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My mom is an ICU nurse there in Vegas too at St. Rose in Henderson... she too will be accompanying me at my consult and surgery... so far the staff has been great and very accommodating... I'm sure things will be fine, and the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, but it's hard not to imagine worst case scenario on things like these... My mother in law was banded in Mexico a few years ago and has no complications, and I know several other people throughout my travels that have been just fine too.... It's exciting and nerve racking both at the same time... MINI-Me.. what was the pre-op diet like? My surgeon here was going to have me do liquid diet four days before surgery.. since I won't actually get to meet Dr. Umbach until the day before the surgery, I wanna make sure I'm doing everything I need to do, especially if it will assist in the surgery going off with less complications. Also, I'll be coming back to Tulsa after the surgery (leaving 4 days later) - what type of follow up should I schedule? Should I set up a scope 6 weeks after to check the healing? or should I only worry about it if I have complications?

honestly it was the best thing i could of ever done before...it not painful...at least for me it wasn't...its just a big life style change... you have to be prepared to eat less..eat healthier and work out (you don't have to but if you want to get the maximum results i suggest it) When you get banded there is about a 6 week recovery in sense of it wont be filled...so after a week or so your going to feel hungry and your going to be able to eat more than you will probably want to...Once you get your first fill thats when it really all begins. I just got my first fill on 12/2. He filled me 7.5 which was prolly a lil too much but i'm working with it. Every meal i eat is centered around protein(chicken, turkey, ham, cheese, fish, etc) i do not drink with my meals...makes your hungry faster, i also find if i do drink right after it actually hurts a bit...i can eat about 1/4 cup at a sitting...the goal is to eat 1 cup at a sitting...Of course there are certain foods people with the band should avoid but thats just more a matter of avoiding complications. I have chosen to mainly cut out sugar of my diet. i found it has been easy...your biggest thing to remember is to become creative in how you eat things...for example if you really like mayo on your sandwitch but can live w/o it i use either diojonaze or i used avacado's that are mashed up and spread it like a spread....its good and has a lot less calories...the surgery itself isn't bad at all....most of the time its same day...i arrived at the hospital at 6am...and left around 9pm that night...i had very minimal pain that night which i took a liquid pain pill my doctor prescribed for me...the only pains i had were from gas.... within 3 days after surgery i was eating creamy soups and egg salad...it was great....i can honestly say i myself was shocked how quick and easy of a recovery it was...

Eric and mom took me to the hospital last Thursday. Took an Ambien the night before so i slept realy well. They didn't. I was so nervous about the operation! Mainly about complications and waht if something goes wrong??? The nurses were incredible, just great. They were skilled and compassionate, answered all my questions. Made me feel ok.

I had surgery on the 17th I am doing good as well, not in as much pain as I was in yesterday, although the gas is killing me!! I had no complications durring or after surgery thank GOD, and I don't think I have been hungry either....my stomach keeps making noises and I don't really know what they mean....it use to mean I was hungry, but who knows what it means now! lol

