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I decided to do the lapband because it has less complications. I also love the idea of not having my major organs cut. I need to lose about 110lbs and Ive read lots of stories on here of people who have lost that and more, so I am confident that if I put in the effort I can do it too. You will do very well, just follow the rules and the weight will come off. If you ever need to chat or support, Im here!

It will be over before you know it. When I first awakened after surgery I was in a state of shock because I honestly thought the surgeon had somehow pulled out at the last minute and decided not to do the surgery procedure, because I wasn't feeling any kind of pain. My surgeon actually walked over to me and confirmed that he did indeed do the surgery and everything went very well. I eventually felt a little soreness at the incision sites but that was very bearable. Of course, I know people sometimes have complications, but what's a safer place to have a complication than an actual hospital. I believe you're gonna totally ROCK this!:-) Don't look back, turn the page, and let your next chapter begin!

No complications yet........was at my doctors this morning and she is cutting my high blood pressure medicine back so that is good... only problem ive had is getting that damn protiene in.....another 10 days and I can get into the soft foods part of this.

No just the Protein and I can have and drink the liquid Protein drinks daily. I just can not use the powdered ones. So I am getting my protein and I have had good luck with all of the meats thus far. No problems at all. I guess the point to following the surgeons advice is that if his band failed or I had a complication as a result it would be my fault and not his. It is his rule as he has it on his follow-up instructions.

I am a former LapBand patient. I unfortunately had to have the LapBand removed in February of 2009 because of complications that my surgeon didn't catch early on. Because of the complications (the band slipped, causing an extra pouch above my stomach and severe scarring on my stomach), I cannot get another band put on. I recently heard of the VSG on TV and have been contemplating this surgery. When I had the band removed, I was told my only option was a gastric bypass, but I have not met one person that hasn't had to be re-hospitalized because of severe complications with the bypass - so that just isn't an option for me - scares me a little too much. So, I am wondering if this surgery would be a better fit. Through the different forums I have read throughout this web-site, it does seem like there are a lot of similarities in the side-effects with the 2 surgeries. So, I guess I am wondering if there is anyone out there that also had the LapBand removed and had this surgery done? Or, if anyone that has had this surgery done, can you tell me a little bit about your experience -- how the weight loss has gone, how much you are eating, etc. I have gained 85 of the 120 I lost and it really is depressing. Especially when I try my hardest to eat healthy and exercise. I really want to run with my kids again and have the energy back that I have lost with this weight gain. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and any information you could provide -- that would just wonderful!!!

