Search the Community
Showing results for 'Complications'.
Found 17,501 results
-
Going to Dr. Aceves solo in summer 2013
nightingale2u replied to ahri's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I'm having surgery April 1st with Dr. Aceves. I really do feel like I am getting the whole package with Dr. Aceves and his team! Yes... the money aspect was difficult...but having complications would also be financially devastating and I think that his level of skill will give me the best chance to come through without problems with my revision from band to sleeve. I'll look forward to hearing about your experience! -
As I was getting close to my surgery date, many other dr.'s had people on an all liquid diet for 2 weeks. geeesh! All I had to do was eat low carb, have no red meat 48 hours before surgery and fast 12 hours before surgery. I tried my own self imposed version of the liquid diet and failed miserably. I did manage to have only liquids 24 hours prior even though it wasn't a requirement. I ended up losing 12 pounds in 3 weeks. I was pretty happy with that. Supposedly, nothing in the stomach and bowel tract greatly decreases your discomfort after surgery. I adopted that theory and had minimul complications and minimul gas.
-
Lap Band issue and possible revision
JustFluffy replied to Paultx's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had my band placed in April 2008. I lost a little over 60 pounds in the first six months. I had to have port revision because my port had flipped after surgery, but once corrected I had no other issues the first year. The honeymoon phase was wonderful! In the next two years, I ended up with acid reflux and esophagus issues, port complications, weight regain (and then some). I moved and had to find a new "band doctor", which by the way isn't an easy task. We were only able to do one fill due to my port being so deep and found out later stitched to my rib under my left breast (long story). I had RNY revision in August of this year. I'm down 49 pounds since surgery. I did my research and knew there would be higher risks with a revision surgery. RNY (like the band), isn't a cure to weight loss. It too is a tool. The first 18 months you are almost guaranteed to lose weight, due to re-routing and malabsorption. After that time hopefull we have learned to eat right and have a new lifestyle. It is usually after that time period if we go back to our old habits, we will probably regain the weight. It has its pros and cons...but for me it has been worth it. I'm not in pain anymore, I don't nor can I "eat around it", I don't get the elepant on my chest feeling like I did with the band with almost every meal...it doesn't allow you to cheat! Vitamins and supplements are a must the rest of your life. I was on my way to an early grave - even with the band. I regained all weight I'd lost with the band, plus twenty pounds - on top of that my esophagus had all but stopped working. Reflux was horrible (with reflux I should never have been banded - big no no). I was literally in the worse shape of my life three months ago. I can say since then I've had some tough moments. I mean, the surgery was a b***h to recover from...not a picnic - was tough but worth it :-) Do your research, go in with your eyes wide open and adopt a glass is half empty regarding research...I think you should always prepare for the worse and hope for the best! -
I recently attended a seminar where the Doctor does both. His patiant ratio is about equal. Band to RNY. But what was interesting was that several(6 that I heard of) had gone from the band to the RNY within a year or more period due to the slow & sometimes minimal results. I struggled with my decision when viewing the b/a photos because the RNY people looked amazing. I personally feel that the larger complications w/Rny are from the many cuts made BUT also due to the fact that heavier people tend to go for this surgery & usually have MORE health risks to begin with. I don't know why certain Doctors choose one over another but I can guarentee that it has to do with the amount of study, office set up & over all compensation. Not necessarily which one they think truely is best over all. What I did see is that in both surgeries people can GAIN weight back if they are not careful. Rules must be followed in both cases. I personally think the band is a safer & as we all know, a reversable procedure that can be a great tool. I like the fact that with the band you are constantly cheking in with a Doctor & therefore over the first 1-2 years aware of any weight gain ahead of time. Most of all its more of a customized procedure. We all have such different levels that work for one another. With RNY is just chop, stitch & go. I will admit though that I like the built in behavioral mech.-dumping;0) I guess I will have to be strong & teach myself that one. The way I look at it is I truely wish I could have done this by myself. But with the band I still think I will get that same feeling (like I am doing it by myself) because I know it will be alot of hard work. Not that RNY isn't just that I think the band is more work, I really do. I know with the band alot of lessons will be learned about smart food choices & do's & don'ts. I want these lessons & I think they lead to a healthier life stlye over all. Either or I am so happy we live in an age that these scientific break-throughs are available. With that said, I only wish we could get spell check on this site:0) LOL LOL LOL
-
Yas, I also had 5 scars, 4 are very small and 1 about 2 inches. No stitches at all. As for pain, I had a small complication therefore I had pain for about a week but with the pain meds it was bearable. I am 7 weeks post op and I find you kinda forget about the what the pain was really like. I also had the surgery in Mississauga but I had Dr Mumford as a surgeon.
-
I have had the lap band about 2 years now. The first year was awsome. The past few months I have been experiencing Acid Reflux and sometimes even after just drinking Water I spit up this sour grimey stuff. Sort of reminds me of (gross sorry) gum that has been in your mouth way too long and its coming apart and flakey and sticky in your mouth. This happends daily. I feel like I am at the right fill amount because I can get down water just fine and my protien shakes and I can eat and have just the right amount of restriction. But at night I experience burning in my stomach and this grimey spit stuff that likes to pop up at all the wrong times. Has anyone else experienced any of this??? Its driving me nuts.
-
hi everyone, I am a recent sleever, currently living in Thailand. I had my VSG on the 18th of February by a wonderful surgeon, and I am receving tremendous support from my nutritionist as I work through the post-op diet. I had minimal complications (that I am aware of), and I as home within 2 days after surgery. I decided to join the forum for some moral support, as Thailand currently does not have the neccesary support system post-op, yet. I have a question I am hoping someone could help me figure out. I started the whole journey at 104kg, and lost 6kg pre-op, left the hospital after surgery at 100kg(I did not urinate much for 1000mg of IV for 2 days) and went down to 92kg within 2 weeks(I think it was all Water weigh, though) I've been on the post-op diet regime for the past 3 weeks, eating average of 600-700cal and 50-60gm of Protein per day. I've also recently gotten back to the gym for light cardio. However, it seems I have not lost any weigh for the past 1 week! It just seems strange to not lose anything with such low calories consumption! Have I hit the starvation mode button on my body? Any help, thoughts, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
-
My doctor required the sleep study. If you needed a CPAP machine, he required 30 days of sleeping with it, and also stated several times that if you did not bring the machine with you to the hospital, he would cancel the surgery. There are real cases of complication from not being able to breath correctly after anesthesia. My doctor is a real stickler about it, and I had no choice but to comply (I couldn't say that it would go away after weight loss). I am using "Horton" now, and quite honestly, after getting used to him, I sleep better and so does my spouse. I do, however, look forward to the day that Horton goes in the closet
-
Is Early Twenties too young for the lapband?
Tanya_cotto replied to PumpkinPanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm 24 at 5'3 and i my highest was 284. Right now i'm 261.3 and my surgery is set for Sept. 30th! I've also been thinking about this since i was a teen. at 14 i weight about 211 and I've only gone up since then, even though i am active, i have made poor food choices. I do wish i had started the process earlier, but i am happy that I'm going to have the surgery before any major health complications occur as a result of my obesity. Good Luck Pumpkin! Its a good choice and attending the seminar is a great first step! contact me if you need support or just a chat! (FYI: I went to my orientation meeting May 30th and the process has gone smoothly since then!) Just make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon AND the staff since you will be spending most of your time with them! =) -
Oh ya, then you both want to be sure you have a back up. Do check your policy just in case (there are some out there who will cover...it's just less likely) and then search here as well because I know this has been brought up in the Mex forum and someone posted who the company was she got the insurance from. Best of luck and I hope you DON'T end up needing the insurance!!!!! Complications are no fun and I always hope never to hear about another VSTer having them.
-
Thank you all so much We are all beautiful and are goin to fight obesity together! My heighest weight was 288lbs my current weight is 180. I had the lapband revised to the gastric sleeve on June 25, 2012...No complications with the sleeve, always had complications with the band -
7 Weeks Post-Op Plastics- New Swelling? Also, Wound Separation? ARGH.
BethinPA replied to AvaFern's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
I'm not sure what could be causing the edema either, but compression garments sound like a good idea. I had the same deep posterior opening that you are describing, and needed sutures as well. It took its sweet time, but it did close up. I can feel this hard scar tissue in its place though, which is disturbing. My surgeon says it will eventually soften up, but I don't see how. I hope the garments are the ticket for you, and know that you are not alone with the occasional pity parties for one. These complications simply can't last forever, they have to resolve. And then we will be left with an end product that we will appreciate more than ever for the effort taken to make it happen! -
Start by trying to drink something warm in small sips. My personal favorite when I have a sore throat is hot (and very dark) tea mixed with Tang Orange mix, but anything warm should help. The warmth of the liquid should help thin out the mucus so it can get through the band (Gross image I know). There is also a belief that getting sick like this can irritate the tissues and cause swelling making you feel tighter when you are sick. The warm fluids may help with that swelling as well. I am NOT a doctor nor do I play one on TV so I don't know the science or validity behind my statements. But I have found it made me feel better in the past. You might also want to call your band doc and see if they would be willing to squeeze you in for a small unfill if it doesn't get better soon. You don't want to risk any complications with the band due to your cold/flu making it too tight right now.
-
Can we smoke 6 days after the procedure?
Kalimomof3 replied to komi's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My answer to the OP is simple...Can you smoke?Yes absolutely you can smoke. Should you smoke?Absolutely not! People have and do smoke with this surgery and experience no complications but People also jump of of bridges and buildings and don't die.A simplification yes but still true none the less -
I've read your post for a while now, and realize you are still on the fence about this. If I could redo today, I'd do the same surgery....But, I'd find a doctor/COE that was approved for plication if possible. Not because the band can't work by itself, but because after reading about it for the last couple of years, I think it will one day be the standard. I think it'll replace the sleeve. I had those same "should I or shouldn't I" questions you are going thru right now. Everything I read about this surgery 4 years ago, as far as serious complications go, holds true today. I'm friends with a person on LoseIT who has been banded over 10 ( TEN ) years...and has had no complications.
-
For me, I have to re-educate myself.. Have the right tools! