Search the Community
Showing results for 'Complications'.
Found 17,501 results
-
Some data and information on gastric plication
mednar replied to mednar's topic in Gastric Plication Surgery Forum
Hi Donna. Several of the other board members here have had their plications longer than I at this point, so they may have more experience to share. I only had my plicatino done June 6, so I'm just 15 days out from surgery. The only complications have been nausea for the first couple of days after surgery and having to adjust my sleeping position because I can't lie on my side/stomach now. I definitely feel restriction when I eat and need to eat slowly. I have to be careful and eat slowly. I've had a time or two where my brain was not caught up with my stomach in realizing that I was full. I'd eat an extra bite or two and feel like I might lose my lunch, but that's something I'm trying to get used to. I'm finding that I get hungry every couple of hours which is different from before, but eat in small quantities when I am. I lost about 12 pounds prior to surgery on the liquid diet and have lost about 8 pounds in the two weeks since surgery. I started at 290.5 and was at 269.6 yesterday on the scale. I've been walking most days at least 20 minutes. I was really worried about giving up soda (was a diet Coke addict), but it's been over two weeks and really haven't missed them. I do struggle to get in enough Water each day. I was actually better about drinking water before! So far, I don't regret having it done, but it's early on for me. -
Hi Miss B! From all the research I have done and from what 2 surgeons have told me they have basically the same risk in all the documents I have read. Malnutrition is higher in GB but, if you eat right and tske your vitamins that is not a problem. With the sleeve it is pretty common to get gerd so, if you have ingestion ever... both surgeons told me I would more then likely end up with it. GB you lose more weight. Both surgeons told me people get so concerned about having their intestines rerouted but, they never think about the fact that the other part of their stomach is being removed completely from their body to never be used ever again even in an emergency... with GB you can have a feeding tube insterted into the other part of your stomach. If you surgeon worries about complications with GB, I would be a bit concerned about your surgeons rates.... his/her death rates, complication rates etc. The surgeon I ultimately chose has had no deaths (knock on wood), and has had 3 people out of over 1700 with complications to any of his clients. I feel very lucky I ended up finding him. Ultimately, the deciding factor was keeping the part of my stomach for emergencies should they arise. The complications are soooo similar! It'll be fun to keep in touch on this wonderful venture in life we are about to do!! Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App
-
May 15Th...anyone Else?
Buffy replied to beautifulnewme2012's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hello --- it has not gone well at this point! I am back in the hospital for the third time sine my May 15 date. Many complications ..... Did not have as much stomach removed as a normal sleeve would. They left me with 35 % of my stomach... Not the usual 20%. Had hernia repaired, some growths on the spleen also. No cancer found. Yea for that ! God has blessed me. Now it turns out that where my esphosgas and stomach meet there there is a twist in the esphosgas. Since the surgery I have not been able to keep liquid down. Been dehydrated and vomit daily. Since surgery I have gained 8.4 lbs to date. They claim due to the iv's......not sure I buy it all. Tomorrow I will have another endoscope to see if they can stint the area, if not I will have a stomach pacemaker installed to regulate the stomach muscle electrically. I have not given up ...... I just want to get better and lose the weight I set out to do. This was supposed to be the icing in the cake for me. I lost 87 lbs on my own so I was 200 before surgery ...then after liquid and Protein diet for 1 week had surgery at 191 today I weighted in at 198.4, and still growing. This is not how it should have gone.... But I believe this also will pass and I will be able to share my success story soon. Please keep in touch. Thanks, Buffy , -
AIR TRAVEL DAY AFTER SURGERY
Cocoabean replied to kkf1979's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Not only speak to your surgeon about it, but have a back-up plan as well. If you aren't feeling up to the travel or if there is a complication, be prepared. -
If I had my time again.....?