Flew into Puerto Vallarta, beautiful city but didn't see much the 1st day. Was met by Natalia, Dr. Joya's Asst at airport. Taken immediately to the hospital, blood tests done, met Dr., surgeon's assistants and anestesiologist. I was put at ease immediately, all of the doctors were VERY nice and offered to answer any questions I had. Dr. Joya felt my abdomen and said "good, it's very soft, will make surgery very easy". Next, I was Hooked up to IV and started on fluids, this helped with the hunger a tiny bit, was still ravenous though. I had not eaten any food since 12 pm the previous day - that was over 30 hours, NO FOOD, only some sips of water and decaf coffee the next morning before plane took off. Surgery done about 2 hrs later and lasted approximately 45 minutes long. Woke up in recovery room with some mild pain in my abdomen. After recovering there for a while I was wheeled into my room. They told me surgery went well and that my liver was normal size so no complications there. I braced myself for the infamous gas pain that everyone talks about - it never came! The only pain I had was the incision pain. Now, my stomach was VERY bloated from the gas, however, I did not have any gas pain in my shoulder or anywhere. This may have been because I went to the bathroom A LOT before surgery, or, because I did not eat anything for over 24 hours before surgery. The negatives - What I did not like about the care at the hospital was that after I woke up from surgery, I COULD NOT SLEEP. I complained about 5 times to the nurses and they would give me something for pain, but that's not what I needed and that did not help me sleep. They said they would call the Dr. but I don't think they did. They then gave me two pills but the didn't work either. Basically, I was awake from 10 pm and walked the halls until FINALLY I fell asleep for 2 hours at 4 am. This really irritated me because I was sooo tired but could not fall asleep and I really wanted my body to be able to rest after surgery. The night nurses you could tell they were getting irritated as when I rang the buzzer when I tried to go to sleep and couldn't and would ask for something to go to sleep with, they came in looking like they just woke up and would be like "si, si" and then wouldn't come back again until I buzzed them the next hour. I also had a hard time peeing after surgery. That may be perhaps because they put a catheter in after I was asleep?? However, I would just have to sit on the toilet and kind of "push" my pee out. That has lasted through today.... A couple of hours before check out they brought me 2 cups of apple juice and some ice and water. I took slow slips and had no problems keeping anything down. Oh, let me describe the room in the hospital: Beautiful! Had my own private room and bathroom/shower. Hospital bed VERY comfortable. Very cute, stylish and colorful couch and chair in the room. Flat screen tv and remote. Marble floors. The entire hospital was pretty it was called The Cornerstone Hospital in PV. Check out time came and Natalie the Dr's Asst came and gave me all the paperwork, receipts, box for band etc. She drove me to the hotel, speedily checked me in and I was off to my room. (Room was VERY nice) Marble floors, open sliding glass doors and balcony and was right on the beach so I could sit outside and look at the ocean. I included some pictures of the resort and hotel below. View from room: I pretty much slept off and on that day, drank some broth, juice and water, etc. - The next day I woke up and decided to bravely go downtown to buy some souveniers. It was a 10 minute cab ride and yes, I was in a bit of pain when he was bumping over the cobblestoned streets but I made it. I walked around holding my tummy and hobbled along, at one point a stor worker said "Oh, you having a baby?" I just nodded and laughed to myself not bothering to correct him. My stomach was sooo bloated I looked about 5 mo's along and I couldn't blame anyone with the way I was holding my tummy or walking along to think that - too funny, any other time I would have been insulted! Shopped and bought some blankets, windchimes, art, and a good bottle of tequila for my husband. After about an hour I caught a cab and took a nap for 2 hours then woke up and headed for the airport. (I decided to check out a day early because even though the resort was nice, I missed my bed and I missed my AMERICAN TV, lol!). At the airport after getting out of the cab and I asked for a wheelchair as I was wore out and sore and didn't want to drag my luggage around. This turned into be a great idea as I was whisked through customs and immigration and becauase I had a first class ticket back to LAX (TOTALLY WORTH IT ON THE WAY HOME BY THE WAY - IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO UPGRADE TO 1ST CLASS, DO IT, WILL MAKE THE FLIGHT BACK HOME SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE!) All in all, it feels great to have had this done. Have not got on scale yet, will probably wait a few day. At home, feeling sore but good. Body healing, eating jello, broth, juice, popsicles. Oh, I keep getting an uncomfortable painful shooting feeling in my diaphragh area and it lasts for a few seconds every once in a while after I swallow something, then goes away. Hope this helps anyone thinking of going to Mexico, so far, I highly recommend Dr. Joya....

36F, he is convinced it has excellent results with fewer complications. So far, at least in my case, he is right!

I am looking at a surgery date of probablt September. I am curious how those with Diabetes are after surgery. Are you still on meds/insulin? Have you noticed any reversal in your complications?

From reading this forum I get the impression that 90% of the people here had the exact same feelings you are describing. And then after the surgery, if you do it, you'll undoubtedly go through a few days thinking "Oh, no, what have I done to myself?!?" All of that is very normal. But the fact is almost everyone is eventually glad they did it. And as for making a mistake, remember, the band is reversible. If for some reason it does not work for you, you can take it out. The risk of any serious medical complications from the surgery is very small. The decision is yours. At your age especially there is no hurry. If you need more time take it. There is no need to rush into things if you are not ready. But I can tell you this. If you postpone your surgery, you will almost certainly have these exact same feelings again the next time you are 4 days from having your surgery. It just goes with the territory. cj, ask yourself, are you going to lose 137 pounds with diet and exercise?

