LAN2k

My decision for choosing the VSG instead of the LapBand was greatly influenced by reading message boards on OH and VST. This is where I was able to get information from actual people who have had the surgeries. I did not base my choice of surgeon through the boards and that is because I was looking for a surgeon in the New York metropolitan vicinity, however, if I would have been a "self-pay" I would have been greatly influenced by this and OH message boards in their respective forums. This is where I am able to discern from up to the minute experiences of real people. I am aware that there may be some opportunists posing as WLS patients but I have a fairly good sense about who's who. I have also spoken to a few individuals via the phone, who were willing to take the communication to another level. The majority of the "horror stories" I have read from both lapband and sleeve complications are true. I look at statistics not isolated cases that can potentially happen anywhere. That said, as I mentioned in an earlier post I am aware of a person who died post gastric bypass surgery at the hands of a renown NY WL Surgeon. He was grossly neglected while still in the hospital and he died there. I only found this out recently when I met up with his sister and told her how I lost so much weight. Point being, I also look at how a complication is handled by a surgeon who has a vast track record of success.

I am aware of an individual who had a successful sleeve surgery in Mexico , and was posting often prior to and after until another family member got sleeved by the same surgeon and had complications. I was informed that there were numerous problems going on in the facility since she had her surgery. This individual has not posted anything since and requested that I keep the information private. The complications must be grave for her to have withdrawn her communication on this board. I feel very sorry for her and her family.

Jen, so sorry you are having this problem. You did the right thing getting immediate help. I'm confident that a competent physician will give you the care you will need. Try to stay calm, it will get better. My prayers go out for you for relief, and healing. Take care and let us know how things progress.

Your welcome, and yes you make sense. I too like learning about how others experience life. I learn from other individual perspectives and that helps me with my own life. Food was the only thing that I obsessed over, and that obsession controlled and consumed so much of my time. Over indulging in food was my habit, not smoking, sex, drugs or alcohal... Food was my "habit". And now thanks to this sleeve, I am forced to break the habit in a rather abrupt or "cold turkey" way. I'm learning how I can face the issues behind my food obsession. The sleeve helped me to finally break the destructive cycle. Now that I am free, I have all this time and I'm slowly allowing myself to use it in constructive ways. The nice thing about it is that I can still enjoy food just not to excess.

I like to take my bike out and ride around the neighborhood with a small backpack some money (in case I want to stop for a drink, or something...I usually take about a 3 mile ride to somewhere and then back another 3 miles. It gets me out and I like seeing things from a perspective outside of driving a car. Walking is good when I'm blabbing away on my cell phone otherwise it really is boring to me. I'm going to try to sell the bike I have from last year and if I can get the money I want for it then I'm going to upgrade to a 2010 sort of mountain sort of road hybrid...I really admire the cyclists that cruise on those tour bikes but I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet. It's such a cool way to travel.

I agree. People pay to obtain the record of a surgeon, his credentials and if their have been any lawsuits against them. When someone suffers as a result of a surgeons negligence or mishap or there are circumstances in a facility that increase risk of infection, it is important that others who are in the process of finding the right surgeon have accurate information...the good along with the bad. The more information one has the better.

Best wishes to you for a smooth surgery and recovery.

Prayer for you that your surgery goes well and your recovery is solid. We'll be waiting to hear from you as soon as you are ready. Best wishes...

You ladies give me hope! God only knows I need it.

Recently I met a friend whom I have not seen in many months even prior to having the surgery. She was very surprised to see my weight loss and I told her about the WLS I had. She is a slender woman. However, she told me that 5 years ago her brother had a gastric bypass and died due to the negligence of his surgeon and hospital administrators. The few nurses who spoke up for the patient were fired. There was a lawsuit and finally a 7 figure settlement, however a man died, he was happily married and a father of young children. The surgeon is still performing WLS but not in the same facility. This happened on LI in NY. The point I am trying to make is that even in our own country it is very difficult to have justice aptly served when it comes to medical malpractice. Sadly the elderly, obese and even children are victimized most. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be to have a bad situation happen out of the country.

I'm speculating. I get the impression that those who refrain after having a complication or knowing of others who have or are suffering, are afraid to speak up. They may feel threatened if they expose these incidents. Anyone agree?

Welcome to the "loser's bench"...I'm glad that you are doing so well.

very cool! Thanks a bunch...

Congrats on your surgery date. There are a few people from the UK here at VST...Keep cheking and I'm sure you will get replies from the UK to this post. Best wishes for a smooth and uneventful surgery and recovery. Please keep us informed as you progress in your WL journey -Lis

Without giving you an official or text book definition I'm inclined to think of food addiction as an emotional obsession with food, and eating. I grew up with alcoholism and a very volatile relationship between my parents. I have obsessed over food ever since I can remember. Always wanting more and if I couldn't get enough to satisfy my craving I would figure out ways, places, and times, that I could. As a child for example, if at breakfast there were only so many pancakes shared between family, I'd imagine myself surrounded by pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup. I'd seek out other foods to gorge myself with...salty, sweet, whatever! I'd find ways to compensate, usually while alone or with a friend that also liked to over-indulge in eating. The food never really satisfied me so I would keep foraging through food as if my life depended upon it. This behavior caused self loathing, shame, guilt...and diets, doctors, pills, bouts with bulimia, (I did alot of sneak eating, binging and purging...) This is not normal behavior and best resembles addiction. I always felt out of control. I hated myself for the urges, binging and nagging desire for more. I substituted food for emotional needs which went unmet. It felt like a self perpetuating trap for which I don't fully comprehend. Since the VSG, I am no longer able to "treat" myself, (as before), with food. I would not assume that everyone who is overweight to obese is that way due to a food addiction per se, but I do believe that I am and have been since childhood.

How exciting Daisy really, I'm in a fairly large Long Island suburb and can't even find any guy who is not already taken at this stage of my life! Well anyway since the surgery I've ZERO libido.

You put a smile on my face and the timing couldn't have been better. I have spent the last 3 hours reading and writing and thinking about my weakened spirituality and need to strengthen my relationship, trust and reliance on God. You have reminded me of something I knew when I was eating out of control because I felt myself being cut off from Life...in hindsight it is no wonder that I am need of healing and nourishment spiritually. Thank you for your honesty wannalise...and encouragement...rock on!