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Hello I am in philly but am from Pennsauken Nj I am having gastric bypass on 12/15

Hi everyone, My name is Bill and I'm 46 and about to be banded just before my 47th birthday on November 24 by Dr Sax in Providence, RI. Looking forward to this new chapter in my life. I've gotten alot of great feedback from this forum and hopefully will be able to share my experiences with future "bandsters":thumbup:

I'd had my Lap-Band 10 years when I had it removed last year. It had become too tight even without the fluid. I'd maintained 60 of my 80 lb loss for 8 years, but if I'm honest, I was miserable with that thing. Instead of being disappointed when I was told it needed to be removed, I was relieved. I don't think I would have come to that decision myself as I was so afraid of gaining it back. Predictably, in less than a year, I'd put on 50lbs despite eating relatively little and upping my exercise frequency. I had a mini-gastric bypass almost 3 months ago and I'm really pleased so far with how things are going. The weight isn't flying off, but the loss is steady (I've lost 45 of the 70lbs I'd like to lose). I can eat more than with the band (about a cup), so I don't feel ripped off all the time. I seldom vomit and when I get full, it's gradual and feels natural. I tolerate most foods, so my diet is way more balanced and varied. I do experience dumping which is unpleasant, but I'm learning its triggers (sugar, high GI carbs etc) and am avoiding those foods. As I was an insulin resistant "sugar enthusiast," this is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm developing some aversions to sweets and therefore, don't really feel all that tempted or deprived (even at Christmas!). All in all, I think you will be really happy with your choice and only regret not doing it in the first place. Good luck!

I have a family friend who has since stretched out her gastric bypass pouch and is now going to have lapband over that. I'm happy for her. I hope you can find someone in your area to do it. Congrats on the weight you have lost. Don't stop yet!

How did this go for you? I go in on the 11th of November with this group. Have they ever or did they ever tell you the cost of your surgery before you went in I am not getting a straight answer. Could you get back to me soon please. Thanks, hope everything went or is going great for you. Dawn

This is kind of longwinded, but hoping I can get answers from others, as well as provide info for those in the same boat. Here goes: I'm in Northern Virginia (OK, I live in WV, but my Doctors are in No.Va.) and have Kaiser Permanente insurance. My PCP looked at me when I asked about WLS in May and basically said I wasn't fat or sick enough (Hello->Sleep apnea, Family Hx of diabetes with me having recently elevated fasting glucose levels, knee, ankle, and back pain, Weight=298 pounds, and BMI of >45?!?!). Long story short, got a referral anyway. Nutritionist aptmt 6/8/09, weight 298 :drool:. A-OK to start the loooooooong 6 month program (she said I definitely qualify and let that appointment be "Class One"). Scheduled weight loss class the next a.m. to get it out of the way. Had my psych eval 7/28 (:angry:that office messed things up-didn't even have the correct patient file when I checked in) and am waiting for the results to get sent to my Nutritionist and PCP. Kaiser screwed up and scheduled me for "Class Two" (which should have been my 4th visit), instead of a followup the next month (7/13, weight-283.3:smile:) with the nutritionist. Luckily I won't have to take the "Class Two" thing over, just have to do all individual followups until my approval and meeting with the surgeons. Followup appointment 8/3, wt-280.8:tongue_smilie: So here are some of my questions: My next visit (9/15) with the nutritionist will be my 4th visit. They say they require 6 visits total, all about one month apart. That makes November month 6. Who has been through this process in NoVa and what is next? I've heard there are support group classes you have to take but was busy asking questions about other things and didn't ask the nutritionist specifically. How soon after starting did you actually meet with the surgeon? What about additional testing? BW, EKG, etc...? Has anyone been denied by Kaiser NoVa based on their psych eval? I was on antidepressants over 3 years ago. As I mentioned, the psych office didn't have my file (grrrr), and no matter what I told him I was SUCCESSFULLY doing/using for depression, stress, and anxiety (meditation, yoga, exercising, relying on support of friends and family), he's been going on and on about my "underlying condition" and saying he can't see where I would be an ideal candidate for WLS. It sounds like he wants me back on medication, which I do not currently need. Trust me, if I needed it i'd ask for it! I'm really determined to make this work. I've been working on sip, sip, sipping (it's kinda hard to sip every 10 minutes, especially when you're working), have tried a few Protein supplements to find recipes I like BEFORE surgery, and have been working on finding some decent puree-able foods that are appetizing. How long after approval did you have to wait to actually schedule you're surgery? Like, my first visit was 6/8, final should be in November, so do I have to wait days? weeks?? months??? before surgery is scheduled? I'm impatient enough as it is Thanks everyone for any answers you may be able to provide!! Best of luck to all. :tongue: & :cool: Blessed Be.

