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I had my surgery Monday and went home Wednesday. I feel great, so far no complications. I wasn't even having any pain the past few days until I kind of overdid it yesterday. I am trying to take it easier today & remember that I just got out of surgery I hope everyone else is doing well!

I was going to lose my secondary, which was caresource, and the financial people at cleveland told me to use anthem that they cover it. I just have Medicare and regular Medicaid and mine was 100% covered. Also Cleveland clinic bought into Akron General, however they don't own Akron General, they basically have management say and that's it. So really research your doctor. You see I live in Barberton and the Dr at Akron requires and addition 3500 after the insurances paid. That's above and beyond what the insurance will pay she said and it's for fees. I was thinking I don't think so, it's also in writing. So it's been 3 years since I looked at Akron. I decided to go by Dr ratings and complication rates, and decided in March of 2017 to go with Cleveland Clinic Main campus. Remember just because the they have Cleveland clinic in their name dosent mean they have the same drs from main campus. My Dr is the director of the metabolic institute at cleveland and none of his staff travels to Akron. So really really do your homework as that can make a difference with coverage for you as well as it is imperative for your health.

I have a sleeve gastrectomy consult scheduled with Dr.Shillingford in 2 weeks. Google reviews and Facebook has him close to 5 stars, which makes makes me a little suspicious, but otherwise his staff has been extremely pleasant to communicate with. He is a member of the American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and according to his website has performed > 4000 surgeries, but I worry about it being a "conveyor belt" type of experience, if that makes sense. Also, the only other doctor I have considered going to is Dr.Wizman in Margate because he offers BLIS Complication Protection. I am a local and do not have to travel far for either surgeon, but wanted to post on this forum to see if anyone consulted both surgeons and what was your deciding factor regarding choosing your surgeon. Also, I am self-pay.

Well. I was sleeved on 8/21 and have been at home for two days now. I was unlucky enough to have to leave the hospital with a Foley catheter in place. Fortunately, I was able to have that removed yesterday and that was a great relief. That complication caused me substantial added stress post-op and heading home. That did interrupt my walking a bit, so I have not done that quite as much as I would have liked, but I am starting that up again now. My incision pain is manageable even though I am mostly off narcotics. However, my stomach continues to feel like it is doing flips and I have uncomfortable bloating and gas in my belly. I am talking the gas pills they have given me which I suppose are helping ... but it is still very tough. I don't feel great because of that and the energy level is low. I can tolerate the protein shakes less and less but do seem to do well with broth (with added protein powder) and tea. I can't say I am hungry per se, but I started craving tuna salad today for some reason. I would love a tuna salad sandwich. Go figure ... the oddest things. But I will be sure to start my puree diet with tuna salad and some mayo (assuming the mayo is allowed to moisten it up for the puree part). I don't have any regrets, but this first week has been hard on me on lots of ways. But we need to hang in there together, because I know by reading many other post-op posts that it quickly gets better,

Kat410 gave excellent feedback, so I'm just echoing what she's written. I think it's reasonable to be optimistic that you'll have recuperated sufficiently within a couple of weeks to travel, but you should definitely plan very carefully and meticulously. You also will have to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the frequent food temptations you'll face and be determined to have a strong will. It's important to diligently follow the dietary restrictions during that first month out to protect your health. Even small deviations from it can be problematic, so you'll have to be willing to stay the course even as everyone else on your vacation is indulging in more treats and meals out than typical. It's also a time when your stomach is still adapting and might be unpredictable, so you'll want to have access to a decent bathroom everywhere you go. I never had any extreme complications, but I had some stomach issues, plus the surgery caused my hormones to go out of whack and I had a brutally intense period two weeks early. I hadn't been prepared for it. I personally would have struggled on a vacation like that so soon out. For one, I kept having the VSG entirely private with the exception of my husband and parents, but on such a trip that wouldn't have been as feasible because everyone on it would understandably be puzzled as to why I couldn't eat solid foods. You'd have to make plans for all your meals, which could impact them. If your family and the one you're traveling with is going to be aware of your surgery, how crucial it is you follow post-op dietary restrictions, and fully supportive of you, then you'll be in a far better position for success. After the two-month mark I was traveling fairly often, including a trip to Australia in December (I'd had surgery in August) and it all went beautifully, but it was easier when I was no longer on a liquid or soft food diet, and my stomach and hormones had calmed down. So really consider your own level of willpower and how much cooperation and understanding you'll receive from your kids and the other family before booking. If you think you might be tempted to eat something "forbidden" during that time, then you might want to consider having the surgery after the holidays.

