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"Among all patients, the rates of 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year<SUP> </SUP>mortality were 2.0%, 2.8%, and 4.6%, respectively. Advancing<SUP> </SUP>age and male sex were associated with early death after bariatric<SUP> </SUP>surgery (Table 2), with the highest rates of early mortality<SUP> </SUP>identified among older men. Overall, men were much more likely<SUP> </SUP>to die after bariatric surgery than women (3.7% vs 1.5%, 4.8%<SUP> </SUP>vs 2.1%, and 7.5% vs 3.7% for men and women at 30 days, 90 days,<SUP> </SUP>and 1 year, respectively; P<.001 for all time points). Mortality<SUP> </SUP>rates were greater for those aged 65 years or older (n = 1517)<SUP> </SUP>compared with younger patients (4.8% vs 1.7%, 6.9% vs 2.3%,<SUP> </SUP>and 11.1% vs 3.9% at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year, respectively;<SUP> </SUP>P<.001 for all time points). We found no differences in early<SUP> </SUP>mortality rates between patients who had primary vs revision<SUP> </SUP>surgery (2.0% vs 1.5%, 2.8% vs 2.2%, and 4.6% vs 4.3% at 30<SUP> </SUP>days, 90 days, and 1 year, respectively; all P>.10" "Patients undergoing procedures by surgeons with lower volume<SUP> </SUP>of bariatric procedures (less than the median of surgical volume<SUP> </SUP>among Medicare beneficiaries between 1997-2003) had a higher<SUP> </SUP>rate of mortality than those with at least median experience<SUP> </SUP>(3.3% vs 2.0%; P<.001). Patients aged 65 years or older had<SUP> </SUP>much higher rates of early death when undergoing surgery by<SUP> </SUP>surgeons within the lowest quartile of volume (Table 4) compared<SUP> </SUP>with those in the highest quartile (9% vs 1.1% at 30 days and<SUP> </SUP>13.8% vs 1.1% at 90 days; P<.001). Surgeons in the highest<SUP> </SUP>quartile of bariatric procedure volume had similar rates of<SUP> </SUP>early mortality in both younger and older patients (1.8% 90-day<SUP> </SUP>mortality in patients <65 years and 1.1% mortality in patients<SUP> </SUP>65 years; P = .40). The higher overall rates of death<SUP> </SUP>among older patients were attributable in part to a higher proportion<SUP> </SUP>(36%) of older patients undergoing surgery by surgeons within<SUP> </SUP>the lowest quartile of bariatric surgery volume compared with<SUP> </SUP>younger patients. The odds of a 90-day death were 1.6 times<SUP> </SUP>higher for patients of surgeons with lower volume (less than<SUP> </SUP>the median) after adjusting for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity<SUP> </SUP>Index score (95% CI, 1.3-2.0).<SUP> "</SUP> <SUP></SUP> <SUP>"</SUP>The hazard ratio for death (Figure) at any time after the procedure<SUP> </SUP>was 2.3 times greater for patients aged 65 years or older compared<SUP> </SUP>with younger patients (95% CI, 2.0-2.7), with 9.5% 5-year mortality<SUP> </SUP>in younger patients compared with 21.6% mortality in the older<SUP> </SUP>cohort (P<.001). The odds of 90-day death did not change<SUP> </SUP>significantly based on the year the procedure was performed,<SUP> </SUP>even after controlling for patient age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity<SUP> </SUP>Index score (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0).<SUP> "</SUP>

Hi Dunatl - There are several doctors in Atlanta that work with the lapband. I'm just not sure if they'll give fills to patients banded elsewhere. I see Dr. Duncan at Peachtree Bariatrics. You could always call their office and ask. Good luck!

