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I work as a nurse and my typical patient is usually elderly, a new post op patient, a recent moderate to severe stroke victim, a bariatric patient who had a bad outcome, an accident victim, and/or a person who has been debilitated for a long period of time. The typical patient is a one person hard tranfer or a two person mild transfer. They weight anywhere from 100lbs to 500lbs, with the average being around 200lbs. They need to be tranferred into and out of the bed/wheelchair/bathroom and lifted and repositioned often while in bed, I work three-12 hour night shifts in a row so lots of this. I am hoping to have my sleeve done during a two week planned vacation, and return back to work about 10 days post op. I will be able to avoid a lot of the lifting by saying that I have had stomach surgery, but there is always times when it is hard to do. For anyone out there that is in a job like mine with this type of lifting, what is the amount of time you took off. I want to let my body heal properly, but at the same time I hate to make my co-workers work a lot of extra days to cover my days if I am off, so I would like to be back as soon as possible. Worse case I can tell my boss that I had the surgery and will only work if there are always two other people there with me, sometime there is only me and another worker. I hate to take this road because there are to many things that can go wrong and it is a major hassle to always make sure everyone hasn't forgotten that I need these needs met. Plus I hate feeling like I am whining or not pulling my weigh, I went through a year and a half of many complications with my lap band so everyone knows I have had these type needs in the past, so I really hate to go down that road once again. Any advice would be welcomed.

I had a complication so my pain may have been more sever than non complication but the first 24 to 48 hours was uncomfortable and I was hitting the morphine pump often. After that when I could move around I Felt better quickly. So when they say walk, walk you will feel better!

Good luck today! You've encouraged me about my date - 10/11 in just 12 days! I've read too many "complication stories" and have got myself worked up inside, emotionally, with fear. I know everything will be fine. There are more stories like yours that outweight the "horror" stories! Thanks.

Good luck to you. I too am a single parent with three kids, having been widowed three years ago. I was very concerned about the risk of complications and the fact that if anything went wrong, my children could be left without any parents. Fortunately, I did not have any complications and here I am just two months later and down just about 70 lbs. Keep researching all your options and I am sure you'll find the right procedure for you. Brian

Best wishes Joy. Sadly, complications can happen with any surgery. The risks of complications from other surgical related issues is actually higher than the 1% risk for leaks if you have an experienced, and trusted surgeon. My complications were directly related to my band destroying my stomach tissue, and as a revision, my risks quadrupled. The main complications were related to anesthesia complications, and had nothing to do with the sleeve. I knew it going in. I have a 12 yr old son, and a husband, but I don't think I put myself before them by choosing to revise. I understand your concerns, and I know you will be successful. The current stats for the plication are promising, and hopefully we won't see revisions in the future. Best wishes, and know that you have do what is best for you and your family. I did, and have zero regrets. I won't deny it was stressful, and exhausting, but I don't regret my decision, and do not feel "guilty" for proceeding with my revision.

I just got off the phone with a Humana Medicare Advantage person. They do not cover the sleeve. It doesn't matter about "Medicare" it is what each Medicare Advantage program decides to do. She said they had been studying it for two years and she said that none of the top 5 Medicare Advantage companies cover it. They (Humana) cover all the other procedures and do not require a certain period of diet supervision, but do require a record of diet tries (for want of a better word). If every senior interested in this procedure wrote their individual companies as well as Medicare and made enough of a fuss maybe we could get someone to do something. (She did not say this, I am just trying to be proactive). The policy does not cover any complication resulting from the surgery. So----

well they won't let you go before it's completely safe, so don't worry about that. complications from surgery aside... if you're young, with no comorbidities, there's no reason you shouldn't be on your feet and ready to go the next day. my doc told me he'll probably keep me one night.

For me it was about being as normal as possible. I never had mood swings. One thing that you can do that was a huge help to me was just understanding that life is different in some ways. Sometimes in the beginning, we overthink, and over-complicate things...just be patient. If we were out and about, I would carry a cooler pack that had food and drink options for me in case we were in a position that we were out and I needed to push protein or felt hungry. (They told me I wouldn't feel hunger. I call BS on this, I have felt hunger since 2 weeks out.) Let your partner guide the recovery. Just being supportive may be all it amounts too. I never had a breakdown over food or anything. Just prepare yourself for the life that is going to be coming. In less than a year, I have changed from bump on a log status to go go go go go. It's a wild, amazing ride. Try to enjoy it together,

Any complications from the surgery? How have you been feeling so far?

Wow, thank you for sharing your story. Every now and then a complication creeps up that I hadn't really considered, and I thank you and everyone here for sharing. I want to go into this with my eyes wide open. I hope you get better soon!

I get so tired of those making comments with no facts. I had surgery with Almanza and I survived with no complications. He has never killed a patient unlike Dr. Rodriguez but I don't hear anyone advising against him. Whomever decides to go to him trust me and the countless others who have gone through him you will be fine.

Well , today is finally here. I did the 2 days of clear liquids. That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My family and I went to Holiday World Wednesday. A little sunburned, but it made the day go fast. I have to be at the hospital at 9:30, surgery is at 11:30. I keep having second thought, but I know this is what I want to do. I just don't want any complications. I'm fairly healthy, but obese. I don't want anything bad to happen. I know everyone feels that way and it is encouraging to read your stories. Say a prayer that the doctor performs great and I recover well.

Rhonda, Your decision should be made between you and your surgeon and some self-reflection. I am 4 mos out now and feel great with my decision and my weight loss. That said, my surgeon was very clear with me that if I could not commit to regular exercise I would probably lose 20-40# tops! I am in the gym 5-7days every week since a month after surgery. For me, I had lost weight before I considered surgery. I know I can lose it and have the right mindset to succeed and keep it off. Also, I had made many lifestyle changes prior to surgery. I am young and otherwise very healthy aside from a back injury. At this point, I didn't feel I needed to go the more drastic route of RNY. I like that I am responsible for my weight loss. I have some restriction now, but I still have more control over my choices than bypass patients do. In 4 mos postop and a little over a year since starting this process I am now down almost 90# and down 6 dress sizes. So it can be done, but takes A LOT of dedication. If you are able and willing to commit to regular cardio and strength training as well as make the changes in your diet, then the band may be right for you. However, choosing the bypass is a great option as well. You will lose weight faster, but there are other possible complications and longer recovery. You can dump post bypass but not post band. With either surgery, vomiting and PB'ing can happen. Since bypass is malabsorptive, you can have Vitamin and mineral deficits, but these issues can happen after the band too, if you make poor choices. Also, do not look at the band as reversible because it should not be removed except in the extreme case of severe complications. The band is placed to help you manage your weight over time. Just because you lose X pounds doesn't mean then the band can come out. Both surgeries are major abdominal procedures and are permanent except in the rare case. RNY is more drastic and requires a lot of cutting and stapling while the band involves some internal sutures around the device. Both surgeries have been proven to be safe and effective. Remember, RNY is still considered the gold standard for WLS. In the end, both surgeries require you to exercise in order to keep the weight off. The bypass just shortens the weight loss phase. I know many people who have chosen both surgeries and each has been successful and healthy. The choice is yours, but I encourage you to be honest with yourself- your comittment, expectations, and lifestyle. Talk to your surgeon and others who have had surgery. Best of luck! I'm sure you'll come to the right decision for you. I wouldn't change my decision for anything!!

