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I had my band removed after it being there for just over 10 years. My most weight lost with the band was 46kg. 10kg away from goal. I had some complications, slippage, erosion, gained 21kg. I had the band removed about 2 / 3 years ago and was sleeved, this gave me a weight loss of 27kg. Then I gained another 19kg. My surgeon said the reason my sleeve wasn't successful was because the band had made a 'dogs breakfast' of my stomach and it was impossible to get a good sleeve shape with the damage done. To be honest, if I'd have known that at the time I'd have asked to go straight to bypass from band. Instead of having to have another operation last month to go from sleeve to bypass. This was just my personal experience, don't know about the 50% failure rate. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So, I'm about five weeks out from surgery -- May 6th. For reference, I'm a 39 y.o. male, BMI 42 (6'1, wt. 330). My cardiac scans were good, I'm going for an EGD on Thursday due to concerns about GERD and some upper right quadrant pain that could be gall bladder, but is more likely due to my enlarged liver. I have been diagnosed with fatty liver (without scarring, thankfully), but my liver enzymes are normal. My surgeon suspects that my upper right quadrant pain (it is very mild and intermittent) is the enlarged liver pushing against the "capsule" that it sits in. Hopefully with weight loss, this problem will resolve itself. I'm in generally good health otherwise -- I have sleep apnea, as you'd expect for someone who is 120 pounds overweight, but no diabetes or cardiopulminary issues. Aside from some recurrent allergies, sinus infections, I think I'm in decent health (for an obese man). So here's my question. I'm a worrier -- I worry (needlessly, most likely) about post-operative and perioperative complications. I know that my anxiety is normal and not the end of the world, but I'd like to know: 1. What is the real complication rate associated with VSG? I know that general anesthesia always carries risks, but these are generally small. What are the chances of leaks and so on? My doctor (Dr. Robert Landerholm in WA state) has performed "hundreds" of VSG's with "one" leak (due, he said, to patient noncompliance), so I'm hoping that surgeon competency isn't an issue. 2. What can I do now, in the month leading up to surgery, and after surgery, to increase my chances of a successful, complication-free operation? I suspect that with an already-diagnosed fatty liver, the pre-op diet is going to be crucial. I'm also going to start doing cardio work every single day to make sure my heart and lungs and immune system are as strong before the operation as I can make them. Is there anything else I can or should be doing?

You made the right decision. I am ready for restriction too. Bypass has way to many complications that could occur. Hang in there!

I'm just scared of waking up and finding out that something went wrong. That there were complications, I already had the Lap band done, a some years back. WHICH WAS A HORROR STORY!!! But I know I have a good doctor that is very experienced and very good at what he does. Very excited just can't wait. Haven't been skinny as you put it since my senior year of high school

Keep in mind, everyone gets cold feet the last few weeks, so what you are feeling is normal nerves. BUT there are people that get the surgery and regret it long term, so use this time to weigh all your options. Option 1. Get the surgery as planned. 2. If you are a candidate, go with a sleeve instead.. fewer complications (but if they do happen, they'll be just as expensive as the bypass ones). 3. Cancel the surgery, with the understanding that you may reschedule when you are comfortable. 4. Reschedule the surgery for January. 5. Have the surgery in Mexico, and that would leave quite a bit of money in your bank account to help with any complications. (I went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and have no problem recommending that option to others. It was a very good experience.. and Dr. Illan is willing to help with any future issues, you just have to be able to fly down for the care). Complications from surgery would be expensive, but so are complications from morbid obesity. Diet and exercise programs are a bargain, so if you haven't tried them, that may be a great thing to do if you choose options 3 or 4.

Hello mcloser, welcome to LBT and welcome to bandland! I posted this on another thread, but thought it might help you so I'm posting it here, too. I do understand your desire to chew something, I really do, but... Just because something goes down okay doesn't mean it isn't setting us up for damage later. ANY solid food is just that, FOOD and could be "major." The sutures are helping scar tissue form around the band and that's what holds it in place on our stomachs. The sutures only help hold it on the front, scar tissue is all that holds it on the back of the stomach. Everytime we eat something more than a liquid, (and no, chewing something until it's liquid does not count) it causes our stomachs (which are muscular) to churn and undulate to digest that food. That churning stops the scar tissue from forming, or helps break new scar tissue just barely formed. Liquid requires little stomach movement to process. When we start to chew something, that lets our digestive system know that food is coming down, fluids begin to be secreted to aid in digestion and the stomach starts moving in preparation to start the breakdown of food. I understand that some doctors move folks along faster in their diet programs, that's okay if it's what your doctor says to do, but Allergan (the manufacturer of the band) advises a very slow progression. Damage we do now freshly banded may not show up until a year or two down the line. Maybe we have a bad episode of vomiting and because we just couldn't wait to chew, we didn't get good adhesion of scar tissue early on, it may slip. Most everyone here says that we should always follow our own doctor's advice. My doc's practice is a slow one, 4-6 weeks for solids as well. The Allergan website (the folks who MAKE the LapBand) says this about food stages: Post-Surgery Nutrition After surgery, you will need a new nutrition plan. Your surgeon and/or dietitian can help you learn about and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make. It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the operation. In the first few weeks after your surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, you will be able to eat solid foods. Granted perhaps there is new research that says prolonged periods on liquid diets are not necessary and the Allergan site just hasn't been updated yet. However, I would want to know WHY a surgeon and nut (nutritionist) would make such drastic changes to their post-op eating plans. I would also ask that surgeon about what her/his complication rate is and more specifically what their SLIP rates are. Are they making these changes because of the AP band and the selling point that it's less likely to slip because of it's width? Is there a study they can show me to support the move so soon to soft foods? Has surgical technique changed and is there a way now to access the back of the stomach (not previously accessed because of it's proximity to the spinal nerves) and suture the band (I haven't heard of it)? At least that's what the band folks have said for years that is how it all happens. That's how I was always taught that digestion works. Perhaps someone somewhere has done a new study and what we've always believed is actually not right. It's possible. Do you see now why I'm hesitant to eat early? Of course, if somoene can show me concrete good data (not just a study with a sample of a few patients) that our previous held beliefs are wirng, then I'll be happy to change my thought process. Think about this, it is only 4 to 6 weeks out of your LIFE. Is that really that awful? Are we so far gone that we can't make a committment to something for a month to then have it help us in the long run? You can do this!!!! We can do this!!!!

I agree with Meesh. My doc has a strict diet policy pre-surgery, and he hopes you continue the diet post-op. He took me down to liquid slowly. First, I had a few months of low-carb diet. (This is the most difficult part, IMHO.) Then he took me down to soft, easy to digest foods, and finally, liquids only for the week before surgery. Was it fun? No. However, Meesh is correct. The liver should be reduced to avoid complications, bruising and even splitting of your liver. Who needs that? Getting a band is enough to handle. Don't make your body work more than it has to.

I remember when I was pregnant with my daughter. Everyone had a horror story about 48 hour labors, delivery complications, etc. At the time, I wondered why on earth people would share such terrible things with someone who was so happy to be having a child. (I went through infertility treatments - the pregnancy was a blessing and I was scared enough.) You know there could be complications. I'm assuming you know the numbers and the frequency. If not, ask your doc for that info. They are relatively small. And you have the story of every person here who had an experience that was uneventful and is thrilled with the choice they made. Like me. If I had the choice, I'd do it all over again. CJ

I am considering Lap Band surgery and going through the pre-surgery qualification process. I am optimistic about the prospect of substantial long-term weight loss. I know quite a few people that have had gastric by-pass with mixed results and significant and even fatal complications. I don't think I would ever consider that option but I like the less invasive aspects of the Lap Band. Any advise anyone could offer a "seeker" would be welcome.

Someone told me about an insurance product, Complication Insurance, which you might want to look into purchasing if you are worried about complications of the surgery. I know I will be buying a policy when I get my procedure scheduled. Good luck.

Welcome Aboard! God leads us when we least expect it! Look where he sent you to learn about options. How wonderful. I truely believe you made the right choice. It took me two yrs of research & still near the two week mark I wondered a bit about which surgery. My Doctors does both- But after more & more support groups in person - I KNOW I chose the right one. RNY seems to have so many serious complications that are so life threatening. With your children in the picture, I am so glad you changed your mind. Keep us posted on your journey!

Yes, I've read some of those. I'm not sure I'm willing to risk the other complications of the surgery for at best a 56% chance. I am from south Texas and am extremely concerned about the risk of dehydration, which seems to be a common post-op complication. I have enough problem with dry mouth after surgery, so to only be able to take in an ounce at a time is unacceptable to me. I take birth control that needs to be taken at the same time every day and Zyrtec, so need to be able to drink at least 4 ounces of Water to get those down. I'm unwilling to risk pregnancy, and other birth control methods are out. I also take a lot of Ibuprofen, and if I can't take that over the next couple of years would have to take narcotics 24/7. I would be open to a modified version of the surgery, but will not budge on being able to consume 8 ounces of water at a time, as in 5-10 minutes. I am also concerned that my lifestyle would make it extremely difficult to keep up with the supplement regimen. I have five children that I get out the door at four different times to four different schools over a 3 hour period every morning. I will be recovering from a hernia mesh removal at the same time, which is bad enough, and for which I will need to take Percoset and Ibuprofen. My doctor is telling me taking pills right after surgery won't be a problem, but I call bullsh!t on that, from what I have read and what the dietician told me. I already consume more Protein than the recommended amount but have low albumin levels. I'm afraid I would be constantly taking in protein to the exclusion of vegetables and fruit. I'm also anemic, and have been for quite a while. Of course, being pregnant and breastfeeding for the better part of 17 years up until a couple of years ago has a lot to do with that. But I have trouble remembering to take that one little Iron pill a day, so taking several throughout the day is probably not going to happen.

Hi SexyMama....It sure does sound like this is right for you. You've been doing your research (and have found this website full of helpful information). Just keep in mind that you are an individual and what happened with your sister doesn't mean that you will have the same complications. I wish you the best with the surgery.

Fiddle, looking around I found some more elaborate answers for the "I'm going to puke feeling", you may have already read all of these but here you go... High or maximum heart rate and uncontrolled breathing, which elevates the blood pressure to heights that can give a 'sick to the stomach' feeling. The nausea that one feels is a result of burning so much glycogen out of the muscles that the body attempts to continue muscular contraction by manufacturing more glucose out of the lactic acid that has been building up within the muscle. <Long chemical process explanation> The upshot of this complicated biochemical process is that when a trainee runs out of glycogen in his working muscles and his body liberates lactate into his bloodstream, his pH levels drop off markedly, producing a strong lactic acidosis and feelings of nausea. This effect causes a drop in blood pressure (often perceived as light-headedness), and the inadequate blood flow to the abdomen produces the feeling of nausea. A couple ways to combat this feeling: Increase rest time between sets to allow the body to keep up with the demands that are being placed on it Consume a bit of sugar immediately upon feeling the symptoms (or beforehand if you are certain that this will be a problem). If you feel nauseous during or after your workouts, it may be a sign that you overdid it. People often report feeling nauseous when they over-train, according to R.W. Fry and colleagues in a September 1994 article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Ensure that you do not get sick from over-training by verifying that your heart rate is not above 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. If you do not want to stop to measure your pulse, a good rule of thumb is that if you have to stop repeatedly to catch your breath, you are working too hard. Nausea during or after exercise may also be a sign of a hormone disorder called pheochromocytoma. Symptoms of pheochromocytoma include a high heart rate along with headaches, sweating, chest pain and feelings of anxiety. People with pheochromocytoma often feel nauseous and vomit after exercise. Consult your doctor if your nausea and high heart rate during exercise persists despite lowering the intensity of your workout and waiting three or four hours after meals to work out. So, it seems that the nauseous feeling after a workout can be from over training or it can be from just pushing yourself to the next level.

So sorry to hear you miscarried. You'll get back up in fills try to be patient. I know thats easier said then done. I think it's wonderful your doctor fills slowly it prevents complications and future emergency unfills. God Bless you

Why must they know the exact surgery you are having? Did you do all your pre-op testing? I have a hernia and adhesions and 2 polyps that need to be removed. I've had previous surgeries and my insides are a bit of a mess. I'm going in to have those removed. Enough said. I'm not telling anyone but my parents, husband son and ONE friend. 3 week liquid pre-op diet...I started a Protein shake diet, my doctor thinks I should lose weight before I have surgery, enough said. You will not know if you can or can't have a family until you lose the weight, so you have to look at what is right in front of you, the immediate. Life is scary and we are all afraid of things but fearing something that you have no control over right now, is not worth the anxiety (and binge eating or overeating because of fears it brings on). Take one thing at a time. I have a lot of fears, my fears are ridiculous, will I poop during surgery, will the drain make me want to gag, will I be able to afford new clothes once I lose weight. I have big fears too did I remember to pay the bills that are due this week while I'll be gone, do I have enough money to pay the bills. Will there be complications? My husband is an eater and a muncher and our relationship has changed over the past 7 months. He needs to keep up with me a bit, I can't just sit around, I need to move, he needs to move with me. He's accepted me and loved me at this weight, but I haven't loved myself. He needs to adjust to the new me, just like I have to adjust, and life has to change for the family. I can't take care of them, if I can't take care of myself. His habits will change because I have been cooking different and I am making him and my son become more active. Your relationship with your husband will change, but it doesn't mean it will be for the worst. That's another fear you need to let go of, and take it one step at a time. Long term fears, will I lose all this weight to end up still feeling insecure. Will I still have this pleasant disposition (hahaha - i'm quite the cranky person) after I lose weight. Will I do all this to end up having a stroke or kidney failure due to the lupus. These fears....I have zero control over right now. I let it go. What happens happens... I'm taking one step at a time, fear will eat me up. I spent since 1999 sick with one thing or another and battling my weight, I was embarrassed by my weight enough I refused to shop on weekends because I might run into someone I know. Take one step at a time, spend each day working on giving yourself some positive feedback, and figuring out where you have issues with food, if you don't chart your food, do so now, chew slowly, get your 64 ounces of Water in, and realize you are worth it, you can do it and you will take each thing as it comes. Get your husband involved with the new you, make changes together and the transition won't be so hard. I wish you nothing but the best and there are so many people that share the same fears as you, and there's so much support here, I'm sure others can relate to how you are feeling too. I just had to give it up because it was eating me alive.

Hi everyone! I am 27 years old, married in June of 2008. I am getting banded on tuesday January 6th 2009. The reason I am having this done is so that I can be healthy enough to have a baby. It will be my first. This is where things get a bit weird. You see I am a teacher of students with special needs. I teach kids with autism, downs syndrome, cerbral palsy, etc. and I ADORE my job. However, I am naturally paranoid about having a child with a disability and want to take all precautions while I am pregnant. Has anyone heard anything about this band creating any type of birth defects or complications with the pregnancy. I know it may not be what everyone wants to talk about but I think it's important to know. Thanks for understanding. Meghan

If you're getting stuck all the time, a fill isn't what you need. If anything I'd get your band checked just to be sure childbirth hasn't caused any complications with it. In the meantime, I would suggest taking very small bites, like the size of your fingernail, and being careful to pause between bites. Bite size can make a huge difference in eating success. Congratulations on your baby!

I also had my surgery on June 4th. Also lost 17lbs :-) no complications, but I got that horrible feeling on the chest from eating one too many spoons. I'm on mashed foods but working my way to soft foods. Do you exercises?

Well all I am 1 year and almost 1 month post op. I am 3 lbs from loosing one hundred pounds, and I am feeling wonderful. However not so wonderful when I eat just about anything really. I can eat and within minutes to an hour I feel so sick that I gag and vomit on most occasions. I had complications in the begining and I am concerned that they are going to be long term if permanent complications. I am still only able to eat very little which is great, but that very little makes me feel like I have been hit by a Mack Truck and it sits and hurts until it comes back up. I hate that I am still going through so much, but you know what I look at the plus side of it. I am reaching my goal and I am loving the new me!!! Did you or are you having these problems??

Hi,,, Wow... I would say totally not normal... I will get a stomach pain once in a while and each time I know its from eating tooo fast and not chewing enough, but I have never actually vomitted or became so ill from eating that I thought I would be sick, never had that at all. To me it does sound like a complication that you should pursue with your doctor and hopefully it can be fixed.. Wishing you the best, and hoping the doc can figure it out, possibly something very minor!! Take are & good luck

I had surgery on the 17th I am doing good as well, not in as much pain as I was in yesterday, although the gas is killing me!! I had no complications durring or after surgery thank GOD, and I don't think I have been hungry either....my stomach keeps making noises and I don't really know what they mean....it use to mean I was hungry, but who knows what it means now! lol

I'm 34 weeks. I've had a very complicated pregnancy and will be happy when the baby is here. Even with all the complications though it's worth it, though this will be the only baby I will have. I have hyperemesis gravidarum and had my band completely unfilled in August. I still vomit a lot and still have bad nausea. The heartburn is awful too. I've put on 35lbs at this point and weigh 220lbs. Can't wait to get back to onederland!!

I know for me I decided to get down to a normal BMI before pregnancy. I am hoping it will be a little later this year. I want a very healthy pregnancy along with a cute baby bump as well :0). Also, I have a child who is 16. I know all to well what it is like to have a new baby. It will be extremely hard to focus on exercise and diet when a baby is taking up so much time and attention. Anything having to do with "you" time will go on a back burner. Even sleep becomes a luxury. I need to get the work done to get back on the healthy track before I complicate everything with a new arrival. I really want this weight off and it is my first priority.

I didn't go to Mexico, but my doc's office is a 2 hour drive from my home. He was the closest that my ins. would approve. I would go back at least once or twice just to be sure there aren't any complications and things are going well. I quit going to my doc after my 3rd follow-up. I got tired of him being late for every appointment.