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Absolutely check with your insurance company about what is covered if you do have complications- I work in case management and I do know many insurances will cover getting it in but not getting it out or the fills/unfills or even if you have complications. And sometimes they only cover 1 weight loss surgery for a lifetime- so wouldn't it make sense to make it be the one that has demonstrated the most success? There are many many people out there that have had partial or total removal of their stomach not for weight loss but due to cancer/etc and they do just fine. I would do some more homework with your insurance company first and ask those questions. Then you should be able to feel confident in whatever decision you make. Good Luck!

i slept for about 5 hours yesterday, because I go almost no sleep in the hospital. My roomate had complications and they were in and out all night checking on her. then I had a hard time falling asleep last night. I might take a nap now. I am just bored..headachy..not in the mood to watch tv..read a little, went out for a walk. Cleaned out a cabinet.(which i shold not have done)..just tired now and a little wachy from the pain pill:) mags

from what i understand that is the new standard. it prevents slippage, whuich used to be a rare complication.

Thanks to everyone who responded! To those asking... I misspoke. I meant Sleever's Remorse, basically like buyer's remorse, ie. thoughts like "why did I do this?" I am saying I do NOT feel this way. I'm not being negative, just honest. Some people want an honest account of what it will feel like directly out of surgery. I'm on day 2 and I'm saying it's pretty rough. I haven't ever had any medical complications or surgery before, thankfully, so for me, this recovery has been the worst I ever felt physically. It should be getting better soon though! I can feel the gas pain slowly become less intense, which is such good news.

My surgery is scheduled for Sept 9, 2014 and I've been on the liquid diet since Sept 2 luckily only a week. I've been looking forward to this surgery since I started the process back in December 2013 and I've been thinking about it since Jan of 2012. so this isn't a new thing I've done the 6 month nutritionist and I've gotten psychiatric approval. But now my surgery is only 3 days away I'm freaking out. I've convinced myself I will likely die in surgery and if I wake up I will have a leak or some other awful sleeve complications. I know I'm being irrational from lack of carbs but I really think I'm need words of encouragement and assurances that everything will be ok. P.S. if anyone can advice me on a better Protein shake I'm tired of pure protein!

@@Beni, I agree with finediva. Simply ask, and if he or she isn't willing to be upfront, run like you're on fire. No surgeon is perfect, and even when they do everything right, complications can still happen. It's important that the surgeon is upfront and honest when directly asked questions about leaks, infection rates etc.

Thank you guys so much! I'm doing a lot better this afternoon it kind of comes in waves. Sometimes I'm really excited then 10 mins later I'm freaking out. I m going to center of excellence and I know someone who had my surgeon and loved him. I asked him if I had any risk and he told me honestly no I don't see any complications with you. He's had one complication last year and it was a 600lb 65 yr. old with a lot of health issues and she had a leak. I feel like as surgeons go I have the best. My mom and dad have told me that I shouldn't worry about the surgery that its the surgeons job so I'm going to try that technique for awhile. He told me that when I come in on Tuesday they will start me on some anxiety meds almost immediately. Wish I could of had some starting Friday:) Thanks again!!

Good luck to you. I have been through all the hoops and got the ok letter from Cigna today. Yea! It has been a long road as you know. I think that I have had more problems with my drs. offices than I have had with Cigna. It is so hard to get things done when it is not someone else priority. Now hopefully I can get scheduled for the surgery soon. I have been working on this for about 2 yrs. now. Some complications and delays due to 2 hurricanes in this area, a change in insurance mid way plus several weeks waiting for info to be send to Cigna or from another MD office to the surgeon, so hang in and it will happen.

WTH? I hate this...but if you believe you know everything because you have the most posts or because you're the most supportive, you're dead wrong. Let me see -- someone says you are not correct in your assumptions about good research practises and you claim that to be a war? It is terribly egoistic and even narcissistic for you to claim -- Hey everyone on these boards -- it's me. Believe everything I say! I know everything there is to know about everything! I've done all the research. Again, WTH? Using your imagination is not a personal experience; nor is talking to your friends and then repeating what they said. The rules against hearsay are based on this. It would be extremely helpful if through your wide network that you direct the poster to the people who had the surgery with the doctor. I have seen your posts and they are extremely empathetic and supportive, which is great! It seems you've also had a rough go of things so you've had more experience with complications. But, you've not had all the experiences. You are not all things to all people. If you were the wellspring of information, people would not have to post -- they could just pm you so you can tell them what to do. Sorry, but as far as quality research goes for this information request, your arguments do not hold Water. Oh, and the next time you imply that I've started a war, make certain you are correct, and make certain your fight is worth risking your credibility.

