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Hi, Jane. I wish you luck on your decision as it is a very personal decision you have to make. I don't know if this will help at all with your decision, but if you'll bear with me, I like to share my story thus far and pre-band. Since I was about 15, I've progessed from chubby, to overweight to heavy, to morbidly obese. Like all of us here on this forum, I've lost weight, gained more weight, cried over my weight and most recently I just simply gave up. I'm 46 years old and at my highest weight 330 lbs! I have hypertension, pre-diabetic, my back hurts after standing or walking for more than 5 minutes, and I'm pulling away from all of my friends and family. I wasn't even trying any more, I lost hope and I've always been an optimist... I've been researching lapband for almost 5 years. It sounded to good to be true, so I never fully beleived it. I considered bypass surgery for a very little while and even went to a seminar that discussed both bypass and lapband. At this particular seminar, they were pushing the bypass as the surgeon has been performing bypass surgery for over 20 years. He felt that lapband was too new and the weight loss was slow. So, he essentially poo poo'd the entire idea. I left the seminar very discouraged and I knew that I would never be able to choose the bypass, it scared me more than being fat. Still I kept researching the lapband, it seemed to make sense to me, but I was still feeling a little lost and hopeless. Recently I had a realization that I want to live and I want to live healthy (physically and mentally). However, I still know that no matter how determined I might feel, I know that am human and the amount of weight I need to loose is just too overwhelming. I can't do this alone or without an aide. I went to another seminar that focused on the lapband procedure. While this surgeon was pro lapband he also discussed the other weight los procedures and noted that, in his opinion, any weight loss surgery, even bypass and it's associated complications and risks, was still a better risk than being obese and suffering from comorbidities. For me the answer was clear. I have no doubt that I need to change my life, but I also need the tool to help me loose the weight and more importanly, keep the weight off. The bypass was still too radical for me and too scary, so I am choosing the lapband. I've begun the process and just awaiting some final medical test results and hope to be banded in the next month or so. I know this won't be an easy journey. I will have to make huge adjustments in my life and I will still have to deal with my emotional eating. The weight may not come off as fast, but slow and steady wins the race. Mostly, I know that I will have to work "with" the lapband and not "against" it. It's a wonderful option and if you are honest with yourself and do what your physician tells you, it works and with less risks than the bypass. I'm full of hope and optimism yet again. :wink2: Again, I wish you luck. And as others have said here, read and research both procedures and maybe even make a list of pros and cons for both procedures...

I've known 6 people that have had RNY. Four have gained back over half their weight. One is a new RNY patient (under a year out) and is doing very good. The sixth is a girl I worked with that threw up so much from overeating after her RNY that she has torn her esophogas to shreds. It was a no-brainer for me, less downtime and less complications from surgery. However, WLS is a very personal choice and while I can only go from personal exp, I know there have been MANY success stories from other surgeries. Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck. :purplebananna:

You may want to post this on the "lap band complications" thread too, OK? You'll get more "play" there. However, may I suggest you go to your regular doc to rule out allergies or infection or some other pulmonic issue? It may be your band, or it may not. How long have you had these issues? (You just say "recently") Have your regular doc rule out your lungs etc.

So after 3+ months of advising my doctor that I was having issues with the onset of dizziness upon standing up from the couch, things finally came to a head - my head. Sunday night marked the fourth time I blacked out from standing up and walking after being seated on the couch. The first time, I was able to brace myself against some furniture and stayed upright. The second time, I only managed to sort of brace myself and ended up dropping to my knees. The third time I slumped against a wall and slid down hard onto my knees and elbows. Sunday night, I tried to brace myself against a wall when my vision started going dark, but must have leaned forward too much. Came to on the floor seconds later with blood pouring out of a gash above my eye and the entire left side of my face in utter agony. Oh...and all of my neck muscles screaming from when I have to assume my face hit the floor full speed and my head bounced. 4 hours in the ER with bloodwork that showed no issues, an EKG that was perfect, chest X-rays that revealed nothing, and a CT scan that (fortunately) showed no bone damage or bleeding in the brain. Aggravatingly, my BP also registered as normal, even when they had me do orthostatic readings. I look and feel like hell. Have not slept well the past two nights (last night my upper left teeth hurt). And right now I've got some nerve issues due to the swelling in my face that have made my left nostril almost completely numb. As far as post-op complications go, I am sooooooo over this one. I'll trade it back for the constipation! (Okay, not really because I don't really want to deal with THAT again either). On the plus side, ending up in the ER with a head injury (5 stitches in my eyebrow) seems to have finally gotten my doctor to stop claiming that this crap is normal for bariatric patients and he is finally getting me the cardiac consult that I have been asking for since the first time I blacked out. Less thrilled about this knocking me off track for the time being. I do not feel well enough or comfortable enough to workout on my treadmill, so my exercise is definitely going to suffer this week.

