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I use the Roslyn office too. The doctors at the group are great. They have a ton of experience and super low complication rates. I saw Dr Angstadt and he is very kind and willing to answer any and all questions. The PAs are very nice as well and you will see mostly them post-op. There is also a good support group that meets there once a month on a thursday night. The next one is 7/13. It is open to pre-op and post-op. I had my surgery done at St. Francis. They had me come in the week before surgery for a mandatory educational session with a nurse practitioner. I know Mercy also does the same thing. That session was really informative and went over everything in a lot of detail. You'll feel better after that and can ask all the questions you want. The post-op diet is a little different than what I've seen described on this forum. Basically, we skip the post-op liquid diet and can jump into soft foods as soon as you get home and are ready. In the first week, focus on staying hydrated. Drink your shakes when you can, but your stomach is very inflamed and sore and it is hard to get in anything so you want to put hydration above nutrition. The nurse from the hospital will call you a few days after you are home to see if you are ok and to make sure you are drinking enough. As soon as you are ready, add in soft protein foods like scrambled eggs. Month 2 you can add soft cooked vegetables and will have 3 oz of protein with 1 oz of veg for each meal. After the 3rd month, you can change one of the day's veggies to a fruit. That's kind of it for a while. 3 oz of protein and 1 oz of veg/fruit, slowly weaning yourself off the shakes. We don't get white carbs added back in until maintenance.

I had the sleeve 3 yrs ago at 67. I've lost 27 lbs and since then I'm stuck. The sleeve is not a cure all. I've have to take a Prilosec for acid indigestion everyday for life which is a side effect of the sleeve that almost everyone gets and also constipation. You can gain back any weight you've lost w/the sleeve and then some. My energy is about the same. Some days I have more than others. I think getting older slows us down and living in a hot region plays a part. It sounds like your unsure about this and since you've lost weight on your own I'd suggest doing your diet or The Whole 30, go to Tops or just eat vegs, protein and fruit to loose weight. If you have complications with surgery before your best bet might be to wait and loose the weight on your own. Once you do this there is no going back. If you don't have major medical problems that need you to loose weight then wait. So if in doubt......don't. It has been a life saver for many and for others a big problem as you've read. Would I do it again? I really don't know. I had a highly rated surgeon which makes a difference. I wish you luck on what ever you decide to do.

Hello everyone. I'll be having my sleeve surgery in August. I'm concerned about low energy and the horror stories I've been reading on the complications forum. I'm so worried I'll have complications and no energy according to some of the posts I've read. I'm a healthy 62 year old woman but I've had issues in the past from a laparoscopic gall bladder removal. It subsequently lead to 3 more hernia repair surgeries. I do want the sleeve so I can have a good quality of life in my golden years, and not sit around and end up in a wheelchair because of my weight. I weigh 237 now, started at 243. Weight just sticks to me. So I'm motivated but fearful. I suppose I need to stay away from the complications forum all together. Any thoughts? I sure could use some positive vibes about now. Thank you to all.

I feel you. I ended up almost dying during surgery due to an unforeseen complication that almost caused me to bleed to death- nothing on the fault of my surgeon, just bad luck. I was stuck in the hospital for 11 days. I swore if I had to drink one more sweet thing I was going to shriek my blasted head off! Soups helped- which since you are still clear broth won't work for you yet. I was super discouraged right after, not just from the complications I had but also because I "felt" hungry but the minute I tried to eat it was just not happening. That shock/depression/discouragement was added to because I actually gained 50 pounds of fluid from ivs and forced fluids while in the hospital. Nothing like going in for this procedure and coming out even heavier! That's where I completely understand your "gift for someone else" image. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm almost 6 months out. I'm 63 pounds (113 if I add in the fluid weight loss [emoji23]) down. I feel so much better- even with the ongoing problems I have from the complications. I can eat pretty much anything and yet the desire to do so is greatly reduced. Set a schedule and keep it. That will help. Try bone broth. Journal your feelings- is it a longing for what you miss, the taste or emotions the foods being, or thinking you should be hungry? This is a good place for support. Good luck.

Fepblue will not automatically deny claims, they told me they would treat it like any other claim, no matter whether the insurance was in or out of network, whether they paid the initial claim or if I was cash pay, or regardless where the surgery was performed. There is also a company out of Columbia SC that offers an insurance policy for when you return. Premium based on amount of coverage and duration. When I checked it was like $450 for 30 days worth of coverage for like $250k. They reimburse you for complications, it's not like regular medical insurance. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

mbuczkowski, If you don't mind me asking, who did you purchase medical tourism insurance through? I think my insurance has to cover emergency complications if I go to an in-network hospital, but not 100% sure. I am super worried about leaks over everything else. Thanks!

I guess that make sense but I certainly understand the lack of energy with nothing but water. Can you walk paces in your house? I had to do that because of some major complications during surgery.

