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There are new implants that will last a lifetime if you don't have complications. I'm the same size I was before I lost weight. I love my new boobs!

I was 47 when I had my surgery. No complications, a relatively easy recovery, and successful weight loss. I think I was tired for longer than I would have been if I had this surgery in my 20's, but not a big deal. As you age, and especially after menopause, you need fewer and fewer calories to maintain your weight and thus of course fewer calories to lose weight, just due to loss of muscle mass. So eventually we will all need to be even more vigilant and committed to our eating and exercise plans as we age, but that doesn't mean we can't all be successful. Just don't go comparing yourself to a 25 year old, 6'2 man and expect to lose at the same rate, unfortunately On the other hand, no offense to our younger members here, but having been around the block a few times does give us a bit more perspective and tools to deal with changes and setbacks IMO, so in some ways we have an advantage. And there are plenty of people here significantly older than us who have had tons of success!

The other thing about that clinic is that they do too many surgeries in one day to save money. That's how Almanza got to do 200 sleeves in such a short time. By doing 10 surgeries in a day, which is not safe. If you end up with a complications due to his being fatigued when he does your surgery, then it's going to cost you more money than if you paid a few thousand extra to go to an excellent surgeon with a great reputation. There are quite a number of surgeon in MX with great facilities and reps who are in the 9000-10000 range. When it comes to our bodies and our lives, it's not worth it to price shop IMO.

My question is why bypass? Have you seen the regain stats for the super morbidly obese? Are you willing to trade in a lifetime of nutrient and Vitamin deficiencies for maximum of 2 years of calories malabsorption? What will happen after you start absorbing calories again? Those were all my concerns when I was researching. At least with the sleeve if you do not get to your goal, you can go DS for malabsorption without the regain stats of RNY. Each surgery has it's pros and cons, but honestly the long term complications with RNY are downright scary. There are a few members on OH that have lost all their weight with BMIs over 65. I'm talking 200-250lbs withing 16-20 months post-op, and they didn't have to have a second procedure. I know you are frustrated, but really research the good, bad and ugly of the surgeries. I recommend checking out the struggling, failed and revision forums on obesityhelp.com so you can see for yourself just how many out there struggle with RNY. Best wishes, and hang in there.

How can I say this? When we know better, we do better...this is especially true in medicine.. My aunt was heavy, too heavy. Really high BMI. I don't know what she weighed, but very short and very heavy. Eventually couldn't hardly walk at all. The surgery they offered then was state of the art for that time. It was some kind of lap band that she got that got all wrapped around her insides to the point that it had be removed b/c she couldn't get food down at all. But that time has passed, it was the first lap band or stomach stapling and that was gosh, 30 years ago. She died 13 years ago or so, from being overweight. She was in her late 50's, and otherwise she had been healthy - just heart problems from being overweight for so long, loss of muscle tissue, etc. She prayed for that magic pill to lose weight. In time the magic weight loss pill came along and it damaged people's heart valves, not hers I guess bc she was already gone, but it did damage my dad's valve. Then there was the more modern lap band, then the bypass/RNY/DS, etc. and now the sleeve. And actually now the sleeve plication. You gotta realize your doctor is working with the most up to date information. We get used to hearing about things like lap band and it was great for some, or gastric bypass, which some people did well. But now the sleeve is better than those. Maybe you really do need to look at data. Kinda sounds like you really wanted gastric bypass, but what if this is better? I weighed 220 and I was paying cash bc my insurance did not cover ANY WLS or complications from WLS. I asked my doctor which surgery would be best for me long term, most effective, safest, etc. I didn't ask which was cheapest, because I didn't care. He immediately said sleeve. I went to a nutrition meeting with like 6 other people getting WLS. Some lap band and some gastric bypass. All of them were on insurance. They were all getting the lap band or gastric bypass, but all wished they were getting the sleeve. Their insurance did not cover it bc it was too new, That was a year ago so since then a lot are covering it. At a certain point you gotta pick a doctor and trust him. I do have one question though. The sleeve plication is even less risky than the sleeve, from the little I've read here, so if you were not able to lose weight to have the surgery (the 100 lbs) then could you get the plication at least temporarily to keep you from being able to overeat? I just wondered if you had spoken with your doctor about that. The plication is where the stomach is not cut but it is rolled up and stiched so that only a small portion of the stomach is available to put food into. I was wondering though. 100 lbs seems like a lot to lose before surgery, but I know he is trying to help you. I wish you the best.

