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During my 1st appointment my Doc asked, "do you know what the #1 complication associated with this surgery is?" And being such a good little nurse, I'm like, "uh, yeah. Blood clots." Duh. He says, "no, it's divorce" WOW. Didn't expect him to say that. And no. I don't feel like I settled. My husband is amazing. But this does introduce a whole new set of problems to work through.

So glad you are doing so well! I know this post feels like a downer to most yet I think it’s a vital discussion so that all info is on the table to make a truly informed decision. I’m not saying all my conditions are caused by my bypass, but I’m saying all these seemingly unrelated type of complexities especially when following all regiment guidelines is a very vital discussion to have for those considering surgery and those who have had it. Information is power. I hope this thread balances information to provide a very clear picture of all incredible benefits and very scary possible or likely consequences even while following guidelines. It’s vital for informed consent knowing ahead of time. I know it would not have changed my decision (like you) to have the hope of my life back, yet if I had this info I would have been pushing much harder for bariatric specialists to be involved. Our governance g need to provide this coverage for a specialist (as they would any specialists for complicated surgery patients in Ontario!). This surgery radically changes everything for good and sometimes has complex complications only a bariatric dr. Would be privy to connecting some of the possible and connected health effects that lead all the way back to surgery snd weeding out causes that have zero to do with the surgery. I believe that access and info is vital for self empowerment and advocacy.

Hi guys, so here goes... if you are wondering why, if you are thinking this is far reaching this far out from gastric bypass reux en y surgery than this whole message might be of interest to you... if not ... no worries... just responding and hopefully clarifying as best as I can. Not sure what you mean by my question being far reaching, can you let me know what you mean, Im honestly just looking for anyone who might have experienced some health challenges that they are curious if there surgery could have been impacted, worsened or created by the surgery. Im not looking to blame my health on weight loss surgery nor am I saying its a good or bad choice for anyone, that's a personal decision for sure. Im just looking for possible answers in several places (other than bariatric as well) to find answers so I can live my healthiest life that all and if someone else has had complicated health issues or is several years post op and health in many areas has weirdly changed in not so positive ways, what they may be and did they find a specialist or find a solution/decrease in symptoms or cure and what that is. I know its a needle in the hay stack but I am also doing due diligence post surgery as I did presurgery to look for all possible ways to make the most healthy choices for my life. I started to have one thing after another happen starting in roughly 2014 and increasing to the point of 5-6 years later involve multiple systems of my body. The follow up here in Ontario with a gastric surgeon specialist or any gi for that matter, nutritionist, specialized nurse practitioner etc. is not covered by OHIP (our medical coverage in Ontario) past 5 years. I did get a consultation at about year 7/8 when things started to accumulate as far as symptoms, diagnosis's, and medications, specialists etc. But he was just please I kept my weight off and did a general food diary check, supplement check that I was using and just said Im not sure, all these things aren't directly related to gastric bypass and all the best as he said we only follow up for 5 years as a way of gathering data, research, and statistics, once the 5 years are up, its up to your GP (general practitioner) to follow you. In Ontario we have a severe shortage of GPs and mine retired and soon after I moved out of the area and cannot find a gp to even do regular blood work and keep an eye on all the health stuff, let alone gastric bypass related regular check ups, that just now up to walk in clinics that I wait to see whoever and check my own levels online if they will do the test and as they remind me I need a gp and when I ask where would I find one, they go silent. Am I saying its related not necessarily yes and not necessarily no, all I know is our gut is our second brain and controls so many functions in all systems throughout our bodies, even often telling the brain to release or decrease certain hormones, proteins, chemicals throughout our body to attain a delicate balance of homeostasis. So I don't think its a huge leap to say the gut controls a very substantial amount of systems in our body directly and indirectly and when manipulated may effect what seems to be a totally unrelated system. Am I saying this is coincidental or due to life stressors maybe, maybe not... I just don't know and I don't think even most or any gastric surgeons know yet either because to be honest I don't know if that's included in their 5 year max research and stats before your on your own. I know its probably for most gastric surgeons, in there best interest to say no, it can't be connected to gastric surgery and be blown off for many reasons that don't need discussion as far as Im concerned. could it be the accumulation of the perfect storm of gastric bypass surgery, chronic unforeseen life stressors AND heredity, age, all of the above yes I think so.... Im trying my best to seek for answers and do what I can in the area of management of my life stressors, self care, living a healthy life style according to my surgery requirements and and what's best for me, could it be bodily changes just due to aging + all the factors that make aging a more challenging journey than it needs to be, could it be hereditary or just coincidence... I think yes to all of that. Yet if I am willing to seek answers in all areas of my life that could be having an impact on my life, I feel that not seeking answers in this area would be irresponsible to my health and sticking my head in the sand... I think its all important and contributing factors for me. Im just looking to see if others have some commonalities that may give me clues as to what may be part of a complication directly or indirectly related to the surgery or supplement brands/types/ways of administration to provide best deliverance of vital minerals and nutrients. Im sure everyone researched very deeply into surgery just like I did. Does it not make sense than for me to ve researching deeply into possible connections that may be simply modified that could have an amazing cascading positive affect on my health in many areas, may be to something very simple and overlooked by me or specialists yes... because I want to live fully, be healthy, enjoy my life... so searching for every possible way to improve my health is vital... I am worth it. Hope that makes it a little more clear as to my question and why I am seeking some answers here. Even if slim... fit me, every possible help from anyone, is much appreciated as a community of people who have been through this process. We are here because of a common bond, common fears, questions, concerns and victories. I am just coming from a different point in my jouney than most on here... yet I have hope by seeking I will find answers and even though Im post surgery by quite sometime I can also add value to this community of things that have been absolutely changed my life in so many great ways, yet also valued enough to ask the questions... I want answers and my health complications in some or many areas has been somehow caused or contributed to my complex health struggles in any way than that's important information for not just me, for all of us... is it not?

I really wanted to be the first patient in the morning with my doctor .....but I ended up being the third patient because he had to do two complicated lap band revisions in front of me .....and when he came in the room to see me before I went into the operating room he said to me "oh good now my easy patient" - I do think the more complex patients are handled first. Shelby

I waited three months and occasionally (once every 1-2 weeks) have a glass of wine. I used to be able to drink a whole bottle in an evening, now I buy the little 4 packs of 4oz bottles and can finish 1. No complications, no problems with addiction. I haven't even gotten tipsy off my 1 glass, but it makes me full so I don't continue to drink more.

QUESTIONS: 1. How long did you go before having your first drink? 7 weeks post surgery. I had 1 glass (6 oz) at one of my best friends wedding last weekend. Then another 6 oz later at the hotel afterwards. Nothing since. I used to drink a couple glasses of wine on the weekends, maybe a couple beers in a month. Not touching beer or anything carbonated until I am much closer to goal...or maybe longer...don't know...I don't really have any immediate desire to do so. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? None 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? No 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before?

There is going to come a time when you are fighting to eat properly and stay within portion sizes..If it is not one thing it is another..It is a growing experience...a learning experience and only taken on by the strong of heart..You have done the hardest part..you had the surgery...You must find other things to fill the space that food took to help you deal....You did this for a reason....remember that and remind yourself why? I cried a lot when I got done....i spent 5 months in the hospital with complications with the sleeve....i cannot even tell you how dark and lonely it was for me... Now....I am on the other side of it and well on my way to my new life..and enjoying every second of it....what brings us to the point of WLS is that we feel we have no where else to go...And even though the transition period is difficult..It will get easier....You are going to be so proud of yourself when you start to see you have control over food the thing that controlled you......There are so many positive things...Start a list of the small changes and see how fast they add up...