Morning, I am currently waiting for my insurance. I was told that I should have my sleeve around 3 weeks. I am suppose to do the 2 week pre op diet. I got ahold of the drs office and asked if I could start it now. They said the sooner the better. I'm not required to lose any weight prior to surgery but after reading this forum forever. I came to the conclusion the better preop diet the faster recovery and less chance on complications do to my big ol liver. So here we go protein and proton bars.

So after you got surgery, what kind of check ups have you had? I am worried about having any complications and not having yearly check ups in regards to the surgery itself

Hi All! Before I start, I would just like to advise readers that this post is being written just to get some things off my chest. Please do not criticize or judge... because this past month has been stressful to say the least. A little background, I had my surgery on June 26, starting weight on first visit was 207, surgery day I weighed 195, and 1 1/2 weeks ago I weighed 181. I do not have a scale in my house because I don't want to get into the habit of stressing about loosing pounds, so I weigh myself at my grandmother's house every 1-2weeks. The day after surgery I was released from the hospital, no complications or problems, and I did not take any pain meds from that point on, which I am very proud of. I really wasn't in much pain at all, and I'd rather have the little bit of pain then have my stomach get upset from the pain pill, so I opted not to take them. I am very happy with the weight I have lost so far, as my old clothes are fitting me very nicely, and when I shop not I don't have to shop in the plus size section!!! I am, on the other hand very upset at myself for not working hard enough to get the required fluids and protein in. (as I am literally wiping tears from my face because this is how upset it makes me) I really don't know what my problem is, maybe depressed cause whenever I think about it the tears just start flowing. But anyway, I know I can do better, the motivation just isn't there.... and this really bothers me because I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY HAIR!!!! So mad cause I know by not getting the required nutrition I am not putting myself in a good position to be healthy. On a good day I will get 20 or so oz of liquids and proteins, ha! maybe 10-20 a day.... I know, I'm not doing this right!! Again, PLEASE don't bash!!! I've been going to sonic daily to get slushees, cause I am able get those down with no problem, but that's like 20 oz... and I also try flavored water, and sometimes can drink a bottle, but that's about it.... I also eat greek yogurt with 2x's the protein, chicken, cheese, and anything else I can with protein in it cause, though I love the taste of the protein shake I have... I struggle getting 1 20g bottle down. BTW, Core Power, strawberry banana is delish!! So, these are my stresses. Just venting, and don't mean any harm, just wanted to get it out. Oh, before I end this, just want to add that I am on regular food. I eat maybe 3 times a day, love string cheese, tried pizza 1 time and it went fine, now no problems with any food I have eaten so far... Good luck to all of you!!!

Hello all, I'm researching vsg and also plication. Plication sounds interesting and like a good wls but I noticed that there is a complication called necrosis. If I did choose plication and say, worst case scenario, I have a complication such as necrosis. Does this mean that the sutures must be taken out and the stomach returned to normal? Has anyone had to have their surgery reversed due to complications? I would appreciate any replies as I am definitely going to get one of these procedures but I am wondering what happens if there is a complication. I know the sleeve has complications as well. Thank you for any replies.

only about 30% of us dump (I've never dumped - and I know a lot of people who haven't), and even if you turn out to be a dumper, you can prevent it by limiting your sugar intake (or for some people, fat - some people dump on fat). So yes - it's a potential complication of bypass, but the majority don't experience it, and it's controllable if you do. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. Also, I think that flatulence thing isn't very common, either. And the scars are tiny - smalller than VSG scars since they're not pulling anything out. I really can't see mine at all anymore. You'll do fine!

I am a 2x revision patient, starting with LapBand in 2011, followed by VSG in 2019 due to severe Lapband complications, and finally GBP in 2021 after even more complications with the VSG. I have been fighting the good fight for ELEVEN YEARS now, and trust me when I say I was so ready to give up many times during the process, but I am so glad that I never did! I am officially down 152 lbs, and have been maintaining within 3-4 lbs since Feb 2022. I am to the point that I am ready to start looking into plastics. After so many years of fighting to get to where I am, I love the way I look and feel.... when I'm fully dressed. But seeing all the loose skin is a hard mental hit every single time. All the work, tears, pain, determination.... it all feels like it's for nothing when I see the destruction it all left behind. After a lot of research on various options, I am heavily leaning towards the Beltline procedure due to the amount of work that will need to be done. Does anyone have any experience with this? I would love to hear all about it! Pros, cons, horror stories, success stories... I want it all!