Hi, I agree with what others said above. Re my own decision. Like you I was initially interested in bypass surgery. I knew I had a lot of weight to lose (although my PCP's scales went to 350, the past two years, I weighed more than 350 so I didn't know exactly how much I needed to lose). When I went to the orientation session, I learned about the sleeve and that it had fewer complications than the bypass, which interested me because I knew my weight and age (62) put me at greater risk for complications. When I had my surgeon consultation a few weeks later in May, I learned I weighed 385.5, which shocked me. I told the surgeon I was conflicted about the bypass vs. sleeve. On the one hand concerned about complications, on the other concerned about less weight loss. He told me recent research showed success rates about the same after two years and that he didn't really see any advantage for me with the bypass. If I had diabetes, he said he would have recommended the bypass because he thought it worked better for diabetes (but several people on this board have diabetes and they have done really well!!). He said if I were a member of his family, he'd recommend the sleeve. So I chose the sleeve because of fear of complications and a belief that the outcome would be about the same as the bypass. Results so far: Starting weight 385.5; goal weight: 150. Preop diet began 6/14 - lost 19 pounds; surgery 6/29. By December 29 I had lost 105 pounds total. Won't weigh again until January 29. My mini-goal was to lose half of my excess weight (117.75 pounds) by end of December but that didn't happen. As you can see I got really close though. I have severe arthritis so I can't execise as vigorously as some others on this board, but I do execise. My doctor's goal for me is to lose 70% of my excess weight or down to about 200 pounds. However, I firmly believe I can make MY goal of 100% loss of excess weight or down to 150. I figure it will take 18-20 months total, but I am sure I can do it with the sleeve. My doctor says if we use our weapons, we can lose weight indefinitely -- no stopping point until we want to stop. WEPNs = Water, execise, Protein, nutrients. Btw, our guest speaker this week at surgeon's support group was a woman who had lost well over 200 pounds through bypass (she was in such bad shape she was in assisted living and was in her early 50s I think) and had kept it fof for a number of years. She was talking briefly to me before the meeting began and when I said I had the sleeve, she said that she would have had it had it been available at the time she had surgery. The sleeve was the right decision for me. Best wishes in deciding which is best for you! Hang around on the board and you'll learn a lot more. People here are so inspiring to me.

Reasons I chose Sleeve over bypass: Less risks and complications Able to take Nsaids Loss of hunger ( I now have control over what goes in my mouth) No Vitamin deficiencies No DUMPING syndrome Less chance of regain. (some 50 percent of bypass regain all of their weight and then some) Sleeve is effective for the rest of my life, Rny only for 2 years Sure I could eat the wrong things with the sleeve, I choose not to, but even if I ate the wrong thing, let me tell ya there is just no room for much food at all and believe it or not even after only about 3 or 4 bites of a meal I am TOTALLY satisfied as if I just had a huge meal. I really don't know how anyone could eat too much with the sleeve as that one bite too much causes instant discomfort and then the food has to go!

I know just what you’re talking about. I’m up for surgery on the 11th her in San Diego, CA. I too have thought about this long and hard. I first heard about Gastric Bypass back in 1994 and thought I might want to do that. I am so happy that I didn’t. Knowing what I know now and all of their complications and that it are not reversible. I'm very happy that I didn't do that surgery. I wanted something that would take time. I didn’t want an immediate lose of weight either. I wanted to learn from it, have a chance to tone up and w/a family of 6 I needed to teach them about good eating too. I too have been healthy all my life. It’s only w/in the last year that my Rt knee has been a problem and I’m hoping that it will be solved w/the weight being gone, also my lower back issues that I’ve had every since 2000. My latest issue is I need to have my gallbladder out at the same time. I was just told this week about that. If there are any complications in the removal (leakage) they will not band me and I’ll have to reschedule. But the doctor assures me that they’ve done this many times and w/out complications. So I’ve been fighting that fear of failure and I don’t want to start this stupid 10 day liquid diet again. I has a small set back because of the news and ate food. Of course my body said “what in the hell are you doing to me” and w/in 2 hours I was visiting the bathroom w/the runs. I’m dealing with it better now and am on the right track again. Talking to people like you really helps. I too love this site and all the people from all over. A moto that another bander has “faith not fear”. Find you faith and stomp the fear and you will pull through this with flying colors!

