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It wasn't as bad as I had thought. I had the same fears everyone else has, I kept my eye on what I want in life & pushed through my self doubt. There are people who have complications, But you get that in any surgery. Well in anything in life. There is no guarantee. I personally have tried so many diets & group garbage & pills. The time was right, I know people who have had success with all that, I also know a couple ladies that had major things happen from taking diet drugs, 3 to be exact. 3, 1 had a heart attack & in doing great now the other 2 had strokes & have life long effects. that was when I decided that was it, I started looking into this surgery & did tons of hours of research, & went to all my pre-op appointments & listened & took note. This is only a 1/3 of the tool to get the weight off. I have just started & hoping to be able to keep going forward. Good luck to you as well.

Thank you for your very thought provoking post. I can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into your response. I don't necessarily think my surgeon is a bad surgeon. That's why I haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet to get a new surgeon. Until this last visit, I didn't see him in this light before. And I've really been trying to think of why he was so negative. As I've said before, I think he feels that I push too hard for fills and that he was reluctant to give me a fill and I didn't push for it at all. I was really, truly on the fence as to whether or not I needed one. And I was disappointed in myself in the past for not losing more. But at this particular visit I was quite proud that in a year I lost over 50 lbs. The average weight loss advertised for the bands is 1-2 lbs. a week, so I do fall in the average -- the low end of the average but still average. So I thought he would at least feel I was successful. I don't necessarily think that bypass was a better surgery for me with the exception that the weight loss would have been faster. I chose the band because I wanted a surgery that was reversible if I had complications and I knew it was a slower a weight loss and that it was a tool to use. Do I occasionally get frustrated myself with the rate that I lose? Sure, but I think most of us do at some time or another. I truly, truly think that this particular surgeon just prefers the bypass based on the results over the band and that he does view it as a personal failure. Especially since he told me that he only does 5% of his patients now as band. He obviously encourages bypass over band. As far as my exercise goes, I didn't mean to imply I do all those things every day. After my surgery I started walking and I walked at least 5 times a week 2 miles. In Sept I joined a kickboxing class 2 times a week and I would supplement that with still doing my walking on nice days until November. I then started doing a Kathy Smith kickboxing tape when the weather turned and did that to supplement my classes. In January I joined both a Zumba (2x's a week) and kickboxing (down to 1x a week) and then was doing the Wii I got for Christmas on other days. About a month ago my sciatic nerve started to bother me so I have reduced my workouts but until the last month I consistently exercised at least 5 days a week, and I told the doc that my exercise declined due to my sciatic (which I now have a Physical Therapy appt scheduled soon to start to correct). Exercise, combined with what I thought were still too large portions, yes, at times I felt I needed a fill and maybe that rubbed him the wrong way. I do think that he was having a very bad day because when he didn't believe me about not smoking it just went downhill from there. And it made me feel like he didn't believe me about anything else I was telling him either. I would have loved if he would have said "you can do this Lisa, you're doing great. If you lose the next 40 lbs in the year, that'll be great." Anything to support me and make me feel like I'm a success. But in all honesty, I didn't hire a cheerleader, I hired a surgeon and most doctors just don't have the bed-side manner we crave. Today, I saw a co-worker who has been off work for serious health reasons for 5 months. The first thing she said when she saw me was "You look GREAT!" She wanted to talk about me and not about her own health, which I was thrilled with how good she looked. She validated my success so much. Nearly every day someone says something to me about my weight loss. So I have to remember that my battery gets charged elsewhere and not look to him to recharge it. Maybe I just expected too much. I do appreciate you and everyone on here for your honesty and for your support and helping me feel like a success. I needed that stroking and I think everyone expressed anger at my surgeon out of care for me so I really feel the love on this post from everyone. Thank you.

Hi Y'all, I Relaize This Forum Is For People W/ Lab Band. I Am One Of Those People, I've Been Banded Since 1/07 And Couldn't Be Happier. My Problem Is My Mom. After She Saw My Succsess W/ Lap Band She Went Through The Process Of Getting Approved Through Her Insurance. She Had Everything Riding On Getting Approved And Kept Gaining Weight. She Then Found Out That Her Insurance Didn't Cover Lap Band But, Would Cover Gastric Bypass. Which To Me Makes No Scense What So Ever. Any How, She Went Ahead And Got The Gbp. Despite Me Warning Her Of All The Complications. She Had Her Surgery 1 Month Ago, And Has Been In The Hospital Twice Now. Once For Dehydration And To Stretch Her Stomach And Again Another Time To Strech It Out Even More. The Reason She's Having Her Stomach Stretched Is She Couldn't Even Keep Water Down. She Still Can't Eat Anything She Looks Horrible Very Weak And Pale. Her Doc Says They Can't Strech Her Out Any More. She's So Miserible And Wishes She Would Have Never Done This To Her Self. She Cries All The Time Bc She Can't Eat Anything W/o Throwing It Up And She's Hungry. She Also Says She Has No Support And Can't Go It Alone. We Live In Different Cities And She's A Widow. I Looked To See If There Were Any Gbp Support Websites Like This One And Couldn't Really Find One For Her. I Know Any Time I've Had A Question, Concern Of Needed Support I've Always Found It Here. My Hope Is Someone Will Read This And Maybe Know What I Can Do To Help Her Or Know Of Someone In A Similar Situation She Can Talk To. Anyone Please Help. I'm Very Worried About My Mom. Thanks Y'all.

