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Thank you ALL! Sorry for the late reply- I don't have a computer at home and replying on my Kindle makes me crave Valium because of the touch screen keyboard (HA!). I am feeling SO much better now. I realize that while I may not have a physical being right next to me- I have this forum and some other Facebook groups I joined this weekend. I am less and less nervous and time goes by! ALSO- I went to the doctors office today and saw my favorite Nurse Practitioner just to tell her 'Hey, I am going to MX to have surgery, just a heads up' and also to notify someone here in case I have complications or issues with wound healing. She said she was SO proud of me for taking some steps to get healthy. I had been expecting to hear 'No!! Don't do it!' But nope. The pre-op diet sucks, btw. But my nerves are evening out! Woot wooooot!

Thank you so much!! I think I have decided on the sleeve. I went to my consultation wanting the band but now I don't think it's right for me. I worry about the complications tho. If you don't mind me asking how much have you lost in what time frame??

band superior to sleeve? In 2016 very few surgeons would agree. To many don't work as expected, cause complications, are removed, or revised to sleeve or bypass. Many surgeons won't even do them anymore.

MGB is short for Mini-Gastric Bypass. Revision weight loss surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed on patients who have already undergone a form of bariatric surgery, and have either had complications from such surgery or have not successfully achieved significant weight loss results from the initial surgery.

I know with having 26 years combined experience of being a paramedic/registered nurse (ICU and ER) pain is very subjective. I have people get a paper cut scream like they had their arm ripped off and a gentleman get his arm ripped off in a round bailer who said it hurt a little. So as I teach about pain control pain is subjective so listen to the patient. As for drains, they are useful as another person stated for helping with surgical complications (ie. bleeding). Some docs believe in them and some don't just preference.

I have a hard area where my port was. It doesn't hurt but sticks out a little. I hope it will go away. I go back to the surgeon on the 26th. Still on protein drinks etc; Also, am not eating, but feel a lot different then I did with the band. I feel like I could eat. YIKES.....I did have a couple bites of a soft egg, and several bits of refried beans. I was satisfied soon, but could have eatten more. My dr would have had me on pureed food but he has been out of town. I keep reading about people have tests to see if they have a leak. My Dr didn't do any special test to check that out. I hope I don't have one, or get one. That is the one complication that pretty much ruins everything.

Just curious, how everyone was doing. My BMI is 35 with no co-morbidities and I have been contemplating the sleeve. My doctor actually recommended the band for me but I have read all the complications and told him I wanted the sleeve but now I am wondering if I should go back on my decision. With the band, if I hate it I can take it out but with the sleeve it is permanent. He said the good thing with the band is if something gets stuck he can adjust it. So for those with the lower BMI, was it worth it to get the sleeve?

I agree with catwoman! Rice is complicated. I tried it when I was about 4-5 month post op and wished I hadn’t. I became very sick, it felt like I had swallowed a bag of rocks. But, now I am 14 months post op and I can eat rice (in moderation) easily and pain free! So it really just depends on the person!

Ok I am having band put in july 25th and I knew this day would come (where I have a date ) but now I get this nervous pit feeling in my stomach when I read about complications.. (no, it's not hunger) My DH are doing this together and I am so scared that one of us will have problems. My questions is "IF" you have band complications do most doctors offer to do another surgery in place of the band? And if so will they do them at the same time? I don't want RNY but if it is that or nothing, if I lose the band, I would do it. (I think ) Thanks