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)

Hello everyone, I had my sleeve done on May 23rd,2011 at 2:45pm at Scripps Mercy Hospital. My surgeon is Dr. Laurance Tanaka. My beginning weight was 223 pounds. I am 5'6" and 51 years old. The surgical experience and the staff were great. I have not had any problems or complications. I stayed in the hospital for four days. The night of surgery I was up walking with my iv pole in tow. I walked several times a day while admitted and attended the exercise class offered for post surgical patients. My one week discharge appointment yielded a 14.5 pound weight loss. I encourage everyone to comply with the program. Follow your doctors instructions, exercise (walk), and stay hydrated. I am now intaking about 40 ounces of fluid daily. My diet is one protein shake a day and all protein soft foods. Currently I am eating fat free cottage cheese, mashed beans, greek yogurt,soft fish, shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Eggs and tofu are encouraged however I don't like either. My next appointment is June 29th and I will be introduced to more foods. I look at this opportunity as a new beginning and I look forward to returning to my previous vigor. I am happy to be on this site and I will answer any questions.

Love my band...and have had good success (started at 234 and got down to 167) HOWEVER...I have had some complications with a esophageal distention and needed to have all but 1cc of fluid left in. I've gained 25 lbs from my initial loss and am feeling very discouraged. Vicious cycle..loss=motivation...Complications=weight gain...Weight gain=depression and depression=eating....you get the picture. Anyone else had these sort of ups and downs?

After sending you a PM tonight, I read some other posts on this website in the forum VSG Complications and Support (or something like that). You might want to do a search of the name of your doctor on this site and read what some people were saying tonight. Since I had read your post earlier, I thought I should let you know. At least, I would like someone to do the same for me. It would minimally give me a reason to make a list of questions to ask about procedures used.

Welcome!! I was banded back on April 5, 2011. So far I am down 50lbs. And I have to say this was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have no regrets, so far. I chose the band verses any other bariatric surgery because it is one with the least complications and it is removable! Plus you lose the weight at a more healthy pace than lets say gastric bypass. I also have 3 children and they are my world. My mother died at 48 from complications from obesity. When I hit 30 I realized I was very close to ending up like my mother. I was pre diabetic and hypertensive. I refuse to die at a young age. I did not want to leave my family that young. My mothers death tore apart our family. I am now at a healthy blood sugar level and have good blood pressure again. I am now 31 and have a better prospect for my life than I did a year ago. I still have about 120lbs to go before I hit my goal weight but I have no doubt I will make it. Good luck on your research! This is a fantastic forum to get any info you need. I have been addicted since I first found it. Great support system here! Karrie

I have a sister who the bypass 20 years ago-she gradually ate her way through the procedure and gained back all the weight she had lost. The gastric bypass is a surgery with all the complications that surgeries can entail. I had the lapband as it is a procedure that is less invasive (I went in at 6:00am and was home by 3pm same day.) My sister had vitamin deficiency problems as are a known problem-and lost alot of hair. There aren't vitamin absorbtion problems with the lapband as nothing is removed. My MD told me that my reflux would likely improve due to weight loss and it wasn't a contraindication according to my MD in Chicago.

I am so excited for you! I had the EXACT SAME FEAR! I thought on my surgery date that I wouldn't believe it was real until I woke up and was told that I had surgery. I was afraid I'd get rejected for some reason before surgery or wake up from surgery without being sleeved because of some fluke complication. I felt like I was being teased with surgery until it actually happened. And guess what? I woke up sleeved! I am sure you are going to be fine!! I understand your fear. I had it and everything worked out. I am so glad you have a supportive family and friends too. It will make everything so much better for you. Best wishes and good luck to you today! Via con dios!