Hi I was banded 1 week ago and my doctor told me that when they get in there to do the surgery if my opening in my diaghram is too large they stitch it to make it smaller. he said that is the main cause of reflux. He said if they ever find this they always repair it because that is the main source of complications with the band. If the stomach is able to move up into the esophagus they repair that so i think that you are alright. I know they repaired mine while they were in there. I'm not sure if the procedure is the same as what you had but it sounds to me like you should be ok with the band and it may be a good thing that you already have this done. I'm certainly no medical expert and probably have no clue what I'm talking about but i thought that I would share this with you and maybe you can make a little more sense out of it.

Many congrats on the pregnancy ! ! ! The main issues is that you can NOT continue to eat low carb. Ketosis causes fetal brain damage so GO EAT A SANDWICH, if you are still low carbing it. Honestly, VSG has not complicated my pregnancy. The biggest challenge has been the inevitable weight gain, but you might not have as much as I have. I've gained a solid 20lbs at 29 weeks pregnant and even though that is perfectly on target, it's mindbending for me to gain weight. I have struggled with the physical changes, my ever expanding belly, and the fact that I'm 34 doesn't help! This is also my 2nd pregnancy, and higher numbers on the scale are expected with a 2nd pregnancy. So, my recommendation is to get to your ob, you shouldn't have to take any additional Vitamins, but make sure they monitor your B12 and Folate on a regular basis. If you aren't taking anything, start now. Folic acid and B12, Iron are the ones we need the most. My labs have remained stellar through my pregnancy. All you'll need is a prenatal with a sublingual b12. If you have worked out through your journey, keep working out. I admittedly didn't work out, and haven't in the pregnancy. I know that has contributed to my weight gain. Depending on your starting pregnancy weight, will determine your pregnancy calorie/protein/carb goals. I'm to eat 1700-1800 calories, 100gr of Protein 100gr of carbs, and 100oz of clear fluids per day. Yes, it's challenging, and I drink some calorie-filled drinks because I simply can not eat all my calories. Grape juice helps tremendously. Again, many congrats, and if you need anything, feel free to shoot me a message!

I love my sleeve. I know several people that had the bypass and had lots of problems including having surgery again due to complications. I had my surgery July 26th and have lost 50 lbs, which is the same amount of weight my bypass friends had at this point after their surgery.

My surgeon shares the following poem with all of his WLS patients. I was shocked so much of this was true for me and I think this helped me come to terms with some of my issues. There were also a lot of tears shed as I tried to read it to my husband. LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE Author Unknown LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our everyday life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall ... in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious. LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it? LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from an incredible burden they were never meant to carry. LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our health even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help? LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position. LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well. LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED! LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat. LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty. LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society. LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" ... And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower." Knowing that willpower isn't the whole answer. LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again. LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary. LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality. LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person. LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate. LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for. LISTEN to the Sigh of relief as we wake up in pain ... but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it ... because I'm alive! LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the losing side. LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat. LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of Water. LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure." LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all. LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese. LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions. LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon. LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions. LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have. LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, Vitamins, Protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time". LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert." LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality. LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight. LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live a fulfilling life. LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way. LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.

People love a train wreck....or ever notice traffic backed up for miles because of an accident on the other side of the center median in the other lanes? News room saying...If it bleeds, it leads.... NO ONE knows I have had WLS except for immediate family....I just did not want to explain myself to everyone...it is something I needed to do, for myself, my health, and ultimately my Family..... So I received nothing but compliments during my journey, and no criticisms....and today, 3 years later, being fat is but a old memory to everyone, no one talks about it anymore, and all have accepted the fact, and take it for granted that I am what I am....a fit person without an oz of fat on me (as someone said yesterday) New people I meet never knew I was once over 100 lbs heavier, and the subject of me loosing weight is now old news, no longer something to talk about in the office............the ultimate NSV.... Ironically, the one family member who was my biggest critic with nothing but stories of failures......is one of the fattest people I know. And she keeps getting fatter!!!...she should not be the one throwing stones...but even she has now stopped talking about it seeing the entire process was 100% successful with zero complications.....

