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Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you about the update, Trumpet Tinklers! A lot has been going on, and much of it not good. My wonderful mother passed away unexpectedly in her sleep during the early hours of the 31st. I am heartbroken, and my family is just overwhelmed with grief. She was truly special- not perfect by any stretch, but lovely and caring. She had been so excited about this baby. She came with me 2 weeks ago (today) for my 10-week ultrasound, and told everyone she came across how happy she was for her 7th grandchild to be on its way (embarrassing me to death at the time, lol). At that appointment, they diagnosed me with hyperemesis gravidarum (very mild) and sent nurses to my house to set up an overnight fluid IV. She came over to be with me again that next day, just in case I needed anything while tethered to the IV pole. So, last week I spent all day Wednesday and Thursday with family making arrangements for the funeral and getting started on cleaning up her stuff. She was a hoarder, big time. But at least her hoard was basically clean. She didn't keep rotten food or anything weird like that. Just newspapers, magazines, clothing, etc. It's a lot of work, and my four siblings and I have been taking it one step at a time. I am so, so glad I am not an only child. I haven't felt like eating hardly anything since it happened. I've lost 6 pounds in the last week. When I found out I was pregnant, I was right around 230 (still a far way from goal, but much better than where I started...). Two weeks ago I was at 220, and today I weighed in at 214. I am pretty okay with losing weight still, but I just wish it was coming off a little slower. Eating has been a real challenge, though, as I was saying. I have been dedicated about drinking lemon water and juice so I don't get dehydrated again, but eating is a whole other matter. I can usually only get down about 3 bites at each meal, and then I am done. The idea of eating anymore makes me feel grossed out and sick, and I start getting the pukey feelings. So, I just stop with my three bites in the interest of at least keeping them down. One more bite is not worth throwing all of it back up. On top of the grief, my in-laws came into town for the funeral. The relationship there is not good, and it's complicated. It's based on nothing more than the fact that we do not go to a church within their denomination. Because of that, they treat us very coldly, refuse to visit us, and send flaming letters of condemnation once or twice a year. Add to this the fact that less than two weeks my husband's brother and his wife split up and are getting a divorce. All of this is to set the scene: The day after my mother died, my siblings and I gathered at my sister's house to discuss the order and content of the funeral service. None of us were dealing well. There were lots of tears. And at that point I was pretty much a zombie- completely shell-shocked, and trying to stay calm because I was terrified of the stress causing a miscarriage. The in-laws came over as well "to be supportive", and my mother-in-law proceeded to find a moment to corner me and grill me for 30 minutes over what I knew about the situation with my brother-in-law and his wife. (The wife and I are good friends, and I do know a lot about what's going on that I am not at liberty to share with the MIL- more stress). By the end of the conversation, I was shaking and shivering, a stress reaction, and I could. not. stop. I started freaking out even more because I felt my abdomen get tight and start aching, and my back started hurting. I didn't stop shaking off and on for the rest of the night. The good things, though, that have been happening: lots of time with my siblings, and their families. I'm the youngest. I love my family so much, and we generally have a great time together. We have spent a lot of time looking at old pictures, watching movies, eating, and laughing. Some crying, but not too bad. Also, I went to the doctor today and the baby is looking good. My mom was going to come again, but my oldest sister came with me instead, and we had a good day together. SO, lots of ups and downs, but baby is doing great, and I am hanging in there. Sorry for such a long post- I really should update more often so stuff doesn't build up so much, lol.

Like sloknitter said. Plus, you can be a designated driver! I am sorry to hear about your complication. Hopefully you can figure out how to get the care you need without so much interference in your work/school.

I didn't have it to begin with. I had a hole in my diaphragm and my stomach was slipping up into that hole and twisting cutting off all blood flow to my stomach. (Form of hiatial hernia). When my stomach would come back down it stretched more and more causing what appeared to be an extra stomach. My surgeon didn't know that until getting in there. He said he wanted to cut that part out but was afraid the insurance would see it as a partial bs and decline the claim so he used it as a wrap. My surgery was very complicated and took about 5 hrs to do.

