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I hadn't seen my therapist (food issues) since a week or so before the surgery, so we caught up in our session last night. She is not a proponent of WLS, but doesn't push her own agenda and is supportive to me. Here's my spare change on the matter (and pretty much what I shared with her): We are learning so much about weight gain and loss, and I hope that for my daughter's generation they have non-surgical options that work. Surgery is certainly a drastic treatment, especially when it involves removing a large part of a working organ. BUT. Right now, we know surgery does some very specific things that provide a better place for getting to and staying at a healthy weight, and it's not duplicatable by other means. Especially with my comorbidities and auto-immune arthritis, I have less than the statistical 5% chance of losing the weight through non-surgical means and keeping it off long term. I have been dieting for over 30 years, and I'm heavier now than I ever was, and with the auto-immune disorder, I no longer have the stamina to diet, period (which was probably the best thing I ever did, but I'd already topped 300 lbs before I stopped dieting). My life and relationship with food is SO much different now than it was 3 weeks ago. While I'm still struggling to get enough food in because of the restriction (but I'm only 3 weeks out, and I see it getting better every day, so it's fine), it's so much more than the restriction. I used to binge eat comfort foods: honey buns and chocolate fudge poptarts were my nemisis, but anything with loads of sugar, salt, and fat were game. I didn't think it was that unhealthy because they weren't HUGE binges, and I've never purged. Just overeating to a way unhealthy point. Looking back, it absolutely was bingeing behavior. And if I went shopping, it was pulling teeth to make myself NOT put those things in the cart. Went shopping the day I got cleared for soft foods with hubby. Walked past the Little Debbie display. Part of my brain went "ooooh, Little Debbies counts as 'soft' I want honey buns". Then the part of my brain that imagined eating a honey bun went "eh. doesn't sound that good, actually. I want Peanut Butter." Walked away, easy peasy. Repeat experience in the Breakfast aisle with poptarts. Though the fruit poptarts had a bit of appeal, I easily recognized that my body might want some fruit, and I have many ways to get that without all the sugar and fat that goes with poptarts, and that actually sounded better. It's like a switch went off in my brain and while I'm still having the disordered eating thoughts, it's incredibly clear to me that those thoughts don't fit. And with those thoughts calming down and shutting up, it's like I can hear what my body really wants for the first time. Combine that with the fact I'm forced to slow down my eating and chew food thoroughly (I used to wolf it down), and eat several small meals a day.... this feels like the way I should have been eating my whole life. In fact, when I was the healthiest I was pregnant and had to eat small Protein meals every 3-3.5 hours to avoid nausea. I was sharing this with my therapist, and said "I know it was a really drastic way to get to this point, but I really feel like this is the right place for me to be in with food" and she had to admit that where I'm at right now is the goal of therapy around food issues, though she also agreed with the "very drastic" comment as well. LOL. I don't know if this will last forever. But if it can last long enough for me to establish healthy eating patterns and learn to really listen to my body, it's SO worth it. So for my case... drastic? Yep. And I think I'd have gotten here eventually through therapy - but it could easily have taken YEARS. This way? 3 weeks. I'm already seeing improvements in my medical conditions as well. Small, but definitely there. I'm a nurse, and one of the things that is hammered home to us about medical treatments - every treatment has benefits and risks/side effects. If the benefits don't outweigh the risks/side effects, then the treatment is not the best choice. Here, besides some of the complications that may or may not happen, the risk/side effect is losing part of a functioning organ. But the benefits for many of us far, far outweigh the risks/side effects. Ultimately, you have to make that evaluation for yourself and your situation. For me, there's just no question. It's premature to say "best thing I ever did for my health" at only 3 weeks out, but that's seriously how I feel.

yes , I had SILB on 6/9/10 , I had very little pain and my recovery was amazing , didn't have any problems, I was a little uneasy with it when my surgeon told me that she would be using a single incision type lapband surgery, but afterwards i was very happy with her decision, because you heal quicker and you have less complications.

