Search the Community

Hi! My husband is in the Air Force and we are stationed at Lackland AFB, TX. I was seriously considering the RNY surgery, but was too scared of the possible complications and side effects. Just this past week I found out that Tricare is now covering the lap band surgery. I had said before that if they ever did I would do it in a heartbeat. However, we will be moving this summer (more than likely) and I don't want to start the process of getting approved and then have to start it over when we move. I just hope where ever we move I will be able to find a good surgeon. Does anyone know how to look for a great surgeon in the bariatric field? Or have any tips of what to look for? Also, my BMI is only 34 right now however I am borderline diabetic, I have PCOS, hypertension, high cholesterol, and had my gall bladder removed 10/07. I could still lose 100lbs and be in my normal wt. range though. Also, I'm looking for people's experiences with getting the lap band. What I can look forward to, or not? I'm very excited for this journey! I know that with the lap band I'm not going to drop 60lbs in a month or anything and this is particularly why I chose the lap band. I really wanted something that will help me keep off the wt. more effectively than just diet and exercising. I really see this as a tool to lose wt. more than just a miracle wt. loss procedure. Thanks in advance for all your advice!:wink2:

I also did Atkins for 2 weeks as my pre-op diet. It was great and there were no complications with a thick liver because I ate zero carbs for those weeks.

I haven't loss as much as I have expected pre-operatively. I only lost like 3 lbs and it has been hard to say no to foods that I feel I wont have for a long time. My doctor did not give me a specific amount to lose, but I am worried about complications. My surgery is on August 8th--thats just two days away. Any suggestions or thoughts? TIA

Rhonda, I was banded in Oct 2005 too! I'm in Houston, nice to meet a fellow bandster I've been extremly fortunate not to have many complications, BUT I have heard that drainage leaves many people tight and causes problems with fills (often leading to having some of the fill removed) so it takes longer to get to a good restriction level. Are you completely unfilled at this point? When you go back next month will they start you off slowly? I decided I rather liked the slow climb, at each of my fills I had only .5 added at a time. I believe it helped me learn how to recognize what I could tolerate. I have a short list of foods I definitely stay away from, and others I know are sure bets if I'm away from home and have to grab something quick. Everyone here has great advice, read on and you'll be savvy before you know it! All the best, Karla

Hi Everyone, Been lurking for a little while. Actually joined some time back but rarely post. I am looking for any and all folks who have had surgery in Mexico to weigh in and help me out. Here's a little background: I am 48 yo, 6', 365 with a high of 380. My health is deteriorating, particularly knees, hips and ankles. I had a knee replacement 1 year ago and have not healed properly due to weight. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and variable high everything else. If I am "good" for a while, my numbers fall into line, but they quickly swing the other way when I am not. I am always short of breath, can not run, jog and have difficulty with stairs. I can not climb or descend stairs without a handrail. My insurance specifically precludes ANY type of weight loss surgery, drugs or treatment. I am at wits end and desperately want to be able to hike, canoe and ride a bike again. I want my kids to look at me like a regular person and not be embarrassed (they are 16 and 13). I want to feel good. So, I am looking at self pay for VSG here in the states, or in Mexico with Dr. A. (Good Dr. A). Here are my biggest concerns: 1-Complications. How are they handled and what about follow up care. If I have issues after coming home (like infection, bleeding, dumping, severe reflux, etc.) how do I receive the care I'll need if my insurance will not cover it. Has anyone had problems? How were they addressed? 2-Was the experience clean and safe? Did anyone have problems due to lack of sanitation or lack of follow up care? 3-How did you convince your family to support you even though they are aghast at going to Mexico for surgery? 4-generally looking for detailed experiences both good and bad. Please help guide a scared and deperate newbie. Thanks!

