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Hello all my bandster buddies! I know you all have been waiting to hear how everything went with my surgery and I'm here to tell it all. (LOL) Had to check into the hospital at 10:30 and my surgery was suppose to start at 12:30. Needless to say I didn't get wheeled in until 1:15 (but it's all good). Got in the room and all I can remember when I got into the OR is the anesthesiologist over my head and that was it. I was out like a light! (LOL) Anyway, I remember the nurses telling me that I was back in the recovery room and I over heard a telephone conversation with one nurse and my niece on the phone. Got wheeled into my room and from then on I was on the go. I got out of my bed immediately and began to walk. One of the nurses made the comment when she walked in is " I like this already!" I guess normally they have to make people get up and move after surgery, but I was determined to get out the next day so I took it upon myself not to wait.(smile) The last time I got on the scale which was yesterday (05-17-05) I had already lost 10 pounds. Yippeee!!! Total motivator! Had no complications accept my GERD was acting up something fierce, but knew that was bound to happen with the change. My sister had to laugh at me the day after surgery when she fixed some chicken broth for me and saw how big my serving was. She had to be funny and bring it out to me on a huge plate.(Smile) All and all, I do not regret my surgery and already going on a week post-op. So for all of you that are having a hard time or think that you may have a hard time after banding, stay strong and think of the ending results. Do everything that the doctor says to do and by all means do not over eat. I am fortunate because I haven't gotten sick and pray that I never do (hate puking). You all take care and I will be posting pics as I gradually shed the pounds. Take care and God bless you all!!!!

I've had my band for a little over a year. I know one person who's had their band for over 9 years with no complications.

I am older than all of you - sleeved in January 12 - down 86lbs and loving the sleeve - no complications. So glad you all doing well.

I know how you feel because I freaked out and wanted to pull my Band out in the beginning, too (I think a lot of us felt that way.) Take it from me, it will get better. And I'm the resident expert on complications since I've already had 4 major Band related surgeries and two ports removed. I am in debt up to my ears, but I know there's hope, and I know one day I'll start losing weight again. Just be positive, it will get better.

Ok so we'll go with the bad news first....I am asking for many many prayers because my family is having a VERY bad week. My 22 year old cousin was just diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gherig's Disease (sp?) The whole family is taking it very hard and the poor thing can't even go outside or walk up and down the stairs do to all of his complications...please say some prayers for my best friend...he hasn't been given a time line, usually 3-5 years but some people live as long as 10 i've heard...If you guys have any information anything is useful at this time...we are all searching the net high and low for any information, treatments, that kind of thing...he has great doctors and we're being very optimistic!! Ok now for my good news..i took my 4 month measurements just to see how I have been doing...I've been a little down cause i've lost 22lbs so far but feel like things arent going so well...anyway i've lost 15 INCHES!!!!!!!! Holy crap that's a bright spot in the darkness of the family crisis for sure! Seems kinda petty to be happy about something like that when we have such a big deal on our hands but hey, be happy where you can right?? OK thanks for letting me get it all out there, I appreciate it more than you know! Katie

May 14th is D-Day! Can’t wait to get this journey started, and better myself. It’s great reading everyone’s experiences, and has helped a lot. I’m also getting nervous too, praying I don’t have any complications and it all goes smoothly! Any surgery buddies out there in May 14th?

Last week, my doctor referred me to a Gastric Sleeve Surgeon. I attended his open house and I have a consultation reserved later this month. I contacted my insurance agency because part of their requirements is for me to work with a Bariatric Case Manager. I spoke with her today and she informed me of a few new wrinkles. My insurance company only covers surgeries through a Bariatric Center of Excellence. That doctor is not part of any centers that have that certification. A few days ago, I stumbled across this forum (and another). I realize that going to Mexico and paying for my own surgery is an actual option. I wrote my doctor and she is discouraging me from this route. She made it clear that my insurance will not pay for any additional surgeries that rise out of complications. I could go with my insurance but it will take anywhere between 7-12 months before I can have the surgery. Whereas, if I paid, I could probably do it in September or October. I really, really want to self-pay and do it in September. But, I am also afraid of not being covered for any after-care treatment. Did anyone else have a similar choice?

Woohoo! It looks like my insurance may cover any follow-up care. "Related Care Following Bariatric Surgery If you did not receive your surgery under UMP coverage, the plan covers medically necessary follow-up care or complications post bariatric surgery only if: 1. Your surgery was covered by another health plan or you would have met UMP criteria at the time of your surgery. You or your provider must submit medical records to UMP to show that you would have met UMP criteria. 2. The procedure performed was one of those covered by UMP (Roux-en-Y, sleeve gastrectomy, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). If you do not meet the criteria above, followup care (including lap band fills) or complications after bariatric surgery are not covered. If your care was covered by UMP or meets criteria above, all care for complications or reoperation must meet UMP criteria and medical policy. Panniculectomy (removal of loose skin) is covered following bariatric surgery for a medical condition only when specific medical criteria are met. Most panniculectomies are considered cosmetic and are not covered." The only clarification I would like is whether criteria means simply meeting the BMI requirement or if they mean the six month dieting plan requirement.

I turned 43 today. I'm three days into my pre-op diet--I'm on the road to a thinner, healthier me. This is the best gift I can give myself. It will last the rest of my life. I'm sticking pretty much to Isopure protein shakes, chicken, tuna, cheese, cottage cheese, and almonds. I'm getting in about 100 grams of protein a day; my minimum is supposed to be 70. I'm doing great. My carbs are supposed to stay under 30 a day; this is soooo not a problem. Hubby took me out for dinner to celebrate. We went to Outback Steakhouse and I got the center-cut filet (medium rare) with a Caesar salad. I enjoyed every single bite, because I know it will be quite awhile before I can eat another steak or salad. It was delicious! We're looking to buy some riverfront property on the San Marcos river here in Texas. I went out and stomped around on the piece we're most interested in--most likely it's in the flood plain. I wish it wasn't. It's gorgeous. We so want to live on the San Marcos river after I graduate from dental hygiene school in May 2008. George retires from the phone company after 30+ years in December 2009. Life just keeps getting better for both of us. We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on July 4. We've been together for almost seven years. After several failed marriages between us, we took our time getting to know each other. We are perfect for each other. Anyway, back to the lap-band. My sister had a band placed five years ago and has done very well, despite having stretched her pouch. She's lost all of her weight and has been training daily and running marathons for about three years now. I started investigating different weight-loss surgeries for me about a year ago. At first I thought I'd do the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch, but since I have Crohn's disease, my gastroenterologist wouldn't approve it for me. Then I thought the Rouen-Y--same response from my doctor. Well, then I figured that the lap-band would be okay, because it could be reversed, if I had a life-threatening flare-up of my Crohn's disease. My doctor said he thought that was a great idea. In April, I went to a bariatrics seminar held at Seton hospital here in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Mark Sherrod presented all of the information, pre-qualification factors, etc. and he was so personable. I enjoyed the presentation and spoke with him for sometime afterward. My husband came with me and enjoyed it as much as I did. He really liked Dr. Sherrod too. I made an appointment and saw Dr. Sherrod for the first time on a doctor/patient basis in May. With a BMI of 43, I was definitely a candidate for the surgery. There was a ton of paperwork to fill out, questions to answer, future appointments to schedule, etc. that kept me very busy. I went back on June 25th for a meeting with anesthesiology (for an EKG), the psychologist (to make sure I had realistic expectations), an exercise therapist (to give me ideas on what kinds of exercise was reasonable for me), a nurse with the bariatrics team (to discuss the actual surgery, possible complications, etc.), and a dietician (to discuss my eating habits, the pre-op diet, and post-op diet, and lifetime eating habit modification). My gallbladder decided to go bad, and after a couple of gallbladder tests, that came back strongly indicating a malfunctioning organ, Dr. Sherrod was kind enough to take it out for me on June 29. Whew! I feel so much better. I had my gallbladder removed at the Central Park Surgical Suites on 38th St. here in Austin. And I had such a terrific experience that I've canceled my lap-band surgery at Seton hospital, and have scheduled to have it done at the Central Park Surgical Suites. Dr. Sherrod raves about the staff there, and I can certainly understand why. I had my very own nurse who made sure that I never felt any pain. She was priceless! I don't really have any misgivings about the upcoming surgery. I know that I will mourn the loss of my best friend (food), but honestly, my best friend has let me down for 20 years. It's a sick, sick, sick relationship. Food doesn't make me feel better about myself, it hasn't made me healthy, it turned my mom into a type II diabetic, and I know I'm next. If I had a human friend who treated me the way food has, I sure wouldn't have kept that friend around for 20 years! So, the lap-band goes on July 19. It's a tool to help me control how much I eat. And since I will have such a tiny stomach, I will have to be super smart about what I put into my body. It's no different than when George stopped smoking four years ago. He used the patch, the lozenges, and the gum. They were tools to help him curb is addiction. The band will help me curb my addiction. I'm very excited about starting my new life. I'm only 43, if I treat myself well, I could live another 40 years and enjoy my grandkids and their children, and maybe even their childrens' children. How cool would that be? I'm going to commit to posting here once a week. I sure I can do it once school starts up again. We shall see.:kiss