Hi everyone...once again I am here looking for support! Good thing you are all here! Well, like momma always said, "careful what you wish for...cause you just might get it!!" Well, I was hoping for a quick date when I met with my surgeon and I got it!! June 14th... two weeks from Monday! I sort of freaked out inside! Guessing that is normal... but what was weird for me was that my Doctor actually tried to talk me out of the band!!! Ok, so I have Gerd (gastric reflux) and a bad back (two back surgeries). She said... "you know.. the band might not help your Gerd and you may not be successful at all if you don't exercise 1 hour a day... so you might want to reconsider. I looked her in the eye and said... "So I guess I'm going to have to exercise an hour a day!" She also said I might not like it. I said... we'll we'll just give it a whirl and if I don't... you'll take it out. She actually smiled. Oh well...I'm a nurse and have worked with surgeons my whole life... just have to work around them I guess. Then I asked her about band erosion, slipping and vomiting, as I fear vomiting and having complications, i.e slippage/erosion etc. she said, "What are you a vomiter?" Since when did THAT become a noun I wondered. I am not a "vomiter," so I "guess" I'm ok! I heard she encouraged questions... but she didn't seem to like mine. At one point she said... "I'm not going to be your PCP!!" I said "fair enough." She is known for being a superb surgeon, and I'm ok with her crankiness... but this push for Gastric bypass is really creeping me out! Next she said, "Fluids for a month you know." I said, yes, I'm aware. She asked if I could do that. I said... it's not Cancer, not a life sentence of illness or fluids, it's a month... I can do most anything for a month. She smiled a little and said... ok, let's book you. I wanted to hear from her that I'd be successful! That the band was going to be a good tool, etc... instead I felt like I brow beat her into doing it!!! NOT what I expected today. Any thoughts my friends? Thanks, Tracy

I know a girl on here who recently went out of state to have hers done is she ended up with some complications and NO one locally wanted to treat her. See if you can get the surgeon to make a co agreement with some one locally to see you in the case of emergency and for fills, ect.. It was ugly for her in Dec.. She was in pain and had to fly in pain to another state. She said she would never do that again.

OTR Sleever your 100% right about the types of Protein, I'm sure you already knew that, and I found an article that really explains it in detail. I thought I would share it with everyone. Thanks for setting me straight and helping me get started on the right foot. Protein supplements & Weight-loss Surgery by Kimberly Mahoney, MS, RD, LDN To view a PDF version of this article, click here. When you step into a health food store or a Vitamin shop, there is often an abundance of protein supplements to choose from and sales people claiming they are “nutritionists” trying to sell you the best liquid or powder protein products on the market. There is a large assortment of protein supplementation available to consumers; however, it is essential to recognize that some supplements are of higher quality than others. For weight-loss surgery (WLS) patients, it can be very confusing if you are not aware of what to look for when it comes to protein supplementation. Why is protein important? Proteins are a part of every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies. These body proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced. The body does not store protein for later use, therefore consuming adequate high quality protein is necessary, otherwise the body will inevitably suffer. When protein intake is not adequate, the body will break down lean body mass to compensate for poor oral intake. Loss of lean body mass is inevitable for WLS patients or individuals following a very low calorie diet. To minimize that loss, sufficient high-quality protein must be consumed. When should liquid or powder protein supplements be used? Most WLS patients rely strictly on liquids during the early post-operative phase, and the majority of their calories consumed during that time are often from protein supplements. Liquid or powder protein supplements may also be used post-operatively when patients are unable to consume adequate protein from food alone. This may be due to volume restrictions or food intolerances to protein rich foods. Is there a risk of developing protein deficiency? WLS patients, who have undergone the BPD/DS, are often at a higher risk of developing protein malnutrition. However, all WLS patients, despite the procedure, who do not comply with the recommended dietary guidelines are at risk. What is the best quality liquid or powder protein supplement? Commercial protein supplements are available in many flavors, textures, tastes, mix-ability and price; however, the product’s amino acid composition is of the most importance when choosing protein supplements. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine indispensable (essential) amino acids (IAA) and 11 dispensable (nonessential) amino acids (DAA). The IAA must come from dietary intake because the body is incapable of producing these compounds. During rapid weight-loss, when protein supplements are the main source of dietary protein intake, it is essential to choose products that contain all of the IAA. Also, it is important when choosing protein supplements that they have a score of 100 on the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). This is a system that was developed as a method to evaluate protein quality. PDCAAS scores of as close to 100 as possible are desired to indicate that it contains the appropriate amount of IAA that the body needs. Protein supplements that are made from whey, casein, soy and egg whites have a PDCAA score of 100. It is important to recognize that many of these protein sources are sold as either concentrates or isolates. Isolates In general, isolates tend to have a higher concentration of protein than concentrate forms. For whey protein isolates, the filtration process removes a lot of the lactose, minerals and fat in the product; therefore, these products have very little or no lactose and often provide more protein in smaller volumes. These products may be beneficial to those patients who have lactose intolerance. Also, isolates tend to have a better mix ability and cleaner taste, therefore compliance is often better with these products. Concentrates Whey protein concentrates have a lower concentration of protein and higher concentration of lactose. Although the protein is of good quality, the percentage of protein will vary. Consumers can always view the nutrition label as well for accurate quantities of protein. How much protein does the WLS patient need? Many surgical weight-loss programs recommend between 60-80 grams of protein per day for the adjustable gastric band (AGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) requires approximately 90 grams of protein per-day to accommodate for the malabsorption associated with this procedure. These recommendations are for individuals without complications (malabsorptive procedures alter digestion, thus causing the food to be poorly digested and incompletely absorbed). Those with complications will have different protein needs. The exact requirements for postoperative WLS patients with complications are not defined. It is recommended to follow-up with your surgeon and dietitian to assess protein requirements and adequate protein intake. Protein supplements and Meal Replacement shakes – they are different It is important to also recognize that there is a difference between protein supplements and meal replacement shakes (i.e. Unjury® vs. SlimFast®). Many meal replacement supplements often have a blend of soy, casein or whey protein to enhance the texture or taste of the product. Meal replacement shakes also have higher amounts of vitamin and minerals and varying amounts of carbohydrates and Fiber. One thing to consider is that meal replacement shakes are often designed to supplement a diet that includes animal and plant sources of protein. These should not be used as the sole source of protein or calories in the diet for an extended period of time. What protein supplements should be avoided? Collagen-based protein supplements are not a good source of high-quality protein and should not be used as the sole source of protein intake in WLS patients. Collagen-based protein supplements do not contain all of the indispensable amino acids that the body needs. When consuming collagen-based products as your sole source of protein, the loss of lean body mass can occur despite meeting your daily protein goals. Do WLS patients need liquid or powder protein supplements for life? As you begin to consume more food after surgery, the need for protein supplementation often declines or ceases. Relying solely on protein supplements to meet your protein needs is not recommended after the early post-operative liquid stage. Foods of high biological value are encouraged (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc.). WLS patients who cannot meet their protein needs from food alone may benefit from supplementation of high quality protein. What are the dangers of excessive protein intake? If you are not well hydrated, excessive protein intake may contribute to dehydration. It is also important to remember that additional protein intake, above the recommended amount, may inhibit the consumption of other important nutrients. Conclusion WLS patients are going to get the best bang for their buck when they choose supplements made from whey or soy isolate and avoid whey concentrate and collagen-based products. It is also important to remember that the use of protein supplements are typically decreased or cease throughout time as the WLS patient is able to meet daily protein goals from food of high biological value. About the Author: Kimberly Mahoney, MS, RD, LDN, is a bariatric dietitian at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago and has been working with weight-loss surgery patients for the past five years. She is currently the chair of the Bariatric Subunit of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group through the American Dietetic Association.