Hello sorry to hear about ur loss my situation is similar lost my mother about a month ago due to obesity and it's complications she was 53..taking care of her it terrifies me..I'm contemplating this surgery not only to longate my life but to have better health. I've lost 52 lbs over the last year with exercise and WW. But still weigh 255 at 5'2 so long journey ahead but hoping if I go thru the surgery it works out for me. If u need someone to talk to I understand hope with each day your mind eases a little because stress and emotion can cause you to sabatoge your efforts. Good luck don't give up and God Bless

Hi Wheetsin. I think the failure (from his explanation to me) is running into complications. He said the tissue of the stomach where the band is paced gets very thin under where your band is placed. If converting to the sleeve - there is a better chance of leakage at this area. I really think it should be taken on a case by case basis. I'm not ideal for sleeve, but it sounds like perhaps you are. My doctor has the most experience in RNYs, has done sleeve and other WLS as well - he has been a surgeon for over thirty years. Saying this - I'm very comfortable with him doing my RNY conversion but would be hesitant with the Sleeve. Like patients - I think doctors are all different as well. You have to be comfortable with their level of expertice. Best of luck Wheetsin - let me know what he says. I actually have my pre-op for surgery on Monday (July 18th) - found out today I was approved by my insurance :-)...I will get more information then.

I am 6 years out, with no complications. I have gained a little bit of weight back, my fault, but I have zero regrets. I do not miss the pain from standing or walking, not being able to find clothes that looked nice, the way people used to dismiss me at a glance. I have two close friends who had the band and have BOTH gotten a sleeve due to complication from that. They had serious medical problems associated with the band and serious regrets as a result. I cannot imagine anyone regretting bypass. It was a lifesaver for me in more ways than one.

I am 7.5 months post op. I have had zero complications and no regrets. I am 1 lb shy of losing 100 and 46 more to go. The absolute only regret I have is not having this surgery 10 years earlier! I had gastric bypass and am very satisfied with my choice.

Hi!! It is so nice to meet you! My name is Stacie. I have between 130 and 150 to lose. I am also going with the sleeve! I have a friend that had it in Nov. And she did great! My best friend had gastric bipass and was in and out of the hospital due to complications. I feel more comfortable with the sleeve. I'm so glad you responded! . I love this app and I'm so glad my friend told me about it! Where do you live? I am in IL!

I personally appreciate your reality check! I just had an arm and boob lift 2 days ago and I'm headed to a post op appointment in a few hours. Do they have any idea what happened to cause your complications or is it just a random, unlucky draw? I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope in the end it all works out!

Thank You so much for responding. I guess I would like to know about postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting after the procedure. Any complications?

How does he cover complication costs? Does he cover it or do you? Leaks happen but they are rare. I think this is a big reason I am such a huge advocate of keeping people in the hospital at least 48 hours, that's when leaks are likely to show up and hopefully, they can fix it right then and there. You just do not want to be at home when you have a leak, you need to be in a hospital setting. I wouldn't let a potential leak stop you from getting your life back. Your risk from being obese is much worse than a less than 1% chance of a leak.

I completely understand how you're feeling right now, just a few weeks away from your surgery. It's been a long journey for you, with research, funding, and changing options along the way. It's natural to have doubts and worries when you see others experiencing complications or when logistical challenges arise. But it's wonderful that you found a new surgeon and that you're now scheduled for surgery. Even though there have been reschedules and unexpected hurdles, it's important to stay positive and focus on the fact that you're making progress towards your goal. I can imagine the mix of excitement and disbelief you're experiencing. It can be hard to fully believe that this life-changing surgery is about to happen. However, you've gone through all the necessary steps, received clearance from different tests, and had your psych consultation. These are all significant milestones that bring you closer to your surgery date. As you navigate the challenges of balancing college classes and family responsibilities, remember that you're stronger than you think. It's not uncommon for life to throw us curveballs, but you have the determination and resilience to overcome them. Try to embrace a positive mindset and visualize waking up from surgery with your sleeve. Visualizing your desired outcome can help you feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead. Remember, you've come a long way, and this surgery is the next step towards a healthier and happier future. Stay focused on your goals, trust in your medical team, and believe in yourself. Soon enough, you'll wake up from surgery with your sleeve, ready to embark on a new chapter in your life.

