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Well, a fill would be required if you are hungry all the time.. other wise maybe you don't need it. Before the fill it was just healing mostly, and you were on mushies and liquids thats why you lost more weight. Yea just make little tweeks and see if that helps. I'm more liberal on my diet than a lot of people. I want it to be realistic. I eat a good 1200 calories a day. I'm not one of those people that eats like 1 egg for Breakfast, and 1/4 cup of tuna for lunch.. and I'm losing 1-3lbs a week. It's all complicated! One week I go balls to the wall 5 days a week, INTENSE exercise and I lose a pound. Which I HATE, and makes it feel so useless when you don't lose much, and spend 6 hours in the gym. The next week, I do some walking, or an exercise video for maybe 4 days, not nearly as intense and I lose a pound or two. I'm trying to figure out the right balance. The body is just fickle I guess.

I would always tell people never go with the RNY bypass I have had nothing but complication after complication and have spent more time in the hospital then not Sent from my LGLS992 using the BariatricPal App

That's the same reason for me and barrett's/ulser . Did you have complications of any kind? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Pat, my port is a sternal port also. My doctor told me that research has shown there are less complications with the port placed there. I do sometimes feel it when I am laying (or is it lying, I can never remember) on my stomach, but not to the point that it is really uncomfortable. At least not yet. I totally understand about the butterflies. I think we all had them. Don't worry about blood clots. You should be up and walking at least a little very soon after surgery. Keep doing that and the blood clots won't form (unless you have a known clotting problem, in which case they will give you medicine to prevent the clots from forming. I'm pretty sure you will be successful, too. After all, we all were failures at dieting or we wouldn't have gotten the band. But look how many successes there are on this board! They're not really any more disciplined than you are. The band is helping them! As for the changes you will need to make, well, yes, there is some work and some uncomfortable change involved. But you already know that. We all get through it. I wish you a very safe surgery and a speedy recovery. Nancy