It's been a long while since I first posted these questions and received so many helpful answers. For my insurance to pay, I had to get to and remain at a bmi under 35 for a year. I was able to get there and remained for longer than a year (plus had to wait scheduling with two surgeons, etc.), but it's done now. HolyMotherOfPete was the pain bad. Not all the time and not the incision, seriously, all numb there, but the abdominal pressure and spasms. Coughing/sneezing are murderous for a few days. I had some complications with a few things, but also a big reaction to the bandages--blisters everywhere. Apparently, I'm allergic and didn't know it. Anyways, as so many great people have shared theirs, I'm sharing my results. Thanks again to everyone.

i would say anything that you know you have to give up post op start working on it now. for me soda was a big one. i gave it up in october and was sleeved in december. i have read posts from people who kinda forgot about soda and when they were starting their liquid diets were dying bc they wanted pop. its hard enough to give up food for weeks but to also have to focus on the soda, makes it that much harder. i also started cutting back on sweets and carbs and incorporated a protein drink into my day to sort of prep for surgery. i also like the previous poster spent hours a night and week reading positive stories, negative stories, stories of complications. i wanted to be as prepared as i could be in case something happened. i wanted to know what my options were if X happened and what the signs and symptom to watch for etc. good luck to you!!!

Hi, I have just started actively looking into this procedure and if I do it, I will also be using Dr. Spivak. After looking at different alternatives, I think I would like the band since it seems less invasive, and has fewer complications. However, what made you decide to go with the band and not the bypass? I know someone who had the bypass and has lost A LOT of weight with no complications and NO sagging skin. My mom, on the otherhand, knows someone that had the bypass and has had to have heart surgery as a result of complications (infection and clot). I am planning on going to one of his seminars to learn more, but I would like to know a little from here before I go to that. I mean, if food cravings never go away, then what is the point of loosing the weight and then fighting food for the rest of your life. I absolutely hate being overweight and not being able to do the things I want to do with my children. My question is, if I could stop eating and lose weight on my own then I wouldn't need the surgery, right? So what is going to change so that I lose the pounds? Am I just UNABLE to eat? Is my stomach going to be full to the point where I don't WANT to eat anything else? What makes a good candidate? I would think that it is a safe bet that not 100% of people that get the surgery have medical issues that make them unable to lose the weight otherwise. I mean, I'm sure a vast majority of people are overweight because they love food sooo much that they just continue to eat regarless of the need. Is this surgery going to help with that "need" to eat? Is there counseling that goes along with this? I know there are a lot of question, but I really need to know if this is something I should consider to look into, or just go on another diet...

It was a certainty that I was soon to die if I didn't deal with the fat...and quickly. I did it. The odds of complications seemed an acceptable risk given the circumstances. I won.

I just had mine on June 5th. It was kind of in 2 parts where the first part was asking about my history, childhood, etc. The second part was more about the band, what my expectations were, screening questions to see if I was an emotional eater, what had I already done that the doctor had asked me, if I was familiar with the lifestyle changes and possible complications, etc.

I am so there with you! I lost 80 pounds fairly "easily" but for almost a year I have lost nothing. I, too, am lazy and don't want to exercise! I am so tired from work, have major insomnia that nothing seems to help, and just feel like I can’t find the energy to even start. I am terrified that I am going to gain the weight I lost back and I really couldn’t handle that. Only 4 days ago a close friend who was only 2 years older than me died from complications of gastric bypass surgery. She was 47 and now she is gone. My emotions about what is going on with me are now clouded even further by feelings of guilt that I should feel happy and grateful about where I am and that I am healthy and have no complications. But I still cannot shake being unhappy that I am stuck and can’t seem to be able work my way out of this.

Yeah that was due to my extra time in the operating room it went from a 1.5 hr surgery to a 7.5 hr surgery because of my complication and also I was in ICU which was $4500.00 a day then a regular room for $1300.00 a day so in all I stayed 8 days plus everything else yeah its really expensive

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

have my second pre-op appointment with my surgeon. I have read, researched, and spoken to many people that have had this surgery. I am working hard on staying positive and having realistic expectations. I have not been worried about complications at all, until today. I know these negative thoughts are normal. My strategy is to push them aside and focus on all the benefits this surgery will bring. In the past few days, arthritis in my hips has been acting up due to the weather changes. I know that carrying all this extra weight does not help. My son is graduating from High School 9 days after my surgery. My first goal is to be there for him. It did suck that the dress that I bought for the graduation would not fit. My hope is that it fits by the time of the graduation. This is exactly why I am having this surgery, to be there for my family. I am not so focused on a weight goal, more on being healthy.

The doctors are favoring the band less not only because of the complications that previous studies have stated but because of the complications that they and other surgeons have experienced since banding people. And since the LB seems to have a higher rate of revision surgery that might be a deciding factor? JMHO

Yeah, that's a bit unexpected. Although I guess it's not really a complication of the surgery. It's an issue that is common with all forms of rapid weight loss.

What if it doesn't work for you? Hmmm. If the band and the surgery are free, it's not a huge risk, is it? Do you also get free patient education and lifetime aftercare and support services? Did you have to sign a waiver promising not to hold the program responsible if you have complications?

I'm from Pasadena initially but now im around Torrance :thumbup: IDK im a very emotional person and I always second guess everything. I'm very paranoid and constantly worried about complications

As far as variation between doctors goes, I guess some are more cautious than others. Some accept and some reject ideas about carbonation, coffee, etc. Basically though there are a lot of similarities. I went to check out 2 different surgeons before choosing mine - they both had a pre-op diet, both for either 10 days or 2 weeks. One was restricted to a few no/low-fat foods, and the other had a liquid Meal Replacement. Both gave the same reason - to lose fat off the liver before surgery to avoid complications during surgery. Different approaches for the same objective. Common sense needs to be used, but the doctors have information we don't that would make a difference to what would make sense, so they need to give rules. Do you know what chemical affect smoothie yogourt mixed with stomach acid will have on a swollen irritated stomach? Yogourt is actually good on the stomach, I think - I'm not trying to scare you off of it, but that's why we need to check out the rules. One bandster on here talked about being allowed solids within a week post-op but had problems, another said, same deal, but they didn't have problems - who knows what the end results of those will be vs. those who have waited longer to start solids because of their doctors advice. Common sense would say though that if you are having problems on solids, go back to mushies or liquid. So yes, we do still need to use it, then check with the doctor. Glad to hear you're not hungry on a 600 calorie diet, but if you are talking post-op you will have a harder time soon when your stomach is less swollen. Good Luck.

Nope no fills yet and I was banded 5/14/10. I'm scheduled for the first one on 6/29 and I think that's 6weeks postop which seems to be standard. My doctor was going to push for 5 weeks but I will be out of town the following weekend and I didn't want to risk complications when I'm in a different state. I've been losing weight post op but that comes with some effort. I don't think I need a lot at my first fill for it to help me along.

We all heal at a different rate post op...and it's not unusual for you to be hungry with the initial swelling going down. I had some medical complications, and had to wait 14 weeks for my first fill. I manage my hunger by drinking the free fluids I'm supposed to have everyday. It has helped me enormously to increase my fluids by structuring my time to make certain that before Breakfast I have 12oz, then by lunchtime, I need to have 16 more oz...it helps to stay on track. Until I did that, I had a difficult time remembering to drink anything. I know how difficult it can be to cope with the hunger, but water and getting distracted with work, a project, or exercise all seem to help me. Best wishes on your journey...