I'm two and a half weeks away from surgery, and it still doesn't feel real! I started this journey over four years ago, researching my options and trying to get funding. The sleeve wasn't available to me then, so I was going to do RNY because that's what my aunt and a friend had. But, my aunt had some complications and she just looked sick, and it worried me. Plus, I'm in Southern Illinois and I would have had to drive to Chicago (five hours away) for the surgery and that also put me off. So, fast forward to 2009. I attended an info session at the new bariatric center in a town close by. I decided to go for the RNY. I was told I had to do a six month diet, so I started that and in the meantime, the surgeon was let go. So, this summer, I found out there was a new surgeon and had heard good things about him. So, I attended yet another info session and learned about the sleeve. I was convinced right way. I made my consultation and saw him for the first time on October 29th. I've gone through all the tests, got clearance from everything and I'm now scheduled for surgery on January 17th! I'm having a hard time this is actually going to happen, though. When I went for my consultation, I was put on the Fast Track (six weeks til surgery.) that was in October. But, I couldn't get my psych consult until the end of December, so they scheduled my surgery for January 10th. I went on 12/28 for psych and they didn't have me on the schedule! But, they got me in for the following and I got cleared by psych yesterday. In the meantime, my surgery was rescheduled for January 17th because my surgeon will be out of town. Then, I started freaking out because I'm in college and my classes (and my husband's classes) start January 18th. So I have to juggle classes starting and trying to get my kids to school while I'm in the hospital. It seems like Murphy's law is in effect, and I'm encountering all sorts of obstacles. So, again, I keep feeling like this is too good to be true! Am I really going to get my sleeve? I don't think I'll believe it until I wake up from surgery with my sleeve!

Hello. Anxiety is normal. If its unbearable, talk to your primary doctor. Mine gave me Lexapro and it helped amazingly! I am 3 weeks post op now. I just want to tell you that if you trust your decision, trust your doctor, and are confident in the hospital you chose, then you can relax. They are professionals and have performed hundreds, if not thousands, of these surgeries, no doubt. I can also tell you that your experience is going to be uniquely yours. ( Read that last sentence again.....) Please, please, please do not read these threads about complications and assume that you are going to go thru the same issues. I can tell you that odds are in your favor. Complications are a very, very, very, low percentage. Keep in mind that people are reaching out for answers sometimes and those types of worries can dominate a lot of these threads. Look for positive threads...read some of the post op threads. The energy you are using on all this worry and anxiety is not necessary. Have faith, trust, believe and you will be just fine.

Oh ok that could also be it but its hard since I'm going to the gym already and burning about 400-500 calories on cardio machines but I wasn't sure if I needed to make them up cause I do try to stay between 800 calories but if I subtract what I burn I'm left with only 300-400 calories maybe I should slow down. This journey is so complicated sometimes but it will be worth it in the end thanks for your feed back:)

After reading these blogs for the last 8 months, I am of the opinion that if you start to get used to eating less etc. before the surgery you will have an easier time with the recovery process and you won't have to put your system into such a shock. But like I said that is my opinion. I started drinking the shakes and trying to lose weight as soon as I went to my first seminar. I was required by my insurance company to lose 30 lbs and I lost 41 lbs before surgery. I had absolutely NO complications or problems after the surgery. I really think that getting my body into the process of eating less really helped the process go smoothly.

It's hard to know which is best for everyone because everyone is so different. If there was 1 perfect operation then that is all anyone would ever get. There are pros and cons to all of them and you need to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Everyone on here is going to be somewhat biased because we all seem to be pro-sleeve, but the best thing you can do is gather your research and go to your appointment with the surgeon and ask a lot of questions. A good surgeon is going to look at your BMI, how much weight you want to lose and your current health issues and will be able to recommend what they feel is your best option. Personally I chose the sleeve because I like the fact that nothing is re-routed and I will not have to deal with malabsorbtion issues. I know that if you have a very high BMI and you are looking to lose a lot of weight my surgeon recommends the bypass, but he is confident that I will be capable of losing the 90 pounds that I would like to lose with the sleeve. My surgeon told me he never recommends the band anymore because that is only to be used as a temporary fix and there are too many complications with it. The sleeve is relatively newer than the bypass (which is still considered to be the gold-standard of WLS due to higher amounts of weight lost), but I feel confident in my choice. Yes, it is permanent and can not be reversed, but that is part of my body I wouldn't want back! Sleeve can always be converted to bypass down the road if you do not see the results you were hoping for. Hope that helps!

Yeah I actually checked with the surgeons office again yesterday and they just said no special instructions from him except to continue my normal diet. I feel like I need to keep things light just in case. I really don't want any complications. I guess maybe I'm just being over paranoid.

1. First of all, don't let their opinions make you falter. Yes, some people DO fail. However, most of the time that can be traced back to them getting back into bad eating habits... i.e fast food, drinking soda again, eating cake, cookies, ice cream, and massive amounts of bread and pasta. And statistically ANY surgery can cause nerve damage not just weight loss surgery. It depends a lot on your own body, how many other prior surgeries you've had, if you have nerve disorders like different types of neuralgia, Fibromyalgia, etc. 2. I read up on statistics when deciding on my surgery and Gastric Bypass has a 0.14% chance of mortality in the operating room (essentially 1 in every 1000 people), 1% in the first 30 days and 6% in five years. However, you have to think about the fact that many of us have been overweight for a very long time and it takes a toll on our bodies which is likely the reason for the 6%. Some people just waited too long to do anything about it. Avoid NSAIDS like the plague though because once you have Gastric Bypass that causes massive bleeding and you'll land yourself in the hospital. No ibuprofen or asprin for you! (though you likely already know this lol) And I TOTALLY understand the facial pain! I have TN (trigeminal neuralgia) and it was misdiagnosed for YEARS which means it didn't get the proper treatment and led to it getting worse and worse until I was in constant pain for MONTHS! I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't talk because of the sheer amount of pain I was in and I would cry myself dry. I was exhausted, in agony, miserable and desperate to find an end to the pain. I would literally go to work and cry while I worked. I had brain surgery in 2017 and it had a similar mortality rate to the GB surgery and had some other rare complications and even some common ones. I was at peace with whatever happened. If I was one of the rare 1 in 1000 that died then it'd be an end to the pain, if I was one of the other 999 people then I had a 95% chance that the surgery would work for me and a 5% chance that it'd do nothing to help me. Even then, I knew it was just a temporary solution since TN has no cure. And it did work. For two years. The pain came back last year, but the surgery is amazing in the fact that it's kept the most debilitating type 1 pain away. I have atypical TN (which is apparently rare) and have had both type 1 and type 2 pain. I had the surgery because the type 1 pain is like being stabbed repeatedly in the face with a scalding hot poker where it twists and twists and twists and then repeats. When I have flares I only suffer from the type 2 pains now and hope that the type 1 never comes back! Also, I haven't had a flare since August! I hope that everything goes well for you in your surgery and I hope they can eventually figure out what's causing your other health issues so that you can get the necessary treatment without those issues getting worse. I wish you the best!

Yes, but if I had a chance to do it over I would go with the sleeve. I was emptied do to complications and my fill center has closed down. I can't find anyone to do a fill in my area and after 5 years of keeping the weight off I have regained most of it in just one year. Trying to start over but it's pretty depressing.

even though I have had some complications I would do it all over again. weighing less is just magical.

Hi there. For me it was the other way around - I really wanted the bypass but my care team determined that it was medically contraindicated for me. I tried hard to change their minds but in the end I went with their recommendation. I was disappointed, but it turned out okay, I didn't have any major complications and the surgery has been effective so far. However, in my case, there was an actual medical reason why the bypass was extra-risky for me. I got a 2nd opinion and the 2nd doctor agreed it was contraindicated. In your case, it sounds like the surgeon just feels the bypass will be more effective? If there is no medical contraindication, it seems like after being told the pros and cons, you would be allowed to choose the surgery you want. What would happen if you just said, "Look, I understand your reasoning, but I'm not comfortable with the bypass. I want the sleeve."? Would he refuse to do it? Could you get a 2nd opinion? Maybe if another doctor indicates that the sleeve is a viable option for you, your surgeon will relent. Have you shared your concerns about the bypass with your surgeon? Maybe with more information, you'll be more comfortable with it? In any case, it doesn't seem right for you to be forced into a surgery you're not sure you want. You're the one who has to live with it, so you should be calling the shots (assuming there's no medical issue preventing the sleeve). I'd revisit the issue and get more information, then decide for myself one way or the other. Hope it all works out for you!

Thanks to all those that replied. I just heard through another patient that my surgeon whom I have not met yet,uses a 39 bougie. I want the best results with the least complications. That seems rather large in todays VSG world. It appears bougie size is more important that percentage of stomach removed. I am that 5ft nothing lady. Can't wait to see if she offers me information on how she chose that size or if she offers me something differnt since I am no where near the same height as this patient. I'll let you know in August after I've met her.