I thought this was a really great FAQ that answers a few more questions beyond the usual what is a band/how is it adjusted type of question. Also, interestingly, the doctor talks about the causes and repair of erosion, slippage, and pouch dilation. This docter says erosion has to do with the way the band is stitched to your stomach. If that's true, it might explain why erosion is more likely to happen with some surgeons than with others. Just a thought. liquids. That said, average weight loss is 50% of excess weight at 5 years. But this includes all patients, including those who have lost little or no weight. How is the Band adjusted? The Band is tightened by accessing the port with a needle. This is most commonly done in the office. Some surgeons do it at the hospital under x-ray guidance, but this is generally not necessary, and makes the procedure much more expensive. For patients with very thick abdominal walls, it may be more difficult to find the port. In our office we have an ultrasound machine which makes it possible to access most ports without need for x-ray. Can I adjust my own Band? In theory, yes. But the answer is NO. NO. NO :confused: (you just know somebody has tried this at home) Why do I have to take Vitamins? The LapBand operation is purely restrictive, so technically you don't need to take vitamins if you are eating a healthy diet. On the other hand, by definition you are eating a hypo-caloric diet, one which will cause you to lose weight. Because of this, we worry that you won't get all the vitamins and minerals you need. This is the main reason we ask you to take vitamins after the surgery. What about the gallbladder? We don't remove the gallbladder unless you already have gallstones that are causing symptoms. Weight loss is slow and natural, so the risk of gallstones is not sufficiently elevated as to make gallbladder removal worth doing. Can the Band be rejected by my body? The Band is made of silicone rubber, and cannot be rejected. Of course it can become infected and require removal, but this is not the same as being rejected like a transplanted organ. What happens after I lose my weight? The Band causes you to lose weight by restricting your caloric intake to less than your caloric expenditure. As you lose weight, your calorie requirements diminish. Once intake matches expenditure, you stop losing weight. How long does the Band stay in? The Band stays in forever. If it is removed you will regain all the weight you lost. What is a slipped Band, and what causes it? There are two types of slippage; anterior and posterior. This refers to whether the front or back side of the stomach slips. There is something else called concentric pouch dilation, but this is not the same as slippage. Slippage or prolapse is when the stomach slides up through the Band, making the pouch bigger. If this happens the Band usually becomes too tight, and patients experience symptoms of reflux (heartburn) as well as nausea and vomiting. This is because the amount of stomach being “squeezed” by the Band is increased, thereby obstructing the Band. There are several causes. Posterior slippage was more common when the Band was placed by the “perigastric” technique. With this technique the back side of the stomach was free to slide up through the Band. These days most surgeons use the “pars flaccida” technique, which was developed to prevent posterior slippage, and has more or less eliminated the incidence of this problem. Anterior slippage is when the front of the stomach slips up through the Band. We try to prevent this by suturing the stomach below the Band to the stomach above the Band, “locking” the Band in place in the right spot. In spite of this, slippage still occurs. It can happen because we haven't placed enough stitches, or they haven't been placed in the right place. Slippage can also occur if patients eat too much and vomit frequently. How is a slipped Band diagnosed? Fortunately, this is very easy. Often the diagnosis is made based on the history alone. A patient who has been going along fine, with no problems, and then suddenly develops reflux symptoms or symptoms of a too-tight Band will most likely have a slipped Band. The diagnosis is easily confirmed with an x-ray and barium swallow examination. Endoscopy is rarely necessary. How is a slipped Band fixed? A slipped Band needs to be fixed with an operation. The Band has to be dissected out, all the sutures removed, and the position of the stomach made right. Some surgeons remove the Band and place it back through a new tunnel. Others just straighten things out and re-suture the stomach over the Band. What happens if the Band slips again? That's a tough one. One could certainly try to fix the slip again, but my personal view is that, for whatever reason, the Band is just not working for that particular patient, and ought to be removed. What is a Band erosion? This is when the Band actually erodes into the stomach. It is a more serious problem, and generally requires removal of the Band. Band erosion is thought to be related to placing too many sutures (or too tight sutures) at the time of Band implantation. Surprisingly, Band erosion is often unnoticed. Occasionally the port will become infected if bacteria track along the catheter out to the port. Other times patients will stop losing weight. Diagnosis often requires an endoscopy. What is concentric pouch dilation? This is technically not the same as slippage. In this case the pouch just seems to be enlarged. Sometimes partial emptying of the Band may help with this. What is esophageal dilation? This is when the esophagus enlarges over time, and is probably related to either too tight a Band, or possibly improper placement of the Band around the junction of the esophagus and stomach. This requires loosening or removal of the Band. What happens if my Band has to be removed because of complications or failure to lose weight? One option, of course, is to give up on weight loss surgery. Another option is to convert to another procedure such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This can be done at the same time the Band is removed, and is generally done laparoscopically. If you have questions that have not been answered by this FAQ, please send them to me and I will try to answer them for you. Mark A Pleatman MD 43494 Woodward Ave. #202 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phone: (248) 334-5444 Fax: (248) 334-5484 Email: pleatman@laparoscopy.com

Dr. W. is accepting patients but will only do fills for patients that are his. At one time,he used to but he stoped about a year ago. He does not have a clinic and he does not have fluoro. Although, I can't see why you require a fluro for a fill. The procedure is usually only done if there are suspected complications. For support, we do have a support group that meets once a month at the Lions Gate Hospital and anyone that is researching the band and/or has the band is welcome. There is no membership fee, just a few of us get together to discuss the pros and cons of our journey. We also are available to answer questions for anyone researching the band.

