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I was 23. Ask them if the <1% of dangerous complications is scarier than the huge likelihood that being obese will kill you decades early. You may be young, but you are not stupid, and if you've made it this far and know that this is the right thing for you, don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Can't tell you how many times I've heard or read "oh man, I wish I had done this when I was younger!" Do what is right for you and your health. Your loved ones need to accept that they are no longer the authority in your life. They are now the spectators, and it's time for you to take the wheel. You can do anything you want, and you truly have an entire life ahead of you. by the way, I've love almost 160 pounds since surgery 9 months ago, and the naysayers are too busy complimenting me to remember what they were freaking out about in the first place. Good luck to you! I hope you have the same success in the near future! Feel free to friend me or message me anytime if you're looking for someone our age to talk to. I would also be more than happy to friend you on facebook, if you'd like (https://www.facebook.com/abbylynn113) Hang in there.

I too went to see the surgeon convinced I wanted the sleeve and I was afraid of the bypass. The surgeon told me I would benefit more from the bypass. This is because I have diabetes and he said people have more success putting diabetes into "remission" (not having symptoms anymore) with the bypass. I also have a high BMI. On 11/10, I am having the bypass because if I can kick diabetes to the curb I will. I have many diabetes complications; nephropathy, a damaged retina, an amputated toe, etc. To get off insulin and live without diabetes is like a dream. I have been reading about people who have had the bypass and now I no longer fear it, I'm looking forward to it! If you have something like diabetes, I would take the doctor's advice. I've had it almost 20 years and it gets worse with age. I am more afraid to get older and older with my all health problems than of getting the bypass. Just my $.002, I wish you well with whatever decision you make.

Many times, what we see in the negative posts about Mexico is that the poster knows someone whose cousin heard of someone whose sister read about someone who went to some unnamed clinic in unnamed city with unnamed doctor and had complications. I have read many posts on this forum about our bariatric brothers and sisters who went to Mexico and had no trouble at all........about the same as folks who get their surgery done in the states. I don't recall in the last two years of anybody being vilified for getting their surgery done in Europe or elsewhere. It's just easy to pick on Mexico, I guess. And no, I'm not from Mexico. I was born in Wisconsin.

Hi sisterfunkhaus ~ Just read your update on the May thread....glad to hear your doing well...me too!! We were banded the same day. :biggrin1: This post was meant to be helpful and not condescending to lap band patients. I know you've been here for awhile, but have you ever been surprised at some of the questions people ask? Even AFTER their band? Some people don't even know what to eat. :cry I have read where someone was shocked to find out that death was a complication.....WHAT.....they didn't know that? :confused: I know you've done your research and so have I, but maybe this thread will help just one person. It is full of truths and I found the tone to be very friendly. I hope you reconsider the tone and realize it wasn't meant to offend. Take care and I look forward to sharing your journey!!!

Elizabethsew, thanks for the sobering reminder that ANY surgery is not to be undertaken lightly. Do you have any knowledge to share as to why this person GOT sepsis in the first place? While there IS a complication rate with banding--as there is with any surgery right up through wart removal--there's no question it's MUCH lower for banding than more invasive surgeries. That's a simple fact, true. However, we shouldn't pretend that surgery is a walk in the park, even if it feels that way to some people. It's a big deal, no matter what.

