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The surgery is a gamble. About 1 in 20 people that get it end up regretting it due to complications. About 1 in 7 experience significant regain. But, 19 out of 20 don't have notable complications and are happy they did it... and 6 out of 7 stay relatively thin (some regain is normal and expected.. like 15lbs.). The odds are in your favor. But no surgery is ever guaranteed, as much as we would like it to be. Surgery is, and should be, a last resort. For me, I got to the point where I would rather take the risk by trying to become healthier, than sit by, watching my life pass me by, deteriorating further and further. I'm 3.5 months out. No regrets so far.

On March 13th, a month before my 66th birthday, I had the sleeve done along with a hiatal hernia repair and removal of my gall bladder. I feel great and had no complications, there was minimal pain, no nausea, I have never vomited and was up and around right away. I opted not to take narcotic pain medication so I could be up and walking and I did fine. I had no preexisting comorbidities and my post op lab work if fine with the exception of low iron. Everyone's experience is different but in my opinion age has not as much impact as some people think.... I am down 84 pounds... 32 in the couple of months waiting for the surgery and 52 since March 13 after the surgery. I have also not experienced and stall in weight loss, but I understand it does happen... I would do it again in a heartbeat. Everyone gets nervous, I even second guessed myself right before I went into the operating room. The day after surgery I also said "what did I di to myself"... however that quickly passes and every day it gets a little better

So to make a very long story short, I paid 16,000 dollars to the SLIMMBAND CLINIC IN TORONTO, TO INSERT BY LAPOROROCOPY AND GENERAL ANESTHETIC A DEVICE WHICH WAS TO CONTROL MY APPETITE AND HELP ME TO LOSE AND MAINTAIN MY WEIGHT, FOR MY HEALTH. I was blind sighted, I should have done my homework, this very clinic and doctor had jumped ship on hundreds of other innocent unsuspecting, patients. I went through the courts and won the case against the clinic, big deal they shut their doors one week prior to my court date. My only hope is to tell anyone who even thinks about this way of life in the Toronto area be certain it is not the same owner, nor the same doctor that took my money and left me with a nonfunctioning piece of silicone band in my abdomen. Three surgeries later and many heart aches and physical discomfort I had the monster removed.DO NOT BE FOOLED THEY HIRE SKINNY PEOPLE WHO TELL YOU THEY HAD THE SAME SURGERY. I HAVE ASLO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PATIENTS THAT ENDED UP WITH SEVERE INFECTIONS AND MANY COMPLICATIONS.

It depends. I have fepblue and they will not treat a claim for complications any differently based on where the surgery was performed, whether they paid for the surgery, etc. Can you send your company a secure message? Each policy is different. There are people here who have been told complications aren't covered, but then there are those of us who said they are. You can also buy a post op complication policy that covers a certain amount for a certain period of time. So if you get a blood clot, stricture, leak, they reimburse you for those. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Am a week until my surgery just wondering about this topic.

It is completely normal to have mood changes during the early stages of recovery. Every body is different and I believe how we handle the changes has to do with our nature as well. Not a bad thing, just reality. After surgery your hormones are sent into a tailspin. Lots of stuff going on inside that causes your exact symptoms. Your doctor should have talked to you about the good and the bad of these hormone changes. The good is that when our bodies are sent into this tailspin it needs time to adjust. During that adjustment period it is important to stay very close to your eating plan and water intake. Your body is creating new set points, new places where it is content. We want that set point to be thinner, healthier and happier. So work hard to lose, relax and just feel good about all these changes. The bad is after surgery we are very good at getting our protein, drinking our water and doing light exercise. All of these things release toxins and stored hormones from our fat, like estrogen. So if you find yourself crying at the drop of a hat, thinking about strangling your significant other, or locking yours or someone elses children in the closet, be happy, your burning fat:-) and all is as it should be. Everyone is a bit scared after surgery of the possibilities for complication. Feel free to call your surgeon's office every time you are unsure and someone there should be able to assure you that all is well or call you in if there are really issues. Don't be shy, that's why they are there. Also, prepare for feelings of regret, remorse, and anger at what you've done to yourself. I have described this phase as a really bad break up with our greatest love...the abuse of food. You will mourn not being able to eat like you did before. Be assured that all those feelings pass and when you are a couple months out and a few pounds down you feel so good and you will be happy that love is over. Life is different and oh, so, much better. Take care

Depending on your health, your doctors protocol, and what you've had done recently you'll get an EKG, chest x ray, endoscopy, CBC, and a whole bunch more blood tests, possibly a sleep study if they think sleep apnea is a possibility, ummmm that's all I can think of because I just needed a couple blood tests and an EKG since I see a rheumatologist frequently. You want to eat well, and work out however much you can. You may or may not get put on a strict liquid diet a few weeks before surgery. Your weight isn't TOO high so maybe not as it's to shrink the liver. My doc just requires liquids the day before like I'm having a colonoscopy. Study the surgeries. You do NOT want a band. It isn't done by reputable doctors anymore as the side effects can be severe up to and including eroding your stomach, requiring a band to sleeve/bypass surgery. If you don't have GERD you'll want a sleeve. Bypass is generally reserved for the extremely obese or those with reflux. It causes malabsorption and you will never be able to have sugar again or risk explosive diarrhea and vomiting (dumping syndrome). Sleeve doesn't have that complication. I haven't had surgery, it is scheduled for July 31 but Ive completed all my pre-op requirements so I'm knowledgeable and am here if you have any questions. My mom doesn't support me. She says she supports me but not my decision so I know how you're feeling. Oh, a reputable program will also have you meet with a therapist for a psych evaluation. Make sure you understand the gravity of the surgery and all that.

Hi everyone I'm sorry if these questions have been asked before it's been a while since I've been on this site. I had my sleeve surgery done 5 years ago so I have been through a lot of ups and downs and I would say I'm on the more experienced side of being a sleever..... I am at a stage now where I have put on quite a bit of weight, probably over 20 kgs since I hit my goal weight. I lost overall 55 kgs on the sleeve and I was so happy. There has been a few complications such as a hiatus hernia operation, appendicitis and I've recently had surgery on my ankle which has made me put on even more weight. I am trying to get back to my goal weight and I am finding it difficult to shift any weight. I have POS which makes it hard too. I've tried shake diets, low carb diets and I lose maybe a few kgs, then put it back on if I even have one day of eating something such as bread. I'll admit I'm not in the best place the moment, most days I'm sad and down about this and all I want to do is get back to what I was. I wanted to know if anyone has gone through what i am currently going through and have you been successful in losing weight again? I really need advice and some tips and the best people would be the ones who are going through this journey with me. Thank you.

I'm in the same boat. I'm 6 days post op and so panicked of a complication. I think my legs are a little crampy from walking more but I keep thinking it's blood clots and send myself in a panic.

I will be happy and cheerful one minute but then I was in absolute hysterics when I woke up at 7.30 this morning I'm 7 days post OP. I'm just worried about the unknown I don't want complications I just want it to heal properly I'm really stressing out here. Sent from my A1601 using BariatricPal mobile app

Dr. Dre Howard in the woodlands I do pretty good keeping liquids down now. I have had some complications though. But it gets better.

I've never heard this and would seriously question the insurance company about this policy if it turns out to be true. Laparoscopic surgeries are generally much safer than open approaches and the risks for post-op complications would be significant. Insurance companies are in the business of managing risks so it wouldn't make sense for them to cover an open surgery but not a laparoscopic one.

Hi Tita. I am getting my surgery done on July 7th so we are close in date. I too have never had surgery before and am pretty nervous. I just keep thinking about the low, low, low complication rates. I'd bet it compares to the chances of being struck by lightening. LOL.

Everyone is different, I never had nausea either or any other complications and I am losing just fine. It also took me a week to lose the 9 pounds I gained in the hospital... keep it up!

