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I was off work for two weeks (one extra week, because of complications) and it was 1 month before I felt "normal" again. It's now 5 weeks since surgery and I feel great...just not very hungry. Good luck with your surgery.

I am Sept 10th. I am on the mushie food. Sick of refried Beans, but only have a few more days before real food. I have had no complications either. Only problem is constipation, taking stool softeners and Miralax. Not working. Only brown Water. TMI, sorry. Otherwise, its all good.

Hi Everyone! I have been diagnosed with MS for 4 yrs. now. My surgeon recommended GS over banding and bypass surgery due to the MS. I had to skip the last two surgery dates due to a bad relapse in July as I had terrible vertigo and went numb on my entire left side. After two rounds of high dose steroids was able to come down from the vertigo. It was terrible with throwing up for 36 hours straight and not able to walk. Thank God after six months I am back to base line and walking, have short term memory loss but just meet with surgeon on Monday and said he will proceed with my WLS, he has it scheduled for Feb.3rd and I am very anxious but nervous at the same time, just want to recover with no complications or another relapse. Keep me in your prayers as I will you all as well, and glad everyone is doing well. Did anyone have any issues after the surgery that I should be aware of? Looking forward to a new year and a new me with more energy. I take Avonex once a week, but my bloodwork shows no antibody build up to the medicine so its the MS. God Bless and hope to hear back!

It's so great that all of you have responded to this thread! I have one more NUT appointment before they put my info into the insurance company. Almost there!! My issue now is that after 20 years with the same company, I got laid off the week before Thanksgiving. Nice, huh....depressing! My motivation has waned and I know that I won't have health insurance by the end of February. I NEED ALL YOUR INSPIRATION! I'm considering asking Dr. Pohl a office to try and squeeze me in before I lose insurance (but what if there are complications?) I can't afford to do this without insurance. Looking actively for a new job but I'd hate to take one just to have to take 2 weeks off shortly thereafter. I feel stuck!!! Also, I think my weight will be a detriment on getting a new job. Someone told me that's its the only legal kind of discrimination left. Ugh! It would be great if I could look for a job as a thinner version of me! At least I'd have a better shot! Any advice is welcomed!

My surgeon shares the following poem with all of his WLS patients. I was shocked so much of this was true for me and I think this helped me come to terms with some of my issues. There were also a lot of tears shed as I tried to read it to my husband. LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE Author Unknown LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our everyday life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall ... in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious. LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it? LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from an incredible burden they were never meant to carry. LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our health even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help? LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position. LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well. LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED! LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat. LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty. LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society. LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" ... And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower." Knowing that willpower isn't the whole answer. LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again. LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary. LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality. LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person. LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate. LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for. LISTEN to the Sigh of relief as we wake up in pain ... but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it ... because I'm alive! LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the losing side. LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat. LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of Water. LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure." LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all. LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese. LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions. LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon. LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions. LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have. LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, Vitamins, Protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time". LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert." LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality. LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight. LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live a fulfilling life. LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way. LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.

How many days do you think you'd be gone? I don't think there should be any major complication but you can never tell. I think you should perhaps look a bit more into medical care in ecuador perhaps? If they're set to handle VSG problems?

Hi. There were a lot of people with a 10/26/16 surgery date on the boards prior to my surgery. I just wanted to see if anyone wants to chat or even start a little group as we go through this. I had my surgery at 7:30 am on 10/26/16. The first day was awful and on the second day I failed my swallow test and had a few minor complications and a major meltdown. I wasn't able to have anything to drink until 3:00 pm on 10/28/16 and didn't get to go home until 10/30/16. I'm now a little behind on my post op routine, started full liquids Monday. Pain wise, I am ok for a while and then the pain gets so bad I need to lay down. I have been walking a 1/2 a mile every morning (still can't get the gas out) and been taking trips to the store to keep busy. Maybe over doing it a bit.... Other than that, I am very bored and I am even starring to miss work. Hope everyone's surgeries went well!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Varies by doctor. My doc said 4 days. Without complications this is doable.

Hello to all! I actually had my surgery in Oct. 2007, and have lost over 80 lbs. with no fill! I haven't had a fill because nobody in NM could do it, and I could not afford to go back to TX to have it done. I get my first fill on 2/28! I just want to wish everyone here the BEST of luck! This was the best thing I have ever done for myself (even with the complications during my surgery) I wouldn't take it back for a million bucks!