This does sound frusterating! However, you do need to LIVE through bleeding and complications first.....then you can have the luxury to lose weight. Please be kind to yourself. Don't lose sight on what's most important! Trust your body to know when it needs to protect itself.

Ok here goes...I just joined this forum to get answers as well but I feel unless I say something someone else won't get answers.....I had the lapband inserted march 2008....started at 237...5'8" (recorded but incorrect) so I met the guidelines. After a baby I went up to 259 then down to 193...lowest with band....I started having complications with the band....leaking....didn't feel Anything until three months in when started having severe pains. In and out of hospital resulted in the removal of my band.....we were waiting first for the insurance comp to approve fixing the band but they denied..."not medically necessary" since I was now not "morbidly obese"anymore..... Then tried for the sleeve...denied again..."experimental bc my bmi was below 35.....I had the band removed to find out the tube cracked.....the band was literally cutting up my insides. Since surgery on October 2, I have gained 17lbs and now meet the 35 bmi but the insurance company wants a letter of medical necessity. Normal you would have to go under supervised weight loss program monitoring for 3 months but my internal medical doctor is hopeful that his letter showing my past six year struggle will suffice. If I don't get approve under my insurance I will try my husbands and if denied under his ill end up paying for it.....I find it ironic that they knew I had a weight problem approved the first device, then when it became defective I'm no longer a candidate. Nothing within my control.....I'll be patient and wait my turn. Hopefully all goes well by the summer.

With my new complication with the sleeve. And repeating several tests and having work done to fix the newest complications. I have become a topic of conversation in my area of the medical profession. I have been asked out of the blue by at least by 6 people who work at the hospitals and clinics how much weight I have lost...Stunned that that is the first question out of their mouths and instead of me keeping it close to my chest I tell them 200 lbs. It is only after that that they ask questions regarding the surgery. The next most asked question is would you recommend it? And then, would you do it again? Most that have found out how much I have lost, scream you must be proud. You should be on a poster in the hospital telling everyone there is hope. You must feel so good about yourself...I have thought about it a lot and I don't think proud is the word I feel...I feel a great sense of relief and a huge weight lifted off me literally. I feel that this is a life long journey for all of us and that pride has nothing to do with it. I did not win a contest or a marathon or the lottery or save millions of lives. I am working to save mine and it won't be done until I breath my last breath. A work in progress. Not to allow myself to get complacent over this new adventure and turn back to my old life... I am thrilled that I finally had the opportunity to get this gift of the sleeve. But there is no inner pride. There is satisfaction that I have gotten this far. But pride no. I still have so much work to do!!!

1. Complications - I experienced none. I have had some pain on and off on my left side but that normally has happened after I have overdone it. I had surgery on the 7th and was back to work on the 12th... i have been really tired but have taken it easy and spent weekends on the couch. 2. Clean and Safe? - Yes. Hospitals and clinics in Mexico are clean and safe. I had no complaints, there was always a nurse with me or a dr, they were constantly cleaning the clinic. I had a nurse assigned just to me and great care. i was move to their recovery house. There i also had amazing care. The dr came and checked me out and there was a dr that spent the night in the recovery house if i needed anything. 3. How did you convince your family? - I didn't. The only person that knows i did this was my husband. He wasnt thrilled but i just did it. I needed to make a change and this is for myself. 4. General Experience - i would recommend Long Term VSG to any of my friends and i have no regrets. Painful um YES! my stomach was killing me when i woke up.. but they give you painkillers. Having the drain pulled out is a blessing and a curse, super painful when pulled out but it stopped a lot of the pain i was feeling from having it in, once it was out. I am exhausted easy but i am also barely eating. I do get all my Protein and Water in and that is key if you dont you will be hurting. I also am not rushing foods.. i ate plenty to get me here.. I am on day 21 and counting!! Goodluck

Hi Everyone, Been lurking for a little while. Actually joined some time back but rarely post. I am looking for any and all folks who have had surgery in Mexico to weigh in and help me out. Here's a little background: I am 48 yo, 6', 365 with a high of 380. My health is deteriorating, particularly knees, hips and ankles. I had a knee replacement 1 year ago and have not healed properly due to weight. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and variable high everything else. If I am "good" for a while, my numbers fall into line, but they quickly swing the other way when I am not. I am always short of breath, can not run, jog and have difficulty with stairs. I can not climb or descend stairs without a handrail. My insurance specifically precludes ANY type of weight loss surgery, drugs or treatment. I am at wits end and desperately want to be able to hike, canoe and ride a bike again. I want my kids to look at me like a regular person and not be embarrassed (they are 16 and 13). I want to feel good. So, I am looking at self pay for VSG here in the states, or in Mexico with Dr. A. (Good Dr. A). Here are my biggest concerns: 1-Complications. How are they handled and what about follow up care. If I have issues after coming home (like infection, bleeding, dumping, severe reflux, etc.) how do I receive the care I'll need if my insurance will not cover it. Has anyone had problems? How were they addressed? 2-Was the experience clean and safe? Did anyone have problems due to lack of sanitation or lack of follow up care? 3-How did you convince your family to support you even though they are aghast at going to Mexico for surgery? 4-generally looking for detailed experiences both good and bad. Please help guide a scared and deperate newbie. Thanks!

I'm just starting the process, but it's going to happen. (Whether I can get it approved now or have to go through another year of diet!) I am not telling many people. My family (brother and parents), my grandmother (I live with her), my boyfriend and his family (he and his sister also had it done), and one friend (who lives far away and has nobody to tell). That's it. I'm not even telling my best friend. She's thin, athletic & healthy. She doesn't understand why I just can't lose it on my own. I'll tell her the day before probably, just so she can't try to talk me out of it. That's more or less why I'm keeping it to myself. I don't want people's opinions. I've done my research and know my stuff! Our HR lady at work knows I want to have it done, simply because I was asking her about the coverages. I plan on telling my boss when I am ready to schedule surgery in case of complications. It's a personal decision. This is hard for me. I'm an open book, and tend to tell everyone everything. I have to bite my tounge sometimes!

