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Hi I just wanted to reply to your post because you have just given me the same assurance I needed. I met with my surgeon yesterday. Before I saw him, I was sure that I wanted the sleeve. He advised that I have the Gastric Bypass to get the best results addressing my Diabetes, High BP, Cholesteral and sleep Apnea. Now reading your post that you are off all of your meds... WOW, that is awesome and I am so happy that I ran across your post. HAPPY DANCE!!

Went to the Dr last week. Have to lose 36 lbs before surgery. Lost 17 in the last month! I can't get off work in October, so I'm looking toward the end of October or beginning of November. Doc said there should be no problem having surgery on Oct. 30! Just have to lose 19 more pesky pounds...

Hi! My name is Joanne, this is my story: I decided back in March of this year(2014) to have the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery after struggling all my life with weight issues. I am 66 years of age and am finally going to try and be healthy. Life has not treated me so kind child abuse and a strict upbringing. As soon as I could I got married and got out of the house but of course that marriage ended in disaster and divorce after 2 1/2 years. Then the 2nd marriage and 2 kids and another divorce. Then yep, the 3rd marriage by this time life has taken it's toll and I am now in my 50's this marriage was a total disaster! It ended leaving me a widow. I was born and raised in Pa. and by now was ready to leave that state so I moved to Tampa, Fl. My whole life changed! I am now in a relationship with Jim and we are planning to get married next year. I now have a fairly stable life and can devote the time and attention to ME for a change so I can get healthy. When I started this journey I could barely walk a half block with a cane (hip problems), standing at the kitchen sink for more than 10 mins was torture (back problems), I had trouble doing everyday household chores. My Doctor is Jason Radecke at the Sebastian weight Loss and surgery in Sebastian, Fl and I can't say enough good things about him. Every Dr. in the world should be like him, he really truly cares about his patients. I wasn't too happy back in March when I was told because I had Wellcare *** medicare I would have to have 6 months of visits under my belt before I could have my surgery, not to mention because of heart disease in my family I had to see an cardiologist which led me to a heart catherization and beta blocker meds. Then came the psychiatrist that had to approve me, then the pulmonary because of sleep aphnea of course now they require an endoscopy so that was done just before surgery. Ok, now lets get to the surgery itself. My surgery was done just this past November 20 at 9:30 am at the Sebastian River Medical Center. Everyone there was super nice! I was supposed to be there for 3 days but came home after 2 because I was doing so well. I couldn't sleep in the bed it was very uncomfortable for me so I slept in the chair. I was out of bed within hours after surgery and walked the hall. My Dr. was surprised to see me sitting in the chair using my laptop when he came in to see me in the morning. Painful, yes! Luckily I can tolerate pain very well (after all most of my life was some kind of pain). I did not have the gas pains other people told me they had or any nausea (to this day). I am still on a full liquid diet but hope that changes soon when I see the Dr. it will be 4 weeks since I had any food. It's all been liquids. Luckily my daughter made us our Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 8th just before I started the pre- surgery liquids. I was so happy, I lost 15 lbs in the 10 days before surgery. Now I am not so happy, because they pushed iv's etc when I can home I had put it all back on. Now I am struggling to get that 15 lbs off and anxious to start losing some real weight. I was kind of discouraged by this but I guess I have to be realistic and it's only been 10 days since surgery. I didn't expect to lose 50 lbs already but putting the 15 lbs. back on was not encouraging. So as you see I'm just starting my journey. Soon I will be on pureed and I am looking forward to it, finally FOOD! I do not have an appetite but unfortunately my taste buds haven't died. This is a big change for me Food was always there to comfort me now I don't have it. Did I tell you I am an emotional eater? Food has played an important part in life since childhood now I have to find a way to eat to live and not live to eat, big challenge for me! If anybody reads this blog please write back and let me now about you and your journey. Joanne

There are lots of people here that are having or had a band to bypass revision. There is actually a forum on here just for those patients.

I'll be 64 on October 1 & just had my sleeve four days ago. I wish I could have had this done many, many years ago, but I had to wait for medicine to get to where I needed it to be. As a nurse I was just never comfortable with the malabsorption aspects of gastric bypass & I was excited to find out about the VSG & that my insurance covers it. I researched the surgeons covered by my insurance & made the call. My doctor is particularly strict & I have followed his instructions from my first consult on April 25. From the time I left his office that day I was on a high protein/low carb diet until 2 weeks prior to surgery when I went on a modified clear liquid diet of 4 Protein shakes & all the Clear liquids I wanted a day. I had also done a 1-week "trial" of the clear liquids back in June to see how I tolerated it. I took that 3+ months to wean myself off of caffeine & carbonated drinks by having a little less each day until I was off & can honestly say I haven't missed them. My starting weight at that first consult was 303 pounds & the day before surgery I was 259! A loss of 44 pounds in just under 4 months! I do weigh myself daily on my Withings WS-30 digital wireless scale but I don't obsess about the numbers. As expected, I did gain "Water weight" in the hospital & went up to 264.9 pounds. But, today, on post-op day 4, I'm down to 263.6. I never expected to be able to lose the 10% of my weight pre-op as I've always been one who not only gains back what I lose but have a very difficult time losing in the first place. I am continuing to follow my surgeon's instructions to the letter because it sure has worked so far.

I just found this website today. How terrific! I started going to the support group at the hospital I had my surgery at, but all the other participants had gatric bypass, and it is SO different from the band. I am really happy to find a community of people that are going through the same thing! I had my surgery on 8/18/10, so it has been 6 months since surgery, and I have lost 40 pounds so far. My clinic is fantastic, but I have found that they are quite conservative about fills. A friend of my that goes to a different clinic (she is three years post op) has a way more restrictive fill level than mine is. I haven't had a fill for two months now (I have lost enough now that I can definitely tell I am due for a fill again), and she has told me that she can barely eat anything for weeks after she has a fill. Is anyone else having this experience?

Hi everyone i have enjoyed reading so many posts, thought I should introduce myself. I got a band put in 2009, weight 260lbs. It worked pretty well, and I held a weight I was happy with, 175lbs, for some time. Then, a cancer diagnosis and imminent chemo led me to have it emptied. Ended up not having chemo, just surgery, so began the process of getting filled about three years ago. By this time I lived two hours away from my surgeon, by plane. So, after fill after fill he realised the port was broken and leaking - a faulty batch. Two years ago, port replacement. But I have never hit that ‘sweet spot’ again. I now have no restriction at all, but a fill leaves me with chronic shoulder pain, with no taste or other symptoms of reflux. Two years of this, plus an internal port abscess, and I have given up. My weight is up to 230, and it is time for action. Those lovely 175-lb-body-clothes are crying out for me!! So, 14 December, RNY surgery of the Fobi Pouch variety. Bit nervous - the surgeon does these only with open surgery, not laparoscopic. So 6 days in hospital. Anyone here have open surgery so you can tell me a bit about the recovery? I have some nervousness!! xx

I am scheduled for conversion from Band to Bypass with gallbladder removal on 5/21/18. I am very nervous but really want to move forward with the surgery. I'm looking for others who are scheduled around the same time. -Amy

How things can change in a week! A week ago on Friday I learned that my chosen doctor was not a participating provider with my insurance company, even though my first phone calls told me he was. I felt that I was back at square one, and all the poking and prodding that I went through for the pre testing would be wasted. I called the surgeon's office, and they told me they would "look into it" and get back to me. I never heard from them. I decided to call the case management department of my insurance company. The nurse they put me in touch with was wonderful. She listened to me and researched who exactly was covered and participating. She gave me phone numbers and contact names. I was put in touch with Orange Regional Hospital in MIddletown, NY. They have been nothing short of amazing and wonderful. The care coordinators have worked closely with me to get all of the information transferred, and to set up the remainder of the appointments. I actually have a tentative surgery date set for July 18! I can't believe it! Right now I am going back and forth trying to decide between the sleeve or the bypass. I thought I was ok with my decision to do the sleeve, but the new surgeon made some good points, and I have started doing more research. My support group feels that the sleeve is the best, but I'm not sure anymore. I'm hearing people are hungry all the time after surgery. I'm thinking that this may be more psychological....my body is so used to eating (and in my case eating too much!), is it just craving what it can't have? I know the sleeve removes the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, does that really make a huge difference? One of my most favorite things to do is to go out to dinner, especially at the end of the week. I guess this can still happen, the shrimp cocktail will become the meal, not the appetizer. I can't stand the way I look, and I don't believe I'm making a hasty decision. I have researched and soul searched. This is the right thing to do. I worry I'm not emotionally strong enough to stick to all the life changes I need to make. I want to be healthy. I want to look better. I want to have energy. I want to be able to shop at Victoria's Secret, instead of being told "we don't carry larger sizes here". I want to find outfits I love, not just things that "will do". I want to develop a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food. It sounds easy enough. I guess it's like smoking though. I used that as a crutch for years. The cigarettes were there for me during stressful times. I will have to learn a new way of thinking, and new ways of socializing and relaxing.

My insurance had the same requirement but I was able to bypass it. Luckily, I've had the same PCP for 20 years and he had already seen my numerous attempts.

Welcome!! I was banded back on April 5, 2011. So far I am down 50lbs. And I have to say this was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have no regrets, so far. I chose the band verses any other bariatric surgery because it is one with the least complications and it is removable! Plus you lose the weight at a more healthy pace than lets say gastric bypass. I also have 3 children and they are my world. My mother died at 48 from complications from obesity. When I hit 30 I realized I was very close to ending up like my mother. I was pre diabetic and hypertensive. I refuse to die at a young age. I did not want to leave my family that young. My mothers death tore apart our family. I am now at a healthy blood sugar level and have good blood pressure again. I am now 31 and have a better prospect for my life than I did a year ago. I still have about 120lbs to go before I hit my goal weight but I have no doubt I will make it. Good luck on your research! This is a fantastic forum to get any info you need. I have been addicted since I first found it. Great support system here! Karrie

You sound quite young since you are depending on what mom and dad are saying about the surgery. I on the other hand am old enough to know better, I am 58. Before we left New York I was okayed for gastric bypass and did not want that but the band and after going through all the hoops and testing was okayed but backed out at the last minute just before we moved to AZ. I thought at that time that it would be easy to get approval out here when I started working and could get the band. Well, it took another 2 1/2 years before I could get the approval for the band and my Dr. specifically said that gastric was not the answer for me but the band would be better. The Dr. was so right and I am thrilled to be in the position of not being on a diet and at almost 3 years of being at goal, I feel like a million dollars. Go with your heart and the Dr's advice on what is best for you and do it. I wish I had done this when I was young instead of doing the yo yo dieting thing for my whole life. Good luck in your decision and just keep a positive attitude in whatever choice you make.

Hey. I looked at your profile and saw that I was only a few months older than you. I can understand how parents can have a big role as a support system, but it is your life. If your mom was supportive of you getting gastric bypass, then she should be OK with you getting the band. Maybe it's because you've backed out of WLS before, and she wants to make sure you're serious about it. My parents aren't thrilled about the surgery, but they understand my weight struggle. My dad has brain cancer, so understandably my WLS surgery and journey aren't much of a priority and is on the back burner in my family. I will be doing this mostly on my own. It might be hard, but it's doable. Just try to explain to your mom how you've tried Weight Watchers 2 times before, and it didn't work. The band has you lose weight the "real way", but you have assistance and something to fall back on so you don't fail along the way. It doesn't do the weight loss for you- you do it on your own.

And yes, weight loss is quicker with the sleeve over the band. When I went in my doc says I am losing like a bypass patient, guess they lose a bit quicker than sleeves she says. Woo hoo!

Hi everyone, I hope im doing this right. I've decided to join and get some support. I had lapband surgery on 4-18,and I have lost 11 pounds since the surgery. I started with a physician (not the surgeon) weight loss program for three months as directed by my insurance company. I lost about 10 pounds on it. After the three months, I went to see the surgeon, Dr. John Baker, prior to my surgery date. He put me on protein shakes for two weeks prior to the surgery and I lost 15 pounds. The day befor surgery, I did clear liquids and lost a few more pounds, so i'm looking at about a 30 lb loss since February. It was recommended that I have gastric bypass for the amount of weight I have to lose, but I was totally against it. These past 12 days have been interesting. My core has been especially tender, but im walking 40 minutes per day as the doctor instructed. I am on sugar free, fat free full liquids. On Thursday I can advance to soft diet and I am excited. I am almost ready to come off of my BP meds ALREADY!!!!!!

