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LapBandTalk.com is a wealth of weight loss and healthy lifestyle tips, a source of information specific to your situation, and a place where you can locate and connect to the best bariatric surgeons in your are. Despite this abundance of resources, most of our members come here for another reason: the positivity. Our members are supportive, encouraging and empathetic. But among the general population, it’s a different story due to misinformation and hasty judgments. Why Weight Loss Surgery Misinformation is Rampant In the age of digital media, information can be immediately available to millions of people as soon as someone posts it online using a laptop, smartphone or other mobile device. Unfortunately, nothing is automatically censored, so misinformation is just as easy to spread as facts. In the blink of an eye, people can post random thoughts via Twitter, Facebook or other social media platforms without even realizing that their followers may take their intended musings as hard data. How People Choose What to Believe Many people are unable to distinguish between weight loss surgery fact and fiction because they simply do not know enough to make a sound judgment. Some people are cynical by nature, and have a tendency to instinctively believe the worst when they are presented with opposing facts. These people, for example, may automatically believe that weight loss surgery is harmful and ineffective instead of low-risk and healthy for the right patients. Common Myths If you want to combat widespread weight loss surgery information, you should know some of the common myths and how to respond with the truth. These are some common false beliefs surrounding bariatric surgery and their realities. Myth: It’s a quick and easy fix. Reality: It’s not quick, and it’s not easy. Surgery does not make you lose a single pound. You lose the excess weight over the course of years through diet and exercise modifications. Myth: It’s dangerous and invasive. Reality: Complications are rare for lap-band procedures, and they are usually minor, such as needing an adjustment in band location. Roux-n-Y can cause nutrient deficiencies, but you work with a dietitian and have frequent check-ups to lower your risk. The procedures take less than two hours, and full recovery takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Myth: You don’t have to change your diet, or, you can only eat a limited variety of foods. Reality: The truth lies somewhere in between. You are encourage to eat a nutritious diet and avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods as well as liquid calories. What Can You Do? With instantaneous transmission of information, rumors spread like wildfires in the social stratosphere. Worse, rumors can easily because widely accepted as facts. How can you help to combat this harmful gossip? These are a few possibilities. Fight fiction with fact: Social networking platforms, such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter are just as good for spreading truth as they are at spreading lies. Every time you come across an inaccurate or demeaning statement about weight loss surgery, stand up for you and your friends who have had weight loss surgery. Be a good example: Most people tend to base their judgments on what or whom they know. If they know one person (you) with weight loss surgery, they’ll base their judgments on you. Hopefully, they will realize the benefits of bariatric surgery when they see you eating well every day, exercising regularly, being more productive at work and being a happier, healthier person overall. Emphasize that not all bariatric surgery options are the same. Roux-n-Y is irreversible and more drastic than Lap Band procedures, which take less than an hour. Can Celebrities Help? Celebrities can be spokespeople for the cause. If you know of any celebrities who are bariatric surgery pateints, consider contacting them and asking them to be more verbal about the cause. Nobody can get the message across like a celebrity. These are a few examples of famous people with bariatric surgery. Carnie Wilson, television host and singer: Roux-n-Y, 1999; laparoscopic band over bypass, 2012 Star Jones Reynolds, television host: gastric bypass, 2003 Brian Dennehy, actor: Lap-Band, 2008 As a bariatric surgery patient or someone who is considering the procedure, what are your thoughts? How can we change the negative perceptions surrounding aftercare? Does the terminology need to be changed? Can some sort of publicity campaign online or in the offline media be helpful? As an individual, can you be a role model to demonstrate that you have worked hard for every pound that you have lost, and that you are continuing each day to make healthy choices in your diet and exercise? Let us know what you think!

