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You owe your family nothing, it's none of their business. And if they give you crap, you need to ask yourself why you consider wasting your time with these toxic people. "When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. " I haven't told my dad yet either due to fear of his opinions. But if you know for sure that you want the surgery, go for it! It will be a positive change for you in the end. Plus you can always let him know after the fact. But i would still tell someone like a close friend just so they are aware of what's going on, in case you do have complications. Best of luck to you though. I know how stressful this can be. I'm still in my pre-op phase as well. If you or anyone else would like to talk privately, feel free to send me a message. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Reshiapooh96 The thought about it being permanent and not being able to unfill if you get symptoms...I reasoned like that for 5 years while not know what else to do and regaining 100 pounds. Now,anyone can have complications with any surgery,sure.But statistically complications are quite low.And long term comps as I can see it is mostly heartburn or reflux but not too many have it out of control either. The thing is I waisted another 5 years of my life wondering,worrying about this.And 8 months out I can tell you I now go through phases where I mourne the loss of those 5 years and the regain of those 100 pounds as after the band and the weight loss I didnt need any plastics (maybe boobs but no one sees them and I can hitch them up quite high..lol) Now,I am going to need to do arms,legs tummy and boobs.I am still so mad at myself for this as I hate surgery but I look terrible and will definitely have to do it. If you can lose it without the sleeve en get rid of the band and change your life by yourself. But the bottom line is we have to lose the weight as it will kill us sooner rather than later.The qualitly of a very obese persons life is so much lower and life is just so much harder wit so many aches and pains.And it gets worse as we age! Good luck to both of you and dont let the fear that made us do the band,because it isnt permanent,stop you from have a great long healthy life!

I must admit that I was apprehensive at first. I researched the surgery and doctors in my local area. Some of the postings on this site did scare me, as far as post-op complications. I am happy to say that I was banded on 4/08/09, and I have had no complications and very little pain. I felt discomfort only in the first 48 hours. I had my surgery done in Beverly Hills, CA by Dr.Salimitari. I was impressed by the doctor's bed side manner, and his great staff. For those who are out there still unsure if they want the surgery because of the post-op recovery. I can personally say that I would do it again in a New York minute. The key is to be positive going into the surgery, and trusting your doctor.:thumbup:

Do you know the phrase, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?" Anyway, yes, there can always be complications with surgery. On the other hand, these are statistically safe surgeries with low rates of complications. You face much greater health risks by remaining obese. As far as keeping it off long-term, you have a much better chance with surgery than just doing it on your own, where the success rate is dismal (something like 5 percent, I think). The surgery isn't magic, it just gives you a fighting chance to lose a significant amount of weight AND time to change your eating habits for long-term success. Good luck!

Congratulations!!! I am 25 and also a shortie haha I'm 5 feet even. I am 2 weeks post op today, and like you I feel well. No complications so far. My surgery weight was 264 ( in the beginning I was 274) and I am currently down to 245.I hope my journey is as good to me as it is to you.

So over the weekend I started to feel awful, developed abdominal pain, kind of like being kicked in the stomach every time I moved and food was worse when I ate or drunk something. I'm 8wks post RNY bypass and have been eating solid food for a couple of weeks now. I went into hospital on tuesday, after trying antibiotics for a couple of days, and had a CT scan which showed thickening of my jejunum. Slight raising of my inflammatory markers but no white cells or temperature, so not an infection. After three days in hospital the conclusion is that I had been too ambitious with my solid food and my new anatomy wasn't coping that well... Anyway I wondered if anyone else had had a similar experience or learning?