There's a new study that was just published on the Sleeve that shows weight loss as good as RNY and DS... but complications lower to or similar to a Lap-Band. VSG is definitely better in terms of complications/malabsorption... plus, they remove the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin... so you aren't hungry at first. As for staples... not all docs use them... some use glue and sutures. (I think Rosenthal at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida is one who doesn't use staples.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17356932&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_DocSum "Vertical Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity in 216 Patients: Report of Two Year Results" Lee, CM, Cirangle PT, Jossart GH From Surg Endosc. 2007 Mar. 14. Epub. ahead of print. Department of Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA, gjossart@lapsf.com. BACKGROUND: The vertical gastrectomy (VG) is the restrictive part of the technically difficult biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch operation (DS). The VG was originally conceived of as an independent operation-the first stage of a two-stage DS that would reduce mortality and morbidity in the high-risk superobese because of a shorter operating time and no anastomoses. This article presents two-year data after VG. METHODS: Laparoscopic VG was performed in a nonrandomized fashion in obese patients that met the NIH criteria for bariatric surgery. By using 5-7 firings of 45-60-mm linear 3.5-mm GI staplers along a 32-Fr bougie, a greater-curvature gastrectomy is performed and a 60-80-ml gastric tube is created. VG was compared to adjustable Lap-Band(®) placement, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB), and DS. RESULTS: Between November 2002 and August 2005, 216 patients underwent VG. The mean age was 44.7 years (range = 16-64) and 173 (80%) were female. The mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) was 302 +/- 77 lbs and 49 +/- 11 kg/m(2), respectively. Of the 216 patients, 5 (2.3%) had a BMI > 80 kg/m(2), 6 (2.8%) had a BMI of 70-80 kg/m(2), and 25 (11.6%) had a BMI of 60-70 kg/m(2). The mean operative time was 66 +/- 11 min (range = 45-180) and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.9 +/- 1.2 days. Complications occurred in 20 (6.3%) patients (vs. 7.1% after Lap-Band). Leaks occurred in 3 (1.4%) VG patients, reoperations were performed in 6 (2.8%), and no conversions to open or deaths occurred. Weight loss on par with the DS and RGB was achieved with just the VG alone. CONCLUSION: The VG operation is able to achieve significant weight loss comparable to the RGB and DS operations but with the low morbidity profile similar to that of Lap-Band placement. PMID: 17356932 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Hi, I have a question. I am back and forth between the band and VG. My main concern are those staples, it freaks me out, the band can come out but I also don't want the problems that can happen with the band or a chance I just can't handle it in me, I am self pay so I have to be sure. Extra skin hanging isn't a concern of mine since I only need to drop 70 pounds and I work out, I don't think it is a big deal for me. Is there a site/message board that lists complications with VG ? I am curious to read people that have had those with this surgery as well as the band. They have to be out there, most all swear by the surgery on OBH.com I also have problems with Acid, the stomach growling all the time, etc. and I suffer from IBS big time. I am seeing my Gastro this Wed and plan to ask him is opinion as well about all of this. thanks!:help:

I'm an RNY patient, but both types get the same messages from our surgeon. Most complications, when they occur, are going to be within the first three or four months post surgery. Complications further out can happen, but they're pretty uncommon. Keep on top of your vitamins, of course...you can develop deficiencies if you slack off. And some VSG patients (certainly not all) develop GERD. But other than that...

I have been considering wls for while. My husband is self employed and we have not had insurance for a while. We have finally caught up on everything and so I went through the very long process to apply for insurance through BCBS of TX for us and our 4 kids. I knew they would not cover the wls and planned to self pay but wanted to have the insurance in case of complications. Once everything was submitted to underwriting I started the process for gastric sleeve, met with the Dr and set a date for July 31st. Then the next week was notified by insurance that I was denied coverage because of the meds I take for water retention. It does not make sense to me why they denied me but my agent said I can appeal the decision and re-apply. I have decided to just wait until after surgery and trust God and move forward my plans for surgery without insurance. Does anyone know how long I will need to wait after surgery until it would be good for me to re-apply for insurance?

It's good to be informed of what can happen, but please stay positive. Try not to get too mired in others' horrific experiences. Every experience and body is different. I debated watching the surgery video before my surgery and thought better of it. I'm glad I didn't watch it; I totally would have backed out It's like when you're pregnant and every person wants to tell you about how hard and terrible their labor was. You almost want to say, "WTF, hush up. You think I want to hear that??" Be informed about the complications, but keep an editorial eye out for what you read. Cheers, Carrie

I never had the headaches or migraines but i know the doc said i could only have tylenol from the start of the pre-op diet, until the time of surgery or they would reschedule it because there could be complications so just be careful... and i know we will all make it! BLESS and good luck..

Too many complications with the lap band and I did not want the malabsorption issues with the by-pass. So, a sleeve it is!

Hi everyone, I've been seen by the consultant and he recommends a sleeve, although I'd set my mind on the bypass. The info I've read says that the sleeve is either very successful, or treated as a step towards the bypass, for people with complications (mine being a hernia) or too big for the bypass. I have taken so long to come to the stage where I am admitting to myself that no, I can't diet and keep it off. Having gone this far, researching the best options and then asking for, and fighting for, a procedure, now to be told that is not the best option for me. I'm partly upset, but reading others outcomes, resigned that it'll be ok, but then doctors know best, don't they? Can't wait to look, and be treated as a 'normal person'. I've been through the weigh ahead, nightmare, seen the consultant, waiting for my next appointment, to see the dietician and anesthetist. The consultant guesses that I'll have my op around end of March / early April time. Can't wait. Been Water workout to get fitness levels up, and increasing my walking, although I usually do my 10k steps a day anyway. Went to Zumba, what an experience, everyone dead skinny, and they all know the steps. After the class the instructor came up to me and asked for my phone number??? Then it clicked, poor soul needs educating??? I asked why do you need my number? She said I'll put you in touch with someone that helps me..... I've lost a stone....... My face must have given away what I was thinking, so, needless to say, I'll not be going back there.... mortified..... to make it worse, even though I'm overweight, my ears still work, the click of pretty little things at the front of the class had a great giggle...... One day my time will come, when I can go and exercise and enjoy it.