Well i am almost there I assume. 6 month doctor diet check, mental health check, meeting with doc.. check and check. Tuesday I go in for a throat scope while my final paper work is processed and my date will be set for surgery. So i am guessing i will have surgery before mid November can't wait !

I do have a primary care physician but I never once said anything to them about my process. Actually - I still have not contacted them and I was banded on November 10th. I really like Dr Eagon and his staff! It was a 7 month journey for me but I am 6 weeks out and down 13 lbs which is the most weight I have lost in 6 weeks in 10 years. good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask!

I had my gastric bypass on March 22nd. The surgeons and other people say I should be re-introducing soft foods into my system. Some days I can eat pudding Jello yogurt....and some days even broiled/grilled chicken. However for like 2-3 days I haven't been able to eat anything. I'm barely even drinking Water. I force myself to so as not to become dehydrated. Before the surgery, I was on a partial liquid diet and I drank glucose controlled Boost and Glucerna shakes. Do y'all think it would be ok for me to resume drinking them just to get some type of nutrients in my system? Even the Protein shakes come back up sometimes and the water based ones are just gross. I went from weight 403 to 377 in 3 weeks. I don't see a difference but I feel it in the way my clothes fit [ATTACH]36[/ATTACH]

I started this journey about six months ago when I attended my first informational meeting at MMC. Now here I am getting ready for my surgery. I have struggled all my life with my weight since age 6. I have been on many diets and thought there was never going to be anything that worked for me. I had never considered gastric bypass surgery so when my physician suggested it to me I was very interested. She had seen me struggle through the years exercising losing and gaining .... I had always thought gastric bypass surgery was not for me because it would mean I was weak and unable to do this on my own. I am so happy to find out that that's not the case at all. It is especially for me! And I deserve it and I'm worth it! my surgery is scheduled for May 30. I am on my preop diet now. It is harder than I thought but I know what will be worth it!

Hello I was banded in the Dominica Republic. Everything is going well. There have bee a few times I have been hungry. I think the key is to carry your protien shake around with you, so you don't get caught out somewhere and get really hungry. I have started walking 1 hour a day and am feeling fine. Rose

Hi! I haven't been banded. I am just doing research regarding LapBand. I weigh over 100 lbs. beyond my goal weight, but the gastric bypass is too invasive! I am 59, and not sure whether this is for me. Secondly, my husband has Medicare with Tricare for Life, and I am covered as his dependent (spouse) with Tricare Prime; I do not qualify for Medicare. I found Tricare Prime accepts referrals from Primary Care Physicians for GBS. However, I checked about 4 months ago about whether they approve for LapBand surgery, and was told "No, not at this time." Has anyone heard different as to whether they have reconsidered? I am curious. Does anyone know why Tricare Prime would pay for GBS and not LBS? Maybe because the procedure is still too new? I would also like to know why it is easier to exercise and eat right when one has the LBS, than before the surgery? Doesn't the motivation have to continue? Perhaps the LBS does motivate, when youhave gone that far? I know one thing... I have been too heavy, too long (about 8 years) and realize that soon I am prone to diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. as it runs in my family, both sides. My motivation to lose lasts about 1 week, then it fades. Could be because my husband can and does eat Desserts, or anything he desires, with no weight gain. Guess you might call that co-dependent, but I can't help it. When sweets are around, I weaken. I have not been a happy person for a long time now. This weight is depressing. I would hate to think that I would have to carry my two dogs around all day long, but my excess weight outweighs them! ...and they are BIG dogs!:help: Any information about insurance, or advice about LBS will be appreciated! Thank you! Pam :clap2: pamblundell@aol.com

