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I Can't Make Up My Mind! Sleeve Or Band :-/
mrsski21 replied to Jlewis229's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had the Sleeve 6 days ago and I am so HAPPY that I did!! I had no complications and I am able to drink and eat "mushy" food fine. My uncle had the band and he gets sick ALL the time. THey either fill it too much or not enough. I have lost 8 lbs in 7 days. I started at 296 and now down to 276. I lost some before surgery. Good luck!! -
Lap Band & port removed 4 days ago with post op picture
Dream4tc posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi everyone! I had lap band November 2011. This worked well for a while. I lost about 80 pounds, until I had complication Nov 2014. I had problems with vomiting everything I would eat, so my previous surgeon ordered an upper GI and esophageal manometry. Both of those tests confirmed I had a prolapse. Long story short, my insurance company made me switch to a different surgeon. I had my band and port removed 8/10/15. My new surgeon said that my band had also slipped and was sitting sideways which was causing me to have the vomiting. He also did an intra-op EGD to look at my esophagus to see if there was any damage from 9 months of vomiting. He said it didn't look too bad,but I needed to continue my Zantac and Prilosec. He said he had to remove the adhesions(scar tissue) from the band. I am not going to lie, the port removal and scar tissue removal is painful! It was supposed to be an outpatient procedure and go home same day, but I ended up staying the night in the hospital due to pain control and I am really glad I did. IV Dilaudid was the only thing that was helping my pain. They eventually switched me to percocets and that seemed to help with the pain. I am attaching a picture of the port site. I am now 4 days post-op band and port removal and I am still taking percocets for pain, but it is improving. I will be revising to Gastric bypass in late October, early November based on my surgeon's recommendations and my history of GERD. My insurance company wouldn't allow me to have the revision done in 1 surgery, so it has to be done this way. I am interested in hearing from those who have had band to bypass and what their experiences were. There were 3 total incisions. 2 small ones which don't bother me at all, and one large painful incision where port was. This larger incision is the mean monster. -
You look beautiful in both pictures and your face absolutely does not look hollow or too thin or whatever else may try to tell you. You also make a good point where after weight loss people think it's ok to make comments about your body, but somehow it's unacceptable to give it right back to them. Some people just want to poop on your parade. One of my coworkers had weight loss surgery. Prior to going under, she was very open to people and didn't mind word getting around that she was doing it. By the time she was taking her medical leave, everyone knew why. She had some complications and needed extra time off, but came back to work 6 weeks later and had already lost a significant amount of weight. Again... everyone knew why. But people STILL came up to her concern trolling her with questions about if she had cancer. She played it cool, but I would have gone to HR. Of course, some of it can be people just are not used to seeing you this way, but I feel like under no circumstances is it ok to make negative comments when you are working towards a healthier life. Congrats on your success
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@ hubby was with me during the whole process before surgery and after came to "meetings" surgeon, NUT etc one month before WLS i told my entire big family we all live in different states, and we get together for thanksgiving thats where i decided to make the "bold" (for me) decision about telling them my "secret" of the WLS everyone - aunts, uncles, 4 siblings, cousins were happy for me they knew i had struggled most of my life with obesity i've mentioned i always have had "issues" with my mom (she was 81 at the time) like i said - everyone was happy for me!! but in my mothers case ---- she was TOO happy she was ALWAYS critical about my appearance/ "excess" weight her actions when she heard about surgery was more of a RELIEF that she would no longer have a daughter that was the F word (won't say that word) wouldn't feel embarrassed being seen with me NOT over reacting - making a true statement moms excitement had nothing to do with my health (diabetes, high blood pressure etc) never concerned about the act of surgery (possible complications) just happy i wouldn't look so F... kindof lost it for a sec thinking about my past i have talked to a therapist about my situation oh dear guys thanx for not interrupting my rant of course you had no choice LOL btw - don't worry about me seeing a therapits about my "mom" and food issue" issue that i need to deal with back to initial question.... the main reason i chose not to tell many people about WLS was that i didn't want people to keep looking at me to see how much (or how little) weight i was losing didn't want to go there mid way while i was losing i chose to tell a few friends that were supportive other people, what they don't know............. whether you decide to tell lots of people/a few people/no one your choice for you is just that - YOUR choice good luck with your decision and your pending surgery kathy
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Lap band or sleeve? Why did you get revision to sleeve?