Starting weight: 283 Height: 5'8" Starting BMI: 43 Goal: 150ish. I'd be happy with higher if I thought I looked and felt good. I guess it depends on where my body feels comfortable. I have been overweight all of my adult life and really, as long as I can remember. I feel like I've been on some sort of diet forever. The first diet I can remember is at the age of 16, my mother sent me to Weight Watchers. I've been on Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons. I've taken Redux and just about any over the counter "dietary supplement" known to man. I've been able to lose weight with these things but I've never been able to keep the weight off and the pounds usually bring a few friends back with them. It's really amazing when I look in the mirror. I don't think I look that bad, but when I see photos of myself I am shocked at how big I look. I'm ashamed of what I look like. I am looking foreward to the day when I have the lap band as a tool to help me keep on track. I was born with a condition known as congenital hip dysplasia (my hips weren't formed right and were dislocated). I'm told that I'm lucky to be able to walk, but I had a good doctor as a child and with many surgeries, I'm whole again. It's hard for me to participate in high impact exercise, but I walk, ride bicyle, swim and try to keep active. I enjoy reading and music. My favorite author is Stephen King. My husband and I own a travel trailer and do a lot of camping in the summer time. That keeps me active with walking and bicycling. I had my surgical consult on 1/14/05 and am currently waiting for insurance approval for adjustable gastric banding. 2/3/05 I got word that my insurance approved me for the lap band. Hooray!. 2/9/05 I've scheduled all my pre-op testing and dietician appointments. They tell me my surgery is scheduled for 4/4/05!. WOW. This is happening faster than I thought. The nurse from the office had told me yesterday that 4/4/05 was a possible date but didn't tell me they were going to schedule it. 02/11/05 I got a letter from my doctor's office and from the hospital advising me that my surgery has been scheduled for 4/4/05. What a way to notify someone. Well, at least it's official. Now the waiting game begins. I'm trying to follow the post banding diet so it won't come as such a shock for me post operatively. I'm "in training" so to speak. I think I find the no drinking with my meals and trying to time my fluid intake around my meals the hardest. 2/23/05 I had my first appointment with the office nurse who does most of the follow ups. She was doing my lap band teaching. All the pre-op, actual operative and post op advice I understood and was prepared for except for one thing. She told me to start eating with a baby spoon and a pickle fork so that I could get accustomed to small bites. I don't even know what a pickle fork is!. Is this something I'll have to do forever? I can't find anywhere on the forums where anyone has been advised this except for other patients of Dr. Duckett. I guess this will just become part of my "in training" whether I feel good about it or not. How am I gonna explain those utensils to my co-workers since I've tried to keep the whole surgery from them to begin with? 2/26/05 Had my consultation with the dietician today. It took 2 hours! Who knew it would take 2 hours to go over food? She made me feel very comfortable and she gave me a lot of hand-outs on the different types of diets should I ever stray. There's even examples of menu's. Although, that's exactly what I've been researching ever since I decided the lap band was for me. I felt very informed going in and very confidant going out. OH, and one more thing. I weighed myself today. I'm down to 272.5!. That's 9lbs gone since I've started trying to follow the lap band diet after my consultation with Dr. Duckett. WooHoo! 3/2/05 I found this on a post tonight and thought that it spoke volumes for my situation. I wanted to save it in case I forgot all the reasons I chose lap band. Once in awhile, someone will come around asking for the reasons why I chose the Band, so I'll compile my reasons here: More natural rate of weight loss: * Minimal sagging skin * No "window of opportunity" * Plenty of time to develop better eating/living habits, including exercise Least invasive surgery: * Lower rate of complications or death * Complications are easier to manage * Quicker recovery time; less painful * No cutting/rearranging of body parts * No changing the natural digestive process * No necessity of taking vitamins or supplements; I can get all I need from food Most innovative technique: * Adjustable for permanent weight-loss aid * Removable, should something more effective become available * "Cool" factor Generous but effective learning curve: * Better eating habits must be adopted from day one - no coasting * Has been labeled as "thinking person's WLS" * No punitive "dumping syndrome"; may eat like a normal person * Ability to drink normally and get in enough water * Safety-net effect; may put weight loss on hold to concentrate on other matters without gaining I never seriously considered RNY. When I heard about the Band, it was like a light bulb going on for me. By the way, I weighed myself again. 270.5! Another 2lbs gone. I don't want to get in the habit of weighing myself more than once a week, but I couldn't help myself, and I stepped on. 3/18/05 I had the upper GI and venous doppler studies today. Man, I felt like I was playing twister on that x-ray table for the upper GI. It was like, "turn left, more left, turn right, more right, now on your stomach, bend your knee, roll over." Venous doppler was a piece of cake other than the goo they use for the ultrasound. It was kind of hard to get all of it off. I haven't lost any more weight, but on the bright side, I haven't gained either. Once I'm banded, my portions will be significantly less and with the liquid diet required, I'm sure I'll get moving again. 4/2/05 I've been on the full liquid diet since 3/30/05. Sometimes I feel like I'm being tortured. I dream about food. Is that sick or what? I feel really sorry for those individuals who have to do this for longer than the 5 days I'm required to follow it. 4/6/05 I'm home and banded. I read about this gas pain, but geez it really is the worst. I'm not nauseated or anything. But the pressure in my chest and upper abdomen feels like I'm having a heart attack sometimes. I try to walk it off, but last night it was even hard to breathe. I'm trying to sip my water and eat a little at a time, but really I'm not hungry. I'm only eating out of fear that I'll get run down and not feel well if I don't. 4/8/05 Feeling better today. I've been up and about the house. The only discomfort I've had is from moving too quickly. I do have an odd sensation of bloatedness. It seems like I have it all the time. I'm trying to learn the language of the band but it's hard when everything feels like different levels of full at this point, even when I'm only consuming liquids. 4/16/05 Feeling back to my old self for the most part. I'm up and around, even starting to feel hungry. I have 2 more days of full liquids then I can move onto pureed. I can honestly say I'm really looking foreward to that as I'm getting tired of soup! I plan on going back to work on 4/18/05 and although I am physically ready, I would like more time off. Who doesn't like being home and relaxing? 4/25/05 Gee, the last week has gone by so fast, I haven't had time to blink let alone update or post. My husband's grandmother passed away on 4/18/05 so, we had to leave for Texas on very short notice. I've been on mushies and let me tell you, traveling on mushies is a difficult task. Especially to Texas where there is GREAT Tex-Mex food available. My husband's family doesn't know I had surgery, so I had to make do. I had some cold cuts, chewed really well and some very well cooked roast beef (also very well chewed). I didn't have any problems with them, other than some extra gas, but I didn't push it and tried to stay with very soft, mushy or even foods that boardered on liquids for the duration of the trip. I got on the scale today, and I've lost 3 more pounds! WOW! I never thought I would because truthfully, I didn't think I was getting enough calories in and I definately wasn't drinking enough. I've also been fortunate enough to have some sort of cold or bronchitis and haven't been feeling up to eating or drinking. I guess, I must have done something right! This journey is so unique. 5/3/05 I had read other member's NSV's but I didn't really realize the significance of them until this morning. I had dressed for work in slacks that zipped on the side. They were loose, but I didn't realize how loose they were until...I had to tinkle and when I went into the bathroom I pulled my pants down. I had absentmindedly thought that I was wearing elastic waistband pants! They came down without any problem and as I sat there, I started laughing, my husband thought I was crazy laughing there on the toilet. This has been on my mind all day and I had to share it because I've read everyone's weight loss in the first few weeks and I felt that my own weight loss was a little slower than others. (I know, we're not supposed to compare ourselves, but it's hard not to) I had resigned myself to being a slow loser. I must be losing inches and because I hadn't measured myself, I'll never know exactly how many inches I've lost. Oh well, I can feel it in my clothes and the way I move. 5/23/05 Just a quick update. Feeling good. The weight is slowly going down. 250.5 today. I think it's been 2 years since I've weighed that. Over the weekend, I cheated a little and had some Doritos. Not a lot, just maybe an ounce or 2. Just the same, shouldn't have had them. Well it's just 1 day along the road. "one day at a time" 6/5/05 I've been 248 for about a week now, just didn't update. Hope to see some more loss soon. I haven't had a fill, so I don't really have much restriction. I follow the diet and I do feel satisfied for about 3 hours. I can't say that I'm hungry a lot or "starving" or anything. Still trying hard to get all my water in every day. 6/10/05 I weighed myself today. 244.5! I've been out of town for work and I've been eating all my meals out. I feel I've made mostly good choices, a lot of grilled chicken salads though. I do log everything I eat in a program I have for my PDA, it's called Balancelog. It's O.K., although I'm sure no program's perfect. I've been staying about 1200 cal or less. :-P once in a great while I'm over, but not by much. I've also been doing better with the water because it's been so hot here. 7/18/05 I haven't updated in a while because I've been stuck for about a month. In fact, after my last post, I gained 4 lbs and had to lose them again. I've been more active with exercising and I've been doing well with my eating habits, but still I was stuck. So...I scheduled a fill. I had to convince the doctor's office nurse first, but I did it. Today was my first fill. It wasn't so bad. The doctor did it under fluoro at the hospital where I had my surgery. BUT, I'm filled to 2.8 or "just under 2.8" according to the doctor. That seems like a lot. I watched the passage of barium through the band and it went through, albeit slowly. The doctor reminded me several times to take it slow and to call anytime, day or night if I have spitting or problems. I'm a little scared. I've been on clear liquids since the fill this morning and haven't had any problems getting those down. I guess I'm just nervous. I've never had a PB and I don't want to. 7/29/05 Oh my God! Yesterday I thought I was going to die. Or at least I wished I had for a time. I've still been on mushies. The doctor told me to take it slow after that fill and I've been ever faithful to those orders mostly out of fear. I had very finely shredded tuna salad and one of those breakstone's creamed cottage cheese with fruit for lunch. It went down fine and I took my time. I had eaten both of those items before and wasn't worried. About an hour and a half afterwards, the pain started. It felt like something was stuck. I started to walk around. I even took a couple sips of water, which I know doesn't usually help but I have found it's kind of instinct. When that didn't work, I kept walking. I walked for nearly a half hour straight, sometimes leaning over a sink hoping and wishing I'd vomit for the pain to go away. I finished my work and got in my car. By this time, an hour had passed and the pain was so bad I could hardly breathe. I called my DH who called the surgeon and told me to get to the ER to be checked. The ER is an hour from my home and I was more than a half hour from my home! That drive home was the most painful torture I have ever