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Thank you all for our responses! VSG is an option other than the band which is what I am doing. It is a Vertical Sleeve - part of the stomach is removed and the muscle part of the stomach is left "sleeve" making your stomach smaller. No re-routing of inners like Bypass. You will see a number of people that have started with the band and gone to the sleeve but I am just going right to the sleeve. Banding is definately not an option for me. The Carbon thing relates to a pouch so I wondered if it was also for the sleeve.

jsm - I am one week out and I also was very scared - still a small amount. But I can tell you this. I've gotten to two different restuarants with my kiddos and hubby and I'm not even interested in their food. I've lost 22.5 lbs in two weeks = one week preop and one week postop. I believe this sleeve will work for you if you follow the program... Now I have a friend that had the complete bypass a week before myself and she's gained weigh but in talking with her she's been eating small amounts of food the first week - hello... my doctor doesn't have me eating pureed food until three weeks out. You must be completed and work the tool. Hope this gives you some insight.

I'm glad I can connect with so many people who are feeling the same and people I can go through this journey with! November is fast approaching! I've been looking at cute summer dresses for next year and daydreaming about how I will be able to wear them. I can't wait! The simple things make me smile.

Hi all I had my gastric bypass on 22nd January and I have had a few complications along the way one being I have a blood clot in my new stomach which I am on injections for and lots of medication. I just want to know from you lovely people when you had your op did you ever feel the need to eat? Did you get hunger pains? How many teaspoons/tablespoons did you eat per meal and when can you properly excersise? Thanks All X

@@Aspring424 yes ma'am, twins! What procedure are you having? I'm having the bypass.

I have BCBS-IL, they said my co-pay for gastric bypass is $250. That's good to know!

<TABLE height=280 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Kent "Big Boy" Alexander</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Duodenal Switch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor (Deuce Bigelow/Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle) - Radio DJ</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Khaliah Ali</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Fashion Designer - Plus-Size Model - Daughter of Muhammad Ali</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Patti Austin</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Singer (Baby, Come To Me (duet with James Ingram)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Rosanne Barr</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Star of Rosanne (TV show) - Talk Show Host</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Andrae Crouch and Sandra Crouch (siblings)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Legendary Gospel Singers</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Brian Dennehy</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor - Star of stage, screen, and television</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Michael Genadry</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Banded Gastric Bypass (unsure if this is the Fobi procedure) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor, Ed (TV show - incorporated the surgery into the storyline)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Adam Goldstein</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Famous DJ - once engaged to Nicole Ritchie</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Jackie Guerra</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Comedienne, Actress (Selena - played Selena's sister), Author, and Jewelry Designer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Jennifer Holliday</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Tony Award-winning Actress/Singer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Jesse Jackson, Jr.</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Duodenal Switch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Politician - Son of Rev. Jesse Jackson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Randy Jackson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Record Producer - Judge on American Idol (TV show)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Etta James</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Legendary Blues Singer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Star Jones</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Type of Procedure Unknown</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Host of The View (TV show) - Attorney</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Ron Lester</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Experimental Bariatric Procedure</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor - Popular and Freaks and Geeks (TV shows) - Varsity Blues and Good Burger (Movies) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Ralphie May</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Stand-Up Comedian - runner-up on Last Comic Standing (TV show)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Sharon Osbourne</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>The Osbournes (TV show) - wife/manager of Ozzy Osbourne</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>JoMarie Payton</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Played Harriet Winslow on Family Matters (TV show) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>John Popper</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lead singer of the band Blues Traveler </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Anne Rice</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Author (Interview With The Vampire)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Al Roker</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>TV Weatherman (The Today Show) - Host of Roker On The Road (Food Network) - Cookbook Author</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Glenn Shadix</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor (Demolition Man, Planet of the Apes)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Deborah Voight</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Opera Singer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Basil White</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Stand-Up Comedian</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Ann Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lead singer of the bands Heart and The Lovemongers </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Carnie Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Member of the group Wilson Phillips - daughter of Beach Boys member Brian Wilson </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

not that you asked for the advice of a nurse practitioner student but i had my surgery in november and went back to clinicals soon after that. the recovery isn't as brutal as u think. good luck.

Congratulations I'm so nervous about the pain schedule for my operation the 27th of November Sent from my SM-N920P using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you Mariposa I have am so afraid that my surgery will not get covered by my job. I have aetna. Where do you live down here I live in lauderdale lakes which is in Ft. lauderdale. I wish I knew some people close to me that have had the surgery. I am going to a semiar on monday the 28th of November, and can't wait. How long after should I expect to wait for my surgery pre-op things to be done including insurance stuff? Thanks again for responding to my questions. God Bless you.

I’m about 5 weeks out from rny gastric bypass and I’m starting to get back to a more “normal” diet. Are there any meal kits out there that anyone knows of? a couple years ago I was in a ldr and my bf used to order 3-4 meals a week. When I visited, it was enough for two and when I was not there, he always had leftovers since they are designed for 2. Since I’m obviously not eating as much as I did pre op, one kit would probably be 4 or 5 meals and that seems so wasteful because I can’t imagine eating the same thing 4 meals in a row. Are there meal kits out there that make smaller portions?

Generally if you develop an ulcer, you will find it difficult to keep food down and experience incessant nausea and vomiting. But these symptoms can also happen if you develop a stricture. According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present.

I am so very annoyed right now. My first visit with my surgeon last month. I gave him records from WW, proving that I had tried to lose weight for 6 months. He had told me that this was acceptable for bypassing the 6 month monitored weight loss. So I had huge plans to have surgery in September after I got all my tests done. I have been rushing to have all these tests, have an appointment basically on all my days off except for this coming Tuesday, which now my boss talked me into working. Only to get a call today, saying those records are not acceptable and I have to do the 6 month monitored weight loss. I am so pissed off. I have had 2 sessions already, so that is only 4 months left, but that still pushes me into November to have the surgery, or by the time my insurance approves it, December. This completely ruins everything I had planned.

I'm waiting for my sister. To tell me she is having a baby too she just had the bypass in February and she also has pcos..,

Oh and another thought. I was talking to a nurse who works at this hospital. She happened to bring up the gastric bypass and how she was trying to talk her niece out of getting it. I had a shocked look and was like why? I told her how I am looking into it and need to know whats wrong. She said the lap sleeve is safer. She told me to remember one thing - THE DOCTORS ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS. ($$$$) So part of me thinks they are recommending the 2-part DS for more money. However if I only get the sleeve done anyway they are not making any more money.

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone! I've actually been doing alright - not too hungry, bit of a gas pain everyonce and a while still but I also know I haven't been walking as much as I should (and to top it off it snowed today lol). But I'm doing alright! Looking forward to moving onto the full liquids stage as the Clear Liquids is starting to get a bit boring. Today was a quiet day so even for day 3 post surgery, it wasn't too shabby. I did however get to take a shower today - first day since surgery that I was allowed and well - that was quite the experience. We just have a stand up shower stall so DF stood at the open door and took a wash cloth to all the iodine, etc on my belly. The Water wasn't super hot the way I usually like it as I thought it was probably not a good idea on my tummy. I had just finished washing my hair and rinsing it when I knew bad things were about to happen. I think it is from a lack of calories/nutrients and the hot water as I opened the door and told DF "must sit now" (he was waiting outside the shower for me in case I needed him) as I knew if I didn't sit down I would have passed out in the bathroom (which isnt very spacious). So dripping wet I made a beeline for the toilet seat and had to sit there, leaning against him while the dark cloud came over me (I don't know if any of you have ever passed out before or almost passed out - but it's not fun). This is not a feeling that I am a stranger too and I knew the signs that it was coming - I've had issues with this since I was a kid (blood tests come back fine though everytime and it's VERY sporadic and occasional). I was leaning against him and I think I did actually pass out (wasn't from pain as I wasn't in any) leaning against him. When I was able to we got me to the bed, I lay down and just chilled there for about an hour. So note to everyone, if your low on your calories/blood sugar, careful with warm showers as that is usually what triggers me on my "near black out" moments, and post-surgery was no exception. On an exciting note - my official "weight day" isn't until Wednesday so I am not updating or putting it on my tracker but so far - down 8 lbs since surgery on the 23rd. I realize that I will likely gain some of this back once I start mushies but I'll be so damn happy to have mushies I don't think I will care!! Hope everyone is doing well! *big hugs and well wishes to you all* It's actually been my experience (as well as that of friends) but also what has been told to me on more than one occasion by doctors. Thank you! If you check out the Canada boards there is a group that posts under different threads related to BC Bandsters, you should check them out some time. None of the lapband procedure is covered by BC Medical unfortunately, and likely won't be any time soon. Gastric Bypass is covered but I believe the waitlist is about 6 years now for it if you have it paid for by medical. I don't know if he does bypasses or not (I don't think he does though) but he does do the "sleeve". His cost is $400 consulation fee (first time you meet with him) and the cost of the surgery is $14,000 (includes free aftercare fills no charge for them). I believe he is accepting patients you just have to call and ask how to go about getting a consult (they send you a questionnaire to fill out) - I'll pm you his number. I will say though - if you are seriously considering the band and have the money to self pay - give it great thought before going to Mexico or the US at this point. Not due to lack of great surgeons but due to there not being very much aftercare options in BC right now. Dr.Leung in Surrey also does the lapband and WILL NOT accept any other surgeons patients. Dr.Woodhead *may* and I say that with great emphasis as I know he prefers not to as well. Other than that, your only other option for aftercare would be to travel to Everett area in Washington to one of the fill places there. So be sure you check out all of your options before settling on a location/surgeon. I would have loved to go to Dr.Kirschenbaum in Denver for a cheaper price but figured by the time I have to go through the hassell and paying for fills (most places charge $150-200 in the states , per fill) that it wasn't worth it and that it was worth shelling out the extra $5000 up front. Good luck on your journey and decisions, feel free to message me at any time. :cursing:

LAP-BAND,laparoscopic banding,bariatric surgery,obesity Tracy's FAQ LAP-BAND: Surgery Technique Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared You could also join his egroup and talk to lots of other patients. It's really a great group. Dr. Aceves is the VP of the Mexican Bariatric Assoc., and the Secretary of the International Bariatric Assoc. Both those positions are voted on by members so he is even respected by US docs. Things that you want to look for are issues such as... does your doc do surgery in a clinic or hospital? Mexico is not the same as the US, if you were to have a complication in a clinic and needed to be transported to a hospital it is not as easy as calling 911 and they are there in minutes. It's a whole different ballgame. I preferred to be in a fully equipped hospital with an ER, ICU, CCU, PICU, OR, etc. What kinds of procedures does the doc do? Does he ONLY do banding? Banding is the easiest of all procedures. I chose Aceves because he can do the tricky stuff, the bypass to band revisions, sleeve, etc. Many docs won't touch the hard stuff. How close do you want to be to the border? Some have a preference, some do not. I wanted to be close to the border. Just my personal opinion but I think the best two docs in Mexico from my research are Rumbaut and Aceves. They are who others refer to for the more complicated procedures. They both work out of a hospital, they don't do assembly line surgery, they both open the patient, place the band, and close the patient unlike other docs who have the asst. surgeon do most of the work. They are both well respected in the Mexican medical community, they both train US docs in banding, they are both safe surgeons. When people talk about how many bands someone has done, keep in mind that many times the docs strive to do 10 procedures a day. They have the Asst. Surgeon do most of the work, they spend about 15 minutes in OR with the patient, the asst. does everything else. Personally, I wouldn't want to be the 10th OR patient in the day. Rumbaut and Aceves limit their surgeries to 4-5 daily because they are doing the entire procedure. Lots of things to think about and consider when going to Mexico. It can be a very safe experience, but research is essential.

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Good luck! Im scheduled November 26th. I cant wait!

@@jessdawn37 Don't give up hope! I actually went in for surgery in September 2012 and when I woke up I was told they couldn't do the surgery due to my liver. I thought that was a sign that I was meant to stay this way forever. I had gotten into a car accident in the parking lot of that clinic, and it seemed that whatever could go wrong always seemed to go wrong there. Fast forward to the end of 2013 and I decided to look into other doctors. I went to a surgeon who told me I should do bypass, but I know that wasn't the right decision for me, so I looked again and found Dr. Landerholm. I went in for a consult and told him how I gave up and he told me never to give up hope. He had me do a three week pre op diet and I had surgery last Monday (9/22). I also had a hiatal hernia repaired that the first surgeon said I didn't have, so I have to look at it as a blessing in disguise. If the first doc had done the sleeve, I'd still have a huge hole in my diaphragm where my stomach was stuck. If you would like to msg me please do: mkwhite1280@gmail.com

If you suffer from acid reflux then bypass is the best option. I know this because when I originally was going to have surgery I wanted the sleeve and was preparing for the sleeve but when I met with my gastric doctor he told me to have the bypass because of GERDS. I listened and I've had great success and even though I got Reactive Hypoglycemia which only 2% of gastric bypass patients get it I would do it all over again in minute. Reactive Hypoglycemia is different then regular Hypoglycemia and is really a very low risk of getting it. Good luck in your decision and best to you on your journey to a healthier you. P.S. I hope I haven't scared you with what I disclosed to you and if it worries you discuss it with your surgeon or nutritionist.

I have the same story. I was banded in November, 2008. I have lost 34 pounds, but I have had several issues with my band. The issues include painful port area, not related to a fill; being stuck and losing lots of fill Fluid within weeks of a fill. One of the severest "being stuck" issues required me to be hospitalized overnight. It came out of the blue and I was five years with the band at that point and landed in the hospital in terrible pain. I see my doctor on a regular basis, I monitor my food intake, and I my exercise is lots of walking. I am slated to have my band removed on June 4, 2015 and six months later will have the gastric bypass procedures done.

