Search the Community

How is everyone doing? Are you happy with your weight loss so far? What stage of food are you in? Have you had any complications? Any exciting moments?

Hi sams46, Sometimes it is a bit unnerving to read about possible lap band complications but I've tried to use the information to remind myself to do EVERYTHING I can to avoid the complications (eating what I've been told to eat, chewing well, not having so many fills I'm overly restricted, etc.) Certainly, all complications cannot be avoided but perhaps we can lessen the chances of having such complications. I had surgery 1/21/08 and am doing great. Completely healed, exercising 30 minutes a day, feeling only minimal hunger (when meal time comes around), can eat anything, such as chicken, salad, apple/skin, etc. (although I chose to eat ONLY healthy food in limited quantity). I am due for my first fill in 2 weeks but if things (hunger) continue as they are now, I may delay having the fill. As long as my hunger is under control, I'd rather not have a fill because I don't want to fool around with being overly restricted so that I am limited in the kinds of food I eat. Good luck on your up-coming surgery. Follow the band rules and you'll have a good chance of having a very successful band experience.

I had surgery on Thursday morning in Richmond, VA and returned home (four hours away) on Sunday. I was feeling great right after the surgery. Out of bed two hours after, walking, talking....I felt strong. Liquids have not been an issue...they go down easy in small sips. I've had a fair amount of gas that is working its way out in all sorts of interesting ways. My abdomen is sore and looks like I got beat up. Today was the hardest day by far. I took both Diluadid and Zofran last night and slept fourteen hours without waking up (so uncommon for me). When I did wake up I was nauseous (I imagine this was lack of liquids) and just felt without energy. I felt dizzy, light headed, and like I couldn't do anything. My partner got home from work, made sure I didn't fall over in the shower, and then took me out to walk around Barnes and Noble. We stopped by the local Japenese restaurant and I picked up two containers of miso. This seemed to work like a charm and moved all sorts of gas out of my belly. I know this is a journey and I keep reminding myself I am at the very very beginning. I am blessed to have an incredible support system. However, I am still terrified of complications. What if I get a leak? What if I die? What if I fail at this like I did lap band? Has anyone else struggled post-surgery with fear about complications? When is it safe not to worry anymore?

I've had many surgeries...c-section, nephrectomy, gallbladder removal, lapband. When my band slipped I lost all hope and gained all my weight back. I had RNY less than two months ago and I'm already down 50 lbs!!! The doctor took out the lapband at the same time. I only stayed in the hospital 2 days and have had no complications. I was scared to death, but this has been the best weight loss decision i've ever made. In my opinion RNY is the way to go.

Are you starting to get nervous? Im finding that im getting really nervous about complications the closer I get

I'd say that I was a little nervous once I arrived at the hospital since it was sunday and there was barely anybody there. Then I got nervous the night before however I made friends online via vst with someone who had the surgery night before (with Dr. A) and she skyped me and chatted with me especially since I was all alone and noone knew I was going, I couldnt' really talk to anyone else. I left my hubby and 2 small kids to do this so there was alot riding on it. After the surgery I had so many friends from the woman who spoke to me the night before to the new patients that were getting sleeved on the same day. I told them I was nervous so they took me first. Honestly, after that night in the hotel, I never really felt alone again! and honestly, I knew that even though I chatted with dh a bit I was really enjoying getting to know my new sleeve sisters We all took care of each other mentally and physically (not that the hospital didn't but you know what I mean, we made each other walked and waiting for each other and asked questions), and the doctors came to visit me 1-2/ day. I had a slight complication in that my lungs weren't filling up with air properly. This was "almost" scary except that I had my sisters there with me and the doctor took excellent care of me. I insisted on extra leak test just to be sure since VST friends were telling me online that I need to do that before leaving teh hospital. The Doctor said that it wasn't a leak and that I shouldn't worry however that he felt that it might make me "feel" better knowing that we did a leak test and sure enough he did it, also allowed me to stay an extra day until I was feeling better even though I was up on my feet walking around the hospital like I owned. Dr. A and his team were oustanding and made me feel good and didn't dismiss my concerns even though he knew. BTW, I was BMI=30 before surgery and I really appreciated the talk with Dr. A that I had before he admitted me, he was honest and sincere and genuine. SOrry for the broken email I have two kids yelling and screaming in my ear as I type this but I wanted to reach out to let you know that it was the best decision I've made and I am thrilled that I chose Dr. A. I will be going back to Mexacali in August to get my check up and can't wait to see them (and a also a little bit to show off how much weight I've lost) ) Best of luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to message me if you'd like to chat further, I'm also happy to give you my phone number. You are a strong women for even considering this. Why not give yourself this gift, you deserve I'm sure otherwise you wouldn't be here on this site!!

I am with Chilo. Because my body likes to make hoards of scar tissue, they won't even allow me to attempt a VBAC. Not that I want a VBAC, and haven't considered it, and wouldn't because I know what is best for my body regardless of what research shows. I have zero desire to risk any further complications from pushing a child out of my vagina. I don't feel the need or want to experience natural child birth. So, even if there were zero risks for me, I'd choose a c-section without second thoughts. For me, regardless of the "numbers' Murphy's law lives in my house, and if it's going to go wrong, it'll go wrong for me. Plus, I'm a "cut to heal" person. Hence the decision to have 80% of my stomach removed so I would put the fork down. It may make me sound cold, and frigid, but the reality of it is that everyone has to do what is best for them.