Here's some of my story! I had my surgery on march 27th 2012 I paid cash in full cause my health insurance don't cover! Starting weight 268lbs now 173! I'm feeling great about my loss! I've had stalls at times but I just stopped worrying and in a few weeks back to dropping. I had no problems with surgery at first no leaks no complications. a few weeks post op I had sharp unbearable pains went to hospital for pain Control they came to think it was the internal stitching healing! I'm 5hrs from the hospital I had surgery at. Other than that everything was going great my back problems much better energy level better feeling more confident and happier! The last month or so my Bp bottomed out starting having orthostatic blood pressure! Got dizzy when I stand. went back into hospital to help increase my Bp and lower my heart rate, it was high because my Bp was low! So anyway I'm on salt tablets and a pill to help retain water! I don't drink enough but I've never been a big drinker! Lol so my cortisol levels are low everything else low side of normal. I'm seeing a endocrinologist to help know what's going on just waiting on rest of test to see if its from surgery or if I have had these problems and no one knew it was my adrenal glands! So anyway I'm loving feeling skinny and happy I want to lose 13 more lbs and the good news is my bmi went from high 40s to 27 so I'm happy! If anyone has any input on the fluid or cortisol levels that would be great! Hope everyone great happiness and success!

I agree with other posters that you should quit smoking immediately. Not only is smoking going to increase your risk of having the complications mentioned, but it is going to hinder your body's ability to heal quickly and correctly. I would also start walking at least 30 minutes per day now, and drinking tons of water. You want to build up lung capacity, and start getting into shape. I was already working out 6-8X per week before surgery, and everything was super easy for me. I could have returned to work after 2 days. I smoked for 10 years, and I understand how stress makes you grab for that cigarette. Don't do it though. You are doing this for your health, so why not make a complete change starting tomorrow? You can do this, and will be better off for it. Good luck to you.

No one knows for sure that you will be ok. But, with that being said the complications that you mentioned are rare. At this point you have decided on your own that this is right for you. You have to continue to trust your own judgement. Be realistic , will you lose the weight without surgery? I had gotten to the point that I would rather die free than live a slave to my parasitic fat. I have NO regrets.

you should take a peek at complications threads

I'm going to 2nd that -- this was the best choice for me. Do I consider it successful, even though I'm not at goal? Absolutely. And I'll get to goal eventually. For me, not having a "window of opportunity" was key. The band is still here, even if I wander off track. The key is that in wandering off track, I no longer gain back everything I lost and then some, because I just can't eat large quantities of food -- the worst I can do is make poor food choices. Of course, part of my decision was because I had one friend and one acquaintance who regained their weight a few years after their initial RNY. And the complications with RNY are very scary. Of course, there must still be a lot of successful RNY patients out there, or it wouldn't be so popular. Have you considered a duodenal switch (DS) or gastric sleeve? Those are a couple other surgeries I hear people talking about on here as alternatives to banding or RNY.

I agree with elcee u are definitely overthinking this whole issue.. why would u be more worried about a small peice of plastic being placed into your body as against all the co morbilities that being obese can cause, to me a peice of plastic v diabetes, and all those complications, heart disease, high blood pressure everything far outweighs the placement of a lapband.. wait till u get older and need a hip replacement or a knee replacement or a pacemaker would u still think u didnt want a foreign object in your body ?.. try and get past what the negatives in your mind are and look at the positives.

I was way less afraid of those things, which, afterall are easily rectified by removing the band, than I was of major major surgery and having my insides re-routed. Being a relatively modest BMI of 35 meant that that option would probably not be available to me anyway, if they did gastric bypass in Australia anymore. I also dont care to lose a ton of weight in a very short amount of time, look like a corpse and have a problem with loose skin. I love love love my band. I am living a completely normal life, just one in which I eat a bit less. I eat way less junk, but I eat out, I eat with family, I sometimes eat yummy things for a treat, I can exercise (I've started running again, a MAJOR NSV for me), its simply the best thing I ever did. If I should lose it one day due to a complication, well I guess I'll face that when I come to it. I think I would see how I went without it for a while - I only have 1.3 ml in my band and no real restriction, much of what I've achieved has come from conscious behaviour modifcation. I'd have to say the band's major influence on my has been psychological - I dont expect to fail, therefore I dont.

