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I can't offer much, I'm only 10 days post op but originally that is what I wanted. After research I decided against the band due to complications, always getting fills, and having a foreign object. The first doctor I went to was opposite as yours. I wanted sleeve by that point he suggested band but was willing, I found a new surgeon as the only reason was band was that surgeon's specialty. I researched alot on here and after my initial thoughts band was never an option. Keep reading and be sure to ask the people who had band to sleeve revision Also to had there are success stories with the band for me though sleeve was the better option.

Lindstrom Obesity Advocates. I was going to use them and spoke with Kelley, who was super nice and helpful. I found their rates super reasonable too. And when I emailed her to let her know I didn't need their services because I was (surprisingly) approved, she was very excited for me...which isn't what I would expect from someone who is losing my business, ya know? I don't know your specifics, but you can ask Kelley what sort of approval rate they have for your specific situation. For mine, it was 85-90%...I thought that would be worth it. For me, I can't go out country, because none of my potential complications or follow up care would be covered under my insurance. I know people self pay out of country and even in country and have no insurance to fall back on, but that wasn't a risk I was willing to take.

I have been treated for depression for several years now and there are times when you really feel dreadful. After the surgery we put up the meds for a few weeks. The surgeon said its quite common after surgery to have a spike in depression due to hormones and body trauma. I am 3 months out now and I have had a few bad days due to some complications more than anything. I'm OK now seeing a psychologist as part of my plan and reduced meds back now. Even though you probably feel like crap it will pass and is treatable. As the weight comes off there will be more positives to celebrate! Take care x Sent from my CPH1607 using BariatricPal mobile app

As I'm getting prepared for surgery date, I would like to ask, what are your thoughts about flying right after surgery? Does it scare you? anyone with complications? Or is it really something not to worry about it too much, like a breeze. Thanks for the feedback.

1 night. I was so happy to go home because I could not rest in the hospital. It felt so good to sleep in my own bed. I had zero complications.

So I guess this works as double duty - an introduction and a (kinda) question. I am a Registered Nurse...a very fat nurse! And I've been that was (fat, not a nurse ) for almost 13 years. I've done diet after diet. Acupuncture, moxibustion, hypnosis. HCG to the point I got gallstones. And each year, my weight just keeps climbing. I'm ashamed to say that the only significant weight loss I had was after I had met the love of my life, and then lost him...(but later found him...and my lost weight, grrrr!). I have stereotypical PCOS and Metabolic Syndrome (hello, black hairs on chin - I grow an impressive beard!), so that has exacerbated my weight issues. I started seriously looking into bariatric surgery 6 years ago, but didn't like the available choices of RNY, DS and then LapBand. Over the intervening years, I decided to try to get a LapBand anyways. I had one of those insurance companies that required a 6 month supervised diet, consults, etc...I jumped through all the hoops, found a surgeon I liked...and then he quit! Left private practice to accept a teaching fellowship. I was very bummed. So I figured this was my clue to try dieting again. So I went back to more failed, frustrating dieting. About this time, I was diagnosed with diabetes, which complicated matters even more. After nearly a year, I decided to go the LapBand route (again!). All my previous tests had expired, so I had to do the 6 months supervised diet and consults again...then got turned down by insurance due to an exclusion...the appealed and won!...set a surgery date and then got very, very ill. The chest xray that was done the week before my surgery showed a shadow in my lungs, so I had to see pulmonary, etc. Turned out to be nothing, but by then my precious "vacation" days from work were wasted and I had to go back. I felt ashamed and defeated, and just gave up on trying to lose weight altogether. Here it is, 2012, and I can now add hypertension, high cholesterol and tryglycerides and hypothyroid to my medical litany. And finally in January, I said....enough is enough. I'm going to make this happen! I'm 5'8, 310lbs....what would I advise a patient to do in my situation? So I called my insurance and found out that they do not cover bariatric surgery for any reason. ANY. I'm trying to not make any rough comments here, but it's terrible that I am an RN, I devote my life to the health of others, and my company has specifically excluded dietician visits for weight loss, weight loss plans and bariatrics....wtf?? But I digress. After realizing that I would get no help from insurance, deciding to self-pay was the least difficult choice. My darling husband (the aforementioned lost love who was later found ) had a RNY over 2 years ago with wonderful results, and has been very supportive. I've spent the last month researching my options, and have decided that Dr Aceves is worth my time and money. His track record and reviews have convinced me that Dr Aceves is the best choice for my new sleeve and new life. And here is where I come to the crossroads. My family is totally unsupportive of bariatrics in general, and Mexico as a whole, so I will not be telling them. The can comment ad-nauseum. I'm still pondering what to tell work - I work in a very tight-knit facility with only a handful of nurses, and my role is such that my absence for even 10 days will be sorely missed (when I fractured my foot in December and I was gone for 2 days, it was mass chaos!). I really, really don't want to tell my boss WHY I need a week and a half off, so I'm trying to figure out how to be creative. The problem I was NOT anticipating, was needing to find a new primary care physician. When I told my MD what my plans were, she began to tell me how I just needed some willpower, and that she could not support me going to some "back alley hack" in Mexico. She then implied that she would refuse to assist with my follow through care, and that if I did indeed go to Dr Aceves for a sleeve, I would need to find a new PCP. So I'm stuck on these two things - work and finding a PCP who will be ok with my having weight loss surgery out of country. Argh. I have not set a date for surgery yet...I keep thinking I need to try to get time off first and then try to make a date, but what if one's not open....? I can't afford to lose my job, too many bills! But I need to regain my health. Getting through every day at work is like running the gauntlet, in more ways than one. Anyways, sorry to ramble. I just want to add what an inspiration it has been to follow along with everyone's progress with their sleeves - I've been reading this forum for quite a while! Thank you so much for your help on my own journey -Asche, The Crazy Cat Lady

@@fancypants11578 It's all scary - but remember the goal! It's more likely to die from obesity than from surgery! Follow your surgeon's pre-op and post-op instructions and we give ourselves a better chance for no complications! Congrats on the approval!!! I'm scheduled for October 18th and very anxious too! I know this is what I need! Stay strong!

Honestly @@Pea523, my husband had it 9 years ago, and he's done really well. No complications whatsoever, and has pretty much kept the weight off. He actually wanted me to get the RNY, but I'm not the best vitamin taker, and that is something you MUST do with the byoass. Like I said, I'm basically happy with my decision for the sleeve, and the GERD has subsided some.

A purposeful deviation from you were anticipating, with out without complications, is something that can be taken up with the doctors malpractice insurance. A doctor altering your procedure to unwittingly put you in a study program is unethical, I am willing to guess, not in the bounds of the laws of your state, which makes ANY contract or agreement void.Encourage her to check with a lawyer - and ask for compensation directly relative to anything he or his hospital is getting in regards to the study. In my opinion if he is getting a paper or article publishes - accolades, basically - she should be compensated for a part of her surgery, since he profited.

My surgeon only required 2 days liquid only diet before surgery. I had surgery 1/6 and have lost 17 pounds since. Everything went great. No complications. I was 217 at my pre op and I'm only 5ft 1" so I was just at 40 bmi. My surgeon did not give me a number I had to be at for surgery.

I would not be too concerned about losing too much weight. Unless you have extremely rare and serious complications, it is infuriatingly easy to eat more than enough calories to maintain. For most people, avoiding regain is the biggest concern in the long term. I’m about 3.5 years out and I have to be super careful to track my calories and work out every day. If I weren’t careful to eat low-calorie foods, I could easily gain back a lot of weight. The effects of the restriction wear off over time and I can eat much larger portions than I could, say, 1 year out. Not nearly as much as I could eat pre-surgery (I was a bottomless pit!) but if I were still eating the same high-calorie foods, I would be in trouble. The only reason I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss so far is because I completely changed the way I eat. Going through the post-op diet progression forced me to reset my diet, relearn how to eat. Now that my restriction has weakened and I can’t rely on my stomach to limit my portion sizes, I have to fill my stomach with low-calorie foods. In some ways it’s easier than before surgery because I’ve retrained my palate and developed good habits, but it is definitely still a struggle every day.

Hey there- The band isn't magic it's a tool you have to use. Restriction will come. Does your doctor do ALL fills under fluro? I recall when I had a complete unfill due to a complication... I had to be headstrong. I worked out, I ate like I still had restriction (meaning I stopped when I knew I was supposed too). It wasn't easy. Nothing about losing weight is easy & simple. You have to WANT it bad enough. You have to make other modifications in your life besides just having the band and think it's all going to fall off without hard work. Because for alot of us, it doesn't work that way. Good luck

OK...Bariatric Centers of Excellence are an American thing.....because they are accredited by two American organizations, one of which is the American Society of Metabolic Surgeons...the other is the Surgical Review Corporation. To qualify, hospitals have to do 140 bariatric procedures per year, and staff has to have extra training in bariatric surgery complications, sensitivity training for bariatric patients, nutrition and post op care, and safely moving bariatric patients. Their accreditation signifies a level of excellence in the field of bariatric medicine. There are currently 778 Bariatric Centers of Excellence in the US.

WLS is elective surgery, and all surgeries carry risks. But, not taking any action will eventually take its toll on your health as well. You can find horror stories for any kind of WLS, and you can bet the folks who have had problems will be the most vocal. Also, gastric banding techniques, and the bands themselves, have evolved over time. Would you want to compare surgical complications for gall bladder or appendix removal between 2014 and back say, to 1940? A lot of band detractors base their opinions on outdated, archaic surgical data. In my humble opinion, the best decision you can make is to choose a WLS surgeon that is part of a circle of excellence. The lap band requires follow up care; and you want to be confident that you will have the needed support for years to come. If you do have problems, you want to be sure your surgeon and his practice will be there for YOU for years to come, to resolve any problems quickly and professionally. Also, as a lap band patient, you will have to do the required follow up visits. I have a gastric band, but I went into the surgery with my eyes open, and knew the risks. I had the band on the recommendation of my surgeon. I am satisfied with my results and my decision. I hope you will do well with whatever path you take.

I wouldn't. I live in Canada and our healthcare system pays for this treatment for obesity. Also, the news here are quick to point out the people who have come back with complications. Now, our healthcare system does pay... but I had to wait 2 years. It's a first come first serve system. Waiting can be anywhere from 6 months to 7 years + depending on where you live in our country.

Certainly understand! One thing I would like to add is that it is NORMAL and GOOD to have these worries and concerns. They are healthy because they motivate us to make the good decisions before surgery. Ultimately the worst thing that happens is the surgery is delayed a bit. And while that is emotionally hard, it is best so that you have the greatest chance at success without complications that you reaaaalllllllyyyy don't want. Being prepared is key. You are on the right track. I wish I could send a magic wand to prepare everyone for the roller coaster they will encounter (some are small coasters and some more challenging) but like you said, before you know it you will be on the other side and headed to a healthy life! Congrats on your decision! Keep us posted!!

Unfortunately I still don't have good news to report! I am so aggravated- I controlled myself and waited to contact Cigna to see if they had finished their review and they told me that my surgery has been denied because they haven't recvd the paperwork showing I have had 6 months of a physician supervised diet nor did they recv a letter of neccessity from a dr other than the surgeon. WTH! What in the world is my case worker even doing? I have tried getting a hold of her since Friday, left a message a few times and she hasnt even called me back? I'm so infuriated, after all the work I've done to get to this point and due to the incompetence of my case worker I'm sitting here on pins and needles just waiting. I tend to be a perfectionist in alot of matters and I have a complete intolerance to people who don't do what they are supposed to do. I wanted know complications with the paperwork so I reviewed Cigna's requirements numerous times to make sure that I completed every single thing that is required and because the case worker did not send it I'm sitting here with another 2 weeks wasted waiting! Does any one know If I can send documentation directly to the insurance company or am I totally dependent upon my surgeons office making sure they get everything sent in?

I chose the sleeve because the band is no longer being performed on military bases due to the high rate of complications. Bypass was an option, but the malabsorption caused me concern.

I am getting sleeved on the 21st of April. I am self pay in mexico. I have kaiser insurance but don't qualify for the sleeve. Does anyone know if I get home and have complications are they likely to cover it? What about follow up visits with my regular US doc. I am afraid to call and ask because I don't want them to know if they don't have too. thanks stacey

I was sleeved on 2nd of June at Oasis of Health /Florence Hospital went there through Medicaltourismco , Dr Mario Camelo was my Surgion ,I would Highly recommend him he is Excellent with his team my incisions have all healed no complications .

In a nutshell there are 3 main types - gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, and lap band. With the bypass you get a small pouch. Think of it as a bit of rerouting in how your body processes food. With the sleeve they remove around 90% of your stomach. With the band it puts a restriction around an area of your stomach mimicking having a smaller stomach in a sense. There are pros/cons with each one. While you will lose weight with any of them some forms cause greater weight loss, or at least quicker loss. It's a lot to list out but read through some of the FAQ threads in the forums, and there is a wealth of information online summarizing the main differences. I was set on the lap band originally, but after hearing how oftentimes they would have to go back in to adjust it or remove it due to complications I passed on that idea. The sleeve seemed like it would have a quicker recovery time and didn't really change how the body would absorb food. While the weight may not come off as quickly compared to the bypass that was a trade off I was willing to make. Definitely take your time, talk to your doctor, and do lots of research.

I had band to sleeve surgery in November. I had my band placed in 2005 and had nothing but problems. But the Dr. deflated the band about a month preop and did the removal and sleeve in the same surgery. It was a difficult surgery for me due to scar tissue from the band and from a previous open spleenectomy from years ago. I don't know about your insurance requirements but mine was horrible. They approved the surgery and after the fact told me there was a 25,000 cap per lifetime for bariatric care. I had a four day stay in the hospital due to complications which resulted in a 100,000 bill~ that I'm responsible for....

I choose the Lap Band because of all the positive information I found on it. I love my band, I have been banded now since 3/31/09 I can not see my port nor can i barely feel it... I really think what the previous poster said refers more per persons body... and im a size 10/12 so thats pretty good. My port also has never hurt a lot of people complain of that... and i have had no complications, no PBing and i can eat what i want in moderation... It really is a personal decision.. i have heard the realize band is a newer band??? In my opinion they all do the same job so pick whatever:D

I understand the urge to eat off of plan, but please don't do that. Strawberries have seeds. Even if it was mush, those seeds can lodge in your staple line. The post-op stages are designed so that you can get in enough nutrition while you. are healing from major surgery. It may not be fun but it is for your benefit: to heal successfully without major complications. As my NUT reminded us, it is only temporary. We can do anything for a short time. Please have patience and follow your program and it will be over sooner than if you do something to cause complications. Just focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein and following your program. You can do it!

Hi everyone! I'm checking in, as this is day 5 still in the hospital. My swallow test/x-ray showed a complication, so I went back the OR yesterday for another upper endoscope. The result showed a stitch was causing a small kink in my sleeve. After this fix, I have turned the corner for recovery! I'm now able to keep clear liquids down, which is magical!! Shout out to my bariatric team, they are truly amazing! I'm probably going home today!!!![emoji258][emoji170] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app