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Thank you Lissa! I may very well feel like shouting it from the mountaintops once I am feeling more confident. One thing that is scary is that if I do have complications and my MIL found out I didn't consult her first she would be MAAADDDDD. She is very insistent that my hubby and I tell her of any DR's or Dentists we go to. She freaking knows everyone LOL.

Hey all... I wanted get a gauge of the cost of getting the band removed. I live in the Atlanta area and need to get the band removed due to complications with the port (twice). Just curious about peoples experiences with getting band removed as self-pay. I would really appreciate any surgeon advice or recomendations as well. Thanks! Allison

There are tons of positive reviews on this and other forums of Dr Elias Ortiz. In 5 weeks post op and he still checks up on me. I had absolutely no side effects. A lighter me will baby you in TJ. Abraham and Orlando are always available and they plan outings to local shops. Dr Ortiz and Dr Hernandes check on you every day. Multiple times in The hospital and multiple times in The hotel. I would not choose another surgeon in The US even if the cost were the same. Eventually he will have a leak bc they just happen but as of now he has never had one. Also, read up on the various forums. Most of the problems come from the US. I keep touch with many alighterme patients and we all feel great. None of us had complications and are able to eat and drink comfortably. I feel so lucky to have used them. And like I stated, Dr Ortiz still keeps in touch and answers questions. They also have a post op care c coordinator, Ronda, that calls once a week to discuss the different stages of diet. All around first class service and surgery. Bob

While I'm no longer pro-band, I would like it to be noted that this is untrue. With an optimally-tuned lapband (correct fill level, eating band-friendly food) hunger will not increase nor will metabolism slow down as bandsters lose weight. As long as the band is functioning properly and the patient remains compliant (and this is true of ALL WLS), hunger will remain dimmed and metabolism rolls along just fine.. Well thank you! Good to know. What surgeries have you had?If you look at my info, you will see I had a lapband in March 2013. A year later, I developed complications in the form of heart arrythmia (related to the lapband and its position on the vagus nerve). I will not revise to another WLS. oh I didn't realize we could look a profiles. Sorry new to the site. Wow. That it quite a complication. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me.

. Thanks Alex. I never considered that the sleeve would affect absorption. I'm going to my RA doctor in a few weeks and I want to ask her if she's had any patients do WLS and if so what path they chose. I do have to take immune suppressors to keep my pain and joint degeneration at bay. Great point! Thanks so much. If I can have great results with the band I like how non invasive it is and the fact that it is reversible in case I have an reaction or complication due to my RA.

Follow your plan. Whatever your dr. advises you to do is what you should do! I see that you said you have not started your pre-op diet yet. Can I advise you to start a.s.a.p?? The more you lose pre-op, the easier it will be on you post-op. Not only for healing, but you will also just be that closer to goal and possibly avoid complications! I lost 55lbs pre-op and my recovery was a BREEZE!! Good luck to you! Kelly

I live alone and managed just fine after surgery. Unless you have complications of some sort I don't see the necessity of having someone there. It will help you be more active anyway, which is good.

I had a lot of problems with the band. It did get me to goal and then some. I worked really hard for my goal weight but after I hit goal I had complications and had to have it removed. I knew that removing my band meant weight gain so I revised to a sleeve for maintenance. I had esophageal spasms, esophageal motility issues, stoma spasms, reflux, periodic gastritis, port pain from rubbing against my jeans, etc. I finally threw in the towel and revised.

I think most of the time its because people think they need to totally *trust* their surgeon/doc/hospital etc. I'm not saying that you shouldn't but honestly so many people refuse to take on the responsiblity of anything these days when they really should. They EXPECT the doctor/surgeon/nurse etc. to give them ALL the information that they need when that is honestly impossible. Since people can't read minds. They can give you enough paperwork/phamplets/information to deforest the amazon but if your of the mindset that the doctor will *Tell* you everything you need to know. It won't do you much good. Another is the doctor did cover it but used different terms, didn't put enough emphasis on something. Or they just didn't hear/comprehend it. So therefore don't remember. Or just plain old forgot. Or its the case of *magic pill* they are so desperate to be thin that they have a mindset that its going to work like magic. And the things they do won't matter much because the *magic* will do it for them. Personally I look at it this way. I have the internet. In this day and age when it only takes a few moments of my time to put something into google and search for info. Why not use it to its fullest advantage? People are quick to search for online for hobbies, chat rooms, games and so many other things. But they can't or won't take the time to look up a possible life altering medical procedure?? While I personally can't imagine NOT doing research on something this important. I know there are tons of people who don't even think to bother till after they realize they don't know the answer or have a problem with something. Also I think theres sometimes a mindset that if they know about the possiblities of complications that maybe *it won't happen to me* kind of thing. And I expect even after being a visitor to this board for months now once I get my band I will probably still have to ask questions that I didn't think of beforehand despite my research. It is hard to see many of the same old posts that sound like they didn't listen to the doctor or research. I guess for me its doubly hard from the frustration I have at the moment just getting the band in the first place. lol