So I've found out my employer covers Bariatric Surgery for weight loss and I have been considering the surgery for some time. I had recently decided that I was interested in the Gastric Sleeve as I didn't want to take vitamins and was overall scared of the intestinal re-routing of the Bypass. The specific program with my employer is a pilot program and only one surgical center in the US is allowed, luckily for me it was only 200 mi away since we're nationwide that isn't the case for a lot of employees. After attending my initial consultation I was met with some resistance over wanting the gastric sleeve. The wife of the surgeon who is also a family medicine doctor said that Gastric Sleeve surgeries are ineffective for people with my BMI (hovering near 60) and that if I was going to have surgery I should consider a surgery thats more likely to achieve the results I want. I've been leaning towards their advice and am now considering the Gastric Bypass more heavily. My reservations are thus: Currently I feel like the biggest impediment to my natural weight loss is a simple lack of energy. I can put together months of working out or even diet and lose weight. I won't bore you all more with that sentiment because I feel you've all been there. The gastric sleeve was more resonable to me because I feel if I could get under 300 lbs my activity would increase significantly. I'm no stranger to the gym as is and feel very comfortable weight training and exercising in the gym. Just by being under 300 lbs I would likely be meeting strength goals that are common among athletes (squating 1.3 times your weight, etc). So I feel like my weight loss would go fairly well sub-300 with any method. My questions: I've looked on the forums and have seen numerous people with lots of weight loss with the gastric sleeve. I'm worried that the Doctor could be right and that a gastric sleeve would be ineffective. My initial reaction to the doctor was that she was being a bit negative. She said that at my BMI it would be unlikely I'd be in the upper percentages of weight loss (60%+) with the gastric sleeve because I have so much weight to lose. My reaction was that this was faulty logic and that a person with a high BMI would likely lose more weight than someone with a BMI closer to 40 for instance as the closer you get to goal the harder it is to lose. Is gastric sleeve effective for people with High BMI's nearing 60+? (I've googled the hell out of this trust me. Does anyone know of a place that has demographic data so that I could get a picture of statistical groups that include my age and gender? Do men have better, worse, or equal success as women? What about different age ranges? Do younger people have better success than older people. (Older and younger is relative) We'll say sub 45 and above 45. But more importantly an age group that quantifies me in it. I want the surgery to go well, I want to be successful and I don't want to deal with a lot of complications. Does anyone have any advice or insight to help me reason this out?

Awesome, Dr Jawad is known as one of the best in the business. He doesn't talk a lot but has tons of experience and has done thousands of these procedures. I loved that he uses the davinci robot for the procedure which I don't think you find in most places. My wife and I were both sleeved by him with no complications and quick recoveries. The ORMC facilities were great also. When is your surgery? HW: 330 SW: 294 6/27/2017 CW: 285 GW: 180 VSG, Dr. Jawad, Orlando, FL

My experience has been excellent. HW:337 SW:315 CW:197 Goal: 187. (But if I never lost another #, I'd still be content). This gets harder the further you are out. It's very easy to gain- or get comfortable and eat what you shouldn't . Weight loss aside- I'm most proud of the exercise regimen I do. I run on weekends, and hit the gym 2-3x/week- it's a sustainable regimen that I love. I had no complications to speak of post op. There was pain, it went away. Drinking and walking are your main two goals post op. I took 3 weeks off of my sedentary job. Two to recover, a third to adapt to how I needed to eat. Re: protein shakes: don't stock up, your tastes may change and you may not like the same flavors post op. Canned broth was nasty imo- I went to au bon pain and bought the broth from the chicken soup they sell. I used chewable vitamins until I was able to tolerate pills at 4 months post op. I was not nervous about my surgery- I was confident in the Bariatric team I was working with and just set my mind on the work ahead of me. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Hi Dave- I'm so happy for you that you've come so far! Not just in your weight loss- which is fabulous!- but even just having the fortitude to get to Tier 3, qualify for tier 4 AND come here to look for more information, education and others' advice is so, so brave! Please pat yourself on the back for us all and know that when we say encouraging things like this- we mean every word- we have all been where you are- in the "researching" the phase. We came through it with as much info as we could stand at the time- and eventually a feeling- or change in perspective hit us. We just knew it was the right thing for us. This will happen for you too- just be open to this whole experience- it's a journey- not a destination even though that's what brings us all to the table. Just keep researching, asking tons of questions, reading, asking more questions- even when you think you're asking too many- you're not- we're here to help each other- were all at different stages of the game so we can help wherever you are in yours. You're on the right path- and as we all know- dipping our toes into a brand new pool that we don't know is intimidating! But you just keep going- keep doing what you're doing I've amassed a bunch of quotes and tips along the way because I'm always researching still [emoji849]- but my favorite has been "Courage is taking those first steps to your dream even if you can't see the path ahead" As for my story - I was always chubby- "thick" as some people told me- and just plain bigger than I needed to be- after the birth of my second child I never lost ANY weight- I was at 240 lbs and I never came back down- it was horrible! I didn't even look like myself- I didn't know who I was- this was 10 years ago. During that pregnancy I was told I had to have surgery at 20 weeks pregnant to remove what they thought was ovarian cancer- they took out my uterus with our daughter in it, removed what was left of my right ovary, tube, and a bunch of other tissue- the surgery was a success- out daughter was fine and after 4 horrible days we got the pathology back that it was "only" endometriosis- what a relief! What the surgery put me into preterm labor and I ended up on meds and bedrest for 17 1/2 weeks! Not that we counted- lol- I ended up with other major complications and toward the end my kidneys and liver kind of shut down and my body stopped making platelet- not a good scene- so we delivered at 37 1/2 weeks- she was perfect! And still is [emoji5] The problem though is that all this "trauma" left me with autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic syndrome and migraines every month-even though I was on 13 meds (!) I could not get it together- I just kept gaining and losing multiple times- I couldn't walk well and definitely couple exercise because of my fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis- it was a never ending cycle or so it seemed- I asked my PCP and he said to start looking at it more seriously- so I started the phase that you're in right now- I was desperate for answers on how to get back to a healthy weight which I hadn't been since high school (I'm 43 now)- I found the best doctor and a Center of Excellence- in the US this is like a special designation for programs of different specialties that are vey highly rated and most importantly that have passed rigorous qualifications set forth by accrediting bodies that look over medical centers, hospitals, clinics, etc- So basically, a Bariatric Center of Excellence is one that has a multidisciplinary team of at least 3 board certified bariatric surgeons, a psychologist, an exercise physiologist, nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, registered dietitians and therapists that work with patients' food issues (God knows we all have those!)- I would think in your health system they have the same types of practices though I don't know- if your practice doesn't include all of those specialties please find these specialists individually- each one of them plays a huge role in patients' successes- Hang on a sec- I have to start a new page- I've written too much at once- I'm sooooo sorry! I'll finish in a sec-

