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Aftercare would be mostly fills and possibly an unfill. But if you had any post op complications it would be nice to know your surgeon is close by. Occasionally, people have an infection at the port site after surgery, that would be an example of an aftercare need.

I was banded in April 2008. I lost close to 70 pounds with my band within the first year. I have some some complications (which I will go through on introducing myself) in the past two years. In a nutshell, my band has to come out due to port and esophogus issues. A few questions on Band to RNY Revision for those who have gone through it? 1. Were you able to do it in one surgery? 2. Did your insurance require any further 'pre-requisites' or did your band-pre work qualify? (I know all/most insurances will be different - just looking for examples) 3. What was the recovery like in regard to the band? 4. Was there a difference in the diet? 5. The Good and Bad of RNY for you? I have been reseraching as much as I can and have decided to have the RNY, but there isn't a lot of research out there on Band to RNY revisions. Thank you for your feedback!

For anyone who has Caresource in Ohio, here is their policy as it pertains to Bariatric Surgery as of July 2016: A. SUBJECT Obesity Surgery B. BACKGROUND Surgery for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, and gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure with significant risk of surgical and post-op complications that should be considered medically necessary only as a treatment alternative when a concerted effort a conventional and conservative management has failed for those who meet the policy criteria below. Prior authorization request for Morbid Obesity Surgery and supporting information must be submitted by the surgeon intending to perform the procedure. Further supporting information may be presented by the PCP or other practitioners, but unless the prior authorization request is submitted by the attending surgeon, the request will be administratively denied for lack of information. C. DEFINITIONS N/A D. POLICY I. The surgery should be considered medically necessary if ALL of the following conditions are met: A. The patient is at least 21 years of age. Members less than 19 years old will be considered only under extreme circumstances. B. The BMI (Body Mass Index) and associated conditions suggest surgery is the most prudent treatment: 1. BMI > 50 with or without associated co-morbidities and failed conservative weight loss attempts as per 3B 2. BMI 40-50 with 1 or more significant co-morbidities not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve 3. BMI 35-40 with 2 or more co-morbid conditions that are not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve: a. The co-morbid condition is either poorly controlled on appropriate medical therapy and would likely improve with weight reduction OR by virtue of family history and existing clinical conditions, the patient would remain high risk for short term co-morbid complications without the surgery Examples include Poorly controlled hypertension on multi-drug therapy Inadequately controlled diabetes despite high does insulin treatment and other therapeutic regimens Lipid disorder on maximum drug therapy and lifestyle modification without control C. Written clinical documentation and supporting information from the attending surgeon must include: 1. Letter of medical necessity 2. Evidence that there has been at least a 9 month documented physician supervised trial of diet and exercise within the last 24 months (adapted from NIH recommendations) 3. Summary of co-morbid conditions 4. A description of a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing and managing the patient in the pre-operative and peri-operative periods and through an extended post-operative period 5. Evidence the patient has been evaluated from a psychological standpoint within the past 6 months and which supports that the patient does not have an underlying psychiatric condition which would interfere with the success of the surgery and that the patient will withstand the rigors of the surgery and maintain long-term follow-up care. If the member is under psychiatric care, documentation from their current treating psychiatrist is also required 6. Supporting letter of medical necessity from the patient’s PCP, recommending the surgery and documenting that the patient has undergone medical evaluation to rule out other treatable causes of obesity D. Patients with a history of non-compliance with medical care and any psychiatric illnesses that may hinder compliance with the post-operative regimen are not suitable for surgery. -- Your surgeon may also require additional testing and clearances, but this is what Caresource requires. Hopefully this helps someone.

Crime happens in every city/country daily, trust me! I'm from the land where my people (Palestinians) fight and get killed each day. I now reside in Houston where there are so many cultures and ethnicities and depending where you go , the samethings are happening here that happen everywhere. Yes their maybe be horror stories but that's everywhere u go. My friend who had it done here in the US had complications and a leak when I who went to the best doctor (just my opinion, dont jump on me) who's done more surgeries than any doctor I know or researched, I know I can always go back to my doctor for follow up and blood work at no charge. Luckily , I'm not too far from where I went and would go back in a heart beat! I dislike when people say they've done research when they didn't! Don't judge others and what they choose. Yeah I could've went to Dallas four hours away instead of my doctor , five hours away but this was my decision. I had the opportunity to meet my doctor in person before surgery also, so before u jump on people, u do ur research. It took me 2 years to save my money and not one regret. Ignorance.

I'm so sorry about your complications. It sounds like pure misery and I hope that you'll have relief from all of this soon. Perhaps cross posting this over in the complications forum will help more people see it. You aren't alone in having complications and I hope that someone out there that has overcome them can give you some reassurance and hope that this will pass for you, too. Best of luck and do keep us updated. Every bit of info out there helps people researching or struggling with a similar situation. ~Cheri

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so greatful you brought this experiance to the forum. But I am so sad that this has happened to you. You have shed new light on other complications from VSG that we have not heard about. I hope everything turns out ok for you. Keep your faith and strenghth.

I had my TT (muscle repair, no lipo*) on 1/10/22. Recovery was what I expected pain wise but not time wise. For some crazy reason I thought I would bounce back in a couple of weeks - NOPE! The first week I needed help doing everything (except wiping my hiney - thank God). The drains were removed on day 8 which did not come quickly enough. I haven't had any major complications, just a minor (small hematoma) that resolved on its own. I'm still a bit tender but I can now sneeze/laugh/cough without my eyes tearing up. My scar is healing ahead of schedule (per surgeon). I tried silicone tape (week 3) but it made me itch so I just massage my scar with coconut oil daily but I do forget some days. I will be having scar revision in the future but that was always part of the plan. I have a high belly button and I also had a tattoo around my belly button. Not one of my smartest moves but what can I say, I was 20 something at the time. My surgeon does not make "T" incisions due to blood supply concerns. Also, since the entire tattoo could not be removed, I didn't want a totally distorted tattoo. So my scar at this time is higher than both he and I would prefer. The scar revision is an office procedure with local anesthesia so I didn't object. I chose to "stage" my lipo after my tummy tuck. I'm scheduled for lipo on 2/28/22. Why you may ask. I'm having multiple sites done (knees, inner thighs, saddle bags, and flanks). By doing it in "stages" the lipo of the flanks can be more "aggressive" than if I had it with the TT.

I would post this under lapband complications or postop. You will get more response there.

Going to the seminar on Saturday to get a feel for Dr. Oldham. I have heard some pretty good things about the Bluegrass Group in Etown, I just hope it holds true. I am looking to ask quite a few questions, but looking for more ideas on what to ask and what to look for... ?!?? My questions so far: - how many sleeves have you done? - what is your complication rate? leak rate? - do you use stitches over the staple line? - will you be providing my post op care as well? Anything else? Thanks!

I had my sleeve surgery done by Dr. Alanis on 6/20/11. I have been pleased without any complications. I have lost 45 lbs so far. I think he is a wonderful doctor. I had it at West Houston Medical Center and they have very caring bariatric staff there. Many of the women have had the surgery. You will be fine and up and moving before you know it.

I don't remember where I read it, but I read somewhere that the complication rates are less than 1% of all surgeries done. I have two children, 12 & almost 8 years old. I'm self-pay and I think that's what really scares me about complications is the bill if I had any because my cost doesn't include complications. My mom and both my in-laws have died in the past 7 years at fairly young ages. I'm doing this to try to be here for my kids as long as possible. I have put my trust in God that all will be well. However, that being said - if I could lose weight another way, then I would. My BMI is currently 42.5. I've tried many, many, many diets and programs in the past 12 years and have never lost more than 20 lbs before quitting because of cost and/or because of my underlying food addiction. However, if I could stick to losing weight on my own, then I would do it and I would find a way to deal with things and keep it off to avoid major surgery. I know this is the right decision for me because I have researched and prayed and put my trust in God. However, I know it's not the best decision for everyone. Here is one link about complication rates based on studies in 2009. The numbers might be different now since it's been a few years. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/gastric-sleeve-surgery.html#Complications

jani- what were your complications? why are you so thirsty?

So I met with surgeon today for last appointment prior to insurance submission. I asked all my questions and we had a good discussion. He said of all the complications the real “thorn in their side” was ulcers. Even as an entire practice rate of ulcers is about 15-20% lifetime. And lifetime use of PPI or at least 4-5 years dropping to the lesser Pepcid etc type drugs forever. I am astonished by this!!! Is this true? Is there a reason it’s so high? I mean my mother in law had open RNY about 25 years ago and is not a model patient. She eats ibuprofen etc like crazy, tons of soda and the like and never an ulcer. Any opinions, suggestions on diet or anything to prevent? I’m not a smoker or alcohol user now but even without that’s the rate. Or, like doc said it is a surgery that creates ulcers based on plumbing. This has me really second guessing even more

Crystal, best wishes for you as you begin your new lifestyle. Sounds like you got to the hospital just in time. So scary. I am the same as you, I didn't really get some real good restriction from my last fill until 3 weeks after my fill. I thought I had good restriction, but after 3 weeks, the real restriction kicked in. I am not too tight, but I finally feel the band working. Your experience will remind us all, being too tight is not good and can cause some serious complications. Thanks for sharing your story.