I have been banded for almost 8 years and although things were great in the beginning, I have had many struggles and issues than I care to recall. I managed to get as far as 8 pounds to my goal weight and then something changed. I began to gain weight each month until I managed to put on over 30 pounds. I see my doctor regularly and have had my share of band adjustments and removal/addition of Fluid. I feel as though I am always vomiting. Recently I have been unable to eat and keep anything down. I also notice that I do not even have an appetite. I am always fatigued, I have dark circles under my eye and I often experience slight pangs near the port and one of my incision areas gets extremely itchy often. I have read a few articles about band erosion being common on those close to or approaching 12 years banded. I also get alot of throat "gurgles". I often find myself contemplating if this was all worth it. I just "don't feel good" anymore and if I should request to have it removed. I am so torn on what to do but do know that I am tired of not feeling well all the time. Anyone else experience anything like this or have been banded for 7 or more years?

Hello! So obviously, I'm new here. I just wanted to say hello, and add my 2 cents. I'm 5'8, and my current weight is 360lb. I can't say for sure that this is my highest weight, as I'm pretty sure I've lost some weight since January, but I never weighed my self, so I can't be sure. I guess it really doesn't matter though, 360lb is high enough, don'cha think! Lol. I've been fat (said not as derogatory, but as a factual statement), almost my whole life. I had the few years pre-puberty as skinny, but once 11 or 12 hit, that was over. I am lucky enough to have gained confidence in my self in my early 20's. Loving myself, body and all. So I never tried all the questionable fad diets and gimmicks that are out there. However, I was aware that a lower weight would be healthier in the long run. Obesity runs in my family, and my Nanie (my Mom's Mom) died from complications due to being obese. I knew I didn't want to end up in the same situation as I got older, so I did try calorie counting and exercise. While it was semi successful, I just wasn't able to lose much, nor keep it off. I knew I needed something more powerful, and lasting, for me to make weight loss work. So I've always been interested in bariatric surgery. Due to many circumstances, surgery through health care (Canadian here), was just not an option, and money for pay myself surgery, was just as unlikely. However, after a few family members went through they're own surgery, seeing how helpful surgery really was for weight loss in individuals who haven't been able to do it on their own, some of my family decided that they wanted me to have this chance, and put things in motion for me to be able to do this. Fast forward to now, a few months later, I have a surgery date of September 5, going to a surgeon in Mexico, the same one that one of my family members went to. She is confident enough in her experience to have set me up with them. In fact, she'll be traveling with me, to help me out. I'm excited for this journey, and a little nervous, I've never had surgery before, but I know this will be good for me. While I've been lucky enough to have remained relatively healthy, with only sleep apnea as an issue I have, I know that won't last as I get older if I don't do something now. So that's my story so far. I'm loving being able to read everyone's story on here, and hope to add more to this great community!

How do you know which type of weight loss surgery (WLS) is best for you? Part 1 of this series explored some of the factors to consider; here are a few more! Reversibility Each Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) type is designed to be permanent. However, the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) is fully reversible if necessary since the surgeon can remove the band from around your stomach. The Gastric Bypass (RNY) can be reversed, although the procedure is more complicated. The Gastric Sleeve (VSG) is absolutely irreversible since it involves removing most of your stomach from your body. Because of its reversibility, the AGB may be the choice for some younger patients or for those who do not want to take a dramatic step that affects their actual body parts. Invasiveness and Recovery The AGB is least invasive and has the shortest recovery time. It can even be an outpatient procedure, and you could get back to work in a week. This might be the only realistic option if you have very little sick leave available or you do not want to tell work colleagues about your surgery. The RNY and VSG are inpatient and require longer recovery times Safety: Complications and Side Effects Some risks of the AGB are band slippage or leakage, or erosion of the band. You could have vomiting or reflux if your band is displaced or filled too tight. Since the band can be removed, most of the complications can be stopped by emptying or removing the band. The VSG has a higher rate of complications than the band. They can include leakage at the suture site. Nearly a quarter of RNY patients have complications of some sort, with more serious ones including staple line separation or leaks. You might opt for the AGB if you have a lower BMI without many health issues, or you might be more willing to take on RNY risks if your BMI is higher and you are more concerned about obesity-related issues such as diabetes. The risk for nutritional deficiencies is higher with RNY and VSG. You can greatly lower your risk by taking the appropriate nutritional supplements, but you need to be prepared to take your bariatric vitamins for life. The effects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies can include osteoporosis, anemia, and nerve damage. A Sweet Tooth and Dumping Syndrome What are you looking to get out of your WLS? If all you need is help with portion control, AGB may be for you. It only helps with portion control, and it is up to you to make healthy food choices. On the other hand, the gastric bypass is best if you are looking for a tool to help you avoid sweets. That is because of the malabsorptive nature of RNY. With RNY, your food passes through the lower part of your small intestine with less digestion than it would before surgery. Sugars that get to your small intestine can give you symptoms of dumping syndrome, including weakness, extreme fullness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Foods that cause dumping syndrome tend to be sugary and high-carb foods, such as candy, soft drinks, cakes, and pastries. Dairy and alcohol can also cause problems. Most patients who get RNY have dumping syndrome at some point. Dumping syndrome can be beneficial because it gives you extra motivation to eat right – you know that if you grab that brownie, you may be headed for hours of misery! That can be a good reason to choose RNY. However, if the thought of dumping syndrome scares you, RNY is not for you! There are many factors to consider as you choose your WLS type, but keep in mind that the decision is individual. You need to choose the WLS type that will work for you, even if it is not the one that worked for someone else. The decision is something to make after one or more serious conversations with your surgeon.

2 years out... well, my anniversary is tomorrow... the sleeve has saved my life and given me my freedom. Life is so much better at a normal weight! I luckily had no complications and seem to have learned how to use this tool in the process of losing 160# and have found maintenance to be doable, but still work. - I love it though!

Seven months out next week and I was one who had a few complications (minor) post op. Slight stricture, difficulty passing the food stages, major Water poop anywhere/anytime, lots of time spent sliming or vomiting (still happens once or twice a week). That said... BEST.DECISION.EVER.

I was so worried pre-op that I almost backed out the morning of surgery. I am SO GLAD that I didn't. Best decision I have ever made. Like previous posters, before the sleeve I too could lose some weight but eventually it would slow down, then stop. Frustration sets in and then I would gain everything back plus 10 or more pounds. I was very fortunate in that I didn't have any complications, very minimal pain, very little gas pain and I was able to drink fairly easily right away...I actually thought the surgery may not have worked because I had so little side effects. I do have to say I believe I was VERY mentally prepared for this...which I think made it easier...even on the pre-op diet it was like I had switched a switch and that was it...this was going to be my way of life for the rest of my life...not sure how I got there but probably was just so tired of being overweight and not feeling well because of it. It has been 6 months and I am down about 70 lbs and am about 25 pounds from goal. My self-esteem has sky-rocketed...for the first time I can remember I am not embarrased to have my picture taken and I feel cute again. It took a long time before people even started to notice that I was losing weight (prob about 50 pounds) but now everyone is always complimenting how I look...it feels really nice. I don't ever want to go back to the way I was - and I think this time I will be able to keep it off...thanks to the sleeve! I have not been strict with my choices for the last month and a half and don't plan to be over the holidays...which may be making a BIG mistake...but I would like to just hold my own through December and then start again in January being very conscientious with my food choices and stricter with my exercise routines. Now that is not to say that I am making crazy stupid food choices - just not as strict. I plan on going back to my Protein shakes for lunch and dinner with a sensible dinner for the first week to get back in the swing. I definitely notice the difference in hunger on the days that I have more carbs than I should...be warned One piece of advice I would give is to try the Premier Protein Shakes (I just love the chocolate and add a heaping tablespoon of instant coffee-deelish They aren't quite as sweet as some of the others... I wish you the best of luck...you will just love your sleeve! Take the advice of others and really put the work in during the first 4 - 6 months...had it not been for vacation and then the holidays I would have worked hard the first 6 months instead of the first 4.5 months...but I am not complaining!

WOW! These reasons are all so moving. My last straw or moving reason to decide to do this were: 1. My health. Diabetes runs in my family. My grandmother, aunt and mother all died from complications of diabetes. I had my kids in my 30s and I was gestational diabetic with both pregnancies. 2. My kids. I want to see them grow up and I'd like to know my grandchildren. My mother didn't get a chance to meet mine.

Hello fellow Sleevers, has anyone ever needed regular check up and how many after you get your sleeve done? and has anyone ever had any complications with their surgery?

Thanks for everyones response. Bamaxpress78, yes I have comorbs. I have an autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis, it's in the muscular distrophy family..complicated. Anyway, I do have sleep apnea and use a bipap for my MG but it also helps for apnea. I am prediabetic (would be diabetic if i was still on steroids), anemic, osteoarthritis and malacia, hashimotos thyroiditis..so on and so on... I also have a level of anxiety and depression due to my list of health issues. I currently carry a bmi well over 40 but if UHC has that requirement to be morbid obese for 5 full years, I fail that, I was just severe obese before that...how dare me! ldydrgnkpr, I did call them and they told me I had to be over 21, have a bmi of 40 or above, a list of 5 years 40+ bmi. No diet to follow though. I guess what I'm wanting to know is how strict that 5 year bmi rule is,,has anyone been approved without meeting it?

Hi Kris, I also struggled with an eating disorder. I know that can only complicate things more. I have been sitting around without anything to do and this makes things worse. I think that once I am up and moving, things will get better. I will be able to occupy myself more. I know that a therapist will have to be a part of my journey. I have a great support system, including all of you.

The compression garment is supposed to be tight, and you neeeeeed to wear it. I stopped wearing mine too soon, and had complications that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It sounds like yours is much tighter than mine, though - it was like a tight girdle or spanx, but not so intrusive that I couldn’t sleep or that was actually painful. I’d talk to the surgeon’s team about that one. As for the drains, there really is nothing to worry about. It’s a small tugging sensation that lasts a couple of seconds at most, with absolutely no pain.

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and have really enjoyed reading all of your posts so far! I was recently approved for surgery and will be getting my band on May 11th with Dr. Diaz at St. Vincent hospital in Carmel, IN. I am VERY excited! However, I have a question about recovery time. The day after I received my surgery date, I received an offer for a new job. Unfortunately, they need me to start on May 16th - only 5 days after surgery! I am really worried that this will not be enough time for recovery and I will have to cancel my surgery. I called my surgeon's office to get more information, but they didn't offer much. I spoke with a nurse that I was unfamiliar with and she kind of laughed when I told her I would need to return to work so soon. This made me even more nervious than I was before! She transferred me to my doctor's Physician Assistant, but I have been playing phone tag with her for a few days and have yet to receive a response. I know everyone's experience is different, but I wanted to see how it was for everyone else. How long was it before you returned to work or felt like you COULD return to work? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I have waited for this for a very long time and would hate to have to postpone it indefinitely! My new boss is aware that I will be having surgery and has agreed to work with me if I have complications, but I really don't want to miss any necessary training. Also - any recipes/recommendations from Protein Shakes are also welcome! Thanks!

Sounds interesting, I'll have a look and see if I can find it. It's amazing how complicated our bodies are, and for us who suffer/ed from obesity it's not that straight forward the concept of losing weight.

I had a rash once that was similar to what you have but it was covering my hands. I had the tingling and numbness. It was really awful. I could barely close my hands to zip zippers, type or anything else. When I had the rash it had nothing to do with surgery though. I went to the doctor and he told me I was having an allergic reaction. At the time their was nothing new in my diet accept for new type of wine I had tried. He said that many times the allergen is never found, but it is often a type of red dye used in many foods. I'm not sure what you are allowed to take right now but I was bet that benadryl would help you. As you recently had surgery, you may be more susceptible to complications so you may want to contact a doctor right away.

Welcome to all of our new exercise friends! Sorry I haven't been around much. (Working too hard!) Betty, I'm going to get a small unfill, also. These darn allergies really tighten things up. It is just too risky to be too tight. Of course we want to drop weight, but the worst thing we could do is be so restricted that we end up with a slip or dialated pouch, or some other complication. Thanks for the info on the TT, Julie. Fiona, you are not a drama queen. We just have to all deal with life and pain, now that there is no option to use food as an anesthetic.

everything that has happened this far, i have been prepared for. between the big sleeve book, a couple of other books, this site, and several post op friends, i was VERY well informed. that said...i think i wish i would have known that even though a lot of people have complications, it CAN be a fairly easy ride for many, and that all of my worrying was in vain. i have had no issues, feel GREAT and down 25 lbs 13 days post op.