experienced. The pain only seemed to get worse and worse. Then, about 2 miles from my house, I felt a "pop" and suddenly the pain and pressure was gone. When I got home, DH and I decided to go to the ER anyway mostly because we were scared. I had never experienced anything this extreme (nor do I again, thank you). The doc checked my band under fluoro and to my amazement, the 2.8cc he said he put in is now down to 2cc and everything is moving just fine, band has not moved. What happened to the 0.8cc? And, what the hell was all that pain? 8/13/05 Gosh how time flies. I didn't really realize that I hadn't updated my profile since "BLACK THURSDAY". I've come to the conclusion that the pain on 7/28 was probably some solid food that I hadn't chewed well enough that had gotten stuck. My Dr. thought maybe I had eaten too fast or swallowed too much air in the process, both viable possibilities. No matter what the cause, I WILL be chewing better and eating slower. I did mushies for a day or 2 after that then continued on soft foods for another week before going back to regular food. I'm doing fine now. I was amazed to find that I can still eat bread, rice, red meat, etc. I really haven't found anything that doesn't go down...yet. I haven't lost any more weight. I'm still at 234.5, but that's o.k. I feel great. I've been kind of bad at getting my water in the last couple of weeks, my work schedule has been weird. I'll get back on track and I'm sure my weight will get moving again. 8/22/05 Been doing O.K. Weighed on Friday. I'm at 232 lbs. I'm doing about a pound a week. I'm very happy with that. I'm in a size 18 comfortably right now. Today, I had to try three pairs of pants to find one that fit well enough to wear to work. The others were so big I looked bad. What can I say, I'm too cheap to buy all new just yet. I think I'm going to have to break down and buy a couple of outfits. I've been telling myself that as I got fat, I also gathered plenty of clothes that got me there. Well, I think I skipped a size or two because I can't find many in size 18 in my closet. Darn, shopping will be such a pain I'm sure. I look back and remember that when I started this journey in January and in the pic below I was in a size 24. In January that size 24 was rather snug. 9/13/05 Feeling pretty good about my weight loss. Still doing the 1-1.5lb loss per week. Went to my monthly support group meeting last night. I realized how lucky I am to be losing steady and to be going along so well. I haven't PB'd, just that "stuck" episode. I tolerate any food I put into my mouth and I have followed my rules pretty well. I try to make good choices most of the time, but I do allow myself treats. I think that's what keeps me happy and on track. I am satisfied with smaller amounts of the things I love. This is exactly what I wanted. I can eat what I want, in moderation and still lose weight. I do track my nutritional and caloric intake nearly daily (I may take a day or 2 off on a weekend, but rarely). And, I don't cheat on that log...I track everything the best that I can. I admit I could be doing better with my exercise. 228lbs. 9/22/05 Although, I generally weigh myself on Friday or Saturday I thought I'd post today because I have plans for the weekend and thought maybe I'd be too busy to post later. The last time I weighed myself I was 225lbs. That's a total of 57lbs gone. I can't say it enough...I am so pleased with my surgery and my weight loss so far. I can't even remember the last time I weighed that. I think it was more than 10 years ago to be honest. I don't feel deprived. I have more energy. My self confidance has gone up. How could it not? So many people have noticed the loss and are making comments. Lap band was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I would do it again in an instant. 10/5/05 Well, I can no longer boast that I have never PB'd. I am not proud of that fact, but here goes...Today at work I started to have that now familiar epigastric pain. I had clam chowder for lunch with a small salad and a breadstick. None of those items were new to me, so I had no fears whatsoever. About an hour after I ate, the pain started. This time I even started to sweat. I figured that I wasn't going to put up with this so...(bulemics beware) I went to the bathroom and put my finger down my throat in hopes to feel better. I only brought up mucous. This only temporarily relieved my pain, so I did this same routine 3 more times. One of those, I did bring up some undigested food. This has not been a pleasant banded day. I'm still uncomfortable, but unless I can't stand the pain I'm not doing it again. I guess it's a jello night. 10/24/05 After the last update, I went to the ER and was kept overnight for dehydration because I couldn't keep anything down. Dr. Duckett took out 1cc from my band the next day. I've been really careful ever since mostly staying with soft foods. I did have a salad over the weekend and felt pretty confidant about it. Today I PB'd again. It was the best PB I've had if that's possible. The pain started, I walked, up it came. All in all it lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. If they were all like that, I would consider it a blessing. Not that I really want them. But that torture of 7/28/05 and 10/5/05 made me want to die. I'm gonna cut this update short because I'm a little sore. I'm down to 223 lbs which is good considering my band is looser than before. 11/24/05. Wow, I forgot to check my profile and hadn't realized how llong it had been. I can remember that time like it was yesterday. I feel like the whole month of October and most of November has been brutal torture for me. I had to keep going back to liquids for one thing or another and I sincerely developed a fear of food. On 11/14/05 when it felt like I was gonna get that pain again I called the doctor's office. I didn't go into a full blown attack, but it was distracting to say the least. I felt like I was eating papaya enzyme tabs like candy in hopes to help digest whatever was the problem (although really how could tomato soup and a bit of tuna salad do that?) Dr. Duckett insisted on seeing me. On 11/17/05 I saw him and he felt that what I was having was esophogeal spasms. I suppose they may have originally been started by something getting stuck, but he felt they were caused by increased stress in my life (which I've been having A LOT of). He gave me a prescription for Valium to help calm those muscles down which I'm only supposed to take when I feel the spasms coming. So far, no more really intense ones since 10/24/05 and 10/25/05 but I fear that and would avoid that with everything in me. I've been doing much better ever since. I do have a little bit of reflux, but I think that may be from eating too late at night. I'm down to 216.5 lbs and very happy with that. I cleaned out my closet and got rid of all of the clothes that were hanging on me. That's a good feeling. 