I am so empathetic! I think everything you are feeling is normal. Here are my words of encouragement - none of that makes a difference when all your friends start calling you hottie. Also, you are focused on the near term issues ( pain which frankly isn't that bad) and risk of leaks or dying (could happen but MOST people recover just fine even if they had a complication). The real challenge of this journey is the one you are going through - the head/mental/emotional side and that part of the rollercoaster goes on for quite awhile. My advice through all of this - keep your eye on the prize. Learn what you need to learn to ensure you will make your personal goals. Be kind to yourself and realize that you won't be perfect but that doesn't mean you have to fail. You may have ups and downs, but when going through the rough Patches just remember how important this is - to get to a healthy weight where you can fully live your life.

Hey guys. So, some of you know and some don't but I have had complications since surgery, which was August 13th. It boils down to my lower esophagus is very narrow. I have a difficult time getting anything that is not liquid down and I am constantly feeling nauseous. As a result, I have had 3 stents placed and botox injected into my esophagus as well as numerous other tests and hospital stays. I began feeling nauseous again about 2 weeks ago and have been in contact with the GI dr following my case. I just got off the phone with him and he wants to do another dialation or stent placement tomorrow or Thursday. He also wants me to discuss with my surgeon the possibility of converting my sleeve to a bypass (which my surgeon and his team have discussed briefly in the past.) I guess I'm just venting and want to feel better. If anyone has any advice or have heard of converting to a bypass, please let me know. Thanks.

Hi everyone, I wondered if anyone out there has had their surgery delayed 6 months due to a medical complication found during pre-op testing? I was in the final stages of my Doctors bariatric program and had a date for my surgery. Their program is 6 months long and involved pre-op testing and nutrition counseling etc. My surgery date had been set for 11/3/2014. The Dr. ordered one last test when he saw me at the pre-op appointment : a "baseline" ultrasound of my legs because I had a prior DVT 4 years ago. Surprise.....there was a DVT in my leg again. I saw a Vascular specialist last week and he recommended that the surgery be delayed 6 months to place me on blood thinners and allow the DVT to heal. The major complication of an acute DVT is having a PE (pulmonary embolism) during or after surgery. I was so close, had worked so hard--lost 20# etc, and now..... wait 6 more months?!! It just seems so far away, all my clearances will have to be redone, etc. Plus, I was just ready mentally to do this. Anyone else out there in the same boat? How do you stay motivated? Thanks, ~Annie

Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with donating your eggs. It helps desperate couples conceive who may not otherwise be able to do so. There are MUCH worse ways to make money! HOWEVER, I would warn you to thoroughly research the process before you jump into it. I read a little about the process a few years ago and I was shocked how complicated, long, and side-effect ridden it was. You end up getting quite a few hormone injections and you have everything from mood swings to hot flashes along the way. It takes (from what I remember) a few months of this process for each donation. So, make sure you're well-informed before you make up your mind. Good luck!

I also had a 3 week pre-op diet and it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I had a kind of similar diet to yours - I had to do slim fast shakes, plus I had sodium-free clear broth, fat-free sugar-free pudding etc. The first few days were difficult. I stayed inside a lot because I was afraid if I went out I'd want to eat (I live in the middle of a city and when I walk out the door there is food calling to me EVERYWHERE lol). After the first 3-4 days, it wasn't a problem and it was SO encouraging to see the weight coming off so fast. That was my motivation. I also really didn't want any complications at all with my surgery (including waking up just to find out I wasn't able to get the band). I am glad I stuck with it, because my surgery went well, and I'm feeling great now! Good luck, you will do great!!

I'm having a horrible time with my protein! I'm 6 weeks out and on full food. whey Protein makes me sick, so I have not had a shake in quite a while. I'm running about 40-50g protein per day. My NUT wanted me at 85g/day. I read somewhere yesterday that taking in too little protein could result in a stall/slow-down, and I'm worried about that. Has anyone heard of that? Last night I sat and worked out a schedule for meals/snacks, but I'm not sure I'll get all my Water in with the 30/30 rule and eating so often. This is no longer as easy as I have been making it!..... or am I making the eating plan too complicate?

MillyBell- I very much appreciate your posting this, and am so happy things are going well for you! I am one of those people who needs to be OVERLY-prepared for things like this, so I'm on this site every day checking out recipes, as well as everyone's experiences. Truly, I do not mind reading about the complications that may occur, because that way I won't be surprised if/when they happen. However, if all I read about were the complications, I'd never get it done! I try to read as much - if not more - about the happy stories, and am telling myself that I will be one of those with a happy ending. I happened to be picking up my dad from the hospital this past weekend, and it's the same hospital where I'll be having my surgery. I asked the nurse if they had bariatric patients on that same floor, and she said, "All the time!" Then she asked me if I even qualified, because I didn't look "big enough". I took it as a compliment, and left it at that. But I checked out the room to see where I could plug in my cell phone, where I would put all my stuff. Haha! She said they would take great care of me while I was there. Made me smile! Thanks again, and I wish you the best!

Dawn, I took two weeks off and I needed every bit of it. However, I had a small complication during surgery which made my recovery longer than everyone elses. I'd talk to my doctor and do what he advises. That would be your safest bet. Good luck!

How was your experience with Dr.Almanza? I'm thinking about using him, but I've heard mixed reviews and am trying to build knowledge. He is definetly the most cost effective surgeon out there..and for some reason that scares me. Some are saying he's like an assembly line and it's not a personal experience. What was your experience like? Were you treated like a number? Did you feel like two days was enough to stay in Mexico? Some places have a four-day stay. That's why I'm curious. What did you do for post-op care in America if you had complications? DId you have any complications? Please share your experience. Thanks soooo much!!

thanks for the quick reply Pat. I am so happy to hear that soft foods won't damage band placement in week 2. I am going to lay off though for a few days and continue with soup. I was self pay and can't or should I say don't want any complications.

OK since surgery, a few complications and hospital stays after.... I'm 6 weeks out and starting to feel great! I'm down 30 lbs! My HOT husband, who I am very attracted to keeps wanting to get to gettin, bit I just have no frigging libido whatsoever! WTF????!!!! Anyone else go thru this? Is it a hormone issue? I'm 37, in my prime!!!! Grrrr! Please help!

I need a new Dr that accepts Care Connect in New York, preferably Long Island. I had lap band with Dr Holovor and my insurance changed, and I am having complications.

I'm over a year out& recently have felt that if I don't eat every 3 hrs at least I feel starved& hypoglycemic. I feel for u about the snacking. I can eat little bites of high calorie foods frequently& in between meals now. Gone are the days when 1oz of minced crab would fill me up to capacity for hours! Good eating habits are the best weapon. The rapid gastric emptying article is interesting--wonder if this is along term complication.

My husband was apprehensive too because he feared I would be unhappy or have complications. I just assured him that I really needed this help with losing weight and he's been very supportive. It's been nearly 11 months since surgery and he really enjoys the healthy meals I prepare and the fact that I'm a much healthier person. If anything, it's made him worry about his own fitness. I just had to proceed with what I knew was right for me and let him come to terms with his own issues. I have no regrets.

I really enjoyed the analogy of the landing on the staircase. I am only in week 5 since surgery and have had a kidney stone setback. I am taking it in stride so far and not obsessing on the weight I have lost or not lost. I know I have to get healthy kidneys first (still have a stent) and then I can concentrate on that. Right now I have to concentrate on getting my fluids in for my kidneys sake. Thats whats important right now. I appreciate the words of encouragement. They mean alot to people like me, who have had complications and roadblocks early in this journey. Tammi

So i guess we are the Smashing Pumpkins! I like that as do many of you! SO....Welcome Smashing pumpkins! We are a group that is determined to smash the pumpkins that we hold in ourselves in all shapes and sizes. We will become the oriental pumpkins soon enough!!! I can't wait to have mine done! I am reading a lot of things on here that are making me second guess...such as a flipping of ports or other complications. Are they really that common?