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Hi- I've been reading the boards - as I'm scheduled for surgery on March 11 and I'm getting kind of nervous. I have just sat for over an hour reading the complications that some are having. Do complications happen more often than not? Also, has anyone had their band (without complications) for a very long time? I assumed that I would just keep it forever. Does it eventually have to come out? Thanks, Malissa

I had my surgery in Mexico and have a 32F bougie and have had absolutely no complications. Over 7 months out I can eat 4 ounces of dense protein. I have yet to try steak.

I'm not sure what mine was, told I was normal? Guessing that's the standard size. I'm 6 months post-op and down 80.5 pounds. I had a really rough go at first as I was very, very swollen. I can eat about 4oz at a time but it also depends on the time of day for me as well as what I'm eating. My loss has started to slow down. My dr said that is normal at this point. I struggle getting all my protein in but I'm working on that now. I love my sleeve. It was very hard and super painful at first bc of my complications but I would never go back now!!! I have a blog too if anyone wants some more info. It's www.sleevelessnomore.blogspot.com. :-)

Wow. This sounds horrible. So sorry you have these complications and i hope you are feeling better soon.

I have been alternating between this site and OH's VSG message board. I noticed that there are few posts from sleevers in general, compared to the other surgeries. Why is that? I know the sleeve is newer, and fewer people have had it. But I also think (hope) that sleevers have the fewest complications/problems, thus do not post looking for help as much. Also, perhaps sleevers don't need the constant support that bandsters do, for example, because there are fewer adjustments/changes with the sleeve. At least, that is what I am hoping. And if you are sleeved and just lurking...please post! We soon-to-be-sleevers have enquiring minds and want to know! My surgeon consult is Monday morning. Man, am I excited!!!!!!:ohmy:

My boss (a fabulous, supportive, amazing woman - if you haven't picked up on that in my posts on other areas of this site) and I were talking today about changes in my life pre- and post-Lap Band. It's been two years this month that my Daddy died of complications from years of untreated type II diabetes. This is not to say we didn't know he had it.... he just did the minimum to take care of it for the twenty years or so he was diagnosed. It took its toll and, at the very young age of 64, with congestive heart failure and multiple strokes and MIs under his belt - including two open-heart surgeries for quad bypass and valve replacement - he died. The intricacies of all of that are for another blog, if I decide to let you in that far, but this does have bearing on this post. All my life, I was heavy. My parents are/were heavy, two of my three siblings are heavy, various extended family are heavy. It was something we were, totally acceptable, and totally oblivious as to what it would mean later in life (for those of us lucky enough to have a "later in life"). We ate what we wanted without a care in the world, blindly following every fad diet imaginable when the mood struck us to lose 100lbs overnight... you get the idea. Being that way, and being surrounded by people in the same situation made it easy to hide from life. I still enjoyed life, as a kid, a young adult, and now a thirty-something, but something was always missing: Freedom. This is what the boss and I were discussing: a newfound freedom borne of a normal-sized body in a normal-sized life. Why do we call it Freedom? I missed out on the freedom to run around and do what I really wanted to do because, quite frankly, I didn't fit into normal life: We asked for tables at restaurants because we didn't have the freedom to sit where we pleased; we didn't fit comfortably into a booth. We didn't go on roller coasters because we didn't fit into the cars and/or safety belts We chose bigger cars because what we really want - in my case, a Mini - wouldn't fit our happy asses comfortably and we looked ridiculous driving them around We didn't have the freedom to buy clothes we liked because we had to buy clothes that fit our expansive waistlines We avoided stairs, walking festivals, and anything resembling an outdoor/exercise activity because of how we looked or how it affected us after only a short while We ate what everyone else ate, regardless of its nutritional value (or lack thereof) because we didn't have the freedom (or so we thought) to make different choices; we were enslaved to justification, eating with the masses Last Friday, my assistant and I went shopping. I went into a normal-sized store and purchased normal-sized clothing off the normal-sized rack. No "W" after the size, no special department, no special cut to hide my abnormal size or shape. I found Freedom through choice rather than a forced necessity.