I had dr Scarborough from the same office, and didnt have those complications. I'm so sorry. I was sleeved on July 2nd and doing great. Tlc is awesome.

I'm 61 and had my sleeve surgery on July 5th. Tomorrow I start my pureed phase, and I can't wait! I lost 20 pounds before surgery and 10 pounds since. The surgery went really well for me...no complications. Had surgery on Wednesday and was back to work on Monday. My trouble is trying to get all the protein in. So tired of the shakes. Can't wait to have some scrambled egg tomorrow.

First let me say Thank You for all your prayers. My surgery was Friday 9/16. Here is my story and I'm sticking to it. First I am still very sore and still alot of gas. My surgery had a few complications. I have a hypo-Thyroid so this played a little issue with the surgery but not bad. Then they discovered that I was bleeding under the skin and had to put a drain and bag on. I only say this so everyone knows that not every surgery is perfect. That being said I do have to say that outside of the complications it really was a wonderful experience. The people from Belite were there with me all the time. They were great and compassionate and honestly caring. JoAnne from Belite was actually there and when she came to see me after my surgery, she immediately ran to the Dr's and told them that I did not look well. I had every Dr and nurse in my room. I tried to get up severval times after surgery to walk to relieve the gas but as I sat on the end of the bed I fell back and passed out. They were there to fix the situation and since I had to stay in bed...no walking,,,hence a slower recovery. Belite was there to pick me up, transfer me to the hospital in Tijuana for pre-op then take me to the hotel for the night. We met with the surgery team that night at the hotel and they answered every question we had. INT hospital is one of the cleanest hospitals I have ever seen and I was a little hesitant of going to Tijuana. We felt very safe. I actually felt more safe there then in some of the US cities. And we were full-time RV'ers for 10 years so I have seen alot of cities. Dr Rodriguez and his surgical team were the tops in their field. We are now thinking of going back in a few months for my husband and will not hesitate to use Belite and Dr Rodriguez. Any questions I haven't covered pleas ask. Everyone else that had their surgery done the same day as me had no problems. I think my problems were a result of a combination of a 58 yr old women 5'0 245 lbs and with a Hypo-Thyroid problem. I really can't say enough good about, INT Hospital, Dr Rodriguez and his team, and all my new friends at Belite....Thank you especially JoAnne, Jamie, Amy, and Alberta (driver) Good Luck to all approaching their surgery and my prayers will be with you all. Janet

It is interesting but I don't find it surprising. I think getting to a certain level of overweight is in itself an eating disorder. When you eat to comfort yourself or when you eat past the point of fullness or when you eat 'til your morbidly obese an starting to have co-morbidities is an eating disorder. IMHO...and having a lap band placed is not going to end it for some of us. I am hoping and praying that I won't be one of those people. It is just like those that have GB and regain the weight. This weight issue is very, very complicated and I really don't think it will ever be cured or truly understood. I wish the best for the OP and I hope you are able to come to grips with your situation. You truly do look great. Go and enjoy yourself to the best of your ability and as I type that I know sometimes it is much easier said than done.

Hi Everyone- I want to say that I am ready to get banded and I have been researching this for about two years. But, lately I have read over and over about the problems, maybe I am noticing them more since I have seen my doctor and I am actually on the final stretch to surgery. At any rate, I am a person that fears surgery, has never had surgery, and foolishly believes that my changes of only having to have one surgery to place the band will be true. I am having my doubts as days go by and I read the stories extra surgeries from complications. So, my Lap Band Friends.. please say something good to calm my worried brow! And I almost forgot... today is my 45th birthday, y'all!!!

I will not be having surgery until February 2013 (the hospital requires a minimum 3 month program because they are a Center of Excellence) so I am starting my 12 week pre op diet (change of lifestyle) on Thursday Nov 1st. I have never had surgery before so I am a little freaked out so I want to try and be in the best shape I can be in for the operation. I figured a little, or a lot less weight would be better for my overall health and hopefully fewer complications from surgery. I appreciate the forum and your posts to learn more about what I should expect.