Wheetsin, I think I had the same name on LBT. It's been a while. My update: I saw my surgeon again this morning. There was some confusion, as I thought they had rescheduled my surgery for 8/24 (instead of 8/31). But it was really scheduled for SEVEN/24. Um, that's next Tuesday, and for a variety of reasons, I just cannot make it work. The big one is I am out of town for work. The next available option he had was 8/17. which was 3.5 weeks later. Fortunately, my surgeon is awesome. He worked me in on 8/3, so I don't have to move heaven and earth, AND I can get it done sooner. The bad news is my band is EFFFED UP! For real. If you've seen your band on film, you know it should look like a slash, '/'. Mine is a perfectly round, big, open, 'O', Yep, it has not only turned, but it has flipped and twisted. Which means my poor tummy is being drug up and through the O and then back down. Not good. He said he's seen worse though. I am thankful for once that my overachieving ways didn't have me in first place. He can't believe I don't have any restriction based on the band's position, but I really don't. Oh, also, my band has ZERO Fluid in it, even though it should have 9cc. Yep, it is a mess. I wonder if he'll give it to me as a souvenir! Sooooo, it's bad enough that I have to wait at least FOUR MONTHS between surgeries for my poor tummy to heal. BUT because he is seriously the most awesome doctor ever, he reassured me that I am NOT to worry about weight gain. He wants me to focus solely on letting my tummy heal. He said he doesn't care if I lose 10 lbs or gain 50 lbs between now and my sleeve, he just wants to see me healed. He said I will get it all off and then some with the sleeve. In fact, he insisted I will be sitting in his office a year from now asking for plastic surgeon referrals because I'll have lost so much weight. It seems impossible, but I know it is true. Whether I have the surgery now or in a few months, a year from now, it won't really make a difference. A lower risk of complication is worth it in the end. There you have it - the latest and greatest from this battling bandster. I have finally stopped crying. I'm still not happy at the prospect of being restriction-free for an additional five months or so, but it is what it is. I didn't have restriction for about six months with the band, so I just need to get in that same head space and do what I need to do. Thanks for reading if you've made it this far!

I initially didn't want to tell anyone except my husband. I didn't want to have to explain myself, or have people judge me. Then we had to let my husbands aunt and uncle know because we stayed with them since my surgery was out of state. Eventually as my surgery got closer I became more comfortable sharing with close family. They were supportive... for the most part. Now I can care less who knows. I don't advertise it, but I don't care what people think anymore. It is actually nice to have the support!! Sometimes it is frustrating when I am eating and have a semi-stuck episode where I slow way down... I constantly get asked if I am ok. A few family members are always watching me eat and asking how it is going... during dinner... that can get old. I have had several complications and my journey has been up and down. I am having my 4th surgery next week. So I don't think I could have kept it secret at this point!! Lol. It really is a personal decision. Do what is comfortable for YOU!! Good luck with your decision!! Oh... my surgery was outpatient. It depends on the doctor and insurance.

I was beginning to suspect these were just "best guesses" by certain doctors. I'm going to go with the positive results of one of the best surgeons who has been doing the sleeve for the longest. Per his claim, he is very pleased with his patients post op progress and ability to keep the weight off. I look around for things here too, and I've yet to see anyone post in the complications area mentioning significant weight gains. I think we all made the right choice.

Tiff, I almost choked as I was eating some chicken and read your post. But man is it sooo true. I chose the sleeve because I have an aunt who had the RnY and gained all her weight back and some. I didn't want the malabsorbtion and other complications that happen with the RnY.

Hi guys, I used to stalk this forum a lot when I was pre op. Due to insurance issues I was switched from the band to the sleeve just 2 weeks before surgery. I was ok with this as I knew there was a risk that if I had the band, I might end up with the sleeve eventually, due to complications. I don't have any experience with the band, as I didn't end up getting it, and am not trying to swing people over to the sleeve. I am posting on here to let you know that if circumstances change, if complications occur, if you are one of the ones that the band just isn't working for, the sleeve is not that bad and you can still have great results. I'm only posting this because the advice I got from here was invaluable when I was pre op and making my decision. I wanted to return the favour somehow. The band is a great tool, and for some, a great first step. If you find yourself having to take the 2nd step of revision to the sleeve, you have not failed and you can still expect great success. Good luck on your weight loss journey. 210lb Scars - 2 mo. post op.bmp 125lb. Surgery was on 13 August 2012.

LOL, you guys are too much. If it's any consolation. I basically got the same treatment on DFW Bandsters today because of my current situation and my concern over the lack of care for people who relocate. Most of these boards are moderated or started by people in the banding business. Either they are nurses for doctors or they're selling banding support. Which is great, but you say one thing that might cause a prospective patient to think twice and they are all over you. Admittedly, I've created something to think about, but I've not once said I hate the band or I'm sorry I got it. I love my band. I'm deeply disturbed that I have this current issue. I'm even more disturbed that the docs are all adopting this rule not to see previously banded patients. To me, those who go before others should give them a heads up about such things, but anyway.. I digress. .. anyway, I understand what it feels like to be asked to basically 'shut up' about certain issues. I'm such a wimp. I even cried this morning when one of them basically negated everything I had been saying as if my experience had no importance whatsoever. Only those who are the 'long term' bandsters with success were valid experiences. Of course I let her know I resented her connotation and I was then asked to drop the thread because it had become 'decidedly' negative.. sigh... oh well. I left the board too, otherwise it really would have gotten decidely negative. Anyway, for those reading. I would get my band over again, even with my current complications and hardship in finding a local doctor, so don't take me wrong. I just think there are some big issues that Inamed and the docs need to address to provide continuous care to their consumer. I rest my case..

Addy had bypass specifically for GERD she didn't know she had. VSG not an option and can make worse. See her "Complications" video on our YT channel. Joe

Hi. Your progress is amazing! I wish I could have Peanut Butter and bread. I'm in week 4 and still eating baby food and yogurt. I want to do my best to follow the doctor's orders but it is a little discouraging to hear that other doctor's have allowed their patients more options than mine in week 4. Nonetheless I will continue to follow the rules because I don't want to set myself back or cause any complications. Wishing you all the best with your recovery.

Dear Pooky, i am so sorry you're going through this and have been going through this for some time. I am a band to sleeve converter because like you, I had serious remorse over my band. It was NOTHING but complications, pain and NO weight loss to add insult to injury. I got stuck EVERY day for 5 years until I finally decided to have it removed on the advice of my surgeon who said "Don't even consider getting pregnant with your band still in". Now, granted, MANY women do and have healthy pregnancies. My band had tilted and was in a dangerous position. Have you considered your options (I'm sure you have) of having your band removed and a sleeve conversion performed? I have had such amazing results with mine and not getting stuck is like Christmas every day. Again, sorry you're going through it.

In a psych eval, they're looking for issues that can cause the person to fail. Some people get these WLS thinking that this is going to cure his/her eating problems forever where as we all know, it's just a tool to help us achieve a healthier life style. Some people, and a lot of us have done this, is to eat to self soothe. It's the same as self medicating with drugs. food helps us feel numb. The psych evaluation tells you where the person is and if he/she has the ability to process and/or learn new coping skills. Here is what I found on the web: WHY DO I NEED A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY? There are actually two reasons for the evaluation. The first is that it is a requirement based on guidelines established by the National Institute of Health for all patients before bariatric surgery can be offered. The second reason is that surgeons as well as the insurance companies also require it to ensure your health and safety. Weight Loss Surgery is a life altering procedure. As with any major surgery, weight loss surgery can have complications including death, and in the case of the gastric bypass procedure, it is irreversible. For these reasons, the decision to go forward with surgery should not be taken lightly. An evaluation ensures that you are: 1. able to make such a decision 2. understand the consequences of your decision 3. have no underlying psychological conditions that would prohibit you from adhering to the life changes that are required following surgery.

