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Have you ever tried a prescription Lidocaine patch for your back spasms? I have and it works well for me and I suffer zero complications, unlike what happens with narcotic or OTC pain medicine. I wear the patch 12 hours on then 12 hours off.

Same here-wanted to avoid malabsorption. Also, sleeve has less potential complications and less chance of dumping syndrome. My surgeon made a good point- statistically, RNY patients tend to lose a little more than sleeve patients . However, he explained that the majority of the health benefits come from losing the first 50-60#s, not the last 5-10. In his opinion, all things equal, the sleeve is usually the wiser, less risky route. Of course if you have some other health issues, that might change which course is better.

For a self-pay patient, I suggest that you consider BLIS coverage for unexpected and potentially expensive complications. Only certain surgeons would make you eligible for BLIS so it might factor into your decision.

Hi! I'm new here and I have started the process to get my sleeve done. A little back story ... (if you want to read it lol) I had my lap band for 10 years and lost 140 lbs and kept most of it off till I got pregnant 4 years ago. My band had started slipping and I had it unfilled for that time. He was 22 inches long when born so he moved my band and it ended up slipping ... it kept slipping (puked for months) till end of last year it was pinching my stomach and had emergency surgery to have it out. I was on bedrest for complications from this, then gallbladder surgery , as well and a foot injury so I have gained so much back all since January. I tried eating right and I work out walking/swimming because of my bad knee and foot. Sooooo I find myself starting all over again. I feel like I failed last time and I am going to try again. I feel I could do it once I could do it again? . The sleeve when healed seems like a better way to go.... so to my question ..... sorry for being long winded. I never had a psych consult with my last surgery or at all... what should I expect? I am afraid of failing because I get a little depressed sometimes when things go to crap.... thanks for reading

It's from losing the weight so fast. Years ago I was going through a divorce and could'nt afford to eat so all I ate was tomato soup and lost 100 pounds in like 4 months. That's when mine started acting up but they could not figure out for awhile what it was. It is so painful - I always felt like if I ate something I would feel better but it just made it worse. Stay away from greasy foods - that's what seemed to bother me the most but I also had a stone nearly the size of a golf ball and it had torn up my gall bladder so badly they had no choice but to remove it which I'm glad that they did so it would'nt happen again. If you still have your appendix have them take that out while they are in there - one less thing to worry about. Don't look at this as a complication - it's just part of life.

what you are feeling is normal. Some people get the feelings of dread and depression and some do not. Just know and take to heart that it is usually temporary. Remember that we used to eat to soothe our feelings and now we cannot. Outside of the physical stress your body is under recovering from surgery that is huge! We need to find other ways to deal with stress (mine is shopping...don't follow in my footsteps ). You will adjust, you will heal. you will be on here in a couple of months saying you would do it again 10x over. that is the experience of the vast majority. I was a revision from a lap band and even knowing how the healing process goes, I still went through moments of feeling like "OMG I will be burping non stop for the rest of my life" (I'm not). or "I'll never be able to drink water again!" (drinking some now). I will tell you that on another board there is a 3 day post op patient spending his days reading horror stories and researching reversals. no complications, no issues...just extreme anxiety and buyers remorse. people are counseling him to get emotional therapeutic help because he is not thinking rationally and could do something that would actually harm him. You are doing 200x better by comparison. I sincerely hope he will get help. You will come out of this. This too shall pass.

Thank you for that! I went to my consultation today and he scared me with all the complication talk and "rearranged" talk and weight gain talk etc. but after reading your comment I feel better thank you!!!@KarenInOz

