Search the Community

Hello all, My name is Charise and I live in Philadelphia. I am new to this site as well as the lapband. Around 2 years ago I thought of having gastric bypass but thought that that type of surgery was not for me. Now I am in the process of learning more about the lap band. If you have any insight to all of this, all suggestions and comments as well as experiences are more than welcomed to respond to my thread. Hope to hear from you all and hope all is well. Charise PartyWithMook:cool:

Does anybody else's doctor tell them they had to do the test even though you had gastric bypass? I thought we weren't supposed to have this test done because we had surgery and I'm 25 weeks out and need to know what most of doctors are telling you guys DOS: 1/21/12 SW: 367 LBS CW: 185 LBS

Here's a list of questions (with recent updates) that I posted quite some time ago. Since you're coming up on your last appointment you'll likely have answers to some of these already but hopefully you'll find others that will prove useful. What are the risks? How often do patients have complications following surgery? What side effects are the most common? What are the benefits? What should I expect after surgery? Realistically, what weight loss should I expect following surgery and over what period of time? What are "stalls" or "plateaus"? How long do they last and if I do experience them, what can I do to shorten their duration? Will any new technology be used e.g. robotics? Is the hospital and surgeons office accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)? This is a combination of the programs formerly offered by two highly respected surgical societies - The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Beginning in 2012, this accreditation replaced the former Bariatric Centers of Excellence. Are you board certified in bariatric surgery? How many roux-en-y gastric bypass surgeries have you performed? Have you experienced any surgery related mortalities? Do you have patients that are willing to share their weight loss surgery experiences, positive and negative? What types of support groups and counseling will be available post-op? What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand the surgery? How often do you see your patients following surgery? What is the significance of Protein following surgery? Does your practice offer support services for psychological needs? What assistance is available for helping me secure insurance approval? Who should I speak with regarding insurance related questions? What pre-op testing will be done? What post-op testing will be done? Will I need Vitamins after my surgery and if so, what types? When can I start exercising after my surgery? How likely is it that I will regain weight after surgery? Think of the meeting with your surgeon as an interview. You're looking for an answer to "Why are you and your team the most qualified for the job?" You're gonna love the new you!!

My surgery is November 10th. I chose gastric bypass because I have type 2 diabetes and after researching it and talking to my doctor, I found out that there is a much better success rate at reversing type 2 diabetes with the gastric bypass vs. the sleeve. The majority of the people in my support group are post-op sleevers and have done very well with with it. I suggest consulting with your surgeon and doing some research online about the sleeve vs. bypass. There is plenty of information out there. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Dear all: Thanks for the great wisdom on this board. I've mostly been lurking, until I made my decision to do the surgery. Your comments were critical. Here is my problem: I was planning on getting the sleeve right before Thanksgiving. This works well for me, because as a field scientist, my critical field work time is in January, February and March. I need to be mobile and have long days. My second child is due in April, and knowing my wife, and the fact that we live abroad, I don't want to wait until after the baby for this, because I might never do it. I'd rather be thinner with more energy when number 2 comes along (and for the field work). So, late November sounded good, and I was looking at airfares, etc. Until, yesterday.... So, as a scientist, my goal is a tenure track job. Right now I'm on a yearly contract with no benefits. Tenure track, and then tenure is the holy grail. I just got invited to interview for a tenure track position that I'm really interested in. But the interviews include giving a lecture and a full day (8 am until 8 pm, with social meals....let's say a lunch with students and dinner with faculty). And it is scheduled for the second week of December. I'm not too worried about being tired (but maybe I should be), but instead I'm worried about eating (or should I say not eating, rather drinking). I'd like to think that university types would be all Enlightened about this stuff, but my experience tells me other wise. I could wait until after I return, or I could try to rush the surgery next week (I already started a pre-op diet to give me options.) Thoughts? Advice? All is quite appreciated. Thanks a ton! Matt