Hello, my husband had a very similar experience as you. We have never heard of it happening to anyone else so it was surprising when I read your story. His was infected from day one. The doc did nothing for years. Finally it got so bad that emergency surgery was required. We relocated and which ultimately saved his life because he went to a different doc. The band and port site were infected. The band ate a hole through his stomach and his organs grew around the holes preventing sepsis. He could no longer stand up straight. He was in the hospital for a month and nearly lost his life. The original surgeon from a private practice never took the appropriate precautions. I too have the band but have never had any complications.

My port was moved from right above my belly button to the left side of it during my TT. It didn't create any problems or complications

Omg! I don't feel alone anymore! I had a horrible time with the Lapband. Put in 2007, don't even know what kind it was. 1st time I went to get it filled port was flipped; surgery again! Went to get it filled again band had a leak:(; surgery again!! Fixed!! Had to wait longer to get filled because of possible tissue damage, then what do u know surgeon moved:( new surgeon filled me once. Then my insurance was cancelled. For a year it was fine and I got insurance again then all of the sudden I couldn't eat anything or even drink anything. The band slipped really bad made my stomach to the shape of a mushroom. The new surgeon replaced the band with a new band, it was supposedly an even better band. Yeah rite!!! Got my 1st fill no problem went to get second fill when they checked to see how many cc's was already in the band there was nothing in there! Band leaked out!!!! Doctor said I had to get an upper GI. I was so mad, sad, disappointed u name I had it! My sister and I got it done at the same time and she has never had a problem. I left that place didn't go back. Forward a year or two; I went to another hospital because I was in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and having complications not caused the the band had to tests done they told me I needed to get the lapband removed because it had slipped! Had to get it removed by the doctor that put it in (2nd doctor which BTW has a god complex). Finally in mid 2012 he removed the band after a couple of months after having my baby! Woo hoo or so I thought! Turns out the self proclaimed wonderful doctor left the tubing inside! In the beginning I had no problem with the tubing, but little by little I started having stomach pain drs were uncertain that it was the tubing because it's designed to be in the stomach. The pain became consistent to the point of not being able to take deep breaths in order for me to breath I had to press down hard on the area of pain . There was no way in hell I was going back to the "god complexed doctor" I decided to go to the hospital where I had my son. I was dying had emergency surgery by the weight lose surgeon "my hero" Which BTW will be performing my RNY if god permits. And here I am......ready for my next chapter!what do u guys think?

I have that fear, it's my second biggest fear (first being surgical complications). Also, of everyone I've known to have bypass personally, none have lost significant weight. I understand ita how you work it that determines success. And I don't know these people so intimately that I could say if it's their fault or the surgery.... How I cope... I go in my hole and do me. I focus on what the doc/nut set for me and forget everyone else's progress, comments and suggestions. I work based on the truths I know about what's good for me and my body.

@Goodlife1206: My apprehension has abated some, now that I've talked to my psychologist. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my positive attitude and determination will give me the strength to help me see this journey all the way through. I cannot let the fear of the "unknown" or fear of "failure" stop me from doing what I know is right in my heart, which is living a healthy, successful lifestyle. I, like you, have tried a 'gazillion' times only to tell myself, "This is just too hard, can't do it." But I have come to the conclusion that if I can quit smoking cold turkey after 30 years of putting my body through unnecessary sickness, then I can spend the next 30 years trying to make up for it by treating my body right. Attitude is everything, my friend. Thank you for your post and good luck with your journey. I am here if you'd like to talk further. Well, I went for my psych evaluation today and just as I suspected...I am certifiably crazy lol. Actually, It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. Dr. and I talked for about 30 minutes, then I took a computer test and two short paper tests, which consisted mostly of common sense questions, my opinion about myself and basically making sure I had the good sense to follow instructions and maintain my weight and health with serious dedication. After all was completed, Dr. let me know after evaluating all my tests that his recommendation is "I am a good candidate for this surgery". Again, the only apprehension I have is the fact that 85% of my stomach will be permanently removed and I just want reassurance (especially from previous patients) that, provided I follow instructions and recommendations, there won't be any "ongoing, major complications". After all, once I do this, there's no turning back. I believe in my heart and soul that I have the desire, determination, will power and support to make this a successful journey. I've done my homework through research, reviews, asking a lot of questions, weighing my options, etc. I quit smoking cold turkey on May 27, 2014 and have lost 17 pounds from 06/25/14 through today's date (07/17/14) simply by following the 'pre-pre diet' my bariatric clinic recommended to help me get used to the upcoming pre/post surgery diet. So far, so good. I plan on keeping a journal and updating everyone so that if anyone has questions, just as I have, maybe my personal experience can help them through and make their transition experience a little easier for them. I will post pics soon. Again, feel free to question or comment on your personal experience so I can get a "heads up" on your trials and tribulations of the sleeve surgery. Thanks for all your input!