Of the WLS procedures, the DS is certainly the best in addressing bile reflux - it's almost impossible (never say never...) for it to occur due to the geometry, With the small intestine being split at the duodenum in the DS, keeping the bile and pancreatic enzymes separate from the food flow until they get down several feet to the common channel (and for reflux to occur, things would have to flow another several feet back upstream,) it's a near a certainty to eliminate bile reflux as one can get. Contrast with the RNY geometry where the stomach access is moved downstream of the bile ducts, and the pyloric valve is eliminated from the food flow, and bile reflux is more likely with that procedure. Bile reflux is a relatively common problem with gastric cancer patients who undergo an RNY like procedure to eliminate the cancerous stomach or portion thereof. Surgical technique can reduce but not eliminate the chances of it occurring with that procedure. The DS is a more technically challenging procedure than the other common WLS procedures, so that does put a premium on the surgeon's experience with it (not just experience in general, however - one should try to find a surgeon who has several hundred of them under his belt.) The DS world is a relatively small one as a result of not many surgeons developing and maintaining the skills to tackle it routinely, but amongst that well experienced cadre of surgeons, complication rates don't seem to be abnormally high relative to the more common WLS procedures. Many do have to travel to have a DS performed, and as a result most of the DS surgeons are set up to handle travelers. When my wife had her DS 12+ years ago, the main lower cost self pay alternatives to the US doctors was Dr. Baltasar in Spain and another doc in Brazil. both of whom are now probably retired. We ultimately stayed in the US but still traveled about six hours for her DS. DSfacts.com has some good information on the DS, and a rather incomplete listing of surgeons who perform it. There is one listed in London, though I don;t know anything about him - the DS world is a fairly small one so one becomes familiar with most of the major players. Another potentially complicating factor is if you are revising from an earlier WLS to the DS. A sleeve gastrectomy or lapband is a fairly straightforward revsion, little different than a basic, virgin DS, but a revision from an RNY is a more complicated revision that limits the list of qualified surgeons further. Good luck in your quest, and ask away with any more questions. There are also a couple other DS forums on other sites that can also offer some help if you haven't found those yet.

Hi everyone. I had my gallbladder out three years ago and since have been suffering with bile reflux. It's gradually gotten worse over the course of the three years. My life has almost come to a standstill due to the nausea, breathing problems, anxiety and general discomfort this condition brings. I'm looking into having the DS surgery as I understand it would fix the problem. I'm in the UK so the surgery would be self funded. I am trying to find more info from real people who have been through the surgery and hear of their positive and negative experiences post op. If you can please give me some advice, I'd be grateful. My surgeon has said this surgery is complicated, has a lot that can go wrong, and has recommended I just live with my existing condition....not an option for me. I may as well kill myself as I have no life now. Thank you

From what I understand, bypass is the gold standard for bariatric surgery. To name a few; Gastric bypass patients lose between 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight in the first year. Gastric sleeve patients lose between 50 to 70 percent of excess body weight in two years. Bypassing the intestines produces a malabsorptive aspect (less time for your body to absorb calories since your intestinal tract is shorter) that effectively reduces calorie consumption. Gastric bypass surgery has been around longer. Its results and complications have been studied and its benefits proven. Gastric bypass is more complicated, has a slightly higher overall risk profile but it does produce more weight loss. I appreciate your posts, but seriously I will setup a consult with my surgeon to determine what is best for me. Just thought I would get a head start and receive feedback from individuals who may have decided to a bypass vs. a sleeve is all. -Thanks-

It is normal, it's something new and that can be scary. I had LapBand in 2009 and I can tell you that you have every reason to expect the surgery will go fine. They are really good at this by now and complications are extremely unlikely. But the best part is, life gets so much better. I lost 110% of of my excess weight with the band and it felt wonderful to be a person of "normal" size. After I had it done, new people I met could not believe I was formally obese. My band recently failed, and I feel the weight creeping back up again. Now I am getting the sleeve to get back to that amazing feeling of "normal size" again.

I also have an intense desk job. I took 2 weeks off work (surgery was on a Monday) and worked from home the 3rd week. I did not tell my manager, peers, or direct reports what kind of surgery I was having. I had zero complications.

@zleng, my own surgery is the day after yours. It is scary and thinking about possible complications adds to the anxiety. Remember that the complications are unlikely to occur and that it is much more likely that your surgery will be textbook and go smoothly. Stay positive about it.