gentylwind replied to lingling's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I am only two months out, but I am down 25 pounds and really re-learning how to think about food, what I use food for and how I eat. Yes, its hard. Its definitely not a walk in the park or an easy fix. Its a scary, emotional journey. But as one who has had good weight loss and NO complications thus far, I personally would definitely do it again. Would I recommend it to others though? That still remains to be seen. Ask me in three years. -
What a nightmare! It is so frustrating when a doctor's office treats a patient like a moron, assuming they are overreacting to things. They, of all people, realize that there are complications (why else would they require we sign all those release of liability papers?). So sorry your college graduation schedule is being sidetracked. I became ill during the fall of my senior year and graduated late myself.....however, it was because of a stroke (at the ripe old age of 29) - due, no doubt, to overweight and stress. Hopefully, having this band and a guide to a lifestyle change will keep you from ever having such an experience. Despite your complications, it will be worth it and you will have a great new, healthy future to look forward to. Best wishes for a quick recovery......
-
Doing my homework and getting serious
The Mighty Julie posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I've previously done a bit of research on Lap-Band after my doctor brought it up earlier in the year, but this time I'm actually seriously considering it. In fact, I'm signed up to go to an information session at one of the local hospitals tomorrow night with a surgeon who I've heard lots of good things about. Before, it was sort of a "well, ok, maybe I'll think about it as a vague possibility" situation, but now I'm in a spot where I could actually see myself going through with it. Scary, but good! I'm going to be a fun patient because I'm a data geek by trade-- I've got an MA in sociology (no fear of PubMed here!) and I work in healthcare outcomes reporting. Success stories are fun and exciting, but I definitely want to see as many numbers as I can, particularly regarding long-term complication/removal rates. I'm open to banding because I'd personally rather not have my insides rearranged, but I'd like to see what the average patient experience is 10 years down the road. If I do end up doing this, it'll be quite a way out; due to work schedules and such, I think my best shot would be in early December or mid-February. And if my research makes me nervous, I can wait longer, or not do it at all. That's why I'm here, doing my homework. Looking forward to "meeting" everyone and reading as much as I can! -
Big decision to make....Help!!
WASaBubbleButt replied to nurselori73's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Banding is the easiest procedure in bariatrics to do. With that said, there is a learning curve. The sutures can't be too tight, they can't be too loose. The band can't be too high, it can't be too low. The sutures cannot be too many in number, nor too few. Once the learning curve is over things are fine. But complication stats (erosion, slips, etc.) are indeed higher for newbie surgeons. Something as simple as scratching the back of the stomach can possibly cause erosion years down the road. That is the biggest reason I wouldn't personally go to a newbie surgeon. This was my last shot at weight loss and I wasn't going to screw it up. I gave myself every opportunity to do this the right way. It's kinda like crocheting. The first project is probably pretty fugly, not even. But with practice it's just about perfect. Same concept applies to the band. I can't say that I would go to anyone with less than 250 bands myself. If someone didn't have any money at all and having a newbie do it was the only shot they had it might be different. I wouldn't do it, but many would. Another issue is aftercare. Fills are an art, not a skill. Anyone can measure out a cc or two. But to get good restriction without absolute misery is hard to do. The problem with banding is that all the bad stuff usually happens after surgery or after the fills. It's not like a minor complication in OR that you fix right then and there. Our complications often times don't happen (from surgery) until down the road. So you have to weigh money vs. skill. You have to do what is right for you. -
My self pay price included two nights but I had zero issues or complications. I was keeping water down without nausea, and walking and overall doing great so I was giving the option to stay or go home. I chose to go home. You will know what is right for you. Some folks really need that second night. Better to stay a bit longer and be sure you won't end up dehydrated.
-
Lap Band with "modified" gastric plication
BlueTattoo replied to nikki6sangel's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had this done december 30th. I'm still swollen. Also can you pop your stitches if u eat too much ? I don't get a fill until feb 21st. But I was curious if anyone has had complications with this surgery. I'm still tender on both sides of my stomach. Especially the port area. -
Questions For Veterans
LindaS replied to ShouldBlittler's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is a picture of my dad and me when I was about 16 years old. My dad weighed over 400 pounds. This is the only picture I have where you can see his stomach because he was very good at making sure his shirt was long enough to cover it up. He died in 2006. I was 35, and I was so MAD at him because he died from complications of his weight. For the last 10 years of his life, the quality of his life was horrible. For the last 5 years, he spent most of it in and out of hospitals. His highest weight was almost 500 pounds. When I married in 1989, he was at the lowest he had weighed in many years at about 350 pounds. I loved/love my dad. I never saw him as fat. But when he left me (died), I was so angry at him. At the time of his death, I wasn't that overweight. I weighed about 180. I gained weight after he died. And when I finally realized what the weight was preventing me to do, I tried losing it. This is why I finally decided to have WLS. When I was about 10, my dad was going to have WLS. It was scheduled. He made it into the surgery room and something the anesthesiologist told him scared him. The guy said my dad had a 50/50 chance of not making it through the surgery. There was some concerns about his weight pressing down on his lungs. I wonder now that if he had gone through it, what would my memories of him have been like? I remember him sitting or laying down on things. He would tell me to get this or do that for him. He had a bell he would ring to get my attention. I was his legs. He didn't go to my concerts or games or talk to my teachers. If he had weighed less, he would have been more a part of my life. He would have been a full participant in my life instead of someone watching from the car or hearing about it later. My kids would know him. As an adult, I remember thinking how great wheelchairs were because it allowed my dad to go with us places he couldn't walk to. I loved my dad. I love my kids. I chose this surgery to give my kids something that they don't even know they would have missed. In grad school, I wrote a memoir titled "Fat Man's Daughter," where I dealt with many of my issues about my dad and myself. Here's a link to the first chapter: http://lindasherwood.com/wp/category/fat-mans-daughter/chapter-one/ This Suethsayings blog talks about the "conspiracy of silence" surrounding weight loss surgery. I want people to know about the impact not doing something has on lives. If my dad had WLS, I think he might still be here. -
Questions For Veterans
circa replied to ShouldBlittler's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
First of all, this is someone talking about a person who they say isn't happy. A lot of what is said isn't even relevant to the sleeve. Also, if this person's main concern is not being able to enjoy food in quantities, that's an issue that got them the sleeve in the first place. To tell a person that's 6 years out that they don't have enough experience to know what they're talking about was quite a bit ridiculous as well. Her "common" complications of the sleeve aren't common at all - unless you consider common to be 1-2%, which I don't. This woman sounds pissy because she can't eat a whole cheesecake when she wants to. to tell someone that they could have done it without surgery is a slap in the face. MANY people tried for YEARS to do it without surgery and were unsuccessful - so she's saying you never really tried. I think she's someone who is sad and missing her food because she didn't deal with mental and emotional addiction to food. -
Help Me Understand ... Why The Stigma?
shrinkydinkme replied to amw157's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Stigma - you have touched on a different topic then the usual "to tell or not to tell" so I am going to be honest even though it is UGLY! ( Not asking for those of you on here to tell me my feelings are wrong and I should change them, they are what they are and I am admitting up front with UGLY I know they are, but feeling have a mind of their own- they are not facts or chosen beliefs that we control) #1 I am EMBARRASSED I felt I needed to and decided to "not do it the right way" and I am taking the "easy way out". #2 I have judged others for years and wondered why they would have WLS and take that giant risk when they could have just changed the way they ate and exercised more. #3 I do not feel like people understand the difference between the different types of WLS and when I say I had the sleeve even with an explanation of what it is, they just lump me in the WLS category with everyone else and I feel I am so different and made an informed decision and was unwilling for years to get the bypass because of the complications. I do not want to be considered "One of them" ( see UGLY judgement on my part once again) #4 FEAR! So many I know who had WLS have gained it all back and I it breaks my heart and I feel so bad for them and can only imagine how difficult it must be. To have taken such a big risk and failed. I fear that will be me and if others do not know I had surgery it will just be another in my long list of diet fails - some how that I know I can handle,but a WLS fail seems bigger and I would feel much more judged/disapproval so I would rather they did not know. #5 I have way to many friends who would be watching me, asking questions wanting explanations of why and how come and asking me to help friends and adding a lot of to-do's to my daily life -when I am taking time to establish a new healthy lifestyle and do not need the stress or burden that would bring. So if they do not know about my surgery, I do not need to be bothered to help, inform, explain or whatever would arise by their inquisitive minds #6 I am loosing about 1 1/2-2 pounds a week which is so normal there is no need to give details. It is the easy way out by not telling them. Except for the tiny bit of guilt when they are all excited and proud of me and just can not believe my will power and ability to eat such a small portion and move on. That tiny bit of guilt ..... for now I can live with. -
Unhappy Camper
SerendipityHappens replied to Abraham's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh Abraham, I'm so sorry you are going through this.. I've been extremely fortunate in my recovery, so I'm of no help.... except to direct you to the section of the forum that is specifically frequented by those who are enduring complications.. Just go to the main page and scroll down, there's a "complications" subforum. -
I didn't even know there was a complications section on here. I'm not going looking for problems! Of course there can be complications, but if you are compliant with your instructions and you know and listen to your body, worst case scenario would probably be band removal. Now, just out of curiosity, I'm going to go briefly glance at the complications section !
-
I know we've heard it a lot that VG bands are less likely to slip or cause erosion because of the larger stoma area and gentler pressure. Is it true? Let's hear your VG band stories of complications. (I'm hoping there won't be many!)
-
I'm too soon in to my band to give a worthwhile answer, but I know two sisters who were banded about 5 years ago, they were pioneer patients who travelled from MO to MN to be part of the release studies. Since we don't have a lot of long-term bandsters here, I thought this info might help. Sister 1: about 5'1, 380# pre-op. Currently 86 pounds, wearing a baggy size 0. Her band has been slipped for over a year, which is what has caused the extreme weight loss an inability to swallow much more than her own saliva, she knows this, knows she should go to the doctor (and has, once), but refuses to let them remove or repair the band because she's afraid of gaining the weight back. She admits her complications are largely self-caused. I asked her the week before I got banded if she would do it again and she said, "Without a doubt, I wouldn't think twice. Even though I'm having problems, it can be undone. Problems with other surgeries cannot." Sister 2: about 5'2, 370 ore-op. She has had not had complications with her band. She crrently weighs 120 and wears a sz 8 comfortably, She has gained about 10# from her lowest weight because (per her own admission) she has slacked off and let more sweets into her diet, and has not been keeping up with her exervise as much as she should. I did not talk to her before my banding, but my mother spoke with her 3 days after my operation. She did not know I was getting banded. Her first comment was, "Oh my god, I'm so excited for her. I hope she doesn't regret doing it, I know i don't!" FWIW.
-
Knowing now that complications do happen (not only with the other WLS ops)and that the posibility of re-operation or losing the band is much higher than I thought pe-op,and the fact that I have lived with heartburn and a lot of pain since getting the band......no,I wouldnt do the band again....would have WLS though,just dont know which operation.....
-
Hi Dody! I do understand where your coming from, and no I don't have a medical background. As for being out on a limb - I do all the time! As an ER nurse, I would think you are seeing the worst of the worst, only one side of the issue. I still attest that there are many more successful people who've had gbs than those who have had problems - and yes, I know there are issues with the surgery. There is a risk for any type of surgery. Dumping syndrome, ah yes, I have heard of this very well. Okay, let's take a look at it. Dumping can come from almost anything from eating to much, to eating something extremely rich, to Water. Each person is different, as well as the foods they eat that cause dumping. It's an educational process to find the foods, and just how much of each food you can eat. Of course a food you eat today may not bother you, but will cause problems a week later. Yes, it's a gamble, but one I personally am willing to take. I'm not challenging your statement, but I've never heard that laproscopic gbs won't create as small a pouch as open. I'll check into that. Not saying your wrong, just want to verify it. I also understand the potential is there to stretch the pouch but one would have to work at it, and be determined to stretch it out (unless of course, there are medical complications). When people decide to have gbs, they need to know all the facts, including the loose skin and other "side effects." They need to understand exactly what they are walking into with their eyes wide open. I may be an advocate, but I will never say this is the answer for EVERYONE. Gastric bypass is NOT for everyone, anymore than LapBand is. Follow-up and support is also critical. You can't do it alone. If I could lose the weight and keep it off myself, I wouldn't have to turn to weight loss surgery. After-care is so important, and I mean VERY important. If a person doesn't have this, their chances of success diminishes. I tell you, I'd rather have the gbs and take vitimins the rest of my life, than have to take various medications caused by my obesity. The bottom line is, this is a very hard, personal choice, and one needs to make an informed decision about it. You can't rush it. Yes, it is an absolute last resort. My "Wake Up Call" is realizing I can't do this alone, I need a tool that I can use to help me. Regardless if it's gbs or LapBand.