I am just shy of 9 months out frommy surgery with Dr Aceves. I have had ZERO complications. They are the best there, you will be in good hands with them. They are all very caring. You can't gp wrong with Dr. Aceves and his team. Brenda

I have some family medical history that makes the sleeve a better choice for me. Otherwise, complications with the bypass are minimal and I would have likely chosen the bypass.

i had the lap band 10 years ago. had complications 1 month out all fluid removed gained 55 pounds over the 10yrs tried every diet in the world. my stomach ruptured from the band eroded thru.

I don’t think leaks are a common issue with people that have had multiple bariatric surgeries. Instead, it sounds like it may be an issue with your surgeon’s practice. You may want to investigate further. I had revision surgery in July 2018 and have had 5 abdominal surgeries in my lifetime. My surgeon, who is one of the preeminent bariatric/GI surgeons in the U.S., did not tell me I was at increased risk for leaks. I have suffered no complications post-op.

Hello world! I am getting ready to schedule my trip from Alaska to Mexico to get a lower body lift. They want close to $40,000 to do this up here, so obviously, that isn't happening. Really looking at Dr. Carmina Cardenas. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with her and the facility? How long did you end up staying there? Any complications? Thank you in advance.

Hey there! You're asking about advice for surgery in Mexico, and everyone on here who's gone will try to push you on their surgeon (myself included) because, let's face it, we all think our surgeon was the best. So what I'm going to do instead is give you advice from a completely objective point of view, without dropping the names of surgeons if I can help it. What helped me the most in researching the VSG in Mexico was calling the surgical groups that I was considering directly. Sure, the opinions of others can make you feel more comfortable about surgery abroad, but once you talk to the right coordinator about the right surgeon you'll just know....it's hard to explain. I will say though, don't choose anyone until you're 100% comfortable with making the decision, and accepting any of the risks and complications that can come along with the surgery. It's a huge decision, and you don't want to pick the person who will operate on you just based upon price or what you've heard from other individuals. I will give you a list of questions that I asked myself and the coordinators before making my choice, in the hopes that it'll help you out. How many surgeries has the physician performed? What is his complication rate? If something goes wrong during surgery, will I have to pay additional money to correct it? How many nights will I need to be in the hospital, and what happens once I'm discharged? What does the surgeon charge, and what all does this fee include? Is the hospital (or surgical suite) located in a safe area of town? Am I allowed to bring a companion? How long has the surgeon been performing the VSG? Do I feel comfortable putting my life in to the hands of this person, whom I've never met? (for me, this was the deciding question on which surgeon I chose.) Would I be comfortable with someone I love telling me that this was the surgeon they've chosen (alot of times I don't consider the fact that my decisions effect others, so this one was helpful as well) For me, the decision boiled down to what I found to be the most important factors when getting the surgery, which were how many times has the surgeon performed the procedure, how many leaks he had, and the fact that he had a zero fatality rate. I know that your list of priorities may vary greatly from mine, but I hope this will at least give you some questions to think about. Try not to sweat it too much, and please (even though we all are well meaning and have your best interest at heart) take our words worth a grain of salt. The decision that you make will be the right one for you. There's no wrong answer, just the surgeon that's going to be the best fit for what you're looking for! If you have questions or want someone to talk to, feel free to shoot me a PM, I'd be more than happy to provide you with stats on all three surgeons.

I asked my doctor a similar question a few years ago. Do I wait until I'm at something resembling a healthy weight, or do I go for the pregnancy first? Her response gave me a perspective I wouldn't have had. She reminded me of all the EXTRAORDINARILY obese people who manage to have perfectly healthy babies every day. And she also reminded me that at my age (31 at the time), more risk was going to come from egg viability than from obesity. Yes, some risks are higher. Your age is already going to classify you as a high risk pregnancy (though I think you said your weight will too). I'm still obese but if I wanted another baby, I'd be a LOT more concerned about complications stemming from my age (just turned 36, DD is 3) than my weight. A LOT. Keep in mind there's a waiting period after surgery before you can get pregnant. I'm not sure what it is with sleeve, but generically it's 1 - 2 years (my surgeon used to say 1, now he says 2). And conception probably won't happen as soon as you start trying, either. So figure 18 months waitlist + 24 months waiting period + time to conceive... if a baby i something you really want, I personally would not wait. I was about 230 - 240 when I conceived. For perspective, my normal BMI weight is around 175. I don't know how overweight you are, but my "conception" weight of about 240 represents about 140 lbs I had already lost. Was I still obese when I got pregnant.. yep. Would I do it again... yep. If you are having problems conceiving, weightloss is kind of like fertility hyperdrive, BTW.