Your pre-op preparation will almost certainly include a consultation with the surgeon. It can be in person as part of a pre-op exam or a stand-alone appointment. It could be a video chat if you are planning to travel to Mexico or another country, or even another region, for your surgery, or if you are still interviewing surgeons and have multiple consultations scheduled. Whatever the case, this appointment can give you valuable information that can help you with weight loss surgery success. Get the most out of your time with the surgeon and be sure you are choosing the right one for you by being prepared. Here is a list of questions to bring to your appointment. What are your average results? You want a competent surgeon, and a quick way to evaluate one is on results. Ask what the surgeon’s patients’ average weight loss is after 1 year, 5 years, and even 10 years (if possible) after the procedure, and compare that to national averages. Also ask about complications and feel free to be specific, such asking what the chances of infections or strictures. Make sure you ask how many patients the surgeon is considering in these averages; you want a seasoned surgeon. What kind of surgery do you recommend for me, and why? Ask your surgeon this question whether or not you have a specific type of surgery in mind. If you have one type of surgery in mind and your surgeon recommends a different one, ask why? There may be health benefits, safety risks, or lifestyle factors that you had not considered. However, some surgeons used to doing one particular kind of surgery and recommend it simply because they are more experienced at it. You want to be sure you and your surgeon can come to an agreement on which type of surgery is safest and likely most effective for you. You want to have a surgeon who is experienced with your type of surgery, and who also offers it to you because it is the best one for you. The decision should take into consideration factors such as: Amount of weight to lose. Reason(s) why you have had trouble losing weight in the past. Current health issues and concerns. What does your nutritional support include? The nutritional support that surgeons offer varies greatly. Some surgeons may hand you nothing more than a pre-op meal plan and post-op guidelines, while others may provide comprehensive support for months or over a year post-op. These are some aspects to ask about. Regularly scheduled appointments with a nutritionist or dietitian. Access to a nutritionist or dietitian when you have questions. Food lists and meal plans for each stage of the pre-op and post-op diets. Suggestions for helpful products, such as protein shakes and bariatric vitamins. How your nutrient levels will be monitored to prevent deficiency. You need to know what you are getting into before committing to surgery with that surgeon. Consider your own needs and preferences, too; some patients enjoy the freedom of a minimal meal plan so they can do their own research, while others do better with more support and less wiggle room. Can you describe your aftercare program aside from nutritional support? Research shows that increased support after weight loss surgery leads to better weight loss. Ask your surgeon about factors such as: Assistance starting and maintaining a safe exercise program. Routine psychological help plus what happens if you face common problems such as depression or replacement addictions. Support group meeting opportunities and requirements. What to do if you have a problem – whom to contact. Weight loss surgery is a whole new game. Your post-op success will depend on planning, and you can get started now. Maximize your time with the surgeon and get the answers you need during your consultation.

What are your average results? You want a competent surgeon, and a quick way to evaluate one is on results. Ask what the surgeon’s patients’ average weight loss is after 1 year, 5 years, and even 10 years (if possible) after the procedure, and compare that to national averages. Also ask about complications and feel free to be specific, such asking what the chances of infections or strictures. Make sure you ask how many patients the surgeon is considering in these averages; you want a seasoned surgeon. What kind of surgery do you recommend for me, and why? Ask your surgeon this question whether or not you have a specific type of surgery in mind. If you have one type of surgery in mind and your surgeon recommends a different one, ask why? There may be health benefits, safety risks, or lifestyle factors that you had not considered. However, some surgeons used to doing one particular kind of surgery and recommend it simply because they are more experienced at it. You want to be sure you and your surgeon can come to an agreement on which type of surgery is safest and likely most effective for you. You want to have a surgeon who is experienced with your type of surgery, and who also offers it to you because it is the best one for you. The decision should take into consideration factors such as: Amount of weight to lose. Reason(s) why you have had trouble losing weight in the past. Current health issues and concerns. What does your nutritional support include? The nutritional support that surgeons offer varies greatly. Some surgeons may hand you nothing more than a pre-op meal plan and post-op guidelines, while others may provide comprehensive support for months or over a year post-op. These are some aspects to ask about. Regularly scheduled appointments with a nutritionist or dietitian. Access to a nutritionist or dietitian when you have questions. Food lists and meal plans for each stage of the pre-op and post-op diets. Suggestions for helpful products, such as protein shakes and bariatric vitamins. How your nutrient levels will be monitored to prevent deficiency. You need to know what you are getting into before committing to surgery with that surgeon. Consider your own needs and preferences, too; some patients enjoy the freedom of a minimal meal plan so they can do their own research, while others do better with more support and less wiggle room. Can you describe your aftercare program aside from nutritional support? Research shows that increased support after weight loss surgery leads to better weight loss. Ask your surgeon about factors such as: Assistance starting and maintaining a safe exercise program. Routine psychological help plus what happens if you face common problems such as depression or replacement addictions. Support group meeting opportunities and requirements. What to do if you have a problem – whom to contact. Weight loss surgery is a whole new game. Your post-op success will depend on planning, and you can get started now. Maximize your time with the surgeon and get the answers you need during your consultation.

I've been at goal for about 9 months and did aerobics several times a week until I was hit with Lyme earlier this summer. I was barely able to function and had no appetite at all which helped me stay at goal and even lose about 7 more pounds. After hospitalization and antibiotics, I've slowly started back with only walking. Lyme is complicated and exercising can raise your body temp causing a reaction so I'm afraid to go back to heavy aerobics. Has anyone had long term success with walking as their only form of exercise? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Insurance companies are funny.. but it might be their policy to just look at your start weight, not the weight you are at the end of 6 months. Check into that. I was thinking you probably had a higher BMI than you do.. 60lbs loss in 6 months at your weight IS asking too much (especially because typical weight loss is considered 1-2 pounds a week, which means 4-8 pounds a month..). Are you only a month into the process? If so, then you haven't lost too much if you end up needing to find a new doctor. Remember, you need your family doc on your side throughout the process, and afterwards. So if they are putting unattainable roadblocks in your path, then they are showing that they really don't want to deal with you or the surgery. Postop, you will have special needs, possibly with complications, but also routine blood draws (vitamin tests), and the like. Bariatric patients require a bit more medical maintenance than the average patient. So make sure your primary doc is on your side.

Surgery will knock off 50+ pounds over the first year. But regain IS possible, so you would forever have to be vigilant as to your calories in/out post-op as well. One thing most of us didn't know before starting this process.. (but we are learning now..): Exercise has relatively little to do with weight loss.. it's all about what you eat. In fact, after a minimal level of exercise that is enough to make you strong and maintain your lean body mass (muscles and bones, etc)... exercise is actually counter-productive because it makes you HUNGRY (one of your biggest complaints). If I could guarantee you would heal up from surgery without a problem, and live your life, forever healthy.. then I'd say it was a good option, and you should run out and do it tomorrow. The problem is that that isn't necessarily gonna be the case. Complications can and do happen, and some can be life altering, or even life-ending. It would be a shame for you to take that risk, when your body is likely just screaming for balance. Go to the gym twice a week to do weights. Walk 3 miles every day. That's it. Any more exercise isn't really needed. Check into getting your RMR/BMR tested, then use that information as a baseline for figuring out how many calories to eat. The thing is, that these suggestions are the same as we all have to do after surgery anyway.. you should just try them first.

right.... that's the whole point! the sleeve constantly needs to be revised because it either causes unbearable GERD, or did not provide enough weight loss. so they are revised to - guess what - RNY. RNY is virtually never revised or reversed because it works so well in the first place and doesn't need to be. i don't understand why this is so hard to understand. best weight loss, best diabetes outcomes, no GERD. and if you aren't an idiot and have the ability to follow basic instructions (take a vitamin every day... oh god, the HORROR), the chances of you experiencing "complications" is extremely low. RSM - the only real alternative to RNY is the mini-gastric bypass. but most dr's still don't provide it - it's still considered "experimental" for some reason. and it has a higher rate of reflux than the RNY. not nearly as high as the sleeve, but higher.

If you only have 75 pounds to lose and don't currently suffer from GERD, you are likely an excellent candidate for a sleeve. Both sleeve and bypass are good surgeries, but like others have mentioned before, the bypass can have long term complications that are less likely with the sleeve (intestinal problems and malnutrition). Unfortunately there is no perfect bariatric procedure. They all have pros and cons. We each have to weigh those things that are important to US, and in that, there is huge variation. I don't care that a portion of my stomach landed in the trash. If it keeps me from developing diabetes or having a stroke from high blood pressure.. all to the good. Sleeves ARE frequently revised. Partly because they CAN be. RNY are almost never revised, and it would be an especially rare case where it would actually be reversed. (It CAN happen, just almost never does). Regain can and does happen post RNY. I think that "malabsorption" component allows people to feel relatively safe in eating a smidge more than they need. Then after a couple years, the intestines adapt, and suddenly they begin gaining. The sleeve requires the patient learns good habits during the first year. Regain is always a threat, so they must learn new eating habits, right out of the gate. And lots of people just. don't. Initially, post surgery weight loss is combined physical and mental effort. After the honeymoon period ends, it becomes all mental, no matter which procedure you have.

