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I had lapband surgery in March of 2004 and now am exploring the idea of a revision to gastric bypass surgery. I have been very fortunate not to have any complications from the band, I just haven't used it the way it was meant and since I'm so far into the game the chances of me losing more weight are very slim. I just discovered that my health insurance plan will exclude bariatric surgery beginning April 1, 2012. so, on a whim I decided to attend a surgical weight loss seminar sponsored by the healthcare system that I work for. The surgeon seems optimistic that he can remove the band, get my 3 month medically supervised diet complete, and get an authorization from my insurance for the gastric bypass surgery. I'm interested in hearing about everyone's experience with RNY surgery, whether you started off banded, or not. I'm also looking for a community of support and ideas. I haven't been an active participant of a weight loss forum for quite a while, so I'm excited to be back and to make some new friends.

If you do vomit you don't generally feel like eating again afterwards anyway. I would count the calories as though they were eaten and if that means you end up with a slight deficit and it causes a little extra weight loss great. Just don't get into the habit of making yourself vomit, it is dysfunctional behaviour and can lead to all sorts of unwanted and expensive complications.

I have had 2 surgeries to remove 30+ cysts and then partial hysterectomy but they keep one ovary....still complications from PCOS.I spent over 3G on laser and it worked for a bit but now the hair is back so I thread...I am also not at my best with my looks right now.I have to get a new job but MY look is not where it needs to be...I have to up my game and being this fat...gained all the weight back is not making me a happy camper.

I have a desk job & took 2 weeks. Had surgery 7/2, no complications, & will be going back 7/16. I do expect to be pretty tired that week though.

there have been many posts about this during the months I've been a member here, so I can fairly confidently give you the general response and summary...most people have no complications and have said they could actually go back to work within a week's time if they had an office job for sure...because of low energy levels, I would have had a hard time doing a full day of my desk job after just one week...I had planned to take 2 weeks off, and I think that was a good plan...because I had the opportunity to do so and had the leave time accrued, I went ahead and took a third week off and worked some from home...it wasn't a recovery issue but just some adjustment time I decided to give myself before returning to work

The band is deflated for the entire 2nd and 3rd trimester of your pregnancy. There are no complications associated with pregnancy and the band so listen to your MD. Best ofluck to you and hubby.

We are wanting to plan a pregnancy and would like to know if anyone has had a baby with the band and if so did u have any complications and did you have to remove your fill? My doctor says you don't have too, but I just don't get that. But I've lost 80 pounds and am so terrified in gaining alot of weight back. HELP !!

BIG NEWS IN THE BAND WORLD On October 30, 2012, a Reuters article revealed that Allergan is considering selling the Lap-Band® to another medical device company due to declining sales of the band. Not surprisingly, this news has caused some excitement in the bariatric surgery community. When I first read the article, my immediate thought was that I don't have enough information to make it the subject of an article of my own. I'm still missing a lot of information, but have plenty of opinions about it (which can come as no surprise to you), so I've decided to give you my opinions with you in this article from today’s special edition of the Bandwagon® on the Road e-newsletter. ALLERGAN PEDDLES THE BAND I have a hard time drawing any conclusions (pro or con) about the band itself based on the Reuters report. The decline in Lap-Band® sales could be the result of management or other business problems rather than due to a problem with the band itself. It's highly unlikely that Allergan will ever reveal the whole story to anyone but their team of attorneys and board of directors. So, what could this hot news story mean? As you read on, please remember: these are only personal opinions from an ex-bandster who’s fairly well-informed but not a medical professional and in no way associated with Allergan or any other medical device or other company in the world of bariatric surgery. For what it’s worth, here’s my take on the story. The US economy is in tough shape, the popularity of bariatric surgery in general is leveling off, and insurance coverage for bariatric surgery is still a challenge. Allergan is not alone in this - Johnson & Johnson must face the same challenge in marketing the Realize™ Band. The story of what's really behind all this is clouded by the reactions of the media and of band-bashers who sing the "I told you so" song because they assume (without any credible basis at this point) that Allergan's decision is related to the safety and/or efficacy of the band. SO, WHAT’S THE REAL STORY? All the other bariatric surgery procedures now performed in the USA can have serious complications and failure rates, but it's easier to point the finger of blame at a single manufacturer of a medical device than it is to blame the thousands of surgeons who are doing bariatric procedures that don't happen to use a medical device. The FDA isn't looking over the shoulders of all those surgeons the way it scrutinizes Allergan or Johnson & Johnson. When Dr. John Doe stops doing bariatric surgery and goes back to yanking out gall bladders, no one leads a parade down Main Street waving banners about the dangers of the procedures Dr. Doe was doing. Except in rare cases (such as the sad story of my original surgeon), nobody's even discussing Dr. Doe's surgical expertise or behavior. It's an example of what I call the David & Goliath Syndrome. A big company like Allergan is an easy target thanks to its size and visibility. The general public may step on Dr. Doe's fingers but otherwise will kick him to the curb in eagerness to throw rocks at Allergan. One of the hurdles facing any manufacturer of an adjustable gastric band is that it is (in my opinion) the bariatric procedure that requires the most patient education, aftercare, and support. In the 5 years since I was banded, I have encountered plenty of evidence of bariatric clinics doing a great job of that, but I've also encountered clinics that are failing at it, to the detriment of their patients. Not because they're doing something wrong, per se, but because they're directed by a surgeon (or team of surgeons) who was trained to think of surgery of any nature as an in-and-out deal. They're used to seeing the patient 3 times: a pre-op visit; in the operating room (with an unconscious patient); one post-op visit; and never again unless the patient experiences a complication that requires more surgery. That's fine when the surgery involves removing a gall bladder or a mole or a wisdom tooth, but it's a set-up for failure with band patients. The bariatric surgeon who vetted Bandwagon told me several years ago that the band manufacturers make few demands on the surgeons or clinics that buy their products because they don't want to marginalize the customers who don't follow the manufacturer's advice but have acceptable patient outcomes. Avoiding marginalization of customers is a smart business decision but a poor medical decision, and I think it's a mistake for us to view surgeons only as super-wealthy, super-powered medical demi-gods anointed by a Supreme Being and the ASMBS. They're also customers, and just like you and me when we're shopping for a new car, they're looking for a product that has reliable quality and performance at a price they can live with. They are business people who want to make money (to pay their staff, their malpractice insurance premiums, their colossal student loans, and their kids' college funds). Sure they want to practice the art (and science) of medicine, but they can't do that very well if they can't pay their bills. Finally, keep in mind that someone, somewhere is going to end up with the Lap-Band in some form. It is highly unlikely that Lap-Band® research & development, its technology and FDA approval, to say nothing of the existing customer base, will drop to the bottom of the bariatric pond and never be seen again. Both Allergan and the new owner will legally and ethically have to stand behind their product, with the details of that worked out to the last detail by teams of expensive attorneys and insurance companies. Even surgeons who stop doing band surgery to concentrate on other procedures will still have the basic skill and knowledge to provide fills and other aftercare to their band patients. Although I lost my beloved band in April 2012, I do not regret having Lap-Band® surgery and if I were starting my WLS journey today, I would ask my surgeon's opinion about the Allergan decision and also ask how (or if) it will affect his/her practice. The answers to those questions would be towards the top of a long list of questions I'd be asking before deciding to have surgery. And if I still had my band, I'd be asking my surgeon the same questions so that I could go forward with some degree of comfort (if not 100% satisfaction) that I'd have someone to turn to should I need band help in the future. I most certainly would not be rushing off to make an appointment with the Speedy Weight Loss Surgery Revision Center, or at least not until I'd done plenty of homework on the procedures offered by the quacks at Speedy. Trading in a car just because it's 2 years old has never made sense to me, and if it isn’t broke, why fix it? Although my journey from Lap-Band® to vertical sleeve gastrectomy ended up taking 6 months, I'm still nagged about it by a little doubting voice, especially when my sleeve is giving me trouble. Should I have chosen the sleeve, or not? Should I have risked the return to morbid obesity, or gamble on more surgery? There are no easy answers to questions like that. If there were a cure for obesity, I'd be first in line for it, but until that cure is invented, I'm making the best of what I've got.

:ohmy: I'm at the earliest steps of enrolling in a program that encompasses the lap band surgery. (pre/post behavioral, nutrition, exercise programs...all of which are accessible for life) (they even have cooking classes) My surgeon performs lap band and gastric bypass's exclusively and his practice is based right out of the clinic. I am one step away from signing my name on the dotted line. the only reason i have stopped??? My neurologist has concerns about the possibilities of internal complications/injury if i were to have a seizure and fall. I have been falling for many, many years and though I'm not conscious when I go down, I'm pretty sure that my face usually breaks the fall, and I am "well endowed" so I have my own airbag system. (:smile2:) I'm genuinely not as concerned about this type of complication but, I so genuinely respect my neurologist. If there is anyone out there who has had complications due to any types of falls or better yet.... if there's anyone out there with Epilepsy that has had the lap band implanted. :confused: I'll take all of the positive and negative feed back that I can get. (accept for my punctuation:rolleyes:)

I had my psych eval last Nov. and I am having surgery Monday. But I had some complications that took a while to resolve.