<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="CONTENT-TYPE"><title></title><meta content="OpenOffice.org 1.1.0 (Linux)" name="GENERATOR"><meta content="20060627;9191600" name="CREATED"><meta content="16010101;0" name="CHANGED"> <style> <!-- @page { size: 8.27in 11.69in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> It is difficult to make "honest" posts. I do not want to look like an attack dog, but it is too easy to agree with the person who is complaining, rather than to try to help them. Maybe insurance companies are cheap and want to save money, but sometimes (maybe) they realize that when people go into these things (bariatric surgeries) without proving that they can put in the effort, that they are more likely to be failures. According to the surgeon who put in my Lap-Band, "(as of 2002), the average Lap-Band patient lost 25% of the access weight between their starting weight and the weight that they should be for their height. It was close to 85% for gastric bypass patients ("roux-en-y" and "the Switch")." I have lost 58% of my access weight. My doctor considers me a success. I still weigh 232 at 5'9". According to the charts, I should be about 165#. I would be happy at 180#. I have lost 65% of the weight to get to my goal. BUT: My family looks at me wearing size 44 pants and X-large or 2XL shirts and sees a failure. Strangers who see me on the street snicker and call me fatso (behind my back). People who I do not know, make comments like "How can a big guy like you share a meal with your wife?" Weight loss is not easy. TV shows highlight the success of big stars. The doctors tell you the statistics, but then paint a picture (with your help) of the wonders of weight loss surgery. They mention the possibilities of complications, but then move right on to the benefits that you are going to have. But they never forget to get you to sign the forms about the dangers. Insurance companies are full of business people who know the stats. They know how much it is going to cost them paying for the treatment of the medical complications of obesity. They compare that cost with the cost of bariatric surgery and its complications. They are cold-hearted businessmen. But the stats that they use also protect you. More money out of the insurance company's pocket also means more heartache for you, the patient. My BMI was about 48. I had tried many techniques to lose weight and always did, but then gained more weight back. I was 57 years old when I got my Lap-Band. We had the pre-surgery candidates come into our post surgery emotional counselling sessions quite often. Once we had a 17 year old girl who was close to 300 pounds at about 5'6" come in. She was going to have either the "roux-en-y" or "the Switch". I suggested to her that she have a Lap-Band because neither the "roux-en-y" nor "the Switch" are reversible and at her young age, there may be better alternatives around the corner (with the research into ghrelin and other enzymes). No. She had to have the "roux-en-y" or "the Switch". It was her decision, but isn't 17 year old a little young to give up? I wish everyone who has these invasive techniques, "the best". I wish we could get to the root cause of the problem for all this weight gain in the USA. But, until then, we need to try everything short of surgery first. Not half-hearted, to get it out of the way, in order to speed up the insurance company's approval, but to try to get it to work. As I said in another post, I know of people who purposely gained weight in order to meet their insurance company's criteria for bariatric surgery. I think that is sick. But I am no psychologist, so I guess I have no right to talk.

The day of the surgery, we were picked up at the airport and taken just across the border into Tijuana to the hospital. The hospital was small & different than I expected, but the people were very professional, clean & so generous. From the moment we stepped inside, we were TOTALLY taken care of. Now, my BFF & I had done all our research on the LapBand and was scheduled for that morning. However, upon speaking with the OWNER of the hospital & his recommendation, we both chose to have the Sleeve instead. The doctor explained the differences & complications/maintenance of each. We both felt that the Sleeve was the right thing for us. I KNOW that was God's hand yet again!