I've been lurking here on and off since November, and have finally worked up the nerve to post. To start, I want to tell all of you how helpful this board has been to me -- without me ever having posted anything. I am inspired by your stories and successes, and reassured by your first hand experiences and knowledge. Still -- in spite of it all -- I'm nervous as hell. Not so much about having the surgery, mind you, but the insurance waiting game is killing me. I will probably not find out if I've been approved until days before my scheduled surgery -- which is April 7. A bit about me: I'm 47, married with two children (9 and 11). I live on Long Island, pretty close to the city. My surgeon is Dr. Christine Ren, at NYU (who I think is wonderful). Yesterday, I had my pre-surgical testing, and tomorrow, get my medical clearance forms filled out by my doctor (who should be receiving all the necessary paperwork from NYU sometime today. I'm 5'8" tall, with a BMI of 38.4, have hypertension, high cholesterol and triglycerides, orthopedic issues (plantar fasciitis and arthritis in both knees), but only have mild apnea. Evidently, I'm neither fat enough, nor co-morbid enough, to unquestioningly (if that's a word) qualify under my insurance company's guidelines, which requires a BMI of 40, or a BMI over 35 with two co-morbid conditions (my hypertension is enough, but my other issues may or may not qualify as additional co-morbid conditions). There is no six months of weight loss documentation required. Meanwhile, I started my liquid diet yesterday -- and needless to say, I'm pretty darn hungry. Although cutting my calories is hardly a bad thing in light of my condition, surgery pending or not, I'm very nervous and afraid that I won't be approved by my insurance company. If I'm not, I will have to cancel the surgery, and begin the process of appealing the decision. Has anyone here ever qualified with similar circumstances. I'm in need of a whole lot of hand-holding right now!

It is really good to know I am not the only one that is obsessing with this. I also have 2 books and have another one on order. But like NtvTxn said the also mainly deal with the bypass or the lapband. But there are some really good recipes in them. It is all I can do to hold off on calling the insurance company. I know it is probably too soon for them to know since they probably just got it on Tuesday. I got my Protein samples that I ordered, these are actually pretty good. I got the information about them off of another post. It was a really good deal and I ordered them on Thursday and got them Tuesday. Here is the information if anyone is interested. They are offering a special deal on the sample pack right now. Only cost me $9.99 and there is 23g of Protein in each packet. nectar ?Variety Sampler? containing 11 full serving packets of the following flavors: Apple Ecstasy, Caribbean Cooler, Crystal Sky, Fuzzy Navel, Roadside Lemonade, strawberry Kiwi, Twisted Cherry, chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Mousse, vanilla Bean Torte and Latte Cappuccino. The price is $21.89. We are offering a coupon discount of $16.90 leaving a total of $4.99 plus $5.00 UPS Shipping. The total you pay is $9.99 and arrives in 2-5 days. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please give us a call at 866-333-7403 x 801. Our hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Central time. Best regards, Amanda SI03 Order Department Phone: 866-333-7403 x 801 Email: orders@si03.com www.si03.com Again thanks for all the support and it is really nice to know I am not alone on this.:thumbup:

Hi there. Im from Australia and was banded back in November 2007. I've had moderate success, having lost 25kg (about 55lb) but still have a bit to go. Having browsed a few threads on here about people suffering from left shoulder pain, i'm feeling a little better! (I'm not alone!!!) Recently I have began having SEVERE pain on the top of my left shoulder, which sometimes gets so bad I feel like i'm going to collapse. I can't seem to pin point what causes it. My surgeon sent me for a Barium Swallow Xray (which was horrific), but can't seem to find anything. He thought it may have been my band pushing up on my diaphragm, but it doesn't seem to be. Just a warning to people who are looking in to getting it done - not everyone gets it, and I was only warned that it may happen in the first few weeks. 18 months later and its killing me! Its worth having the surgery for the weight loss, but sometimes I wonder about this pain! Good luck to anyone who is about to have the surgery! :blushing:

I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Jamie and I have been looking into the possibility of lap band or gastric bypass fora bit now. I am trying to gather as much info as possible regarding each procedure to make the right decision. Any help either way would be great!!! Thanks All! JAmie