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Congratulations, that's some serious weight loss! When I started, I needed to lose about 200 lbs. Always encouraging to me, to see people with the sleeve having such great success reaching their goals, because I initially thought I was getting the bypass and couldn't, because of the scar tissue they ran into from a prior surgery. Initially I was a little disappointed because it was always sold as the "gold standard" but I see a lot of folks on here having a lot of success with it, so I'm encouraged by that!

Hey everyone, it has been ages since I have been on here! I haven't been on here since I lost my Lap-Band. I'm at my highest weight EVER! Ever since I had my son a year ago, I've been thinking STRONGLY about Gastric Bypass surgery. I was too scared to move forward and make an appointment to see my surgeon. These bigger weight loss surgeries scare me so much, but I feel it will be a great decision for me because it will be permanent for one. I'm so sick of yo-yoing. I want to be healthy, unfortunately I just need the tool to help me. I'm so scared due to the fact that my organs will be cut and rearranged. I fear dying on that operating table. I fear dying sometime after surgery (eventhough I know I can just drop dead anytime). I will forever know that my organs aren't the same as the person next to me. (I know it's not important. My mind is weird lol) I'm just so nervous and scare and I havent even made an appointment yet. I guess I just want some positive feedback and support.

I chose the sleeve, mostly because i was self pay without insurance, however the sleeve does wonders. I liked the idea that the sleeve meant that my body functions would be the least invasive and function normally. There is a lot of restriction with the sleeve. from what i have heard, the bypass should be for those with comorbidities besides the weight loss. I was lucky and didnt have anything but weight loss to deal with. The other thing i heard was some that get the sleeve have to be revised to bypass depending on how much weight you have to lose. You really need to weigh all the options and make the best decision for you. What is right for one, may not be right for another.

RNY was something I was scared of but after research most sleeves get revision. My sister had sleeve and 4 years later she wants RNY. I love it sure its malabsorption so you take lot of supplements but one of BEST decisions ever if you are foodie! Everything has changed. Grille onions are my sweets now its CRAZY! And cakes dont even smell good. good luck on your path cant wait to follow your progress.

I have an appointment with a 2nd surgeon on the 21st of this month. I canceled my surgery with my original surgeon because I didn't feel comfortable I was getting all the information I wanted. This Dr. was great, but at the end of the day all that matters is how I feel and I didn't feel right with him. I would recommend getting a second opinion. All doctors are different and it is up to us as the patients to not accept everything just because it's a doctor saying it. Go see another doctor and see what he says. I'm in Texas, most doctors here do free consultations. I'm assuming that's fairly standard. Did he suggest bypass instead of sleeve? Are you open to that? I know that it's sometimes more successful for someone who has a higher starting rate. You are doing the right thing by coming here for advice, keep searching for the right answer (something you're comfortable with) and you will find it.

For anyone who has Caresource in Ohio, here is their policy as it pertains to Bariatric Surgery as of July 2016: A. SUBJECT Obesity Surgery B. BACKGROUND Surgery for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, and gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure with significant risk of surgical and post-op complications that should be considered medically necessary only as a treatment alternative when a concerted effort a conventional and conservative management has failed for those who meet the policy criteria below. Prior authorization request for Morbid Obesity Surgery and supporting information must be submitted by the surgeon intending to perform the procedure. Further supporting information may be presented by the PCP or other practitioners, but unless the prior authorization request is submitted by the attending surgeon, the request will be administratively denied for lack of information. C. DEFINITIONS N/A D. POLICY I. The surgery should be considered medically necessary if ALL of the following conditions are met: A. The patient is at least 21 years of age. Members less than 19 years old will be considered only under extreme circumstances. B. The BMI (Body Mass Index) and associated conditions suggest surgery is the most prudent treatment: 1. BMI > 50 with or without associated co-morbidities and failed conservative weight loss attempts as per 3B 2. BMI 40-50 with 1 or more significant co-morbidities not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve 3. BMI 35-40 with 2 or more co-morbid conditions that are not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve: a. The co-morbid condition is either poorly controlled on appropriate medical therapy and would likely improve with weight reduction OR by virtue of family history and existing clinical conditions, the patient would remain high risk for short term co-morbid complications without the surgery Examples include Poorly controlled hypertension on multi-drug therapy Inadequately controlled diabetes despite high does insulin treatment and other therapeutic regimens Lipid disorder on maximum drug therapy and lifestyle modification without control C. Written clinical documentation and supporting information from the attending surgeon must include: 1. Letter of medical necessity 2. Evidence that there has been at least a 9 month documented physician supervised trial of diet and exercise within the last 24 months (adapted from NIH recommendations) 3. Summary of co-morbid conditions 4. A description of a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing and managing the patient in the pre-operative and peri-operative periods and through an extended post-operative period 5. Evidence the patient has been evaluated from a psychological standpoint within the past 6 months and which supports that the patient does not have an underlying psychiatric condition which would interfere with the success of the surgery and that the patient will withstand the rigors of the surgery and maintain long-term follow-up care. If the member is under psychiatric care, documentation from their current treating psychiatrist is also required 6. Supporting letter of medical necessity from the patient’s PCP, recommending the surgery and documenting that the patient has undergone medical evaluation to rule out other treatable causes of obesity D. Patients with a history of non-compliance with medical care and any psychiatric illnesses that may hinder compliance with the post-operative regimen are not suitable for surgery. -- Your surgeon may also require additional testing and clearances, but this is what Caresource requires. Hopefully this helps someone.

So they figured out the source of my pain. My lower or "bypassed" stomach was full and hadn't released anything so they needed to get it out or risk perforation. Well all that sounds fine and dandy except I had just drank my lunch shake and couldn't go under sedation. I am then told I can get a cocktail that will take me to la la land where nothing matters. Apparently, that crap doesn't work on me and after begging the doctor to stop then screaming the entire time as he shoved a metal twin down my abdomen to my stomach. I was hyperventilating and feeling very violated. Could have killed anyone to take a min and get me a drug that worked? I was sick afterwards and needed to be calmed down. But I definitely don't feel safe here anymore and want to go home.

I agree. It's perfectly normal to have all those feelings. It means you're taking it seriously. I had all those feelings before my RnY bypass last year, and I also had all those feelings before I had my hysterectomy 15 years ago! I ended up having an emergency hysterectomy, so that choice was less scary in a way. I needed it to save my life, and there was no more thinking about it! But at 57, with high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, joint problems and Barrett's esophagus, my health was also quite precarious before this surgery, too. I'm glad I did it. I didn't have any complications, but those first few months were tough as I had to relearn how to eat and form a new "relationship" with food. It only took three months for my blood pressure and blood sugar to normalize and to no longer need the acid reflux medications. My joint issues are greatly improved because I can move more and I get more exercise, which reduces inflammation. I've lost 105 lbs as of this morning and I'm still losing, albeit slower than I did in the beginning. I feel very lucky. My advice, for what it's worth, is do your research, and seek the very best medical team you can find and afford. Just those two things will ease your mind alot. Then you have to reach a point where the risks involved (surgery always involves risks) are outweighed by the consequences of doing nothing. And that point is different for everyone. Good luck. You will make the decision that's best for you, at the time that it works for you.

After bugging my Drs. Office for 2weeks (finally finished all my requirements) I got my surgery date of Jan. 14th. Don't know why but kind of threw me for a loop. I'm having a revision from a 27 yr old gastric stapling (they don't do it any more) so my surgery is an open incision and is more risky so I'm optomistic but wake up in the middle of the night concerned and excited. Is any one else having an open incision surgery?

Hi MsMook I am a revision from lap band to plication with lap band. The reason I chose plication with lap band was due to insurance, they paid for my procedure. I started at 283 and am currently at 219. I have a blog in my signature, please feel free to browse through it if you have any more questions. I am extremely happy with the plication and hope to reach my goal in about 1 year. Good luck to you in whichever procedure you decide.

I've been once for gastric sleeve in 2013 and will be returning in March 2016 with dr Garcia for the gastric bypass. Great experience the first time and hoping it goes as smooth the second time.

I have people in my life who run the gamut. My sister had the surgery several years ago, and has been harping on me since that I just *HAVE* to have it. I was on the fence about it until an appointment with a specialist yesterday who said unequivocally, the surgery would have a direct positive impact on my health. Won't cure my situation, but will make it a lot more likely that the meds can work. My mother sees some of the complications my sis had (mostly related to the skin surgery later) and is worried about complications, and thinks I can do it by myself if I just work at it. Like I haven't' been for 30 years, Mom? One of my best friends is anti-surgery and argues against it with reasonable arguments, but doesn't go so far as to criticize me for the decision, and will support me in it. Most of my other close friends are super-supportive, some have already had bypass and are grateful for it, others probably need surgery but aren't in a place to really consider it yet. The one that surprised me is my boss who I talked to about it this morning. She's a very fit person, runs marathons and such. She's sorry I'm having to deal with this, but is super supportive of whatever I need to get healthier. Just telling her what my pulse rate was at the doc's office yesterday after walking less than 5 minutes was enough for her to realize how serious this has gotten for me. I'm a super open person, and will likely disclose to everyone. Bottom line is they aren't in my position. They don't know the months of research I've put in, or what advice my doctors have given me. They don't know all the pros and cons. They can judge all they want. Sometimes it will be hurtful, I know. But this won't be the first controversial decision I've made in some of their minds, and it won't be the last. They're welcome to their opinion, and if they make it too uncomfortable for me, they lose the benefit of my presence. I do wish people could be more supportive and understanding in general, though.

If you are having a bypass, NSAIDs are generally prohibited due to specific problems associated with that procedure; I have seen references to a few surgeons who approve NSAID use with a bypass under limited circumstances, though they are few and far between. The sleeve based procedures don't have the same problem as the bypass, so those patients are more tolerant of NSAID use, closer to a "normal" or non-WLS person - who should still be careful with these meds as they can do unpleasant things to even normal people. Many bariatric surgeons lump all the procedures together on this matter owing to their extensive bypass experience relative to their sleeve experience; those with greater sleeve experience tend to be more amenable to NSAID use, but it still shouldn't be a routine or everyday thing. Here is one prominent sleeve surgeon's view on the matter:

Mimi, your incision is looking good, Sorry for the seroma, but it will get better, trust me, I had a wound seperation that took 4 months to heal and then I needed a revision to fix it, you will get thru this and look Marvolous!!!!! The pain pill are your friend, use them when needed, you dont need to have the pain. Josi, I too had a couple of those inner stictches not disolve and have to be picked at to get them out. I agree about the panties, I'm one of those that can't stand the thong up my butt, hehehe But I have been a very frequent shopper of Vistorias secret and I am proud to say I own WAYYYY to many pairs of size Medium panties in all colors and pretty fabrics. WOHOOOOO no granny panties for me anymore. :-) I'm going to have to go look online for this hanky panky panty line....

I am almost a full 7 years post op. Since we aren't supposed to have carbonated beverages with bypass I haven't...but I have had mixed drinks...it hits me super quick....I get really really buzzed....and move to water and sober up pretty quickly. I don't really care for Alcohol regardless but I tried it and it hits me quick personally Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

My doctor is okay with wine/carbonation 7 weeks out (in moderation of course). He also doesn’t believe in addiction transfers! I’m bypass btw!

I was bypassed on dec 3, 2018 and had two glasses of wine about 8 weeks post op. Definitely had a buzz (I was a weekend drinker prior) and I am having a few glasses in the weekend. I have a very social life and am dating and I make sure to work out, drink plenty of water and stay on food plan. I’m not giving up my wine and I have tolerated it as well as everything else 100% just fine. Don’t even feel like I’ve had surgery.

The day after my gastric bypass I had to go back to the ER due to SEVERE pain. After hours in the ER with signs of shock I was transferred to another hospital and had emergency surgery due to an intestinal blockage secondary to intestinal adhesions from a previous surgery I had YEARS ago. I'm just glad my surgeon saved my life because I almost lost it that day. Another blockage or adhesion can happen at any time because I've had previous abdominal surgeries, the GB had nothing to do with the blockage.

grace i am curious if you have lots of excess skin? My starting weight is similar to yours but i only want to get to 175. Does loosing it slowly help with the excess skin? Thanks that was one reason i choose lap band an not gastric bypass

I went to the surgeon who originally placed my lap band today to talk about the surgery I need to have to remove it due to erosion and subsequent revision surgery. I had my head completely reconciled with having vertical sleeve revision and then he threw in a new option. For the past year, he has been doing banded plication surgery. In my particular situation, due to the erosion, we would do the surgery to remove my band first, give my stomach time to heal, and then I would have a second surgery to revise to the banded plication. For those of you who are not familiar with this procedure, it involves folding the stomach in on itself and stitching it to achieve a sleeve like effect. This is a similar procedure to the old stomach stapling procedure but much more effective due to technique and the usage of sutures as opposed to staples. Then, he will place another band at the top of the sleeve thereby essential having two weight loss surgeries at one time. My understanding is that the plication is better for achieving immediate weight loss, the band is better for long term weight loss. Combining them is essentially the best of both worlds with a few added benefits. First, because you have restriction from the plication, you don't have to fill the band as fast or as much in order to achieve satisfactory restriction. Second, because of the more slender shape of the stomach, incidences of slippage are greatly reduced. Third, there is no need to dissect 90% of your stomach. Fourth, if you do have a problem with the band, it can be removed and you will still have restriction from the plication. As always, there can be complications. Sutures can come undone. There can be necrosis of the upper part of the stomach right below the band. My understanding is that so far, the complication rate is extremely minimal and weight loss results have been comparable to the sleeve. I have to admit that the thought of not having to cut my stomach is appealing to me. At the same time, the thought of putting in another band after my first one eroded is a little unnerving. My surgeon is not pressuring me to do either one. He wants me to do what I'm comfortable with but he is very excited about the results he has seen with this surgery. I am 52 and this is more than likely my last chance at getting to be where I want to be. This is still considered to be investigational and is not covered by insurance but I believe the majority of the costs will be covered by research study funds. I have complete confidence in my surgeon. He secondary specialties are liver transplants and pediatric surgery and he is always at the cutting edge (pardon the pun) of the latest and greatest bariatric surgeries. I just want to do the right thing for me. My instinct is to let him get in there and take out my band, take a look around and see what kind of damage my band did to my insides. Then, make a more educated decision about which surgery would be right for me. As an aside, he completely refuses to do gastric bypass. What would you do??

Jeez, Kindle -- what a depressing WLS story about your friend who's had a bypass. But it's useful as a negative model of self care. Of course, self care is about so much more than weight control. None of us does self care perfectly. And we all will die eventually. But self care is ultimately about showing respect for ourselves, including our bodies. Learning to care better for myself (in my senior years) has been at the core of my own WLS journey. It's truly embarrassing that it took me so long to get to the point where I am ready to do this work. I think that hitting bottom health-wise about three years ago helped me finally find and engage my power to do this work. BTW, my recent success has nothing to do with me being perfect. But it does have something to do with having more compassion for myself than I used to have.

I think I have an idea why some say 13 weeks to go and some say 12 weeks to go. As of yesterday(9/3), Thanksgiving is exactly 12 weeks away. The dates on the left hand side where it is saying 13 weeks to go are end of August dates. The dates where it is saying 12 weeks to go are beginning of September dates. I am excited to do this challenge to get me back on track. I got my band last summer and am having a hard time with these last pounds. Thanks, Colleen Lap band surgery: 5/6/08 Revision for kinked tubing: 7/17/08

just had my port revision yesterday...its a breeze..way less painful then the surgery! I agree I've been blessed as well, my port flipping was my own stupid doings (tried to carry 80pounds of topsoil on my shoulder...didnt end well! LOL) I'm down about 110 pounds and feel amazing... i hope all goes well for you on friday and keep up the great weight loss! ~Megs

My surgeon's office should be sending in my paperwork to insurance today or Monday. I'm scheduled for revision on 5/16 as long as everything goes through with Aetna. They don't see any reason for denial, but that's the funny thing about insurance - you just never know! I'm concerned because I had my original surgery with BCBS FL and trying to get my revision from Aetna (same employer, provider just changed), but they aren't concerned. Oh well, I'm crossing everything that can be crossed!

I had severe nausea the first two days after surgery. After that, none. In fact, I only take my nausea meds to help me sleep at night. I'm one week post op, so next Monday 12/9 I'll transition to puréed and see how I do! Katy W- Louisburg, NC Lapband revision to VSG with DS HW- 297 Weight at Surgery-279 CW- will update at two week appt