Congrats! You look beautiful! His loss! Now you're free to enjoy you without complications *Hugs*

Here is a helpful link about Fiber and how much we need daily, below the link is the article from the link if you do not wish to go to thesite. http://ks.essortment.com/fiberhealth_rvef.htm Fiber is important for health. This article will help you determine how much is needed and if you need to make a change in your daily intake. Fiber originates in plants and the use of fiber has been since ancient times. But it was not until recently that researchers began to realize how important fiber is in our daily diets. The western civilization is the worlds worst in fiber intake. Researchers estimate that the average person only takes in about twelve grams of fiber per day, while the body needs approximately twenty grams to help in reducing widespread illnesses and certain cancers. While some people choose to take large amounts of fiber drinks and other supplements, this is not recommended. It is recommended to intake fiber gradually throughout the day for best results. Most of the fiber that is indigestible comes from fruits, vegetables, dried Beans, cereals, grains, nuts and seeds. The outer part of grain has the most fiber content and is usually lost in processing. If you buy products like brown rice and whole-wheat bread these are higher in fiber than bleached (White) grain products. There are a few suggestions for increasing fiber intake from the foods that you already eat. Such as when eating potatoes, apples and other fruits and vegetables eat the skins, most fiber are in the peelings. Avoid using the bleached processed flours, use whole-wheat products. If you feel you are not getting enough fibers and make the decision to increase the amount of fiber you intake on a daily basis. It should be done gradually, not all at once. If large amounts are taking it can cause severe stomach complications. Symptoms could include stomach cramps, bloating, and an extreme case of gas or even bowel obstruction. There are consequences of consuming too many fibers also. Too many fibers can prevent the digestive system from absorbing valuable nutrients and minerals the body needs. If a well-balanced diet is followed this will provide as much and not too much fiber as the body needs.

I had my belly button pierced right up until surgery. I needed to take it out for the procedure. I had some complications after surgery and couldn't get it back in......so........I am going to repierce after I lose some more weight. I loved it before and now, with a smaller body, I will like it even more.

Hey girl hey!! 60 lbs can you believe it! How are you doing? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App That's so amazing!!!! I'm doing well. I am waiting to get my cpap machine and am on my pre op diet!! I have 2 more weeks til surgery and I'm anxious but excited! How are you feeling? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I feel great but so ready to chew something!! I haven't had many complications but your tummy will get upset. I highly recommend pho broth when on Clear liquids and don't forget the power of seasonings. You're gonna do great! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

As a kid, teenager and young adult I was very active. I did a lot of sports, track and field, figure skating, ballet and basketball. I even trained juniors in basketball. I had a lot of injuries, that finally led to the sad conclusion that I had to stop training so hard. I started gaining weight, not too much in the beginning, but it added up. My Mom shows her love with food and sweets. I don't blame her, her Mom was the same way. My Mom still has no idea I had wls, because she hates any kind of surgery and I only told a few people. My hubby and Dad are supportive, so that's all I need. I will tell my Dads wife on Thursday, since we will be spending xmas with them. I met my hubby when I was 21, so he has seen all my ups and downs, I'm a textbook example of a yo-yo dieter. I know what to do to lose weight, I just never mastered the maintenance phase. I worked hard in my dream profession, I was an aviation specialist and very good at my job. It all came to a bitter end when I was 34. My arm stopped working in the middle of a phone call with an air traffic controller in Russia. I'm now on early retirement at 42. I had 2 surgeries on both shoulders, because they were too loose. I regained mobility, but never really got my full strength back. 2 years later I was diagnosed with a rare syndrome, EDS, and found myself to be a part time wheelchair user. Try keeping your weight at a healthy level when your mobility is minimal? So I had a 9 month private pity party. Smart, right? I was mourning the loss of my former life and had to find my new path. Today I counsel other patients, lecture about my syndrome and related issues and have an active role in my patient organization. I live my life happy. Still travel, go to concerts, do most things I want. My manual wheelchair is pink and my electric wheelchair is decorated for xmas, lights and all! A year ago a went to see a nutritionist. I lost some weight again on a very strict diet on mostly frankenfoods. Yay! But when I started going back on real foods, my weight turned back up. This summer my nut asked if I have considered wls, that I would be a good candidate. Nope, never thought about it other than watching some shows on tv. I wanted some time to do research and told her that I would give her an answer the next time I saw her. So sep 14th I said yes please and she said she would send my papers forward. That day I put myself on a 1300 cal low carb, high Protein diet. When I got my surgery date of nov 21st, I lowered my calories to 1200 cal. I also did a 4 week pre-op diet that was very similar, but more frankenfood and an 800 cal limit. I had rny on nov 21st, as scheduled. I was wheeled to recovery to wait for my turn, second wls that day. I started having second thoughts... Do I really want to put my body thru this? Am i really sure i can't do it on my own? I didn't get very far with my thinking before they took me in. I remember that my last thought on the table was that I can still change my mind. When I woke up in recovery I had the worst gas pain I ever experienced. Horrible! The meds didn't work for it at all! I regretted my desicion instantly. But when they asked if I wanted to go to the bathroom I was so happy to realize that all the stories of moving around to get rid of gas were true. I had to stay 3 nights in the hospital due to drinking issues. I never had any other pain than gas pain, but boy was it painful before I was able to move around. In total I had pain and took meds for about a week. Now, 13 days post-op, only a tiny bit of discomfort when laying down. And today I'm happy to report that my drinking issues seem to have gone away slightly! My surgery weight was 228.8 lbs and today I'm 222.0 lbs (hw his summer was around 255 lbs, that I recall). I have been in a stall for 4 days now and I hope that the increase in liquids will help a lot with moving forward. The only real post-op complication I had was that the heparin shots were too much for me. I was supposed to do them for 10 days at home, but had to stop half way thru. I started bleeding from my nose and other parts... I called the hospital and they agreed, no more heparin for me. The bleeding stopped the very next day. My post-op diet allows food quite fast, I'm on soft foods right now. But the only solids, other than dairy products and puddings, have been cottage cheese and meatballs. I have tolerated everything I have tried, with the exeption of mashed potatoes. I got a 15 min dumping episode... But I have not thrown up even once and the regret went out the window the second I was able to stand up in recovery. I average 400 cal per day for now. I will be posting more on this thread as time goes by, as a small journal to myself. I hope everyone has as an easy journey as I have had with my wls, I think it's totally worth it. Just waiting for my stall to break... Happy holidays to you all! Nilla

Anyone having any sickness, discomfort, pain, complications or know anyone who has? What was wrong and what is being done?

I am 63 years old and had my surgery on June 1st. I had absolutely NO complications. I was up and going the next day after surgery and never missed a beat from that day on. I must say that I had no health problems other than my weight and I think that contributed to my success. My only regret is that I waited so long to take charge of my weight problems and that I spent thousands of dollars trying every gimic there is. I am almost half way to my goal and I have so much more energy. I couldn't possibly be any happier with my sleeve. It really is a wonderful tool.

Im sorry but I have to speak up. I had my surgery at Florence in July 2011 with A Lighter Me. Its an older hospital, they treat all kinds of patients and the other patients are not in a different area. Everything obviously went well as now I work for A Lighter Me. But its because of the service I rec'd thru A Lighter Me that I came to work for them. A Lighter Me left Florence because the upgrade is at Mi Doctor. Mi Doctor is only 3 years old and expanding. Everything about Mi Doctor is better. I have been to both and though Florence passed the test when I was there...Mi Doctor by far is the nicer place. The other companies could have moved at any time to Florence if it was such an upgrade ...they moved for other reasons. When using the word 'upgrade' that is a marketing term. I know you will all say well I work for A Lighter Me and of course I back Mi Doctor as I would if we were still at Florence, since I would not have first hand knowledge of Mi Doctor..but in reality Mi Doctor is newer and cleaner and more up to date equipment. Including call buttons in every room, safes for your valuables and 2 different places for your guests to eat. Along with the fact Dr Lopez and Dr Ortiz have the best record between the 2 hospitals and surgeons, as far as complications and NO deaths. We also do our own secondary leak test at Mi Doctor, they do not have that at Florence, you go somewhere else for that. So just so you are informed. My sleeve was in July of 2011. I am a real person as you can see from my much older posts when I was a patient. I left a 15 year career as a professional nanny to professional athletes to work in this position, one I take very seriously. Im just being upfront. And letting you know some facts.