Tabbaby, can you tell us what kinds of things, specifically, you are scared of? Is it the surgery process itself? Are you afraid of complications? Are you afraid of not being able to eat? Let us know so that we can address specific things for you, k? As for me, I cannot think of a SINGLE thing that I regret. It's important that you realize that, for the most part, you will be able to eat anything you do now. You won't be able to eat as much...but you'll still feel full so it doesn't matter. You won't be able to eat as much...so you'll probably choose that protein-packed chicken over that cupcake (probably, but it's ok if you make a poor choice sometimes.) There are terrific counselors that specialize in working with weight loss surgery patients. Hang out here to get first hand perspective, and maybe seek out one of those counselors too. Pop in anytime! :tt2:

A full body lift means the incision goes around your body 360 degrees. I had a full body lift also. http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/116222-sweetpee/ I have before and after pictures in my gallery. Thank you! I am just now starting to think about plastics in the future. I had major complications after my sleeve that I am still recovering from but hoping one day I will be brave enough to get something like what you had done. I've lost over 115lbs but still want to lose 15-20 more. But I know one thing for sure- I look better with my clothes ON! Lol

Oh my goodness I'm so sorry for what happened to you. Car accidents are horrible without complications like this, but this just makes it really terrible :-( It definitely would depend on your circumstance but I would revise to the sleeve. For me, dumping syndrome is just so unappealing that I wouldn't consider RNY. I really like my sweets and I want to be able to enjoy them (but normally, in normal portions as opposed to an ENTIRE cake or the WHOLE container of Ben and Jerry's) without having to run to the restroom every time. If I ever revise, I think I will revise to the sleeve (or plication, depending on how that procedure fairs). Sorry for your situation and good luck with your decision!

I'm waiting to be sleeved, but a good friend of mine was revised from the band to RNY because of complications. My surgeon does a lot of revisions and said he doesn't think the band will be around in 5 years. Who knows if that's true or not but on these boards, it seems like a lit of people are considering revision. Good luck to you in whatever you choose:)

Man sounds like your having some complications, why does he think you might have a leak? I hope that all turns out ok! My prayers will be with you, let us know how it goes!

I understand your concerns. The best way to have them allayed is to ask the doctor. Most of the time away from your room is spent in the recovery room. For most patients, time in the recovery room is a foggy memory at best! My surgery started around 1:30, and I didn't get to my room until around 4:30. The delay didn't have anything to do with surgical complications; they were waiting for someone to be discharged and my room to be cleaned! The surgery itself took about 45 minutes. I was awake and aware for much of the recovery room time--dozing, but lucid when awake---and was aware of the discussion about my room readiness, etc. I would wager that most of the time you spent away from your room was in recovery, too--sleeping. But ask! I've never known a surgeon to withhold important intraoperative information from patients. ETA: I have 5 incisions; nothing went wrong. It's just my doctor's surgical approach. Do you have a reason to believe something went wrong, or are you just surprised by how cruddy you feel? I don't think there's a way, really, to be prepared for postop discomfort. We all know we're going to have it, but it's just so much different when we DO have it. In your shoes, I'd try to reframe my thinking. Instead of focusing on the what's-wrong side of the coin, I'd flip it. You've had abdominal surgery, and are doing astoundingly well. You're home, you're recuperating, and you're on the way to a much healthier life!

If it were me, I would wait until after my trip, I have been to the Islands many times and depending on where you are going, many are third world countries and do not have the medical facilities that we have. And the big question would be if something were to go wrong, is there a doctor on that island that is familiar with your surgery and the complications that can arise? Let this be your last hur-rah and party it up. Relax and enjoy yourself. I had surgery in August and felt pretty good in a week, but it took a good 4-6 weeks to feel normal again. I too had a vacation planned the last week in August to Disney, I did go, and I was fine, but I was still a little sore and tender. But whatever you decide, Good Luck and you are the one who knows best!!!

I was not so much worried about post op complications as I was about being around all that food and not being able to eat. I would be on the mushy stage. I dounbt there are a lot of mushy resturaunts around. Bruce

I am celebrating my 1<SUP>st</SUP> bandiversary today. Last year started at 268.2 and today I am 187.4. I am down 80 pounds and feeling great. Next week, I visit my doctor to continue the process of getting off my hypertension medicine. I am able to run like I use in during my undergrad college year. I feel great and have had no complication. Now my goal is to get the remain 35-40 pounds off and continue to get healthier. Also, I am loving being able to get into any store and fit into the clothes! I continue to struggle with the idea that I am no longer a fat girl, but I am slowly transitioning. I rarely post on the site but I visit it daily. Thanks everyone for providing a place to learn more about living a new life