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I had lapband 7 years ago. After a year, I had severe GERD and had to have most of the Fluid taken out of the band. After 6 more years of severe GERD and finally a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonias and staph in the lungs, it was recommended by the head of the GI department at a large metropolitan hospital that I have a conversion to RNY bypass. I am still down about 65 pounds from the original 100 I lost with lap band. Insurance approved the surgery in 2 weeks so I guess there's no question that this is the fix! I meet with my surgeon (the same one that did the lap band) next week for pre-op appointment and surgery date. I am scared, elated, preocupied with bypass information. I am reading everything I can get my hands on. I devoured the Big Book of Gastric Bypass and am re-reading it, marking questions and thoughts to talk with the surgeon and the dietician about. Not sure how or why I missed Bariatric Pal before, but I need all the help I can get. I have great family support and a couple of friends/acquaintances who have had bypass surgery so I feel supported. I need to move on from the "deja vu all over again" feeling and know that this is procedure is way different. I would love to hear from anyone else who has had a conversion.

Hi!!! I was revised from band to bypass on May 21, 2014. Omg I love my bypass! What a difference!!! I don't feel like I'm stuck all the time, I don't throw up, I don't have to find a barroom before I eat to make sure I can run there in time.. It's awesome! I was successful with my band lost all my weight 120 pounds in 9 months, kept it off for 5 years then bam one day I couldn't keep anything down even with an unfill. So revision was my option.. My band had eroded. I can tell you the revision surgery was easier for me than the band surgery. I knew I had to get up and walk ASAP after surgery because the gas pain killed me last time so I did!! I walked within 2 hours of surgery and kept walking. I was able to go home day after surgery and my recovery was amazing. Felt awesome! I even asked my doc if he really took out the band and did the rny I felt so good!! Feel free to pm me with any questions!!! And good luck!!

2 major ones this past year and I flatlined twice I can understand your fear. In my case it was such a battle with my health insurance company prior to surgery, that I just put blinders on. I charged ahead full steam and there was no time to self-reflect. The main reason why I had the surgery was because of health issues. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 3 years ago and the surgery corrected many of these health issues and it happened almost overnight.

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

I wish your husband was supportive of you. When I first talked with my husband about lapband he wasn't thrilled. I think he equated the risks with those of bypass surgery. I kept plugging away and talking with him about it, letting him know new things I was learning about it. I also told him how it feels to be overweight (he never has been) - I told him about my health issues that seem to be growing each year, how self conscious I was when it came to simple things like going to an amusement park and wondering if I would fit on the rides, having to be embarrased to ask for a seat belt extender when flying, all those things that affect your self esteem. He is now 100% behind me and wants me to do this for my health. I can't imagine going through this without his support. This is just my opinion, but you could have some real challenges ahead if he isn't all for this. I'm counting on my husband to back me up when I struggle or feel weak - if you don't have someone to do that for you it could be even harder. This is the second marriage for us. While we are aware of the concerns a lot of spouses have and the marriage problems that can arise from one partner having increased self confident and self esteem, I'm 47 and the only male's attention I want is my husbands and he knows that. Encourage your husband to attend some classes with you to see if that will help. I wish the best for you.

I was banded for 2 years, and revised to the sleeve in mid December. Stomach pain is gone, no vomiting, appetite control is in place, weight is coming off steadily. I wish I'd gone this way in the beginning. When I think of the money I wasted with the lapband surgery, the fills and unfills and other medical appointments trying to resolve the problems .....that's the only time I feel sick now. However, follow your own research and go into surgery confident in your decison, whatever it is. Best Wishes!

does arizona state health care cover lap band or bypass and if so what do i need to do and what are the requirements and time line?