I just went to see a friend who didn't follow the advised diet plan. He has 4 stints and a feeding tube. He has to have a RNY and all its nightmare complications. Nyou went through all the hoops and underwent a major surgery. Is a slice of pizza worth it?

LOL, you guys are too much. If it's any consolation. I basically got the same treatment on DFW Bandsters today because of my current situation and my concern over the lack of care for people who relocate. Most of these boards are moderated or started by people in the banding business. Either they are nurses for doctors or they're selling banding support. Which is great, but you say one thing that might cause a prospective patient to think twice and they are all over you. Admittedly, I've created something to think about, but I've not once said I hate the band or I'm sorry I got it. I love my band. I'm deeply disturbed that I have this current issue. I'm even more disturbed that the docs are all adopting this rule not to see previously banded patients. To me, those who go before others should give them a heads up about such things, but anyway.. I digress. .. anyway, I understand what it feels like to be asked to basically 'shut up' about certain issues. I'm such a wimp. I even cried this morning when one of them basically negated everything I had been saying as if my experience had no importance whatsoever. Only those who are the 'long term' bandsters with success were valid experiences. Of course I let her know I resented her connotation and I was then asked to drop the thread because it had become 'decidedly' negative.. sigh... oh well. I left the board too, otherwise it really would have gotten decidely negative. Anyway, for those reading. I would get my band over again, even with my current complications and hardship in finding a local doctor, so don't take me wrong. I just think there are some big issues that Inamed and the docs need to address to provide continuous care to their consumer. I rest my case..

I heard they would pay for only one fill. But get this I have a Medicare advantage plan with UHC and they denied the lapband surgery and all the testing I had. I am going to appeal it but I have this strange feeling I am going to have to pay thousands of dollars for all the tests I had and I am disability and don't have that kind of money. What a shame they would rather me stay morbidly obese with all my complications than pay and help to get me well and back into society working.

I was in for 2 days, with no complications. Wishing you the best!

If everything goes smoothly with surgery you should have no problems as long as you have the relatives to help out. I couldn't drive for 5 days post op so my hubbie was in charge of going to the store if I needed something. However, if one of you has complications, the other would be in a very weakened state and probably unable to provide the support they would want to give. Statistically, it probably wont happen, but it is a consideration. Good luck to you both! (BTW, I have Aetna insurance and was in for one night)

I found the email from Dr. Carlos saying their lead surgeon is Dr. Mariano Covarrubias and that he and 2 other surgeons would be doing the surgery. That doesn't include the anesthesiologist like most web-sites that say they have 3 surgeons do. I know it isn't going to be like American but I am very secure with my choice and Dr. Carlos answers all my emails (at least once a day since scheduled and more than that when I was making the decisions--no patient consultants that don't even live in Mexico and make a commission off me going to the doctor they work for. I know since he runs the clinic that he makes money from patients coming but it different than my past experience where I worked with a great patient consultant but he often had to find out the answer to the question since he wasn't in France with the surgeon and was working for many different surgeons around the world (including Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Zorilla) Anyway, I emailed Dr. Carlos yet again to double check the doctor thing since I'm a complicated case (have had 4 abd. surgeries already and they aren't charging extra like many other doctors wanted to) Thanks everyone! April

Yep, the pre-op requirements for this surgery are exhausting. I feel like all I do is schedule appointments and have medical professionals poking and prodding and weighing and measuring me. I feel like a lab rat! And just when you think you are making solid progress, a complication pops up. I had my sleep study, at which they told me if I *didn't* hear from them in one week, I was in the clear. Ten days later, they called and said I need to go back and do a titration study. Had my EGD last week and that was fine, but I'm still in significant pain from it, which sucks. I woke up in the middle of it choking and gagging. I hope this is all worth it in the end, because at this point it seems like it has taken over my life.