Hi Dave- I'm so happy for you that you've come so far! Not just in your weight loss- which is fabulous!- but even just having the fortitude to get to Tier 3, qualify for tier 4 AND come here to look for more information, education and others' advice is so, so brave! Please pat yourself on the back for us all and know that when we say encouraging things like this- we mean every word- we have all been where you are- in the "researching" the phase. We came through it with as much info as we could stand at the time- and eventually a feeling- or change in perspective hit us. We just knew it was the right thing for us. This will happen for you too- just be open to this whole experience- it's a journey- not a destination even though that's what brings us all to the table. Just keep researching, asking tons of questions, reading, asking more questions- even when you think you're asking too many- you're not- we're here to help each other- were all at different stages of the game so we can help wherever you are in yours. You're on the right path- and as we all know- dipping our toes into a brand new pool that we don't know is intimidating! But you just keep going- keep doing what you're doing I've amassed a bunch of quotes and tips along the way because I'm always researching still [emoji849]- but my favorite has been "Courage is taking those first steps to your dream even if you can't see the path ahead" As for my story - I was always chubby- "thick" as some people told me- and just plain bigger than I needed to be- after the birth of my second child I never lost ANY weight- I was at 240 lbs and I never came back down- it was horrible! I didn't even look like myself- I didn't know who I was- this was 10 years ago. During that pregnancy I was told I had to have surgery at 20 weeks pregnant to remove what they thought was ovarian cancer- they took out my uterus with our daughter in it, removed what was left of my right ovary, tube, and a bunch of other tissue- the surgery was a success- out daughter was fine and after 4 horrible days we got the pathology back that it was "only" endometriosis- what a relief! What the surgery put me into preterm labor and I ended up on meds and bedrest for 17 1/2 weeks! Not that we counted- lol- I ended up with other major complications and toward the end my kidneys and liver kind of shut down and my body stopped making platelet- not a good scene- so we delivered at 37 1/2 weeks- she was perfect! And still is [emoji5] The problem though is that all this "trauma" left me with autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic syndrome and migraines every month-even though I was on 13 meds (!) I could not get it together- I just kept gaining and losing multiple times- I couldn't walk well and definitely couple exercise because of my fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis- it was a never ending cycle or so it seemed- I asked my PCP and he said to start looking at it more seriously- so I started the phase that you're in right now- I was desperate for answers on how to get back to a healthy weight which I hadn't been since high school (I'm 43 now)- I found the best doctor and a Center of Excellence- in the US this is like a special designation for programs of different specialties that are vey highly rated and most importantly that have passed rigorous qualifications set forth by accrediting bodies that look over medical centers, hospitals, clinics, etc- So basically, a Bariatric Center of Excellence is one that has a multidisciplinary team of at least 3 board certified bariatric surgeons, a psychologist, an exercise physiologist, nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, registered dietitians and therapists that work with patients' food issues (God knows we all have those!)- I would think in your health system they have the same types of practices though I don't know- if your practice doesn't include all of those specialties please find these specialists individually- each one of them plays a huge role in patients' successes- Hang on a sec- I have to start a new page- I've written too much at once- I'm sooooo sorry! I'll finish in a sec-