12/28/05 Well, I didn't make it to my unofficial goal of "onederland" by the end of the year but that's O.K. I've lost 69 pounds and am very happy with that. Especially considering the last three months worth of trials I've had, I'm very very happy. October started with a hospitalization for pain and inability to keep liquids down that turned out to be esophageal spasms. November was more of the same then turned into reflux that went on and on which convinced me that my band was slipped. After a long struggle with that reflux, I finally called the doctor who (I think mostly to ease my mind) checked my band under fluoro. All was well. I think he thinks I'm a nervous freak-he told my husband that once my mind was eased I should be just fine. Now, my struggle is HOLIDAY TREATS. I haven't really gained any, but I'm truly shocked. Those darn cookies will be the death of me. 2006 will be good for me. My band is in place, once I'm away from the posessed cookies that call my name I'll be fine with my choices and "onederland" here I come. Only 14 lbs to go. 1/20/05 I've been hesitant to update. Not because I'm not losing weight or anything. I've just been down in the dumps about banding. There have even been times I wish I had the damn thing out of my body. I am SICK and TIRED of having these episodes where I have pain and pressure that goes on and on. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've had it for a whole day in varying degrees. I don't have a clue what causes it. I keep track of everything I eat and NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING that I eat is consistent enough to figure out what causes this. Because the pain comes about an hour to an hour and a half AFTER I've eaten I can't say whether it's because I've eaten too fast or not chewed well enough. All I can say is that I try to pay attention at each meal, mostly out of fear. I'm averaging one of these "spasms" about once every two weeks. The doctor says it's consistent with esophageal spasms. Well, FIX IT! I'm tired of having them. I'm losing weight, but not necessarily the right way. Basically I'm starving. I'll eat normally for a week or two, then WHAMO! smasm and then it's nothing to eat for a day (or 2) but maybe tea then slowly work back up to solid foods again. 211lbs 1/30/06 Here I am, still suffering to a certain extent. A couple days after that last entry, I got fed up with the poor answer from my band surgeon to "seek counseling". I started considering the possibility that maybe these attacks were not related to my band. I saw a doctor for a second opinion and found out that I have gall stones. All of these months, at least since October, I have been suffering with gall bladder attacks. I am scheduled to have my gall bladder removed on 2/2/06. These last few weeks I have not felt well, I constantly have a sick taste in my mouth. It's kind of what I thought was reflux before. Now, I'm wondering if I had reflux at all and not some weird bile overload or even infection from the gall bladder. Who knows? I sincerely hope this gall bladder surgery solves my problems. If not, I may just have the band removed. I am tired of being sick and I'm tired of being in pain. 207 lbs 2/5/06 Well, where do I begin? I had the gall bladder surgery. They say that part went fine. Somehow during the surgery they dislocated my artificial hip. Yes, they dislocated my hip. My abdomen is sore from the gall bladder surgery. Generally, I feel better than I did before although I really don't have much of an appetite. The problem is my hip. I am not to bear any weight on it. It's been 3 years since I've dislocated it. I was doing so well. I feel really low, as if I've started all over again with my hip. I hobble around with my walker and my a$$ is really sore from sitting all the time. Weight loss is really not a priority right now, but it's amazing that when you feel so bad or are in pain it really doesn't matter. 3/24/06 Well, I'm fully recovered from the gall bladder surgery. I'm still in physical therapy for my hip. They tell me that the muscles are really weak. I'm planning on going back to work on 3/27, so I hope they're strong enough for that. Other than a little bit of pain that comes and goes, I guess I'll have to go on. I've come to the realization that all of the problems I've had since October, probably even the "black Thursday" mentioned in July 2005 was a gall bladder attack. All of those experiences were variations of the same. Any vomiting I had was only mucous and came as a last resort to relieve the pressure associated with the pain. Although I couldn't testify, I believe I have NEVER had a true PB. Is that possible? At almost 1 year out, to never PB? I would have taken a PB or 2 over the torture of those months. OH Well. Now that I can eat, I do. I'm stuck at 211lbs. Yes, I gained a couple since the gall bladder surgery, but I'm not terribly sad about it. Not happy, but not really depressed or anything. I can eat, Happy. I gained, sad. I think it's also because I'm working out with weights to strengthen muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. It's only 4lbs. I'll eventually get it off. I hope. 4/9/06 I know this is a LONG first entry for a journal, but I wanted to put my entire OH profile on here. I'm told that there's a possibility I may lose it. So...I figured I'd have it on 2 sites. What's the chances of both of them losing it? Anyway, I'm still bouncing between 210 and 211 lbs. I'm thinking that I may be experiencing my first ever real plateau. Even when I've dieted whenever my weight even slowed down I'd give up and return to my prior eating. I've been exercising more, trying to strengthen those weak hip muscles. I have had a bit of Easter candy, but I don't think enough to stall me this long. I'm sure with patience I'll break it, eventually.

I just finnished 3 weeks of liquids post op and yes it sucked. I had unexpected complications so I was liquids for longer than expected. As much as it sucks, try to keep it in perspective. You need to follow your Dr's orders or there is a possibility you could go in for surgery and wake up with the holes and pain and no band. The band is only a tool to help with the weight loss, you must make a personal commitment to YOURSELF. If you think you can do it than you can, but if you have doubts in yourself it sure makes it harder. Good luck and remember, evey day you make it through is 1 day closer to your goal!:thumbup:

I also think that so many people who have had complications and would still do the surgery over again is a testament to how difficult it is to be fat too...

I personally think that while the leak rate MIGHT be 1%, I think the overall complication rate is higher... I think I saw a study that suggested around 2-3% since leak isn't the only complication. I was a band to sleeve revision and the surgeon told me that our risks were probably "about double" that of a virgin sleeve. Scared the crud out of me, but I was in a pretty bad way at 308 pounds, 52 BMI so finally decided I was going to die of obesity if i didn't take the risk. I thank God on a regular basis how well this has gone, no complications so far, and that while I am not at goal I am a normal sized person and my life has changed for the wonderful! It is so scary to read about the complications, but it makes me so happy to read the "happy endings" when people get over it and get back to the business of losing weight and being healthy!

I do it again in a heartbeat. You cannot cannot cannot judge from the first few weeks alone. Barring any complications, once you're healed up you will be very happy that you got sleeved!

I after to agree with one of the other posters. Lap Band is something to take very seriously. You have to be commited in everyway to be successful. On that note, being diagnosed with pcos myself, I can understand your struggle. Metformin also did nothing for me. None of the pills and diets worked. With so much stacked against you its hard to lose weight. Trust me, I totally understand. Then trying to throw getting pregnant in the mix.... forget it. My Dr at one point told me that we would not help me get pregnant until I lost X amount of weight because the risk of sever complications was high. I did have to agree with him but it was horrible the first time he mentioned weight loss surgery. I was 271lbs at that point. I too have never had a regular cycle and had little hope after 17 years of getting pregnant. After more depression and more failures in dieting, I finally got the band. #1 to be healthy. I had given up having children especially since I was pushing 34. Each time I went to the Dr, something else was wrong. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, sore knees, bad skin.... the list goes on and on. I had surgery 10/2009 at 291 lbs and do not regret one single moment!! It has been the best decision I have ever made. Within 4 months I stopped all 7 of the medications I was taking. I never actually had cysts in my ovaries and was cleared of pcos. Fact: most people diagnosed with pcos do not actually have cysts or they can clear up. So I went on birth control because I was still having irregular periods. I stopped taking my BC on Nov 24, 2011 and found out on 12/26 I was expecting my first. I understand that each situation is different, but after 17 years of heartbreak and tears, I can finally say "I'm gonna be a mommy"!! If you are prepared to work hard nothing is impossible!!! Good luck and keep us posted on our decisions!!

You said it's a little over a week. This is super-early days after MAJOR surgery, especially since you had a hital hernia repair as well. I had a hernia repair with mine and felt like I'd been hit by a truck for a solid two weeks. But it comes with the territory, it's gonna hurt and it's gonna take a few weeks to settle. Complications suck, but the difficult early months and boring food restrictions are short lived. Try distracting yourself, and most of all, be patient let your body heal. It's been through the ringer!

You're looking great, and so happy! I really hope things finally are settling down for you now and you'll have a chance to just live life a little without worrying about surgeries and complications.

I am only two months out, but I am down 25 pounds and really re-learning how to think about food, what I use food for and how I eat. Yes, its hard. Its definitely not a walk in the park or an easy fix. Its a scary, emotional journey. But as one who has had good weight loss and NO complications thus far, I personally would definitely do it again. Would I recommend it to others though? That still remains to be seen. Ask me in three years.

You are correct. I had to have my band removed due to complications and was thinking of a sleeve revision. During my reading, I discovered that many bypass and sleeve patients are going back to get bands to control the hunger...which comes back after their 'honeymoon' period. When I spoke to my surgeon about this, he said that the band is considered a tool for getting rid of hunger. The sleeve is considered a tool for restriction only. .

For me I was afraid also. I wrote letters and recorded videos for my daughter just in case. I increased my life insurance. I prayed a lot. I was so terrified, and then I woke up post op. And I was just fine. I am 1 month out. I switched surgeons 6 months into the process because I felt more comfortable going with the surgeon who performed surgeries on people I knew who were thriving. My doctor's office also recommended him. I went with a facility that offered divinci robot assisted rny gastric bypass. I had soreness and gas pain for about 5 days post op. It was tolerable and my pain meds were very effective. Day 5-7 the pain was more internal. My tummy hurt when I drank too much and if I lay on my side. I slept propped up on pillows on my back until it improved. By the end of day 7 I felt like nothing had happened. Of my 6 incisions, 1 was still sore to the touch. I had to mentally remind myself whenever I went to take a drink not to swallow too much because it felt so NORMAL. I spent week 2 in a state of disbelief. Not regret at all, but just...WOW. I Really had surgery. I really altered my anatomy. I couldn't believe it. If I couldn't see the scars it would be like nothing had happened. I know people who have had complications after. Every person is different. If you have comorbidities the risk increases. You can reduce that risk by starting a walking program now and sticking to your pre op diet once assigned. Do your best to stay hydrated and follow your doctors and nutritionists instructions. That is what you can control in your experience. Oh yeah, do your breathing exercises post op as directed! Pneumonia and lung adhesions are avoidable!!! Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Hello all I am 11 Days Post-Op and all is well. I am still on my liquid diet =(. I haven't had any problems with nausea or vomiting. Only complications I have had was with my big incision bleeding. No infection or swelling, it's just the knot of the stitch came out so the skin has to mend back together. My Nut isn't worried so I'm not either. Can't wait to start my next phase: purée foods. Good Luck to everyone Pre and Post Op.