I too was banded in September 2008. I lost 16 pounds on my 3 week pre-op diet and have lost 55 pounds since my surgery. I've had to change the way I eat and the way I think about food, but I love my band!!! I've had no complications - just some adjusting to having real restriction. I feel sooooo good!! If you added up everyone's 2 cents that they give you about your decision, you might have enough to pay for the surgery. Seriously.... do your research - you know what is best for you. Good luck!!! Becky

Hi Danyielle - I second what Nancy said. Remember, it's your BMI that matters and not your actual weight; 191 pounds on 5'2" looks a lot different than on 6'2" -- you know that already, but it's worth repeating, because the 200-lb. mark is irrelevant for shorter people. (At 5'9", I wouldn't have been a band candidate at 191 lbs., but you might be.) Some doctors use a 35 BMI as a cut-off point, but not everyone has the same standard. Surgeons will still consider you a good candidate for the band if you have serious weight-related complications. Sounds like you're in pretty good health; that's great, but a disadvantage if you're set on getting the band! You might want to start documenting any joint problems -- have an orthopedic specialist check you out, if you have decent insurance. If you really think the band is for you, do as much research as you can. Let us know if you have more questions. Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

I'm sorry for all the complications you're experiencing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

OMG poor thing, I am so sorry for you complications. I pray you get better soon !!!!

Hello :tt2: I have some questions for people who have had the LAP-BAND®, I basically am not sure if I want to go through with it and I would like to hear some stories of people who also couldn't decide at first lol. I understand it is not a quick fix, and it is going to take time and effort and what not. I do have some questions though. I have been overweight my entire life. My mom loved food, therefore I love food. She rewarded me with food and we pretty much lived on fast food growing up, therefore I am quite morbidly obese. In Kindergarten, I was 100 pounds, most of the other kids were around 60. Last time I was weighed, probably close to 2 years ago, I was 427. Food is my comfort and I spend any money I get on food... My parents have never said you cannot have this or no we cannot order this in, if they can afford it, or I am willing to pay for it, we get it. That is that. They have tried to mention my weight and doing something about it, but they know it does not phase me and that I ignore it. I actually made effort when I was 16 to go to a nutrionist but after a bad experience, I completely refused to go back to ANY nutritionist. She basically told me fat peopel cannot be succesful, it felt like an interrogation, and that fat people cannot do anything. It was just so rude. Since I was 16, I am 18 now, my mom has been talking about the lap-band® and how I should consider getting it when I turn 18. Lately she has really been bothering me because the class you have to attend is in a few weeks, and I only have until I am 19 (less than a year) to get it done, which is when insurance stops covering me. I have social phobia/social anxiety though, due to being taken out of school 4 years and put into homeschooling with no real human interaction. I was put into homeschooling due to bullying, I have been clinically depressed since 3rd grade, that is when I was diangnosed. I have told my mom several times, i will not go to a class with other people in it, I cannot do it. If you do not know what social phobia/social anxiety disorder is, it is basically fearing human interaction, and you totally believe everyone is looking at you, judging you, saying things about you, point at you behind your back, making fun of you etc.. That is the only way I can explain it. I have only just started going and getting the mail in the past 2 months, and only if nobody is outside their house and I have a hoodie completely covering me, with a long skirt. I only leave my house if I absolutely have to, and at that, it is usually at night time, and I do not go inside anywhere. I always have to have a hoodie on that covers everything and a long skirt,so nobody can see me. I only go in the dentist when I am in terrible pain, I deal with moderate/mild pain otherwise, because I know I will be in a room with just the dentist and I. I have not even gotten my license yet, nor do I have any interest... I seriously start having a panic attack in social situations, I have not had any RL friends in 3 years. Lately I have been having so many pains due to being overweight, and I am sure in a year or 2 I am going to end up having a heart attack. The doctors said at anytime I can have a heart attack. I never mention these pains to anyone though because the social phobia/anxiety, and I will NOT go to the doctor. So, what I am asking is to hear from people or people who have had friends/family get the LAP-BAND® and if it is really something worth doing? The main questions I have are; 1. Is there pain after the surgery? And if so, what kind? How long did it last? 2. How long do you have to stay in the hospital after surgery? 3. Is there a specific diet before/after surgery? 4. Do I have to slim down to a certain weight before I can get it? 5. I know you eat less, a lot less, do you eat more smaller meals or just 3 really small meals? 6. If really small meals, is there enough food for your body to like have energy? :S 7. Should I worry about complications with my weight? 8. How many people die of complications every year? And how many people get the surgery every year? 9. What kinda of diet are you on currently? 10. I cannot stick to diets, will I be told to TRY dieting before the surgery? 11. What happens on the day of the surgery? 12. Side effects? 13. Problems you had? 14. Did you ever consider not getting it because of the extra skin? 15. How steady of a weight loss can one expect? 16. Did family members actions change after you got the surgery? 17. Your worries before you had the surgery? What about after? That is all I can think of but I appreciate any replies! Thanks, sorry for the long post lol.:thumbup:

I am Sept 10th. I am on the mushie food. Sick of refried Beans, but only have a few more days before real food. I have had no complications either. Only problem is constipation, taking stool softeners and Miralax. Not working. Only brown Water. TMI, sorry. Otherwise, its all good.

Oh that's me too!!! I have been feeling really excited & then I did a very stupid thing....I went to read the "complications" thread. O. M. Heavens, what am I about to do????

My ins paid for my surgery. I was told that most self-pay patients opt for outpatient status. I was told that my ins may require that I stay over night. I wouldn't know until the surgery was over, the case complications and such. I packed my over-night bag and brought, just in case. I was let go about 3 hours after surgery. However, had they wanted to keep me over night, I'd been a bit disappointed. But hubs and I decided that if the doc wanted me to stat over night, I would have. They had my best interest at heart. I think you'd be wise to consider an over night stay, if that's what your doc wants. I live in Louisiana, so I can't help to as far as doc's go. My advice would be to not weed out good doc's because an over night stay is a possibility. They only have your best interest at heart.

I did not have any medical issues except being over weight.. Diabetes is big on my fathers side of the family and it scares me to death. I just lost my father last April due to complications and after watching his issues it scared me. I was sleeved on Dec 14th and am down 25 pounds!! I want to lose 60 so I'm almost half way there. I'm not going to lose it all in a month or two. It's going to take me several months to a year to meet my goal. I do not regret it at all..

Our government believes that putting a disclaimer of 'do not ingest' on a tube of Preparation H is critical to ensuring the safety of the people. Don't you think that the same 'powers that be' would ban WLS entirely if masses of WLS patients were dropping dead in the streets after the 5 year expiration point? Seriously, people are going to have complications and for many of WLS patients, that includes damage to our cardiovascular system that we may not be aware of until it's too late. I'll take my chances...

Hi Due to some complications I have had to have 3cc removed from my band. This is the first time since being banded that I have experienced any complications. I have to admit I am having a little trouble dealing with it. I am really being tested now on how much I have actually learned about eating correctly. I have little or no restriction for the first time in over a year. I have to admit I am petrified that I am not up to the task, and that I will start to gain weight. I will eventually be able to start having fills again, but it will be a slow process. I am within 15 to 20 lbs of my goal weight. Any advise from anyone who has gone through something similar would be greatly appreciated. How do I stay on the right track?

