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Yes! I was SO excited about my belly button! And yes I bought my first 2 bikinis ever! Thank you! I feel pretty good. It's been a painful recovery, I'm not gonna lie. But at 4.5 weeks post op, my energy has pretty much returned to normal. I had a lot more muscle repair with the abdominoplasty that I needed to be done than normal, so I sstill have a fair amount of soreness in my abs, and I still wear my ab binder for support and to keep the swelling down, but that 's no biggie.How long before you could return to work? I'm a nurse so this is a big factor for me. I'm not ready at all to do this as I'm only 8 months out and 18 lbs from goal. I will have more questions in the future. I'm really hoping my insurance will cover this. Your results are amazing and I'm glad you are returning to normal!I returned after 3.5 weeks. I felt pretty good. Probably could have used one more week but I had some complications like reactions to the Percocet & I developed an infection. The type of work you do matters I would think. I'm not sure I felt up to bending, turning, lifting until at least 4 weeks I could probably take off 4 weeks but that's about it. Can I ask you what was your starting weight and how much you lost?My starting weight was 278.4My weight at the time of my TT was 133 My weight now is 125 Wow! That's interesting, I am 135 now and wasn't expecting to lose much in this process. Has your clothing size changed?

Can you tell me how the pain was, honestly? How long did it last? I am still a newbie, I was just sleeved a week ago, but I think there is a good chance that I will need plastics, but I don't know anyone who has had a tummy tuck. I just want to know what I should expect realistically. I won't sugar-coat it. It was pretty difficult pain wise. First, it took way longer than it was supposed to because I had a lot more muscle repair (as I've mentioned) than expected. You might not have that. Everyone is different. I went to surgery at 12:00pm and got back to my room at 9:00pm. I'm almost 5 weeks post op (tomorrow I will be) and I am still sore. A this point it's a muscle soreness in my abs more than anything. Energy level and everything is pretty much back to normal. I was told I would be in the hospital 1, maybe 2 nights, but I ended up being there for 3 nights because for the first 2 days I could not even handle the thought of having to get out of bed so I had a catheter. At the end of the 2nd day they took it out and I got up and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I've never had a lot of incision pain. It's pretty numb there. When I do incision massage 2x a day (you won't start that til about a month after) it is tender, but not painful. The worst part for me, honestly, was the drainage tubes, I had two tubes and 1 was removed at a week, and then the other one about a 1/2 week later. They were painful in and painful coming out. I mean, you have tubes coming out of your pelvis. It hurts. So I tried in those first 2 weeks to really move as little as possible. But once I got both drainage tubes out, things have gotten progressively better. Does it suck at first. YES. I found it to be WAY worse physically (but not emotionally) than the sleeve surgery. But, for me, once I got those tubes out it was not too bad. I did at about 2.5 weeks post op develop an infection and had to do a 2nd round of antibiotics and with that came a high fever, but the meds knocked it out of me and I felt better after that. I also had a terrible reaction to the percocet they sent me home with and ended up back in the ER. So I had probably more complications than most. Even with all of that said, knowing everything I know now, I would do it again in a heartbeat. No doubt. Hope that helps. Thank you for sharing in such detail and being honest! Really helps!

You sound so normal it's scary! Lol! Like you, I had the same fears and trepidations. One day after I lost a whole nights sleep worrying about all the negatives that "might" happen, I just dropped to my knees and gave it all to God. I told Him point blank that this was in His hands and if He saw fit to see me through or not, that I would respect His decision. My mind has been at peace ever since. I know not everyone has these convictions, but it worked for me. Something else that someone told me before surgery has also helped...... "You're 98% more likely to get in a car wreck any day of the week, than you are to have complications or die from this surgery!" Breathe deep, write down everything you can about the surgery that you can think of or that you have read or learned in your research. Write down the good, the bad and the ugly and keep your mind open!!! Do not let fear sway you to thinking negatively, and I think you will find that the good FAR outweighs the bad! I'm 10 days post-op and feel FANTASTIC!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat and I'm more than happy to answer any questions you might have, or simply lend a quiet ear if you need to vent or get things off your chest! Welcome to the family!! Christal

I have posted a couple of times, asking questions so that I can make a final decision. I am 100% sure that having the surgery is the best decision for my health. I think the biggest obstacle now is a lack of family support. Everyone is my family suffers with a wonderful metabolism, I on the other hand, have a rare disease that causes weight issues, as does the medication I am on for the disease. My doctors all support my decision, but I don't feel comfortable even telling my weight obsessed skinny family members. We live on a large farm, 3 generations and we share meals together (1 large, central kitchen). They eat horrible meals. When/If I tell them, I know they will appear to support my decision, but meals are going to be an issue. The relationships are complicated and so just hoping that they are supportive because they are family, is really a fallacy. I am dealing with hypercritical, judgemental and passive aggressive personalities. Advice?

I just finished my pre-op meeting and I don't know if I am happy or scared about how non-strict my surgeon is. I read all of the posts on here and I hear about 2 week pre-op liquid diets and the post of diets progression from Clear liquids to full liquids to mushies then solids. I was prepared for that when I went in today. However - instead I will be on clear liquids for 3 days then full liquids until I get back in for my pre-op with is 9 days after surgery. At that time the nurse said if there are no complications that she will put us on solids. Our pre-op diet with this surgeon is: 2 Protein shakes, and then a healthy lunch dinner with a requirement of 60-80 grams of protein a day and no carbonated beverages. I should be elated...but instead I am worried. I am assuming everyone else's surgeons has them on liquids for a long time for their stomach to heal...but not mine? So strange. A small part of me is disappointed because in some ways I want to be told that I cannot do what I have always done....it just seem a little lax. I would love to hear success stories of those who have had a lax surgeon ilke mine...it would make me feel much better BTW - I should mention that 48 hours before surgery I am on full liquids.

Thank you! I feel pretty good. It's been a painful recovery, I'm not gonna lie. But at 4.5 weeks post op, my energy has pretty much returned to normal. I had a lot more muscle repair with the abdominoplasty that I needed to be done than normal, so I sstill have a fair amount of soreness in my abs, and I still wear my ab binder for support and to keep the swelling down, but that 's no biggie.How long before you could return to work? I'm a nurse so this is a big factor for me. I'm not ready at all to do this as I'm only 8 months out and 18 lbs from goal. I will have more questions in the future. I'm really hoping my insurance will cover this. Your results are amazing and I'm glad you are returning to normal! I returned after 3.5 weeks. I felt pretty good. Probably could have used one more week but I had some complications like reactions to the Percocet & I developed an infection. The type of work you do matters I would think. I'm not sure I felt up to bending, turning, lifting until at least 4 weeks

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!!

I do Zumba 2 to 3 times a week. That's about it for now. I'm a teacher and I pull kids from across the school. So I'm walking all day long! I did mine around Christmas break so. Didn't have to take time off. I went to the gym at 3 weeks. I haven't had any complications or pain at all. If it weren't for the weight loss if be worried if I even had it done. I feel bad for people that have complications but I think that's another good thing about getting it done young! Best decision I've ever made in my entire life.

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/9, and I'm trying to get a handle on what kinds of complications people have been seeing. I know for the most part everyone is happy with their results even if they've had complications; I'm just wondering what minor and major issues are potentially on the horizon -- and if, in the long run, virtually everyone has some issues. Those of you who have had the band for years, please post too! Thanks much :eek:

Day 20 1 Day pre-op Sooooo tomorrow is the big day! I am finally starting to get a little nervous- thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Praying I am a person that is grateful I made this decision and not one who regrets it. Praying I don't have any complications. Praying the pain is bearable. Praying I lose weight steadily and am not a slow loser. Praying- just praying. This time tomorrow I will be on the other side. Anyone reading this please say a prayer for me too! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also think that your weakness might be partly because of the effects of surgery. I couldn't have gone back to work so soon, since I was still needing a daily nap by day four or five. So, hopefully you can really, really rest during this three day weekend (that I hope you have off). Also, it makes sense that you're going to feel weak when you cut your typical caloric intake by half AND you're recovering from surgery. Try to take in a little more calories because it's so important for you to heal correctly. Think about how tough it is for your body to heal properly if it thinks it's in starvation mode. That being said, I know it's difficult to get in a lot of food early on, especially if you're on mostly liquids. Therefore, I would suggest taking in more Protein and making sure that you're well hydrated and that you are replenishing electrolytes. Gatorade isn't hugely popular it seems, but it really helped me with staying hydrated. I never felt dizzy or "out of it," which are common symptoms of dehydration. Take care of yourself! The last thing you need are complications!

(dribbling drool on myself) Bec, I'm still not following. Was the procedure $8500? And your insurance paid 75% of that? This is getting very complicated. I guess it's not even important, but I'm a lil bored.

I will have to agree that my palate has changed. It's not that I crave different things, it's that some of the foods I used to eat don't taste the same anymore. I find some of the ones that contain high fructose corn syrup taste funny and feel funny on my tongue. I only know this because I snuck a bite of a hostess chocolate donut. It was really nasty. Too sweet and felt like it coated the roof of my mouth and my tongue. But I think that has more to do with my after-surgery complications (ulcer erupted) and the meds I'm now on for it. But whatever it is, it's enough to keep me away from all my old "weaknesses"!

I was sleeved on Jan 24th 2012, Weighed 200, 30 yrs old. I'm wondering about post op long term ease or effects/troubles. I know we all recover differently - But I seem to be having a very EASY RECOVERY. I Was walking right after surgery, didnt take pain meds until bedtime & that was to put me to sleep not so much for pain. I do understand that I am still in the begining & have not tried very hevy & dense foods yet, but it's almost as though I have not had surgery. I dont get hungry (that's only happened 3x's) I do have a fair amount of reflux, I sleep with 6 pillows propping me up (Doctor upped my dose of protonix 1 in AM & 1 in PM) I have strength & energy. From day one - I can consume 40 oz of liquids (Water, Isopure, & Powerade) Two weeks out - I can have a full snack size pudding without any trouble, a full packet of cream of wheat etc. I have lost 15 pounds already ! My biggest troubles have been - Reflux No bath, shower only Belly button hurt pretty bad for a while Didnt use the bathroom till day 14 - But wasnt in pain because of that I got really hungry, 3x's !!!!! Thats it As you can see these are not really troubles - I'm so Thankful On the other hand - I read complete HORROR stories about this surg. One of my closest friends is going thru it now. She is 6 months post op, went in to hospital last week with fever, has a small leak, stint didnt work, she has pneumonia, a drain, a pic line. Now is on feeding tube and had another surg this AM to make a second passage to her small intestine because of the pressure inside of her new sleeve ????? I dont understand any of that, all I know is - Anything is possible. I am now scared to death for my recovery & my friends. I understood the risk prior to surgery, but now wondering..... Is it really possible to have this easy of a recovery or am I about to get slammed with loads of complications ? Did any of you have it this easy, I really need to know.

I lost a goodly amount of hair following two surgeries (repairing open arm and lap gall bladder). Fortunately, my hair was very thick and healthy and it never looked like I'd lost habit -- as I've aged my hair is thinner and has receded a bit. With complications following VSG I spent 7 days in the ICU and 4 of those days in a medically induced coma -- I'm resolved to losing a goodly amount of hair as a result. I've cut my shoulder length hair to minimize the "stringy hair" look, and while I haven't worn a wig before, I'll find an attractive one to go with my shrinking self.

I had my surgery on Feb 14 , left the hospital on Feb 15 and back to work on Feb 23. One week is good enough if you were lucky and didn't have any complications. I didn't use pain meds after leaving the hospital since it was all liquid i hated it.

If your doctor insists that you have one ask for it to be done after you are asleep in the OR. There is absolutely no reason for any one to have a catheter with this surgery. IT is usually outpatient and you are up in a few hours and on your way home. I do not understand people staying overnight unless they have complications. They are not working any where near low abdominals which would be the only reason to use a catherter in the first place.

Folks, As promised, below is the current Tricare policy as stated in their regulation. I'm assuming the items in red are the most recent changes since CPT 43770 is the procedure code for the lapband. I hope this information proves helpful or at least saves you a little research. Good luck to you all. TRICARE POLICY MANUAL 6010.54-M, AUGUST 1, 2002 CHAPTER 4 SECTION 13.2, Change 66 dated 12/10/2007; Change 67 dated 12/13/2007 SURGERY FOR MORBID OBESITY I. CPT PROCEDURE CODES 43644, 43770 - 43774, 43842, 43846, 43848, 43886 - 43888, S2083 II. DESCRIPTION Morbid obesity means the body weight is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure, according to the most current Metropolitan Life Table, and such weight is in association with severe medical conditions known to have higher mortality rates in association with morbid obesity; or, the body weight is 200% or more of ideal weight for height and bone structure. III. POLICY A. Gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty, to include vertical banded gastroplasty is covered when one of the following conditions is met: 1. The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints. 2. The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category. 3. The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown). B. In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan Life Table, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of the weight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbid obesity surgery including the ideal weight within the newly determined range. IV. EXCLUSIONS A. Nonsurgical treatment of obesity, morbid obesity, dietary control or weight reduction. B. Biliopancreatic bypass (jejunoileal bypass, Scopinaro procedure) for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven (CPTprocedure code 43645, 43845, 43847, or 43633). C. Gastric bubble or balloon for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven. D. Gastric wrapping/open gastric banding (CPT2 procedure code 43843) for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven. E. Unlisted CPTprocedure codes 43659 (laparoscopy procedure, stomach); 43999 (open procedure, stomach); and 49329 (laparoscopy procedure, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum) for gastric bypass procedures. V. EFFECTIVE DATES A. Laparoscopic surgical procedure for gastric bypass and gastric stapling (gastroplasty), including vertical banded gastroplasty are covered, effective December 2, 2004. B. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is covered, effective February 1, 2007. - END -

Hi,How were you able to get reimbursed through Alberta Health? I have been through the weight wise program here in Fort McMurray but didnt have a high enough BMI for the Optifast program nor surgery. I have decided to book for Mexico, and will be going down in July! I am classified as obese, but not obese enough... LMAO This really angers me! I'm 5' tall and weigh almost 190. I too won't qualify for the surgery or help from AB health care so I am considering going to Mexico as well. Did anyone get extra insurance in case you have complications? I have so many questions! I have struggles with my weight for 35 years! Never have I lost and maintained! I eat well, very little sugar only whole grains and lean meats, low carb... Argg , I'm so frustrated. If I keep up the way I am I will soon be over 200. Please help me through this, I honestly feel I don't gave a choice. I will only keep gaining as I get older.

Hello! I have been lurking here for a few months and finally joined. I have my VSG scheduled for a week from today 12/3, and I am so incredibly nervous that I am really not sleeping. I am so scared of having a fatal complication during or after the surgery. I have never spent the night away from my youngest and I am nervous about that too. My question is, does anybody have any opinions about outpatient vs inpatient surgery? My surgery is scheduled at an outpatient center and apparently it is "outpatient" because they keep you for 23 hours and not 24? Reading through the forum, I am seeing a lot of people had stays of 3+ nights, so I am worried that my care will be compromised by having only the one night. I do not have any comorbidities, other than being on the low end of moderate sleep apnea. My surgeon required me to get a CPAP and I need to use that during surgery because she says it helps when coming out of anesthesia. At any rate, just saying hello and that I am a nervous wreck. :-)

I agree with the posts about not doing anything you aren't comfortable with...I am glad you re-booked your appointment, though, because there is no harm in getting information to help you make your decision. I am petrified of surgery myself and have had some bad surgical experiences, but for me it is a choice of the greater risks of remaining morbidly obese v. surgical complication risks...not to influence you one way or the other, but I can relate also to some of the "older" people who have posted here...I turned 50 this year..when I was your age, I was obese but otherwise healthy...around age 40 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension...now I have serious complications from not controlling my diabetes and from my excessive weight...I wont' go through the comprehensive list but the ones that are presenting the gravest risks for me right now are the slow healing of some wounds and skin infections, as well as poor circulation and swelling in my legs...but it has taken me 10 years plus the development of serious complications--as well as the threat of a toe amputation--to make the decision to proceed with WLS...you will make the decision that is best for you in your own time

Dr. Krainin, Thanks for this informative and helpful article on sleep disorders. This is a great description of what sleep apnea is and how obesity is related. I think it also underscores the importance of telling your surgeon everything about your health history. While I think most of us know that obesity can cause sleep apnea and weight loss surgery and weight loss can help it resolve, I had not realized that sleep apnea can lead to complications from weight loss surgery. It’s so critical to make sure your surgeon knows everything about your health conditions so you can have a healthy surgery! Looking forward to future articles in this series.

I'm just shy of 3 weeks post op so I can't help you out with a lot of this but I can tell you there are already times when I forget I've had it done. I just feel like me. I've only had 1 bad episode of heartburn, about 2:00 a.m. New Years morning after I'd had snacks I shouldn't have as well as sparkling grape juice...so, no more carbonation for me (luckily I've never been a big soda girl so that won't be too hard). I'm struggling with the liquids with meals issue but it IS getting better every day so I figure in a month I won't even think twice about it. I was on liquids (protein shakes) for 2 weeks pre-op then clear liquids 24 hours pre-op and 24 hours post-op followed by 2 weeks of full liquids, 2 weeks of soft/mushies, then another month of being cautious (no lettuce, peels, etc, most of the things you mentioned above). Weight loss post op varies a lot. The first week it melted off, then my appetite came back (damn the luck), I've continued 2-3 pounds a week but it's not as easy as I'd like it to be and I'm anxiously awaiting my first fill. I've had no complications at all an would do it again in a heart beat simply because it makes me more aware of what I'm eating...so, even if I don't drop 100 pounds this year I'm fairly certain I'll at least continue a gradual decline....definitely worth it! Good luck with your decision!!

What a blessing four angels. I can't wait til God blesses me with one angel. Did you have any complications during pregnancy? One doc told me being over weight would cause complications. It acted like I have was 300 lbs. Im just 233 now, I lost a little weight.

I have the same as you do. I had surgery August 6th and no complications so far.