-
I've been researching wls for months. I personally want the gastric bypass, but my insurance will only cover the LapBand, which I am more than happy to have. One thing that really bugs me, is the comment from your ww counselor saying that gastric bypass is a "quick fix". Granted there are people who have had the surgery and "it failed them." I'm sorry, but any weight loss surgery is a tool - not a cure all. You can't have the surgery and think you can go back to your old eating habits. It takes a major change in attitude and desire on your part for it to be successful. IMHO, I feel that people who failed at wls didn't give it a chance, understand, or had the correct follow-up and support. Yes, I have also talked with people who have had major complications due to gbs, and some who have gained some, if not all, their weight back. One interesting thing, I've never met one person who said they regret having the surgery. Yes, I am a wls advocate of the hardest line. I've spoken with people who've had both gbs and LB. They are both major surgeries and they both carry risks. Granted, the gbs has more, but I personally am willing to take that chance. The advances in medicine has shown statistically that gbs is much safer than it used to be. Make your decision carefully. Do the research and come to your own conclusions. Talk to people, talk to doctors. Talk to advocates, talk to people who are against it. Above all, get credible, verifiable information. No matter what decision you make, it's going to affect you the rest of your life. Are you really prepared to make that life changing decision?
-
I so know what you are saying about being scared to drink. I was that way on my two days of liquid. I didn't have any other complications like you do. Just keep sipping! It get's better!
-
Hi--I have BCBS of Alabama & I was approved for "Laparascopy, surgical gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components." Which is what my approval letter said. I previously tried in Sept 05 and was denied advising that I needed a 6 mo supervised weight loss plan. I had no co-morbidities except for the fact that I started having ankle swelling after I began to exercise with a trainer. I did the 6 mo diet and my Dr's ofc resubmitted me and I was approved. However they did indicate that benefits for complications or subsequent surgery will not be covered. They will also not cover any related office visits or fills. Its not the best thing but not the worst, they did pay for my surgery. Good luck to you keep trying and appeal!!
-
"Had sleeve surgery 8/28/12." Hello PeanutButter! Can you give me some details, specifics.. About your surgery.. Recovery,, how you are doing,, positive & negative - ?? I've just finished all my requirements for the RNY surgery, Next step is surgery date. Spoke to a gal today who had the sleeve done and feels great. Spoke to a friend who's mother-in-law had RNY and had many complications! Who decides on the surgery? You or the Doctor? Why did you go with the Sleeve? I'm 5'0", 230#, 48 years old. Appreciate your input, in advance Dawn
-
I would wait to start dating after at least 6 weeks, when you can start eating pretty much everything. You'll be down 30-50 lbs your confidence will be higher, and you dont have to worry about not eating on a date. As far as telling him, I wouldn't. At least not until date #5. Personally I'm not trying to date anyone until I get near my goal. I'm on a mission for the next year, a goal to hit and I don't need any distractions, added stress, or complications right now. I say that now, and then 3 weeks later I meet the girl of my dreams watch: karma.
-
From what I can tell the sips is a variation of the Duadenal switch which seems to maybe have less complications?? My surgeon wants me to have the DS. Don't know if he's certified for the sips. Not sure I want the DS due to the rate of postoperative complications. Idk.