JustWatchMe replied to okaykay's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Fair enough. I am a noob myself. The more I learn, the more I learn I need to learn. Bottom line is I won't ignore these symptoms, since complications scare me more than regaining does. -
Lap band or sleeve? Why did you get revision to sleeve?
knitlil09 replied to okaykay's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I originally had a lap band, and now have a sleeve as of earlier this month. I had severe complications with my band and eventually had to have it removed. Toward the end, there wasn't a single day I didn't throw up. I didn't know it at the time, but the lap band has a very high complication rate and many doctors have stopped doing it all together. It's a personally preference, and there is a chance that you will be one of the lucky ones to not have complications with the band, but maybe not. On my way! Thing you might want to consider is that many insurance companies will only pay for one wl surgery per lifetime. Why would you want a surgery that's reversible? -
Confused as to lap band or gastric bypass
Jaffa replied to TXMom38's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Any problems? Well of course. There have been several studies and I think it is around 5% total complications rate with the band at 5 years. No one can really tell you which surgery is best for you. It really is an individual thing. People can really only tell you how the different surgeries work and what the upside or downside to them might be. In reality the doctor has probably already took these things into consideration, if he has asked you about your eating habits and such. I had lapband because it was the only choice available for me, but if I could have had Gastric Sleeve, I probably would have went that direction. Mainly, because I am self pay regardless, and after the first year I have to pay for aftercare, or god forbid any problems. Since you have Insurance paying for it, you should be able to look at the pros and cons of both and decide which one you like best. -
lapband revision bmi 35
Beckh86 replied to tlah's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I am one day post op revision all in one surgery. I feel like a million bucks. The first few minutes in recovery is very rough. I was very nauseous and in a LOT of pain. They got all of that under control quickly and it has been smooth sailing since then. I have had a few instances of reflux when burping and that has been my worst "complication" no nausea, very little discomfort ... I felt like a million bucks when they brought my Breakfast of broth, diluted apple juice, ice and Jello. I didn't touch the jello but the rest was amazing. As of right now I'm feeling so confident about my decision and I already feel better with out the port. -
Lap band or sleeve? Why did you get revision to sleeve?
2muchfun replied to okaykay's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
This is your own opinion and has no basis in fact. You're still grinding your ax here even though your band failure was surgeon induced. Please provide your proof to document your assertion? I believe that most people who fail with the band do so through lack of compliance. Sure, there may be a few who fall into your little niche but people fail with any WLS and most of it is due to lack of compliance. However, compliance is more crucial with the band. Non compliance can create a multitude of serious complications that you won't see with the other WLS. And there is no doubt that our bodies can reject the band, the port and the eating protocols we have to live with. What % is unknown but it's probably at least 33% of the failures. I think most all recently banded patients are aware of the serious consequences of WLS, all WLS. But there happens to be a segment of this patient population who do not want their guts rearranged. Without the band, thousands of this niche, would continue to yo-yo diet till they die an early death. Thanks Heavens for the band. -
Lap band or sleeve? Why did you get revision to sleeve?
CowgirlJane replied to okaykay's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
The problem I have with the study on re operations and complications is that it doesn't define the criteria or time frame. I personally, in real life, know many bandsters including myself, and the complication and re operation rates over the long haul is much much higher than the article states. While I realize that my social circle does not constitute a scientific study something just does not seem right The word "complications" means different things to different people. While death rates are surely higher for sleeve and bypass I don't believe at all that complication rates are higher. I think that article understates it for all actually. I read a study a few years back that 30% of sleevers develop reflux. Many of them at around the 3 year mark. In my mind that is a complication. I know that over the 5-10 year time frame the band has an even higher complication rate. To me the moral of the story is that WLS is no cake walk and really should not be done unless all other avenues have been exhausted. They all come with risks AND different "odds of success". Any individual can either exceed or fall short of those statistics but the excess weight loss stats do sorta paint the picture. For me what the stats don't really capture is quality of life for some people's (apparently not all). Example, I spent a decade where a few tastes of rice would send me vomiting even though ALL of that decade I was morbidly obese. I hit my lifetime highest weight while banded, never got under 200# , experienced alot of pain and vomiting, poor medical care and I really really developed hatred toward the port. I had a lot of self loathing over the topic because I felt like all my band issues were caused by me. I even saw that in this thread. ..essentially that "compliant" patients don't have issues with the band. I no longer believe that statement. .or to put it another way.. I didn't get to weighing twice what an average male should weigh by being consistently compliant with ANY THING! I needed WLS to learn those skills and the band just did not deliver the promises a and was not an effective tool for me. And it was embarrassing to vomit which while infrequent with no fill still happened! Since my revision to the sleeve I have just felt normal (after about 3-6 months post op) and am so far maintaining a massive weight loss...went from a BMI over 50 to my current of around 23. -
I agree with Tracy 200% :lol0: If you advance your diet too soon you can have serious, even life-threatening complications. Follow your surgeon's instructions exactly. Small sip, burp, small sip, burp, etc...that helps reduce the gas pains. If you don't let the burp come up, the next sip will HURT. Walk Walk Walk. Try your best to get in all the recommended fluids so you don't get dehydrated...that's the most important thing the first week or two. You may not reach the goal at first, just try your best. Don't expect to be eating a normal amount of food...you CANNOT fit it in your stomach and will hurt yourself if you try. Yes you may feel weak for a couple of weeks, but just think of this ....you are losing a lot of weight so it is worth it! Be safe, stay positive, post your questions on this forum and we all will do our best to help you!
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LAPCON - The LapBand and WLS Convention...Who's Game?
LittleLisa replied to Cingulus's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I reside near Seattle, WA and would love to attend a lap band convention in Las Vegas. I think Las Vegas is a great spot. Vegas is offering terriffic deals for travel. I would be interested in forums regarding diet, cosmetic surgery options, and excercise. I have been banded almost 2 years and did things pretty much on my own post op based on everyhthing I could read or learn. I was self pay and went to Mexico. Just four days ago I went into surgery again for a bad slip. I had complications after the first surgery and had a second the very next day (nothing would go through my band due to scar tissue). I was now rebanded by a Dr. near Seattle, WA. My insurance paid for the proceedure (thank goodness). Speaking of, that could be another good topic for discussion...Banding in mexico vs. the US. There are deffinately pros and cons. Hope this helps and keep us posted. I would deffinately love to be involved. Thanks, Lisa -
Observations...5 Days Out
cajun replied to Keys Pirate's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Tiff, Sorry to hear about your gallbladder. Glad you found out what the problem was...why wasn't he getting your messages? That sucks. Inflammation of the gallbladder is nothing to mess around with, it can result in serious complications if not taken care of right away, if your liver function tests were high...pancreatitis, sepsis can result. Please don't let them put you off. Were you liver function tests normal? -
I also live in Wichita but I'm going to Kansas City for my surgery. I won't elaborate with why I say this but I wouldn't let any of the surgeons in that group touch me. Frankly, I'm not surprised this happened. I have seen his patients have a lot of complications post op. It's been worth the 8-10 trips to KC to go where I feel safe. Wishing you the best with whatever your decision is.
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Who experienced heartburn or GERD after gastric sleeve?
3catnight replied to 3catnight's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
My surgeon encouraged me to choose the sleeve over bypass because the previous hernia surgery is less likely to cause complications with the sleeve. And I'd like to eventually be able to take anti-inflammatory meds again. My mom had bypass 14 years ago and she can't take anything much for her arthritis because anti-inflammatory meds burn her stomach. I don't want to be in the same boat when I'm her age. -
Kaiser Fremont- Dr. Hahn
audaciousmarie replied to audaciousmarie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi @@Phoenix40! So last Thursday I went for my Nutrition/Surgeon/Coordinator appointment. I'll describe each appointment below: First you are weighed in and your height is taken Nutrition: The nutritionist is a very nice lady and she will ask you about what type of diet you have been on (I started following the 1200 calorie diet after orientation). You will have to describe what you usually eat for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks,etc. She also talks about Vitamins and what type you will need post op (this will depend on if you get the sleeve or bypass) and what to expect as far as diet goes in the first weeks after surgery (i.e. liquids, soft foods, etc) She also informed me about the different types of Protein drinks and answered any questions I had. Surgeon: Dr. Hahn was very patient. He went over my BMI, co morbidities, medications, etc to ensure that I would be a good candidate for surgery. He said it would be my choice whether to go for sleeve or bypass as I would be great candidate for either (I don't have acid reflux). We talked about the differences between sleeve and bypass (right off the bat he discouraged from the lap band so we were in agreement about that). He reiterated that regain was possible with either surgery and so is dumping (so it really comes down to the patient being willing to put in the work to not only lose the weight but keep it off). He went into detail about possible complications withe each procedure (ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia, reflux, etc). He then set a weight loss goal for me. Normally they ask the patients to lose 10% of their body weight but Dr. Hahn only requires a 7-8%, of total body weight, loss. For me 7-8% was 19 pounds (I had already lost 9 pounds since orientation and he credited me so I needed to lose 10 pounds to get a surgery date and 5 pounds to get a psych appointment). The only other requirements Dr. Hahn set out for me, besides weight loss, is attending at least one support group, and an EKG (I already finished my bloodwork). Coordinator: She was very pleasant. She informed of what my next steps to surgery are (support group, psych appointment, etc) and that to be sure I call monthly to update them on my weight and progress. Before the psych appointment each patient must fill out a surgery quiz (located in Chapter 9 of the Bariatric binder) and send it in before the appointment. Overrall it was an interesting yet quick appointment. I was told to expect to be there for 3 hours but for me it was more like 2 hours. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App -
I had my VSG on 4/8/2013. I lost @50 pounds and gained back about 20. I have several underlying medical issues which complicate my exercise but overall I am usually good with my food intake. Over the last year, I have developed what I think is acid reflux. It is so bad that I can't lie down and my healthy eating is now becoming more bland carb-focused because that's what I tolerate best. Even drinking a protein shake can be bothersome. I have NEVER experienced this before, not during any of my 3 pregnancies or at my heaviest weight. I am miserable! I have tried over-the-counter acid reducers and eat tums like candy. I finally talked to my PCP about this yesterday, she is sending me to a GI doctor. She mentioned she wasn't sure what my anatomy would be like now. That caused me to wonder if I should actually see a bariatric surgeon? I of course started to google and found that this can happen even so long out of surgery and that sometimes revision can fix it. Honestly, I don't hate this idea as id like to lose more weight but more so I just want to feel better. My BMI is 32.1 and I have the same insurance as I did 9 years ago. I'm clearly jumping ahead of myself but was wondering if anyone has experience with anything like this?
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Any Blood Clotting and Nausea Issues
ISleevedIt replied to Jazzy1's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
sorry to hear about your complications. I hope you have a speedy recovery and can go home tomorrow. -
What "musts"should I purchases pre op?
athena3127 replied to Countrygrrl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ibuprofen is on my never use again list as well. Check with your dr. All are different. I had no complications with surgery and other than a bit of nausea was up and walking the evening of surgery. Toothbrush, and general things as well as my tablet! I wore jeans home and found very little swelling or soreness bothered me. I was a lucky one and I'm Greatful for my experience. I didn't have issues with gas either. So outside of the nausea I had no problems and do consider myself blessed that gas didn't haunt me. Wishing you all the best! -
any long term data on lapband say 5,10,20 years out?