I had no complications from my surgery in Mexico.

Personally, I bought medical tourism insurance as a just in case. But I had no complications Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Just curious. Did anyone have a surgery in Mexico and experience complications when you got home? Did your insurance cover the cost of the complications? Or did you get stuck with a huge bill from a US Doctor & Hospital?

It's probably 75 % of the insurance negotiated amount, which varies by insurance company. (I'm assuming in network) my example is a guesstimate. For example, they might bill $50,000, but the insurance company's agreed amount might be $10000. You pay your deductible and the 25% of 10k, not 50k. The dr writes the rest off. To complicate things, the insurance company might offer a cash rate of $7000. There are plenty of stories on here of initial bills are 40 to to 50,000 but most of that gets written off. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was in the hospital 2 nights. But I had a high risk of complications. He gave me and over 50% chance of wound complications because of the condition of my skin and medications I was on.

I'm in Rosenberg. I had the bypass in November 2016. Best thing I have ever did for myself. Just had my 6 month check up and I'm good for a year. No complications at all!

I'm in Rosenberg. I had the bypass in November 2016. Best thing I have ever did for myself. Just had my 6 month check up and I'm good for a year. No complications at all!

I'm one step away from completing my requirements for my insurance. It's seems like it be in August or early September when I will get the sleeve. I'm extremely nervous and back and forth on if this is the right decision or should I just keep struggling with losing/ gaining weight roller coaster. My fear of course is complications and the whole idea of having surgery because I've never had any surgery done before. I hope I'm not the only one with these fears.

Ooops. I was typing away and realized that you posted this on the bypass forum. Hope you don't mind a response from a sleever..... My doctor brought me in for my last appointment about a week before my surgery date and that was when I had to make my final decision on what surgery I was choosing. Up until then, the approvals and diet and prep were the same for both surgeries, so he said he didnt need to know until then - I think it only matters to them as they plan out the surgery schedule for the day. - so don't feel pressured if you change your mind a few times. they are both good surgeries. each has pros and cons. the trick is to pick the one that matches you. Here are some factors to take into account.... reflux, diabetes, how much you need to lose. malabsorption, and complication rates. If you follow the averages, RNY has greater and quicker weight loss rate..but be careful with those stats. So many people don't make lasting changes and they screw up the averages. By the 2 year mark, for people who are making lifestyle changes and really using WLS as a tool and not relying on it to do all the work, the percentages are the same. Good luck in September

Bariatric surgery complications: Are almost never life-threatening (99.9% survival rate) Are non-existent for about 93% of patients (30-day complication rate is 7%) Risk can be further minimized in a number of ways Differ depending on which procedure you choose

The 30-day mortality rate for sleeve gastrectomy was 0.08 percent, while the rate for gastric bypass was 0.14 percent and 0.03 percent for gastric banding. These mortality and complication rates are lower than those typically associated with gallbladder or hip replacement surgery.Jun 20, 2012

She said she "KNEW PEOPLE" who died on the table? More than one? She must have some really sick friends, I've never heard of anyone dying from this unless they had other complications they didn't tell the surgeon about

I think it is the complication risk that scares me. I had another (not related) simple procedure years ago that left me with irreversible nerve damage. It was one of the risks that was listed among the 1001 others. You always think "oh, that won't happen" but it did to me. 12 years of chronic pain later, I really read the possibilities. Thank you so much for your reply. It really helped. God bless you and your upcoming life change. Am trying to get thru the clear liquid diet now and think that my hunger is overshadowing my fear! 21 hours to go 😀

I did get approved for another fill by slimband..They are still doing fills but I chose to go to a doctor they suggested since he is closer to me. Now for complications etc I'm not sure what they will do.. Sent from my SM-G930W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I can understand your feelings. I am scheduled for surgery July 17 and I am anxious & happy. But my happiness is outweighing me being anxious. Kind of weird to have them at the same time. I had two surgeries on my feet in the past and risks were discussed & I understood them. Unfortunately, surgery wasnt successful so I will have to have another surgery next year. I have chronic pain too. I can accept that because I understood the risk & possible outcome. So, with the gastric bypass surgery I have a good understanding of the risks and to always check in with my doctor if I encounter any problems and or if something is not right. My surgeon Dr Joyce is such a great surgeon. I trust him. It really helps when you and your surgeon can bond. You trust him and he trusts you to call him when there is a problem. This is a big decision and it will get us on a healthier pathway. Choosing to be healthy is always a good thing. The thoughts I have about being healthy outweighs the risks or complications that may happen. God is good God give us strength

This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him. He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds. It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose. In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life. It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life. He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to giveback and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received. He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.

This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him. He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds. It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose. In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life. It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life. He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received. He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.

Im having Bypass and they said the foloowing evening, with no complications. My surgery is June 26th