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I am 27 years old with no previous health problems except being diagnosed with hypothyroidism 2 weeks prior to surgery which I had on September 10. I was doing great post-op. I was ready to go back to work after two weeks. I was very excited for September 25th. That was the day I got to start pureed foods. I had been so sick of protein shakes. Life was great. Then came September 25th. I woke up with back, abdominal, and chest pain. I thought it would go away so I ignored it and started pureed foods. The next morning I woke up around 2am in horrible pain. My back hurt so much that I could not lie flat. I spent the entire rest of the morning sitting in a chair rocking back and forth. And it happened again the following morning. I was so tired. I went to a walk-in clinic. The doctor worrie about sepsis although I did not have a fever. He ordered bloodwork an abdominal and chest x-rays. I went home after the testing and threw up the protein shake I had been trying to get down all morning. Everything came back normal. I continued the sleep deprivation routine until the 28th. Then I decided to go to the ER. Spent several hours in the hospital for tests and morphine but ended up being misdiagnosed with constipation despite my D-Dimer and Lipase being high. They did a CT of my chest to rule out pulmonary embolism (which was negative) but did not do a CT of my abdomen which they really should have because of the combination of D-Dimer and Lipase. I was sent home with Tylenol 3s (which cause constipation) and a nightly oral laxative and told I would be called for an abdominal ultrasound in a day or two. The Tylenol 3s did not work very well. My pain was horrible. I dutifully took the nightly laxative. Two days later I went in for the ultrasound. They found nothing. The ER doctor followed up with me to give me the results and then gave me an enema kit to take home. The constipation diagnosis stood. I went home and used it. It did not do anything. That week I began to have horrible 10 out of 10 painful abdominal attacks followed by diarrhea. I was in so much pain that death was preferable. I wanted to go back to the ER but I felt I would not get anywhere. They would just give me morphine. I decided to go to my family doctor instead and try to get referred to a GI specialist but she brushed off my concerns and said there was nothing wrong with me (I live in Canada where the health system is such that you cannot just go see a specialist. You must be referred. And your family doctor, walk-in clinic doctor, or ER doctor are the gatekeepers). She took me off the Tylenol 3s (which were not working anyway) and off the oral laxative which she said was causing my abdominal cramping. I followed her instructions. The abdominal attacks subsided in the following days but the constant abdominal pain remained. During the whole ordeal of 2 weeks I had not been eating and had been barely drinking. I would get at most 4-5 cups of water a day. It was difficult. I was worried I would just cause more constipation. But I decided I needed to push through and start eating. I began with a protein shake. After having half of it I had to stop. An hour later I dryheaved several times. Later that day I tried a tablespoon of hummus. I had pain almost immediately after eating slowly. I was fed up. I was in pain, I could not eat, I could barely drink. Despite all these doctors telling me I was fine, I was most assuredly NOT fine. I decided it was time to get a second opinion. I ended up driving 1.5 hours to a newer hospital in a large city where I used to live. That was 5 days ago. They took me seriously in the ER and did the test (CT abdomen) that the previous hospital failed spectacularly to do (I am very upset about this still because of what could have happened if I hadn't sought a second opinion). Turns out I have many clots in my portal vein, splenic vein, and mesenteric vein. Finally, FINALLY, I got a surgical consult. So now I am in hospital attached to a heparin drip. Today is my 5th day in hospital. If they had not found out my real diagnosis, my bowel could have infarcted meaning parts of my bowel could have died. I would have had to have surgery to remove the dead bowel. I may have ended up with a colostomy bag to collect feces on the outside of my body. I could have stroked. I could have had a brain aneurysm. I could have thrown a pulmonary embolism. I could have had a heart attack. I COULD HAVE DIED. All these possibilities had I not listened to my gut feeling and fought for myself. These clots are a very rare complication of any laparoscopic surgery. I was just lucky enough to get it. I did some research about my condition. I may be only the 3rd person to get these type of clots following uneventful laparoscopic sleeve surgery. I will be in the hospital for another couple of days. Never been hospitalized before (excluding the sleeve surgery). Q6H bloodwork is cruel and unusual punishment and should be outlawed. My poor elbow is a mess from all the pokes.