I did. 7/1/11. the surgery went very well and there were no complications, still none. it does not look like a typical hospital (more like a strip mall). It is basic but clean and likely has a lot fewer super-bugs than you would find in a multi-service hospital. for recovery, you will likely be in a house with roommates. I liked the company...not like any of us were perky, but there were people to walk with (you will be walking a lot, to get rid of the post op gas). and there was terrific clear soup and popsicles on the second post op day . the only thing that I would suggest you consider is to have a post op md or nurse lined up in the us. first of all, it is important to have someone to call if there is an emergency. also, unless you are very personally un-squeamish, you might need help taking out the post op sutures. I ended up doing it myself, because no doctor or nurse here would do it for me. Also, you might want to consider having the folks in Mexico send you a list of the post op meds you will need and then seeing if there is a way to get these in the US. I did not have any problems with this, but on another (terrible, horrible and awful) trip to Mexico for dental work, the anti-biotics they gave me were not effective... I found out that the ones you get there may not always be top quality. One final thing, remember to follow all pre-op instuctions. If you can get on a liquid diet now, you will reduce your risk in surgery, heal quicker and feel a LOT better than you will if you dont. most of all, don't worry ...congratulations on making a good start toward feeling better about yourself and your health

@ You make the decision that you can live with. I originally thought I was having RNY and my surgeon said sleeve, he said it's just as good as the RNY without the malnutrition I would have to live with and less complications. So see Surgeons all think different so you make your own choice.

hi Rachel, I'm glad you have decided to make a life change early in your life. I am a 57 year old nurse and like you decided to have gastric surgery when I was 47 for multiple health problems. I went for the least invasive surgery there was at that time which was the lapband. Did well for a couple of years untill the band started leaking it was replaced and i was able to maintain myself for several years untill this year I had complications again. I had the band removed in January. Insurance would not allow the conversion to the sleeve so after I gained weight again I tried for the sleeve. It was approved without problem. Don't know what the insurance are thinking. Anyway I am 3 weeks out and looking forward to a better experience I have lost 30 lbs since my revisit x the sleeve. It hasn't been a smooth ride due to all the scar tissue but hope it all gets better. Good luck with yours. I'm sure you will do fine.

Congrats grandmaofone! I was a June 16ther --- going well - I was 280 @ surgery time, and 232 now. Looking forward to onederland someday! Otherwise, I've really had no complications, and can eat most anything, though fats and sugars in excess make me feel crummy - but that's a good thing

I planned meals before considering WLS. It helps make sure a meal is on the table rather than fast food after work. I keep a spiral bound notebook and write a header for each day - and then I simply fill in a meal under each header. Now that I'm mindful, the 'meal' is just a protein and veggie and how I intend to cook. I love doing it this way, since I can make my grocery list from the menu and everything is on hand when it's time to cook. I can leave it on the counter - the fam can peek at it to see what's for dinner and even start prepping with out you. If you find it overwhelming, try doing it just for dinners. Repeat your breakfasts and lunches to simplify things. If you get stuck on planning, you can flip through your notebook and view previous weeks for inspiration. This week,my meal plan looks like this: Sunday: Taco Salad (no tortillas, dairy or cheese for me); Monday: Vegetable beef soup; Tuesday: Zucchini and meatballs with marinara; Weds: Lettuce wraps with ground turkey & cucumber salad; Weds: Grilled steak & asparagus. It doesn't have to be complicated

Hello, did anyone purchase some type of travel insurance that also included medical coverage in case of complications? Or 2 separate policies? I’ll be going on 2/13/20. thank you,

I love Dr. Shillingford! He did an amazing job on my sleeve...no problems, no complications! He is very caring and reasonably priced for self pay.

I got banded in January '08 and got pregnant the same year in September . I had already lost almost all of my excess weight and was pregnant within 2 weeks of going off the pill. For me, it was a mistake. I got really sick with the pregnancy and had a lot of problems with my band. I had to go in for several emergency unfills due to sporadic tightness where I couldn't drink Water. I had a slip while in the hospital after having the baby in June. I had my band replaced in September of '09. I am now 30 weeks pregnant with my second band baby and am not gaining any weight, frequently sick, having band problems. Some of us are fine with pregnancy and the band, some of us have a lot of complications. Several people I knew who were banded and pregnant at the same time as me in '08/'09 also had band complications during pregnancy and required resurgery. My personal opinion is that it is better to let your body adjust to banding for at least 1 or 2 years before putting your body through the strains of pregnancy. If I could go back, I would have changed the timing. If it is more important to have children quickly then to be banded for right now, it would be better to put off banding until you can really focus on it. On the other hand, if you are already banded, the difference of waiting at least 1 year post banding to have a baby is not such a big sacrifice when you think about it.

Tomorrow i will hit 22 weeks and so fast everything is going smoothly. I an due June 20, we are having a beautiful baby girl. When i found out i was pregnant i weigh 197 and first trimester i went down to 192 ..so far right now i stand at 200.. Baby seems healthy and no complications with sugar nor blood pressure.

Thanks so much!! I might just have to do that once I have the surgery and lose the weight again. I lost 115 lbs with the band (before I gained it back due to complications), but know I can do it again with the help of the sleeve. We can do this!!! Only 1 more week for you! That's so exciting!! Please keep us posted along the way.

Thanks for sharing your story. I have had a similar journey in regards to the lap band. I was successful losing weight with it for a while, but had complications and the weight came back. I am hoping to have the band to sleeve revision surgery soon, but I'm currently having to jump through a few hoops. Grrrrrr. I have some of the same fears as well. Fears that the sleeve will fail since the lap band did. But I think these fears are normal. Anyway, I'm happy you made the decision to do something about it and equally happy (and jealous...lol) that your surgeon and insurance are making this process quick and painless. Good luck to you!!