ShineNSta replied to andielmt's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi andielmt I'm interested in the same... I keep reading about the long-term statistics of the band being not so good so it would be handy if some of the longer-term bandsters came out of the shadows and let us know whether they've had any issues/complications! -
I just got approved by Dr Corvala in Tijuana. Probably last of may. Still have to schedule. Still a little nervous regarding possible complications. Leaks, gerd symptoms, nausea, so many people comment on those issues, I'm a nurse and bmi of 32. 40# to lose. Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app
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Hello, First of all Congradulations to all of you with the band ! I am going in on Tuesday June 5th ( wow two more days ) I am getting very nervous and major cold feet worse than getting married LOL It has been so many yrs since I have had a hospital procedure done I just feel lost wondering what to expect when waking up . I have heard the pain is pretty bad, what was your experience ? Any words of wisdom you would share with me I would be so grateful. I posted before but didnt get a response. I am just getting scared of the " what if's " that I read on the complication board. Plus I watched the video of the surgery kinda wished I hadn't , it looked worse than I expected. I dont mean to sound like a baby but now that the date is so close I am getting nervous and a bit emotional at the same time because it is such a life changing event. My weight has ruled my life physically and emotionally for so long I cant imagine what it would be like to get out of the vicious cycle of diet failure. Deep down I am so excited I cant seep. Does this make any sence Haha ? It isnt just an operation it is going to change my life I hope for the better. Anyway what is it like the day of the surgery and that week ? Anything that I should be aware of or that you wished you would of known? Thanks so much you have no idea how much I appreciate your knowledge:) Sincerely Kim
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I just recently got a number weight for the first time in a long time. It is so nice to know that I no longer weigh Error. I haven't had my band yet, and have been doing this HORRIBLE liquid diet that I hate. But I am losing weight, and I know that the surgery has much less complications if you shrink your liver. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!! If I can, you can. Keep your head up!
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Erosion, The Real Facts
NeenBand replied to Ariel Ortiz M.D. FACS's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I would like the doctors to answer a few erosion questions I have. I am not banded and am nervous about this complication. I am concerned with the stomach's ability to heal after erosion. What are the chances of infection and death with erosion? -
Erosion, The Real Facts
FunnyDuddies replied to Ariel Ortiz M.D. FACS's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
AAAAAAAAAAAH! You posted! Caught you! :target: Look, bottom line is this. For the doctors, if a patient decides they need to complain to you or others because of the care they have received, they have every right to do so. And those who have paid for it themselves have even more of an "investment" into all of this. I think that sometimes surgeons lose site of the fact that many people who have this done save every penny for it, and are taking a big risk health wise and financially. For a surgeon to make a comment like the ones that have been thrown around here are surprising to say the least. If I was wanting more business I would not be making such comments on a board like this one. You want your appearance here to be one of compassion and caring, not of sarcasm and ridicule. And whether it is meant that way or n ot, it is certainly how it came across. Got to remember...we are a bunch of fat and formerly fat people. We have tender feelings and roiled emotions already. :crazy: As for surgeries in Mexico...My grandmother always used to say "One person's palace is another person's shithouse." Do your research, listen to experiences, but there is no way you will know every single detail possible. Just make the most informed choice possible. I feel comfortable with my choice of Dr. Sanchez. But part of that is knowing that if something goes wrong...he takes care of it. And I have spoken to people who have had to have him correct things. I know this is a fact. Seems there are some surgeons out there willing to offer a guarantee on their work. That gives me hope and trust. I cry at some of the stories here. I feel for the folks who have eroded or had some other complications. I sweat over decisions that aren't in my hands. I worry and pray for test results and dr. appts that my fellow LBTers go to. This is damned near a family situation here. We are tied to something, and not just tied by the band, but tied by a common history. A common story. And a common journey. To trivialize anyone's experiences and trials is to trivialize your own. It all comes back to the golden rule, which we have so kindly been made aware is "Do unto others..." Amy