Hi, in my case I found my binges to be controlled just as Julie said....because the hunger disappeared! I do get the head hunger munchies stuff on occasion, but the fact is to overeat, causes me pain, and is NOT worth it! I can eat 99% of the things I did prior to being banded. When my grandchildrens birthdays roll around, this Granny has a piece of cake with them, but only a small one, and I am done. I can eat out in any restaurant you care to go to....I WILL have leftovers. The band has allowed me to lose the weight, and not feel deprived. There were many reasons the band appealled to me over bypass. First of all, I am a cancer survivor. My risk of recurrance is naturally higher...if that should happen, I can have my fill removed so that I can take in more nutrition. If a younger woman chooses to have another child...not a problem with malnutrition. I do not know your age, it is not on your screen, but as a sahm, you are likely younger than I am...and I felt I was too young to permanently lose part of my intestines and stomach. The strides they are making in the study of obesity, and weight loss--involving the hunger producing hormone grehlin, are amazing. It is very possible in my lifetime for a non invasive cure for obesity to be found. With the band and its reversability, even removability, I am as much of a candidate as someone who never had any type of WLS. With the bypass, part of my stomach and part of my intestine are still gone. With the band I chew 2 Flintstones vitamins with my granddaughters each day---and have no issues with malnutrition. In that alone, it has taught me to eat healthier---which again is easier when you are not starving 24/7. Bypass was too drastic for me to consider, the complication rates too high. I studied long and hard before deciding IF I were to do anything it would be the band. Then I began studying it---and made everyone around me crazy with stats I found. I lived, breathed and slept thinking about the band. Made the decision, and have not regretted it at all! Research for YOU---as you stated, they gave general info on all. Talk to people who have had the surgeries. Talk one on one with a Dr. who performs bandings.....don't let anyone else make a decision of this magnitude for you. Good Luck in your research! And welcome to LBT!! Kat

I had my sg 5/28/09 and I have had some complications (port that leaked and had to be replaced) but even with all that, yes it is worth it. I am about to hit 50lbs lost and feel like I can do this now... It is work, some days are very hard, and some days you question your sanity for letting someone cut 5 holes in you to keep you from eating. But obesity is a disease and I have had it all my life, I have never been able to kick it on my own and for the first time I feel I not only can but will... Good luck to you.

My restriction is still there and working after 4 years. Statistics I've seen say revisions are rare. I have compassion for anyone who has had a large weight gain or complications. The sleeve stretching scenario leaves me baffled. Are the mental health evaluations identifying eating disorders pre surgery? Are surgeons offices/medical community intervening if someone is binge eating past capacity repeatedly?(stretching their sleeve) Do people confuse stretching their sleeve with grazing? It's not that the sleeve has stretched. Grazing is not eating past the feeling of restriction. Grazing: Consuming poor food choices and/or excessive calories in many meals over, over and over throughout the day. The amount of calories would be as if you never had surgery. The weight would come right back. any thoughts?

You'll get there. You should be really proud of what you have accomplished. Even with the complications you're sticking with it and making it work for you. Good for you!!

I had colectomy for the whole colon and I got approve for bypass next month. I talk to my surgeon and he said YES of course $$$ for them. Anyways I want to know if anyone else had the same both procedure done and what are the drawbacks and complications. Thanks

all surgeons are different in what they require preop.. some are much more strict then others. I personally think my doctor has a nice in even line... My pre op consist of giving up any drinks with carbonation and to drink a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and have a no carb meal for dinner. this is to help shrink the liver. the smaller the liver the lower the risk for complications during surgery. my sisters surgeon had her on an all liquid diet for the two weeks prior and that was all she could have.. so basically that is .. I go to my pre op tomorrow so I will update you on anything i might have missed. i only know the stuff i know because my husband had his pre op last week, but i was not at the whole thing so i cant be sure he told me EVERYTHING ha ha good luck

James, I don't know where you are at in Missouri, but Dr. De La Torre is excellent and does both gastric bypass and sleeve in St. Louis and Columbia. He did my sleeve Oct. 7 at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He has a great reputation for the large number of surgeries he has performed with little or no complications.

I have Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Texas and WLS is excluded. The insurance company stated they would NOT cover ANY complications post-op, regardless of what they are. I, too, have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. Otherwise, I will be stuck with a HUGE bill...and I do mean HUGE!!! Good luck to you.

