revision in TX

You are NOT alone...you have ALL the WLS folks on this site to complain to, ask questions of, brag to....we all have (or had) our "situations" throughout the journey...some, like yours, more difficult than others, to be sure....but we "keep on keeping on", day by day!!! You always have an outlet here on-line. Although it's not the same as having a (local) support system, it's a pretty good back-up, so feel free to use it as much as you need to!! Congrats on a surgery date! Take care of yourself - pre & post op - and you will be on your way to a happier, healthier YOU...for your son, your parents and, most importantly, YOURSELF!

AuriP...I think you will be SOOOO much happier with the results of the RNY (bypass) over the LapBand!!! You probably won't have any reflux and "sliming" should also be a thing of the past!!! The trade-off is that, if you eat fats/sweets - in excess - you will feel it and you can't "barf" your way out of it....you have to suffer through it until it passes. (It's a good behavior modiciation!!) Best wishes on this new journey...expect it to be a big improvement and I think you'll find that it is!!! Please keep us posted on how you're doing along the way!

I agree...GERD will most likely improve/disappear with bypass while is usually reported as being worse with the gastric sleeve. I also suffer from a severe sweet tooth and LapBand was not successful for me. With bypass, I have been able to be completely satisfied with minimal sweets AND - should I choose to over-indulge, suffer the pain of dumping and/or hypoglycemic rebound...which serves as an excellent behavior modification tool!!! I confirm the other posts here that you are NOT selfish for wishing to be a happier, healthier YOU! That will make you a better mom, friend, spouse, etc. so don't feel guilty or be pressured into what anyone else wants. Best Wishes in your journey!! Please keep us posted.

Oops...date was November 2012, not 2014....DUH!!!

MrsB: Only YOU can decide what is best for you and your body/health/situation!!! Things to also consider...how motivated are you? What are your "weaknesses" in losing weight? What are your family supports, influences? What are your health issues? I had a Lap-Band, precisely because it was less invasive, had good (at that time) results and seemed like a great option. Wrong...I didn't lose much (only 40 #), had severe reflux and feel that I "wasted" that time and money, based on incomplete/incorrect "guidance" from bariatric surgeons. I had a revision to RNY bypass in November 2014 and I only wish I had done it sooner. I have a healthier BMI, move easier, have no sleep issues, etc. etc. I eat basically anything I want, just in much lesser quantities. I have had a FEW episodes of overeating and/or too much sugar/fat/carbs, which made me sweat, feel faint and nauseous...miserable, but a good behavior modification!! I have kept off 76 pounds for almost 2 years without "excessive" effort. I eat much better; I move more and I feel great!! I chose the bypass instead of the sleeve because it HAS stood the test of time and is the GOLD standard for a reason! The sleeve SEEMS to be the "next big thing" but, as you noted, there aren't long-term studies yet to confirm or deny it. I did not want to risk having to pay for another surgery, more anesthesia and (psychologically) another "failure". I was self-pay both times, because my insurance has no bariatric coverage...that made a difference in my decision as well. I personally NEED both the restriction AND the malabsorption; however, I apparently have a very "adaptable" GI system, because I have VERY LITTLE dumping, lactose intolerance, etc. that some others have discussed on this board. Again...everyone is different and there are no hard-and-fast guarantees, so you just have to evaluate every facet and then go with what feels right FOR YOU! Don't let your MD bully you just because she has done well. Her situation(s) may not be the same...her metabolism/nutrition, etc. may be totally different. Either option you end up with....best wishes for a successful journey to a lighter, healthier life ahead of you!!! Please keep us posted on your progress.

I'm 5'7" and my original weight was 264; now at personal goal of 180-190. Goal per my PCP is about 150-160 for "medium" frame. I haven't been that small since high school - if even then! I know that it is possible, but I am also at an age that I am comfortable with being able to eat (mostly) what I want and still be "healthy"...I don't HAVE to be as "thin" as a high-schooler...just a healthy BMI! If you want it, it IS achievable...but 180-190 is a reasonably healthy weight/BMI and would be enough to reduce many of your health risks due to obesity. It's just a matter of what is more important to YOU! Best wishes on your journey!!