Hello Every. I am new to this forum so please bare with me. I recently called my insurance co. (care first blue cross blue shield) and they informed me that they dont cover weight loss surgery. I then called my local dept of health and mental hygiene, they informed me that medicaid will cover both the lap band and gastric bypass "if Medically necessary ." I dont have medicaid yet, but I am sure I'll qualify. I truly want to know how to go about it through medicaid? I will apply for medicaid, but once that's approved, where do I go from there. I honestly need this surgery, I am a female age 20 5'4 and 240pounds. Since 2008 i have had this respiratory problem, my general doctor never officially diagnosed it as asthma but I do take an over the counter inhaller daily, I am thinking it may have something to do with my weight. I have been on diets since I was 12 years old, only to gain more weight. My doctor has even given me a form of phentermane and that still did not work. I would have no other way to pay for this surgery, although I really need it. Can anyone please provide me with the steps I need to take to go the medicaid way? I have no credit so I cant just take out a loan and pay that way (im a full time college student, no job but I have the support of my parents) Thank you so much

thanks for answering my ?'s i have found this site soooo helpful thanks to others like you. Initially I thought I'd get bypass but after reading here I opted for "the band"

Hi! Am joining to share with others like me. Had lap band dec 2011- had oesophageal dilatation band was opened from oct 2013 till my new surgery on July 31 2014; roux en y bypass . Am learning to live with new surgery. Found to be loosing hair now a little worried and still learning how to eat. Tonight had pistachios and had bad cramps and bloating . Not sure if blockage am waiting to see how it goes, am having hot water to help things go down... A little worried and new at this... Anyone with suggestions or just comforting words?

Hi all, I'm scheduled to have gastric sleeve surgery on October 2nd. I was curious as to how long afterwards I should wait to get a new tattoo? I plan on getting it on my forearm, so nowhere near my incision sites. I like to get tattoos whenever I go through major life changes so this one is going to signify my weight loss surgery/grad school journey. I usually have to book my tattoo appointments a few months out because of my artist's schedule. Ideally, I'd like to get the tattoo sometime in November, do you guys think this too soon after surgery, considering it will be an open wound on my body while my body is still in recovery mode from surgery? Thank you!

How much pounds have you lost while you were on liquid diet before surgery??? I started my liquid diet today.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey goldengirl1. As mentioned before on this thread I also am sleeved and am getting my revision to bypass on the 4th December. So excited/nervous it’s getting closer. Wish you all the best with your revision too :)

Misty, I guess the best thing to tell you is that I weighed 326 on November 1st, 2008. I was banded on 11/19/08 and I now weigh 267 and I'm half way to my goal. The band is not a cure all and it does not do all of the work for you but it sure helps! Until my second fill I really didn't have a restriction and I thought maybe my band was screwed up or something. Now, after the second fill I'm just starting to feel the restriction. I've got rid of the weight by following the doctor's orders and did not eat like before even if the band does not restrict at first. I exercise at least an hour a day (I hate it too) but it is really paying off. So, hang in there and keep up the "I can do it attitude".

Someone suggested that I post my list of questions that I brought to my consultation. Some are redundant, sorry about that. I hope this helps and please add your questions too. ABOUT THE DOCTOR: How many gastric banding procedures have you done? Is he a board certified surgeon? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery and recovery and life with band? Is there a difference among the two different adjustable gastric bands? Do you have other Lap-Band® patients that I can talk to? Do you have a video or presentation that I can watch that shows the surgery? Do you specialize in the Lap-Band® or do you perform other procedures as well? Do you perform other gastric band procedures? What is the Realize band, pros/cons of each? What are the short term issues? What are the long term issues? What is the doctor's policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS). What qualifications does this doctor have regarding the specific brand of band that will be used? (Lap-Band System, by Allergan or Realize Band by Ethicon/Johnson&Johnson) ABOUT THE PROCEDURE: Lap Band vs Realize? What is the “scarless surgery?” Do you perform the procedure on an outpatient basis or will it require an overnight stay in the hospital? What kind of anesthesia will I be getting? Will an anesthesiologist be present during the entire procedure Is the surgery being done at a surgery center or at a hospital? How will you protect me from infection/staff infection during the procedure? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery? PREPARING FOR SURGERY: What tests do I have to have prior to surgery? Will I need to have a special diet before surgery? Will you notify my primary care doctor about the procedure? Do you need any of my medical records prior to surgery? AFTER SURGERY CARE AND FOLLOW UP When can I resume taking medications? How soon after surgery do you want to see me for a follow up visit? How do does the doctor determine whether or not my band will need to be adjusted? Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies? When should I have my first adjustment/ fill? What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items? When can I resume exercise? How will I manage my pain after surgery? How will I have to change my eating habits after surgery? How much weight should I expect to lose in the first month? FRIENDS AND FAMILY What help can you give me to help educate my family and friends so that they can also support me? LIFE AFTER BAND: How do adjustments work and how often will I need adjustments during the first year? Ongoing? How often will I have to see the doctor over the next year and at what cost? How is it better than other forms of bariatric surgeries like Gastric c Bypass and Gastric Sleeve? What is the expected weight loss? How much time will be required for losing weight? Is there possibly a better weight surgery for me?

I had RNY Gastric Bypass on November 14, 2016. On my day of surgery, I weighed 334 and have lost a lot of weight. In February, I was rushed to the ER with a perforated intestine (hole) caused by a Marginal Ulcer near where my Roux limb attaches to my stomach pouch. I survived that ordeal, staying in the hospital for 5 days after nearly dying from sepsis. In mid-April, something changed...my "intestinal motility" slowed way down and my (sorry) poop practically turned to clay. I wound up back in the hospital during the 3rd week of April with a diagnosis of "Prostatitis" but my CT scans revealed my entire pelvis was inflamed. I was on strong antibiotics (liquid Bactrim) for six weeks and took probiotics to combat diarrhea. I had completed my course of antibiotics during the first week of June. Several weeks later, I still struggle with very slow intestines and my weight loss has plateaued for 3 months now. I am "hovering" between 251 and 247 and my size or shape hasn't changed in months. I am seeing my surgeon in a couple of days for a follow up, but I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. Has anyone else experienced such a long plateau? It is disheartening to think this could be the end of my weight loss. I feel like I could lose another 100 pounds...I know...that may not be realistic, but I feel like I haven't lost enough and my BMI is at just under 36...I started out with a BMI of 52. I feel like my stall is related to the slow down in my intestines...almost like my body decided it was going to try to absorb more from the food I was eating and hang on to more, preventing me from losing more weight. I am starting to feel helpless and depressed just writing about it. Ugh. I know that's not the intention of these forums, but I guess writing about it made me really express how I was feeling. Does anyone have any answers? Has anyone else been through this? I feel like I can't travel without stool softeners and Senna tea to try and keep me going.

I Have UHC and was approved, first request. I had to see a whole bunch of doctors before my surgeon sent in for authorization. My surgeons office knew before hand, from experience, if it was going to be a problem. I had the insurance language that WLS was excluded unless morbid obese. Hope this helps. Back in November, I called our insurance...United Healthcare. (We have the Choice Plus coverage.) I was told that my UHC plan would cover 100% of my surgery. I even asked if there were any prerequisites. The only one was morbid obesity, which I fit! My first doctors appointment was December 7 with a Dr in the UHC Network. I got there, signed in. The insurance lady called me back, told me she spoke to someone with UHC and that my insurance didn't cover any weight loss surgery. I went to the parking garage, cried my eyes out, and then called UHC. Spoke to someone that said yes, indeed, it did cover the surgery. I was so excited that I took my cell phone back into the office. The insurance lady talked to the UHC rep on my cell phone. Anyway, the dr's office asked for a fax of the coverage. We waited...and waited...and waited. I called back, to which this whole cycle restarted. Yes it is covered. No, it's not. I never got to even see the doctor that day. Devastated, I called, very angrily, and wanted answers. I spoke to someone that told me to have the dr.s office fax a "prerequisite" letter to UHC, stating WHY I needed the surgery. She said my plan did cover the surgery and any surgery for weight loss, under the morbid obesity section. The reason the customer care reps kept saying no was because it always said "Need additional informatiuon." Has anyone else has this kind of luck with United Healthcare? That day, the doctors office, to which I am not even a patient, faxed a letter stating I needed the lap band, due to morbid obesity. We are still waiting to see whether it's going to be accepted or denied. I will tell you that the surgery code # was put into my plan and it was covered. This is all just so devastating to me! The insurance lady @ the dr.s office told me a rep called her from UHC today, but really didn't know whether or not the surgery was covered. Said she would have to refer it over to the UHC nurse case worker. SERIOUSLY? How hard can it be to know whether or not this surgery is covered? I am really down at this point. The lap band feels years away~ :(Just wondering if anyone else has had this kind of luck, with a good outcome from UHC?

I went to my final 6 of 6 dietitian visit today. So glad that is done. It did go very fast. Lost a total of 11 pounds. Now I play the waiting game. Hoping surgery will be sometime in November. My mom says wait til after the holidays so I can eat. I said I don't care. Funny!! I want to get my new life started. Good luck to everyone out there. Jen

Yes mrsroyale there’s a lot of us out here. In BariaticPal, I recommend you go to the forum, Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Groups, General Weight Loss Surgery Forums, Vegetarian or Vegan Eating. Good luck in your journey.

Hi All, I have the Sleeve about 16 months ago and had an overall good result, lost about 55% of my excess weight. I was pretty surprised though that I really never had much feeling of restriction after the surgery, never got sick, never felt overly stuffed, and my hunger only decreased moderately. I kinda felt like most of my weight loss was really attributable to the lifestyle changes I made associated with the surgery, although it definitely helped some. I recently was diagnosed with an inflammatory spine disease for which the only real treatment is aggressive weight loss and moderation of inflammation. I'm considering having a revision of the sleeve or conversion to a bypass and would really like to find someone great in the Los Angeles area. My previous surgeon was fine operatively but didn't really listen to me and I'd be hesitant to discuss my current situation in that setting as this feels like a really big decision given my recent diagnoses. I'm considering Dr. Feiz and Dr. Dorwaiswamy. Any other great people I should consider who are great surgeons but also willing to spend a minute listening to concerns?

Hello Everyone! I attended an informational session back in March, but then found out that my company had an exclusion for bariatric surgery. However, my husband's insurance does not, so I've been waiting until open enrollment in November so that I can join his insurance and be covered. As that time approaches, I'm starting to do more research and read other people's stories, which is what led me here! I'm 30, no kids, live in Atlanta and I work for a national non-profit health organization. Needless to say, at just over 300 lbs, I'm the biggest one here and I feel terribly out of place with all my super health conscious co-workers. Over the past three years, my husband has lost 210 pounds without having any surgery. I tried to do it his way, but I just haven't been able to stick with it. I've lost and gained back the same 30 pounds probably 10 times. I love fashion and design, so my goal is to be able to shop at trendy stores, not at plus-size stores and to be more comfortable, both physically and socially.

So my questions: 1. How will the LAP-BAND® help me lose weight? There is something magical that once you hit your "sweet spot" you can only eat about a cup of food at a sitting - and your body stays satisfied with that - thinking it is full....I find I don't crave sweets or junk food...bread has NO pull at all as my body craves the Protein that it needs to function well. I would've NEVER believed that pre op - as i was a carbaholic! 2. What kind of diet needs to be kept after the LAP-BAND® is installed? Like she said - you first eat your protein - as I found if you aren't getting enough protein your hair will start to fall out...not cool! You will find that once you have eaten your protein you haven't room for much else! But if you want to eat a scoop of frozen yogurt or something as a treat you can, and it is no big deal...you just have to be careful at the "slider" foods that go through the band and don't leave you feeling satisfied. I shoot for more solid protein that will stay with me longer. 3. If I/We/anyone can’t maintain a diet regiment before the LAP-BAND®, how can we expect that it would be any different after the LAP-BAND®? You still have to work on WHY you overeat -or make the choices that you do...it isn't an easy fix, which folks seem to think it is. (common misconsception) If you are prone to turn to food when upset - you still will even with the band, and you can "eat around" the band by overeating with slider type foods that go right through....and thus circumventing the band. So it isn't a cure all - but it helps you control your portions of foods and you can still eat "real food" - it just takes a LOT less to satisfy your body. 4. Are there medications or supplements that need to be taken after the LAP-BAND® is installed? I just take my gummy Vitamin - some docs recommend a Calcium supplement, too.....your doctor will go over what they recommend. It isn't like the gastric bypass, though, where you have to take a lot of things for the rest of your life. (or so I am told by others...) 5. If insurance covers the procedure (I am investigating that with my insurance right now), and there is a problem with the device such as a leaky port, who covers the expense of fixing it? My mom's friend had to have her lapband replaced as it sprung a leak - her insurance covered it...I think typically if they cover putting it in, they would cover anything else that had to be done...but I would definately check with your insurance company. 6. Are there other manufacturing defect problems that can occur with the LAP-BAND®, and if so who absorbs the cost of repair? Haven't heard of anything on this either....... 7. I am noticing the number one side effect of the LAP-BAND® is nausea and vomiting. Is that a temporary problem or an ongoing problem? Can be ongoing depending on what you are trying to eat! If you are sticking to the right types of foods (protein - not breads and things that get stuck) then you won't have any trouble with PB'ing (which reminds me of a baby spitting up -just a burp) - but once you hit your sweet spot and have good restriction you will find that you have to eat slow and chew well ---- or else you can still struggle a lot with the "vomiting". I struggled the first 4 months or so...but then everything became habit and I haven't had any problems for a long time. 8. Is there any restriction on drinking alcohol when you have a LAP-BAND®? Not that I know of - course you wouldn't want to drink too much since it is empty calories.... Good luck! Kim

Come join our Facebook support group! Search "2016 November Sleevers" and share your story!

Dumping is not guaranteed. So maybe not the best ideas to make a decision on that. You posted on the bypass thread so you'll get a lot of pro bypass perspectives, too. I decided bypass because I wanted the greatest chance of my co morbidities being completely resolved. I wanted long term data. I've been on this site a while and I can't figure out if sleeves are just being offered more lately and there by we are hearing more about folks not being able to eat being 6 wks, 6 months out and other stuff or if sleeves are more vocal about it. Can't tell. I'm two weeks out and can tolerate everything I tried with no problems, nausea, vomiting. I know when I'm am eating too fast but I think that would be the same for everyone at this point. You need to make this decision with your surgeon. I think most people go with their guts and at their fear edge. Some people are gonna be creeped out by the re routing, I was afraid of the long line of stitching with the sleeve or developing any sort of reflux, heartburn etc. Also, what sealed the deal for me and you might ask your surgeon. How many of each procedures has he/she done? Which one has he/she done the most revisions or fixed complications with? And how comfortable with it are they? If his or her child needed bariatric surgery which would they recommend? Honestly, you are young and healthy and would probably do well with a uncomplicated sleeve or bypass process, but you may not need all the bypass has to offer.

Depending on what food you mean, and what procedure you're having, a lot of food that got us all obese in the first place isn't on the post-op plan (for good reason). Some people who are in maintenance are able to pretty much eat normally (though still a balanced diet), but bypass and SADI folks especially need to be mindful of making nutritious choices due to the malabsorption factor. High carb, high sugar and high fat foods can also bring on dumping syndrome. Thankfully the surgery really helps a lot of folks with reigning in cravings, and bad food loses most of its allure. As for coffee, I was offered it in the hospital along with my water and broth, whereas others are told never-ever. So it seems to depend on your surgeon's team. Hopefully someone with experience with emotional eating issues can help you out there, and I'm sorry for your trauma. That's rough.

Happy here! My ticker says it all. My friend that had a gastric bypass has had trouble but I've totally fine since about 48 hours post-op. You'll never believe how easy it is to eat very little until you feel it!