I'm trying to but it's hard when you feel you gotta throw up the liquids (besides water) My symptoms are, weird feeling in throat, nasty taste, stomach feels like it was punched, been getting dizzy, and been getting headaches, and don't really have a appetite, I just wish I knew exactly what it was and why I'm not feeling up to anything. The nurse said if anything drastically changes or I stop eating to go give them a call or go to the ER (can't remember which one she said) why do I have to be the one to have a complication? Boo );

A good reference for anyone looking into the DS (or any WLS for that matter, as the DS should at least be on everyone's radar along with the other mainline procedures) is http://www.dsfacts.com/ My wife had a DS around nine years ago (and I'm three years out on a VSG.) What is the protocol to get to surgery? It should be the same as any other WLS, though you do have to find a DS qualified surgeon as it is a more technically challenging procedure than most other WLS, so many surgeons don't find it worthwhile for them to develop the requisite skills (but that also means that most of your experienced DS surgeons tend to come from the top of the class!) Go to a surgeon's seminar and become familiar with them and what they need to get the ball rolling; some insurance may require a PCP referral, so it pays to be knowledgeable about the procedure so that one can educate their PCP on it. Pre-op and post-op diets/experiences (I know this will be different for all depending on doc) As you note, there can be wide variation between docs' programs. Our doc doesn't do any pre-op diets other than the semi-usual day before bowel cleansing diet (similar to what's done before a colonoscopy.) Post op, progression is more rapid than many docs prescribe, with liquids, purees and soft Proteins like cheeses, yogurt and many seafoods for the first month and most everything else after that. How long is the surgery? IIRC, typically 2-4 hours, though can be longer depending upon complications that the patient may bring to the table (extreme obesity, adhesions from prior surgeries, etc.) How long were you in the hospital? 3-4 days would be typical. How was your recovery? How long before back to work? IIRC, my wife took a month off, but she always milks these things - some may take longer while others may be able to get back to it sooner, depending upon the work. Are there foods you can/cannot eat? She became lactose intolerant, which is not unusual, and that has become worse over time - lactaid tablets with dairy don't do quite the job anymore. She has also become gluten sensitive, which may or may not have anything to do with the DS. Side effects from surgery? Similar to the RNY in that one needs to keep up on supplements and follow up labs, though the profile is somewhat different. Gas and stool can be rather aromatic at times as one would expect from incomplete digestion, though most work out what foods trigger problems so they can be avoided, and Probiotics can also be useful in helping the system adapt to its new reality. Why did you chose this surgery? Of the procedures readily performed at the time, neither the bands or bypass offered sufficient weightloss performance relative to their complications and side effects. The DS (and VSG) allows use of NSAID pain relievers which are a giant no-no with the bypass. The DS offers better regain resistance than any of the other mainstream WLS procedures, along with a generally more normal diet long term than most (no place for things to get stuck like there is in the bypass.)

I think I would wait to have the surgery until after the trip. While everything will probably be fine as a nurse minor complications turn into problems if not treated right away. Enjoy your cruise (and the food). I was banded on 8/24/05 and am hoping to cruise in December. By that time I should be well healed physically and emotionally. Although I do have to confess that I wonder how a cruise could be fun without being able to eat endlessly. Micki

Global Protective Solutions has an insurance you can take out that covers complications if your out of the countrty hospital is on their approved list (you cannot get coverage if you have surgery in the U.S.). Expensive though. $1160 for $20,000 of complications coverage (you can take out less coverage too). Seven Corner's Global Protection Policy offers a WAY better package, but is only available for JRC accredited hospitals. If you are self pay I would suggest getting the BEST surgeon your money can buy (either in the U.S or in Mexico, matters not....both places have good and bad doctors). There are some EXCELLENT surgeons in Mexico with almost non-existent complication rates. Research your options. Also remember many complications may very well be covered depending on how your treatment back home is coded. Blood clots and dehydration for example would be hard to prove are due to the surgery alone and in all likelihood would be covered. Leaks however would definitely not be covered. Because of this, find a surgeon with an as close to 0% leak rate as you can find (and don't take the dr's word for it....search all the forums etc). I know my surgeon has only had 1 leak in a virgin sleeve, and that was early in his career. Other surgeons have been equally successful.

I think if you'd never had the complications, and you would have woken up without the sleeve you'd be just as upset. Especially without the perspective of complications. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I was banded on 10/08/08 and two weeks after started having sharp pains in my lower right side. Today I ended up in the Hospital with what I thought was an appendicites attack. After hours of X-rays and a CT scan, they sent me home saying everything looks good it must be complications from you lap band surgery.It may be normal but it sure the hell hurt. I see the Doc on thursday for my first fill. I'll see what he say's and then I'll share it with you. GOD Bless:rolleyes2:

Thank You and the best of luck to you.I had complications after surgery almost went into a coma with my diabetes.i get my first fill March6th I have had my surgery for over 2 weeks now.Best of luck:thumbup:

Gosh, it is a scary thought to have such a complication. When I think about it, it isn't the physical stuff that scares me- it's the emotional stuff...like- how would I live without my band now that I know what it feels like to have food just be food and not a coping mechanism. I know my body is strong and would heal itself...but my emotions would be a wreck. But we all have to remember that we have to trust ourselves and know that strength got us to the point where we could make a choice to get banded in the first place. Strength carried us through the awful liquid phases and through the soreness and the terrors that we had when we couldn't use food as an emotional crutch. It is strength that has gotten us to where ever it is we are now... And, God forbid, any of us encounter complications along our way...our strength and friendship will help heal the wounds. This is what I tell myself when I get scared. Megan

Anybody know the $ diff with fluoro vs without. My he didn't need to use tht fluro unless there were signs of complications. I guess I'll be looking for those signs. Teresa that's comforting to know it's primarily 1 doctor, unless that particular doctor did your band, oh my. By the way, I'm the one who gets runny ear lobes with 14k earrings, oh no!

Does your surgeon's plan allow for solid food at 8 days post op? Just because you feel fine drinking liquids, doesn't mean your suture line for your sleeve is healed enough to handle solid food yet. The post op liquid phase sucks, plain and simple. But the surgeon isn't trying to torture you, it is because your stomach needs time to heal. Serious complications can happen if you transition phases too quickly. In a couple months, this liquids phase will be a memory. Remember, you had most of a major organ removed and the remaining bit stapled together. Your overall health and you are worth going through this safely and appropriately. So rather than wish you luck in progressing to solid food too quickly, I'm going to wish you a realization that you are too important to risk your recovery. At about 6 days or so post op - I had the head hunger return with a vengeance, but it is just that head hunger. Find activities to do to distract your brain from thinking about food.

You won’t need a drain tube unless you are a bleeder. Sticking to the pre-op diet and guidelines cuts down on complications. I did not need to stay in a hotel. I used Trinity Medical and flew in on a Wednesday morning at 8:45 am and was taken across the boarder to hospital Guadalajara. Once we signed in I was taken to get blood work and then directly to my room. The hospital gave me a nice bag with toiletries and slippers. The room and bathroom were very clean. The tv had many channels in English and I didn’t have to watch any of the movies I downloaded to my iPad. There were plenty of movies on the tv. (Commercials were in Spanish). Dr. Pasten was awesome and hospital staff were great! They all were amazing! The two other people that had surgery the same day I did through another agency went to a hotel on Friday when I flew home that afternoon. I chose my agency based on the length of stay. (I have toddlers and it was more important for me to return home than to stay an extra day to shop for souvenirs) . After my leak test on Thursday they brought Gatorade, apple juice and chicken broth.

Ok, I've read a lot about it but with 5 days out, I've not experienced it, and hopefully never will but just in case, can someone give me their personal experience with it. Not the dictionary version but your own personal experience. I previously had the LapBand and I vomited all the time, a painful vomit where I had to go lay down afterwards. I just want to know if the two compares. I currently have the sleeve BC of too many complications with the Lapband. Also were there certain things that would trigger dumping syndrome and for us "newbies" must stay way from. Thanks for sharing!

I had one as well. Doc said it's actually super-common in all people, not just those overweight and that most never get treatment as it doesn't always cause major complications or even symptoms. Mine was small, but having never had either surgery before this one, I couldn't tell you if it added to the discomfort or not, but I will say I never had anything I would call "pain". I would label it as discomfort and nothing more.

That's how they used to use the sleeve. If someone was too high risk to have the full bypass done due to size or medical conditions they would do a sleeve (safer than bypass, less OR time, fewer complications) and then when the person lost weight and were a safer surgical risk for bypass they would go back and do the rest of the bypass at a later time. They realized people got to goal with the sleeve alone so now that is what they do. Your nurse is incorrect about it not working for a long time, that was the old technique from 20-30 years ago. Today the technique is such that people do very well with it long term. Considering the five year stats just came out about a month ago, she needs to do her research before opening her mouth. ;o) Send her over here, we'll teach her about her profession! HA!

I was self pay and the Dr office. Offered bliss ins for complications it was like 1500 I regretted not getting I spent 3 no in hospital two add surgeries and feeding tube wound vac for four months over 600,000 in Med bills ins wasn't going to pay finally they did but with lots of hassles wish I would of bought the ins so ask about iy

I am still in the research stage. I have been doing a lot of reading including this forum. I am attending a couple of seminars this next week. I wonder about how to deal with the afterlife as well. Can you eat veggies and things that cause gas or will that cause complications such as slippage? I like beans and broccoli and cucumbers and green peppers and all cause gas. Does anyone have any info on the gas factor? I wish I could do this without surgery too but I am convinced that I cannot. I have read a lot more positive than negative but I still feel quite a bit of fear at times. I am still pretty sure I am going to do it. I send you much luck in your decision. Know that you are not alone in the flip flopping.