<TABLE height=280 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Kent "Big Boy" Alexander</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Duodenal Switch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor (Deuce Bigelow/Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle) - Radio DJ</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Khaliah Ali</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Fashion Designer - Plus-Size Model - Daughter of Muhammad Ali</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Patti Austin</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Singer (Baby, Come To Me (duet with James Ingram)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Rosanne Barr</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - 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Star of stage, screen, and television</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Michael Genadry</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Banded Gastric Bypass (unsure if this is the Fobi procedure) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor, Ed (TV show - incorporated the surgery into the storyline)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Adam Goldstein</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - 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Jesse Jackson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Randy Jackson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Record Producer - Judge on American Idol (TV show)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Etta James</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - 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wife/manager of Ozzy Osbourne</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>JoMarie Payton</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - Fobi Pouch </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Played Harriet Winslow on Family Matters (TV show) </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20></TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>John Popper</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lead singer of the band Blues Traveler </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Anne Rice</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Author (Interview With The Vampire)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Al Roker</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>TV Weatherman (The Today Show) - Host of Roker On The Road (Food Network) - Cookbook Author</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Glenn Shadix</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Actor (Demolition Man, Planet of the Apes)</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Deborah Voight</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Opera Singer</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Basil White</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Stand-Up Comedian</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Ann Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lap Band </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Lead singer of the bands Heart and The Lovemongers </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20>Carnie Wilson</TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Gastric Bypass - Roux-N-Y </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=18>Member of the group Wilson Phillips - daughter of Beach Boys member Brian Wilson </TD></TR><TR><TD borderColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#c0c0c0 align=middle width="50%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorDark=#c0c0c0 height=20> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

hi everyone. i think i originally posted this in the wrong forum, so ill post it here now. i know alot of insurance companies dont cover the sleeve. my insurance company doesnt appear to have the new 2010 code 43775 for the sleeve in their system, but they do cover the duodenal switch code 43845, which is basically the sleeve with a bypass. has anyone here gotten the sleeve done by getting approved for the ds and then only having their dr do the first part of the ds, which is only the sleeve? im curious if getting only the sleeve done this way would work to get the insurance company to pay for it or even if the dr would be willing to do only the first part of the ds? also, there is another bariatric open code 43843 that my insurance covers and that code specifically states "gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, other than vertical banded gastroplasty". has anyone been approved for a sleeve using this open code? any comments/replies would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

The MOST effective WLS is the Duodenal Switch. I've seen stats on excessive weight lost (EWL) with the VSG as being 70% and with the DS as 80%. You do have to be more diligent with taking enough vitamins and protein with the DS and that surgery does carry more risk than the VSG. The good thing about VSG is that you could subsequently revise to the DS if necessary (although you're likely to be a slower loser if you choose the 2 stage route).

I know exactly what you mean, I don't want to get "the look" so I've thought about it myself. I think the best thing for me to do is to go ahead and tell the truth and to hell with whatever negative thing they think about me. But with that said, if you feel too uncomfortable telling the truth, just tell them what you HAVE done. You HAVE exercised more and you HAVE eaten less. They don't have to know about the band on your stomach. Most people don't understand how the band works anyway and think it's like bypass, and as we all here know it's nothing like it. It's a tool and we have to use it. You have worked hard so don't let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve to feel good about yourself because you do!

My Mom told me today that she really doesn't want me to have the surgery. Her reason is that according to what she's learned most people regain the weight so it just doesn't seem like the surgery would be worth ruining my life for. She also said it was my body my choice. She also said she knew people who had bypass and were just as sure as I am that they could change their lifestyle regain all the weight they lost. I tried to explain everything but just kind of ended with I just don't want to die before I can see my kids grow-up. I'm so heartbroken right now. She also brought up all the doubts I struggle with especially about failure. I want so bad not to be the fat girl anymore. I still am going forward with all the pre-op prep and the surgery in August I just wish my Mom was okay with it.

thanks AdaGray -- I do have, I think, two severe co-morbidities -- HBP, which was initially resistant to treatment, but now seems to be working (after PCP doubled starting dosage). I've also learned from my endocrinologist that I was pre-diabetic a year ago. My PBP didn't say anything about that to me, and my endo thinks there's a good chance I'm diabletic now. I get my blood sugars tested next week. so, taking sudafed spikes HP? I didn't know that ... hmmmm. It's funny, but I was thinking that the stress alone was going to start driving my BP up! I was also desperate enough to think that I could stop taking my thyroid meds for a month and easily gain 20 lbs, which makes the whole point moot, because that would drive my BMI up to 40. I really really don't want to start at any higher weight, though, expecially since my bariactric surgeons are notorious for pushing gastric bypass over the band, and equally notorious for being ultra-conservative with the fills ... Anyway, thanks so much for the info -- please let me know how your approvals go. I am glad that my insurance doesn't force me to document five years back, as that would really be difficult for me. Good luck to you!

Pretty happy with my progress. Was hoping for 90 down today by today, but hit 88.2. so almost there. Revising my goal down now. Hit overweight last month! People le who haven't seen me in a year aren't recognizing me. So here is that...