Hi! Good to hear from you! I haven't met Dr. Kent, but I assume he is as great as Dr. Henderson! No, I don't live in Brunswick, I live in Savannah. Its about an hour drive, not too bad. I am hoping I won't have too many fills or complications where I have to drive there a lot! I just noticed my ticker says "7 days", I am so excited! I am kinda scared too... I have a lot of mixed emotions right now... Is your name Mr Shorne or Mrs Horne? Ha ha ha! You can read it both ways! Keep in touch! Are you going to have to do the two week diet before your surgery? I can tell you all about it!

Hope it all goes well for you. Some questions to ask should they not already be on your list of questions: how ESG has the doctor done? Success rate? Failure rate? What caused the failure? Anyone experience complications and what were they? Average excess weight loss of their ESG patients? Post op support program - is there one and what does it entail? What post-op medication is prescribed to help deal with initial pain?

Hi everyone. Thanks so much for the messages. It is so nice to see people from around here. Susan ~ how are your results so far? Was it a comfortable experience? Puggy ~ I can't believe how close you are! Are you to goal yet? Have you had any complications? cant wait to talk to everyone soon!

Hi all, sorry for the complicated questions!!! Just trying to figure out a timetable and such for this. I am nervous and scared but I know its the right choice.

I was banded by Dr. Curry in April. He is a great surgeon and his staff (who have all been banded) are VERY helpful. I just called today to schedule a fill and when I gave my last name the Office Assistant (Michelle) knew exactly who I was and that I travel from out of town. It's a good feeling. Also, Dr. Curry encourages you to contact him after surgery if you have ANY questions. I emailed him about 4 times after my surgery and he always responded within 24 hours... personally. He answers questions on this site under "complications" and has his own "Ask Dr. Curry" section on ObesityHelp.com so you can tell he truly dedicates his knowledge to helping us. The only negative thing I could possibly say is that I haven't seen Dr. Curry since my surgery. He has people on his staff giving fills. It caught me by surprise during my first fill but as I thought about it, he's a surgeon and he's where he SHOULD be. I hope this helped!

I have not had any surgery..so I don't know if I can even give my opinion, but I will anyway . I went to the seminars, read several books, and after much thought, I think the band is right for me. I do have a BMI of 44 and have over 100 lbs to lose to be at goal weight, but I hate taking pills everyday (reason why I get depo instead of the pill) so I know that I would bring about my own demise. My insurance does not cover DS, but either way DS or RNY, I feel like I'm only 26, I haven't had any kids yet and want to be around for as long as possible. No one could tell me what would happen to me after 50 or 60 and I didn't want to do anything that could potentially shortened my life (yes I know being fat that I already shorten my own life, but I don't want a surgery to reroute that). Now I know there are plenty of people who know plenty of people that have had the RNY surgery. Personally (people who were friends of mine), I knew or know 5 people who had it done, 2 are dead from complications, 1 is in/out of the hospital consistently and had gained most of her weight back, 1 lost her weight and has gained it back (but I always told her that she never had a full understanding of what she needed to do to maintain it, she was obsessed with knowing what if felt like to be skinny and couldn't handle it), and the last one is doing just fine. Even though these are only a few people, its MY world, as limited in scope as it may be, I think it would give anybody in my position a scare. So I will take my chances with this, work with it and hope for the best. If it doesn't hopefully by that time there will be another option for treatment, but only time will tell.

This is your decision, I am preop and have a date set for april 17, I was ready to have GB but some of my very close friends had this and after complications they passed away. I am not saying this happens to everybody but I to am one of those who did not want to have those type of issues. Again only you can make the choice I am glad I choose to wait for the band

Most folks, on both sides, are happy with their decision and would "do it" again. Of course, each side has complications. Some are more serious complications than others. For me, it was personal. What was I willing to go through to lose weight? I look to the future and felt the worse thing that could happen, with the band, is for it to erode and have it removed. The worse thing, long term, with RNY, could be lack of nutrition and deficiencies that go with it. Afterall, did I want to trade weight loss for other health complications? Lapbanders seem to not have that problem. Of course, short term, the complication for bandsters is much less. I support all who battle to lose weight!!! Shawn