I don't know your situation and/or health status and/or weight/height, but I had BOTH a Lap-Band AND Bypass...and I wish I had "skipped" the Band completely. I chose the Lap-Band for the very reason you gave....less invasive, etc. but I ended up with SEVERE reflux and sub-par weight loss. I was self-pay for BOTH surgeries...because my insurance doesn't cover any bariatric procedures. The reason I did NOT choose the (less invasive) sleeve in between is that the "gold standard" is gastric bypass and has stood the test of time, so I didn't want to risk another failure and be faced with only the option of bypass. I'm doing great, and my only regret is that I didn't go straight to bypass. I feel good and have had no complications (at this point). BUT....the ecision is a VERY personal one and should be yours and yours alone. Asking for other people's experiences is important, but don't let anyone pressure you - one way OR the other - because YOU ultimately have to live with the consequences of your decision, so be sure what you want and expect. Best Wishes whichever option you choose. (If you believe such, it might be a good thing to pray about!)

Oh...another note...if you are a "sugar addict", like I was (before surgery) - I would STRONGLY suggest cutting back a lot before surgery...don't do the "final hurray" (eating favorites that you will be cutting out)---I didn't do that, but I didn't cut out sugar...and I paid the price! About 2 days after surgery, I was like a heroin addict...sweating, weak, headaches, pale, etc. I remember, I had to run up to the store to get some Boost/Ensure/Protein powder...and I'm sure I looked like a junkie...because I definitely felt like one. I was MISERABLE for several days. That's why I suggested NOT having fruit juice in your smoothies. If you are "coming off" sugar, you will do better to go ahead and start weaning off of it BEFORE surgery!!! Just my two cents!

I drank CHIKE brand Protein shakes...mainly the vanilla, but some chocolate too. You will get "used" to the taste, as almost ALL Protein Shakes have a certain "twang" to them (due to the high protein)...believe it or not, at one point I actually found it "comforting"!! A while after surgery, I had one and it was "like an old friend"!!! Very strange!!! I didn't drink mine room temp, so I don't think that's a requirement. REAL cold stuff is harder to digest, I suppose, but just make them when you drink them...don't put in fridge...and they will be cold but not too cold. Unlike other posts, I would NOT use juice in your shakes...fruit juice is LOADED with sugar (even though many are natural sugars) and after surgery, that much sugar will probably make you feel sick!! Some suggested using dry sugar-free jello/pudding to add flavor to vanilla shakes...I never did that, but it might be worth a try. Also, extracts like vanilla, orange, etc. are an option. Just remember...this is VITAL to your success and recovery, so it is a small price to pay!!! Best wishes on your surgery...and welcome to the "LOSER'S" club!!!

I'm interested in finding out about how people actually pay for their surgery. Anyone willing, would you please indicate the following: 1. Surgery type (RNY, Lap-Band, Revision, Sleeve, etc.) 2. Self-pay, "government" program (ie, Medicare, Medicaid) or private insurance 3. Amount billed (grand total, not itemized!) 4. Amount YOU personally paid 5. Geographic location (either region or state) 6. If you had insurance, did it cover bariatric services? I'm curious what percent self-pay versus those who have insurance & those with insurance, but no bariatric coverage. Thanks in advance for anyone willing to participate...I'll be happy to post the results, so everyone can see any "trends" found!!

I agree that you should have it checked...even though it may be "nothing", any little thing should be investigated if you are only 3 weeks out from surgery. (bypass, I assume?!) I have never had any reflux after bypass, but I had terrible reflux/regurgitation after Lap=Band...and I have heard gastric sleeve is about as bad. Even though I'm sure you are not over-eating, check the amounts you are eating...even though it's soft/soup...because if you aren't measuring, you may be eating more than you think (I mean, if you're like me, WAY less than before surgery) and that is exactly what happens when you over-eat with bypass. You will probably have times when different amounts/different types of foods will just "hit" you wrong...that's the fickle nature of the beast!!! lol. But, like others have said...get it checked out FIRST, then, once it's "nothing", look at the amounts!! Hang in there...it gets better and better!!!

Don't mean to be "negative", but please be prepared for the realities of the surgery too...discomfort, frustration, plateau times, etc....don't get me wrong...I think it's awesome and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but you WILL experience some 'not so fun' aspects too. Pain wasn't bad; it was more the frustration and impatience..the little things that'll get you off-track if you don't realize they are inevitable and TEMPORARY. Congrats on joining the "losers" club!!! LOL!!

It IS a serious surgery and it should not be entered into lightly; but, I had a Lap-band and just wish I had never done the band and went directly to the bypass. I DID have some of the same fears - I imagine everyone does when they are thinking about their options. It's a personal decision, but your doctor should be able to give you a "reasonable" assurance about whether you have any co-morbidities that put you at higher risk. I have been fortunate because I have done well, but there is no guarantee for my future either...but one of us could have a heart attack, be in a car wreck, etc....life is always a "gamble". As someone nearly 2 years out from surgery, I am SO glad I did it, despite every fear, pain, worry or frustration!!! I'll say a quick prayer for you to be able to come to the "right" decision for YOU!!! Best Wishes, whichever way you go!

Thanks for your input, Jessica O....that is exactly the info I was looking for!!! As I said, I will post the tally after a decent number reply!

Thanks for the clarification!!!

Itsmekarenlee: Almost all surgeons include 1 year of post-op visits in the cost of surgery. Probably so the MD doesn't have to "examine" you on each visit!!! When I went for my appts, there were usually an average of about 12-16 patients in the waiting room when I arrived for my post-op visits...for 2 MD's in the practice. Obviously they are not planning to spend much time with each patient...and probably no time with some patients. To me, it seems they "prey" on the stereotypical guilt and embarrassment that obese people feel - that if we draw attention to their behavior, it will sound like some "lazy, fat person" who just wants the "easy way out". It's also rather pathetic that there is such a vast difference in the costs of surgery - for the same procedure - almost like shopping for an auto...haggling until they get the sale! No wonder our healthcare system is in the mess it is!!!

Pixers...is that YOUR cost or billed charges, insurance paid or what? Did you have "extras"/compliations? Were you lap-band revision or "virgin" bypass? What geographic area do you live in? All of that changes the "significance" of your surgery costs.

I was told not to use straws. You aren't that far out yet, so it may be temporary; just continue to drink small amounts and not overdo it. Chances are fairly good that it will get better the more you heal.

The practice is REQUIRED to give you an itemized statement. If you have insurance, the EOB may not have the CPT codes; if not, just call Customer Service and they will give you what was billed/paid.

Almost 2 years later, I am actually suing my surgeon for "double-dipping". I paid as a "self-pay" (ie 100%) then he billed a bunch of "medical" ( ah, cough-I call #&%$& - cough)to insurance and they actually paid him!! So, he got paid twice!! And, I had no unexpected or necessary procedures, nor did I have ANY complications. They get away with it because, as long as the patient is not asked to pay anything beyond their co-pay and what insurance pays (for those with bariatric coverage), they don't really care HOW the doctor bills it to get it paid...so, of course, they take both payments. Insurance can't help, because they can't tell the MD what codes to bill; Insurance Board doesn't care because they only regulate insurance; AMA doesn't care because no "malpractice" (as far as injury. My primary physician even said it was "illegal as hell" but not really surprised by it. Funny...both the hospital AND anesthesiology wrote off everything except the amount I paid up front...yet the surgeon didn't.....HHHHHMMMMMMM. The "average" self-pay price for a revision gastric bypass is about $23,000 in my region. I had two quotes, both right around that amount. My doc got closer to $35K...imagine that, on a quote/contract of $22K!!! I guess it's largely because they are rich and "powerful" (ie, can afford an attorney/staff, etc) and we can't...the rich get richer, huh???

Totally normal and actually (somewhat) better for you...you will have less sagging, stretchmarks, etc. and it will continue to come off...sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes not at all...but, it is unlikely that, having surery in July, that you are anywhere NEAR being "finished" losing. I know patience is one of the hardest parts of having the surgery, but just hang in there and believe all of us who are further out and can attest to the fact that it is normal and that you still have a long road of "losing" to do. Just follow the guidelines (Protein, Water, Vitamins, exercise) and you'll be buying smaller and smaller clothes. And, when you stop worrying over your surgery and your progress, it's amazing how much "easier" things get!! You are a success in the making....do not become discouraged!!!

I don't see any reason you can't, as long as it is comfortable for you!

Yes, I had all kinds of bruising on my belly! It's from the instruments, Lovenox and incisions....all three! Again, everyone is different; if you are fair skinned and/or have a lot of loose skin you may not bruise as much. If you already bruise easily (which I DO!) you're likely to have lots. Unless it does not resolve, then check with your MD. This is something that the discharge nurse OR surgeon should have told you about in the hospital!!! Shame on them if they didn't prepare you!!

You probably WILL be able to eat a bite of pizza, sure!! As others have said, you just have to keep from going back to bad habits. You will also need to eat EVEN LESS than you think, because it expands and can make you really uncomfortable. This also assumes you have no lactose intolerance after surgery, which some do. I can eat 1 piece of cheese pizza and be "full as a tick". When I get that craving, I'm able to dash it quickly, rather than eating everything ELSE in sight to satisfy the craving! You don't have to give up EVERY good food FOREVER; however, the surgery alone will not do it for you magically, so you have to put forth effort on your part too.

HOME and REST are the best medicine....ALWAYS!!!