Knowing that I had to do something about my weight which was completely out of control. I made an appointment with Dr. Misra, (Beverly Hills, California) to discuss what options are available for me. I went in with the notion that i was going to do the lapband. After advising Dr. Misra about the ups and downs of my weight issues and I wanted a more "permenent solution" she strongly suggested the Vertical Sleeve with the STARR treatment. Hearing this wonderful option I decided with the advise from my husband and daughter- this was the right choice for me. My surgery, scheduled July 13th 2o11 in Santa Clarita. Amen the surgery went off without any complications and I was realeased the day after. Coming home was a challenge due to the fact we have stairs in our home. Taking the three days to finally master the courage to walk the steps to go upstairs. I was able to rest more comfortably. The first couple days as you know were dealing with the gas issues and the lack of sleep. Only able to take a couple of sips at a time seemed so odd to me. How am I surviving on just a few sips of protein? But, I did, and the third week I went to see Dr. Misra and to my surprise I was down 20pds. I was in a state of shock... and since then, I have continued to lose consistly 20pds per month. I am proud to annouce that as of today I met my 3rd goal of 199. I am so happy that I made this final decesion to do something about my weight issues. Needing to thank all my friends and family for their most incredible support and kind words. And to my friends here on Vertical Sleeve for all their wonderful eamils, suggestions and great advice. Its now onto the 4th goal. I am hoping to reach my final weight goal of 150 by the end of June of this year. I will keep you all posted on the progress. Once again... thank you "ALL" for every sweet emails and kind words you have so graciously given me. Maddy

To start off with nothing will ever be the same again....lol 75 lbs..wow..That will take some time. You really don't want to tear your sleeve or anything else. This is major surgery..It takes time for it to heal and the scars to heal..They heal from the inside out.... The singing part I don't see an issue after 3 or 4 weeks..But they are not going to let you lift 75 lbs. so soon after they have done the procedure... Ask about support after the surgery Ask about pain meds...which is safest Ask about complications after surgery Ask about Vitamins What is successful barbaric surgery How do I know if I am getting the proper care How long before I will feel better Is everyone different in responding to this surgery There is some

My surgeon told me it was ok to travel after three weeks. You don't want to travel before that in case you have complications from surgery

I always say- the complications and risks of having health problems and diseases when I was obese were far more dangerous than the risks the band presents. Problems with the band can be resolved one way or another. Focus on your weight loss. You made the right decision!

You do exactly that. You tell them you feel no restriction at all from the fill. I would call them first and have a little chat about it. My surgeon told me that sometimes the first one or two fills feel like nothing's changed and you continue to go back until you feel something. They don't and shouldn't fill you aggressively as that would lead to a lot of complications that you really don't need. So it's not uncommon for them to be a little conservative. I don't know what size band you have, but it seems that those with 10cc or 14cc bands require more frequent fills. I have a 4cc band and have had 3 in total since July 2007. Each fill gave me good restriction. It lasted until I lost weight and the band loosened up. Don't be discouraged that it feels like nothing's happening. It's only the first fill and you may not even feel anything after the second. But it'll come. Slow and steady.

Hi. I had massive complications after my sleeve and was in hospital for over 4 months from October 2011 to Feb 12. Another additional bonus was I lost the vast majority of my hair. By January this year it had all gone. I started taking biotin in Feb (I was nil by mouth before then) and took 1 per day. My hair grew back enough to stop wearing wigs by early June. I believe the biotin played a huge part in the regrowth and highly recommend it.

I had some complications pnemonia and a blood clot in my arm I am 11 days out and have been in the hospital a few times. Having said that I can say with 3 kids the hospitalization was hard but, the complications from surgery are nothing to the complications I will have in the future by staying heavy. I am so excited to think of all the things in 6 months when I've lost all this weight I am going to be able to do with them. It's worth it. Most people have small or no complications. Research YOUR surgeons complication rates and make that decision.

Everyone is different so it's hard to tell. Some people lose a lot, some lose a little. Some have complications, some don't. I will be at my two-months mark next week and have lost 33 pounds since my surgery but have been fortunate enough to have had no complications.