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Hi all. I made my decision back in August, started the process in September and have been confident, prepared, and ready. Until this week that is when I joined another group on Facebook that had some unfortunate stories of complications. It has been a rough week of me second guessing my decision. I unfollowed that group because although I am well aware of the risks, I don't want them in the forefront of my mind a few days before surgery. Did anyone else have last minute concerns?

I have to be at the hospital in 3 hours. I am nervous and excited. I am scared of complications the most. Pain I can tolerate but if something happens like having to be repeatedly stretched is my biggest fear. I just don't want any post op complication, dehydration, needing to be stretched, diarrhea. I hope I am sble to be home for Christmas. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

I had the brachioplasty done along with inner thigh lift, butt lift, breast lift, and some skin tightening on a previous tummy tuck. That was in 2013 and I have had multiple problems with the brachioplasty ever since. It has gotten much better over time and with lots of treatments but my arms will never be "normal." You can see photos and my review on real self -- just too much to retell here -- https://www.realself.com/review/ramsey-nj-arm-lift-flankplasty-breast-lift-body-lift-medial-thigh-lift I would not discourage anyone from getting the brachioplasty. But to be aware that complications can and do happen, so be prepared for that possibility... go into this without rose colored glasses. Good luck with your surgery!

Yes I got my stuff sent off earlier this week and I put that I wanted DS. I liked that I have a chance to lose 100% of excess weight and the long term go keep it off. All my requirements per my insurance was to sign up for their bariatric program, do 6 months of supervised weight loss program which I was able to do with my pcp, of course bmi over I believe 30 and co morbidity but my bmi alone was enough, and 5 year history of being obese. I also was recommended to get tested for sleep apnea. I recently met with a dr about that and scheduled my test. He said bariatric surgeons recommend it because people with untreated sleep apnea have more chance of post surgery complications, so I'm happy I'm getting tested, but they're so backed up it won't be until after surgery:/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

FattyGirl14 Please stay in hospital. May be sign of infection. I say this because I was the same. I am no doctor but had post op complication. Sooner its treated, the better. Take care Sent from my SM-G925I using the BariatricPal App

I haven't had surgery yet, but I too was ready to get the sleeve and didn't even think about RNY or DS until I met with my surgeon. He goes over all the types he does and I knew rny would have been better because I have so much excess to loose, but I was pulling toward the sleeve. Then he told me at the DS. They do a modified version of it known as SIPS. He said there aren't the same amount of complications as regular DS. My surgeon even told me not to go home and google it because it brings up the normal way of DS and that will scare me out of doing it. He said if I looked up the modified version I would find better information. I decided that I want DS because it's not like the regular one and I will be able to lose all my excess weight. Though I also have to annually check up with my surgeon and take Vitamins for life I say it's a great trade in for a healthy longer life. In terms of malabsorption my PA said they recommend the Vitamin patch because it makes it easier and then I can just take a B complex vitamin. Another huge factor that locked me into getting DS is my surgeon said he was seeing some patients getting the sleeve and they wouldn't lose as much weight as they wanted due to their metabolism being slow. My surgeon's office does a BMR test that tells if your metabolism is slow which is mostly attributed to genetics and isn't too much to do about it (per my PA). When I took my test I had a pretty slow metabolism, so that alone just confirmed me wanting DS.Do you know if your surgeon does the regular switch or modified one? And why he wants to split it in two separate surgeries? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just had my bypass on Monday. Had a few small complications and actually just got home from the hospital a few hours ago (3 days post op). My weight day of surgery was 361.2 and when I weighed myself when I got home was 376!!!!!!!! Someone please tell me this is normal and will just fall off. I obviously haven't had anything to eat except for Water and a couple Protein shakes so how can this be?!?!?! I don't go back to the doctor until Tuesday so I need some help from somebody who's been through this before!!! Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

@@JupiterinVirgo you have no idea how much I needed to hear your words. I too have struggled with trust issues in med field along with self doubt and fear of complications. As I get closer to my surgery date (12/21/16) my addiction is trying everything to win. I know this isn't a cure all, and I know there is lots of work to be done, but fear has held me back for so long, that I have listened as if it is a trusted friend! Your words were exactly what I needed to hear to tell fear, once and for all, to take a hike! I will not let fear rule my life any longer! This is a Weightloss adventure, but the journey is in finding out what we are made of, what we have been missing, and what we are meant to be! Thank you again!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I am so honored, if in some small way my story gives you strength or courage. I know it's really close now-really just stays away for you. The doorway to a new life! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I didn't have any complications and no flares during my recovery but I was on meds [emoji4]

Hi all! I'm getting sleeved tomorrow and I'm nervous. My rheumatologist, primary care doctor, and surgeon are all on board with me having the sleeve done. I'm nervous that I'm going to go into a lupus flare or have complications from it. Does anyone here have an autoimmune disease and also had the sleeve done that would like to share their story?? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

An update Well.. surgery was about six months ago now or a little more! I'm still doing well and in the six months, I've lost 80 pounds. I still have about 50 to go to get to my goal, but 30 would be within the goal the doctors set for me (I wanted to aim for the lowest possible healthy goal which was 130). Most all of the surgery issues I had have gone away. I don't really experience dumping anymore. Occasionally rich food still churns my stomach and I toss my Cookies so to speak... but other than that.. no complications.. my constipation resolved on its own with time etc. I'm still losing hair even though I meet my Protein goals, but I've heard that can last quite a while. I don't measure my food, but I also only take tiny portions when serving myself and I stop before I feel full - there's a happy "comfortable" feeling right before full that I've learned to identify that tells me I've eaten enough. I figure as long as the scales are still steadily going downward that I'm eating correct portions I no longer have any temptation to over eat. My sleeve is perfect at telling me exactly how much and when to eat! Hopefully that will never change I don't notice much loosening in my restriction. I eat high protein and moderate on carbs with a lot of fruit and veggie. I found that eating very low carb made me lose energy, so my dietician said it would be fine to be more moderate on carbs. I don't aim for a number.. I get my protein in first and veggies and then carbs can happen. I get my protein in using a lot of dairy and also some meat (lots of chicken and seafood) I do drink diet pop without any issue. It doesn't cause me pain or make me tempted to eat other sugary foods. I do sometimes eat Desserts, but a lot less often than I did.. I don't feel the need for them the way I used to. I can pass up a cupcake sitting on the counter and just not care.. which was never something I could do before. I regularly exercise, which was something I never did before and I feel good about that. My energy is huge now and I've gone from a size 22 to a size 13 ish. I can wear skinny jeans for the first time and feel great about it and I feel healthier too. I can do so much more than I was able to once upon a time

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Screenshot_20161221-175846.png Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App I'm jealous. Lol. I'm revising too and they made me do the entire process again. All the pre op clearances and the 6 months. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the 6 months and have my surgery this month. But the insurance coordinator said insurance would never approve without it. Now I have to pay my deductible again, pulse my out of pocket witch I'd already paid some of as well. Money I don't have, Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App Interesting you mention this. The lady in my surgeon's office told me the same thing. However, before my new first consultation, I called my insurance and asked what they required and had them send it to me in writing as well. When I told the lady that, she argued with me. She said she had never had a patient NOT have to do all the (long) criteria. I read it to her, and she still didn't agree with me. So, I highlighted it and emailed it to her. She still disagreed. She told me I would have to call insurance and have them call her on 3way to be sure. I did. She told the insurance lady on the phone who was reading her email regarding ME from the bariatric nurse case manager saying that if I was having my band removed and rny done in one procedure, I would be approved with a letter of medical or surgical complications. She told that representative that she talked to this lady (Raylene with BCBS) daily, and that she would call her herself to verify. She called Raylene and TOLD her I didn't have any surgical complications and read her my EGD report. Well, here's the thing, I never claimed to have surgical complications. Mine were medical. When I mentioned that, she gave me to another girl who told me it really wouldn't matter what my endocrinologist said because my band didn't "cause my endocrine problems" and that it would be pointless to submit, but they would if I insisted. See, medical complications to necessitate a revision don't have to be "caused by my band." They can be any medical complication that necessitates the need for a different apporach. So, I went to my next visit very upset, and my surgeon himself walked out to the office manager (lady above the two I'd been dealing with) and asked her if we would burn any bridges by submitting--him knowing we wouldn't--and she said no, we could always appeal then even reapply later. He said thought that was the case, and ordered them to send my paperwork in with my letter from my endocrinologist. I have no idea why they were so adamant that I wouldn't be approved. I honestly think they have been telling people just what they told you and me so that they can use the same checklist for everyone. When challenged by someone who knew better and had done her own research, they were surprised and didn't want to be wrong. That's the only thing I can think of. This submission was much less paperwork for them. I was easily and quickly approved. It's not that I'm stubborn, but I needed to have this now, not in 6 months for 2 reasons. First, my insurance changes Jan 1 and my out of pocket would be much higher. Most urgently, though, is that my endocrine issues were going downhill fast. Without intervention, I would almost assuredly have been diabetic by the 6 month mark. Seems like at this point you are almost there. However, whether it be bariatric surgery or any procedure, my advice is to call you insurance company yourself and ask them for the specific policy on that and to send it to you in writing. Your insurance company provides a service that you and/or your employer pays for. Don't be afraid of them. Know your coverage and advocate for yourself! Best of luck on this journey! It's hard but worthwhile! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Screenshot_20161221-175846.png Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App I'm jealous. Lol. I'm revising too and they made me do the entire process again. All the pre op clearances and the 6 months. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the 6 months and have my surgery this month. But the insurance coordinator said insurance would never approve without it. Now I have to pay my deductible again, pulse my out of pocket witch I'd already paid some of as well. Money I don't have, Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I knew they were taking gallbladder out. Unfortunately there were complications because it was 3x the size and my liver is twice normal size. So now with things out and moved around...it feels kinda funky. Thank you for all the thoughts and cheers. Everyone gets their own surgery story. I pray for all of you that yours is uneventful. I did take a shower and feel human. I'm sure I will want to put makeup on eventually. I'm not tired much...just taking it easy. Mindi in Waterloo Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I really hope it's not a stricture! I was in the hospital for 9 days with complications and I'm so scared to go back. The pain isn't unbearable, I just didn't realize I'd be so sore for so long! However I did have a feeding tube placed during surgery and removed two weeks later which hurt a lot. I think youre right that my body just isn't ready for as many solids right now. I wasn't given a diet plan and didn't have any diet education (I had bypass for bile reflux not weight loss) and that's been a big struggle. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you guys for for the concern. Makes me feel like I do have a support team here on my phone. But I did go get checked at the ER and the dr and my dr looked over my CT scan and said everything looked great, but I do have some kidney stones. So I'll take that then having some serious complications in my stomach. Today was awake up call yall! I lmk gonna do this and I WILL succeed!!! Merry Christmas to yall!!! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I'm also dealing with this issue. I had surgery July 9,2016. I was losing pretty steadily, but this past month has slowed down a lot. My dad is an alcoholic, and I've always been a "drinker". One of my first questions after surgery was..."when can I drink vodka again?" Now though.... I don't feel like I'm a drinker, I feel like an alcoholic. I'd rather drink liquor than eat food. (Since we can't do both at the same time) I also don't want to not drink ever again, sooo I'm having a hard time deciding to seek help. This is definitely complicated and scary and something all wls patients should consider and think about prior to surgery. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

You need to get in touch with your surgical people and your physiologist. If you can not change your behavior not only were you not ready for this change, you are putting yourself in danger of having some very serious complications. say I sound mean if you like but this is the time to put on the adult pants and start acting accordingly

I was diagnosed with Barett's Esophagus after my endoscopy for qualifying for my upcoming sleeve. After listening to the gastroenterologist, and the information he gave me was a little overwhelming to process, he suggested that I have a consultation with my surgeon to discuss how to proceed. After speaking with my surgeon we determined that we are going forward with the sleeve. As he explained it, there is a consensus that there is a possibility that a sleeve can make Barret's worse, but there are only a small amount of studies that are looking into the correlation between the two. In the end we decided that the area affected for me was very small, and if complications were to arise, I can always opt to have the sleeve converted to a bypass. I definitely suggest consulting with your surgeon after he gets the report from the gastroenterologist. Good luck.

Just had surgery had minor complications but am already up o my own peeing

I don't check in until 1 pm - surgery at 2:15. I'm going to be starving, but oh well! I am just nervous about complications and the impact on my husband and three little ones. But I know major issues are statistically rare so I just need to take a deep breath and trust all will turn out fine. Would love to keep in touch and hear how everyone's procedure goes. Wishing all 21st sleevers safe, complication free procedures tomorrow with easy recoveries! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am not sure what the procedure will be at your clinic but my initial consultation was informative. They checked my weight, height. Gave me a lot of information regarding the surgery, pre-diet, and post. Possible complications. They took my insurance information to verify my coverage and find out the requirements. I had my consult in July and my insurance required a 90 day supervised program. I completed that December 6th and had my surgery December 13th. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm sorry you were denied, but don't lose faith. Insurance wouldn't cover my surgery because I didn't meet the qualifications, so I went the self-pay route and had the VSG in Mexico. The total cost was $4200, which included two nights at the Marriott. Had I been able to go through insurance my out-of-pocket expenses would have actually been higher. I had a really positive experience in Mexico, no complications, and have met my goals. My endocrinologist had agreed in advance to provide followup care locally.

That is odd that you're able to eat more now that you have a sleeve. Most people get the sleeve after the band for 2 reasons: Because the band was causing complications, or because the band wasn't working as much as they expected. A lot of people get the revision because the sleeve has a higher/quicker weight loss rate than the band. Have you talked to your doctor about this? I was going to ask if maybe what you're feeling is cravings instead of hunger pangs. But I see where you said that you're feeling nauseous by trying not to eat more than you should be, which makes me think that you're actually feeling hunger pangs. If I were you, I'd call my doctor and discuss this with them. My first assumption would be that they didn't remove as much stomach as most doctors do. I actually know of a woman whose doctor only removed 65% of her stomach, (while most doctors removed 85-90%) and she still felt hunger pangs.