hi lisa,my name is peggy and i get my preop teaching on jan 12 and begin my preop liquid diet. i am scared...not of the surgery, but that i am making the wrong decision by not getting a bypass. i have a lot to lose but am relatively healthy. i hope we both are successful and enjoy a healthy,happy future. good luck!:shades_smile:

I had gastric bypass revision on June 6th. I lost 16 pounds after surgery and have not lost a pound since. I'm very frustrated. Is this normal? Are my expectations out of whack? Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Do you need to see him to schedule a surgery date? Or were you just to call back or what? I was hoping to have my sugary sooner also. I am having surgery December 9th but I was hoping for middle of November. Oh well…. I do hope you get it when you need it because of work though! Just try to be nice and ask if they have anything at all, explain your work situation and see what they say.

Is there any chance of u gaining ur weight back years down da road ??? Can your stomach return to its regular size ??? I know a lady who had da Bypass n she has gained all plus some weight back ......

Good luck. Mine is scheduled for March 31st at 1 pm Boston time. However I have one more test on the 23rd and unless that one is OK I won't be able to have lapband at all. That would leave bypass or sleeve for me, which are definately NOT my first choice. Keep your fingers crossed. Kim:confused:

I would suggest reading everything you can, so you can make an informed decision. Obesityhelp.com describes all the different procedure, including Lapband, and there is a book called The Lapband Solution, and another called The Lapband Companion. Both books are available on Amazon.com and are full of information. You don't give up real food forever. Check your insurance first and see if it is covered. Some insurances (mine is Blue Choice) require one 6 month or two 3 month documented dietary weight loss attempts before they will approve you. Mine did and I spent the 6 months going to support groups (you meet people at all stages of pre and post op--good place to learn) buying sampler packs of chewable Vitamins and Calcium (both are required after surgery, as well as B12), and reading online. I have been coming here since November. My insurance criteria for surgery is BMI 40 or more (you can calculate this on obesityhelp.com) and 100 pounds overweight, or BMI 35-39 with one or more co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint arthritis, sleep apnea, reflux). My BMI was 37-38 and I have everything on the list except diabetes. Most Bariatric groups require an informational seminar after which you have no obligation, but if you choose to have surgery the seminar is required as a first step. If you choose to continue, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, a psych evaluation, and once surgery is approved, a dietary consult on pre and post op food restrictions. I used the dietician for my 6 month diet as well. Different doctors do different things with pre-op diets. Some want a few days, some a few weeks, some a specific diet product, they are all different. My surgeon, if he thinks you may have a fatty liver, will put you on a full liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery to shrink the liver, and somewhat to jump start your weight loss. I was on it for 3 weeks (I caught a cold and my surgery was postponed a week--not enough time to go off and back on, so I stayed an extra week--lost 25 more pounds after losing 10 on my 6 month diet). After surgery most people do liquids for 2 weeks, then "mushies" or pureed foods for 2 weeks, then solid food. My liquid diet included Protein drinks, milk, juice(diluted 50% with water), fat/sugar free Jello, fa/sugar free popsicles, broths, cream Soups, tea, coffee. The pureed stage I had applesauce, refried Beans, instant mashed potatoes, creamy egg or tuna salad, anything the consistency of apple sauce. Solid foods are a bit trial and error. Some foods will agree with you, others may not. For me bread gets too chewy and sits like a lump, but I can eat croutons on a salad. pizza (I love pizza) dough doesn't agree so much, so I invented a crustless pizza (sauce, turkey pepperoni, peppers, onions, fat free Kraft mozarella in a microwavable disk; heat for a couple minutes and you have the toppings without the dough). I did the same with meatballs (turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese,heat in microwave--either meatball sub without the roll or spaghetti without the noodles). They told us not to have rice and Pasta for a while, but I don't think it is forever. I checked with the dietician and then went to a church spaghetti dinner. I cut up my spaghetti and meatballs like you would for a kid, ate the salad, passed on the roll and dessert. And for drinking, you wait about a half hour to eat after drinking, do not drink with meals, and wait 45 minutes to an hour after a meal to drink. So yes, the way you eat will change, and some of the things you eat will change. The amount of whatever you eat will definitely change, but it is worth it. I have lost an additional 35 lbs since surgery and gone down two clothing sizes for work (I wear scrubs--down from 2x to large). I am hoping also to reduce or eliminate some of the meds I am on. Sorry to run on but there is a lot to know. Check your insurance, talk to your PCP, go to the seminar and support groups, and then decide if this is the way you want to go.

Sounds like time for a bypass!