Surgery on 9/5. On Pre-op diet since 8/8 (4 shakes + 1 small low fat&carb, high protein&fiber dinner). I already lost almost 20 pounds since I started the pre-op diet . From 271 to 252 ! Today i went to my last appointment with the surgeon. We went again through the procedure and through the possible acute and chronic complications. He clarified that there is the possibility that he will need to open the abdomen if he can't lift the liver to reach the stomach. I am very very scared.

08/24/17 Good Afternoon, I'm having a panic attack over my surgery. I just found out that I have to check in at 6 am in San Francisco which means we have to leave here by 4:40 am. My husband will drive me down but he won't stay with me because he hates hospitals. His first wife diet from heart complications in 2006 and he just can;t be in hospitals for long now. So, I will be alone before my surgery which has got me upset. I will be in the hospital for 3 days with no one to come see me because I am so far away. No one can drive down to see me because all my friends and my brother are working. I'am just feeling lost today and I have no where else I can express my feelings. Thanks for letting me vent.

Just my two cents because I'm in the same boat. Statistically Gerd will get worse with a sleeve, obviously it's no sure thing but the numbers don't lie. If you had an esophageal ulcer I think its more likely they recommend bypass. I've had endoscopy in the past by regular GI guys and never had a Hiatal hernia. Had one by my future bariatric surgeon and he found a 3 cm paraesophagael. He says GI guys usually miss them because they don't fix them so they don't know what to look for. Regardless I ultimately decided to get a bypass because I don't want to worry about reflux the rest of my life. It's more complicated and riskier than the sleeve but it does offer better weight loss and will cure my GERD. I'm certainly a little scared because I've seen first hand what happens when there's complications but I know it's the best thing for my health

I'm 14 days out, and my incisions were closed with glue and internal clear stitches. The glue started coming off about 7 days out. Two incisions are totally healed, with all glue gone. One of them, was mostly good, but had a tiny glob of glue that remained and got caught and came off. Immediately I noticed there was a hole. It's like the glue was a plug, and now I have a nice little healed hole, with a red muscle looking bottom. It looks similar to a piercing hole. It's dry, not painful or anything. I sent the surgeon a pic, and he said to keep it covered and let him know if it turns red. I'm almost positive this is *not* a case of the wound opening back up. So, what will happen to this hole? Heal from the inside? It's not bothering me, but it's just weird and he didn't tell me how long it should take to heal, or what I can expect to happen. Ideas? (not really a complication, but I didn't know where else to put it) Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm glad that there are no complications. I guess just patience and time. Before you know it, you'll feel good as new!

LOL after all the research I've done this is definitely not the easy way out. But ppl think that the surgery is magic and u just lose weight without any work. We still have to eat right and exercise bc the weight can all come back plus more. While going through complications, pain, etc from having a surgical procedure. This is definitely a lifestyle change. And Im almost certain everyone who decides to have this procedure done isnt just doing it for cosmetic reasons, its because their health is at stake and theyre over it. Of course we all wanna look good who doesnt? But health is first. And easy way out? Nothing about this has been easy, not even the approval process!

That is the plan. I've had my band unfilled for about 2 months so hopefully as long as there are no hidden complications they can do both at once.

Of course, but it was my impression that the surgeon was blowing the patient off. Since the OP is still concerned enough to get onto an internet chat room to inquire, obviously the question was not answered satisfactorily by the surgeon, so a second doctor can take a look and order tests if deemed necessary. From what I've seen on the boards, it is somewhat unusual to still be experiencing significant pain 4 weeks post op..especially pain enough to hinder sleep. A common complaint for up to 2-3 months is the occasional pinching sensation that comes from the stitch in the muscle.. but to describe it as "extreme" is a red flag. There are several kinds of complications that can happen that might need treatment, so even though the OP probably doesn't have those problems, it's always good to rule them out.

I felt that way too. I had the foamy saliva and burps. I had a lot of difficulty swallowing, super tired all the time. I was worried that I rushed into to. I had three months of nutrition classes but I too wasn't fully prepared for what was going to happen to me. I had a prior medical relationship with my surgeon for another issue and great insurance, so my wait time was right at 3 months prior to surgery. I had a few complications that only added to my anxiety. But today marks month 4 post op and I can honestly say it does get better. The foaminess is gone and I am feeling better every day. Give yourself more time Lmichelle310. You're at the very beginning and we all react differently. You'll be fine. You're body has had a major alteration and it takes it some time to re-adjust. At the 3 month mark you should really feel the difference and you'll look back at this as worth it. Also, don't spend much time comparing your symptoms or weight loss to other people on this site. I know you see it all the time, but we really do react differently and you can't assume you are having a problem just because other people seem to be doing better or have less problems. You're body will come around when it's good and ready. You can do this! You'll be fine!!

I'm going to disagree, respectfully. I'm eating 1200 cal per day, In the gym busting butt for an hour a day 6days a week, plus walking a lunchtime mile everyday at work. On the weekend, I'm hiking with my family and generally active. I achieve 12,000 to 24,000 steps a day. My calorie burn is 2900 - 3500 everyday. I have lost 4lbs since July 23. Something more complicated than "basic math" is at play here.

I'm weirdly excited to have someone else to talk to about this too! I had my sleeve with no complications back in 2013. At the time, I was morbidly obese and had a new dx of high blood pressure, but was otherwise healthy and had no health issues to speak of. The sleeve recovery was fine and I lost about 150lbs. Then... I got pregnant. Pregnancy was good, baby and I were healthy, my son was born and life was great. Except that I had allowed about 50lbs to creep back on. So last spring/summer, I decided to kick start my weight loss and went on a keto diet. Shortly after, I started having symptoms of achalasia, which I didn't know what it was at the time, and just attributed my indigestion and vomiting to eating too dense of protein too often with my sleeve. I wasn't seeing my bariatric doc anymore due to insurance changes and just thought I needed to be more careful about what I was eating. In January, I experienced sudden onset of chest pain on my right side, that was so intense I would've thought I was having a heart attack if it were happening on the left side of my chest. I went to the ER, was checked for a pulmonary embolism (which it wasn't) and had a CT of my chest. I had empyema and pneumonia. I was admitted, the next day I had 2 liters aspirated from my lung, and it wasn't enough. I had to have surgery (thoracotomy), and during that surgery I aspirated. I ended up being put on a ventilator, sedated until they could stabilize me and operate again. I had my second surgery which was successful, but left me in so much pain! After that, I ended up with sepsis in my blood, my kidneys failed and I needed dialysis - all while I was too drugged up to know what was happening. I was referred to a university hospital in Chicago by the GI that saw me in the hospital. I had all the testing and confirmed I had achalasia - which now that I know what it is and have read up on it, I realize that my symptoms were all pretty spot on for this condition. My new bariatric surgeon says that the sleeve will cause reflux if he does the myotomy without converting to bypass, so that's what we're doing. I totally understand what you mean that some days are better than others. There are days I can eat just about anything with no problem, if I try to eat the same things the next day, it's a disaster and I'm miserable all day. Unfortunately, the easiest thing to get down most days are CARBS. If I continue to have swallowing problems after the myotomy/bypass, I have no idea what I'll eat! I also have problems with protein shakes, water, yogurt... stuff you would *think* goes down easily, doesn't. I'm quite nervous about what comes after this and why I developed this in the first place. Knowing that it's an auto-immune disease has me worried I may develop others, as you did. I'm sorry for us both suffering from this awful condition! Losing 50lbs in 4 months is fantastic, especially given the disadvantage of eating problems. I hope for similar results - I figure if getting this condition is what prompted me to do something about the remaining weight that I never lost with my sleeve, then it's not all bad. If you have any links of resources for this condition, please share. I've done my own research, but then I see other people referencing having "atypical achalasia" or "type 2 achalasia" and I have no idea what that means!

I mean theres usually a clear cut better choice. If you have diabetes, are severely obese (I mean super high BMI like 55-60s) , or have GERD the bypass is "probably" the better choice. For people with lower BMIs without GERD I would definitely want a sleeve. The bypass is the more complicated surgery with more risks, but there are times when its more appropriate. If a surgeon recommends something I would heed their words carefully

Hi all. Im just starting on the road to WLS for the 2nd time (I chickened out 5 years ago, and now I'm 20 pounds heavier...gahhh). I'm single and live alone. My nearest family is close, just 10 miles away. And I have a few close friends. But I'm independent to a fault. I'm wondering how well other single people have managed post-surgery? Assuming no major complications, should I mostly be ok on my own? i do have an elderly cat who may require more care than I can give initially, so I am a little worried about him. Any advice and/or lessons-learned would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

1 week post op as of today! Feeling pretty good overall and really not in any pain, except for sneezing and coughing. Incisions look like they're doing pretty good, I check them twice a day (morning and night). No signs of other complications so far. I personally have to do liquids for two weeks post op before going to puree. I am having some difficulty getting enough hydration and food, getting bored of what I can eat really easily. On the giant plus side: down 10 pounds from surgery and I've lost several inches from different parts of my body. Looking forward to next week when I can have things like pudding and cheese. Hope everyone else is recovering well and has excellent success on the road ahead!