I had my surgery on May 27, 2016. I have had a lot of complications and now live with moderate nausea as a baseline feeling and can only function when using the 6 antinausea meds I have but I am so happy I had this surgery. I started this weight loss journey at my highest weight of 540. I was able to lose 60 pounds in the 6 months before surgery and went into surgery at 480. Now at almost 4 months post op I can almost wave goodbye to the 400's at 402! I can't wait to see that blessed 3 on the scale! I have not been this low a weight since February of 2012 ☺️ I am so thankful for the help this surgery has given me and I'm ready for my life to finally start ❤️

You made a great decison w/ Dr. Garcia...his coordinators are wonderful and you will be treated like royalty. The hospital is very modern and clean and has an ICU. The "walking the halls" though is very short...I think there is just 10 rooms. My husband and I drove from TX to TJ and back again...week took about two weeks for the whole trip, so if I can survive that long long drive w/ no complications...that's pretty good. If you have more questions, I'd be happy to answer them....just message me!

you cannot chug anything, nor take huge gulps even or gulps at all, you have to train yourself to drink slower. And be careful with talking about leak tests etc. Many surgeons do not bother with such a thing unless there is a suspicion of problems or other complications. Every surgeon/medical group is different.

Ooooooooooooh that is the thing I cannot stand the most - someone saying they are doing it 'the hard way'!!!!!!! That p@#$%$ me off so much!!! Yeah cos I don't know about you guys but getting to 360lbs and feeling like you are eating yourself to death with no way out and then going in to have surgery where you risk complications and can't eat like a 'normal' person for the rest of your life sure does not feel like the 'easy way' to me!! Does anyone else feel insulted by people saying this or am I just over reacting? It is possible....... hahhaha!!!

70 lbs, easy !! I was starting to worry last night because the port area was looking red again but I've kept an eye on it and so far so good. I really don't need any added complications! :thumbup: I guess as long as all goes well, I should be up and about in the next few days. I spent all day resting but unfortunately didn't get enough sleep. I'm hoping that I will do a bit more of that tomorrow. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery Judy and I know what you mean about the weight loss, making up for so much wasted time. Glad you enjoyed your break. I need a good holiday but that's another thing I will have to put off now. I was thinking of going away somewhere at the end of this month. I will wait until I'm fully healed before I think about that. I know what you mean about being brown, I get so brown just from walking as well. I guess 1 hour a day is long enough to tan. Keep us posted on your next stage of this disaster. Thanks Marie. As mentioned above, I'm feeling okay and am looking forward to being up and about.

I have not been sleeved yet. My husband is actually going to be sleeved before me. He has told his mom and sister about both of us. I have told my 10 and 14 yr. old and my mom and one male friend from high school who is probably 600+ lbs. and he almost died last year from complications of his weight. He is 47 yrs old and is basically home bound. My husband said he called a few weeks ago and said that he is considering having gastric by pass. I don't want to have to cry over him again.

When I was banded I only told very close family and friends. As I lost the weight, no one new I met thought anything about it. Now that my band has failed and I am contemplating the sleeve, I'm in a different work situation. I work in the health industry and everyone around me is naturally thin, as far as I know. I love my employees and coworkers, but I know they wouldn't keep it to themselves and I really don't want everyone and their dog knowing. I hate to not tell my boss because she and I are pretty close, but she's an athlete and I know she wouldn't understand. It's not about hiding or being ashamed, I'm just a very private person and don't want to be known as the girl who had WLS. I've seen it happen before, it ends up defining you in some ways and to some people. There will always be discrimination. I don't want to tell anyone, but worry what I'll do if I have complications or anything. Guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I get to it.