Surgery Day (Tues): :unsure:As I stated in another thread, surgery day was a breeze for me. I had surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:30pm and went home at 9:00pm. Took a pain pill and slept pretty good that night. Day 1 Post Op (Wed): :mellow:The bloating was miserable, but I was prepared mentally to expect and accept this. I had one GasX strip about every 2 hours and that definitely helped. I did not need any pain meds through the day. I was uncomfortable, but not in any real pain. It was very different to sip on water and fruit juice and hear or feel it sort of gurgle as it went through the new stoma. I am not really aware that the lapband is there except for an occasional knot that comes up - like gas - under my chest and then suddenly goes away. I think the bloating is the worst part at this point. I have had no problem getting in and out of my chair, going to the bathroom, or walking around today. Even took a shower this morning and rode my exercise bike for about 10 minutes. The warm water felt really good on my big belly. I took a pain pill before going to bed, and through the night to sleep good. No point in being miserable if you don't have to. Day 2 Post Op (Thurs): :blink:The liquid diet is already getting old. I've weighed myself and I'm 4 lbs heavier than before going into surgery. IV glucose always does this to me. However, even at this weight, I am 16 pounds lighter than I was when I began the pre-op diet. My stomach muscles are a bit sore, but again, nothing unbearable. I rode my exercise bike for about 12 minutes. My husband made me quit - he was afraid I was overdoing it. At 11:00am, I cooked some chicken and beans, turnip greens, and corn bread for my hubby's lunch. I enjoyed cooking this and was able to eat 1/4 cup or so of the broth from the beans - tasty! I took some liquid tylenol around 3:00pm and took a long nap. That was nice. I went to bed around 8pm and took one pain pill for the night. I noticed it was already easier getting in and out of bed. Day 3 Post Op (Fri): :bored:OK. Some people say you can have this surgery on a Friday and be back to work (desk job) on Monday. Well, I would hate to think I had to be at a job this morning! The liquid diet is really old, but I'm becoming creative. I'm still bloated, but not as bad. The gas has gradually gone up to my arm pits it seems and that is more aggravating than painful. I took a shower today and washed my hair. Dried and styled my hair and put on makeup. Yes, I'm human again! I'm making a shake each day using the Whey Protein Chocolate 52g per 2 scoops. So far, I'm using 1 scoop (26g) in 8 oz of Lite Silk Soy Milk. I can drink about 1/3 of this at a time. It tastes very good and feels like something in your stomach - not the emptiness of water. I am already learning the signs of being full. I have not overdone it yet - I tend to burb in response to the pouch being full. I stop as soon as this happens and wait awhile before drinking more. I can feel my little pouch empty into the stomach - the bloating probably has me hyper-aware of this today. I am thinking, I have just made a huge permanent change to my body. What have I done to myself?! Then I think of all the posts I have read on this site and how everyone has encouraged me to know that you may have momentary second thoughts post-op, but shortly after it becomes the best decision of your life. My post-op weight is disappearing now. I am feeling better and stronger - but still glad I don't have to be on the job today. Day 4 Post Op (Sat): :tongue_smilie: Doing Great! - I used no pain relievers last night which probably helped me wake up without the groggy feeling this morning. I had renewed energy. I cleaned up mess that had already collected in our bedroom then headed to the kitchen to cleanup in there. Today, I could be on the job if I had to be, but I'm glad I have until Monday anyway. I have walked up a long flight of stairs to get to my computer and catch you up on my surgery. Also, my weight is 258 this morning! That's a big hallelujah! I was even able to put my wedding ring back on for the first time in a couple of years. Pre-surgery weight was 279, so I'm already a pretty happy camper. I am getting up and down with ease today and considering eating some watery instant potatoes (1 or 2 tablespoons). My doctor is not a strict about the diet as some. The gas under my arms seems to have disapated (sp?), and I am able to situp straighter without leaning back - thus able to sit at the computer for a long time. I guess I've been on the computer 3 hours or so now and feel well, but may be running out of steam soon. I have to keep remembering to drink water. Good luck to everyone considering this huge life change! I wish I could have done it without the surgery, but 25 years of obesity proved this was not going to happen for me without surgical intervention. I'll keep you posted and look forward to joining the "Lost 100 pounds" list in the future!

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about it. I got on the internet and Googled surgeons in the Dallas area (not my home) and filled out a form requesting information. That same day I got a call from a representative of Dr. Nicholson's Clinic and shared my heart and they offered a solution/tool in a Bariatric Vertical Sleeve. To make a long story short I planned my trip to Dallas for an informational class and personal Dr. consultation. I was sold and set my surgery date for Oct. 18th, 2011 at Forest Park Hospital, Dallas, TX. I was about a month out of surgery when I started doing some research and asking different questions. Because I live on a ranch an hour drive from any medical services the sleeve is an ideal choice. Three weeks post op the risk of surgical complications are nil. That has been a big peace of mind for me. I started my pre-op diet on Oct. 4th and found it to be a bit of a struggle. I despise sweet, milky drinks and gagged down Slimfast, HoneyMilk and Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free. I did not know about the Bariatric Advantage Products or Unjury.....boy I wish I had. If I had one piece of advice it would be to hunt like crazy till you find something that you find pleasant and drinkable. It will make the days after surgery much less stressful. I've since ordered some of the above products. During this time I also meet with the psychologist, nutritionist and went through the pre-admit process. The whole time I wasn't sure I would go through with it. The Nicholson Clinic is really good about letting you know that you can cancel or delay until you are ready. Even the night before going in I was not sure. So many changes, so much to give up, so much unknown. It was by faith and the grace of God that I made it to the OR the next day.....and sooooo thankful that I did. My check-in was noon on the 18th of October. It went smoothly and I was in the holding area shortly after that. My husband went with me and was a huge support. It is good to have someone with you. Being dehydrated made some of the IV stuff a bit trying but that was over quickly and I was resting when the anethesiologist (sp) came in. I'd had a horrible cold the week before and had a nasty cough. He promised me he would get that cleared out and he was true to his word. Don't remember a thing after he injected a relaxing med into the IV. Woke up being moved to my bed. The whole day I kept dozing off and dreaming that the surgery was the next day and feeling the dread. Then I would realize it was OVER and feel utter elation. The 24 hour hospital stay is a bit of a blur. Good drugs. I will say that it was challenging to get up and walk regularly, not drink, and battle a crazy head hunger. I just wanted to eat big bites of some comfort food like mac and cheese or enchiladas. I thought I was starving to death and ask myself what the heck had I'd done. It was an internal battle. I'm not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience but it has really reinforced for me the need for the Sleeve surgery. It will be the tool that helps me finally overcome obesity and achieve my goals in life. It's just too short to waste sitting around in a love affair with food that doesn't love me back. Leaving the hospital and going to a hotel in the area worked out fine. I slept and sipped. On day three I was able to stop the pain medication and Tylenol...both were so sweet and gagging that I did better without. I used ice packs on my left side and it seemed to help. I must say that the pain was more than I had expected but not anything to keep someone from doing it. If I could have choked down the meds I probably would have taken them a few more days. Also, do practice sipping before your surgery. I used the one ounce cup for a week before just to get the hang of it. A week post-op and I was able to drink at just the right pace without thinking about it and loved feeling normal again. On the 8th day I flew home and had a 2.5 hour car ride. It went great and there is no place like home! I really began to heal quickly once I was in my own home. I've been following the Dr.s orders as well as possible and was back in Dallas for the 2-week post op exam. I've lost 22 pounds, yea, and can begin soft foods this coming Tuesday! Hello scrambled eggs! One note, I had really felt sore on my left side and was concerned that there was a problem. Turns out it is text book for week 2 due to the healing process and increased activity. This may not hold true for all Dr's patients but for Dr. Nick's he adds extra stitches in the left side muscles and they begin to pull. Who knew? Living in an isolated area it was recommended to me to find an online support group. My nutritionist suggested this one. I look forward to this part of the journey! It will be a pleasure to hear about each of your stories and learn from the experiences of others. There is no time like NOW! Source: Day 19 and I Can't Stop Smiling!

