moderate cases really need a bypass Severe cases are less likely to respond at all, so the sleeve might as well be chosen since it has fewer complications. There are no hard and fast rules, but this gives some food for thought. -
I would say YES you can. I still have my band, but it's been empty for 2 years. I am trying to get my band removed, getting a huge run around in manitoba. They keep trying to talk me out of it. I had it emptied of all fluids almost 2 years ago due to massive complications. Since then I joined a great gym and have turned my health around. I am healthy fit and slim and it has nothing to do with the band. I want the band gone. Since I am now slim with a strong core the port is super obvious and can easily be seen. It looks like a golf ball sized Tumor.
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Surgery in one week, freaking out
Wanda A replied to Kikidi's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I hear you. My surgery is 3 weeks away, and I am starting to feel anxious. I am like you, have about 80 lbs to lose, but like so many others, I have tried everything else and can't lose more than 30 lbs. I am older, 51, but have type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (4 stents). My hope is that the diabetes will be gone, that is my main goal. Don't get me wrong, the weight loss is exciting, but I am very concerned about the diabetes. It is well controlled now, with medication only, but I know it will only get worse as I get older. The anxiety is normal, expected even. I wonder "am I going to have a lot of complications? will I ever eat 'normally' again (not like now, but normally), will I be the one that this doesn't work for?" Lots of things go through my head, but for me, this is the right decision. Improving my health concerns far outweighs the risks for me. Think long and hard about the reasons you initially wanted this. As Apple said, the decision is personal. -
My highest weight was 401, so I just qualify for this thread! I am 2+ days post sleeve and so far no complications. The first 48hrs were ROUGH but then suddenly the clouds parted and I feel great!
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Be honest - does anyone regret the surgery?
arcwls replied to TvlGrl712's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I’m 3 days post op, not reacting well to meds at all and feel so drained and awful but I keep looking at the positives about how I’m going to feel next week, then the week after once I watch this weight come off and know it’s not going back on cause I’m in a happy relationship. Gotta keep reminding yourself that there will always be struggles along the road but every single little story I’ve read of people having, even the most complicated recoveries, still would not go back and not do it all over again! That has to be a comfort!!! Hope everybody is going ok! -
any November 2017 sleevers?
Puravida19 replied to Sugar42's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
And I’m spending my time right now in the complications section of the forum. Awesome. -
My curiosity kicked-in so I did a quick look-up on this question and here's what I found: Smoking increases your risk of experiencing the following surgical complications: Blood clots Pneumonia Marginal ulcers Surgical wound infection Smokers have almost a 30 percent complication rate after weight loss surgery, which is astoundingly higher than the surgical complication rate for non-smokers. This information came from this website: https://www.flowersbariatriccenter.com/patient-resources/preparing-for-bariatric-surgery/why-it-matters-to-stop-smoking-after-weight-loss-surgery/ I haven't checked all the sources or done any cross-referencing, so this might not be 100% accurate, but it looks like pretty solid information. Hope this helps!
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Do I need surgery still? A reality check
FluffyChix replied to wjgo's topic in Pre-op Diets and Questions
This. It's SO important. I was pressured into having breast reconstruction after my double mastectomy surgery. I really was ambivalent and scared I would end up with mannequin boobs (boobs without nips). Everyone assured me that would not be the case. Well fast forward, 3 EXCRUCIATING (like the most pain evs) surgeries later, I now have stage 2 lymphedema in my left arm, unequal mannequin boobs, a huge divot in the left one where it started to eat itself, tiny spider veins where it started to eat itself and I have chronic neuralgia at my chest wall. 24/7/365 I have a burning stinging pain 360degrees around my chest that's about 8-9 inches wide. It never goes away but sometimes gets worse lol. Happy happy joy joy, right? I also have an unreachable itching on my chest wall that I can't get to cuz the cadaver transplants and lat flap transplants and silicone implants cover them up. It is misery. I have to keep my mind focused to keep from being pissed and depressed about my "lot" in life. But then I have to remember that no one could have predicted this. The healers were trying to give me some sense of normalcy after a late stage breast cancer. Mine was a complication and not the general rule. But it's a LOT of daily headwork. LOTs. The same thing could happen with this surgery. It's elective also. You have to be at the point where you're willing to throw the dice and pray/hope for great outcomes. It took me 2 years to be willing to risk it again with this surgery. I'm risking adding another 10 inches to my "sphere of pain." *sigh* -
Do I need surgery still? A reality check
Berry78 replied to wjgo's topic in Pre-op Diets and Questions
Each of us has his/her own journey. This surgery is a BIG DEAL. There are risks and dangers. If someone feels less than 100% ready to take it on, then he/she shouldn't do it. We see enough leaks and other complications pop up on this board often enough to keep the dangers in mind. Imagine feeling pressured to do a surgery, and then you end up with a complication. Then you're sick AND feeling like it's someone else's fault (for pressuring you). We each need to understand and accept the risks for ourselves in order to be at peace through the difficult parts of the journey. This also applies to the postop lows that we all seem to go through. The moments of "what the heck did I do to myself??" Which would be so much worse if it were, "What the heck did those horrible people sign me up for?? They LIED to me! They said it would be so much better, and now look what mess I'm in!" The most important part of this journey is our taking personal responsibility for our health. Diet and lifestyle have to change.. forever. Huge commitment. Up there with having a child. MORE of a commitment than marriage. -
any November 2017 sleevers?