After readin these threads for some time I came up with a little system: To chose my surgeon I will take these into considration: 1 Most surgeries performed (lapbands) 2 Least complications (based on patient complaints) 3 Ability to resolv complicatons 4 Availability for questions AFTER your surgery and speaks english 5 Facilities And my top choices are: 1 Ortiz: Many surgeries, very little complaints, available for questions, english speaking dr. and staff , great facilities 2 Gonzalez: Many surgeries, no complaints, available for questions, english speaking dr and staff, great facilities 3 Ungson: not that many surgeries, no complaints, available for questions, fair english speaker, very good facilities All the other guys in these forums are plagued with complaints and unpleased patients, infested with people selling them, or they are unreachable or both. Ill be lookin into these guys a little more and hopin i dont run into any more soap opera digests.

Dr Corvala placed my band about a month ago. I was neither overly pleased or displeased with him. He only spoke with me for maybe 2 minutes total, and seemed rushed. However, I got my band and so far have had no complications. The hospital and staff staff were as good as any in the states; I particularly I loved my anesthesiolost. A few things about going to Angeles Hospital in Tijuana: If you are not sure what they are giving you something, ask. Patients don't wear arm bands and there was some confusion around giving someone medication intended for another patient. If you can, bring along a pillow and washcloth. Many of the nurses don't speak English but knowing even a little Spanish helps a lot. Be clear about hotel arrangements before you go. "Un momento" does not mean "one minute," it means later (sometimes much later). It can take hours to get back over the border into the USA, so leave plenty early. Good luck! I'd be interested in hearing about your experience.

Protein supplements (when I think shakes, I think of the ones mixed with milk which are considered a full liquid) that are mixed with Water are considered clear on some surgeon's postop list. SF Jello is see-through. I don't know anyone who ate jelly through the post-op diet considering it's high sugar count. Plus, my surgeon was not concerned about my protein intake until the mushy food stage. So, I didn't have to worry about consuming any sort of protein shake/supplement during the first 22-23 days. My surgeon is a big advocate to getting all of my protein from food sources instead of shakes/drinks/supplements. I am supposed to eat 4 meals daily that contain at least 15grams of protein per meal. Right there, you get in the 60grams of protein as recommended by my surgeon. Plus, my body doesn't like any of the protein supplements. I found one that I could tolerate taste and texture, but I puked the times I tried to drink it. So, I give up and will stick to what my surgeon suggested. Of course, I'm almost 5 months, and can eat pretty much anything I want so 3 meals a day of 3oz of lean meat gives me my protein. Some surgeons do not require a clear liquid phase, and I'm not sure why some choose to make patients endure the clear stage, and some move straight to full liquids and mushies. As for juice, I avoided juice because of the sugar and acidity of most juices. Apple juice is see-through, but the one time I tried it, I had horrendous gas. I wanted to protect my stomach as much as possible with little irritation. I would of done the same thing even without having the complication of a leak. There is no way I would of advanced to full liquids earlier than 14 days post-op. My stomach was traumatized, the staple line needed to heal, and I was hell-bent on protecting it as much as possible. The band damaged the top portion of the stomach, and I was not going to push it.

I'm so sorry to hear about the complications your wife has been experiencing. I don't have any experience with a leak, but I have had family members in the hospital for extended periods of time. It's hard on everyone.

We are now scheduled for Monday @ noon to remove the stents, I'm very optimistic the leak will be healed. Wife is doing better today, walking around more. We thought about a 2nd opinion, but there's 2 roadblocks. The surgeon who did the repair did do the initial surgery. And after 2 months of complications, he is so familiar with what is happening. Another thing is that he is the only bariatric surgeon my insurance covers. In the worse case scenerio, like no improvement in the healing at all, I think we will seek a 2nd opinion.

My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because, she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks

I would agree with GeauxForIt's interpretation of what you posted. I would STRONGLY recommend you find out what the TOTAL cost of your surgery will be and then try to get it in writing. That might be difficult because they will try to say, subject to .... (complications, etc).... The hospital where I had my surgery submitted a bill for $83K and change, and that was JUST for 2 nights stay and I had NO complications. I have the same type of policy as your husband, but don't have near the limitations as that policy. (The employers get to customize the policies according to the premiums they want to pay on behalf of their employees) Then, my surgeon submitted bills over $20K which was ridiculous if you ask me. Aetna ended up paying $53K for the hospital bill. You probably already know that there are contracted rates between your surgeon/ hospital/ etc and Aetna. The tough part is there are so many "extra's" that they try to bill for like blood work, medications, use of equipment, etc, etc.... I would be REALLY careful before you schedule your surgery and find out what you might be signing yourself up for because I would hate for you to get stuck w/a bill that could be in the thousands or tens of thousands. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and I will try to help however I can.

Actually I had that for the first few months and I decided to go lower on profile after that "ban wave" rushed through the boards and the "tough lovers gang" got banned. Never had pics online here (or anywhere) other than the one my employer made of our department. I think the older users can remember that I had them on my profile. About regain: I wrote in older posts about (temporary) regain when I stopped smoking and when the band started to migrate and fail in the year before revision. Both times the weight loss following the regain was easy and without a real effort. I have a BMI of 25 or 26 (depending on season) and I'm still not sure if I should shell out the money for plastics but I guess I will in the end. I'm actually quite afraid of complications on the one hand but on the other hand I'm quite unhappy with several of my hanging body parts. Stats can be faked and the person in the picture might not really be me. So while I can see where you're coming from I don't think it really adds to the credibility of a person when he/she is posting stats. For example, I wrote above that I had temporary regain twice and that getting rid of the weight again was quite effortless. Well, it could be that I made that up or that I regained four or five times during the years or that I struggle mightily... posting any stats or pictures won't change that everything I write here could as well be a big, fat lie. I have drawn information for free from the net without end regarding endless topics so I'm happy to provide my experiences and opinions in return because I think they might be helpful for others but I don't need people to believe me. I'm not butt hurt if people on a message board don't believe what I have to say or that they might think my whole account is fake and I never had WLS because at the end of the day it doesn't really make a difference for me. I'm not writing on message boards to make my living. 😂 Can't provide any horror stories here. I had laparoscopic gastric banding and you can only see the little scars at the usual incision points. But back in the days it was lap band for a young woman or nothing so there wasn't much to choose from.

Patients are told to expect about 60% average... But people are often below and above average. Genetics, meds, health issues, mental issues, exercise, eating patterns, skilll if surgeon, rate of recovery, complications and even work stress can all play a part but YOU can manipulate your lifestyle to get more or less out of the surgery depending on how you work after. Maintenance is also a place where people regain weight and it's harder to take it off again, so that's an idea to stay vigilant about. I had a sleeveb and so far have lost 90ish lbs. My surgery weight was 238 (consultation 249 but the highest ever in the 270s), It's possible, but you better be ready to wooooork. Safe Journey!