My reason for posting the complications I have gone through is a teaching tool. Not to complain. I researched this surgery for 2 years before I had it and never read anything other then you could die. I did not know this forum existed..And at the time here there were others who were struggling to get through the tough times of complications.... Posts have helped others because I have had people phone me, skype me and mail me to ask for support as they need help emotionally, and mentally to get through them..Just as I did! and do..So if you don't need that kind of support that is wonderful for you. But there are others who are thankful to know they are not alone......I know I am.... Surgery veteran or not...what can happen with WLS needs to be said so that people are informed.....And can make an informed decision....

On my liquid diet I was able to have tomato soup, soups with a cream base, French onion soup, jello made with fruit juice, smoothies, and anything without chunks. My surgeon had me substitute one meal with liquid starting 3 weeks out, 2 meals on second week before, and then three liquid meals a day the week before. I didn't have to do total clear until 1 day prior. I had gastric bypass on 12/16/14, and had absolutely no complications. My liver was shrunken, so the liquid diet did work. Good luck!

I was set up to have the DS on AUG 13th, but I may go for the RNY do to my doctor just had spinal surgery and he is saying that he will not be physically capable of performing the DS by my surgery date. I can push the date out and have the DS done, but all of my support from family flying in and papers have been set for my current date and they are very hard to change. My Surgery is Aug 13th. And I was excited til today. My Surgeon is basically putting it in my hands to choose. He says that the DS would be better for me. But because there may be complications do to the band not easy to remove that he may not be able to put the sleeve part of the DS and he would probably have to do the RNY anyway. I was mentally prepared for the DS, but now I’m conflicted. I really don’t want to push out my date again.

I've never heard that the Band is not for life if one does not have complications. The Band will last long beyond you and me. If you want a more permanent solution without fills, you can look at the sleeve gastrectomy. However, realize that it is not reversible. The portion of your stomach is gone forever.

Guidelines are what reduces complications including possible death! This isn't a trial and error kind of thing (for several weeks anyway). Eat steak - what's the worst case scenario?? Umm...blockage, leak, infection, death, failure... Oh, are we talking about eating choices BEFORE being cleared for a full diet? I think I lost track in the thread. I NEVER suggest rushing the diet advancement plan from your doc. I've heard some that I think are absolutely nuts, like zero Protein allowed for 2 weeks, but bottom line is that your surgeon is the one you've put your trust in for this surgery, follow their plan for advancing the diet, period. They have reasons for setting that. Now, once you're cleared to a full diet, I think that a cookie cutter approach isn't the best. ETA: But I will also say that it's a good idea to at least START with what your surgeon/team is recommending for a diet plan, and if it doesn't work, start researching and modifying from there. I've done extensive dieting over the years, and know from extensive experience that ketogenic diets make me very ill. I couldn't stay out of ketosis while on liquid and soft foods, and the experience just reinforced what I already knew. I will still refrain from simple carbs and sugars, and emphasize the protein in my diet, but I have to have 70+ carbs a day or I get very sick. That's what *my* body needs. Incidentally, I made sure my surgeon/team was on board with that before I chose them for my surgery. I didn't want to be fighting my team if they were going to be pushing a different program.

Hi Lisa, They told me I could take pills no larger than a m&m. I don't think taking antidrepressants would be a problem with anesthesia. I thought I was doing enough liquids but I was vomiting for two days. I also was constipated (didn't know it, xrays told on me). Had a lot of air or gas or something in my colon. So I guess that is what started the problem. I felt great after iv fluids and a laxative. Sorry to be so graphic. lol When do you think your insurance will give you the go ahead? Really the surgery isn't that bad. Most people have no complications, I am always the weird one. Would I do it again, absolutely! Let's talk again soon, Sue

horror stories about RNY are about the same as with VSG - i.e., they're very rare with both surgeries. It sounds like they're more common than they actually are because people are more apt to post about them - to get support or advice - than they are if their surgery went off without a hitch. People don't usually broadcast that they had a surgery that went great with no issues - but they do if they've had serious complications. Major complications with either surgery are very rare.