Do what you feel is right for you and your baby. I just wouldn't be doing my "job" if I didn't speak up FWIW I've had 4 c-sections all of them unwanted 2 of them unnecessary (the first two, the 2nd two I attempted to vbac labored to complete but poor positioning (one face presentation one persistant posterier) neither of which would move after many hours of pushing in many different positions making a repeat cesarean a prudent choice. Cesareans are great tools when used with prudence and care. Unfortunately in many parts of the world including the US they are used far too frequently. We currently have a 33% cesarean rate in the US more than double what the WHO says is safe and healthy for the average industrialized nation...we are seeing all sorts of fallout from the increased cesarean rate. Complications that used to be exceedingly rare are popping up more and more frequently, the maternal mortality rate is climbing, and post birth complications are increasing. It makes me Gah sorry on my birth junkie soap box again.

I had lap band over plication in early January. It was done by Dr. Schauer at the Cleveland Clinic. I have had no complications so far. Best of luck to you.

I am new to this and have a lot of questions. Has anyone heard of Dr. Ortiz @ Obesity Control Center in Tijuana, Mexico?? He has been on The Doctors and several tv spots. I want to have the GS Plication but very nervous about going to Mexico to have the surgery. My insurance will not pay for any weight loss surgeries so this is my only choice. $7500 vs 17,500 for lap band. My husband is unsure of the Plication as it is so new. Dr.Joya in Puerto Vallarta was recommened by several friends but when I saw he had a $500 Complication Fee to donate to if you wish, I decided better not. Please let me know if you have stories from Mexico.

I just saw it-they didn't explain anything about the band at all except its a plastic band that makes your stomach smaller. They also asked them if they were concerned that "4 out of 10 people have complications" HUH???? Anybody know that particular statistic???

It was definitely VGB that they referred to and 40% (4 out of 10 complication rate) that CANNOT be the lap band....I don't even think the slip rate is that high!

ok, so for any of you that have followed me at all know that i miscarried this year and had some severe complications. well, i thought it was all better. i've been back at work for 2 months now, and then yesterday i end up in the ER and i have yet another uterine infection. what the hell? so, i have to go see my ob/gyn tomorrow and this is the same one that already thinks i need to have a hysterectomy. i'm not going to debate it on here, because i know it is a very personal thing. for me, i have so many problems now, with no periods, cystic ovaries, endometriosis, severe pms, and now severe lower back pain from a heavy uterus and infection with occasional black blood but no period. so here is my question: for those of you who have had it done (removing even your ovaries) do you regret it? how much time did you have to take off work? and the biggest thing..how did it affect your sex life? i'm married and sex is very painful now and it obviously affects my drive. also because my hormones are so out of wack, i am used to using a lubricant. i'm scared. i'm too young for this, but it appears that i am only putting off the inevitable. i can't wait to hear from some of you. and thank you in advance. btw..i went to my regular family doctor yesterday and he would not treat me..told me i had to go to er, because i was showing signs of being "septic". chills, fever, pain, etc. er doctor agreed. i got iv antibiotics and ioral antibiotics. also, the pain was horrible. 2 shots of demerol didn't do anything to me at all. they finally gave me stadol to help. they were very caring and helpful, i was afraid they were going to think i was not really hurting, because i wasn't crying or anything, but i was just honest with them, and they were fantastic (i have only been to the er in my adult life over this female crap and it has all been since my miscarriage).

I'm a patient of Dr. Liu's. I've been banded since Feb 13. He's an awesome Dr. No complications. You are in the right hands with him and his staff. Charlotte

What a horrific ordeal you had to endure. It is very good to hear that you are doing much better and I certainly hope that you will not have any more complications. Your words should not be taken lightly and should be to the wise. Any weight loss surgery should not be abused, the outcome, like yours can be devastating. To all who read your post please understand the severity that abuse can have: The following quote from OP. "Unfortunately, I misused the band and ate whatever I wanted and then threw it up. I did this every day after almost every meal." Best of travels to you

I chose to stay overnight. My surgeon gave me the option to stay or go home since I was looking very good after surgery. But I was concerned that, should there be any complications, I wouldn't have the proper care at home. And I definitely didn't want to make a return trip to the hospital. I also wanted them to be able to give me IV liquids since I was drinking probably 30cc an hour only. I was worried about dehydration. I had a private room (thank goodness) and my fiancee stayed overnight with me (they got him a rollaway bed). If you have a choice, try to stay.

I too felt like it was almost like reading my own post, I was banded in 2008, went from HW of 318, down to lowest of 199, then up to 217ish before having band removed last summer cause of the complications of it slipping. I am so excited to being close to gastric bypass surgery in the next couple months. My hip and back pain got really really bad over the winter. Starting to move again in last few months but looking forward to moving even more.