Hi Nicci, You are still quite young (30) so compared to me, your "impending time" for health stressors may be less than mine (I'm 43). And, of course, I don't know if your family has a history of serious health problems such as cardiac issues, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, etc. Any one of those is life threatening and many of them seem to come as a "package" to those of us who are morbidly obese. Our weight really does "drag us down', if not sooner, than later. My starting weight was nearly identical to your current weight, and I'm very close to your same height. I WISH I had had the option to have the VSG done at age 30! I could have had a much different last 13 years indeed! We have a family history of cancer (breast, bladder and brain), hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, strokes, etc. I am healthy now, but if I don't get "hold" of things NOW, I am in for a world of hurt in the next decade. And it only gets worse from there.... So I had the VSG done in May, 2012. And I am now close to 80 lbs down (in less than 5 months) with another 100 or so to go! I feel great! I'm off my asthma meds (4 of them!) since surgery. I can exercise without shortness of breath. I'm down from a size 26/28 (or 4X/5X) to a 18/20 (or XL) now, and really looking forward to maybe being a size 10 or 8 (and maybe smaller!) when I hit goal. Yes, there are risks. But the % of people who develop surgical complications or post-op complications with the VSG is VERY VERY small. The % of morbidly obese people who develop serious, significant and often life-threatening health complications is VERY HIGH. So you're not "playing it safe". You're just putting off the time when the health problems will come. Now, you have a small risk. Later, you have a HUGE chance for life-long debilitating illness(es). I made sure I was very well informed about the possible complications. I prepared my Will, put my affairs in order and made sure that things were going to be taken care of (as best as possible) should anything go wrong. Then I got on a plane (by myself), flew to Mexico and completed the best decision of my life. Give yourself the chance to spend the next 50 years of your life having an active, full and healthy lifestyle with your children and future grandchildren. Don't let your body hold your spirit and your heart back. And while you definitely need to be completely informed and knowledgeable before you make this decision......don't let a few bad outcomes scare you away from the opportunity to change you life for the better. You will see that the number of AMAZING outcomes far far outweighs the poor ones. Do you research, get comfortable with your surgeon's experience, training, background and work environment. Get yourself tested "six ways to Sunday" to make sure you are a good healthy candidate for surgery and if there are any issues, starting working on the ones you have control over NOW, so you can come through the procedure as one of the success stories (like me!). I know you can do this, and you will be so grateful the opportunity exists. But above all, inform yourself and give everything you read a fair assessment. Then make your decision based on ALL the information. Not just the good and not just the bad. Good luck!

Holy sleevies, I love some of the responses in this thread. They speak to me a great deal, and I feel so vindicated! I love my sleeve, and I could talk about it all day long. I love that I have a new life because of it, and that it has taught me so much about making my health a priority. Yes, I worked my butt off to educate myself. Yes, I revamped my whole outlook on food and nutrition. Yes, I had to become super honest with myself about my bad habits, and change them. But, this was all a learning experience. Not everyone realizes the work it takes from the start, and unfortunately some never realize it.To those people I want to give them a good smack and tell them to take a hard look at themselves. Why would you cut out half your stomach if you weren't ready to adapt to that change? Why would you undergo this procedure without knowing what you were in for? Why would you complain about something without taking the steps to fix it? There are so many amazing vets here that have not reached their "goal" (I say that with quotes because honestly how you feel and live is much more important than the number), and are still going strong. They keep tracking their foods and continue to face their inner demons on a daily basis. We all do. I will forever be a bariatric patient, there is no denying it. And, honestly, I'm the happier for it. I LIKE this lifestyle. I'm not on a diet, I'm eating as I should have been eating my whole life. I walk the perimeter of the grocery store because I'm aware of the dangers that lurk in the middle. I acknowledge my faults and weaknesses. Like so many in this thread, I did all my research before the surgery, so I knew what I should expect. I knew that this was not a quick fix and that this surgery was FOR MY HEALTH. Who cares if I lose slowly or quickly, or if I can't stuff my face full of junk anymore? I will take the slow sips of Water, the weird gurgles, the loose skin, the thin hair, the wonky poops, and the strict regimens any day over a life of complications due to obesity. This doesn't answer the OP's question at all, but I felt inspired to express myself! Like Butterthebean (who always has great advice), I appreciate the people who are optimistic and excited... I appreciate those that look for answers. I don't pay much attention to the complainers or whiners that don't seem to have their priorities straight.

I really haven't had negative comments, but I had one person say they were sick of dieting and wished they could just have surgery like I did. She was just being a patronizing bitch, so I turned the tables on her and gave her my surgeons name and contact info, told her all about the the preop and postop diet and how lucky I was not to have any of the complications ( which I described in detail) How now I can eat anything I want, as long as it's not bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and sweets. Exclaimed how great I feel now that I can't drink beer and don't wake up with hangovers anymore. (She's a big partier). Made suggestions on the best vitamins and protein powders to get, talked about drinking at least 2 liters of water everyday, and how many great bariatric recipe websites there are. Described how nice it is to only have to eat an appetizer at a restaurant, so I was saving so much money. The more I encouraged her, the more excuses she made of why she couldn't do it. I put a positive spin on my whole experience, but I think I made my point about how " easy" this all is.

Can I start with an I LOVE? I love that this is nothing like what I thought it would be. I really, really thought (as ink had resigned myself to accepting) that this would be fairly miserable: constant nausea or vomiting, virtually guaranteed food intolerances, etc. About 5 months in and I can eat anything, so far. That includes Pasta, rice, bread, dough, etc. Not that I eat it much or in large amounts, but I can get it down. I do still very much enjoy the freedom to eat whatever I want (though I really wouldn't complain if it were any other way). The NSAIDS are indeed back and forth. Really, the only reason we can't take them is a "just in case". They aren't inherently bad for us, but IF you do have a reaction or complication that results in an ulcer, it could be harder to treat than if you had a regular stomach. Ok so that's super simplified, but the idea is there. What I hate -- I hate not really knowing when to stop. As a general rule I under-eat my sleeve. This has also resulted in me never having hit above 650 calories in an entire day, 5 months out. I worry about that. It's no good. I'd hoped to be around 900 calories by now. My nutritionist wanted me at 900 calories 3 months ago. And from what I've been told, this may never change. I never thought I would _hate_ that I can't eat _enough_ calories. Related to the above, I do hate the hairloss. I've been through it before (previous WLS) and I'm rather used to it now... but it still sucks. If nothing else, I hate having to clean my shower drain every day. I hate what this has done to my poops. I take Fiber, and laxatives, and still have a hard time. A few times I've been able to go, only to have it "get stuck" halfway out and refuse to budge (either direction). That may be TMI for some, but it's the truth. What the heck are you supposed to do when that happens? I hate that I have pretty bad reflux, and I hate that every time I reflux, I worry about complications. Mental note: call my surgeon and talk about this. My reflux is associated with a particular sensation, and it's a sensation I also had with my band - which makes little sense. I'm wondering if I have some dismotility, or a slight stricture. My "this may never change" above is related to the amount of scar tissue I had from my band & previous surgeries, which could also be exacerbating this sensation/reflux. I hate that with my lapband I lost weight like a rockstar, and relatively 'm a total toirtoise this time around. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm going OK considering I stalled for the better part of my first 3 months post-op. But when I had lost weight so quickly before, I just had high expectations that it would happen again and accepting that it isn't going to sucks money butts. I hate that I don't know what to do with my too-big clothes. So I'm hoarding them. Because I'm also a little afraid to get rid of them (if I'd gotten rid of them the first time, I'd have been screwed when that weight came back.) I hate what my body is looking like. I'll take it over the fat -- don't get me wrong. And I'm not a vain person. But I look like a melty wax sculpture. I guess more generically, I hate that I've ALREADY destroyed my body. That I will never have my natural, tone bare skin again. That I've wrecked it, and that no matter how much weight I lose, I will never have my beautiful naked self again. Ugh I could go on.

Sorry, but The Lap Band isn't all sunshine and rainbows. People do have complications. Last time I checked, this was a forum, to share info (good and bad) and to support others, and tell of our journeys. Support isn't always positive. Sharing concern is support. As for you saying that NaNa should only give encouragement, well that's just ignorant. By having a blind eye to issues, you could cost a person their health or band. I personally would appreciate any and all advice from a Lap Band veteran. I choose to be informed. Knowledge is power. NOT ignorance and turning a blind eye to the possible truth. This forum isn't the gospel on banding, just a path to others experiences, if people choose to accept everything that is posted in here, that's just not smart, but weigh all info here and research the conditions to be prepared to discuss with your WL surgeon. I agree 100% with NaNa People need to learn to chillax in here. JS

I don't think I would personally do it.. I was one of the rare complication cases and 6 surgeries later I am so glad I had my surgery in Toronto with cdn doctors there is another thread you may want to read that thread too and take all the advice there into account. I would get rock solid contracts if i was going out of country and make sure that they are applicable under both cdn and the other countries laws... deal with post op including complications and who pays etc. Good luck with your decision Heather

My surgeon said they repaired a small hernia when they did my sleeve. I'm 9 days out and I haven't used pain meds since day 3. Everyone is different and maybe your hernia was more complicated to repair.

No I was originally sleeved but converted to RNY But if you have the sleeve (with no complications) it was originally created to be 1/2 of the DS (and I guess now SIPS) process. RNY Is the progression to control reflux (what I had) If I had weight regain (but no reflux) with my sleeve I would have seriously considered DS/SIPS Speak with your surgeon and they will conduct testing which will ultimately make the final recommendations. Good Luck 💙

I think this is such a potentially bad idea. I get when your insurance won’t pay and going to Mexico but to have major surgery knowing you don’t have insurance for follow up care is crazy. What if something goes wrong, even people with the best surgeons and medical care have complications. I 100% get wanting the surgery, but why not wait until you have health insurance so you know you can seek care without going bankrupt. Plus you are way more likely to seek care early because you know you will get billed.

Hello, As I learn more by reading all these posts and doing research into lap-band I am giving serious consideration to having it done. I don't think my cigna insurance will cover the procedure because I have a bmi of 39 and no co-morbidities. I'm a 44 yr old female who lives in central Connecticut. Because I'd need to pay for it myself, I'm considering having the procedure done in Mexico. Perhaps with Dr Ortiz, he seems to have a good reputation. Anyone know of any place that would do fills in CT? Also, if there were complications and I needed a medical attention, would I be turned away by local bariatric doctors? It would be re-assuring if I could get some after-care in Connecticut. Can anyone offer me any advice? Thank you! Susan

My sugeon didn't have me doing any liquid diet, just wanted me to lose 5 lbs in the month prior to surgery. I did very well with surgery and recovery has gone well overall. As far as you wondering why he wouldn't want to "play it safe" I think that he likely is playing it safe as far as he sees it. My doc felt that t here were some cardiac arrhythmias that are brought on by too severe a diet and they were more dangerous and hard to manage during a surgery than getting a little more trimming of the liver. Your doc wants you to be safe, and for the surgery to go well without complications. As the doc why they don't do the special diets and put your mind at rest. Best wishes with your surgery.

How do I find the UK room...I am new to this lol. I am going to Belgium because it is half the price. If I lived 20 miles away I would have qualified for NHS surgery but where I live now will only do if you have diabetes or other complications....BMI of 50 with no other health implications is too healthy so am paying for it myself.

I am so down today, I am so sick of being in pain. And I just wish oh how I wish I could just be a normal bandster. I read all thoes wonderful threads about great news and I cant help but feel jealous and that is unlike me at all. I think I will stop reading so much on here and just write in my Journal. I talked to a lawyer, just to talk to see if there is anything I can do, not that i would really do anything I was just curious and wanted to see. But he thinks I dont have much, he said that the Lapband is a high complications rate so its all over looked because I should have known that. I guess poor patient care is part of that. Yeah I might not be totally damaged by this but still.... Oh well its okay I really just wanted to see any how. Gosh it just hurts so bad inside everytime I think of how much I want to be normal... a normal bandster.. to have posts like "I lost 100pounds" or "I went down 2 more sizes" UGH I hate this so much... I always think what if I just had called one other Dr. first. what if.... what if.... what if.... I cant live like this. :think I cant sleep, I have to take 2-3 pain pills before bed... my right side is starting to hurt so bad from sleeping on it so much. My wound burns all night like a sunburn that is being rubbed by a brilo pad. My husband had to stay home from work yesterday to clean the house because I cant. I cant take a normal shower, or a bath... I have to sit there making sure the water doesnt touch my stomach. Sometimes I think I wish I never got this band at all. :cry Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

I had both done on Monday. The nurse said it would be rare to do the two at different surgeries unless there was a complication.

I am band over plication and I love it. It's the best thing I even did! Was operated on on 6/27 and had no complications. I had a huge hernia and that did cause me pain afterwards. I am eating about 1/4 - 1/8 of what I used to. I wake up and weigh myself everyday, and almost every morning i'm down a pound. When I did WW I used to pray to lose one pound a week! Now it's DAILY!! My doctor plans on filling my band in my 4th week. He wants me feeling little to no hunger. I already have excellent restriction, though. I was torn bw band plication, VSG or just the band. I'm so happy I chose band plication!