Hi Erika ~ Congrats on the graduation, that sounds exciting! I wanted to respond to your post because I also have UHC, and I was told the exact same thing, that they didn't cover it. But when I made my initial appt. this past January for the lap band, the lady in the insurance dept. told me they usually do cover it. So, that same day, I called UHC again, and spoke with someone different, told them the Dr. & the Practice that would be doing my surgery, they actually looked up my policy, and read me the part in it that said they do cover it. They do require some pre-op stuff first, but that is to be expected. The Dr's office gave me a list of things they wanted me to do pre-op before they would cover it, but it was things like, lots of bloodwork, an Upper GI, a Psych. Evaluation, things like that, nothing major. Just time consuming. I agree with the last comment, you never know who you are going to talk to there. Ask specifically for them to read where it states it in your policy. I had my surgery on May 28th of this year, it's been 6 weeks now. I had my first fill today, and so far I've lost 30 lbs. I was very lucky, UHC covered it 100%, minus the nutritionists appts, which is a total of $500, plus a $100 copay for the hospital. I have to tell you that even though I was worried about complications, just surgery in general, not being able to eat, things like that, this has been the absolute best thing I have ever done in my life. Other than getting married & having my two children, lol. I have a lot more weight to lose, but I feel so good, I'm not out of breath as often or easily, and I don't miss food too bad after all. Listen, don't give up. Call & call until you are satisfied with what they tell you. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me or message me. Let us know what happens! Take care & goodluck! :smile: Tonya

I understand, yes it is complicated -- my advice is to just get started -- one step at a time and keep plodding along, and remember that you are your own best advocate, whether it's bugging the surgeon's office for info to make sure they have what they need from you and/or bugging the insurance company for the same reason. You've taken a good first step by coming on here and asking questions, researching, etc. Maybe check w/a surgeon near you for a seminar would be a good next step -- I had insurance that specifically excluded bariatric surgery until I purchased a new policy this year and didn't take my husband's work policy, so I need to get this done while the window of opportunity (ie, insurance covering it...) is open -- good luck!

First of all welcome, good luck and congratulations. There are pros and cons with everything, so far I don't really have many cons other than I can't eat the amount of certain things anymore that I'd like to lol, but then again this is also a pro. Many people have complications, many do not, many succeed, many do not. But so far, almost a year out, I have no regrets. Some days it's a struggle, some days I couldn't be happier. It is no magic pill and it does take work, but I never forget why I did it, it's truely been a life changer (and saver) already, and I'm very happy with the results so far. To answer some of your questions... How difficult was the surgery? It wasn't very difficult, I was asleep lol. But seriously it's a low risk surgery, but there is some risk as with any surgery. I woke up and a few hours later I was on my way home, with no problems. How long was recovery? Everyone is different, I was up and moving around the next day. I was full of gas so I had to be, plus moving around quickly after surgery helps you heal faster. It's usually a very fast recovery time for most people. How long were people out of work? Some people are back to work in less than a week, some longer. I was greatful that my employer gave me 3 weeks no questions asked, they were very supportive. Although when I went back I did have some port pain from sitting and rubbing against the desk in my port area, and some pain from my bra rubbing one of my incisions (I don't think you'll have that problem lol). I was fine when I was up and moving around, it was the sitting and desk rubbing that really bothered me. I was also very tired when I came back, this was probably because I was getting used to eating such little bits and from being a slug for a few weeks lol.. Yes I milked my surgery and was lazy for a while. What did you tell people when they asked about the weight loss, and did you tell anyone before the surgery what you were going to do? I told who I felt was important enough to know. I didn't hide it but I also didn't go around volunteering information. It was and still is on a need to know basis, if someone asks I'm honest but if it doesn't come up I don't talk about it. It really is a personal preference, some shout it from the rooftops, alot of people don't tell anyone but close family members and sometimes no one at all, to each his own.

WELCOME!!!! <3 i am currently in my 5th month of my 6 month required supervised diet. im praying to be sleeved on dec 19th or 20th! youre definitely in the right place. as far as pain goes, DONT WORRY!!!! its like having a baby, you know its going to hurt but you want it so bad that pain shouldnt be an issue! i never had kids but i have tattoos that hurt like hell & i have gotten 2 brazilian waxes! i also have had my gall bladder removed which i hear is just as painful. all im saying is, i want this so bad that as long as i wake up & have no complications, BRING ON THE PAIN (with some morphine plz!! lmao). i hope this put you at ease.

I am so sorry to hear of your complications and all that you've been through. I am glad you are receiving the care and treatment you desperately needed, and sending you prayers and positive healing vibes and hoping you are on the mend. You are a very strong person for all that you've been thru! Please keep us updated!