I was thinking about a leak or infection that's not detected during the initial hospital stay. Or some other related stomach complication like cancer or reflux - anything that the insurance company could claim was related to the partial gastrectomy and therefore not covered. Usually I have the will to fight. But I just want the band out. I called Dr. Cirangle's business office today to find out what my portion of the cost of revision would be if the lap band removal was covered. I think that'll determine a lot about what I'm willing to wait for vs. what I'm willing to pay for. I'm at the point where $11k feels easier to come by that creating more paperwork and wading through two more rounds of appeal... Especially since I have confidence in Dr. Aceves and also feel better knowing that I'd be under care for 3 days after surgery and not just sent home asap. Even though I'm only 25 pounds away from the BMI requirement I just can't gain that weight again. It's not worth the money. I had to fight a bit to get the lap band covered the first time around with a different insurer, they didn't agree that my comorbidities justified the band. So my BMI went up from 35 to 38 while I battled it out. It was so demoralizing and it seemed so stupid - the general implied advice that if I just gained more weight my surgery would be covered without question. I definitely appreciate everyone's input. The sleeve seems like exactly what I hoped the band would be. I'm just more cautious this time around. And scared I guess that even if the VSG feels better what if it doesn't help me lose more weight. I wish this all wasn't so hard! Thanks, Britt

Thanks for this.. I'm an uninsured 9 weeks post op sleeve patient from Australia and have only had one folllow up appointment since my surgery. And that was with my dietician whom didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know lol. To she handed me a pamphlet and that was really it. I have found a lot of my diet and post op info from Pinterest and different forums like this one. Sometimes instagram and YouTube as well. I think it's because I was a self funded patient that I haven't really been given the time of day after my surgery. Thankfully I haven't had any complications but I have no idea about what supplements to take except Multivitamins.. Annoying really Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think no one can tell you how you should feel. On one hand, you deserve better. We all do On the other hand is the mirror. What if there is a middle ground? I thought about this long and hard. How would you change if you were not in the relationship? Would you do everything possible to be attractive to attract the next person in your life? If so, and your relationship is worth saving, will you do the changes now? Or start by kicking him to the curb, and make the changes? In a perfect world, love is unconditional, in the not so perfect world, everyone has a game changer. And yet I agree with the people who say this is his issue not yours. Is it really? When you love someone and regardless of who has the issue, it becomes "our" issue. Maybe the physical attraction is his game changer, not that un common, maybe he is experiencing his own physical issue, does not know how to handle it, so you (unfairly) become the target. Can you forgive and not forget? Does he really just want out? Honey, only you can make this decision for yourself. You know the good, you know the bad, you know if this is his one fault or just one of many. We don't. It must be enormously painful for you, and you know we are sympathetic, and wish we could take away the hurt. I think the most important thing is not to overthink it to the point you hate yourself. While one lady said she was upset he told you in an email, I have a long term relationship with someone who's family of origin, never talked about feelings, and to this day finds it difficult to communicate feelings if they are not facts as he believes. People are complicated aren't they? Hang in there, you have a lot of people with their virtual hugs going out to you.

When I was banded I knew that being banded was hard but I thought that meant hard to lose weight, more effort required. Not so, banding is hard because of what folks are writing here. The fills, unfills, restriction problems, gas, constipation, pain, esophageal spasms, reflux, pain, all of it. THAT is what is hard about the band. I realized that I learned to accept this as a way of life, it is what it is. Then things got worse in a hurry and with an unfilled band I was on liquids for 4 months. That's when I had enough and revised to a sleeve. I guess my point here is that if you can't get these problems resolved you really need to consider removing the band or getting a revision. I have a sleeve now and a sleeve is like a band that actually works without all the risks and complications. NO STOMA! Just a tiny little stomach. I waited too long and now I have esophageal damage. Don't make the same mistake I did. Don't sit on this, get something done.

Everyone's story is different. Iggychic went through hell and unfortunately it was removed from the forum so newer posters cannot read it, but she was just being blunt, which a lot of people cannot take. I grew up with no support whatsoever on anything, so in adult life, it made me not care about anyones opinion about anything I did. I feel everyone is entitled to the same. You do what you have to to get through. But... ...going through surgery is a risky business and if there are complications, it would be nice to have a support group to lean on. Best of luck to all who have to go it alone.