Thank you very much. I do take the methadone daily, but it is in liquid form, not a pill. I also suffer from restless leg syndrome (not the reason I'm on methadone) but it has done wonders! I will of course be up front and honest with all Doctors, and hope that they will communicate with eachother, so I csn have the best, and healthiest, possible outcome! That's great that you've had your mom through the whole journey. My mom had gastric bypass in 2002. And it has changed and improved so much since then! Thank you for your response Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

dont you take protonix or prilosec? HW 250/1st Lapband 198/2nd Lapband 232/Pre conversion 2/6/13 to bypass 232. Currently,206.6, Bariatric GW 134, Realistic GW 150

Removing most of one’s stomach is hardly “less invasive”. I’m surprised that your surgeon didn’t tell you that RNY gastric bypass usually resolves pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. RNY is still the gold standard of WLS.

Unfortunately 99% of the time most insurance companies consider the gastric sleeve "experimental" and will not cover the costs involved in that procedure. My decision to opt for the lapband was based on my belief that gastric bypass is too radical and "Frankenstein-ish" (specifically the re-routing of the intestines and mal-absorption). I've decided to go with the less invasive procedure initially and in the event my weight loss isn't as successful as I intend, then I'll consider sleeving. By that time I'm confident the procedure will have more positive outcomes and will be allowed by my insurance. When I inquired to the other programs in my area regarding the "education fee" I was flat out advised that insurance companies don't cover all the fees involved for aftercare. LOL...one nurse coordinator reassured me that bottled Water was included in the fee. :thumbup:

I sometimes get a little upset when some people get so righteous about whether people told others or not. They say 'oh..you're lying' etc. First of all---if someone came right out and asked me I would tell them that I was banded. however, if people get nosy about my weight or weight loss (which is none of their beeswax in the first place)..I'm not lying if I say I eat less and work out. With the lap band, if I continued to eat like I did before and never work out...I wouldn't lose weight period. The lap band is a tool but it still needs to be utilized correctly by making PERSONAL choices to use it effectively...eating less and working out. That's the whole reason why I chose to do lap band instead of bypass...because you actually have an active part in it. "What if another fat person came up to you and truly wanted to know about lap band, etc." Everyone is an adult. Everyone is capable of doing their own research, finding a doctor, etc. It is not that hard. I did all the research and started this procedure by myself...and it didn't take me that long. The internet is a wonderful thing. If people choose to tell or not...it's a personal thing depending on who they know and what they have going on in their life. Everyone just needs to chillax.

I've bought two. One is silver and really nice, the other one is attached to a sports band. On the front they only have my information and emergency contact and then on the back is the info about gastric bypass. No be has asked me about mine. If they do I will probably just tell them I have some medical allergic reactions. It makes me feel safer wearing it in case something were to happen.

Thank you, I had the RNY Gastric Bypass Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

