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So, as the topic says it's time to go ahead and say hello! I am 29 years old and I am scheduled to have VSG with Dr Thomas Lavin in Metairie LA on Tuesday (9/6). I am starting to freak a little so I've just been doing stuff to get ready but not really thinking about it. I know that its the right choice. I am confident in his ability. Just a little worried about what it will be like after. I know everyone is different and some have swelling and difficulties drinking etc. That and obviously a leak are my main worries. Now a little about myself. I was banded in April 2003 (also with Dr Lavin) and started refluxing about a year out. I was banded at about 235 and lost to 160 before the reflux started. I freaked out and had the Fluid removed because i was worried about aspiration. I gained about 20lbs and went back to get fluid put back but the reflux was worse then. So i just had the fluid removed and went on with life and of course gained all my weight back. I also had a beautiful baby boy in 2007. He is almost 4! Time flies!! Anyway while pg with him i developed gestational diabetes that have seemed to stick around. So my main reason for doing this is my blood sugar and i really would love to be able to have more children. Minus all the complications of being over weight. So more about the band --- i just had all the fluid removed and left it that way until last year when i started having horrible pain in my hips. The pain would move side to side and hurt with every step and when i would sit down to go to the bathroom it would be the most horrible stabbing pain in my behind. It was just crazy pain and i couldn't figure out any of the symptoms, as to what it might be. Well i finally after a month of dealing with the pain, went to the ER. They did a CT and it showed that the tubing that went from my band to the port had broken. it was hanging around my hips and moving from side to side! I was seriously freaked so i called my Dr and got scheduled as quick as i could to get it removed. I had surgery in April 2010 to removed both the band and my gallbladder. I have done well since and haven't really gained anything extra. I am still here around 235-240. I should have been brave and decided to do the surgery then but i was so freaked from the complication with the band, i just wasn't there mentally, i guess. So i have spend the last year worried about my blood sugar and trying to workout and lose weight. Which obviously hasn't gotten me far. Also on a side note, cant seem to get a straight answer about what will happen if the weather turns bad with the hurricane that is threatening. I am supposed to be there for pre-op that morning at 8. labor day is Monday and of course they are closed so guess i will find out when i get there if we are still on.. So all that rambling to say, i am here and nervous and... and... and... !!!

What type of surgery did you have? I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy What was the reason you had the surgery? Obesity, High blood pressure, diabetes. What was your chief complaint that resulted in the surgery? Obesity, High blood pressure, diabetes. How long were you suffering from the chief complaint? Since about the age of 9. I have lost and regained the same 100lbs 4 times in the last 15 years. Was the surgery elective or medically necessary? Elective What treatments or diagnostic tests were done prior to surgery/ Blood chemistries, urinalysis, EKG, Upper Endoscopy, Upper G.I. Were there any preoperative instructions? No food/drink after 10 pm the night before surgery and I was made to lose 25lbs pre-op. Were there any preoperative issues or complaints? No What was the outcome of the surgery? I was sleeved 11 weeks ago and have lost 40lbs and 95lbs overall. Was there a post operative visit? If so, how long post op? Yes. I had first follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, then once a year for life. Were there any post operative complications? None Was there any additional follow-up that has or will take place? Labs every 6 months.

Hey ya'll! About a year ago I started the Lap-band process, and 2 weeks before I was going to get the surgery my husband got stationed last minute across the country. I was devastated. Now that we are finally settled again I have started the process over again. I will be going to the University of Colorado hospital. I'm still waiting for them to contact me in for my first appointment! As much as I want the surgery, I can't help but keep the horror stories in my head! I have 100 pounds to lose, and I'm still in my early 20's so hopefully my skin won't look too terrible after I lose the weight. Is the port visible for any of you? What is the most common complication you've experienced so far? Anything you would suggest doing, or not doing? I would love any words of encouragement, or success stories! Thanks!

My personal pick is the sleeve. My reason is because it seems less complicated then the bypass. With the sleeve the doctor is only touching your stomach. The bypass they are playing with your intestines too which for some reason scares me.

Lots of reasons for me but I'll list my most important ones =) 1) My sister in law, friend and cousin all had the gastric bypass and they have all had not only complications (some more severe than others) and they have all gained back a minimum of 60 lbs each!! 2) Dumping syndrome.. not interested in this process at all! 3) Malabsorption problems 4) Did not want my intestines rerouted. Now for the reasons I chose the sleeve.. 1) I have not found anyone in any forum or otherwise that has gained weight back. 2) Most lose the weight goals in 12 months. 3) low complication rate vs any other surgery 4) Sleeve was performed prior to the GB for super morbidly obese in order to get them to a safe weight for the GB surgery. Research! 5) Almost all surgeons I have talked to, read about or listened to on various sites all agree that the sleeve is the best option for wls currently Like I said there are so many more reasons but these were some of the big ones for me! Good luck with your decision and your journey, whichever journey you choose! =) Make sure you listen to your heart, body and surgeon (lol) and do what is best for you. Don't let other peoples reasons decide for you!

Im 270, goal range is 140 to 160. after talking to surgeon I am not really any closer to a decision I wonder if I can really follow the restrictions of the gastric bypass requires, and a sleeve allows for someone more natural life but the surgeon thinks the extra help of a bypass would be good for me.... I don't know... I don't want to fail.... and I don't want to lose only 50 or 60 pounds either..... I think I lean towards a bypass but it definitely scares me the sleeve doesn't scare me, but I think I could sabotage a sleeve a lot easier... I'm cash patient and it's 6k difference, but if I'm doing this I need to do what's going to be best and not worry about the money. I have insurance but weight loss surgery is only available to people who work at companies with over 500 employees regardless of medical need but I don't have any medical complications right now anyways

I have UHC, and my surgeon put me with a nutritionist that is keeping track of my weight. I don't have to count calories, but I do have to "count" carbs, its kind of like the weight watchers system. She said she expected me to walk 3 times a week, and I would lose 1/2 pound each week. So far, really nothing has come off, but I am following her rules. I also am seeing an exercise guy, he does not weigh me and said he doesn't expect me to lose anything and does not keep track of it. He gave me a few exercises to do, and I do them until I see him again and he gives me more to do. I had my psych evaluation last week, it was painless. The appointment took 2 hours, first hour was on the computer answering true and false questions. The next hour was us sitting down and he was asking things like "Did you have any major abuse as a child" and other normal things that could be considered major events. I was asked about smoking marijuana, and I told the truth that I had several years back. He asked if I knew what the complications are during/after any major surgery, and he was impressed with my answers. He also asked the big question of "Why?" I had good answers for that, first was my health second was wanting a family. He asked if it was just for looks or clothing, again I did not lie and I said that shopping for normal clothing would be a great benefit because Lane Bryant is so expensive. He was really on my side, and said that I didn't show any significant signs for being denied at all. He never asked specific things, just wanted yes and no answers basically. He even asked about my work history. It was more of an interview if anything, and it was easy.

Had my consult with the surgeon and was given the green light! Surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th! He went thru my paperwork with me and based on my history had no issues moving forward, even with the lupus concern. I will drive up on the 8th to be admitted and will come home on the 11th, barring any complications. Was also given a very extensive handbook with pre-op/post-op instructions and what to expect before, during and after surgery. He answered a lot of questions and seems to have a good bedside manner - not usually the case with European docs. I will have to do a 10 day liquid only diet prior to the procedure. I'm just grateful things are moving forward.

