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losingsoon-- My pleasure-so glad to help in some small way. I love hanging out in sixties forum. We are an especially "gutsy" group to take this on at our age. Boomer power!!! And what sleeversue said about COMPLICATIONS is so, so true and cannot be emphasized enough--many, many complications are a result of patient non-compliance. A pretty large percentage of people go into this surgery not getting it that you must change your old habits, and follow directions -- and that takes serious, lifelong commitment. When you were talking about all the things you've tried over your lifetime to lose weight-- do you remember the Schick Centers (late '70's I think)? I don't know if it was just a CA thing or nationwide. Anyhow, you brought in your "trouble foods" and you'd take a bite and while you were chewing it, they would shock you. Along with some other gross details I'll spare you of. Just one of my MANY attempts!!!! You asked about loose skin--oh yes! I kept a measurements chart as I was losing my weight. My upper arms were 16.5" and are now 12" but most of that is batwings! The surgery to remove the excess skin leaves a huge scar down the length of the inside arm, so I'm not interested. I have excess skin on my abdomen, but not bad enough to qualify for the panni surgery. I'm not of the financial means to have it removed, so there it stays. And we won't even talk about the "upper" body! Thanks for asking--yep, total hip replacement is my only option. Just not ready to take that step. I'm not in debilitating pain and it is not affecting my quality of life (except limiting my exercise), so I'm just going to put it off as long as I can because recovery time for one hip at a time will be about a year. Who has TIME for that??? We're getting a good current group going here-love it!
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Scared about complications
pammycakes replied to SuchaPrettyFaceBUT's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgery is tomorrow morning and until today I had all the same fears. I spent hours researching complications making myself aware. I finally came up with this..... do as my doctor instructs me and I will be fine And sometimes complications just happen due to nothing you or your surgeon did. If a complication does happen it sounds like its a rough recovery but in the end you will meet your goal. TO BE HEALTHY -
Scared about complications
Chaparra replied to SuchaPrettyFaceBUT's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think this forum is great for us all to share out thoughts and concerns about this surgery. I have to say that I wasn't concerned at all about any of the risks. I have read horror stories on here as well, but I've also read many more success stories. When I was at the hospital, everyone (even my doctor) kept commenting on how calm I was. I think my head was on the end result, learning to eat better and being thin again. I think if you follow the doctors instructions to a tee, then you reduce the complications, which is what I did. I was sleeved 02/11/13 and started back at work today. I could have gone back on Friday, but decided to take it off since Monday was a holiday for me. =) I got on the treadmill today and was able to do half the workout that I normally do. Besides following the doctors instructions, don't push yourself beyond your body's limits and I think all will turn out well. -
Scared about complications
karenb4729 replied to SuchaPrettyFaceBUT's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I came very close to talking myself out of the surgery! In fact, I started my "surgery" journey with the hope of having to do a 6 month diet but my insurance didn't require it so I took 6 months myself to try to lose the weight on my own but didn't get very far. I cried the day I got my surgery date and I'm not sure they were tears of happiness but more like tears of fears. The day of the surgery I was hooked up to the IVs and I started crying and aplogizing to my husband for having to resort to such drastic measures to lose weight. When my surgeon came in he asked me how I was feeling and I told him scared and nervous, he wanted to cancel the surgery until I felt more comfortable and that's when I realized that I was more scared not to go through with it. While I had a complication in surgery it was nothing compared to what I have gained now that I'm 8 months out and only 14 lbs from goal. -
seriously for small weight losses like that, do NOT get a surgery! The complications from the surgery are not worth the risk. Invest in a Personal trainer and nutritionist!
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Surgery Scheduled 3/15...Extremely Nervous!
xaviergirl06 posted a topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
So I've been reading posts on this forum for months now and am just getting around to setting up an account. I am currently scheduled for surgery on March 15th with Drs. Cabrera and Valenzuela at Mi Doctor Hospital in Tijuana, MX through Mexico Bariatrics. I am mostly nervous right now because I am planning to travel alone and it doesn't help that I have a pretty unsupportive family. My mother has told me I'm selfish for not thinking about the fact that I could die from having this surgery and my beautiful 22 mth old baby girl would have to grow up without her mother (I'm a single mother). My dad has told me I just need to exercise and that weight loss surgery is crazy and the easy way out. My sister doesnt think it makes sense for me to go to Mexico for surgery and especially not by myself but I don't have much of a choice. No one is available to go with me and my insurance will not cover it in the states. At this point, I really just need a bit of encouragement, guidance, prayers, a buddy, something! What should I pack? Has anyone had surgery with these docs? Any complications? I'm planning to travel in on Thursday. Scheduled for surgery on Friday. Return home on Monday. Back to work on Wednesday. Is that enough time? I can't take off work any longer than that right now. Will I be able to hug/lift my daughter after surgery? What is post op recovery like? Anything in particular I need to be prepared for traveling alone....this is my first time ever going out of the country. \ -
Would You Have Weight Loss Surgery Again?
LeticiaHuggins replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm actually thankful for no complications, no triggers, I can eat anything and I never even started off with pureed foods... Just good chewing... Would I do it again... No! I had already mastered the art of eating healthy and had the desire to work out. I lost 37 lbs and could have lost another 40 on my own and have been content... But not super healthy. I guess because there is sooooo much to learn. Water intake, Proteins, shakes....and Vitamins. Reality is... If I did it the natural way I would still need to do water, Protein, shakes and vits... The difference is I HAVE TO DO IT. I guess I'm just Debbie Downer today. Cry me a river!!! ~Leticia **HW: 259**PreOp: 216**SURG: 3/21/13 **Discharged @: 221**10 days post op: Down 20 lbs** -
So I was banded about 7 years ago. I haven't been filled in probably 5 or 6 years and haven't had any problems with my band until now. My band barely lets me eat anything, everything gets stuck. I hate to say it but Im starting to throw up a lot. I get a burning sensation in my stomach sometimes when I eat. The new thing that started about a week ago is acid reflux at night with a lot of gurgling and discomfort. It wakes me up in the middle of the night and lasts a few hours. I take tums but that doesn't work. I also wake up to a slight cough and random hiccups. My port area isn't sore. I don't know what's going on and can't get into the doctor until Tuesday. Has anyone else had this problem years after being banded?
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Oct. 6,2016 I weighed in at 179. I'm 5'6". BMI OF 29. I'm diabetic and have high blood pressure. I was having complications due to diabetic neuropathy in my stomach. Before it could get to the point of needing a pacemaker I made the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. This would illuminate or reduce the severity of my diabetes. I've only lost 20 lbs in 3 months time. I'm disappointed as I still have 20 lbs left to lose and can't seem to lose any more. I'm also losing a ton of hair. Can someone out there tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'm also exercising like never before. Sent from my LG-K550 using the BariatricPal App
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DaniEA....I had my sleeve surgery March 14th and I feel I'm doing well. I know i'm not out of the time frame for possible complications but I do honestly believe that if you do everything that the staff at Dr. Washington's office advice you to do everything will be just fine. I do not have children but I can understand your uneasy feelings of What ifs.....I had them as well as I'm sure everyone does. Take 1 day at a time...the 1st month is defiantly hard(I'm not going to sugar coat it) you will not be able to get all of your liquids or protein in but try as hard as you can. I was on my way to being dehydrated when I went to be released to travel home to GA and they ended up giving me 2 liters of IV fluids which made me feel soooo much better(wished I had 2 more now...still hard to get fluids) but you feel better every day. I hated that IV in my hand the whole hospital stay but now I wished I had a portable one that I could administer myself...LOL Please let me know if you have any questions...and remember to ask for meds in the hospital if you feel any pain or nauseousness...that's what were there for and sometimes during nurse change over etc...they sometimes get behind! I know you've heard it before but get out of that bed and walk around the halls. It does a world of good... you're not going to feel like it and no one will be their saying...get up and walk but just remember me telling you how much better you will feel...I promise even if its just for 5 min.
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Surgery tomorrow! :o
crystal525 replied to Cookiemonster73's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Me too!!! I'm having every kind of emotion...I'm scared of having a smaller stomach, I'm scared of complications...I'm not scared of the actual surgery though. I only had to do 2 days of Clear liquids before but I'm wondering how the hell I'm going to do this for 3 WEEKS!! 21 days of clear liquids & Protein shakes. Then 7 days of full liquids. Good luck to us both!!! -
Would You Have Weight Loss Surgery Again?
PdxMan replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
And you put the blame for these issues on the surgery? Really? You have no role in this at all ... right? I know people have regrets regarding the surgery, but from what I have seen, that has been due to physical complications. I can see that. But confronting the emotional side of how we abused food should have been a known obstacle we would have to confront. Now that it is in front of you, it is up to you to how you are going to react. -
Would You Have Weight Loss Surgery Again?
Sannah replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Good: My marriage is stronger than ever. I learned my strength. My support system is out of this world! I have lost weight. I have found hidden greatness in everyone. I can move better in my body. I am becoming a better me! Each day of my life is richer. I am leading by example for those around me. Exercising is much easier and enjoyable. Neutral: I eat meat, former vegetarian. I vomit if I consume high sugar. I vomit if I consume high fat. Bad: Leaks suck!! food is disgusting. I don't know what I like or what to eat. Complications of the leak are long and drawn out. My journey has been rough. Esophageal spasm. I feel more disgusted than ever with my body. I can't say if I would do it again. I relish in the greatest that has come from this. I value the changes I have made and am making. But the wounds of complications are still fresh. Everyone says give it a year or two and you'll feel better about this decision. Until then I feel a deep sense of regret, but try to remain focused on all the good. Somedays it's hard to ignore the bad stuff though!! I do go to counseling. I am almost standing strongly on my own two feet again. I read that so many of you would so this again in a heart beat. I hope to join you in this thought process one day!!- 415 replies
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Would You Have Weight Loss Surgery Again?
amytug replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Only 4 weeks out but I had complications. I'd still do it again. I'm glad I don't have to though. That first three weeks was hard!! -
Would You Have Weight Loss Surgery Again?
PdxMan replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
So, you are definitely not the only two here who didn't have complications, yet regret the surgery. I understand that there is going to be that population, for sure. I don't want or mean to discount what you are going through, but I really enjoy working with everyone here on VST through their struggles and triumphs. I feel it is a blessing in my life to be able to try to pay it forward. It is one of the principles of another program I follow. HERE is a post I just made today that holds the same question that I just don't get. You did your research. You knew what to expect. You, like me, had successfully lost weight previously, but regained it back. You, like myself, were tired of this and wanted something that was going to help you to NOT regain that weight back, so you chose the permanent WLS surgery, the sleeve. Not the band, which could be removed ... not RnY, which could be reversed, but the option that forced my hand to be all in. I wanted to stop abusing food and I can only assume you did, too. Do you think you may just be in the mourning phase I spoke of? Do you really want to go back to abusing food? Is it like the wife who wants to go back to the abusive spouse because, "I love him, so!!" -
If you do not have any satiety, than 2 things: 1) keep going for fills, especially since you are able to eat larger volumes and not feeling restriction 2) the vagus nerve (runs alongside the esophagus to the brain), is what sends the signal to the brain that you are full. The increased pressure on this nerve when you eat (and have food sitting in the upper pouch) is what triggers this response. However, it is not immediate. The best advice I can give is slowwwwww it down deliberately. This space between bites allows your vagus nerve to send off a signal and your brain to react. THat way you can stop eating sooner than later. Granted, you'll need sufficient restriction to accomplish this. As the old saying goes, just because you can eat it doesnt mean you should. Limit intake to 1 cup per meal. Hungry or not you still risk complications like stretching the pouch. Hang in there and continue w/ fills
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Two weeks ago I got the flu and vomited several times then I was ok for two days and started throwing up again this time the pain was unbearable. I had my band done in Mexico and found a fill doc four hours away from where I live. There is a doc here but he wanted $2500 just to see me because of the Mexico thing. My pain was so bad I was sure I needed to go to the ER my husband convinced the doc here to see me for an evaluation. The next 24 hours are a blur to me as my pain because so intense. My BP was 175/157, low grade temp., pain so intense it radiated through my abdomen, chest, back, both shoulders, and jaw, sever nausea, vomiting bright red blood lots of it; at one time the did and ekg because they thought I might be having a heart attack. He said I did indeed have an extreme slip to where my entire fundus had passed above the band and yes I had the stitch method used to prevent the band from slipping. That day my wonderful surgeon rushed me to the OR and removed the band. He said when the first saw the stomach it was COAL black. He was afraid the tissue was dead. Luckily, when he removed the band, the tissue above the band began to turn deep purple which meant the blood was beginning to return. Fortunately my doc does BAND TO SLEEVE revisions so that is what I asked for and got. Cost $17000. Ouch! band was $9000 and fills and time travel for fills was $2000. I am glad to be rid of the band if I knew the flu could cause a slip I would never have gone there. I am only 10 days post op from band removal and still very emotional. I am so happy that it's out. I was told about complications of slippage and erosion, but NO ONE every told me about complications of possible neucrosis/death. I keep replaying the whole thing over and over in my head and realize how close I was to losing my life. If I had indeed developed gangrene, I may not be alive right now. The doc said if I would have waited two days I would have died! NO I WOULD NOT RECEIVE ANOTHER LAP BAND NOR RECOMMEND LAP BAND TO ANYONE.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Seems like the sleeve is the way to go and having a doc near by. ***************
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Sleeve or Lap Band? Scared of making wrong choice!
ProjectMe replied to KS123's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I had the choice between sleeve and bypass. Military bases no longer perform the band due to the high number of complications. There seems to be a trend in that regard. -
Sleeve or Lap Band? Scared of making wrong choice!
KS123 replied to KS123's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
@@losing_the_band everything you say backs up what my research keeps telling me and is my fear. The thought of lifetime of new habits with the sleeve seems hard but doable and most of all healthy. A lifetime of dealing with regurgitation and pain from food sticking in pouch sounds unhealthy and worrying about long term complications down the road - who needs that! Since I first posted this I have been to my surgeons seminar and read a lot more. Definitely leaning toward sleeve now. HAVE RULED OUT LAP BAND FOR SURE BY NOW. Even curious about RNY when at first I didn't ever think I would go that extreme. But I can't argue with the long term statistics which are best and longest historical records of sustainability with bypass. So now my question should be sleeve or bypass? I love it that insurance and surgeons will let me choose. Just hope I choose the one I can succeed and live with the side effects for the next 40+ years while still on this Earth! Thanks to everyone providing this amazing blog conversation. I love the honesty with real people in the real world trying to help each other. I plan to lean on you all for years to come. ????????❤️ -
Sleeve or Lap Band? Scared of making wrong choice!
Shrinkingmom replied to KS123's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Sharpie, I am not sure what you meant by "Band requires the patient to actually participate in the process , eating slowly, no drinking while eating , etc." but it sounds like you are saying the sleeve is a easy way that you don't have to do anything to get results. I beg to differ! The only way to be successful with any of these is to "participate" in the process. Also, the only part of the stomach left with a sleeve is called the fundus, which is a very thick firm portion of the stomach, it does not stretch as you said it does. You can eat "slider" foods to be able to eat more or you can "graze" and you will gain weight but you will not stretch it out. I was sleeved 2 1/2 years ago and I am a nurse. I chose the sleeve because out of the three procedures it has the least complication rates long term. My surgeon also does not recommend the band due to the high failure rate and complication rate. I have never had one issue with my sleeve and have maintained my goal weight ONLY by working very hard to maintain my Protein intake, Fluid intake, Vitamin and mineral intake, and exercise. Contrary to popular belief, when you reach goal they are all hard because you have to maintain few enough calories incoming to maintain that much lower weight. K5123 I am sure you will make the right choice for you no matter what that is and I applaude you for looking at the options and researching! Talk to your surgeon and he will also guide you on what is best for your health and your health issues. Good luck and good health! -
I had to have my band out because it slipped twice within 1 1/2 years. It would have been 3 years this June that I had mine put in. Would I have the sleeve even though there were no complications?? Probably not. Why fix something that isn't broken! I liked my band. I have a friend that had the band about 7 years ago and she still has it and is very happy with it. My husband has had his band for 2 years and his hasn't slipped yet. He said the only way he would have his removed is if a complication can up. And he wouldn't get the sleeve. Hes taken up running and has lost 40lbs since Dec and is convinced he can now do it on his own. I don't think he has much of a restriction because of the amount of food he eats!! But he's burning it off with running. He ran his first marathon 2 weeks ago and plans on doing more! I just wish when I went in for WLS would have considered the sleeve. It wasn't as main stream as it is now. I was so worried about not having my whole stomach I didn't research it at all. Now that I have the sleeve I wish I had long time ago because I feel so good. I don't have to worry about small bites, chewing 2500000 times, worrying about something getting stuck or the PBing and sliming when something is. But jsut to remove it with no complications, I don't think I would have.
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Surgeons don't always have the best plan
JamieLogical replied to heychelle912's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Yeah, I was just reading another post from someone whose surgeon had been a complete ass at her most recent follow-up. I don't know if it's that they think "tough love" is needed or what, but it's crazy to think that any doctor could have so little empathy and compassion! The good news is, you have all of us! So unless you are experiencing a real medical complication, you can come here for support and advice and leave that surgeon behind! Another thing that came out of that post I was just reading is that you can turn back to your nutritionist for your diet concerns and you PCP for blood work and medical follow-up. So maybe look at the other professionals you have access too instead of relying on your surgeon for that stuff. -
How Long Did You Go From The 'idea' To Booking Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery ?
waterlover posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was just wondering how long it generally took people to decide to do the surgery from the time they started reading up about it and doing their research. It's only been a few weeks for me, I'm just pouring over message boards and blogs and trying to educate myself and choose a doctor. I'm in a funk right now because I'm thinking about how permanent this is. I'm afraid of complications (leaks, clots, infections & stents and being tube fed etc). I don't know if this is a phase. When I first heard of it I met some people who had gone through the surgery and they were so excited and I was excited and 100% sure I was going to do this. I'm not sure if the bad things I read are proportionate to the successes. Is this normal to feel confusion? -
Humor doesn't always come across the boards. Throughout my banded process the only "diets" i've been on were the pre-op and the pos-op. They were horrible to get through. Otherwise I eat whatever I want in moderation unless my band won't allow it. Pre-op, you are a asked to drastically change your eating habits without the help of the band. But our surgeons ask us to do so for a reason. On another board a lady who was having RNY had her liver split in two during her surgery, it was so damaged and brittle from all the fat. Her medical condition going in was very poor. My surgeon said he could tell I followed my pre-op diet well, because my liver was small and very easy to move around. Our surgeons are operating on us to help us get healthier. The pre-op diet is a time limited event in our lives. Why not do everything you can to make the surgery as safe as possible for yourself? I recently had a complication from a non-related band procedure. It was a simple thing. In-and-out. Miss a day of work. Back on your feet the next day. I ended up with a blood infection (Sepsis) that has a 30% mortality rate. I was in the ER twice, had a fever of 103.8, and missed 3 weeks of work. What could have been done to avoid it? I don't know. But, not cheating on your pre-op can help to limit liver complications. ANYTHING you can do to limit complications is a good thing!
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Had it completely unfilled Friday. Have not vomited ONCE since the unfill. Happily eating low-carb, lots of salads, nuts, fish, things I couldn't eat before. Dr. said that I have Esophagitis and Dysphagia (sp?), I've been put on Nexium and will be following up with a scope. I won't comment to the negative posts, pointing fingers at me for 'failing' at this - that somehow it is my fault, a weakness on my part; all I can say is that you are all so bloody self-righteous when you succeed at weight loss and others don't..... take a moment to remember that you are still a compulsive over-eater, it's just that you have a band around your stomach preventing you from acting like the fat person you still are, deep down inside. That's it for me on these forums, done like dinner. (And I get **** on for posting in a forum for those who suffer COMPLICATIONS?!??? What gives you the right to crap all over my post? A little compassion goes a long way.)
