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Hi all, I'm a 30 year old female, around 41/42 BMI. I'm 1 NUT session away from submitting to insurance. I initially went to my surgeon asking for the bypass, to which he said I'm not overweight enough for and wouldn't be worth the complications. He said he wouldn't even consider it for me. And I left it at that. As I'm reading more, I'm having some doubts about the long term success with the sleeve. I know that one can be equally successful with both, but when looking at averages across many people, bypass wins out. In my mind, I would want to take the option that affords me the best chances at success forever. But I'm not sure if there are other considerations I'm not aware of (besides malabsorption and complications). At 40bmi and above, I would think I am definitely eligible for it. I like my surgeon, but I'm not sure if I should search out for a second opinion. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I'm a 30 year old female, around 41/42 BMI. I'm 1 NUT session away from submitting to insurance. I initially went to my surgeon asking for the bypass, to which he said I'm not overweight enough for and wouldn't be worth the complications. He said he wouldn't even consider it for me. And I left it at that. As I'm reading more, I'm having some doubts about the long term success with the sleeve. I know that one can be equally successful with both, but when looking at averages across many people, bypass wins out. In my mind, I would want to take the option that affords me the best chances at success forever. But I'm not sure if there are other considerations I'm not aware of (besides malabsorption and complications). At 40bmi and above, I would think I am definitely eligible for it. I like my surgeon, but I'm not sure if I should search out for a second opinion. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Thank you...I am freaking out thinking he may not be able to complete the surgery...so close to my date I don't need any complications. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hey there @@ShelterDog64! Absolutely spot on. I really don't understand not being responsible for our own decisions. Maybe needing permission makes it easier to eat what you want to eat even if it doesn't help with the weightloss. I made choices last month that I knew would hinder my weightloss a little. I live with the consequences. During the post op diet phase, I kept my doctors list for each stage handy and adhered 100%. I wasn't willing to risk a complication. All has worked out well. Adopting a lifestyle change and letting the old diet mentally go has helped me a lot! Happy New Year!

One year. 110 pounds. As I sit here munching my egg beaters Breakfast, the first thought that pops in my head is thank goodness I love eggs and they agreed with me after my surgery! When I started this journey, I intended to blog about it. That never really materialized. I guess I expected to need to write down everything that happened. But it turned out just to be life. And normal life. That was totally unexpected. Anyway, I know this is going to be a long post and if you indulge me by reading it, thanks. If not, I'm ok with that too. I started at 275 pounds. I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes without my back hurting. I was on medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. I was honestly afraid that I would not live to see my grandkids. (I was 55 years old at the time of my surgery). Today, I am off of all medications. Today, I weigh 165 pounds. I want to lose another 5 to 10 pounds but my doctors are happy where I am. Everyone I know tells me that I'm thin enough. We'll see.At the beginning, I was wearing size 24/26. Today, I wear size 12. I haven't been a size 12 since I was in junior high. I know how blessed I am. I had zero complications of any kind. This honestly seems like a miracle to me. The biggest blessing has been my family. Not only did they completely support me, but my husband went high Protein, low carb and started working out with me. (He has lost 60 pounds!) My biggest NSV was in November in Las Vegas. My husband and I were walking through a shopping center on the strip. I spotted these gorgeous party dresses in a store and decided to walk in. A sales girl told me that i should try one of them on. The largest size was a large and I thought "no way this will fit me". But, I decided to try. I went into the dressing room and slipped into the dress. I was stunned that it seemed too loose. So the girl brought me a Medium. It fit beautifully. So, I bought it. (It is the sequinny dress I wore at the Christmas party in the attached photo). After my hubby and I walked out of the store, I broke down in tears. Never in my wildest dreams would I have been able to wear a size Medium designer dress. Just a couple more things. The weirdest thing for me has been that I don't recognize myself in photos. The attached photo of me looking at my phone in the snow was taken last week by a friend of mine. I didn't realize it was me when I looked at her photos! My biggest challenge -- finding jeans that fit. I've settled into skinny jeans because they are the only ones that don't sag on my butt and thighs. How are things different? Well, I can't eat much and I know better than to overeat. I get drunk easily. I love going to the gym. I ride a mountain bike. I don't worry about dying. I can walk for hours. I could run if I didn't hate running so much. For anyone who is considering this journey....it is not easy but it is completely worth it. Be patient with yourself. The only way to be successful at this is to have your mind in the right place and commit fully.

Thank you ! If you don't mind me asking what we're your complications? That's what I am most nervous about ! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Do I regret having the surgery, no way. I wish I didn't suffer from the complications that I did suffer through, but I have no regrets on having the VSG done. Honestly I probably could have benefited from doning it sooner (like while I was still in my 20's) when my doctor initially tried to get me to do surgery. Losing the weight and feel/looking better was one thing. No longer being injectable insulin dependant was the main reason for my having the surgery. Anything that I could do to get my type 2 diabetes either removed or under better control was what I was after. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Well I wouldn't base anything off a single reading. I would suggest getting a bp home monitor and watch your levels for a few days, if they continue to be high, contact your OB. Of course poor eating choices can impact your blood pressure, so try to get back on track with your eating and see how that impacts your bp. At this point you need to focus on your baby and if your bp is high you need to work with your OB to monitor and correct if needed. Both you and the baby need you to be as healthy at this point as you can be, I have seen really bad complications in pregnancy due to high bp, please monitor it and don't take any risks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@LipstickLady if you read what I wrote you would know I wasn't referring to you or your response (though good to know you're not sorry). You simply said you hadn't regretted it. I had no problem with that. I was aggravated by people chiming in on a serious post about how they regretted it... and then had to add that they didn't do it sooner, which had nothing to do with what I asked and took away from some of the more serious stories being shared here of complications and regrets.

I was banded in 2010. I lost 100 lbs, but had too many complications as of the last few years. I gained 50 lbs and then lost it again. I gained about 20 in the last 3 months due to not being able to eat properly with stomach lining fluctuations. I was unbanded and sleeved in 1 surgery 1 week ago. I can already tell a huge difference in hormonal changes with removing the part of the stomach that produces gheralin. Recovery has been much easier and I'm down 17.5 lbs. life is good thus far....and no acid reflux! So far so good! SW:327 CW:239 GW:155 Heather in Texas

Hello I have been researching the sleeve just curious If anyone regrets the surgery due to complications?? Thanks ! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So long story short....I was banded in 2005 and due to recent complications I am having it removed in February and then gastric bypass in March or April. My endocrinologist is suggesting an insulin pump right now for my diabetes. I am taking 5-6 shots a day and three pills and it is still not under control. It sounds absolutely wonderful to be free of the multiple daily injections. I will have to pay a $1000 deductible and then 30% of the pump which will be about $2400. I spoke with my surgeon and he as well thought it was a good idea. I was hoping after I had the bypass I would not have to take insulin after I had a significant weight loss. I do not want to invest that much money on an insulin pump and only need it for about a year. So I was wondering if any of you have had a similar situation, or if you had to take multiple injections daily and was able to get off of insulin completely and how long it took you?

Please hear me. I had vsg surgery in May 2016. I did so willingly and earnestly determined that this surgery would be my saviour. I am housebound and mostly bedbound from a chronic illness and the NHS bariatric team felt this surgery would "change my life". And it did, Not for the better due to many life threatening post op complications and many predictable ones. I own this because made the decision. During this time, I was very vocal here about my disappointment in the NHS bariatric programme that I was a part of. I have expressed my annoyance at lack of support from my "team" etc. But please hear me, if this surgery is right for you, if you have studied, are supported, are confident, go ahead and take the chance. For me personally, this surgery was wrong for me but for others, it might be the golden ticket. Most of the die hard "happy sleevers" have blocked me so I get no hassle for expressing myself anymore, but for awhile, I did. BP was a hostile place for me only because I dared to say, look, just really research the anomalies, people like me (the 5%) who found out that this surgery was a bad idea for them. I still regret my surgery because the point was to become more healthy and more active. I am now less healthy and less active. But that doesn't mean that it might not be right for others. And regretting it doesn't really make much difference. Once the vsg has been performed, that's it done. Forever. I just want folk here to know that some of us, really do think that this was a bad idea. Pre op, post op, whatever. Just to know that someone thought it sucked and you can get support if you want it. That's all really. Not all of us love our sleeve. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't been here in a long time, and I wasn't even supposed to be getting notifications on this post anymore (in fact, my account was supposed to have been deleted, but clearly that was a lie). But today I was notified of a response here. First off, @@GinaCampbell I am so sorry for what you've been through. It's horrific. I feel like a lot of people, even here in the US, are not given adequate information about these surgeries and the severe risks and consequences that can come with them. When I had my consult we (meaning my husband and myself) watched a video (as in on VHS) that was clearly over a decade old and didn't even have information about sleeve surgery. It was predictable, cheerleader, yay, this is awesome propaganda. Which was what I expected. I already knew more about the various surgeries going into that consult than a good number of people do even after they've had surgery (based on personal experiences with friends and acquaintances that have had it). I ultimately decided the risk of complications, especially given my personal history with surgeries and complications, was simply too high and I was not prepared to risk bankruptcy to have the surgery, as my insurance did not cover it. My situation has since changed. The insurance I have this year seems likely to cover it (as in, the state mandates WLS be covered, but because my situation is unique, they may refuse me anyway and I won't do it any other way). I appreciate those of you who took the time to answer this question as it was intended. In other words, you either replied yes, that you regretted it or no, and not the "only that I didn't do it sooner," which is irrelevant to what I was asking and just sounds so preachy. I understand that this is likely not your intent (or maybe it is in some cases, what do I know), but just for what it's worth, when you answer a question that wasn't actually asked it comes across as a bit patronizing, condescending and, frankly, even rude.

As someone with absolutely zero self-confidence that got used being labelled as the "fat funny guy", it feels kinda weird being 'skinny'. Some of my friends and relatives tell me my humor feels way more sinister with this much weight gone, that I look "colder", pretentious and more distant as well, but at least they say "But damn, now you sure are good-looking!" The thing that changed the most outside of that is that nowadays people will actually sit next to me in a train or a bus, people talk to me more, and I spotted people checking me out and/or smiling at me, or even some girls flirting with me. Of course to all of that my only answers are either misplaced nihilism, shyness and/or a faked lack of interest. I think, my main problem, is that years of obesity have made me paranoid and self-esteemless (not sure if it's a good term). I don't trust people that well except for a few good friends. If someone comes to me and tells me a compliment or show real interest, my first reaction is to think 'uhoh, they're probably fucking with me right now, must be a bet", even though I perfectly know I fit the "social" physical norms. So yeah, my global feeling regarding this is between "Wow, cool"/"I have never gotten this far, what should I do" and "Why is it all so complicated for me to be a normal human being". Other thing that changed is my wardrobe, I sold/gave almost all my old clothes in which I was floating like a ghost, and bought nice clothes. Wearing a "Medium" size rather than a XXXL sure gives me more opportunity to buy new outfits. That's about all I can say for now I guess

Hahaha this made me laugh, my dog is looking at me right now like Wtf is up with you My diet was different (easy- full liqs 1 wk, purée 1 wk, semi solids- 1 wk, 4th wk PO whatever I tolerated), my surgeon is excellent (aka I'm still alive- no complications what so ever not even constipated! Yay!!) the hospital is not a center for excellence. If anyone wants to call them please let me know I'll give you the phone number lol

Slightly apprehensive about surgery, anesthesia, and possible complications. It's the analytical part of me, haha. Thanks for your kindness. How are you feeling? Understandable! But you will be fine and your health and your life are priority! You have a few more weeks! I am excited for you! I have been experiencing the nervousness as well but also remind myself of the possibilities afterwards! I am excited for us all! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi dawnpop - I'm waiting to hear about my surgeon appt. (Calgary). I've been going through the process since about Sept. I find after all, that the time is much needed, especially for me. I'm still on the fence. Perhaps an interview with the surgeon will make me decide what to do, one way or another. If you get a referral from your doctor and you meet the BMI requirement, you can go through provincial healthcare. Honestly, the wait isn't even as long as it is for knee replacement, etc. Early October 2016 was my first appt. I may see a surgeon in February and surgery could be 6-8 months away. I have no pre-existing/co-morbidities so it could possibly take longer if they need to push other patients up with poor health. So if it does turn out to be 8 months from Feb then it takes me to a 1 year wait from 1st appt. or thereabouts. If you're 100% positive this surgery is for you, and you've done a TON of research, then self-pay may be the way to go for you. That was my initial route. As for places in Mexico - there is a Canadian affiliated clinic there - it used to be WLF (Weight Loss Forever), but I believe they've changed their name. You can google WLF and it should go to the new website. My quoted cost was $13,500, which is the same price as I was quoted from the doctor in Montreal that does it via self-pay. My research turned up nothing in Alberta for self-pay options - other than SmartShape and I think it was considerably more $ and they don't seem to do many VSG surgeries. The Bariatric Clinic, at least in Calgary, no longer performs Lapband surgery as there are too many complications. Thanks for the reply, Tracy! Yeah, problem is SmartShape for VSG in Alberta is $19,000 and public wait times seem long especially when I haven't even been referred yet. I went to my doctor in Edmonton last year around Spring and she flat out said no because she felt I haven't tried hard enough to lose weight on my own. I'm too nervous to bring it up with my current doctor here in Bonnyville. I have heard that going publicly in Alberta could be 2-5 years in waiting time so I knew that wouldn't work for me. I have an appointment coming up soon, maybe I'll try to work up the courage to talk to my doctor about it. I just have a lot of fears of being rejected at different stages in the process. I'm a bit edgy about the surgery still, but as I said the wait turned out to be a good thing for me for many reasons. Although I'll talk to my doctor about everything at some point, other than getting the referral from her, I haven't talked about it yet. Honestly, she doesn't know much and when I mentioned to the psychologist about seeing my GP to discuss it, she warned that very few doctors know much about the surgery. I know mine didn't when I got the referral, but she may have done some reading up by now. You need/want a referral - so make sure the doctor knows how many times you've tried. She/he is missing the point entirely. You may or may not have tried hard enough, but you tried and failed and gained it back no doubt. That's the pattern. Talk to her again and emphasize that you feel you have done a lot of work to lose weight and it isn't working. The AMA just declared obesity a disease - this will make it easier for you :-)

Hi dawnpop - I'm waiting to hear about my surgeon appt. (Calgary). I've been going through the process since about Sept. I find after all, that the time is much needed, especially for me. I'm still on the fence. Perhaps an interview with the surgeon will make me decide what to do, one way or another. If you get a referral from your doctor and you meet the BMI requirement, you can go through provincial healthcare. Honestly, the wait isn't even as long as it is for knee replacement, etc. Early October 2016 was my first appt. I may see a surgeon in February and surgery could be 6-8 months away. I have no pre-existing/co-morbidities so it could possibly take longer if they need to push other patients up with poor health. So if it does turn out to be 8 months from Feb then it takes me to a 1 year wait from 1st appt. or thereabouts. If you're 100% positive this surgery is for you, and you've done a TON of research, then self-pay may be the way to go for you. That was my initial route. As for places in Mexico - there is a Canadian affiliated clinic there - it used to be WLF (Weight Loss Forever), but I believe they've changed their name. You can google WLF and it should go to the new website. My quoted cost was $13,500, which is the same price as I was quoted from the doctor in Montreal that does it via self-pay. My research turned up nothing in Alberta for self-pay options - other than SmartShape and I think it was considerably more $ and they don't seem to do many VSG surgeries. The Bariatric Clinic, at least in Calgary, no longer performs Lapband surgery as there are too many complications. Thanks for the reply, Tracy! Yeah, problem is SmartShape for VSG in Alberta is $19,000 and public wait times seem long especially when I haven't even been referred yet. I went to my doctor in Edmonton last year around Spring and she flat out said no because she felt I haven't tried hard enough to lose weight on my own. I'm too nervous to bring it up with my current doctor here in Bonnyville. I have heard that going publicly in Alberta could be 2-5 years in waiting time so I knew that wouldn't work for me. I have an appointment coming up soon, maybe I'll try to work up the courage to talk to my doctor about it. I just have a lot of fears of being rejected at different stages in the process.

I've gained back almost 40 lbs as well and that's because I never made my goal so I have more than that to lose. I had a baby which accounts for some of it. Due to complications, I was told to increase my calories and Protein intake and I may have taken it too far. I also haven't been able to exercise due to sciatica and knee pain. I was already losing my mind and eating poorly and then these things made it so much easier. I had barely been maintaining my weight with 5 high intensity workouts a week. If I go back to full liquids, how long is best? I'm thinking three weeks at least. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I took 6 weeks off and have an office job. I had some complications and overall feel blessed that I had the full 6 weeks to work on myself without having to go to work. Don't rush back!

I'm from Argentina and I'll have a gastric sleeve. Here the surgeon chooses which surgery works best for each patient, it's not for us to choose though I'd have chosen the sleeve if I was asked, mainly because recovery seems to be fastest and complications less.

My surgery is tomorrow, and I am a ball of nerves. I'm considered low risk, so I'm really hoping everything goes well and there are no complications! I've got to finish packing my hospital bag tonight. I can't believe it's here! How is everyone doing?

Actually, as a registered nurse, I would say that the point of going through the phases of diet post-operatively is to allow the suture line to heal, and to allow the new structure of the stomach to slowly accommodate to the new functioning through gradual adaptation. Which is why the physicians give the diet progression instructions the way they do. Please see my post on the subject (link in my signature, "I'm not a doctor but..."). Once your surgeon has cleared you for a full diet, I agree that we all need to learn to eat more intuitively. But during the healing phases, it's more important to adhere to your surgeon's instructions to avoid infections, leaks, and other complications that can lead to more surgery, hospitalizations, and death. Yes, that is what I just said. The "new" foods in this scenario is starting with the Clear Liquids, making sure your new stomach can handle that, then moving on through each phase in the healing process. When I talk about "listening to your body" I am not strictly talking about trying new foods, I am meaning with all things. If you are on full liquids but the broth you are eating makes you nauseous, listen to your body and don't eat that. That's what I am saying.

I am almost 6 months post op. My initial pouch was 4 oz. I was a little bit of a different case because I had a leak complication with my surgery which prevented me from being able to eat or drink at all for the first 5 weeks. At 5 weeks, when the leak was healed, I could eat one hard boiled egg. Today, I could probably eat two hard boiled eggs and two pieces of bacon. When I eat out with my friends/family, I tend to eat 1/2 to 1/3 of the portion I am served. I eat kind of like those teeny tiny skinny ladies who seem to barely eat... and you always wonder if they feel constantly starved...only it is not miserable. You feel just fine/full. At first, be prepared for waiters to ask you if "everything is ok" and you like your food (because you ate so little of it).