:help: I'm the nurse who developed the list of questions to ask your surgeon and reminded you to post the article on complications. I'm determined to have bariatric surgery and, after extensive research, had decided on a Lapband. I had my initial consultation yesterday at the University of California, San Francisco bariatric surgery center (the only one my insurance will cover in Northern California). Really liked the surgeons but am troubled by the number of Lapbands they've done. They've done hundreds of lap bypasses but very few Lapbands -- about 50 among the 3 of them since they started doing Lapbands a year and a half ago. I remember you posted some time ago that a given surgeon should have done a minimum of 50 Lapbands. So here's my conundrum:confused: : Is it wise to have a Lapband, even though they've done so few? Or do I have a bypass even though I'd prefer not to? Any advice will be appreciated! NancyRN

Hey all, My name is Amy and I have had my band for a little over a year now. The day of my surgery I weighed 277 lbs and as of this morning I weighed 255. I was down to 249 but we went on vacation and I gained some back (although I don't know how because I threw up A LOT while we were gone). I originally decided on having the surgery because I tried EVERYTHING to lose weight. Every diet, every diet pill, exercise, you name it I probably tried it. I have diabetes, PCOS, anxiety and depression. My aunt who I was very close to passed away a few years ago from complications of diabetes. I am pretty much just like her when it comes to my health. I favor her in looks as well. As much as I love and miss her so much, I do NOT want to be like her and die in my 40's. I am 31 now and I have an 8 year old little boy who is my world. I know this is kind of jumbled up right now, I'm just typing as things come to me. I knew that having this surgery was just a tool and not a solution but most days, I feel like it was the WORST decision of my life. I have lost little weight and even though I don't always follow the rules of having a band, for the most part I stick to them. I am so discouraged and tired of throwing up. I told myself before having surgery that I would NEVER let myself throw up because I despise throwing up. And now its a weekly occurance it seems. I've had Fluid removed and then put back in and I am just now to the point where I feel FULL when I eat. I am a stress eater and this past year has definitely been stressful. My husband just returned from our second deployment in September and I feel like a failure. I had all this time to lose weight while he was gone and yet, I lost a measly 20 pounds. Sigh. Sorry for the rambling, but I guess I don't feel like I can really talk to anyone about all of this that REALLY understands. So I probably sound like Crazypants McGee, but I promise I'm not. I'm just a girl who is trying to regain her health and control of her life.

Hey, I am there with you! Look at my stats below. Some days I just want to cry. I know I need to keep getting fills until I get to the green zone and hopefully the magic will happen. I though I would have lost a pile of weight by now. I eat sooooo much less then before. I have to have faith that things will pick up soon!! I truly believe some people are just slower losers and it is not our fault. With the band, weight loss may be slow, but the great thing is we will NOT gain it back faster then you can say "diet"!!! We have to try to keep positive!! p.s. I have had only 4 fills for a total of 2.9 cc in my band. Band was completely emptied after surgery due to complications. It is getting there but everyone is different when it comes to fills and restriction.

that's actually really rare. I'm surprised she's had two patients like that. there also aren't that many more complications with bypasses than there are with the sleeve. The sleeve is more popular now because they're easier for surgeons to do, and patients are more afraid of getting the bypass - they think it's more invasive (although to be honest, I find the sleeve just as "invasive"...)

Yes, it is BLIS you speak of. My doctor and hospital in the US didn't offer it. But like I said, there was too much run around with my doctor's office. I really liked him but the price was high too, being unemployed and uninsured. Good thing I didn't use the US medical system, too. When I developed pneumonia and a partially collapsed lung, it was all covered under the Mexican system. Here in the US that little adventure would have cost me thousands. On the other hand, it might have been covered by this complication insurance. I still have no idea how I got the lung issues. I did everything right and so did the cargivers. Oh well...c'es la vie. Glad it's behind me now.

my surgeons office has an insurance policy built in with the cost...I want to say bliss insurance...but I could be wrong. Anway, that policy covers you up to 6 monts post op! Everything is included too ie..hospital stays,more surgery if needed! He said they can provide this insurance because it is only available for bariatric surgeons who have very low complication rates! Hope I don't need to use it...but it's comforting knowing that it's there!