Obesity is an inflammatory state. That inflammation may actually worsen the symptoms of MS. Weight loss via dieting or surgery should help(in general). The VSG is a good option to consider for a patient with MS as there is no foreign body and no intestinal bypass that could interact with the side effects of MS. There are not many patients with MS that have had weight loss surgery but one of mine told me recently that her Neurologist said she had the best MRI in ten years. She is two years postoperative from a VSG!

So, here I am...19 days post-op. I'm feeling good, considering that I've stopped taking my anti-depressants and given up caffeine since surgery. I'm down 12 pounds and keeping a positive outlook. It's really bothered me because a rumor started around my school (cosmetology school, nonetheless) that I'd had gastric bypass. I've just shrugged it off for the most part, but I'm gonna admit that hearing that bothered me. I feel that more severe obesity cases opt for gastric bypass and I feel slightly insulted that it's even a topic amongst my peers. I would think that my being fat wasn't an issue to them as well as my having LAP Band isn't a topic that's up for discussion. I'm probably being silly for even worrying about it, but that's what cosmetology school is for. Drama and girlfights. Even though I feel generally better, I have noticed that I'm really lethargic at the end of the day. I've been honestly forcing myself to walk for thirty minutes here and there. I'm only up this late because I made it a point to prepare dishes that my sister and I could eat while everyone else eats the high fat/calorie stuff for Thanksgiving. I took a bunch of recipes from Hungry-girl.com and made them into "mashies approved" casseroles. I ended up with a cauliflower bake (pureed), smashed sweet potatoes (made with sugar-free maple syrup and Splenda), and a crustless pumpkin pie. I'm pretty pleased with how everything looks. So hopefully, everything with taste good as well. We had a potluck today at school and I had a teaspoon of stuffing and I can safely say...their stuffing was terrible! I'm really glad I couldn't eat much because I couldn't imagine eating something like that and pretending to enjoy it. Blech. Anyway, I'm gonna go ahead and close by saying that I'm trying to keep my chin up and stay hopeful that I'm going to (one day soon) be much smaller! I've had a lot of heartache in the past year that's made a huge impact on my life and I really need to make this work. For me. This time it's not for anyone else. Keep your fingers crossed!

You should get checked out by your doc. In the meantime, if the pain becomes severe, go to the ER, since it could be a bowel obstruction or hernia. Recently there was a bypass patient that had to get surgery for a Petersen's defect. It is a fairly rare complication of the bypass, and it can happen anytime postop (even 13 years). Hopefully it's nothing, just some constipation, but better safe than sorry...

I have to remove my band and I am on the fence with the bypass. Looking for advice on dumping and nutritional deficiencies. Sent from my MB886 using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I am an old timer (banded since 1997) who has just had a radical re-adjustment and has been thrown back into the fresh hell that is being newly banded. I have all these new problems I didn't have before and it's driving me nuts. When I was first banded I lost 70kg in between mid Feb and November the same year. I worked out like a demon. I nearly went nuts. I was constantly hungry. It was the worst experience of my life. I got pregnant and couldn't work out for 4hrs a day. I regain 30kg in 3 months. That was still working out for an hour everyday. My surgeon retired and there was no one for me to consult as this was still a very uncommon surgery in Australia at the time. Since then I have regained every kilo I lost. My current GP decided my band was too loose and sent me to a local surgeon (a new addition) who has adjusted my band very tightly (3mm stoma):drool:. I have lost 5kg in two weeks. I am miserable and back where I started. Does anyone out there have a good way of relieving gas? I feel like there's a rock in my stomach. There are days I wish I had never been banded... Do you no what really annoys me? No one ever speaks ill of the band and some days it is very difficult living with it. I spent my wedding reception with my head over a toilet because I'd eaten the wrong thing. There have been weeks where I have thrown up every meal. No one mentions that...

My surgery is Novemeber 19th in Knoxville,TN Dr. Stephen Boyce. I wanted to get a head count of tbe people that have the same surgery date.

I had gastric bypass whereas you had the sleeve. I dropped weight so quickly that it was like jumping off a cliff. But then at around 7 months, my weight loss stopped and I went into the maintenance phase. Sleeve patients lose weight at a much slower pace. They encounter many stalls along the way. But their journey is much longer. And they can achieve almost the same weight loss as gastric bypass patients. Many do not transition into the maintenance phase until 2 years.