I had to have bypass because of GERD.. Barrett Esophagus, & H. Pylori .. On top of that it ended up being open because of a past hernia repair with mesh.. Munky

@weezzee. All symptoms of huge hiatal hernia disappeared after my rny bypass. That was the way to go for me. Good luck

I had bypass done on 1/25 and had a huge hiatal hernia. My surgery took longer than expected, but he said there was no way he could leave the hernia without repair. The hernia repair has been the most painful part of my recovery. The surgeon said I would be really sore and it would feel like I had broken ribs and he wasn't kidding. I was in extreme pain! I ended up with sub. emphysema and my face became so swollen and it crackled if you touched it. I am totally fine now and the surgery was a success. Message me if you have anymore questions. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was banded in Sept 08 back east when I was married to my EX Husband. Initially he was against the band because he felt it was going to be too expensive and he didn't understand why I needed to get surgery he felt I should just diet and exercise,exercise,exercise and I could become the 105 lb girl that he wanted with the legs up to her neck. Mind you the body size he had i mind for me and I am 5'4 was the type you see with the women who are 5'7 or taller, longer legs, no butt and pretty much straight up and down. I did advise him that for me it was an unrealistic shape because I would never be 105 lbs nor would I want to be. I was a size 16 when I met him anyway, so he knew when I met him that I was meaty. My goal was to become healthy because I had lost my Father in 05 to Cardiac Arrest, and My Mom had been diagnosed with Colon Cancer months before my surgery and passed away about 4 months after I had my band. Not all Partners will be supportive and try to think of things that they do or things that will help. Right after my surgery I had to deal with the eating of super sized GIANT hershey bars, not the one's you get that are big for one person but the ones you break apart for Smores! He would sit down and eat it right in front of me while watching TV and eat the entire thing. He would bring home the gallons of Ice Cream and sit right there eating away. It was not after I got settled into my routine but RIGHT after surgery when I was even in the liquid phase both pre and post op. Now I did not expect him to stop eating the junk food, but when someone is prepping for surgery or in the liquid phase one could limit the exposure in the house especially if you had to hear how much I needed to exercise and diet in order to give him the figure he thought was the right one for me. Anyway I dropped back down to a Woman's 16 and some 14's in Jeans. There were other issues that came into play into it that could fill a whole other blog on another type of site. I went through the banding, then lost my job, went to school fulltime, my Mother passed away and with all the changes I left and filed for divorce. That was April of 09 and even though it was a very tough year, I moved back home to California. I have backslid because of losing insurance but still about 10 lbs less than my original weight and a size 20 in Women's Jeans. My new insurance paid for a fill, I am back seeing a new doctor out here and got my first fill since 09 last week. I am letting people know that good things do happen and come true, because I also had met a Guy January 1st 2010 who was from Texas. We did the friendship thing first, ended up doing the long distance thing then he moved to California and we have been living together for over a year and a half. We never fight, or argue which my sister finds to be amazing and are best of friends and lovers. He went with me to my fill appointment, which was a first for me and could hear what the doctor had to say about meals, fills, etc even the fearful number on the scale! He makes us Protein drinks and wants to help me find the best foods for US to eat. He even did the liquid diet with me post fill and then pureed things after the fill to make it easier so he joined me in that. This was the type of relationship that I have always hoped for (not meaning food wise), but had evaded me, maybe I had looked too hard. Maybe I had to learn some things about life and experience two bad marriages. He fixed us each a nice Salmon dish tonight, and Loves to cook and is now looking for Band Friendly receipes. I guess the biggest thing is that he Loves me for me whether or not I am a size 20 or a size 2. You hear there are stories where Relationships break up over Lap Bands and Gastric Bypass, I guess I am part of that story however I wouldn't change it for ANYTHING. So to anyone who has a Relationship that is having a hard time stick with what you need to do for you! Don't do it for anyone else do it for yourself. If they want to keep you down, don't let them... Live your life! Look forward to the next adventure! You might just fine what you hoped for all your life!

Hi! Would love to hear about your experience with Dr. S when you're up for it! I'm in the planning phase for LBL, inner TL, revising old arm lift (fingers crossed it can be done!), possible BL with new implants, and possibly UBL later on.

I'm wondering is there anybody in Miami FL who is having bypass surgery I kind of feel alone Lol...