Hello everyone! My surgery was August 25. There were no complications and I'm excited to be home. The big challenge for me so far has been burning and stinging on my abdominal skin. Tender to the touch and then it feels like it's on fire. Anyone else experience this? I'm finding getting up and down to be a huge challenge, as well as trying to turn over in bed. I'm always afraid my staples will come popping out of the incisions. I was given oxycodone 5 mg for at home, but during the stay I had gabapentin (neurontin) liquid. This stuff was great. I didn't even know I had nerve pain until my last dose of it wore off, and the oxycodone just does nothing for that pain. Hope everyone else is doing great. I weight 12 lbs more than I did before surgery. I've heard it will come off quick in next few days, but ick!!!!

Hello everyone, I had a very successful labband surgery in 2007 and I lost 100 lbs. Then suddenly, without any warnings or complications, my band slipped in August 2015 and I decided to have it removed. I was insured by Kaiser at the time, and their policy was I had to wait at least 6 months to have the gastric sleeve procedure done. Unfortunately, I had complications after the lap band removal and I had to have a 2 surgery to repair a small bowel obstruction about 5 days after the lab band removal. I was in the hospital 8 days after surgery #2 and had a very slow healing process as my wound could not be stiched up and had to heal from the inside out. After this unforseen ordeal, I did not want to have another surgery ever again in my lifetime! Also, I was working as an intern one a 1-year internship at the time and I could not take time off again to have another surgery. Fast forward to now and I have completed all of the pre-op requirements for the gastric sleeve surgery because, despite my efforts, I gained pretty much all of my weight back. In June 2017, my doctor wanted me to lose 10% of my total weight before I met with him again. We met on Aug. 22 and not only did I not lose any weight, I GAINED an additional 9 lbs.! Consequently, my doctor did not clear me for surgery and wants me to try to lose the weight again. I feel very defeated and broken. I know all of the right things to do and was a "gym rat" prior to my small bowerl obstruction surgery. I feel like a failure. I know I can do it because I'VE DONE IT, but my brain will not "kick in" for some reason. Thanks for "listening."

Well, I am officially going in to have my sleeve converted to a gastric bypass this Friday, September 1st. I am 5'5" and 150 pounds and never thought I'd be starting the Bariatric process over again after having the sleeve surgery three years ago, but here I am! For the past couple of years I have struggled with severe GERD, regularly throwing up both food and water which has made life really challenging. I am thankful that my surgery is happening because of complications and not regain (my biggest fear!), but I am admittedly overwhelmed and anxious about the possibility of further complications. Luckily I wholeheartedly trust my surgeon and team and am in good hands, but it is a daunting position to be in. I have taken comfort in these forums for years now, and am sure I'll be visiting more often as I recover. Thank you for being such a positive group of people and an extended internet family to all of us going through tough times. And good luck to everyone going through this process no matter what the reason. This isn't an easy path, but it is one that has given me some of the most joyful experiences in my life, and given me the confidence to welcome friends and partners to become involved in my journey in ways I didn't think were positive.

What kind of issues? Complications? They usually show up earlier. Regain? Definitely possible and in fact quite common.

I attended a seminar last week and have my consult with the doc on 9/28. I am pretty excited and terrified. Has anyone dealt with a lack of support from their spouse? My husband is uncommunicative and is against me having surgery. I think he is nervous something will happen because we know someone who had terrible complications. Any thoughts to help me get him on board?

Hi! I'm 5'7" and currently 240 pounds. I'm not sure what my goal weight is because I've never been under 200 pounds since around the age of 10. I'm thinking 160-170ish? I'd honestly be thrilled if I can get to onederland! I have PCOS. I had diabetes before my lap band, but that's resolved from weight loss. I was told recently that I also have hashimotos, but it must be incredibly minor because I'm not on any medication for it. I have occasional acid reflux, but not as bad as GERD. So... I'm kind of torn. I honestly should have had the RNY back in 2009 when I was 335 pounds, but I couldn't afford it. It was all I could do to pay for lap band (I didn't know much about medical tourism and it kinda scared me if I had any complications). Anyway, what do y'all think? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hope I did not offend you. Not my intention at all. In all of my research I read that complications with VSG are rare. My experience with RNY and my husband was just awful. We went to a center of excellence and he still had multiple complications. We did have different surgeons as well. My surgeon said that with VSG there are not prescription restrictions as with RNY (no nsaids), though my surgeon says nsaids are fine I read here that some with VSG are not allowed to take them. Also, vitamin malabsorbtion after RNY is a known issue, not so with VSG. I know that weight loss is usually higher with RNY so there are definitely benefits to both. Good advice to talk with your surgeon. I KNOW I am BIASED, due to experience. I know that some have a great experience with RNY - just not my husband. He did lose the weight, but it has been a long haul.