trailtramper replied to Sugar42's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have my surgery on Nov. 17 as well. I had my egd today. I am sure it won’t be as awesome as the egd. I haven’t been this relaxed in a long time. I can’t say that I am worried about the surgery, but mainly, that is because I have had a number of weird one-time accidents and medical oddities, so this isn’t even close to my most complicated surgery. Plus, I have had a lot of surgery. I remember being wheeled away from my parents at five to have my tonsils out. I was shy back then and just stayed quiet as I counted backward for the anesthesiologist. I was out quick. I coughed up some hot blood in the bathroom the next day, and at five, I didn’t understand that coughing your guts up was an expression. I thought I had literally coughed my up my guts and was going to die. Of course, the adults thought this was hilarious, and I wasn’t scared of medical procedures after that. I have been lucky to have had some great surgeons. However, I am a little worried about the recovery and hope I can sleep through most of the first week. Just be sure to follow instructions to the tee, and talk to your doc about any concerns. It is normal to be nervous about surgery. I am just a weirdo not to be. You’ll do great! -
Anyone smoke weed before or after surgery?
Hannah83 replied to selvester420's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I don't pass judgment, but I think folks care about others that are posting and the risk of an ulcer is to some not worth it and they in cautioned worry just respond as such. Not so much a strong opinion but strong concern for others because of the very real complications with smoking or vaping anything. I have a brother that struggles with pot smoking and as much as I'm able to my heart goes out to those who do. I just would hate to see all the hard effort be for nothing at best and life threating at worst. -
Some of the individuals on this website did have that condition and it caused them problems. It is important to get this condition treated before surgery. According to the internet: Therapy for H. pylori infection consists of 10 days to 2 weeks of one or two effective antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, tetracycline (not to be used for children <12 yrs.), metronidazole, or clarithromycin, plus either ranitidine bismuth citrate, bismuth subsalicylate, or a proton pump inhibitor. Another article says: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present.
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Are you on a PPI? if you are early post op...hunger pangs are often stomach acid. as soon as I went on prevacid my hunger pangs were gone. I stayed on the prevacid for about 2 months and then weaned myself off and was fine after that. Looks like you were sleeved so you will need to stay on top of it. GERD is a potential complication of being sleeved and is not something you want to let continue untreated.
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That is unfortunate. I would imagine that your PCP simply does not have experience with patients going out of the country for a procedure like this. Luckily my PCP is from India and she has had family members go back to India for major medical procedures with great success. Some doctors simply think that everyone outside of the US is sacrificing chickens to cure colds. My advice to you is make sure you are educated in your decision, my PCP asked me a lot of questions, why did I chose my doctor, my procedure, had I researched local options, etc. She wasn't trying to talk me out of it, she was trying to ensure that I had not made a snap decision without thinking. After she was satisfied with my thought process she asked if she could do a blood panel on me and an EKG to make sure that she was comfortable with my health before surgery. These are all great things. I would be more concerned if they didn't want to know. If during your conversation your doctor is still against it ask them why, they aren't the only people that get to ask the questions. What are their concerns, are their concerns related to your health before surgery, weightloss surgery in general or the fact your looking to do it in Mexico, do they have patients that have done similar procedures outside of the country, what is their experience with WLS in general, things like that. Express to them your doctors qualifications, how many surgeries have they done, how many do they limit themselves per day, what their complication rates are (zero is a bad answer by the way). Again, why you have chosen this doctor. Your doctor isn't your boss, they are your partner in your healthcare, if you approach them that way you will be surprised on how helpful they will be. I'm sure between the two of you that you guys will make a treatment plan you will both be comfortable with. I wish you luck, I know while I didn't need their blessing it sure made me feel good once I had it.
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Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve...how did you decide?
dreamingsmall replied to comtngirl's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Start : 244lbs, I chose sleeve. I am also 5 foot 2. I chose sleeve as I did not want the absorption issues. I dont know anything about what will suit anyone else though. I also chose sleeve as less time in surgery and less risk i was told while someone else may be told otherwise so depends on the person. i dont know how bypass is down the road as i had a sleeve lol. but 3 months post and glad i had a sleeve. and well yess there are complications with every surgery for me i worried the huge problem i could put myself in if i forgot to take my vitamins , still should always try and remember but more issues if not taken with bypass. The thing is your asking for people to say if there experience would be one way over the other, but unless people have done a sleeve to bypass conversion we dont know what the other one would be like. Does everyone get hanging skin, well no one knows everyones contributing factor, racial backgound, start weight, elastistity so cant answer that. I already am abit flappy 3 months post 50lbs loss. Early on I dont know how people would want to make themselves lose slower, I am enjoying honey moon phase. Down the road I will probs lose slower as I get closer to goal. Again to the other questions about will your skin to abc No idea, depends on the person. You need positive insight or reality? It is not all cotton candy its hard the first few weeks I wish someone told me so i could have been prepared. But 100%%% life is better on the other side for me.. after the first month lol i was miserable for that amount of time on puree etc etc. Sorry for bad spelling typing in the dark. Just being honest, may not be what your looking for. - Goodluck -
Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve...how did you decide?
comtngirl posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm not sure what surgery I want or need. I'm just in the starting phases..The nurse mentioned because I am a recently diagnosed diabetic, I should look at by pass over sleeve because its more successful in keeping blood sugars down and I might not need medication anymore. I weight 210 and 5"2 tall - or should I say short? Is it harder post-op to do one over the other? Are there more complications with gastric by-pass? How bout down the road? Is your lifestyle more changed over one or the other? I know gastric you will have to take a lot of vitamins for the rest of your life. I've been reading on this site that people have a lot of gas, smelly breath, etc..will that go away? Does everyone get hanging skin? Is that because it was such a fast weight loss or does anyone who loses that much weight have sagging skin even if they lose it slower...With all the saggy skin will you have to wear clothes to cover it all up? How about your face? Will that become saggy? I'm sorry so many questions....I need some positive insights....and know that life is better on the other side...I know it will be for my health and that's why I'm doing it. Thank you!!! -
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
tahoegirl96118 replied to tahoegirl96118's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon got back to me and I am definitely in a holding patern for at least a year. He said that the risk of complications is too high for me to have surgery. I'm heart broken. -
Here goes - I'm 14 months out. My biggest complication has been to create a budget for new clothes. I'm 56. I have two teenage daughters - one a freshman in college, one a freshman in high school. At my highest known weight I was 271.5 (photos I have seen indicate I was probably larger at points, but didn't get on scales). That was April 2016. I had my surgery August 2016. I weigh 166 right now. My BMI went from 48 to 29. I still want to lose another 15 pounds. I'm 5'3". Sometimes, I get nauseous if I eat things with too many carbs or too much sugar - that's my body reminding me not to go back to bad habits. It has happened about 4 times since surgery. I took my nausea meds for a day or two after surgery and that was it. I didn't use any pain pills after discharge from the hospital. I take a PPI daily and have no issues with heartburn or reflux. I drink wine when I want (but only after I have met my protein and water goals for the day and have calories left over to do so). I eat what my family eats because I cook for them. I use Barilla Protein Pasta instead of the regular Barilla pastas and we all have spaghetti or ziti together. My bloodwork looks great. My team wants me to be a success story for our support groups. I've gone from barely fitting in a size 22 to being a size 8. My profile photo is from about six month ago - so its not accurate. I fence (en garde) 5 hours a week and work out in the gym another 2-3. My biggest complication has been wrapping my head around the fact that I'm not fat anymore. I still, in my mind, see myself as the fat woman I have been for so long. I weigh less now than I did when my husband married me 20 years ago. What makes this surgery successful or not is getting your head in the right place. If you are already resentful, then you are not in a good place to do this. You may want to work with a therapist on what is holding you back from taking care of yourself. This only works if you are going to make the plan work and are committed to it. I decided I didn't want to be the fat mom any more. That I wanted to be able to dance at my daughters' weddings when they married and not be in a wheelchair because my joints gave out from carrying almost 300 pounds on a 5'3" frame. I wanted to be healthy. The only regret I have is that I didn't do this 10 years sooner. Best of luck on your journey.
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I am almost 3 months out, and have had no complications as of now. I did have issues with constipation, but remedied that by leaving low carb for a more natural diet. I also had issues with acid reflux, but I got rid of that several weeks ago by going on a regimen of good old APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Gassygurl, perhaps this will help you as well. I take 2 Tbsp per day. It is really good for you as well. Before the ACV, I was taking Prilosec...didn't want the side effects of long term usage. Lainey, having second thoughts is completely normal. We all have them. I was ready for surgery after decades of battling weight gains (and losing), but I still had thoughts of backing out. I am happy that I didn't give into them. I will say that you must get your snacking under control if you intend to be successful long-term. This surgery helps you to eat less, but does not stop you from eating sweets and salty snacks. You can still eat just as much as you did before surgery. I go out to eat with family and friends every Thursday after my daughter's volleyball game. I eat well. I can find a salad or protein and veggies anywhere, so it isn't an issue.