Yes and no. Sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I've participated in the open version of this surgery as a first assist and know it isn't the simple procedure they make it out to be. Lots of vasculature and major organs to deal with. I'd be lying if I said it doesn't scare the crap out of me. I know the complications, although rare, are very real and can be horrible. So maybe the knowledge is scary but it's also an opportunity to stack the deck in our favor, chose a skilled surgeon, and comply with all the pre and post op instruction to reduce the risks of complications. This surgery is a calculated risk to avoid a lifetime of complications from obesity.

Jack I'm curious in light of another discussion going on elsewhere. You've had the band for a long time. Have you experienced any complications? Are you "one" with your band and completely happy with it?

SueSue, Rimadyl is not the wonder drug some think - it's quite harmful long term. I have a 15yr old poodle (yes the yapping kind - lol) who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia & epilepsy @3 yrs old. Was put on rimadyl & phenabarbatol .. was on it for yrs. I moved to the country recently and the Vet here took him off both immediately as other complications were arising *his Opinion* due to Rimadyl use. Little guy has been doing Great! (no seizures in over a yr) - Was given *Metacam* - Non-steroid anti inflammatory drug to use in place as needed & seems to be doing wonderful (might check into that med in the future). I know how meaningful dogs are, my second career is breeding Labs; of which I have 5. My little poodle & his bud a long hair Chi (14) are my "first Kids" and I fear the day they have to leave us...but know how much joy they have brought us. Best of Luck w/your lil' one... Lu

I was terrified of going under anesthesia. Terrified!!! But let me tell you, they set me up in my bed with my iv and I got to watch tv while I waited for the surgeon. While I waited, I was given warm blankets, and then met the anesthesiaologist. They gave me something in my iv and I felt like I drank a bottle of wine. They wheeled me in to the OR, and I got myself on the operating table, all while feeling quite calm. They told me they would take good care of me, and thats all I remember. Then I woke up, in recovery, and it was the most comfortable I have ever been!!! I went in and out of sleep, and was even able to get up and go to the bathroom after a few hrs of being in recovery, with some help from the nurses, who were wonderful. I had heard a few people here say, you just have to give yourself to the nurses the day of surgery, and dont stress just relax. I never thought I could do it, and i was a mess the day before thinking I was going to die from some horrible complications...but the day of surgery, a calm came over me and I felt so ready. I did like everyone said and just let the nurses care for me...it was actually enjoyable!

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

It's hard to lose wieght after the plateau and frankly my personal opinion is that people quit trying b/c the weight they've lost is "good enough" for them. I think everyone has the potential to lsoe all the weight but when they speak statistics they have to factor in everyone with the band - which means they will factor in people who have to get the band taken out due to a complication and they don't lose all the weight, and people who never get a fill b/c they have refulx so they never lose all the weight, and people like some people I've seen at my docs office who just don't try! For example, one woman I saw in the waiting room sais she didn't do the pre-op diet b/c she "didn't feel like it" and ate fajitas and margaritas the night before surgery - I'm sorry but if you have no self control the friggin' night before surgery you probably won't be as sucessful. Then also take the 2 other women who had surgery tha same day as me. One said she refused to give up oreos and chocolate milk, and the other said the only protein shakes she would drink was Boost b/c she liked the taste (HELLO FULL OF SUGAR!!!!) and she said that losing 1/2 the weight was "good enough" for her. May I also mention that I had to pay for my own band yet these people had Medicaid pay for it! Tax dollars hard at work right??? Anyways, when you look at statistics they factor in EVERYONE - and I don't worry b/c I know I don't need chocolate milk and oreos, I do exersize, I can follow my docs instructions, I will get fills, etc so I believe in my heart I can lose 100% and all I need is that faith in myself - not statistics!

I have been one of the extremely lucky ones with banding. I too went to TJ Mexico, and had a french midband placed. I was given a 6cc fill at surgery to fit the band on my "small" stomach, and have not needed additional fill since. So far no complications for me. My first bandiversary is coming up on Sept 21. To date I have lost 83 pounds. That's the good part. For me the band is an annoyance because it's fickle. Some days I am tight and can barely eat or drink, on other days not so tight, and can eat well (with-in reason), though not too much. The problem with that is on days when there is some sort of a celebration with food, a holiday, or family gathering. When I'd like to be able to eat better, I often can't, maybe one or two bites and I'm uncomfortable...sometimes too uncomfortable...the dreadful sliming/pb routine. Sometimes I'm genuinely hungry, and same thing... a few bites followed by the slimey/ropey saliva, and discomfort or even a PB. I HATE THAT PART! The main issue is the fact that I never know how I'll do until I try to eat. I don't have a warning sign or predetermining factor that tells me what to expect. I have learned that on a reasonable banding day, eating Breakfast for me requires being up for 4 or 5 hours first, and I have about a 6 or 7 hour window before I tighten up again. On a not so reasonable day, it's a bite or 2 at a time, maybe an hour apart... certainly takes a long time to clean a small plate of small servings like that... & my meals are usually cold... Having said that, I wore a bikini this summer for the first time in many years. I am getting noticed, flirted with, and looks of appreciation, both from strangers, and most importantly, my husband... The good DEFINITELY out weighs the bad! Good Luck to you in your research, finding this community helped seal the deal for me. You won't find a great support group than right here.

I've had my consultation with Dr. Stowers (via phone since I live out of state) and so far it has been a good experience. I'm wondering if anyone has gone to him for the sleeve? If so, what was your experience like? Any complications? For fellow sleevers that are a few years out, how has your progress been and are you maintaining? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading. I have posted on here once before about Dr Slotman (that I was considering him for my LB surgery). Well no one at all had heard of him, so I called my insurance to see who else was covered. Dr Balsama is covered, and I have heard great things about him. I am just in the very beginning stages of preparing to get a LB. I have done lots of research, and feel very confident that this is for me. My question is... Can anyone who has had Dr Balsama as their surgeon tell me all the good, bad, and ugly about their expierence with him? I feel like I have read every post on this whole site (I really haven't), and lately I have been reading about a lot of complications not with him, but with the LB surgery, which has scared me a little. So just for my piece of mind, Id like to know everyones expierences with Dr Balsama. Thanks so much!! Im very excited to hear the feedback. :cursing:

Hi it's ok to be nervous. I had rny on may 2,2012. I did develop some complications at the beginning. I have lost 97 lbs and I would do it all over again if I had to. I feel so much better now and I didn't before the surgery. Even with the complications I had it was worth it. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

I dont have any words of wisdom but I am also curious on whether you would have to pay for that? I self payed but I chose a doc in my insured network in case there was a complication so it would be covered.

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about it. I got on the internet and Googled surgeons in the Dallas area (not my home) and filled out a form requesting information. That same day I got a call from a representative of Dr. Nicholson's Clinic and shared my heart and they offered a solution/tool in a Bariatric Vertical Sleeve. To make a long story short I planned my trip to Dallas for an informational class and personal Dr. consultation. I was sold and set my surgery date for Oct. 18th, 2011 at Forest Park Hospital, Dallas, TX. I was about a month out of surgery when I started doing some research and asking different questions. Because I live on a ranch an hour drive from any medical services the sleeve is an ideal choice. Three weeks post op the risk of surgical complications are nil. That has been a big peace of mind for me. I started my pre-op diet on Oct. 4th and found it to be a bit of a struggle. I despise sweet, milky drinks and gagged down Slimfast, HoneyMilk and Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free. I did not know about the Bariatric Advantage Products or Unjury.....boy I wish I had. If I had one piece of advice it would be to hunt like crazy till you find something that you find pleasant and drinkable. It will make the days after surgery much less stressful. I've since ordered some of the above products. During this time I also meet with the psychologist, nutritionist and went through the pre-admit process. The whole time I wasn't sure I would go through with it. The Nicholson Clinic is really good about letting you know that you can cancel or delay until you are ready. Even the night before going in I was not sure. So many changes, so much to give up, so much unknown. It was by faith and the grace of God that I made it to the OR the next day.....and sooooo thankful that I did. My check-in was noon on the 18th of October. It went smoothly and I was in the holding area shortly after that. My husband went with me and was a huge support. It is good to have someone with you. Being dehydrated made some of the IV stuff a bit trying but that was over quickly and I was resting when the anethesiologist (sp) came in. I'd had a horrible cold the week before and had a nasty cough. He promised me he would get that cleared out and he was true to his word. Don't remember a thing after he injected a relaxing med into the IV. Woke up being moved to my bed. The whole day I kept dozing off and dreaming that the surgery was the next day and feeling the dread. Then I would realize it was OVER and feel utter elation. The 24 hour hospital stay is a bit of a blur. Good drugs. I will say that it was challenging to get up and walk regularly, not drink, and battle a crazy head hunger. I just wanted to eat big bites of some comfort food like mac and cheese or enchiladas. I thought I was starving to death and ask myself what the heck had I'd done. It was an internal battle. I'm not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience but it has really reinforced for me the need for the Sleeve surgery. It will be the tool that helps me finally overcome obesity and achieve my goals in life. It's just too short to waste sitting around in a love affair with food that doesn't love me back. Leaving the hospital and going to a hotel in the area worked out fine. I slept and sipped. On day three I was able to stop the pain medication and Tylenol...both were so sweet and gagging that I did better without. I used ice packs on my left side and it seemed to help. I must say that the pain was more than I had expected but not anything to keep someone from doing it. If I could have choked down the meds I probably would have taken them a few more days. Also, do practice sipping before your surgery. I used the one ounce cup for a week before just to get the hang of it. A week post-op and I was able to drink at just the right pace without thinking about it and loved feeling normal again. On the 8th day I flew home and had a 2.5 hour car ride. It went great and there is no place like home! I really began to heal quickly once I was in my own home. I've been following the Dr.s orders as well as possible and was back in Dallas for the 2-week post op exam. I've lost 22 pounds, yea, and can begin soft foods this coming Tuesday! Hello scrambled eggs! One note, I had really felt sore on my left side and was concerned that there was a problem. Turns out it is text book for week 2 due to the healing process and increased activity. This may not hold true for all Dr's patients but for Dr. Nick's he adds extra stitches in the left side muscles and they begin to pull. Who knew? Living in an isolated area it was recommended to me to find an online support group. My nutritionist suggested this one. I look forward to this part of the journey! It will be a pleasure to hear about each of your stories and learn from the experiences of others. There is no time like NOW! Source: Day 19 and I Can't Stop Smiling!

Hello All, Thank God, I have had no complications or any serious problems with my band, that's what keeps me motivated, well, at times haha. Anyway, I know I'm not in the best shape of my life but I never felt this way. I noticed that after my filling (3rd one) for the last 2 weeks, I have been out of breath easily, I get winded even going down the stairs. I don't get dizzy, or anything like that. Can it be due to the filling? Maybe because I'm not eating as much? I haven't been eating anything just crackers, cheese and Soup mostly. Does anyone else get like that after a filling? Thanks, Chris

Hello: I would look on this forum in the section called Lapband complications, there might be information there. The FDA states the band is good for at least 10-years and could last longer without complications. As far as studies, here are some links: However, the best research papers are in medical journals. Do a Google search for information. gastric banding research - Google Scholar Gastric Banding Reverses Impact Of Type 2 Diabetes

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Hey there. I was banded nov 3rd of last year and yes I have had complications but I am hoping that everything is worth it in the end. You are the only one who knows if it is the right thing to do for you. Unfortunately, it is not as cut and dry as we'd like it to be. My process has been slow but I do know other people that have had no complications what so ever and yes lap banding is SOOOOO much safer as opposed to gastric bypass. The thing that sold me on lap band is that fact that I am only 24 and want to have kids someday and w/ the band since it is adjustable my dr can remove saline from it so that myself and the baby are getting all the nutrients we need and then after the baby the band can be filled. The down fall w/ the band is you are going to be spending a lot of time at the drs. Every 6-8 weeks i have to go back in for a fill or to see where I am at. This is only for the first year though and then I make the call as to when I need a fill. I don't know if this has helped at all but let me know if you have ?'s I'll help the best I can. Good luck in whatever decision you make.