If you have a pre-existing condition of GERD (aka acid reflux) than you should seriously consider Gastric Bypass over VSG. Please discuss this fully with your surgeon next month as it is crucial for determining the right surgery for you. I also disagree with the previous poster's statement of "so many fewer complications and long term complications seem better." Not an accurate assessment of RNY versus VSG. Again, work with your surgeon on getting the facts for your situation. Good luck!

I had reflux before visa and did the sleeve with no problems at all. My hubby had rny 11 years ago he had reflux before and after. His recovery was awful with lots of complications. I am biased. Vsg wins hands down for me. So many fewer complications and long term consequences seem better- i.e., vitamin absorption and medication restrictions aren't a problem. That's my 2 cents. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 188 GW 135

i respectfully disagree. the risk of dying during surgery is the same at around 0.5%. making both very safe, "routine" procedures. so your "simpler operation" rings irrelevant to me. i guess it's relevant if your surgeon sucks or if you're doing it on the cheap in a Mexican alleyway, but that's another issue. risk of short-term complications? slightly higher with RNY, yes, but you have to consider relative risk. no complication goes over 5% (leak, stricture, etc). there's risk of leak with VSG too, it's a bit lower at 3%. now, if that 2% is enough for you to choose a less effective bariatric surgery? that's your choice. i guess i have a different calculus when it comes to those things. the long-term risks you cite are rare and the patient has to purposely disobey basic rules of common sense to trigger. like going back to eating way way too much. don't want ulcers? don't take NSAIDS. it's quite simple, if you reach for Tylenol instead of Advil, your risk of ulcers is negligible. but the average American is stupid as hell, so even simple directions like that are routinely ignored. Petersen hernia? most studies have this occurrence as low as 1%, and is virtually not an issue with an experienced surgeon who knows where to connect the roux anastomosis. now, you want to talk about life-altering long term risk? let's talk GERD. which i've seen studies range from 20-40% of VSG patients!!!!! this can range from merely annoying to life-crushing and needing revision to, yes, RNY. this message board is FILLED with these patients and my surgeon says about 20% of his operations are revisions from sleeve to RNY. now THAT is risk. and perhaps the biggest risk not talked about is that of permanence. to me, it's very RISKY to do the sleeve because your stomach is thrown in the trash bin and it is completely irreversible. the RNY is reversible. ergo, much much less risk. again, you mention the sleeve "doesn't alter the anatomy". first of all i don't understand this argument. what's wrong with altering anatomy if it makes your body perform better? by that logic, getting glasses to help you see is "altering your anatomy". getting a heart bypass if you have heart disease is "altering your anatomy". is this a God, intelligent design thing? i'm not going there. all i know is that cutting your stomach out (VSG) is very much altering your anatomy. much more than RNY which leaves it there to be a perfectly healthy functioning body part capable of getting back on the playing field if need be. another risk of the VSG? not reaching your goal weight. and isn't that why we're doing this? the fact is RNY results in 70-75% excess weight loss on average. and that average is brought down a lot by a huge sample population of people who are too dumb to behave after surgery. VSG is, with a smaller and more motivated sample set of patients, at best 60-65%. i guarantee you that as time goes on and more and more VSG patients are tracked, that number will go down even further.

Ill preface this by saying im getting a bypass (because I have serious GERD) but the sleeve is the better option for many if not most people. Its safer, less side effects/long term complications, less long term risks, its a much simpler operation, it doesnt change the anatomy, and it allows you to still consume alcohol and NSAIDS (yes one of these two is much more important than the other) And im an operating room nurse in a facility that does a ton of bariatric cases and unfortunately ive seen a few cases first hand of what can go wrong with a bypass years down the road, so I know how much more dangerous it is than a sleeve. I have NEVER seen a patient come back to the operating room with long term complications from a sleeve. But ive seen many patients come back with Petersens hernias, perforated ulcers, bowel obstructions from Gastric Bypasses. Some of these are life threatening and altering. Sure theyre both great operations which have their benefits and drawbacks, with situations where one is clearly superior to the other. But if one of them was the "winner" I would certainly say it was the sleeve.