Gosh, Nic ~ I hope this fun happens to everyone! Some day you will walk into a shock collar happening and can share directly in the fun! Call me on my cell even on Thur afternoon, and we can figure out when to get together before I leave Denver on Fri. Mare, I will miss you at RR...I hope that sometime the meeting falls when I need to be in CO Springs so that I can just hop up there. Otherwise, when I know I am in town, I will post and maybe we can do another meeting! I am going to be there Thursday night, but have so much going on that I didn't want to post about it, cuz it would be really stupid if I was the only one that couldn't make it!! It is amazing that the 4 of you lost 161 lbs total! way cool....The biggest problem getting there is that it is over a 5 hour drive..but I know at some point, it will work for me to hop in there. Purplelady..have you had your surgery...ok, it probably shows on the regular posts, and I can't see it from this window..I will check. How have you been doing? how are you feeling? wrkl8 ~ we are still waiting to hear about the Protein bar..the suspense is difficult!! I get so hungry, then eat, and it aint fun like it used to be! After my food is iced cold, I usually give up! I have enough restriction to be REALLY careful how big my bites are, but hope I can handle more to cut back how often I get hungry. It takes a fraction of what I used to eat to fill me up now, but I am puzzled that some folks eat half a cup and are done...does that mean I overeat??? Dunno...will talk to Dr. K about it, but would love to hear what others think or how much you all eat. Munchkin ~ Having someone with you will be REALLY important. I wished I lived in the area and could keep an eye on you. I will say that Dr. K is not happy with someone being there alone. It can be too dangerous. I don't even think he has ever had a complication, but if for some reason you have an emergency and are at the hotel alone, that would be awful. Plus, you need someone to get you back to the hotel after surgery. On the day of my surgery, there were 4 of us. One of the guys traveled alone but had given the doc the impression he had someone there to help him. When Dr.K figured out what was going on, he was not a happy camper....and it was for the guy's safety. Keep your surgery date, and maybe all of us on here will have ideas for you. Please keep us updated on what is happening. Where are you traveling from?

I wish I could tell you what to do but I can't. It's such a personal decision. I think you need to do a lot of fact searching and soul searching. Some questions I'd be asking both myself and my doctor if I were you: -If you get a band replacement, are you at higher risk for another slip? -What caused the slip? Was it preventable and if so can you prevent it from happening again? -If you get the Sleeve, what are the possible complications? -Being as your BMI is only 27, do you really want to have 3/4 of your stomach removed? AJ was right about Jean. She had a revision to the Sleeve and has been very vocal about it. Have a look at her blog, she talks about it considerably: http://jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com/ I hope you find the info you need to make the best decision. Remember, it's your body and your life, you have to be honest with yourself and do what's best for YOU. ((hugs))

My husband and I were talking about this last night.....I told EVERYONE!!!! I would shout it from the rooftops if I could. This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I don't want to hide it, I want to Celebrate it. I don't offer information unless someone asks, and boy, do they ask, from the waitresses who are perplexed by my ordering, my family and friends that watch me eat tiny portions and little bites, to the friends who haven't seen me in a while and notice the change. I am so proud of myself for doing what I did. Was it the easy way out, yeah maybe it was, I have never had weight come off me so quickly. Sure the preop was a pain and the recovery was a little complicated, but I am almost 2 months out and it is easy. I have no hunger and can only eat a little at a time. I, too, came upon some resistance from immediate family when I told them my plans, but what the heck, this is about me, not them! So celebrate your sleeve and be proud of your accomplishments!

I considered the band but opted for the sleeve because of the high complication rate with the band as well as knowing 4 people (personally) that have all stated, in hindsight, that they wouldn't choose the band again. One of them lost 65/160 pounds and can't seem to lose any more, one has lost no weight at all and the other 2 had to have their bands removed due to slipping and have gained all their weight back. These were really the only statistics I needed to make my decision and I could not be happier!!

I had my band done in August. It was awful waiting but it honestly was a breeze. No nausea, no pain, absolutely no complications. Ask them for a drug "cocktail" before surgery. You'll go into the operating room singing.

It is interesting but I don't find it surprising. I think getting to a certain level of overweight is in itself an eating disorder. When you eat to comfort yourself or when you eat past the point of fullness or when you eat 'til your morbidly obese an starting to have co-morbidities is an eating disorder. IMHO...and having a lap band placed is not going to end it for some of us. I am hoping and praying that I won't be one of those people. It is just like those that have GB and regain the weight. This weight issue is very, very complicated and I really don't think it will ever be cured or truly understood. I wish the best for the OP and I hope you are able to come to grips with your situation. You truly do look great. Go and enjoy yourself to the best of your ability and as I type that I know sometimes it is much easier said than done.