Thank you all so much! I cannot express how grateful I'm to your consoling and kind words. I've decided to go ahead with the surgery - Gastric Bypass as per my surgeon's advice. Since I've started a strict diet and exercise regime, I'm confident I'll be in a better position to continue the routine post-surgery. I shall remain in touch with you and seek further inputs as I embark on the bariatric journey / adventure

I've just joined the community today and have gone through most of the discussions. But stating this obvious question once again to gain some comfort in deciding to go under the knife. I desperately need your wisdom to help me decide. I’m obese, type-2 diabetic for the past 9 years (I’m 40 yrs now) with uncontrollable blood sugar levels all this while. This summer my tests had traces of Microalbumin and a follow-up test in autumn confirmed Microalbuminuria (Incipient Diabetic Nephropathy, early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease). It was like a bolt from the blue! If I do not take control, I could progress the stages of CKD and also risk having other complications (like hypertension, heart disease and eye diseases). I've consulted an Obesetologist and a Bariatric Surgeon to understand the bariatric surgery options for BMI 36.0 and my comorbidities. They've advised me Gastric Bypass Surgery. I can fund my surgery if Insurance declines. While engaging the doctors and follow-up tests I've also started to follow strict low-carb diet and follow a good exercise regime. In the last 3 months, I dropped weight and now at BMI 28.5 and blood sugar level is at normal levels for a month now. Here is where the confusion is - I know the risks of the chronic disease like Diabetes and Nephropathy + others. I'm only 40 and need to strictly follow the diet and exercise without getting a burn-out for the rest of my life and not let the diseases take over my life. On the other hand, Bariatric Surgery is promising with limited set of post surgery complications/risks. If I weigh the risks of not having surgery and having surgery done, on paper Surgery WINS hands down. I just need someone to tell me to go ahead with the surgery, so that I can focus on preparing myself. Thanks a lot...this advice will change my life and my family's.

I have been looking at this site for several weeks (my husband says I am kinda obsesed...lol), as well as other sites trying to find one where I can feel comfortable posting as well as getting positive feedback and answers to my questions. I have to say, everyone here is so positive and uplifting and I have learned so much already just looking around. I cannot wait to continue to learn more as I get deeper into the discussions and find support as my surgery date gets closer. I have never thought about having weight loss surgery till my husband and I went to see a fertility specialist and were told that my weight (along with having PCOS) is the main factor preventing us from getting pregnant. As I sat in his office sobbing, feeling embarrassed and down on myself, he told me about the Lap Band procedure. He said that it was a lifestyle change and that he has several overweight patients that have had the procedure and have not needed fertility treatments. When I got in the car, I dried my tears, took a deep breath and called the doctors office and reserved my space in the next information session the following week. We have been trying to get pregnant for over 5 years...this could be my answer to not only starting a family, but a change that will make me healthy for years to come! I started my journey in May 2011 by attending an information session, then my first consultation appointment with my doctor. I was informed at that time that my insurance requires a 6 month waiting period (which from reading on here is fairly common). I was upset that I had to wait, but these past several months have been months of reflection. I have worked hard on changing my eating habits, exercising 5-6 times a week and working with a trainer twice a week. My husband has been my biggest supporter and number one cheerleader. Looking back, I am thankful for this time of reflection and time to get my eating and exercise on track. I am an emotional eater and turn to food for comfort. I now try to turn to other things like exercise, reading, and yes, surfing this site gathering information. I still struggle with a fair amount of emotional eating and/or making bad choices, but from where I was the begining of the year, it is much improved. I have completed all of the required appointments (labs, therapist, sleep study, nutritionist, etc.) and my last supervised doctors appointment is on October 10th. I am keeping my fingers crossed for surgery in November. Everything checked out great with the exception of having mild/moderate sleep apnea, which I am having a hard time dealing with. I have had my cpap machine for a week and am still trying to get use to it. I am also going on a thrift store hunt this weekend so I can stop spending so much money on clothes as I loose weight. I am 31 years old and have so much life to live. I have been heavy all my life, but have been watching the scale go down the past several months...and will continue to watch it go down. I am so ready to see what the future holds...and I cannot wait to be able to go out and do the activities I miss doing, but I am too self conscious or heavy to do like roller coasters, water parks, race cars, etc. I am doing this surgery for me, with fantastic plans for the future, and a healthy, long life! So I will end by saying an official hello, and I hope I can be as helpful and encouraging to others on here, as I know you all will be to me!

Hey there! I don't actually have ALL the dates of my appts right now but, when I had my seminar, I messed around and waited and procrastinated for months. :mad: In late October, I finally got serious about it. I had my consult in the beginning of November, then I immediately scheduled my appts for my labs, xrays, ekg, nutritionist and psychiatric eval. By then end of Nov., I had all those done and then I had to have my second appt with the surgeon. I had that on 12/5/08 and then they submitted my request to Tricare. Then it was just waiting. Finally on 12/12, I got the call that I had been approved and she gave me my dates for my pre-op with the surgeon, pre-op at the hospital and surgery dates. I was over the moon! LOL. So...to answer your question, i got all my dates at once on that call.