Hi all. I am researching this procedure to see if it is right for me. I have read alot of your posts and everyone seems to be very glad that they had this done. Does anyone out there regret it? Maybe had a bad post-op experience? I am interested to know. I almost did the RNY years ago until two of my chat buddies passed away from complications due to their procedures. It scared the heck put of me and, of course, I did not have it done.:cry Here I am, 6 years later, looking once again for a solution. I had a baby 10 months ago. I was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart) and was told that my heart was only functioning 10-15%. I also have high blood pressure and am a diabetic. I am at 261 lbs (last time I checked), possibly more. I need to do something before it is too late. I want to live long enough to see my baby grow up. Also, if anyone here is in the Miami area and has had or is in the process of having the lapband procedure done, I would like to hear from them. I would like to know what doctors they are seeing and what troubles, if any, they have had with insurance. I have United Healthcare but I do not know if they cover WLS. Anyways, I am sorry to have rambled on. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Okay, it sounds cute, but it’s a serious question. If you want to lose weight or keep it off and get healthy, you need a plan. The old saying, “Fail to plan, and you plan to fail” could have been intended specifically for weight loss surgery patients. Fail to plan after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS), and you’re planning for plateaus or regains and possible complications. What should you be planning? You don’t want to become fixated on planning, but there are a few key areas to be aware of. These are some of the questions you might ask yourself to make sure you’re planning enough. Each question is followed by the pitfall you might fall into if you don’t think ahead. Where are you shopping, and what are you buying? Possible pitfall: Finding an empty fridge and opting for McDonald’s or pizza delivery, or going to the supermarket without a list and buying whatever looks good – which usually doesn’t include lettuce and chicken breast. A solid answer identifies when you’ll shop, and it includes a list of proteins and other essentials, such as vegetables, fruit, healthy starches, and healthy fats. Check the list to make sure it has enough healthy foods for the meals and snacks that will get you through to the next shopping trip. What are you having for breakfast tomorrow? Possible pitfall: Being so rushed you grab a pair of Pop-Tarts on your way out, get a bagel at the coffee place, or get to work so hungry you sneak in a doughnut from the reception area. A solid answer is realistic, so if you know you’ll be in a rush, it doesn’t involve a lot of preparation. You may want to get your breakfast ready the night before, even if it’s as simple as putting some cottage cheese and a few slices of turkey in a portable container with a tight-fitting lid. What are you ordering for lunch? Possible pitfall: Going out with the gang and ordering what they do…anything from a burger and fries to pasta primavera. A solid answer considers where you’re likely to find yourself at lunch and what’s on the menu. Identify your source of protein and a vegetable beforehand and stick to your pre-made decision when you order. If you end up going out unexpectedly, look for salads, grilled chicken and fish, and sides of vegetables and fruit. What are you making for dinner? Possible pitfall: Ordering in or getting take-out, or falling back on a high-calorie, low-nutrition quick fix such as macaroni and cheese or taco kits. A solid answer identifies your source of protein and vegetables so you can figure out what you need to buy and how much preparation is necessary. When, where, and what is today’s workout? Possible pitfall: Running out of time if you haven’t scheduled it into your day, or chickening out of the workout if you haven’t quite made the commitment to a specific exercise. A solid answer says when you’ll work out, whether you’ll do it at home, at the gym, or somewhere else, and what clothes, shoes, and other equipment you need to bring with you, if any. Your answer should also include what you’ll be doing, whether it’s 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill plus 15 minutes of lifting weights, going to a Zumba class, or pulling weeds and sweeping the driveway. What will you snack on at the party? Possible pitfall: Eating whatever happens to look good, and ending up with not enough protein, too many calories, too much fat and sugar, and possibly nausea or dumping syndrome. A solid answer doesn’t depend on what the host may serve. Your plan may be to bring some hard-boiled eggs or beef jerky for yourself, plus a large green salad, vegetable skewers, or fruit salad for you and the rest of the guests to enjoy. How will you answer your mother when she offers you a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie (your favorite) or the entire batch? Possible pitfall: Feeling guilty for refusing or being caught off guard, and accepting the cookie or batch. A solid answer includes a polite refusal, possibly with an explanation, such as, “No, thank you. My doctor has advised me not to eat cookies.” If you can’t avoid taking the batch home as a “gift,” don’t be afraid to throw it out. Nobody likes to throw away food, but if you’re going to, better to throw it away in the trash can than in your body. How are you going to feel at the end of the day? Possible pitfall: Let doubt creep in, and you may be setting yourself up for bad decisions with eating and exercise. A solid answer is positive and confident with no room for self-doubt. At the end of a day of good eating and a bit of exercise, you may be tired, but satisfied, proud, and a little lower in weight. Staying positive and optimistic sets you up for good decision making without even thinking about it. You always hear about the importance of planning for weight loss surgery success, but that advice may seem confusing if you’re not a natural planner, or even if you’re just not used to thinking so much about your WLS-related habits. Know the answers to these questions, and your planning skills can help you lose more weight and stay healthy.

yes i have seen him twice because I had complications. I had a feeding tube for a week and have had fainting spells. Also lots of abdominal pain but he just looks at me funny and says he doesnt think its surgery related. So I go to ER and told them surgeon doesnt think its surgery related and get told that noone will touch me because I just had this surgery. So I am sooo screwed. This was the worst mistake of my life.

Any time that cutting of the intestines is involved, there is a MUCH larger risk for infection and other surgical complications. Cut & Paste are computer commands - not something I want done to my body... The band is just a little choke-chain for your stomache. If your appetite starts to behave badly - you just yank on the chain. (aka - get a fill). If you have any life altering events - pregnancy or whatever - you can have the band unfilled until you are ready to resume your weight loss. You just can't do that with ByPass.

I'm also pre-op and am looking at mid-June for surgery. One question I asked myself in deciding if this surgery was for me or not was, could I lose 80-90 pounds in my own and permanently keep the weight off? I answered no because I've been trying to do just that for about 20 years and have failed. The other issue for me was BMI and life expectancy. People with a BMI of over 40 can expect to live 10 years less...that scares the hell out me a whole lot more than whatever short term complications or pain I may experience from having this surgery. I'd like to be around for my grand kids some day. I think it would be beneficial for you to sit down and write out a pros/cons list for having the surgery and I'm almost positive the pros list will win out. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am in the research phase. I have found RESOUNDING positive reviews, and even someone I know that had tremendous complications does not regret the surgery and would do it again. I am excited but I also want to look at other view points - who isn’t happy with this? Is there a source out there for people unhappy with the results, people who have lots of regain? I don’t want to talk myself out of this but I certainly want to look at all angles. I’m also concerned about the high rates of depression after surgery, and the high divorce rates in the first 2 years. Those both concern me.

After 19 months I've only just had my first fill a few weeks ago. I am one of the small precentage of banders who had complications. (Not sure what that was about) Still After all these months I believe this was a good choice for me. I was one who had been underweight for the first half of my life. I only breifly was at a normal weight. The rest found me at 279 lbs at my heaviest. a few persons I know had by-pass surgery. I'd even cared for by-pass patients during my early nurseing years. I knew that was not for me. This banding thing, after musch time on the net and my PCP's cry of too many "pre" stuff to name. Another diet, more shots and pills were not going to do it. An accident had slowed me down physically and mentally. I gained back the 45 lbs I'd lost on my last plan and swing dance class plus a few more. After surgery I lost 100 lbs because I was sick then gained back 20lbs once I could eat again. Now. I get to use my tool, learn new coping skills and cooking methods. I 'm learning to understand my relationship with food and make changes to be healthy for the rest of my life. This is wonderful. I love my surgeon. He confrenced with all my doctors during my illness and I count him as my friend. I'm grateful for the person who created this web site and I'm most thankful for a chance to live a truely abundant life. :frown:

i must admit i am getting scared. i have made the decision to do it. i have a date. but, now i am getting scared. wondering if something will go wrong during the surgery and i don't wake up. or that i will be that person that has every complication imaginable! i know i need to chill. pray and let God do the rest. that is why i am on here looking for positive experience. thanks for sharing!

I am always sad when I hear that people don't get along with their Mom. I was close to mine and am very close to all of my adult children. I know these things are complicated and I am not judging in any way. I only hope that some day the two of you can call a truce. Best of luck on your journey!!!

PRINCESSM How are you doing? I am still in the hospital 7 days later! First there were complications and they thought I had a leak, now I am on a fever roller coaster, up and down day after day. I have actually started feeling much better, but I can't get rid of the fever. I didn't realize what an emotional roller coaster as well - Thank God for my husband!

Hello All, I had my surgery on Sunday, Aug. 7. I had complications...:ermm and had to be sliced down the middle. I know that my case was special because my husband had the operation at the same time, is fully functional and is feeling great. My question is,....has anyone else had this occur to them?...Please let me know that I'm not the lone stranger. I got really depressed today because I am not further along in my recuperation. I scared because I am scheduled to go back to work day after tomorrow and don't feel I am "all day" functional. What do you think?............Talk to me, please! you Inamed friend, Cyndi

yes,,,, suggestion.. i would do a preop diet for the liver. you need your fatty liver to decrease to avoid possible complications.. im not sure why no preop diet and i would watch that!!!!! Serioulsly trying to help. Chris

Painful? I was in pain when I woke up but got much better after a coupledoses of fentanyl (I believe that's what they gave me in the hospital) the rest of that day I was regretting my decision,( at home) when the pain meds weren't in effect. The next day I was a lot better, still uncomfortable, butmuch better. Third day I only took the meds once and then that was it, still sore, but I did not need meds. Everyone has a different pain threshold. The weight loss rate is what you make of it. It will be faster if you have more to lose, but you need to eat right to make it work. Don't think you don't need to watch yourself. If you can't exercise right away, some people don't and still lose, but I would definitely start when you can. As for steak, well it depends. Some people can't eat it, some people can. I have barely any fill and I can eat whatever I want. As for having it removed, it usually is not removed unless there are complications. It's supposed to last, also there is a risk you'll regain the weight.

Banded in Somerset, also by Dr. Mobley. No complications whatsoever. Doing great. So glad I did it;)

Sorry you are having these issues! I hope you get it resolved ASAP :-( What is this complication you mentioned? Can you have a heart attack or stroke from this surgery? This is the first I've heard of this.

OMG! I wish my doctor sent me home with dilaudid!!!! I took liquid Lortab and it helped...a little. I swear the pill form is more potent. My doctor wouldn't refill the Lortab for me, and gave me a joke of a pill called Ultracet. It was like taking candy...did nothing for me. I do have a suggestion for gas pain that really works. I did this after my c-section and the band and I was very surprised. Drink only lukewarm liquids. Don't chew ice or drink cold Water. I swear it worked for me!! I don't know why, but it did. I had mimimal gas with both surgeries and it certainly wasn't painful. To Leisalips in CA...I was terrified to go in for my fill. I begged them to numb the area but they said there was no need for it. The nurse said that I needed to find something else to worry about. So, I laid there on the table, was breathing heavy, and...felt nothing! I didn't even feel the needle go thru my skin! It hurts much worse to have a shot in the hip, or an IV, because the port is under the skin and the needle doesn't have to pass thru and muscle. As far as band slippage, I have only heard of that happening to a couple of people, and it seems to be the early bandsters, or people that didn't follow the appropriate diet and vomited a lot. I personally know several people that have had the band and none of them have had severe problems. On the other hand, I know three people that had the RNY bypass, and two of the three have had serious complications and continue to have them. It seems as the long-term research is coming out, the band seems to be the better and safer option. Personally, I highly recommend it! Some people may disagree with me though. Don't be scared. Research the options for yourself. I did over two years of research before I finally committed to the band. :thumbup:

Does he provide a post-op diet plan and guidance? If so, what kind of diet (low-carb, etc.) does he expect? What are his pre-op requirements (labs, tests, etc.)? What are HIS personal statistics for complications, hospital time, how many/how long has he performed this surgery? Does he repair hiatal hernias while he's in there (common in obese patients)? Also, if you use the search feature on the home pain and type in (with quotations) "questions for surgeon" you'll see answers other members have provided before. Good luck!

This is the first time on the site! I'm actually checking on this for my daughter who is 19 - I could also use the surgery, but my concern is for her right now. I'm pretty sure my blue/cross ppo doesn't cover it, although I will call them on Monday. From what I'm reading, this seems to be a complicated process on trying to get the insurance to cover it. Do you suggest starting with a seminar to find a Dr? or with insurance? I'm in Michigan and haven't even made a call yet. Help!! :thumbup: Thanks for listening!

While you weigh a lot less then I ever did at your highest, I can relate to what you've said. At 13, 18, 30 I lost significant amounts of weight up to and including 100 pounds. I gained it back every time. I was super committed to watching my diet and lots of exercise. Problem was that I had to be so stringent it was not sustainable. In fact at 18 I was probably slightly anorexic. I also have a family whose female members were obese but who obsessed about my weight. The band will not make you thin. YOU will still need to exercise (I do an hour daily), and watch what you eat. But once you get to restriction it will help you eat less. Personally I don't keep my band so tight that I get complications that others get. I read on this board that people know they are too tight, can't eat 3 oz of solid Protein (so they drink Protein shakes for nutritian) but won't loosen the band. They are loosing weight quickly so they don't want to slow things down. This is the wrong mentality! If you keep your band at a good level your likelyhood of having problems (trouble getting food to go down) will be greatly reduced. Also keeping the band too tight can lead to having the band slip, which is a major complication. Do I wish I'd had lap band sugery 10 years ago at 30 and could have kept the weight off. Yes.

This is your choice and you're the only one who can decide if it's what you want and if you are willing to work with it. (It's not a quick fix and you do need to work WITH it) You have shown that you can seriously work on it and that you only give up after realizing that you can't keep it off. I think most of us agree that we all have issues with eating too much and some of us can lose weight by "diet and exercise" but we can't keep it off. The band is a tool that will work with you if you're willing to work with it. I think your dad sees that you are willing to do the work and just need a little help. I'm not saying to go get the band, but like another person said, go to an informational seminar at a center of excellence. My dr has had so few complications and I trust him! Research the drs in your area and find one that is right for you and that you are comfortable with. As far as family and friends, do not do this for them. My parents and some close friends know about the band....but my extended family has no idea. They think I'm on another diet. It's GREAT that your dad is recommending this because you will at least have someone there to support you. Support is a big thing during this journey and it will make it much smoother if you have someone on your side. Do the research, I think the band is a great option and it sounds like you may have the right mindset for it. Ask any questions on here and you'll get lots of answers and support. Good luck!

My NUT plan includes shakes until you can eat 3oz Protein per meal. in the mean time I've developed an ulcer and am on a new four times a day med. I'm really trying not to be negative but I feel like I'm having several post op complications that I'm not prepared for. I'm feeling really down. I know once I get past all of this it will all have been worth it but right now I am really regretting having surgery.