When you underwent surgery, you were probably given antibiotics during your hospital stay. This was to prevent the possibility of an bacterial infection. The problem is that antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in your gut. Therefore it is necessary to take probiotics after you finish the antibiotics to restore the colonies of good gut bacteria that can fight off recurring episodes of UTI. According to the internet: One promising alternative is the use of live microorganisms (probiotics) to prevent and treat recurrent complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The human normal bacterial flora is increasingly recognised as an important defence to infection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684288/

Any advice. I finally made it to the puree food diet because I had some complications. Any advice? Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

OAKY I have been looking for a plateau buster I will try this out. I have been banded for a 14 months no complications at all but have found a way to fool the band while eating. I could not eat any bread, cake ect.. at first. But then after a short while about four or five months of PBING I figured out to dip my toast in coffee or my cake in milk and it would right down and could eat as much as I wanted. starting weight 342 weight now 280 to 292 back in forth I do workout some try to go on 3 to4 miles runs/walks. have got about 9cc in vg band. biggest problem DRINKING WHILE EATING I KNOW ITS WRONG any ideas on this drinking while eating? thanks in advacned for your reply..

Carlene: First of all congratulations on your sucessful marriages and annulments and you must be a very wonderful, thoughtful and smart lady to have been able to work all these things out over the years. Not to mention persistent. I don't know when your annulments took place. Ours was in the 70s and money was definitely involved. We were part of the Tucson diocese. I had to answer (at the downtown cathedral in the presence of church administrators) 2.5 hours of written questions. My ex was asked to fill out a similar set of questions as were all the members of my family and his. That was all done by mail. It took many months and there was definitely no guarantee (according to everyone involved) that the annulment would be granted. My first marriage was in the Baptist Church. I was baptised Methodist as a child and then later, prior to my wedding, baptised in the Baptist Church. I too had to furnish my birth certificate and baptismal certificate for the annulment. My husband does not take communion. He did receive special dispensation (if that is the correct term) to take communion when he was the best man at his brother's wedding. I am not sure why that was such a big deal, but it was. I think DH had mixed emotions about it. As for money... the brother mentioned above and his DW moved to Lubbock in the 70s when she was preggers with her first born. They were new to town and she had some complications with her pregnancy and so they did not go to church without fail every week right away and did not get envelopes to use every week like they normally would have. After Jeff was born, they called to make arrangements for his christening. They were told that the church would not consider a christening since the parents had not been donating regularly to the church coffers. They protested and said that they had been donating every time they attended church, but that since she had been confined to her bed off and on, it was not every week. The priest said that he had no way of knowing if they had contributed or attended church since he had no record of their attendance and they had not signed up for tithing envelopes when they arrived in Lubbock. The answer continued to be no. Now this couple were both raised in the Catholic Church, attended Catholic Parocial schools and came from very strong (and very large) German Catholic families. They were horrified that their son would not be christened in a timely manner and shed many, many tears over it. This was the beginning of the end for them and their relationship with the Catholic Church. That wound never healed and she now sings choir in the Episcopal Church where they live and he just doesn't go. You may think that story was exaggerated for effect, but I assure you it went down just as I told it (except for my choice of words).

My great uncle died recently from heart complications and my grandmother is getting open heart surgery for the 3rd time. I get your pain, I'm going through it too. It's good to have a website like this to reach out to people that are going through similar things.

Hi Heidi: Blue Cross told me five years, United Healthcare told me two. I realized I had a COBRA policy I can opt into but the price is unbelievable: they quoted me 1,322.00 a month to stay insured, and it's Anthem so I'm not sure if they would cover anything that happened anyway. What I'm thinking is I'll just cross my fingers and pay COBRA for a couple months, and then go out looking for cheaper insurance. I remember Aetna told me that you had to wait six weeks before applying after a major surgery or pre-existing diagnosis and they would look at applications on a case-by-case basis. I don't qualify for HIPAA or CHIP because I have COBRA; if I have a valid offer I don't qualify until it's exhausted. But basically I think what's going to happen is as soon as I'm sure I'm not going to have complications, I'll drop insurance and go bare. I am *quite confident* that barring any complications I am going to be a lot healthier after this surgery. Most routine stuff -- cold, bladder infection, etc, is cheaper out of pocket anyway. Most health conditions in middle age are related to diet: diabetes, heart problems, cancer -- all of it is either entire or somewhat related to that so the likelihood of my having a heart attack or something *after* this surgery is kind of small. This is clearly the biggest risk self-pay patients face but later on I wonder who else will be stuck between a rock and a hard place, unisurable because of their sugery they got while on another carrier. I spent some time following links from an initial link that promised to have "gastric bypass insurance." All I got back was a quote screen where I could leave a name and number for agents, to call: most of them were BCBS, Aetna, etc. Not sure what they're up to there. If you're not insurable over 40 and you're not insurable after bypass, it seems what insurance companies want us to do is diet and exercise so we never bother them with any kind of bill at all.