A final update for this thread: I had my gastric bypass on Feb 21! Check in went smoothly. I changed into my hospital gown, got my IV inserted, and was given a number of medications to take before being moved to a waiting area where I got onto a gurney. The various members of the surgery team came by to introduce themselves and check on various things. Finally, the anesthesiologist came by and gave me "something to relax" via my IV port. A minute later, I was being wheeled into the hallway, and that's the last thing I remember until waking up in my hospital room. I never saw the inside of the OR, and I have no memory of the recovery area afterward, either. The surgery itself took much longer than anticipated, about 6 hours. I was fine and safe the whole time, but the surgeon ran into some issues with my small intestine and a small abdominal mass (sent to pathology and was benign) that required additional steps. Because of this, I was surprised to wake up in my hospital room and discover it was already 9pm when my surgery began at 1pm! My poor mom had been so worried because we thought it would take maybe 3 hours max. The nurses checked on me several times that night. I was able to get up to use the toilet on my own, and the only real challenge was the IV pole having to be dragged along. I was very fortunate that I ended up with no roommate. It wasn't technically a private room, but no one else was assigned to it while I was there. In the morning, my surgeon came by and explained what had happened during surgery. He was concerned because some of the stitches ended up under more pressure than he considered optimal, so he wanted me to do a swallow test before I could have anything by mouth, including water. They got me in for that and it turned out okay, so about an hour after returning to my room, I was brought a bottle of water and a cup of red sugar free jello. I have to say, it was nice to have water because my throat was dry, but I really didn't care about eating. I did because they told me to, and I know at this point I hadn't had a single thing in my belly for over 40 hours, but I just didn't care. I felt zero hunger. But I at the jello, and later they brought me a popsicle, another jello, and a chicken broth. I ate it all over the course of about an hour. It was fine, but again, I just ate it because they told me to. Because I got such a late start on fluids after surgery, they kept me an additional night, just to be sure. But on Friday morning around 9am, I was discharged. I had a protein shake when I got home and worked all day on fluids. I was tired and a little sore, but my pain had been minimal enough that I was only on Tylenol. It worked well enough that I only had a few moments of real pain, mostly when shifting position that required the use of abdominal muscles. I was fortunate to have someone staying with me for the first few nights home, and my parents kept my kids (ages 12 and 15) with them for the first week so I wouldn't have to worry about all their activities and food. It took a few days to discover what worked best for me, which ended up being hot tea (decaf and herbal) instead of flavored waters as I'd been having pre-op. For the first week, I've met my 64oz fluid and 60g protein goals most days, but as time has gone on, I've become completely turned off anything with artificial sweetener and every protein shake except Syntrax Nectar Natural, which I can still manage. I definitely wasted a lot of money on shakes I won't be drinking, but I'm glad I had them for the 2 week pre-op diet and to take the pressure off finding things to try when I got home. Yesterday, I was allowed to start soft protein foods. So far, I've had tuna salad (2 Tbsp), refried beans with a sprinkle of melted cheese (1/4 cup), and 1 poached egg. No issues with anything so far. Tonight I will be cooking some haddock with pesto for dinner. I go in for my 2 week post-op appointment with my surgeon next Tuesday and hope by then my weight will be a little lower. I lost 15 lbs on the 2 week pre-op diet, but my weight was higher by about 5lbs when I got home from the hospital thanks to the fluids and swelling, and I'm only just back to where I was the day I went to the hospital. Still, 15lbs in three weeks isn't bad. As for other incidentals, I have been taking Benefiber daily in my morning tea and it really has helped. I had the first BM (very loose and not a lot) before leaving the hospital on day 2, and have managed to go at least every other day since, and daily the last couple of days, so I'm very grateful for that. My energy levels have been decent, but it's only today that I feel like I don't need a noon nap. Going without caffeine has been a struggle, but I'm getting used to it. After all the wait, I'm so glad to have this behind me and be able to focus on a healthy future!

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear that. That is definitely upsetting news. I don't get why they wouldn't make the contact first with a phone call and explain before posting it on MyChart with no further information. I hope you get to find out sooner than later and that there is a revised plan. 🤗

Thank you so much!!! Bypass date 3.19.13 CW 254 GW 145

The moodswing for a woman of 26 years with Gastric-Bypass was caused by a drop of the blood-sugar-level, they call it hypoglycemia. She sometimes get those low level and the she becomes irritated, faint in the head, and starts sweating. After taking Naltrexone she gets the same moodswing, but no sweating. Now she takes the Naltrexone with quick sugar of grapes and … tadaa : OK ! Naltrexone and Hypoglycemia are connected : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281644521_Naltrexone_for_treatment_of_impaired_awareness_of_hypoglycemia_in_type_1_diabetes_A_randomized_clinical_trial https://www.google.be/search?q=naltrexone+blood+sugar&ie=&oe=#q=naltrexone%20hypoglycemia Has anyone else had this problem? What an interesting solution to the sweating issue.

Sleeved March 22nd, highest weight 227lbs, surgery weight 196, down to 154 now. 4 pounds from my original goal of 150lbs so I'm revising lower. when I was obese 150 seemed so far away and unreachable... and now I'm there in four months! I know I can do more than this now. I'm absolutely loving my life now. I can't believe how much better 2017 has been to me than years before! I have so many new friends, I do so many activities that I'd have never even thought to try. I have a whole closet of cute dresses and lululemon I never could have worn before! tracking has been kind of on and off, but overall I've still been eating healthy, not drinking calories, not eating out as much as I ever used to, trying to avoid bringing tempting junk food into my house. still working on getting enough water in during the day, and making a point of being more consistent about taking my vitamins. I've been really good about keeping up activity though, so that's a win! I have lots and lots to work on, but even so, what a change!

Ever since my gastric bypass surgery, my periods are long but light. Would the surgery have anything to do with this?

lap band or gastric sleeve EnergyTank I am biased because i have the sleeve i have happily been in "sleeveland" for 2+ years i have heard that the lapband is becoming extinct my dr and many other docs don't/won't even perform the lapband there is a thread called band to gastric sleeve revision what does that tell you?? many people have had problems with their lapband erosion with the lapband et al lapband had to be removed "lappers" please don't be mad at me, just stating my thoughts"" then people usually/frequently will get the sleeve me/many/most sleevers here never had any complications there can ALWAYS be complications with any surgery but.....i think 99.999999% of people (like me) had no major issues post surgery i can see you are a smart cookie, and will hopefully make the correct decision to have the sleeve good luck guy kathy

I should have been more specific. My question is for gastric bypass forum. I am particularly interested in hearing if things improve and when I might be able to expect that. My last episode with being stuck (this morning) happened after I ate 1/4 cup of flaky tilapia in a thin sauce. I used a baby spoon and chewed every bit at least 30 times. Directions are being followed. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so sorry. How disappointing. You can do it again. Think of this as being the hernia repair surgery in preparation for your bypass. Best to you -

Im in Wisconsin and had gastric bypass in 2002 and a revision in 2010.. [ATTACH]3559[/ATTACH]

I got banded in August 2014 liking the idea it wasn't permanent because I wasn't sure I would be able to adapt to the lifestyle changes. I have had 3 fills and am now at 8 CCs. I am in the green zone. I eat small portions and chew well. I joined a gym, own an exercise bike, and do yoga. I exercise most days 30-50 minutes. Since August I have had a fluctuating loss of 14-22 lbs. I get stuck on virtually all solid food. I had lost 120 lbs on my own before and regained it. Right now I have about 45 lbs to lose to get to my goal. I believe I need assistance and really wish I had chose the sleeve. I want something permanent that will be with me forever. I am dedicated to this lifestyle. My surgeon knows how frustrated I am with my standstill weight loss and regurgitation issues. I am going for a barium swallow to see how the band is, this is my surgeons first step in the revision process. Then we meet and discuss the revision but I'm a little worried he won't do it because he'll want me to give the band a longer shot. Thanks for letting me vent!!!

Hi im new here Im goingfor the bypass im almost ready they just gave me lots of studies and quizzes and i was wondering if anyone can help me with them Example T/F a person above the age of 13 can stay with the patient overnight

Hello everyone. I got word from my coordinator at my doctors office that my paperwork will go to submission within 7 days and then it may take 2-3 weeks for the approval. Does anyone else have any experience with BC- BS NC? I am getting RNY gastric bypass.

I'm 65 and I am trying to have it done. I went to a Gastric Bypass & Banding support group meeting at CMMC in Jackson, MS on 12-11-2007. I'm waiting on the Medicare "Seal of Excelents" for CMMC. They said it should be any day now. Other than that, nothing new. Don

Can anyone tell me where I can find a dr to perform a band in Charlotte nc. There are many listings for gastric bypass but nothing for the band. Thanks:think:o:speechles

Sorry I attached a link to the group meetings but it didn't look right. Stomach Stapling, Gastric Bypass - Support Groups, Psychotherapy - Lap-Band Surgery, NYU Medical Center

Hey--My boyfriend works at the Met Opera house in NYC--small world eh?--Who is your doctor in NYC? Do you have a good PCP and lap-band Doc?--I am having my lap-band on Aug 13 at NYU with Dr. Ren. I am starving on the pre-op diet right now. But I have a family history of Bi-polar disorder and that is why I like this thread--I do medicate my self with food. And I am worried about a new addiction after the wieght loss. There are free group meetings at NYU hospital--The psych that I saw told me to see someone after my surgery because he thought that I might have difficulity being thin--so thought I would give the group thing a try. Stomach Stapling, Gastric Bypass - Support Groups, Psychotherapy - Lap-Band Surgery, NYU Medical Center