I had heartburn, every time I had spicy food, chocolate or soda. Since losing the weight, I can eat spicy food but I have not had soda. My chocolate intake is more of a dark chocolate now. I have not had any heartburn. If I eat too much, I get a foamy feeling in my throat. If you are looking to lose 120 lbs. It is possible with both the Sleeve and Bypass. What is your current weight if you don't mind asking.

Don't really care about the rest of the rant, but this needed to be addressed (yet again). Depending on the surgery, the stretchy part of of the stomach (the fundus) is removed (sleeve) or bypassed (bypass). Therefore it is not possible to stretch the stomach again. However! Once the scar tissue has fully healed, the stomach that remains does regain some pliability. I would liken it to a garden hose in the winter versus the same hose in the summer. On a properly performed surgery, when people say that their stomach has stretched, most likely what has happened is that the pylorus (for sleeves) or the created opening to the intestine (bypass) has been weakened and/or stretched and food can move from the stomach or pouch into the intestine quicker allowing for more food to be consumed. To make the myth worse is the fact that doctors/surgeons will put the above into "laymans terms" for their patients. Thus perpetuating the belief that you can stretch your sleeve by eating poorly or too much or drinking carbonated beverages.

I came here because I was intent on getting a band. I only knew about the band and RnY and I do not believe in malabsorption procedures on principle -- I don't want something that allows me to eat more food than my body needs; I want something that allows me to eat regular portions and feel satiety. Anyway, then I found out about all sorts of other options like DS, sleeve, VBLOC. It was confusing at first, but I've recently decided that a sleeve is a better option for me. First, I've come to terms with the whole surgery thing. At first, I was freaked out by something *permanent* but it's not like having a lap band is like wearing a belt with your slacks. It's a surgery and it adheres to your stomach with scars -- scars that are probably permanent. The reasons you would want to take one out are because of erosion or slippage or other damage that the lap band caused. So if you don't get one, you don't need to undo it. I do like the adjustability of the band. I like the idea of being able to eat most things by not being super tight. But will I be able to get to that elusive "sweet spot" where I feel satiety when I eat normally but can still eat most foods if I chew well enough? After hanging out here for a 4 months, I see that it's not a given. Plus what really bugs is that many of the foods you can't get down because of a band are good for you. Plus even if you find your sweet spot, the band can be fickle -- tight certain times of day, loose at others -- tight certain TOM or after flying or when you are under stress. So you can be at the sweet spot then lose it over and over again. Another reason for getting a band is that you can get an unfill if you need more nutrition, say when you get pregnant. I'm past the age of getting pregnant. I may get cancer, but my understanding is that most people with cancer have problems with nutrition because they are too sick to eat. Unfilling the band may help, but it's not going to make you want to eat. Finally, there is the matter of costs. The band is cheaper in the short run, but adjustments can drive up costs. WLS is not covered under my insurance so not only would I have to pay to put it in, but if something happened and it had to be taken out, I'd have to pay for that. With a sleeve, you get it and that's it. So it's a one-time cost. The sleeve works by making your stomach smaller but, unlike with a lap band, there is no stoma so you have a much smaller chance of getting stuck. It also removes the portion of your stomach that produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone, so that you don't feel hungry. Most of my overeating comes from hunger issues so something that definitely controls hunger is a good choice for me. This particular operation has been done for reasons other than weight loss since the 80s. It has been done as a two-part operation for DS patients who were too sick to get DS for a while too. It has only been done as a stand-alone operation since around 2001 (and contrary to the info on the intranet, was not started in the UK ). This is also the year the Lap band was approved for use in the US so, in fact, it's been done in the US as long as bands have been done here. Not that it matters: don't go by what is popular in the US or common in the US -- we really out of step with the rest of the world when it comes to WLS. The bad parts of the sleeve, to me, are: Not a lot of data on long term results. There is one published 3 year study and one getting ready for publishing 5 year study. The results of that study are promising. It seems unlikely that the sleeve will expand that much over time. Plus, while your stomach does figure out how to make ghrelin after a few years, it doesn't make it at the levels that it used to (morbidly obese people have about 10x the ghrelin as normal). But only two studies is a bit scary. The 1 and 2 year studies show that weight loss is similar to bypass with safety similar to lap band, however. So those are promising. Not a lot of doctors do them. Now I live in a major metropolitan area and I know of at least 6 surgeons who do them including some who have done them since 2001, but most people won't find that. Insurance won't pay for it yet. But my insurance doesn't pay for WLS at all. Plus, there are ways to get around the "no sleeve" limitation... it is approved as a 2-part operation after all. :cool2: I think there is no one right WLS for everyone. The sleeve appeals to me for a number of reasons, but it's not going to appeal to everyone. OTOH, it's definitely not some fly-by-night, unsafe surgery that has no track record what-so-ever and I do think a few posts in this thread gave that impression whether intentionally or not. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com