:cursing: Did anyone here stuggle with decision of band vs. bypass? Hi everyone! I'm new to this site. I posted this as part of a thread yesterday and haven't gotten a response, so I'm trying again as a new thread. I'm sure that all surgeons handle the process differently, but after nearly a year I have finally jumped through my hoops and have been scheduled for surgery on feb. 25, I have 2 appts with my surgeon between now and then as well as a slew of addittional appointments with nurses and classes and pre-opp stuff. I haven't actually met my surgeon yet. Weird in a medical way, but seems to be fairly normal in the weight-loss surgery world I;ve heard. Has anyone else had this experience of not getting through the 'gate keeper' to see an actual doctor at your practice until you've been given the all-clear and scheduled? Anyway, I originally chose the Lap-Band after researching it for more than a year and then going to my doctor's seminar last Spring. I was mainly afraid of the 'permanace' of the bypass, and of course of complications. Until I consult with my surgeon on 2/12, I won't know if he thinks I should go with one vs. the other but I'm sort of leaning towards bypass now. That's why I searched for this site tonight. I've done all my research, but I need to hear from more people who are living with the band. For people who have had an option... why have you chosen one over the other? I'll be lurking around here, absorbing what I can from what everyone has posted in general (so glad to have such a great forum!), but any specific replies would truly be helpful. I'm a nervous wreck. I hate feeling like this is a 'decision' and that I might make the wrong one, when in fact I know that this is no longer a choice, it's a necessity in order for me to live a healthy happy life and be here fully for my daughter... I know this is such a blessing and have been waiting for sooooo long. Leave it to my human-self to now be freaking out about the very thing I've been wanting so badly!

I chose LB over GBP based on: 1. You lose the weight slower, which is healthier for your body. 2. LB allows your food to be processed normally, allowing your body to absorb the necessary nutrients by taking its time instead of a quick route to your lower intestines. 3. It's reversible! So if there are any complications, I'm reassured by the fact I can have it reversed, if all else fails. However, with the newest appliance on the market (the AP), the slippage rate has been reduced dramatically - just in the past 4 yrs. 4. I like the idea of having a less-invasive surgery - recovery should be better. I have 2 aunts that have had the GBP & they've been happy with it, but I just didn't want to take those chances since I'm a mom of 2 young children! Good luck in your decision & process.

i get exactly what you say i have been one of those who was so harrassed on OH after i was banded last year (and before my surgery) with pm's saying how stupid i was to get the band and why didnt i get the sleeve or bypass and in two years id have to revise and all these complications i was due to get... and every time i posted a question of what is this or that, id get a link to the failed banded fb page...that my dear is what i call trolls and people who bait just to be mean.. i cant tell you crappy i felt for a few months thinking what a mistake i must have made...i felt bad bc my ins didnt approve sleeves..self doubt..how nice of people to do that to a newbie.. but you know what, i am proving those women wrong. so as for all i got out of your post..i read it and understood it. i agree with it. i support any and everyone who gives a crap about following their dr's advice i do not coddle those who divert off course.. and if you want support, in my opinion, it starts with ones own self.

definitely doesn't sound normal. sounds like you're too tight. while breads and other doughy foods can be difficult to consume, you should be able to eat 2-3oz in one sitting, which is definitely more than a chicken nugget. speak to your surgeon asap. keeping yourself too tight can have long term complications.

I don't think I would personally do it.. I was one of the rare complication cases and 6 surgeries later I am so glad I had my surgery in Toronto with cdn doctors there is another thread you may want to read that thread too and take all the advice there into account. I would get rock solid contracts if i was going out of country and make sure that they are applicable under both cdn and the other countries laws... deal with post op including complications and who pays etc. Good luck with your decision Heather

Hi, I'm 7 weeks post-op today too. My doc (not my original surgeon, I've had some complications), said I could start salad this week. Also said I could have some cooked veggies too - not a big salad eater, but so glad I can eat some cooked veggies!

You're not alone in feeling that way. I have gone through questioning every little thing, being almost TOO addicted to these boards. However, I recently posted a question that received three pages worth of responses. I simply asked, did anyone have a normal recovery? The responses were overwhelming. Several people smartly pointed out that not many post saying, "having a normal boring day feeling like myself!" when of course the bad stories stay in your brain. No one can answer for you whether it's right or not, but if you want additional perspective to balance out what really are the less common complication stories, I'd check out this thread: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/47767-anyone-have-a-relatively-easy-recovery-story/

I did. My doc said my hernia was more complicated thend he expected but I never felt anything but a little pressure in that area for a day or so. It did t delay or add to my recovery which was smooth all the way.