So sorry to hear you have to deal with all this! Don't let the BS steal your resolve, just know that the surgery will happen but maybe not when you thought. Frustrating as all hell, but you'll get your surgery

Ok i cheated bad in my 3rd wk bc i was so loose it felt like i didnt even have the band. I got my first fill 2 days ago. ive been throwing up everything i eat since then. i cant stand anything of puree consistency in my mouth. Im so used to scarfing my food down like a pig that im having a hard time taking small enough bites or eating slow enough. Im doing so bad & cant imagine how im gonna make it. I tried to puree some soup it was sooo gross i wanted to throw up just looking at it.

I met with my surgeon yesterday, as well as my insurance coordinator, nutritionist, and nurse. I am so exicted, as I found out my insurance has very minimal requirements (psych eval, bloodwork, and letter from family practice doctor). They just dropped their diet requirements last January. I don't even have to wait for an approval. I just need to get all the required documents to the coordinator and they will schedule me for surgery. Depending on how quickly my psych eval doctor and family doctor send in their parts, I am looking at August or early September. I am so pumped. Thank god for my BC/BS PPO!!! Also, let me tell you all... I have been lurking here for the past couple years and finally decided I was ready to start my journey. All your posts have been an amazing amount of help to me!

How ironic I just bought that tonight....I'm trying it in the morning....I think I will bc I love me some PB

I everyone. I am beyond happy that I found this site. Like many of you, I have tried to lose weight for the past 7 years(I'm 25) and I just can't seem to lose it. I lose the weight and gain it right back.. My sister got sleeved on January and OMG she went from a size 18 to a small .. Amazing I know.. So at first, after seeing her have some complications, I said I can't do this, forget it... But just 3 days ago, I was trying to wear something for work and it wouldn't for properly and after trying few other outfits, I said that's it, I will have the surgery regardless what ends up being. Not for nothing, but I have an amazing life, I have a awesome job, I go to school which I graduate next fall, but I'm not happy with my weight. This is where the problem arises, I weight 200... I could of swore I was more but I was too scared to weigh my self. So 2 days ago I wanted to see how much I weighted and I was disappointed lol.. I calculated my BMi and it's 34 Uhg so frustrating.. Now some of you may say well wtf are u doing here, but that's not the case.. I am very self couscous and I don't ever go on dates bc I feel like I am huge (which 200 is not small) I am 5'4 also... I am registered for a seminar for Wednesday 10/2/13... Not sure if I qualify? Would I? I mean I do wear a size 16 so you would think I do? Right? I was always a size 4 until I turned 19.... I know it's wrong but should I gain a little weight? I did have a heart surgery in 2010 and my heart beats more than normal peoples so maybe they can consider that right? Worse comes to worse and my insurance say No, can I do it anyways paying cash? Will they allow me even though my BMi is not 35? I really want to be at least 130 and I have tried almost every single diet on the planet.. I just want some insight since I really want to do it but my family won't really support me since they still think I have a heart condition which I don't anymore.. I have decided I am going to do it even if it costs my life in the end... That's how serious I am .. And I have read so many of your stories and I am inspired.

i wasa told by my nutrionist its bc of the air bubbles ..supposedly they can slowly stretch ur sleeve

my husband couldn't take off work either but my mom took me to the hospital. I can eat anything at social gatherings. I take a small scoop of this and that so that I don't feel like I'm at this picnic a n can't enjoy myself but I try to make good choices as well. I went through a phase pre op where I got worried and tried to eat a much of the stuff I thought I couldn't after surgery. But I also used to worry that if I didn't eat enough at lunch then I might get hungry later and not be able to eat at that time. As it got closer to surgery date I tried to really follow the diet and exercise some. Now after surgery, I try not to get too much good bc I know it'll go to waste. Just try to focus on why you made this decision and know that you'll be able to eat anything again but it'll be up to you make the choice to be healthier and after you lose some weight exercise will be easier and more comfortable.

Trying to decide if I pay 19k to have band revision surgery in Toronto or make the trip to Mexico but travelling alone makes me nervous and I don't know if I have anyone I can take with me as my hubby needs to stay home and look after kids. I had had my band surgery I Toronto 8 years ago and that was just as long of a flight. Is anyone from BC travelling to Mexico for sleeve surgery? I'm looking for someone to travel with or to talk to someone who has travelled alone.

So I'm 25 going on 26 7-28 :-) I'm a single parent of a little boy who is 18 going on 19 months an he has been walking since 9mths so he jumps run the works for a little boy omg. He's so use to me picking him up an showing him that love he cries a lot of times he's also 33 pounds sound lead heheheheh :-). Thankful I'm at my dads but tomorrow we are going home. Get help, I didn't hurt at all after surgery I felt great but getting him in an out the car seat and giving him baths we can't do picking him up bc he's sleepy I can't do. If you can get help get it bc this is temporary you don't want to hurt the rest your life bc you didn't allow yourself to heal :-) congrats hun oh yeah my surgery weight was 283 I'm now 271 as of yesterday :-) can't wait to start working out

Just fill blah. And achy. I feel better standing or laying down. I started the protein shakes today and had some yogurt but my stomach didn't agree and I was running to the bathroom over and over again. I want food. I hate watching tv bc of the food commercials!! Flipping KFC.. I hate U!! So anyway, does anybody eat plain cottage cheese? Or do you add stuff to make it taste good?

Update: Went to get labs done after no improvement after increasing water intake. Turns out my vitamin D levels were low! Not sure why bc I was taking calcium citrate with vitamin d, but I changed brands to the bariatric advantage chewable and my energy levels improved, bp and hr went up, too! Lesson learned: when in doubt, consult a medical professional.

or BC or idaho

It varies depending on your WLS program and insurance requirements. My WLS program gave us a projected timeline, and on paper it could take 3-6 months, granted you did everything in a timely manner. I decided in early March and had surgery May 18th. The WLS coordinator said it was the fastest case she had seen using insurance. That also included a 10 day delay on my part bc I had strep throat and couldn't make it to my surgeon consultation.

I think the stages are different for everyone bc stage two for me was full liquids ie oatmeal, yogurt, jello, soup broth or strained soup. Stage 3 for my program is mushy food anything that can be mushed with a fork,

I was one who chose adversely to the sleeve which my surgeon recommended at our initial consultation. He did so due to my age as well and based off of him not knowing a few details about me. But I did research and also have a mother who had the bypass over 15 years ago and was and has still been successful with it. I chose it bc I love sweets and feel the need to have them often. I also didn't really eat alot before I just ate the wrong things bc that's kinda how I was brought up, eating more of the yummy ribs, baked mac'n'cheese, cubed steak and things rather than healthy. The RNY has one of the best features for that which is the dumping syndrome. So I have not choice now but to ear right or I will get extremely sick. I believe the sleeve can have that effect too but no other like the RNY. I forgot to mention after my surgeon suggested the sleeve, I had blood work done and they determined I was .5 away from being diabetic (my A1C was 6.0) and only the RNY cures diabetes. Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Many surgeons will require that you not be taking BC pills right before, during, right after surgery because of the increased risk for blood clots. Each surgeon is different in this regard. HOWEVER...many also do NOT want you to get pregnant during the first year. (Mine is adamant about that!) So of course once you're healed and past the "risk" stage associated with surgery, I'm sure they will encourage the pill and any other form of birth control! The pills themselves are pretty small. They won't be any problem!

Its been 17 long days since I got my band & I'm miserable!! After pulling out a cc of primary Fluid, being on 3 different medications & still just doing liquids (when I can) I still feel so restricted. I'm dying of thirst bc I'm having such a hard time swallowing. I can't sleep bc my mouth is so totally dry, I've had a headache for 2 days & I'm starting to snap at the hubby over little things. I keep thinking its gonna get better but when?!?! Anyone else having trouble or am I just a weirdo??

I'm right there with you...I'm a pre-opper that has those thoughts as well. I think it's completely normal to have doubts and concerns. Since I've made the decision to do this, almost 2 months ago, I've been trying to "clean up my act." I have been eating better, walking some and trying to not be so hard on myself. In the past week, I've worked really hard on paying attention to my portions and went back to the gym a couple of times. I would have thought that I would have lost some weight this week. My scale this morning said I have gained 1/2 a pound. So those ugly, self destructive thoughts started to come into my head. That little demon that tells you "I told you you couldn't do it", "you're failing again", etc. THAT is why I'm doing this. I can't live like that any more. I can't work as hard as I work and not get results, any results. I'm exhausted living like that. I want to love myself and care for myself, not have this destructive BS in my head. That isn't to say this is going to be easy - but, I need to see my hard work pays off, that is my motivation. I wish you luck in your journey - deep down, you know what is best for you and you'll know when you're ready.

Hi Everyone! I have a question about insurance. My Insurance covers weight loss surgery. I just had twins in June and I've hit all my out of pockets, so I figured this would be the best time to have surgery. My insurance requires 3 diet consults with a dietician. Well I didn't lose any weight during this time. I met wth the psychologist for the evaluation and she said that I would be a great candidate. So I'm worried I won't be able to have surgery bc I didn't lose the weight.... anyone else's gone through anything similar? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

SPOKE TO MY MEDICAL MGER SHE APPROVED UHB BC BS SO FAST I HAUNTED THEM GAVE ME A VERBAL APPROVAL DR JUST CALLED HE IS READY TO GO SO MAYBE NEXT WEEK! SO HAPPY FIGHT CALL DONT GIVE UP!

I watched a YouTube video by a surgeon at a new Jersey clinic give post surgery eating advice..he said caffeine and coffee are fine bc coffee isn't carbonated. He did say to limit coffee intake. I've been drinking it and am still losing with no whacky cravings.. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

My knees are doing a lot better! I just rested them a few days and they were good to go. I LOVE swimming and was just thinking to myself to look into water arobics. Too bad winter is around the corner bc my folks have a pool that I can use anytime but since its winter I have to find an indoor pool! That is great that you have the time to workout so much and good for you for sticking to it!! :blushing: I worked out yesterday on my wii fit with the new Jillian Michaels game. I LOVE it!

So, I have been thinking about the lapband for a while now. A few weeks ago I went to a seminar and think that it could be a help, unfortunatly it doesnt look like anyone else does. I have spoken to my doctor about my worries about my weight. I have always had 'obese' listed as one of my health issues, but she still doesnt seem worried about it. Perhaps its because I have no health problem, Im just a 'larger' american. Last time I saw her I tried again and the only thing I got out of her was 'Well, I guess you could try seeing a nutritionist." Thanks. My husband says its an idea, but only if its the last thing I can do. Im not sure what he thinks I have been doing my entire life. He has seen me watch what I eat, record everything that does in my mouth and going ot the gym 2hr/day 7 days a week and little to nothing happening but still think everything is OK. I have gained nearly 100lbs in the 5 years I have known him... thats not normal. Apparently the loving me for me is strong with this one. Finally, the one other person I have told that Im thinking about it reacted with "You arent doing it". Granted, she is 90lbs soaking wet so she may not totally understand, but still... support would be nice. Has anyone else had a hard time getting people to support them through this process? I know I need to do something... being chubby all my life (think in 1st grade the school made me go to a nurtitionist bc they thought I was shy because I was fat, jenny criag at age 12... list goes on) and havent been able to get it under control. I want to do something now... BEFORE any health issues show themself? ANy suggestions on how to get the support I need to finally be a sucess?

Yeah that is pretty much how it works. There are actually two different types of machines; one is a cpap and the other a bipap. The cpap provides a constant flow of air to keep your airway open and the bipap provides airflow in but stops to allow you to exhale and then immediately pushes the air back in once you inhale again. I use the bipap machine. I recommend anyone who has been told they snore to have a sleep study done. Whether you are considering lap band or not. I got it done 2 years before I even thought of having lap band. I sleep 100% better and during the day I use to get tired and want to take a nap but now I am energized all day. The worst was driving home from work and actually nodding off behind the wheel. But I haven't had that problem since I started using the bipap machine at night. I just went to Denver</FONT></ST1:p for a week and didn't bring my machine with me and I couldn't sleep the first night so I had my wife Fed Ex it to me. It takes a few nights to get use to but it's the best thing you can do if you want a good nights rest.