Search the Community

I live in the US and have scheduled VSG in Mexico with Dr. Illan. Is there any kind of insurance policy I can purchase that would cover my medical expenses in the US should I have complications once I get home?

Good luck! I am getting discharged here in a few hours. The advise I took from the group here to bring your own toiletries was very helpful. I had some complications so have been in the hospital longer than planned. Being able to "bird bath" in the room sink with my own shampoo/conditioner, body wash etc was very handy and one of the simplest things to bring my mood up and feel more normal. Having Your own slippers that you can get on an off without bending over much really helps as well for the hallway walks.

No Regrets! Why on earth would you want to reverse it? If you could have lost weight another way, you would have done it. I don't know what's going on with this board tonight but complications during surgery are rare and complications 'years' after are rarer than that.

Treadmill I am not trying to offend just sharing my experience. I too had a board certified doctor she was wonderful to me and had a great bed side manor. When I was one, two and three years out I was fine and loving my band. But I have never heard of a lapband procedure that is guaranteed no slippage..never, but if they are doing that now that's wonderful. But over 50 percent of people will go onto have some type of complications, it's written in any board certified lapband literature that has been written since 2010. I pray you never have or go though the complications that I and so many others on this site have had and wish you much success!

You are correct no really good GI's will do lap band anymore they will refer you out to some GI doctor that knows how dangerous it is and the long term complications just to rake in the bucks! Anyone considering getting one should look up lawsuits for lap bands before they ever do it, and another thing is no one gets second opinions on this surgery they are just so happy and think it's the least invasive they jump..I know I did! Good luck!

With the sleeve I have lost 103 pounds and I was 60 when I had the surgery. Overall in my 50's and 60's I have lost a total of 285 pounds and I can only walk 4 to 5 minutes due to 4 herniated disc and lots of other physical complications due to an accident I had in my 30's and obesity. If I can do it at this age and in this physical condition, You All Can Do It!

Hi justme55, I had complications from my rny also, including running temperatures of 105 just days after surgery, I had several leaks in my new stomach pouch and small intestine. I ended up with Peritonitis and a 6 week stay in the hospital then 3 months of bedrest with feeding tube, chest tube and abdominal drain. 1 year later it seems like it was a bad dream. Yesterday I just hit 134 lbs when I started at 284. I still have problems with eating certian items (making me throw up) and the list is growing, I know that greasy food like chinese or spicy like bbq are a definate nono. Plus all beef items and most pork are on nono list. Onestradon is a generic for Zofran and is my best friend. 2 tablets in the morning when I feel nausea and it keeps me from hurling. Sending all the gentle hugs your way for your journey. Just let me know if youneed to talk.

I had a prolonged hospital stay because of some complications, but I drove myself about 1 week after surgery. The main reason they didn't want me driving was if I was taking my pain meds. Physically it didn't bother me getting in/out of my van at all. The biggest thing is simply wearing down quickly and the lack of energy. I was stir crazy and wanted to get out of the house but found that I couldn't go out for very long without running out of steam.

I agree that vomiting every day is not a normal, expected consequence of the surgery. It is either due to a complication or behavioral. (A little at first should be expected though). The idea of reversing a bypass really shouldn't play a large roll in the decision. Reversals almost never happen. Ultimately, it is your body, your decision. Do make sure your decision is FOR YOU, rather than AGAINST THEM.

Hello All, I have the date for my gastric bypass surgery on March 22, 2017. Still waiting though to hear from insurance, but that's why it was a good idea that the pre-approval documents were sent out in advance. Anyways, my parents are bugging me about the fact that they think I should go for the Gastric Sleeve instead of the Gastric Bypass. They tell me nothing new out of what I read, and I've read a lot.........a hell lot of material, kinda like reading War and Peace, but on Bariatric Surgery. I am fully aware of the complications from the Gastric Sleeve vs. the Gastric Bypass. However there is one reason I am interested in the Gastric Bypass OVER the Gastric Sleeve. A lot of doctors don't like to mention this that often, BUT, THERE IS A CONTINGENCY PLAN with Gastric Bypass. God forbid something goes wrong, it CAN be reversed completely. Yes, it is a very complex revision procedure, especially due to the Gastrointestinal Tract, but it CAN BE DONE! However the Gastric Sleeve cannot be reversed like the Gastric Bypass can. The only thing a bariatric revision doctor can do with the Gastric Sleeve is revise it to the Bypass or something else, but still the portion of the stomach that you lost from the sleeve is gone forever. At least with the Gastric Bypass, the portion of the stomach not used doesn't atrophy. And also, I really am opposed to the idea of 80% of an organ being completely removed from the body. However, if I had to, I would do the Sleeve. Next, I would like to discuss some of the negative side effects from Gastric Bypass. I understand sometimes people vomit, like in any of the Bariatric Procedures, not just Bypass, BUT I cannot stand to hear that there are some people who vomit every single day. I completely understand as a post-op bariatric patient that vomiting is different from the average "Joe" who vomits because after Bariatric Surgery, there is no vomiting of the acid juices, which usually makes it painful in a normal person, and makes it harmful for that person's teeth. However, I hate to hear one person tell me that even if you follow the nutritional guidelines to a tee, you are still going to vomit everyday. THAT CAN'T BE NORMAL. In fact I find that aspect offensive. It's like asking then what the hell was the point of the surgery to begin with? Therefore, disregarding ALL food items that cause the dumping syndrome, I would like to think that I can, after month 3 or month 4, eventually eat fish, and chicken, and occasionally "once in a blue moon" red meat. But sometimes when I hear a person's disgusting problems with food, I'd like to think that there is some sort of NUTRIONAL RULE or EATING BEHAVIOR that he or she is not following. Last but not least, before going into this Gastric Bypass procedure, I am currently 29 years old, 5 foot 7 inches, 364 pounds, and my only health issues going into this are Obstructive sleep Apnea, ADHD, and Major Depressive Disorder (IN FULL REMISSION), with a very healthy Hemoglobin A1C of 5.3. Please note, I have never ever been in the pre-diabetes stage with my Hemoglobin A1C. However, despite a full understanding of how much my parents love me, they are harassing me about my decision to go with the Bypass and would rather I go for the Sleeve. They are also doing this, because Post-Op Recovery-wise, they are my support system until I get better on my own. Both my parents work full time. My father is an insurance attorney and my mother is a pediatrician, and I completely understand that one of them is going to have to sign that Family Medical Leave Act form. Despite all that, I don't think they should be the ones to persuade me to change my mind over a procedure. That opinion should only come from my surgeon. Right? It's my body. Thanks, Gabriel

Hello All, I have the date for my gastric bypass surgery on March 22, 2017. Still waiting though to hear from insurance, but that's why it was a good idea that the pre-approval documents were sent out in advance. Anyways, my parents are bugging me about the fact that they think I should go for the Gastric Sleeve instead of the Gastric Bypass. They tell me nothing new out of what I read, and I've read a lot.........a hell lot of material, kinda like reading War and Peace, but on Bariatric Surgery. I am fully aware of the complications from the Gastric Sleeve vs. the Gastric Bypass. However there is one reason I am interested in the Gastric Bypass OVER the Gastric Sleeve. A lot of doctors don't like to mention this that often, BUT, THERE IS A CONTINGENCY PLAN with Gastric Bypass. God forbid something goes wrong, it CAN be reversed completely. Yes, it is a very complex revision procedure, especially due to the Gastrointestinal Tract, but it CAN BE DONE! However the Gastric Sleeve cannot be reversed like the Gastric Bypass can. The only thing a bariatric revision doctor can do with the Gastric Sleeve is revise it to the Bypass or something else, but still the portion of the stomach that you lost from the sleeve is gone forever. At least with the Gastric Bypass, the portion of the stomach not used doesn't atrophy. And also, I really am opposed to the idea of 80% of an organ being completely removed from the body. However, if I had to, I would do the Sleeve. Next, I would like to discuss some of the negative side effects from Gastric Bypass. I understand sometimes people vomit, like in any of the Bariatric Procedures, not just Bypass, BUT I cannot stand to hear that there are some people who vomit every single day. I completely understand as a post-op bariatric patient that vomiting is different from the average "Joe" who vomits because after Bariatric Surgery, there is no vomiting of the acid juices, which usually makes it painful in a normal person, and makes it harmful for that person's teeth. However, I hate to hear one person tell me that even if you follow the nutritional guidelines to a tee, you are still going to vomit everyday. THAT CAN'T BE NORMAL. In fact I find that aspect offensive. It's like asking then what the hell was the point of the surgery to begin with? Therefore, disregarding ALL food items that cause the dumping syndrome, I would like to think that I can, after month 3 or month 4, eventually eat fish, and chicken, and occasionally "once in a blue moon" red meat. But sometimes when I hear a person's disgusting problems with food, I'd like to think that there is some sort of NUTRIONAL RULE or EATING BEHAVIOR that he or she is not following. Last but not least, before going into this Gastric Bypass procedure, I am currently 29 years old, 5 foot 7 inches, 364 pounds, and my only health issues going into this are Obstructive sleep Apnea, ADHD, and Major Depressive Disorder (IN FULL REMISSION), with a very healthy Hemoglobin A1C of 5.3. Please note, I have never ever been in the pre-diabetes stage with my Hemoglobin A1C. However, despite a full understanding of how much my parents love me, they are harassing me about my decision to go with the Bypass and would rather I go for the Sleeve. They are also doing this, because Post-Op Recovery-wise, they are my support system until I get better on my own. Both my parents work full time. My father is an insurance attorney and my mother is a pediatrician, and I completely understand that one of them is going to have to sign that Family Medical Leave Act form. Despite all that, I don't think they should be the ones to persuade me to change my mind over a procedure. That opinion should only come from my surgeon. Right? It's my body. Thanks, Gabriel

I'm getting sleeved this Thursday 2/16 I've also had lots of fears, anxiety & thoughts but I know if I back out I'll regret it. I go from being so excited to having morbid thoughts but that's doesn't help either. Just think how many people have this survey a day people even go out of the country for it. Your surgeon' performs this surgery probably weekly mine does it every Thursday. My surgeon also tells me this surgery is very safe & common it is also becoming the go to bariatric surgery for a lot of surgeons. Remember a lot of the patients are extremely over weight & some very unhealthy & still are able to be successful some will have complication most of us are "morbidly obese" per our insurance. Make a pro's & cons list for what the surgery will mean for you maybe that will help

My sister had a difficult time getting a hold of someone there but this was after surgery but due to complications she couldn't have surgery. She's still experiencing pain and bruising. I had no problem with surgery and Dr illian was great but it did seem as though it was difficult getting through to someone . Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is March 1 and i am on the same boat as you. I hardly sleep just thinking about it, thinking of the changes, complications. But i try to think more on the possitive things that are to come. And i trust in God as well. Try to relax I will do the same. Good luck

Has anyone used Dr Helmuth Billy for the MGB? Who was your surgeon? How are you doing on your journey? Any complications? How Far Along Are you?

My surgery is scheduled for Wed 2/15. I have so many fears and wanting to back out. Fb post did help this man had so many complication and all most died this didn't help my aniexty at all. I no there are complication with any surgery but how did i let my self go and gain all this weight to and now needing surgery. I really need some encouraging words.

Nothing particularly happened with my band. I've had zero complications thus far. In the first 2 years I was very successful. However, in my third year I started gaining weight back. I figured it was due to me trying to conceive. Here I am 5.5 years out and still struggling to get to my pre baby weight. I learned that due to my pre existing endocrine issues that the lap band had the reverse effect on my metabolism. It started really slowing down. I had to have my band emptied. I'm now in the prep stage of getting my sleeve done for this summer.

Would you mind sharing with me what your complications were? I ask because Saturday I had a mini stuck episode with my band. It's felt tender ever since. I'm not eating much due to lack of appetite but I am eating just fine when I do eat. I'm curious what I need to look out for. I'm looking to have the revision surgery this summer. I'm very nervous of the potential complications though.

Shelly I know how you feel, I was afraid of complications as well. I'm a believer, I prayed prayed prayed and left it I Gods hands. The last words I said as the Dr was putting me to sleep was , "God protect me" I had no complications and was back to work in 5! Days. I went shopping at Costco on day 2! Praise Him!!

I'm getting sleeved in the AM. And very nervous for complications

Has anyone got pregnant after surgery after being post op 18 mo? If so how was it? Did the surgery complicate things? My surgery is scheduled for March 16,2017 my surgery is RNY. I have pcos with diabetes my surgeon told Me that after surgery the likely hood of me getting pregnant significantly increases with weight loss. My surgeon did tell me that I can get pregnant post op 1 year after surgery.

I think this is an important thing to consider. You can research until you're blue in the face - the reality of it is still different. You do your research about complications and how often they occur after surgery but you can never ever know if you will be the one suffering complications. And when you're suffering complications it doesn't matter a bit if there is only a 0.000001 likelihood to suffer from complication. You're the screwed one if you get that rare complication.

I had gastric sleeve in 10/2013 and even with following the diet plan I still felt hungry, cravings don't go away and the sleeve allows slider foods and sweets to go down without complications and I now have GERD. I lost 63 lbs of the 100 lbs I needed to lose and have slowly been creeping back up. I am in the beginning stages of having a sleeve to bypass revision. Only you know what's best for your situation but I just wanted to share my experience. Good luck.

After surgery, the process is very complicated and can become somewhat overwhelming. You will develop a routine that will improve over time. It wasn't until my 6th month post-op, that I reached a happy state when all these minor problems seemed to melt away. Here is a link to my experience after RNY gastric bypass surgery. I hope it will be of help to you. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

My surgeon is Dr. Alvarez of Endobariatric. He has successfully operated on over 10,500 people including teenagers (and his own mom!). He's twice as expensive as other Mexican surgeons but worth every dollar. Every patient loves him and he knows what he's doing. His complication rate is less than half a percent over 10,000 patients. That's unheard of! The only way I'm not totally losing my cool about my impending surgery is because I trust him 100%. He and his staff have been extremely transparent throughout the entire process leading up to my surgery and provided me with every resource including names and emails of post-op patients in my state willing to talk to me about their surgery and post-op lifestyle. Hearing firsthand from people that they have literally nothing but great things to say about Dr. A makes me confident I picked the best surgeon. Best of luck to you as you help your daughter make a decision!