I was in a similar situation. Was banded in June 2013. Started at 289 and got down to probably 240. Had to have a revision surgery due to a leak in my port.went back to my old ways of eating. I weighed a few weeks ago at 266. I totally recharged. Went back and started following all my rules. Exercising every day. Logging all my food getting in my protein .I feel so much better and I already lost over10 pounds in two weeks. So my advice is to just go back to the beginning following all of your rules and do this before more time passes if I can do it anyone can.

Hey! No you aren't weird or crazy. I think you are perfectly normal. One thing you have to remember, you can still eat what you want with the lapband. Your lapband will tell you what you can eat. For instance, I can eat bread but can't eat breadsticks. I used to love them. Also, I was a pepsi addict! I drank it full strength with the sugar...don't care for diet pop...lol Also, with your approval from the parent company the insurance will pay...either way, you won't be responsible for the bill. Also, you are right, you aren't very big. Diet Coke is very good to alot of people and it is a life change. But think of it this way, Are you happy with yourself? Are you comfortable with you?? If you are then this is a no brainer, don't do it. But if you have health issues and have issues with your body and the way you look, then do something about it. Take a little control. God will take care of the rest believe me. I know how you feel. I was supposed to have the bypass. I went through all of the things I had to do. One week before my papers were to be sent for approval I got sick and was hospitalized. I was told that I need colon resection surgery. I got three opinions from three different surgeons and all said the same thing. The surgery had to happen. I was approved for the bypass one week after submittal then waited a month for the colon surgery do to the second and third opinions and the colonoscopy. The surgery went haywire and I was opened up. No laprascopic surgery for me! lol..It took two months for me to heal because a few weeks after the procedure I got MRSA. After I got through all of that, my surgeon told me he didn't feel comfortable with me having the bypass because of my colon surgery. One month later I was banded. It was very easy for me to get discouraged and scared not to mention my husband and family didn't want me to do it anyway. I am banded and very happy. Everything went well Praise God! I said all that to say this, its your life. You only have one, don't let it be governed by fear. Its your responsibility to live your life to the fullest. If you are happy...there is no point to having the surgery..if you aren't and want to be, there is going to be some sacrifices..including Diet Coke... Much love! Keep us posted!

Hi transformer, thanks for posting a thread. I found out i have a hiatal hernia when my first dr made me do a barrium swallow. then i had to do an upper gi where they stick a camara down your throat to take pictures and take samples for biopsies. You would remember if you had one. haha. anyhow it came back i have a huge one about 5 cm and my dr wanted me to do surgery with him but he would either fix the hernia or place the band or switch out to an open gastric bypass which i told him no way. he then told me i could go to a specialist which i opted for. I think i did the right thing as these people seem to have it all together. this dr said it is very important to fix the hernia if you have a lapband so you dont get acid reflux. the other dr has only done about 100 lapband surgeries so i think he is either very conservative or doesnt know what he is talking about. I see you had LBS about a year ago. any regrets? I have been thinking of doing this for over a year now. I am so ready.! No one but my husband is supporting me. everyone else says i can do it on my own and i'm not having that surgery. even my mom. oh well when i start losing weight and looking and feeling like a million bucks they will be sorry. haha. whats the temp in virginia? we just got over 1 foot of snow up here in vt... Newbeginnings

I have the Bariatric Advantage brand Protein shakes now- bought from their website, also you will need Multivitamins and skim fat free milk makes the shakes easier to tolerate. Otherwise it's real thin and hard to drink all the time. I prefer the Isopure zero carb Protein Shakes though and intend to go back on those afterwards. It's better as far as carbs and fat and stuff goes and I liked the taste a tad better. Bout the same price too. I also recommend V-8 and soy milk. :sad: Oh and I have this cookbook which I used and pureed the food during my mushy stage: Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery, Patt Levine M.D., Book - Barnes & Noble I thought the recipes were tasty though I've only made a few of them so far- and they tell you how much to puree for the lapband or for gastric bypass etc. I have a Blender Bottle and use it every day! It's so easy to make the protein shakes with and is easy to just rinse out real quick afterwards and let drip dry- rather than a blender or spoon to stir with. Otherwise, nothing else comes to mind. Congratulations by the way!

Congrats on the 34lbs! That's wonderful????. I want to do this to get better control of my diabetes. I saw a surgeon but he only does bypass and lapband. I'm currently going through insurance approval for the bypass but I want to switch to the sleeve. Sounds great as far as being on less insulin. How have your blood sugars been post op? I'm scared that my sugar will get low and I'll have trouble correcting it...any issues there? I've been type 1 for 25 yrs. I've got about 60-70 lbs to lose.