Can you just check all of them in what you have? There is a good list of questions to ask at some of the blogs. I have a long one but it encompasses things I found out when the surgeon dropped my care. The complications that come up, you can help yourself by finding out whether or not they'll take care of you or just blow you off once the surgery is done.

So I am 4 days post-op. Exciting right?! The only complications I am having currently are not being able to sleep and general discomfort. I now can't fall asleep before 2am, and I'm awake by 6am.... then I find myself zoning and falling asleep for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. My incisions are all extremely itchy and the one bigger one above my belly button has been causing the most pain. I wake up in the middle of the night feeling a sharp pain at that entry point - but its not red, irritated, or infected. Last but not least, I can't really sit for too long. My lower back and tail bone are fighting me on my ability to relax. I've sat on the couch, my rocking chair, padded myself in with pillows.... I've tried heating pad, and I've been staying on top of my pain meds, but it doesn't seem like anything is working.

I'm Statgamer on there. Those are not my recipes per se, they are just ones I found. Most of the ones I post here on my blog are ones I either invented or modified from other complicated recipes. I don't do complicated, I like simple recipes with lots of flavor so the ones here as well as on Pinterest are easy ones. On Pinterest, if you follow my small bites, Paleo, pressure cooker, and crockpot ones, Mostly those are WLS friendly.

You're asking for opinions here, so here's mine I would bust my ass and get healthy. Health is #1. Obesity can lead to so many unforeseen complications with childbirth. Your health needs to be a priority. Sure, children can be great, but not if you're not healthy enough to care for one. You've had to go see an extra specialist because of your weight -that's a telling sign in and of itself. You might not have diabetes, HBP, high cholesterol and other co-morbidities now, but that doesn't mean they can't develop in the blink of an eye. Gestational diabetes is a dangerous and pretty definite issue with an obese pregnancy. Getting your health in order should be priority #1 in my opinion. After, you can try to have a baby - and if you can't, there's always adoption - tons of kids need good homes.

Your don't feel "different" because you are really not that different. If you don't have complications, it is hard to tell from the outside that you have had anything done. You don't feel full because the liquids just flow right on through. Be glad that you don't feel that different now, stick with your post-op diet (it won't last forever event though it may feel that way), and when you start eating more solid food, that's when you will feel the difference. You are in the first few days of a lifelong journey. Enjoy the ride to the new you...Kathe

Honey, I too am pre op but the only people who've tried to talk me out of it, don't know about the Lap Band. The complications were to people who had the othe procedures. Most people don't know about the lap band but only the by-pass. Looks like you need to lose 105 lbs I need to lose much more and I am 52. You sound young. Please don't give possibly having a longer and healthier life up to hear say. Maybe the friend is afraid you're going to change toward her if you lose weight.I've had a couple of people ask me that stupid question. UHHH yeah I'm gonna be happier and feel better so I will change for the best. If your friend can't handle you getting healthy then, that isn't much of a friend. Do what you and your Drs feel is best. Not what others who really have no clue think. It's your life at stake. Best of luck. My surgery is on May 19th. Hugs, Rose

I had no complications, and I did have my gall bladder removed at the same time, but I would not recommend endangering yourself like that so soon after surgery. I would honestly wait until you are out of pain. For me this was 10 days. Maybe another mom won't mind taking your kids to school with hers for a week. Maybe you can keep your 3y old at home (I had mine after the 4th day post-op, I have 4 boys! it wasn't great, but it was doable). You can do this if you don't want to postpone (no one would), but please don't plan to drive. Some of us take longer to heal.

Luvlvnlyfe5, just be careful. I was restricted from driving for a week. I'm post op 10 days. I did have any complications but ur body is still in the healing process. 10 days out and I still have trouble getting in and out of a car on the passengers side. I haven't driven yet. You will notice ur energy level will be different so just listen 2 your body. Life goes on but u want ur sweet babies and urself 2 be safe as well.

He isn't intubated. eviltouch sorry to hear you too had complications but comforting to know you are doing well.

I'm so sorry about your complications. It sounds like pure misery and I hope that you'll have relief from all of this soon. Perhaps cross posting this over in the complications forum will help more people see it. You aren't alone in having complications and I hope that someone out there that has overcome them can give you some reassurance and hope that this will pass for you, too. Best of luck and do keep us updated. Every bit of info out there helps people researching or struggling with a similar situation. ~Cheri