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Oh I would never discourage them. I had a friend who got the surgery on my recommendation and she had some pretty awful complications. So now I tell my story and let them decide if this is right for them. As long as they have a good balance/understanding of the highs and lows of such a dramatic surgery.

If it helps any... The stats for anesthesia related death is fewer than 1 in 100,000 patients. A true anesthesia related complication causing death is rare. I have to admit, the fear of my doc doing bypass vs. banding crossed my mind too. But we were talking about the band in OR before I went to sleep so that risk was pretty low. Aren't you a nurse? Ever see a patient getting a BTK amp write with magic marker on the good leg, "DO NOT REMOVE"? Write on your stomach, LAP BAND ONLY. Or, ask how much time they scheduled you for surgery. If it is 1 hour or less, you are good to go. If it is 3 hours or more, jump off that table and run the other way. Removing your heart... impossible. You have to actually be brain dead before they can do that. Lap to open procedure, rare. But it might need to be necessary. It's not the end of the world, it will just feel like it after surgery. That is mostly done if the patient has previous adhesions. If your liver is too big most docs will simply not do the procedure vs. opting for open. Clarify that. If your liver is too big explain they should close the lap incisions and you will do a LSD until it is smaller. Just keep in mind, the rare risk of complications with the band causing death is just that, rare. The risk for morbid obesity isn't rare, it WILL happen. So you have a choice, a rare risk or a certainty. I'd go with rare, and did.

Best wishes to you. What an accomplishment! Did you have any complications with the surgery and/or with eating afterwards?

I was also banded on the first. Happy Independence Day to you all. I was discharged this morning (breathing complications) but no real pain. So happy about that, I've been walking a little bit of jello, broth & ice pops. So excited but must still rest. Good luck to us all.

I'm right there too! Monday morning-arrival at hospital 6am-I'm the docs first of the day! I'm worried about postop- you know, pain,nausea, complications. Trying to stay positive-it will all be worth it!

My surgeon straight up told me that if you have 100+ pounds to lose he doesn't recommend the band as average weight loss is only about 50 pounds. Since I've been in this process I have seen many on here that had terrible complications with the band since it's a foreign object in your body. Do your research- it might be right for you but it definately wasn't the choice for me.

Call your surgeon's office. You are at higher risk for respiratory complications, and anesthesia may not want to put you under. I caught a cold the Friday before my Tuesday banding (3/25/08) and was sure it was nothing major, and that it would be over by Monday (it was). I called the surgeon's office and they postponed my surgery a week. I had been on a liquid pre-op diet for two weeks, and it wasn't enough time to go off it and back on, so I ended up on that an extra week, so by surgery day I had already lost 35 pounds. Don't put yourself at risk. Call.:cursing:

Hi Reba, I've only just had my surgery under two weeks ago so I don't know how much help I could be. But I can share that I did not have heartburn before my surgery yet, I had a hiatal hernia that my surgeon repaired during the surgery. I am on Prylosec (sp?) once per day for the next six months. I will most likely wean off after the six months are up. My surgeon told me that only about 5% of people continue with heartburn post surgery - of those who had it before surgery. He's performed well over 3,500 of these and in his practice he's not had anyone have heartburn after the surgery who did not already have it before hand. Most get better post surgery. He attributes this to the hernia repairs, which he does routinely if one is there. Regarding vitamines, I could not stomach the chewables (pun intended :-) ) after the surgery so, I am on liquid. I take a brand called Blue Bonnet. Each dose had 5 carbs but I am not concerned. They work really well, go down with no prob. Taste is a little yukky but so what? :-) I don't have difficiencies and my surgeon does not expect I will have any - barring some kind of complication etc. Currently I feel great. In fact, right around two days ago I began feeling such energy that I described it as euphoria! LOL I think my happiness and joy and hope for the future has contributed to that. I feel great though. Best of luck to you in the process. I know it can be scary!!! One more tip, the psychologist that did my eval turned out to be an incredible person who has been a wonderful source of support. He really helped me address lots of fears and concerns... better than the surgeon!!! Hope this helps a bit. Once again, good luck on your journey!

Okay so, I called insurance in November 2012 and again for the 5th consecutive year I was told NO we do not cover weight loss surgery or anything to do with weight loss period. so my DH and I decided we would pay out of pocket. I'm excited and am getting surgery in 8 days, guess what.... now my insurance will cover, BUT I have 6-8 months of hoops to jump through to see if I qualify. My Husband says lets just get it done he doesnt want to fight with the insurance, and so sweet he says to me, you have waited so long and worked really hard you've earned just getting it done, we've saved the money and theres no guarantee that the ins. will pay any way. I won't lie, I don't want to wait, but I worry now if I pay for it out of pocket, if in the future there is a problem leak, slip etc... will my ins refuse coverage cause I didn't get it through them? I'm curios if anyone here paid for their band and didn't wait for insurance and still have them help later if there was a medical emergency or complication with the band? Or do I bite the bullet and atleast try to go through my insurance even if it means waiting another 6-8 months? I know it's my decision and in the end only I will know for sure what I should do, but I need opinions from people with experience, PLEASE help me out what do think/know? Thanks for help!

I am trying to decided between the LB and the VSG. After the seminar last night, I'm leaning toward the VSG. It just looks more natural or something. No foreign object in your body but not as extreme as the regular gastric bypass or Roux en Y. It just seems as you are shrinking your stomach to be the size it should have been all along. Am I wrong? Does it give you any nutrition issues? What about leaks or long term complications after surgery etc?

I would recommend taking as much time as you can. I was extremely lucky to be able to take a full six weeks. I was fortunate that I had no complications too, and my recovery was pretty much text book perfect. If pressed, physically, I probably could have gone back after one or two weeks. The hardest part was the exhaustion that stayed for about the first six weeks. It helped too having the extra time to get used to everything. It was very much like having a brand new gadget without the user manual to go with it. I still feel that way sometimes. ???? Unfortunately no one can predict how their recovery will go, but barring a major complication, you should be alright. Good luck!

Been having a low grade fever since Saturday. 100.8 was my high. Can't see my surgeon as I did it in Mexico. However he is quick to respond to messages. I am allergic to Tylenol so I am having to take Ibup. He has me taking 600mg every 8 hours. Fever is under control at that point, but it has been 3 days. I have an appt with my Dr tomorrow. No pain or swelling or anything like that, so hopefully it is something that isn't a complication. That scares me the worst! Will ask the Dr for ABX tomorrow, and hopefully he won't trash me for going to Mexico for surgery. Surgery was 8/15.

I was wondering: How many of you have heartburn? Was it only short-term or is it a case of being on a PPI for life? Rarely get heartburn and I take no PPI. Dr prescribed right after surgery, but have not taken any for 6-7 months. Do any of you have dumping syndrome with the sleeve? (some research says it's possible) No dumping issues. Sometimes when I eat certain things, it doesn't agree with my new stomach, but doesn't happen very often. Have any of you had any complications out of the norm/ not easily resolved? No complications and I have lost 93 of my 100 lb goal. IS anyone aware of any studies with Long-term efficacy of the sleeve (5+ years out?) No info on long term, but at 9 months out, I still can't eat a half a sandwich for lunch. I eat a lettuce, tomato, and meat sand and throw the bread away. Wouldn't trade this for anything. Hope this helps.

I'm convinced I'm making the right decision to have surgery although I'm researching just to make sure for myself the sleeve is better for me than Roux-N-Y. I'm the type to over-research and laughingly ask myself "are you SURE you know what your about to do to yourself?" My PCP is well versed and Mayo trained. He went to a Harvard Symposium last Summer that really focused on long-term gut hormone changes w/ RNY as well as long-term safety data, which leads him to recommend RNY whereas my Surgeon feels Sleeve would be a good fit for my specific body type but will do whatever I am more comfortable with. (FYI I'm 38,M, 6'2" and 298 with sleep apnea and edema in my legs). My research and meeting w/NP at bariatric clinic indicates the Sleeve is pretty comparable to RNY when it comes to hormonal changes and the Sleeve seems to make better sense than rerouting all my internal plumbing and dealing with nutrient deficiency, although I am concerned with the lack of long-term data for the sleeve. I was wondering: How many of you have heartburn? Was it only short-term or is it a case of being on a PPI for life? Do any of you have dumping syndrome with the sleeve? (some research says it's possible) Have any of you had any complications out of the norm/ not easily resolved? IS anyone aware of any studies with Long-term efficacy of the sleeve (5+ years out?) I'm excited about having surgery, but it's a life-altering experience and I want to make sure I'm making the right choice with the sleeve over RNY. Thanks for any input you can share!

I’m a previous lap-band patient gone haywire, thus causing it to be removed several years ago so I’m larger now than when I had it placed. I’m going to have surgery. Researching options and costs right now. How many of you would recommend the mini bypass? If so, why and is there a difference in percentage of weight lost and cost? I know that it has less chance of surgical complications. Thanks in advance.

I have to lose at least 25 lbs to gety bmi down. The dr said its for my safety that they have found people with bmi over 60 could have complications

There are a lot of people on here who post about why ther choice is the gold standard, the best, etc. What I’ve gathered is most people who follow their plans have success and few complications with either surgery. My surgeon recommends the sleeve unless people have GERD. I think I would have been happy with either, and the sleeve was the right choice for me. It’s really a matter of personal preference. If your surgeon isn’t guiding you, you may want a second opinion just to get more information to help you decide.

I'm 5 weeks out and really haven't had any complications -- most food is fine and I haven't had nausea. But, I can empathize with some of your points. My tummy rumbles forever after eating anything! My electricity was out over the weekend -- no TV = quiet house. I sat down and ate and it was just hilarious how loud and active my tummy was. Gurgling, squirting, churning... it's really strange and I guess perfectly normal. I've been out to eat and it feels a little crazy -- I took my boys to Red Robin and they ordered those gigantic gloppy burgers and I ordered a $2 add on patty and only ate about 2/3. About the timing of it all... it is a little challenging. I watch the clock... about 30 minutes before I want to eat, I stop drinking. I look at the clock when I stop eating and wait 30 minutes and then start the drinking again. Basically I'm either eating or drinking all day long. I eat breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack (just before getting in the car to go home), dinner and a night snack. It does get easier as I get further out because I'm getting the routine down. I'm not always precise about the 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after but I'm pretty close. (time to start drinking now -- just finished breakfast). One thing I've learned about in therapy and life is to watch the language we use. In your post you talk about eating "full-sized" meals. We have to readjust what a "normal" meal is. A giant plate of Pasta with sauce and meatballs is NEVER going to be "normal" for WLS patients again. It's what got us overweight in the first place. Americans have a very distorted idea of what a portion should be. Take a look at this graphic: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/23/portion-sizes-infographic_n_1539804.html Try telling yourself this is your new normal. Try to focus on what is right about the new style of eating instead of wishing you could eat the old way. The way you used to eat is directly related to the weight you were, so this is the new way of eating for your new body. I'm bypass, so I expect dumping if I eat high sugar/fat foods but I have seen on the boards here it can also happen with sleeve patients. However, I actually had a kiddie scoop of sugar free fat free vanilla black cherry ice cream and it was great and I tolerated it well (even though it is going to be a once a month treat if even that much). I think you're still so early on that you're body is still adjusting. I believe you will feel MUCH MORE normal soon. I'm 5 weeks out now (early June surgery) and I can say I do feel "normal" -- I just have to be careful about what size portions I eat and I focus on Protein, protein, protein. The couple of times we've eaten out I always manage to find something to eat (chicken breast, hamburger patty, beans). Best wishes!

Whew. This has probably been the busiest month I've had in years. But I wanted to take some time to reflect on my year since my band repair and Celebrate a small joy. It's been one crazy year - almost to the day - since my 2005 surgery. This time last year, I had my band access port replaced to a lower profile port, the access area moved to a different part of my body - and my tubing repaired due to a leak. (And I just found out from reading my medical records, I had some never-before-mentioned-to-me minor surgical things tweaked during the '05 procedure.) In other words I was practically rebanded a year ago.(I was banded 5 years ago originally, but after major league complications, I struggled mightily to achieve and maintain any real loss with my band. But almost one year ago to the day, I began a sort of "second chance" with the band.) Since my doctor insisted I treat this as a new band as if I was "brand new," that's what I did. I tried life almost as a "new" Banded patient again. One year later, the experiment didn't quite work as we thought. But I am grateful for some of this past year's progress. No, I'm not considered much of a success after only losing 51# -52# of my 70# goal in all these years but although I may have to now consider other non-band & surgical options to get the weight off, I am trying to reflect on some of the positive things that have happened at least in this past year. One difference - with the newer band I once again felt, at least for a time, some real restriction which was really good. It's helped me to have some renewed success and to help deal with the Monster of "Head Hunger" vs "Real Hunger". That's a good thing as a popular domestic diva might say. But now I'm overdue for a fill. Once I get some things settled and situate myself with a new fill doctor I'll be on my way again. Stay tuned. The positive stuff? Well after a busy 2-week period including an out-of-state trip and then some parties and events, I had a small Non scale Victory (or "NSV"). Well, non-scale victories are the only ones I have since I haven't had a "SV" since I got my weight into OneDerLand. But hey, a girl has to take her joys where she can find them. Here's what happened: I had to go shopping to find things to wear (most of my clothes seem curiously big, and although the scale isn't moving much I think my tummy tuck is finally starting to 'kick in'). As a shopped I saw a Clearance Rack for regular (non plus sizes). I rarely can find anything good on the sales rack in larger sizes (A silent curse for the tiny size 4's who can always find something good on sale or clearance :phanvan ) Well, as I browsed, I saw a great dress and grabbed my normal size 16 and put it over my arm. When I peered at it later, I realized that size 16 might be too big after all. This is a major relevation. Some of the thinner among you can't possibly fathom this - but eyeballing a size 16 and having it possibly be too big? Omigawd, that's a big deal for someone like me. I had to make myself hold the dress up and keep looking, because in my head, I didn't believe it, although my eyes were clearly telling me the dress was just too large. On a good day I'm a 16 in jeans, especially with slimmer-fitting brands. [ Background: Now keep in mind I'm a Professional Fat Person - I sometimes feel like being fat, or fighting fat is what I seem to concentrate so much of my energy on. I mean, I'm the girl who can't get her BMI under 30 after having had WLS 5 years ago :rolleyes so my weight is a constant struggle. So after dieting, exercise, LapBand surgery and then a "Well, Dang, I had LapBand 4.5 years ago, why am I waiting? Tummy Tuck" operation- I am usually a size 14 / 14W or so. Sad but true - after all this money, time and effort - honestly I'm grateful just to be able to get to the "regular bigger sizes." Habit still makes me head for the Plus Sizes & Womens Sizes clothes rack. My larger frame means they usually fit a bit better. And really, I'm a Size Tall so there are no regular sizes in Jeans/pants for me, but hey, that's life, eh? But being taller makes my rather uneviable heavier weight a bit more tolerable as I have a larger frame to space my fat out on.] So I'm in the store, right? After arguing with myself for the longest, I drag myself back to the dress rack so I can pick up the same dress in a size 14. I avoided dresses for the longest due to the hanging pouch of skin at my belly. Now that's been minimized quite a bit. So this is the first dress I've bought since my Band Repair and my Tummy Tuck. And although I didn't lose a pound (actually like most TT patients, I initially gained weight due to swelling & Fluid retention) I think my abdomen is finally starting to look trimmer. I have to convince myself to pick up the size 14 but since it's the only one left in that size, I do get it. I really had to quiet my self doubt just to grab the Size 14. Later in the dressing room, I go to pull it over my head and wiggle into it, only to realize it's too tight. I'm crushed - literally. Then I realize two important things: #1. It has a hidden inner zipper which I never bothered to undo - once I unzip it, the dress slides down and fits. #2. Although it was on the Size 14 section of the rack, the dress is tagged as Size 12. Yep, me, NewSho - Professional Fat Person managed to get into a Size 12 slinky silk spaghetti strap dress. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had it on, and it wasn't ripping or splitting. When I saw myself in it, I almost cried. The lady in the next fitting room probably thought I was having a Nervous Breakdown but I was so full of emotion. I never thought I'd see a size 12 again - and although this wasn't my real size, it felt great. I just twirled and twirled and twirled around in the fitting room - I couldn't believe it! Now reality is - I'm not delusional - I can't wear size 12 jeans or shorts. But this dress actually got on my body. Honestly, I need a Boob Lift but until then I have to solve any breast-related issues with well-engineered bras. So this dress does call for a bulletproof strapless bra. Plus my butt really is a size 14 - that should have been the size I should have bought but since the Size 12 actually got on, looked OK and since it was on clearance - that baby came right home with me. A beautiful little silk slip dress in size 12 - and I actually got in it. It was worth its weight in gold. Me? In a 12? Even for just one night, it was so exciting.:confused: I wore the dress to the party that night. There was lots of media & TV coverage of the event, but I felt confident. It did the job, but after losing some weight (and after treating "The Twins" to a much-needed Boob Lift) I would look GREAT in it. But for right now, just getting in it was the victory. I'm still fighting the war but it's nice to win a battle now and then. Thanks for letting me share this. It ain't all gloom and doom over here, all the time. And though I'm always fighting the Battle of The Bulge, at least I got one good shot in this war. :clap2: Happy Band Journeys To All, New Sho (a.k.a. "I ain't a size 12 but I got to play one on TV, just for one night :kiss2: ")

@ You make the decision that you can live with. I originally thought I was having RNY and my surgeon said sleeve, he said it's just as good as the RNY without the malnutrition I would have to live with and less complications. So see Surgeons all think different so you make your own choice.

Welcome to Lapband talk. You are in the right place. This waiting time will give you the opportunity to do some soul searching. This whole process is a mental thing. I had the roller coaster ride. I had my hopes up, was denied by insurance, appealed, and got the denial reversed. Had my surgery on Sept 30th. and ended up having complications and ended up in the hospital for a week. I have no regrets, but this band and my new life mean everything to me. So, while you are waiting, read EVERYTHING you can get your hands on. This site is a great resource. There are also books out there too. Good Luck!!

It's really important you figure out the cause of the reflux, stuck episodes, and vomiting before getting the Lap Band. All these things can lead to band slips and erosion so it's important they are addressed before surgery so you don't put yourself at heightened risk for complications. It's also important to make sure there isn't an underlying medical condition that would be contradictory to the band. Best wishes.

I had a band revised to the sleeve in June 2009. I take Prilosec 20mg once daily to prevent any acid issues, and have taken it since about 6 weeks post-op. I have had zero issue with acid reflux. Take some time to research gastrectomies one for stomach cancer, or ulcerative conditions. I did a lot of research before I decided VSG was the way to go because I felt the same way about being fat and happy instead of skinny and miserable. BUT, let me tell ya, I am now skinny and elated. I have zero regrets with my decision. The band and sleeve are like night and day. For me, I wanted something permanent. I wanted the deck to be stacked in my favor. I figured I really didn't need that huge, stretchy part of my stomach that allowed me to eat huge portions of food. I can honestly tell you I don't miss that old habit one bit. My cliff note version of my band to sleeve goes like this kind of: Band in October 2008 Lost 23-25lbs the first couple of months Complications started from the flipped port Couldn't get a fill even under fluoro, Band doctor sucked, left his practice March 2009 Started researching revision options. Chose VSG instead of a port revision VSG revision June 3, 2009 Had a leak found on June 5th (now don't get scared, remember my port was not accessible under fluoro or ultrasound, so I could not have the Fluid (3-4cc in a 10cc band) removed. Plus, the port actually migrated around in my abdomen, and was causing the tubing to tug on my stomach tissue.) Longer recovery Stuck with the dietary guidelines for 4 months 600-800 calories per day some days I barely hit 600 never anymore than 30grams of carbs 60+grams of Protein Dropped 80lbs, surgeon and I discuss that my loss is extremely rapid so we revamp my eating. Increased carbs a little increased a little. Goal of 150lbs reached around 6.5 months post-op. I started at 263 the day of my revision. 270 was my pre-op band weight. I am currently trying to maintain at this point. I've fallen below goal, but I'm only 5'2" and am still in a healthy weight range at 127lbs. I feel fabulous, my energy level is through the roof. My overall mindset has changed drastically. I sometimes forget I had surgery because I literally just enjoy life. I eat whatever I want, just in smaller portions. I don't overindulge often, but I refuse to deprive myself. If you have any specifics questions, or need a shoulder to lean on, please feel free to contact me. I had a hellacious recovery, but like I've said many times, I would do it all again to live the life I am living right now. Stay positive, and have faith in yourself and your surgeon. Keep us updated with your progress. Also, there are other band to sleeve revision patients that you may like to contact. *susan* (she's a moderator here) 3636Millie OregonDaisy Shontel Annak4 There's actually a lot of band to sleeve revision patients here that can share their stories with you. You can find those members profiles and contact information by clicking on the "MEMBERS" tab at the top of the forum, then you can message them. Everyone here is really great, and we'll be your biggest cheerleaders from a distance.

Im having surgery thursday april 7 and simply requested vacation for those days and following week. I am not required to elaborate on vacation plans. We have pto so vacay and sick all the same. I am telling noone at work about surgery because im scared to death of being fired for the heavy claim on our insurance. Working for a small employer with less than 50 employees, my claim negatively impacts rates. While HIPPA exists and they should not be able to find out what im doing, they woukd be able to put 2 n 2 together. I want plausible deniability so am remaining mum to even my closest work friends. However i wont out and out lie for if there were complications, god forbid, that kept me out of work for weeks or months, id have to tell it and not want to be caught in a lie. Im a valued employee and been here 8 1/2 yrs buuuuut rather safe than sorry.

I am so so sorry It's not common but sometimes people do have serious complications by no fault of their own. You seem to be one of the unlucky 5% that do. If I were in your shoes, I'd get a second opinion from another bariatric surgeon. The reason being is, if the problem is something like the original surgeon didn't place it correctly, you'll want a non-biased second opinion to tell you. I'd also want a second opinion on the scar tissue and possibility for a revision surgery. Just my opinion. Again, I'm truly sorry this happened to you.