So nice to see someone local! I'm in Peoria...and yes, I'm scheduled for surgery 7/5, with the bypass...unfortunately had the band at one point and with complications had to have it removed 4 years ago. Dr Swain helped with the removal so went back to him for advice on next steps. There is so much information on this site I'm just trying to find all that I can. But so looking forward to having the surgery out of the way. I see you are 94 lbs down, that is incredible, congratulations!

I chose the sleeve bc it was less invasive than bypass and my surgeon doesn't do the band dt too many complications with them. My surgery was on 5/31. I can finally say I'm feeling pretty good. I didn't have surgical pain, but I had gas pain for a week. I feel pretty good now though. I am kinda getting used to taking a few bites and being full, what I do is chew well and inn both sides of my mouth so that I can savor the few bites I can have. Because I usually want more but can't. I am currently on soft foods. When I go for my 6 wk appt they said they want to try to transition me off of protein shakes but I'm not sure if I'll be ready. I am not able to comfortably eat chicken or meats and I don't eat fish or sea food. I feel like I'm transitioning a little slower than they expected me to but I don't care because I know how my body feels and I'm taking my vitamins and trying to get the protein and fluids in. I'm happy I had the surgery. I feel better each week that goes by now. I'm looking forward to going back to work in a few weeks but do worry about drinking enough while I'm there. I already hinted to my manager that I was planning on carrying a small water bottle in my pocket to sip on while there. Anyway, I get sidetracked easily. I'm off my arthritis medicine. My ortho doc gave me a nerve block in my knee the day before surgery so if be able to walk post op pain free and it was amazing and I'm getting a series of gel injections to that knee here in another week on to of the weight I've lost I'm gonna feel like a new woman. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I had a massive hiatal hernia repair as well, I am so sorry to hear about your complications!! I can't imagine how worried I'd be, but please try to give yourself the time and not freak out yet. Good luck, I will be sending you all my good thoughts!!

I pray all goes well for you! I'm anxious about the complications as well! My current weight is 246lbs. I lost 12 lbs so far. Can't wait till it's over and I'm through the recovery stage.

Congrats on the approval! It's unfortunate your holiday is so close to the surgery. You will still be on purees, which will make eating a challenge. You also might still be fatigued. Is there any way to postpone the trip? I just took my big vacation 3 months post op, and was super happy it wasn't closer to the surgery. I had already lost a bunch of weight, could eat anything, and could participate in hiking and physical activities that I wouldn't have been up to at 3 weeks out. It will be possible for you (barring complications), but might not be much fun. As for the lack of excitement.. I wasn't "excited" at all.. too scared for that. The excitement grew gradually postop as I healed and see the pounds dropping off. Was there any chance you could switch to the sleeve? Then malabsorption of meds won't be as much of an issue.

I am a 9.5 yr gastric bypass post-op. I've kept off nearly all of the 160 lbs I lost. (I am 5'7" and weighed 320lbs). It is absolutely the best decision I ever made. The only complication I have had is iron deficiency anemia, which I was before surgery. Because gastric bypass surgery is malabsorptive, my body no longer retains iron on its own. I get iron infusions about every six months. It doesn't hurt, it's really just a matter of scheduling and time for the appointments. Before surgery, I had PCOS, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, and severe gaut. All of those were resolved post surgery with the weight loss. I no longer have any of them. I actually chronicled my entire weight loss journey on my YouTube channel (mixed in with my music as well) at: www.youtube.com/divataunia Maybe you'll find some of that helpful. 🙂