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When I started with my first consultation back in January 2013 I was certain I wanted the bypass. As I read and did more research, I realized that the part of the process that concerned me the most was not the surgery itself but the re-routing of the intestines, the malabsorption part of it, and the possible complications from those two things. That is not to say there are not possible complications with the Sleeve, but for me, those were my main concerns. I realized because of that that the sleeve was a better option for me, even though I may be able to lose more weight with the bypass. I feel like whichever surgery I had would be an awesome tool. if the difference between what I would lose with the 2 surgeries would be 20 pounds more with the bypass, than I would do the sleeve -which I was more comfortable with -and WORK IT to get those extra 20 pounds or so off. Know what I mean? That's how I came to my decision and haven't regretted it! I would say though, don't depend on anyone's experience....read up, do as much research as you can, and make the most informed decision possible that you feel the most comfortable with.

If bariatric surgery is excluded from your coverage, you will not get insurance to pay for any reason. If your policy is through an employer, you can request that they change policies to one that includes it, or get a group of people at work that are interested in the surgery and provide statistics and data to management / HR about how some very expensive health issues are corrected with WLS. Wouldn't they rather pay $20K for WLS than $200K for heart bypass and rehab?

Well to be honest I always belch at every meal and I too get sick from eating too much sugar. I guess everyone's side effects are different regardless of which type of surgery you have. I just hate for anyone to read this and think these side effects WON'T happen to them simply because they are choosing to get the sleeve. I think everyone should pick the very best surgery for themselves. Some folks do better with the Gastric Bypass because of the type of health issues and risks they have. Who know? That said, I too love my sleeve! In spite of my few issues, I'd still do it again this very moment if I could/had to.

Hi, I want to introduce myself, I'm Adam. I've been lurking on this site and the mobile version for a while and I have to say it's an excellent resource. Every time I google something about the band, LBT always comes up. So I have a few questions and mods/admin I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong place. My wife is strongly considering this surgery. We have Athem BCBS's Blue Access (we live in Kentucky). In our policy there is an exclusion for band surgeries: For bariatric surgery, regardless of the purpose it is proposed or performed. This includes Roux-en-Y (RNY), Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery or other gastric bypass surgery (surgical procedures that reduce stomach capacity and divert partially digested food from the duodenum to the jejunum, the section of the small intestine extending from the duodenum), or Gastroplasty, (surgical procedures that decrease the size of the stomach), or gastric banding procedures. Complications directly related to bariatric surgery that result in an Inpatient stay or an extended Inpatient stay for the bariatric surgery, as determined by Us, are not covered. This exclusion applies when the bariatric surgery was not a Covered Service under this Plan or any previous Anthem plan, and it applies if the surgery was performed while the Member was covered by a previous carrier/self funded plan prior to coverage under this certificate. Directly related means that the Inpatient stay or extended Inpatient stay occurred as a direct result of the bariatric procedure and would not have taken place in the absence of the bariatric procedure. This exclusion does not apply to conditions including: myocardial infarction; excessive nausea/vomiting; pneumonia; and exacerbation of co-morbid medical conditions during the procedure or in the immediate post operative time frame. We are not worried about the cost of the surgery. My wife has saved money and we probably are going to pay for most of the surgery in cash, financing only about 25% of it. My deep concerns/questions are the following: 1. What are the types of complications that arise from banding and do they require a hospital stay 2. We don't work for a large company so a band is a pre-existing condition and will follow her everywhere with every provider, is that right? 3. Do you recommend a course of action or a plan that we could explore? Our problem is that she is overweight and insurance companies WON'T cover her. Should we consider a state alteranative which one? I'm clueless 4. How long until our insurance does not consider it pre-existing. What are your recommendations. Are my concerns valid, should I fear the complications? What complications did YOU have and what was the financial cost if you were a self pay?

I'm not sure which to choose? I am waiting on a referral to go see a WL doctor. I'm nervous! I keep gaining weight! I think in the last year I've gaine 100lbs. My blood tests show no abnormal levels to explain weight gain! It's so hard to lose the weight! My knees and back hurt all the time! My self esteem is down in the dumps! I have no energy! I feel trapped in this body of unhealthiness! I feel ashamed I've become this way! I weigh 282 and am 5'6.....45 BMI! ???? So frustrating!

I'm having bypass on Tuesday and my allergies are killing me! Anyone know if this will delay me?

almitch, this scenario does not make sense to me. The bypass is generally for persons with more severe comorbidities. If you want the sleeve, ask for the sleeve and if this doctor doesn't want to do it, change doctors. I didn't go with the bypass because I didn't want to fool with all of those malaborption issues for the rest of my life. The sleeve is the way to go. You're paying the doctor, he works for you so you make the decision on which you get. Good luck to you and stand up for yourself.

Hi Everyone! I'm leaving for Mexico tomorrow morning to have a LapBand-to-Sleeve revision on Tuesday by Dr. Aceves? Will anyone else be there during the same time? It would be nice to "know" someone before I get there.

Hey ya'll - I'm doing some spring cleaning and came across the binder of information from the Kaiser Choices class I took pre-surgery. It contains info about gastric surgery in general (sleeve, bypass, and lapband), nutrition, psychological stuff, etc. It's a 3" binder chock full of all kinds of info. I'm almost a year out and don't need it anymore, so if you're contemplating surgery and don't have access to the educational classes, it's all yours. It's a big binder, so it might cost a bit to ship but if you're local (Long Beach/LA area), I'm down to meet you somewhere to give it to you. Let me know if you're interested!

Im also new on here, im having gastric bypass on the 30th of nov, on my liquid diet now!

hola peeps! I'm 35 yrs young. from Idaho. anyone else from the western states? I have my seminar today. ready to soak up information. I was set in the lapband 100% but after reading so many horror stories of it, I have revised my decision to the sleeve.

I will go against the grain I never want to see the lap band covered call me all the names in the book I am ok with being an elitist snob for a lot of reasons... If it is covered there won't be more time for WLS surgery it will just be another surgery on the schedule and there is already a 7 year wait in ON for the bypass. people who are self pay take it more seriously and tend do better than people who have it paid because they have skin in the game (that comes from talking to WLS in the US where there are both options) and a host of other reasons I know it is a hardship for some but hell I had to pay too and I found the money.... I am glad the On legislature passed a bill to not cover the band. Heather

Well Linda, let me be the first to welcome you to the forum!! You'll find a lot of great information here and answers to all of your questions. I'll answer the few I know about, but I'm currently pre-op so I won't have them all. You can use the search function at the top right hand side of the screen (if you're using a PC) to search for different threads that have answers to your questions- and the ones you can't find, just ask!! Regarding the required tests- my insurance only requires that I see a NUT (nutritionist) for 6 months, but that was the only physical appointment that was required of them. My surgeon, on the other hand, required a sleep study to check for sleep apnea, a psych evaluation, an upper endoscopy to check for h pylori, medical clearance from my PCP and a blood panel- but that's just so far. Once I get cleared by insurance, I'll then need to have pulmonary and cardiology clearance and maybe some other stuff... As far as risks are concerned, yes- there are risks of a leak. Many surgeons do a leak test AS they are operating to make sure there are none- and then after the surgery you do a swallow test to make sure that there are none. Again- I'm pre-op so any post-op people who want to chime in, please do!! The reason I'm personally choosing to do the sleeve is because it's actually less invasive than the DS or RNY but i have the option of doing either of those as a two-step surgery should I choose. (Personally, I'd rather not as I've seen many people that are super successful with the sleeve alone). The Bypass and DS actually require more cutting and the re-arrangement of your intestines so it's not really for me. Regarding your question about the staples, it is my understanding that the staples stay in... I hope I was at least a little bit helpful with your questions- and again, if there is something you need more clarification on, please ask. Everybody here is really helpful and friendly. Good luck with everything!!

I'm from the eastern shore and had my gastric bypass at AAMC on 8/8/16. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I am pursuing surgery in Mexico mid November 2013 (next month). I have to buy a new individual health insurance policy on my state's exchange as soon as possible to start on January 1, 2014. My state is not going to cover bariatric surgery with exchange policies, but I did find out that our exchange policies will cover revisions to weight loss surgery if they are needed to correct a life-threatening condition. A big boasting point of the various "exchange" policies and ACA in general is that pre-existing conditions can no longer be excluded from insurance coverage. I thought it stood to reason that if they HAVE to take me starting January 1 and if I JUST HAPPENED to have had VSG right before they take me on, then if I have a complication they can't refuse to take care of me. A fellow sleever shared a spread sheet with all of the states' intended policies back in June 2013. I can't get the url to post right now but if you search Obamacare in the forums it will come up. I welcome any research along these lines that anyone wants to share -- I am dying to buy a policy and get it in hand to look over because I know you can send them back after a few days and get a different one if you don't like the details. (I have tried to sign up for an exchange policy every day since October 1st... some days I have gotten further in to the process but I've always ended up with a "sign-up process failed -- try again" message so far. I figure it will work soon/eventually --so I will keep up with my daiily Quest , lol.)

hello everyone-I'm 63 years old and only 4 feet 11 inches tall and am 100 lbs overweight. I'm trying to decide between gastric bypass and lap band and am wondering if there is anyone out there in my situation who cocwcould tell me how much they lost over time. I'm really torn about which surgery to have. thanks, ritasu

After seeing my surgeon about getting a sleeve revision (had my band removed 12/10) I was told I would need to lose 25# before he would schedule surgery. So...after I got mad, and cried a bit...I put on my big girl panties and got serious! He wanted me to eat meat and veggies...no sugars, grains, or dairy AND 1200 calories a day. Well, I am doing that...sort of. I cut all sugars and processed carbs out of my diet. I did keep the dairy (mostly cheese and half and half in my coffee) and I'm averaging closer to 1500 calories... BUT.... I lost 5 pounds this week!! I changed my ticker for my FIRST goal...lose 25#...then I'll start on the next goal! Happy Monday Everyone!

I went to my GP today and she totally discouraged me. Is NOT a fan of weight loss surgery at all. I got the same ol, same ol', "diet and exercise and let's send you to a nutritionist". I didn't even WANT to tell her that I was considering going to Mexico. Good god I can only imagine the lecture I would have gotten. I emailed Dr. Kelly to ask how they handle this. I would obviously have to go back to Dr. Kelly if I had any complications. Anybody else deal with their GP being dead against it? meanwhile another friend of mine who had a bypass said her bariatric team here in the US feels that the sleeve surgery is showing a LOT of promise. I feel so let down.

Oh Wow! Thanks so much for the advice! Congratulations on you being 5 weeks out. How are you feeling? I am so scared about having complications after the surgery. I have one friend who had the Bypass and had numerous issues the first couple of months, but is super skinny now and is a little over a year out. My other friend was sleeved and had no pain, no nausea, no nothing! I was like, "Really?!?!?" I want and am hoping for the same thing. My doc only put me on a 4 day liquid pre-op diet. How come I am seeing people posting different lengths of time for them? Does it depend on how heavy you are? Some say 7 days, some 2 weeks, etc.

I've always been overweight. I honestly can't remember a time when I wasn't. But it's crazy how when you're a kid, you're not fat, obese, or whatever, you're cute and chubby, and the extra weight that you're carrying is no need for concern. But as you get older that quickly changes and you're no longer perceived as chubby and cute, and the extra weight has become a major problem, not just for yourself, but for others as well. I wonder if any of you can relate to this. I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I know many people say this and it's as if they're just talking, but I've actually been the biggest person in my class, school, church, etc. It was rare that I would see someone that was just as big as I was, if not bigger. I've tried different diets, exercise plans, supplements, nothing has worked for me. If I did lose any weight, it was a short-lived accomplishment. I've struggled with deeply rooted insecurities that only further fueled my horrible relationship with food. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years because in my mind I could never get to that perfect weight or body. Just a constant battle with myself for most of my life. It has taken a great deal of trial and error for me to get to where I am today in how I see myself, physically and otherwise. I have come to love myself and my body and I feel that there's nothing wrong with loving who or how you are physically, mentally, spiritually, and yet you feel the need to change a part of you. I believe most people would associate this with insecurity, but I beg to differ. I believe that it is the reasoning behind the decision to change that makes the difference. While I have learned to love and appreciate my body for all that it has done and continues to do for me, I am also very aware that carrying over 200 pounds of extra weight is not healthy for me. I want to have children one day and I don't want to put them or myself at increased risks because of my weight. I don't want to be at an increased risk of high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, or congestive heart failure. These things run in my family and I don't want to be next in line. I want more for myself. I haven't went swimming in years, but I remember how good it felt to feel weightless in the water, how peaceful and serene it was for me. I view this surgery as an opportunity to experience life in a different way. Even though I can walk or run at the weight I currently am, I know that my body will feel a lot better walking and running with less weight being carried around. Even though I can go swimming now, or travel the world just as I am right now. Simple things such as "will I fit in this seat? Will they have clothes my size? Is there going to be a lot of walking, etc...". I don't think many people understand the daily struggles of an obese individual. Yes, we're all aware of the "health concerns" associated with being over-weight. But not many people are aware of those small things that affect us daily such as standing for extended periods of time, back and body aches, getting winded or out of breath easily, etc. I've made the decision to have gastric-bypass surgery as I'm confident that this is the tool that I've been missing to help me finally be successful in my weight-loss journey. I'm nervous and excited, but in the end I know this is the best decision for me. I'm interested to meet anyone who would like to go through this journey together, no matter where you are in your own journey. I'd love to hear from you all and know how you're doing and if I can be of some help to you, even if it's just a kind word. Good Luck! And Blessings to you all!

I am also march 26, so you will be in my thoughts and prays. Not getting the sleeve, bypass here but I wish you well!

I am heading there 8/2 for my revision from sleeve to mini-bypass. Was it worth it? I’m starting to second guess my decision.

First of all, I thought yall was a word!! LOL (I am a Texas girl too...) Secondly, I do nails in a salon, I talk alot and actually I find that when I am excited about something, it is really hard to NOT tell.....however, I am selective about who I tell. I completely agree about being honest, and if it hadnt been for one of my clients telling me about her experience with RNY I wouldnt have been researching this surgery either. And my sister and my dad both had bypass! Go figure! I have told alot of people, and then there are quite a few that I havent told. One of my clients, for example, has a cousin that was supposed to have RNY and I asked her if she had had it done yet. Her response was surprisingly negative! She commented about how she would NEVER have that done because everybody she knows that has had it done looks to be about 75 years old in the face!! gasp!! Needless to say, she is NOT one of the people that I told. I think I will use Tiffany's line in response to people like that! So, be honest....but be selective about who and when you tell.....follow your gut!

Thank you ladies for your response to my call for help. It is nice there are people I can ask for help on these forums regarding eatting right after having a Sleeve Revision and while trying to be smart and not fall into the wrong way of looking at food now. hhhHappy- i did put a call in to Nut/DR office but they havent called back, yet. Ktklass- I will go out and buy some Premier shakes from costco this weekend, they have 30gr of Protein and that will help me get the protein in that I need. EscapePod, thank you for your words of kindness and wisdom. Your right grief isnt normal there are days when it hits you and days when your just numb. I do appreciate your honesty. I lost my father many years ago and turned to "comfort food". This time I wanted to be smart. It is true that I havent been getting my Water in and that is something I try really hard to do. When i realized that I also figured I wasnt so hungry either just 3 meals a day instead of my 6 small meals. hugs to all of you again.

I was feeling the same way you were. Being on this board made me sad cause there's so many people who have little to no pain and I'm still on paid meds. My surgery was on July 8th and I am 5 days out. I am not a medicine taker but it's getting to the point if I have to leave the house I make sure to bring pain meds!!!! My doctor was so certain I wouldn't need them after day 2!!! So not true! I had a lot of pain in my right side. I am also a band to sleeve revise so I was wondering if that played a role as well. Good luck to you. Today is day 5 and I haven't taken any pain meds yet today so maybe day 5 is the breakthrough day! I was also able to sleep on my side last night!!! Hope all gets better for you. :-)