I, as well, regretted the surgery due to complications with dehydration. I am over 5 months out and down roughly 110 pounds. Despite the hospital stays and becoming so weak that I lost the ability to walk, this process taught me much about myself. I am walking now thanks to positive motivation and confidence... two things I never had post-op. I honestly would go through everything again in a heartbeat. Congrats on your progress thus far!

I am just starting, too. It is a process to get things done. I know my insurance covers it and all the tests. I know I need an Upper GI series, Cardiology Consult, Pulmonary Consult, Nutritionist, Diet History and Psych Eval. I lucked out in that I don't need a 6 month diet. Each insurance and bariatric doctor is different in the what they ask for. I have heard plenty of success stories and plenty of failures. Failures tend to fall into two categories. Those who cannot or will not adhere to the Lap Band dietary guidelines for various reasons usually associated with food addictions or emotional eating. The other group of failures are usually from complications from the band itself or medical situations. Forums are often full of complaints as those pleased usually go on with life and fall off the forums. Remember, each person's experience with the band is unique with very few generalities across the board. Research is your best tool. Good luck!

Enjoy the fact that you do not have a lot of complications (or maybe any for that matter). The only thing I would caution you on is to not allow yourself to become too comfortable where you're like "I can have anything I want. Yay!! let's go for it!" lol...really, though. I'm like you & I not too long ago had to tell myself to stay focused. Don't feel guilty b/c it may come somewhat easy to you in some ways. You're fortunate!! & also, don't be too hard on yourself. Take one day at a time & enjoy the journey. Hope this makes sense & helps some.

Hi there! I had my surgery on August 15th and so far I have had a complication free, speedy and very lucky recovery. I have lost 47 pounds including a one week pre-op which I am pretty excited for! Well I have an interesting story (I'll make it short, I promise) that I want to share with you. [below talks about lots of junk food - don't read if you are sensitive to that kinda thing, heh] Before getting the gastric sleeve I was an emotional eater. I binged multiple times a week and the only person who knows is my mom and a good friend of mine. Food was my best friend. I used to eat huge quantities, well over 10,000 calories at a time and end my day with a big thing of ice-cream. I still get disgusted thinking about eating everything that I did. And I did this multiple times a week for years. Anyway~ Besides deep fried cheesy foods, sweets was my number one go-to food. You know those, "Oops, we baked too much!" 50% off carts they have at super markets? Yeah, I attacked that. Sometimes getting two dozen donuts, 24 count Cookies, etc that would sit in my stomach after a day and a half (not including all the chips, Pasta, cheese sticks, hot pockets, etc I would eat prior) I was a wreck. [end junk food] Anyway, now that I had the sleeve I have had no cravings other than fresh fruit. I am allowed SF/FF pudding (I got dark chocolate, my favorite) and I took one bite and it was far too rich! It went down smoothly and I had no problems but it was just disgusting. Pre-surgery the richer the better! But no, I just can't tolerate it now. I tried again a week later (the other day) and took one small spoon. Nope, not happening. I just don't want it and I gave it to my mother and said she can eat them. ISN'T IT CRAZY HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHANGE AFTER SURGERY? This super-super-sweet girl doesn't like sweets! I get great satisfaction by adding a strawberry to my crystal lite lemonade or eating two small blackberries but nothing more. I think this is a big fat NSV!!!!!!!! Does anyone have a story similar to mine?

Well although there are a lot of articles and things out there that talk about average weight loss. Well what is average weight loss considering we are all different and unique people. I my self started out at 402 lbs on 8/28/03, that was 3 and a half months ago. I have been eating solid food for about 2of those months. I now weigh 340 lbs, that is 62 lbs in 3 months with noooooooooooo fill. My friend has lost 100 lbs in 3 months with no fill although she has had some complications, a different friend has only lost 35 lbs in 5 months with 2 fills and that is ok. Everyone is different, even if we all ate the same food, exercised the same it doesn't mean we will al loose the same. You may loose 36 lbs but you could also loose all of the weight you need to to get to your goal weight. SO GOOD LUCK!! Don't let anyone bring you down. I haven't even scheduled a fill yet because I don't need one yet. you will do great.

Hi Lilbit, I am 38 and just was banded on 10/13/08. I was scheduled for RNY on 8/4 and changed my mind on 7/31. I just could not do it. Too many complications. Not sure if this makes sense or not but I could never see myself after that surgery. It just never felt right to me. I happen to read a story from a lady who had RNY like 15 years ago and regreated every moment of it. The comment that just clicked and brought it all home for me was " I did this to be healthy but I didn't realize I was healthy just fat". My niece had RNY on 7/16 and has lost 104 lbs to date. She looks horrible. Her hair is falling out in clumps, she is pale as a ghost. She can not eat any meat at all. She is only 31. I worry about her every day.

I actually had my post-op follow up from my band removal today and one of the things the surgeon and I discussed was the phasing out of the band over the nex 5 years due to complications, weight loss failure, etc. his theory is that it is almost mpossible to determine who will have complications with the band therefore making it hard to screen for good candidates for lap band....by all accounts my band and I should have lived in harmony for many many years...not so!

I went to the info session last night at the U of PA to learn about my options for weight loss surgery. I was suprised to hear the surgeon poo-poo banding in general. He said they are doing less of them now due to instances of re-surgery, complications, weight gain of patients and the wearing out of the band. I was shocked! I went in there having almost made my up mind that the band was for me. He was very much for gastric bypass. Have others experienced this? Is there merit to what he is saying, or do the surgeons have a motive for wanting to do gastric over banding? Appreciate any thoughts!

See a doctor. That being said, ice and rest. If it's already injured you need to give it time to heal. After that you can worry about rehabilitation. Trying to exercise your knee while it's already injured will just further complicate the problem.

Deal with what? Being nervous before embarking on anything new is perfectgly normal. What kind of complications are you expecting? Talk girl..that is why we are here!

Another reply ..... the current fee for lap band surgery with Dr. Leung at Surrey Memorial hospital is 12,812.50. The breakdown of fees is: hospital deposit, $2660.... Doctors fees: $5152.50.... Laporascopic banding device, $5000. You will receive three postoperative fills, then charged $30 for subequent fills in office and $60.00 for adjustments under fluroscopy. Out of province consults are 376.00 and subsequent visits are 72.00 (residents of BC do not have to pay). I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have this procedure performed by a local surgeon. You never know what complications can happen with a surgeon in the states/Mexico, what their experience level is, complication rate, etc.

Replying to first message, yes you are probably filled too full. Get a slight adjustment. Make sure you are on a good stool softener regimen. Your PCP can prescribe a liquid that works wonders on regulating you and won't mean trying to take pills. Avoid getting into using stimulants to have a BM. Believe me I got seriously backed up to put it nicely and it was not pleasant. It can cause some chest and stabbing back pain. I also want to make you aware of somethings that others may not be... Yes you want to feel full after but never want to get to where you are refluxing the food. It means you are eating too much, the wrong things, or your band is too full. I want to make sure you are aware that if you allow refluxing even without vomitting your esphogus can become stretched. At first it is like it is lazy and not propelling things down properly if you do this too long you could be lucky and just have to take a break from fills so it gets it's tone back. The real problem is when you let it get bad enough that it no longer propells and relies totally on gravity. Then eventually the band doesn't work because the esphogus will stretch and act as a part of your stomach pocket. The problems can get worse from there but your new and just need to be aware of some basic complications. Also don't eat my the hour or emotions, eat by your body. If you don't feel hungry and you are getting enough protein and necessary nutrients why take in the extra calories. You do need to make sure you are chewing properly and learning what foods you do not tolerate. I had to stop red meat and bread. I now don't have my band but I still don't enjoy red meat now or sandwichs. I guess pshycologically I just still have set in my mind they aren't worth the trouble! I can't wait to get rebanded. There is still a lot I have to learn about things after 3 years of having a band so take in information from who you can get it from and then find out what works for you. Best of Luck April mid-band 10/02 removal 09/05

I hear so many people say surgery was literally a breeze, I'm sure it will be. I just have this notion that I rather panic, and have a smooth recovery, than be cool and calm but have complications. This is the point of no return -deep breath-

Why would I not be of sound mind? As with many people on here I wanted to share my joyous moment. I am still happy with my decision to have this surgery even though I have had some complications. I don't live a life of regrets. So I would be just as thankful for losing 20lbs as I would be for 50. I don't have a negative mentality. Sent from my SM-J700T1 using the BariatricPal App

You're going to do great! I had the same fears. It's complicated because you are doing this to be a healthy and active mother, but you are also taking a risk with the surgery. I won't say that being sleeved has made me a "better" mother, but it has made a MASSIVE difference in my life as a mother. I can really keep up with my kids now. I don't have to worry about embrassing them because I'm so overweight (there will be other reasons that I embarass them once the teen years hit!). I'm healthier and happier, and my kids can sense that too. It is really the best thing I ever did for myself, AND for them. Good luck! They'll have a healthier and slimmer mommy to wraps their arms around very soon!