Ok, yes! Be hard on yourself. WTF? Seriously. Call your surgeon and get a referral to your RD and to the bariatric counselor. Start therapy now. This may sound harsh? But you are 4 WEEKS post op! This is the "easiest" and the "hardest" you will ever have it and the time you will feel LEAST like eating in your entire journey. Cuz barring complications like it sounds like you're asking for, your restriction will get increasingly less and less as the months go by and you continue to heal and evolve. You either take care of your food/behavior problems now? Or you could be doomed to either never see goal, or regain. Tough? Fu*k yes. I am being tough and shocking. I hope it shocks you into getting a grip and getting real with your bad choices. It begs to be asked...Why did you have this life-changing surgery if you weren't ready to get serious about living a new life? Ask yourself, WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHY did you want the surgery? WHY did you want a new lease on life? How important are YOU? How important is your marriage? Your LIFE? (Seriously one of the saddest posts I've ever read and I've read a bunch including a post-op eating pizza at 4 days.)

I too had a revision from a band to a sleeve. The only time I had pain afer the initial period, was a few times on my left side when I was working out. You are doing the right thing by letting your surgeon know. I definately would go to ER and best if it the ER where you had surgery at. ER physicians are not always well versed in our needs, but at least there you have a better chance that they are and they would also have access to your bariatric team. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

I was still sore at 6 weeks out when I had my first fill!! If it's hot to the touch, if you're running any kind of temperature, if the area is red, there might be a problem. Swelling could also possibly be a indication of something not quite right. Best thing would be to call your bariatric surgeons office and talk to one of the nurses. They know you and your history better than we do. ::smile:: More than likely you're just taking a while to heal, but call to make sure. Hope it resolves for you soon.

If you believe your doctor won't know about the band or won't be very willing to encourage this then reassure him that you've done your research and you understand that the lap-band will require a lot of will power on your part but that you feel this is in your best interest and you are willing to put in the effort to make it work. If he gives you a hard time after explaining that then I'd see if your insurance will let you just go ahead and talk to a Bariatric Clinic directly. (I didn't go through my doctor...I called the Bariatric Center on my own and my insurance was OK with that. But, they're all different.)

Well I have my psych eval on Thursday the 24th that the bariatric surgeon requires. Now my insurance company doesnt require this stuff..but I just was able to make an appt to get in to talk to my PCP about seeing if he would recommend the surgery as well. I also called my ob/gyn that diagnosis me with PCOS and Insulin resistance to write a letter also. So I'm covering all my basis before I send this in to the bariatric surgeon along with my packet they want me to fill out about my medical history etc to get a consult. I'm making sure there wont be any question of me getting this surgery. That way the insurance company has no problems seeing that I have issues and need this surgery. My PCP has seen me more times than I can count about having chronic bronchitis and just being sick all the time and my asthma getting worse. I am also quitting smoking...I'm down to 4 cigs a day. Mostly at work and on the drive home. Of course you realize with quitting smoking I'm gonna gain more weight...which will also help with the surgery not that I really need any with being over 250 now and only 5'5! So whatcha think..have I missed anything that might be required?? My insurance co and the surgeon dont require the 6 month weight loss program...just lots of diet history with the packet you send in. Is there anything else that I havent thought of yet? :rolleyes2:

I had DS surgery June 12 and felt slight soreness, nothing unusual, felt ready to 24 hours laterPOD 1...then it hit with a ton of bricks, POD 2, excruciating pain, high heart rate and inability to walk.. had a cat scan it was negative for leak... POD3my surgeon wasn’t convinced and Wanted too keep me to see how I was feeling wasn’t quite up to par but pain controlled still walking, every 3 hours slow but steady..POD4 woke up with fever103.9 and heart in 120’s. Plan was exploratory lap 2 hours later, came out of OR with 3 drains and a NGT to decompress stomach and a PCA..for pain control, he found a teeny tiny leak, restitched it and covered with muscle. Washed the cavity hence the drains. Now on antibiotics and fluids...And another week here in the hospital. The upside I have a great team of nurses and docs at a nationally accredited metabolic and Bariatric center... I’m getting awesome care. I read so much research studies and articles prior to the DS I knew the switch has more complications but greater results! The benefits outweigh the risks .... peace and live my bench buddies !

I know that Medicare covers lapband, I dont know about Medicaid. Look around on this site,there are 7 hospitals in Illinois that are Medicare approved facilities.The hospital must be certified as a Center of Excellence. If you dont find your answer here call one of the hospitals and talk to their Bariatric Department and ask them. I know it is frustrating goodluck. Bariatric Surgery

WELCOME to LBT! Suggestions- Spend some time here looking at the stories and all the stickies on the home page. Call your insurance company now and ask for a copy of your bariatric policy so you know your requirements for approval. Attend more than one places seminar so you can make the best choice for you. Good luck! -BG

Gregg, While I understand what your saying and agree... I never looked at lap banned as anything but a tool. I realize that if or if i do not have this surgery my life has to change dramatically. I have just come to a point in my life were i have exhausted alot of my options and feel the emotional and phsyical burden of "getting no where". As far as your commen on "paying your due's".. Im curious how you come up with that when most people who are educating themselves and looking into Lap Band or any other bariatric surgery... why do you assume they havent "payed their due's" and been through a tough road of emotional and phsyical let down. I realize some people may assume this is a quick fix.. but i am not one of those. SO your right, i dont need to be lectured as far as my purpose for the band or how the band will change my life. I am aware. And i am sure you were in my shoes at some point. I wish you could only remember what it feels like to be here. Were I am. In my moment of worry and concern. Everyone who at least gets consulted and goes through informaiton sessions and meetings has had this feeling of helplessness and most have exhausted their options. I wish your comments weren't so judgemental. THanks for reading though.

Though you may both have plans through the same insurance,it's true that benefits are based on the amount of coverage the employer wants to pay for. Unfortunately, if there is no coverage in the policy for bariatric surgery, even an appeal for medical necessity is not going to get it reconsidered. She should check with her employer or read her benefits book to make sure it is truly not a covered benefit. Many times an insurance will give incorrect information over the phone until you question them or can prove them wrong. Good Luck!

Probably not, if they don't cover bariatric procedures you are probably looking at going back to MX. Are you sure you need surgical correction? Did they unfill your band and put you on liquids for a few weeks? That usually fixes a slip.

You need to spend time asking yourself why you are "fat" . There are reasons we are fat, and the problem with the lapband and ANY bariatric surgery is that the surgery WILL NOT CHANGE WHY you are obese. You will skirt around the band and form maladaptive feeding patterns, just as you have being overweight. I say this with all the love and respect of a fat person myself! I've been banded for 10 mths, 55 pound weight loss. There is alot of mental stuff that you have to fix along with the diet. The weight is all symptoms of something else. Food should be a source of nutrition and not emotional fullfillment. Good luck! God bless...I struggle with this EVERYDAY!

Maybe flavored Water like Propel? I just bought a whole bunch of stuff from Dietdirect.com, they have Protein enhanced soups, different Protein drinks, Protein Bars and bariatric Vitamins... Good luck! diane5467

We have a couple of really GREAT doctors who do the fills at my clinic that arent the surgeons. I'm perfectly happy with it, they know what they're doing, they've worked with banded patients extensively and are empathetic and experienced. If I want to see the surgeon at any point in time, I can make an appointment to do so without a problem, I simply dont see the need. My doctor knows all that is necessary to supervise me, he just doesnt operate, is all. He's actually a sports medicine specialist too and has helped me quite a lot with my ankle and been supportive of my running, referred me on to a great podiatrist in ways that my surgeon, being a dedicated bariatric surgeon really couldnt have. The act of a fill is not so complicated, the major possible complications are not so many that I feel exposed in any way. If anything unusual occurred, they'd have me straight back into the surgeon anyway, its all in the same building. So I'm fine with it. And I dont pay a cent for fills anyway, its all bulk billed.

I have the Realize Band, and so far I couldn't be happier. I haven't been hungry since the surgery, and my doctor offers a fill in one month, not six to eight weeks. My recovery has been fantastic, and I have had very little pain. I got to compare both bands (Lap Band and Realize Band) side by side, and there was no question in my mind that the Realize Band was the best choice for me. My doctor, whose office is qualified as a Bariatric Center of Excellence, gives the patient the choice of bands. My doctor is very pleased with the results he's had in his practice from both bands. So far, I've lost almost 20% of my excess weight, with the majority of the loss in the last week since surgery. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot time on the Realize web site, but from what I've been able to do so far, it's been very helpful. One of the major reasons I chose the Realize Band was the great anchoring method it uses for the port, and the size and shape of the port. I've had very little port pain, and from what I've read, that seems to be a major issue for people. Also, I loved the Realize Band's pillow system. It's much softer than Lap Band, and such I plan to keep my band for years, I felt it would be much safer to have against my stomach as a foreign object. Also, the band itself was wider, which I felt made it safer as far as potential slips. I'm certainly not trying to discout the Lap Band. I think each person needs to weigh what is important to them for the long haul, and those were a few of the reasons I felt the Realize Band was the better choice for me.

This is an email that was sent to me from the surgeons office: Melissa, We will not do any of the pre op studies (EKG, CXR or labs) until we have a surgery authorization. We will draw nutritional labs and do a breath test for h pylori at this appt though. I will explain everything when you are here. If Myrna has all of your information we will get our part together and send in after your visit Thursday. It usually takes a couple of days to get dictations, the packet made up and we will send in within a week. Then once we get authorization you will get a surgery date then return to do your pre op testing within a 30 day period prior to surgery. See you Thursday Jill East, RN IU Surgical Weight Management @ Wishard Bariatric Clinical Coordinator

Just thought I might get different opinions here. It will likely be weeks before I can see any surgeon. Mine only sees patients on Mondays and I have no idea what the wait is for the new one. My surgeon is a general surgeon that also does Lap Bands. The surgeon I'm trying to see does only bariatric surgery and nothing else.

I went to my bariatric surgeon today to get a slight adjustment to my band and we were talking about the positives losing so much weight has had on my life. I was speaking about how thrilled I am that my girls are watching a healthier mom who gets up and moves and takes walks and jumps on the trampoline etc..instead of sitting like a sloth in my chair like I used to. While I was on my tirade, he stopped me to say(something like) this: "Yes, it is great that your kids have a better role model, but the best part is that YOU are having fun. After a life of being trapped and virtually unable to have fun because of your weight, you are having fun...and while the benefits are good for your kids, you're the best part of losing the weight." HOLY SMOKES...He was right. I forgot about me. I, for one, feel infinitely better and am thrilled to be doing this for myself...And I did need to be reminded of that....As a mom, I think I make the mistake of putting my children before me at all times...But I have to remember that one day they will move out and I will be left with myself...so it is imperative that I remember that my weight loss is for me. I have to love myself enough to accept that I am important enough to be the reason. Just a thought.

that's great that Bariatric Advantage is releasing some! i was taking the viactiv multi and the calcium b/c i hated all my chewable options, but my nutritionist (at the surgery center) said viactiv is junk and a waste of money. he has me on the bariatric advantage vitaband chews and the calcium. my only problem is taking them on a regular schedule! multi, calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D = a lot of Vitamins to take!

Hello Everyone, I hope that you are all doing well. I'm trying to get back into eating right. I had a couple of bad days of food choices with the holiday weekend. I work at a hospital and everyone brought in food to Celebrate the 4th and of course nothing was healthy. (Funny since we are all in the nursing field and have a bariatric center in the hospital). I am going back to the Dr. on the 15th to have some of my Fluid put back in. I had to have 2ml removed 2 1/2 weeks ago after a bad migrain. I had severe vomiting that put some serious stress on my band to the point I couldn't even drink Water. Feeling much better now. I have actually been more suscessful losing weight since they took some of the fluid out? Has anyone else lost weight after having fluid removed? Once again thanks for the replies and I look forward to talking to everyone. Ronda

Bariatric Advantage Released a new Program called "Icomply" Its actually pretty cool it sends our reminders via text message directly to your phone. on when to take your Vitamins. Take a look at this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN6IJsXR6Bg&hl=en&fs=1&