Okay, so I had laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery 4/16/14 and the only issues I have had or am having so far are bouts of gas pain head hunger emotional issues from my divorce with food being grossed out by my JP Drain (I get a little queasy when I empty it and cannot wait for it to be gone on 4/23/14) friends and family feeling guilty about eating without me mild insomnia itching at incision sites On the upside, going into surgery, I had severely uncontrolled T2D with blood glucose readings averaging 375-425 (with 3 daily doses of meds helping to lower it to 200-325) and my readings have not been over 150 since the surgery. In fact, my readings over the weekend were between 101-120 with no medication whatsoever! Super excited about that. Also, I'm happy to report that I have had surges of energy that allow me to feel more like myself than I have in years. I'm feeling pretty good right now and hope things continue. I was a bit concerned about what to expect, because I tried to educate myself about worse case scenarios and some of my friends and colleagues had the surgery with a few complications early on. Just wondering if I should count my blessings and continue to be cautiously optimistic or if I should be bracing myself for things to come. I know no one can see into the future, but can things really go this smoothly?

Hi, I had revision from band to gastric bypass on 8/1/13 and I am still struggling getting my Protein, liquids and calories. On a good day, I get the minimum (48 oz liquid 45-60 protein but approx. 500-600 cal). I just feel too full and can't fit anything else in. Getting these amount is a real painful struggle. I did have a recent complication of a hernia with my intestines twisted up and around the pouch. During that whole month of dire pain I was only getting 300-400 calories. I am healed up now, but I still struggle like I did before the complication getting 500-600 calories. Is there anyone else that struggles because they are just too darn full all the time? Oh I also have more pronounced food sensitivities. Most of the time I am in pain from trapped gas and I think about how I can't continue living like this. It's really depressing. I am happy that I am losing weight, but I don't feel successful, because I feel like crap everyday (lack of energy, dizzy, very depressed from lack of calories, and borderline wanting to end it all). Hubby says take it one day at a time, but I don't know if I can anymore. Doc told me to take beano, digestive enzymes and gave me prescription strength antacid. These things don't seen to work well. Please, is there anyone else going through this?

Editing isn't that bad. It's more complicated than it used to be though. Do you know how to do it and get rid of all the smiley faces?

I understand, yes it is complicated -- my advice is to just get started -- one step at a time and keep plodding along, and remember that you are your own best advocate, whether it's bugging the surgeon's office for info to make sure they have what they need from you and/or bugging the insurance company for the same reason. You've taken a good first step by coming on here and asking questions, researching, etc. Maybe check w/a surgeon near you for a seminar would be a good next step -- I had insurance that specifically excluded bariatric surgery until I purchased a new policy this year and didn't take my husband's work policy, so I need to get this done while the window of opportunity (ie, insurance covering it...) is open -- good luck!

@@395Ron How are you doing? We got the letter from your wife in the thread "anyone having surgery in Oct." about your complications. I sent her an e-mail but I bet it went to her spam since she doesn't know me because I haven't heard from her. Hope you are doing better! Miss the positive attitude from you!!! today is the last day of our October List of People! We had a total of 110. I think soon I will be spending more time on the Post surgery forum. Let me know how you are!Praying for you!!!

Hi all, I had my 8 week visit with the Dietician today and have been progressed onto 'normal foods'. Yayyy! I've lost 12.5kg (28 lb) since my Op & feel good. She was happy with my weight loss, but slightly concerned how quickly I'm losing and queried whether I have been eating enough. I assured her that I have and don't let myself get too hungry. I've only been walking 2-3 times a week and she doesn't recommend upping the ante just yet as I'm still recovering. She said I can try toast, crispbread, soft drink & I alcohol (keeping in mind it will affect me more). I also told her how I've eaten chocolate and wasn't scolded- just told it's a 'sometimes food' and to know my limits. It was pleasantly refreshing because some people in the bariatric community talk like it's the antichrist lol I can hear the US weight loss patients collectively gasp at how much free reign I'm allowed. I have faith in her professional advice as she works closely with my surgeon, who is well regarded in my state & has trained most other GB surgeons in the city. What I am wondering is whether other people have been given the same advice. I don't really have much contact with other GB patients in Australia, so can't compare. I wonder whether pre & post op diets are that much stricter in the US because insurance companies fund the surgery costs, therefore want the patient to drop weight super quickly? I might be way off....I don't know much about US insurance. I just know that I paid hospital cover for 12 months and was instantly approved for surgery, whereas it seems like the process is much more complicated in America. So glad to be progressing on to the next stage in this journey.

I haven't had any complications with my gastric bypass. I am 1 yes post op down 134 lbs. my daughter is getting surgery this month. We have a blog call Lovemypouch.com Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ditto - 3 WLS first a band in 2013 lost all the weight but complications set in and could not eat or drink and the band came out in May 2015. Gained 30lbs and different surgeon did sleeve on 21 December 2015. Complications and blockage due to scar tissue from the very start, never moved from clear liquid stage. Weight 46kgs but had revision to bypass on 9th May as could not eat or drink. Think I will make the Guinness book for bypass at the lowest weight ever (lol)