Well, this is my first blog post. I have been visiting this site for the past 2 months studying and researching the Lapband procedure. I am a Christian who knows the healing power of God. I went through a divorce 7 years ago after a 10 year marriage. The main reason for the divorce was my husband's infidelity. However, through the recovery process, I accepted my part in the whole thing. This was mainly co-dependency and putting my husband before my relationship with God. Through Celebrate Recovery, my church and family I have recovered from my divorce by giving God control of my life. I was able to forgive everyone who hurt me, and I have remarried to a wonderful godly man. We adopted our daughter after her family fell apart. She is about to turn 14. However, the one area that I have not been successful giving to God is my issues with food. I have been overweight all of my life. I started dieting in high school and lost a significant amount of weight with diet pills. I was still bigger than my friends, but I would love to be that size today. My weight fluctuated within about 50 pounds until my marriage got really bad. At that time, I see now, that food became my friend. I was lonely and often uncomfortable in my own home. Food became my escape. Now I am about 100 pounds overweight. I am 39, and my health is beginning to suffer because of the excess weight. My Mom has type 2 diabetes and multiple other problems and complications mainly caused from an unhealthy lifestyle. Right now my only problems are PCOS, infertility, and painful knees and feet. I have to make changes now to avoid my Mom's fate. About 3 years ago, I began praying about having lapband surgery. I was in a different place in my life wanting different things. At that time I was desperate, but not really ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes to be successful. I didn't know this at the time, but God did. He did answer my prayer then - with a "No." I then signed up for Weight Watchers again. I was determined to do it. I spent 2 years on the program and only lost about 18 pounds. At least I did not gain over that time. During that time, I did learn that my relationship with food was a problem. I would stick to the plan for a period of time. Then I would have a bad day, special occasion, etc. and lose control. On those days, I never really got full. I undid all the good I did in a few weeks in one day. I prayed for help and started each day fresh, vowing to do better. When I did have these weak moments, I usually didn't realize it in time to ask God for help. I had usually done the damage before I realized it. In October, I attended my 20 year class reunion. I found out that one of my good friends from hgih school had lapband surgery. This really got me to thinking about it, but I still wasn't sure it was right for me. In February, I began praying for God to show me if I should have this surgery. There was a seminar on my anniversary at the end of the month, and I planned to attend unless I felt God telling me "no" again, which I fully expected. Surprisingly, it seems like God has opened up doors since then. I went to the seminar at the end of February and had my first consultation with the surgeon that day. I began the process of seeing my primary care physician, nutritionist, psychologist, etc. All of the paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on April 21. I have talked to the insurance company who said that I have met all the requirements and my letter was in the mail. I hope that means that they will be paying for the surgery. I think I will be responsible for about $1,300, but I have saved that much in preparation for the surgery. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Monday to hopefully to set my date. My big concern now is will I be able to make the necessary diet and exercise changes permanently. I hope that the band will be my backup system. By that I mean, when I get into the situations I described above where I tend to overeat, that the band will be my constant reminder. I have been trying to prepare myself emotionally to let go of food as my friend and escape. I am trying to learn to bring my emotional issues to God (and maybe I can vent them here also) so that I won't need food to comfort me. I so want food to be only nutrition to me. I understand that (at least for me) I have to completely change the way I think about food. I hope the band is the tool that I need to make that change. However, there is also a fear inside of me that says, "I haven't been able to make changes before, can I really do it now?" I guess that is enough about me for now, but I will be back. I have never been one to keep a journal for very long, but I feel like I need to log this journey to be successful. I think it will help hold me accountable.

You may find that surgery is the only thing that will really help you be able to get down and stay down at a reasonable weight, given your starting weight. Are you wondering whether LapBand is the right choice vs. RNY or some other type of WLS, or more whether surgery vs. no surgery? It's a very personal choice. I like that the band is, in general, safer. If you have complications and/or hate it, you can have it removed. Best wishes on making your decision.

You have to do what works for you. I'm nervous but God will have us covered. I myself is too young to be on 7 different medications. So I chose to do the surgery but I only told my husband, kids, and sister. That's my main support because I didn't want to hear just what you are hearing. But like I said do what works for you, any surgery can have complications. Pray much success for you.

Thank you Patti & Charlotte, When I think of my aunts, who were so much fun, and most died of complications of diabetes, it makes me know I am doing the right thing. It is so hot here, I wat to walk , but I will go to the pool instead and exercise. no time like the present. Patti

going to a nutrsionist is a great start!!! you have to check with your doctor to see if medicaid in your state will cover the surgery. lap band is a great procedure to have done because it is a much less invasive surgery and quicker recovery time which you will need awith a 5 yr old child at home. i was banded 06/20/2008 and have lost 33 pounds so far. i feel great and have had no complications with the exception of a few episodes of vomiting because i ate the wrong foods. you will learn what you can and cannot handle with your new smaller stomach. good luck and continue looking into the banding process!!:thumbup:

Why won't your insurance cover it? Did you explain to them that they are going to have to pay out way more if you have medical complications resulting from your weight than they would ever have to fork out if you just had the surgery? I know you are disappointed, but have you appealed it with your insurance company? I would get your PCP to make a case with you. Since I have been on these boards I see that this is a common problem. I am thinking there must be some kind of funding...I am so going to call Oprah! Fund raiser? bank robber? sugar daddy? Let me think on this for a bit. I am a social worker...we are all about the cause... Take care, Chris

Hello Everyone. My name is Miranda and I am going into my consultation on June 12th. I have insurance with Kaiser in so cal. My doctor recommended me and I guess I will have to see how things go. I Hope I qualify. I'm not looking for the surgery and a way to improve my looks..and for me its not really about being skinny.. I would be happy at 250. (which was about how much I weighted at 15) I already feel confidant.For me it is mainly about health and being able to be more active. I love to dance and go out to clubs ect.. I want to be able to last longer without getting to tired. Im also not doing it to get in someones good graces.. Ive been with my boyfriend for 5 years (on june 17th) and when he met me I was around 325. He doesn't want me to have the surgery..he thinks that with my bad luck something will happen to me complication wise and he will loose me. Ive had a few friends that did the gastric bypass, but all I can say is that If im not approved for the surgery with the band I absolutely wont have It. My biggest worry with the surgery is with loose skin.. Its a problem I don't have now. and most of my weight is in my thighs or butt.. I have the stomach of someone who is like 200 lbs.. and I don't want a saggy butt. Other then that I have the stupid thoughts of...well If I get the surgery I cant go to all you can eat sushi with the bf... The things that are in my head lol. I am 5'9 about 380 right now..and as I said most of my weight is in my lower half. here are a few recent pics of me.. the guy is said BF and yes the hair is fake.

Hi St®awberry! First, I think it's great that you are considering the lap-band. While I haven't had my surgery date, I have read many, many success stories on this forum. Yes, there are those who lose LARGE amounts of weight, some that loose very little, and some who have complications. Regardless, this is a "tool" (which is always stressed) and much of your success will depend on your hard work. I have close to two hundred pounds to loose and I'm confidant that the band will help me get there. For me, another reason why I chose the band over other procedures (besides the aforementioned reasons) was that many of the other options are considered "malabsorbtave" and for me, I don't feel like I can ever be healthy if my food is not absorbed. I tend to be one of those people who believes that your body is a vessel and I just can't make myself believe that I would be healthy. Allowing my body to function similarly to how is usually does is what I'm aiming for with the band and you're still able to absorb all of the nutrients as you normally would, just modified. Just remember that follow-up is key with this surgery. Best of luck to you, no matter what you choose!

I was banded on 9/05 and at first it was kind of unusual, scary and kind of hard. The first 10 days was easy for me to do liquids because I was scared of slipping and erosion and hernia. I was not hungry and it seems like day 11 I am starvinggggggggggggg. Without any restriction I was able to eat and that was what I was doing until my first fill in 11/05. Still I had no restriction but I did get some food stuck so I started really watching what I ate and started weighing my food making sure I did not eat over 8 ounces but I had these snack attacks and I did not lose any weight in November because I snacked every day (chips, candy, cookies, donuts). I truly believe that if you excercise and work with the band you can lose. I am currently on my 3rd fill 2.5cc and I am totally restricted. My first was 1.5cc no restriction, 2nd fill 2.0cc no restriction. I was getting depressed by then. My 3rd fill 12/05 and I am sooooooo restricted. I have lost 36 Pounds since 9/05 and I have went from a size 18 to 16. You have to get used to everything, your mind, body and the band. Cause you really dont know what to expect and what to feel. I think if was not for website I would be half crazy not knowing if what i am going through is normal or if what i am feeling is normal. I have not had any complications or any pb's (vomiting). If you decide to chose the band Good Luck!!

Congrats on your surgery date. Just remember that you are reading on a suuport board and a lot of the people that posts here only come here to complain or find information on problems they have. You aren't hearing from a lot of people that have successful bands w/o any problems. I wouldn't base my decision on only the threads you are reading with complications. We have several people here that haven't had any problems at all. I for one have not had any problems, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

I was banded July 9, 2007. I am certain that this surgery is exactly what I needed to lose the weight I stuggled with since adolescence, but have recently incountered some complications that are starting to cause some anxiety. To date I have lost 30 lbs, and it hasnt been a cake walk, but it is truly exciting to see the progess coming slowly but surely. The pre-op diet for me (consisiting of 2 protein shakes per day and one lean cuisine for two weeks) was challenging, but I faced it with excitement, knowing that this was the start of my new life. I lost about 9 pounds during this time. My surgery went very well, I had the same pain and discomfort that many of you have described. Crappy, but tolerable. I was on a clear liquid diet for one week, a full liquid diet for the next week, and a pureed diet for three weeks following that. When I started eating soft solids, I started to experience pain in my left shoulder. I have pinned it down to occuring mainly with meals, or immidiately following, and it lasts for hours. This was at least 5 weeks post op, so I didnt think it could be gas, but wasnt sure. I called my doctor when the pain became intolerable, for fear that it was something with my heart, went to the hospital, had several tests and CT scans run, but everything came back fine - thank goodness. The week following, my pain improved, but was still occuring off and on. I received my first fill on August 22, but it didnt go so well. The doctor could not retract the fluid after he injected it and is afraid there may be a hole in the band, or the band could have come unlatched - both which, Im assuming, would require surgery to correct (we are waiting a month to see if I lose weight and will evaluate at that point). I was on a liquid diet for the 1st & 2nd day following and then a pureed diet the next day. I have now sarted eating soft solids again, and everytime I eat, I get that horrible pain in my left shoulder. This bring me to my anxiety comment. Not only do I now basically fear eating anything other than liquid food, I am fearful that this pain will always be part of my life, and I cant bear that. I am also fearful that I will have to undergo another operation, and feeling rather discouraged at this point. I have been reading and visiting lap band talk since my surgery, but have never made any comments. I am doing so today to see if anyone has any advice, or has had anything similar happen to them. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope to hear from you.

Hello everyone and thank you from my heart for your warm welcoming and wisdom filled replies to my message. I am still navagativing this system so bear with me. The advice I am finding here is so exceptionally wise and wonderful that even if I am denied an operation as I am 35 BMI I will gratefully use all your wise advice. Honestly, I have not found better advice anywhere. I am learning that the banding procedure is more a preventative measure to avoid the gains, which to me is the most heartbreaking factor in being genetically obese. Age too...for me plays a part I lost 70 lbs. in my early 30s and kept it off for years, now no matter what I do I can't keep up with the weight gains of hormones (I'm 48) (which my male doctor is clueless about) slowed down matabolism and lack of time....I don't have 2 hours a day to devote to the gym wihch I used to before working and when my daughter was young. Two of my sibs died prematurely of obesity complications and I don't want to follow especially with a young child. I am finding there are mostly male doctors who specialize in this operation and wondered why? Sorry for the long ramble just had 3 cups of starbucks! Gratefully yours, Morgan

I hung out on lapband and bypass forums, reading what kinds of problems and victories people were having. And I choose the band. There were too many serious stories of bypass problems, including deaths. Too many things I just didn't want to risk living with. And too many bypass patients re-gaining their weight and not knowing what to do. Yes, there can be complications with the band. And for many, the weightloss is slower at first, but studies are showing that 5 years out, it's about equal. And I think the banders are much healthier.

I don't think there are any doctors out there that don't stitch it in place anymore. There were way too many complications before. ~Mandy

BBCooks: I am a Physician Assistant and did much research before I took this "big" step. I found the consequences of morbid obesity were much worse than the less than 1% complication risk of lap band surgery. I TRULY understand the concern of failure...the battlefield truly is the mind in this! I am 6 days post op and have already lost 17lbs. I do realize that the weight loss will slow down but will happily take whatever I can get for the jump start and this is great motivation. I have also set goals up that I can meet too feel like I am not failing or "messing up" again! It's truly all about choices....make the choice that you are VERY important and you want to choose a good quality of life! God Bless you!!! Melody

My doctors have told me that I am 29 pounds from their goal weight for me! Personally, I thought I had 40 pounds to go. But I trust them more at this point. I made it through the holidays! Last year I was on liquid because of complications, and two years ago on liquid because of the impending surgery, so I was finally able to taste the food my family cooks only this time of year. I have no qualms that the last 29 pounds are going to take me at least 6 months, if not longer, so I am not going to let it bother me. LadyRoz hang in there.

Thanks for the reassurance. I have had medically necessary surgery before. I guess I am just worried about complications. I have 5 kids. It worries me. I will be glad to be on the other side of the surgery. I have to report to the hosp. in about 14 hours.:thumbup: