Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Surgery Scheduled For Sept 25Th And Having Doubts :(



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone,

My surgery date is Sept 25th and I'm having serious reservations. A friend of mine told me two of her friends are having their bands removed and my aunt's friend has the band for one year is miserable, her band is opened and she can't eat any solid food. I'm a self pay patient and I'm concerned that the band will one day eventually have to be removed due to erosion or slippage. The cost to remove the band is the same cost to install the band. I've been lurking around the life after lapband removal board to discover why people are having their bands removed. I don't know if these bands are really permanent or just good for x amount of years until they slip or erode. I'm scared that I will be one of the one's that has complications and has to have their band removed and gain back all the weight. I'm also scared of having 1 surgery let alone two surgeries. Any feedback is appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Any surgery that you have in life will come with some risks...WLS is no different.

The risk of complications is smaller for the band compared with other WLS options. I chose the band because I did not feel rearranging my GI tract was a good idea.

I have followed the bandster rules, and I have experienced some medical complications related to the band but not caused by the band. They did result in 3 hospitalizations and having my gall bladder removed.

Yes, you will read about the problems with band slippage and erosion, and as noted before these are risks associated with having a band. What you may not focus on is that for every individual who posts about the problems they are having with their band, there are many others who are finding long term success with their bands.

Many times (no hard statistics on this) band problems are precipitated by the patient's non-compliance with the bandster diet or other rules we are supposed to be following. As with all things, there will be exceptions to this.

Only you can weigh your options, and make the decision if the band is the best WLS for you, or even if you are sufficiently motivated to make the life style changes for life that you will need to successfully achieve if you want to be successful with weight loss.

The band is no (pardon the play on words) "cake walk"...the band is only a tool that you need to learn how to use to be successful with weight loss. It requires daily focus on diet compliance and a life long commitment to exercise and healthy eating patterns.

Your post reads to me that you are still essentially undecided about what if any WLS you should have, and as such I strongly believe that it's advisable to delay your surgery until and unless you are sufficiently motivated for your own success.

It helps to continue to read and do additional research into the band...it is not designed to be temporary.

Best wishes as you consider your options...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a month to change my mind as I can cancel the surgery up until the day before. After I set the date the surgery became very real. I've been researching lapband surgery for quite some time now and I'd rather be fat then disconnect or remove 85% of my stomach. I have done tons of research reading the success stories and the horror stories. I'm skeptical about the lifespan of the band and if it is really permanent. It is not designed to be temporary yet people are having them removed after 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 years. I think I need to stop reading the life after lapband removal board. It is normal to be scared and cautious about any surgery. I don't have any health conditions and am self pay so its pretty much elective.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it is normal to be nervous or question things when dates become official. I mean yes there are risks.. I thought about them too! I only had my surgery less than 2 weeks ago and I am very happy with my decision to do this and am going to use the band to help me get to my goal and if something happens along the way that causes challenges I will figure it out at that time.... I can't live by the "what if's" and I honestly don't have time to think about it! Research everything, make the best decision for YOU and not for anyone else... you will in the end do the best thing for you! Good luck with all of it! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a month to change my mind as I can cancel the surgery up until the day before. After I set the date the surgery became very real. I've been researching lapband surgery for quite some time now and I'd rather be fat then disconnect or remove 85% of my stomach. I have done tons of research reading the success stories and the horror stories. I'm skeptical about the lifespan of the band and if it is really permanent. It is not designed to be temporary yet people are having them removed after 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 years. I think I need to stop reading the life after lapband removal board. It is normal to be scared and cautious about any surgery. I don't have any health conditions and am self pay so its pretty much elective.

Even joint replacement parts have a limited lifespan. I'm not concerned about having my band fail...if it does, and it is possible for it to be replaced, then I will have it done. I'm going to address that issue when and if it presents itself...

The complications from having the band are real, and understand that for every individual who has to have one removed, there are many who do not.

I've always believed that if I remain compliant with the diet rules and exercise, the odds will always be in my favor to have a successful weight loss journey with my band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×