:thumbup: Well I am now out of school for the year! That is a good feeling! I NEED the rest and time to regroup :w00t: My daughter and I are joining the community center and will be lifting some weights and I intend to do a lot more exercise. Right now I still feel kind of tired. Even though I was off yesterday I am tired. School just wears me out. I read an article this week on the Spark that was about how working overtime makes you fat. Studies done, etc.that show it. Well, well what surprise that is! But there is nothing I can do about that! I have tried to evaluate how to make it easier and it just does not happen. Also does not leave me with lots of time to work out, etc. I am exhausted at the end of every day. Can barely get home, make a meal, clean it up, walk about 25 min, grade some stuff then go to bed at midnight. Weekends I catch up. Heavens if I have to get up early on a weekend. We go to church Sat night which I hate but is good for the catching up on sleep. Some Sundays I grade papers ALL DAY LONG. Oh well, BREAK time is here! Yeah! OK now the weight thing. I am going in Monday for my 11months. I think I have gained a couple more pounds. So I have lost maybe 35 lbs total. Have not lost a THING since November. I have to go to an open house for a family member and I have a sister in law who had a roux-en-y right before Christmas--she had lost 70 lbs. Who knows now? It is going to be HARD to look at her and not be upset. This is just not going the way I thought it would. By the time school was out I thought I would be maybe 20 lbs from goal. Well I am nowhere near that and not losing. I am struggling to not gain.... I need to lose about 65 lbs. and it is just not happening. Gosh I would like to lose 5 lbs a month?? I would get there eventually. So tired of this. I read the answer to my blog and have started just this week to eat very high protein with little or no carbs. However, I have fallen down at the end of the day a couple of times this week and had some fruit. It has been hard. Interesting that when I do this I feel really tired no matter what time of day it is and need to shut my eyes and sleep! My head starts to hurt and eyes hurt. Hmmmm.... The two days I ate so much protein I felt invigorated and good. Just ran into trouble on the other two. I did a BIG protein shake this morning adding 26g whey to 2c milk (16g) and the low sugar inst breakfast (5g). That is a whopper 47g for breakfast. I intend on having meat if I have anything else before dinner. There are some carbs there but am trying to do what was suggested to me. I think I will be able to now especially with school out. What I need to see if some RESULTS! If I start losing and I feel a lot better I will be motivated to go on. However, this is just like Atkins diet. I went on that once. Lost 13 lbs first month then like 5 then it stopped. As usual for me. But with the band, maybe this is different. So I go in Monday to weigh (great??) and probably get yelled at again. I have no idea if I will get a fill or not. I am not going to base my life and my outlook on that darn fill and it making a difference. I have done that every month since I started this mess and it has been a severe letdown every single time. What a rollercoaster ride this is! I also am NOT going to let the negativity from those in charge at my doc's office get me down. I will NOT let them do that to me. I am trying as hard as I can. I exercise DAILY with a fast walk at 20-30 minutes, I am drinking more water than ever, I gave up any caffeine, carbonated drinks, bread when eating out(I have NONE!! when I used to limit myself anyway!), and am writing down most of the time too. What else is there to do??????? I SELDOM feel any what I would call restriction. I have just about given up on hoping the the band is going to help me to restrict and stop eating at a very small amount. I do not eat much anyway but I guess it is too much..... I have a friend online who was struggling too. She just got a fill, said she now gets stopped and almost throws up at each meal. Has lost 7 lbs this month! How great! Where oh where is that for me! I told her she would get the throwing up figured out and quit eating at the right point. That will stop. Again I have another friend who had a roux-en-y and she did that but eventually knows exactly how much to eat and has done well. She has less in her band than me. I am so happy for her but man this is HARD to take. I think I have 6 1/2 in my 9 band. How much does it take? How much will they put in? I fear that they will say--hey that is it, we aren't putting any more in, it isn't safe so now it is all up to you. And guess what? I am not getting it done....... I know my doctor is very conservative. They told me this. Which is good, they have had almost no complications with their bands. But gee this is just not doing much for me. I just do not get any help from it, very, very little. Very disappointing after 11months.... Also I am SICK SICK SICK of the way I look! I have this big fat shelf belly that is gradually growing back. UGH, UGH!! I wanted to just look better this summer. UGH. So disappointing. I think my body has been on a diet so so so long it just adjusts to whatever level I am at. All thyroids been checked, are OK, I am not diabetic, had that test. I just suck! Well this is long, it is nice to have time to get it all out. Please don't read this if you want encouragement because it ain't here. This is just a place to POUR it out. I am gearing up now to go in Monday and getting in my ZEN place so I do not get upset when they tell me I am a failure... I just keep repeating "zen, zen, zen....." I will keep trying to exercise, eat lots of protein, not drink diet coke which I still love and MISS after a YEAR of not having it. Like it is doing any good. Maybe the next fill will work.....ha. Do you believe this? I still have that little hope in there that I will finally get this.....later.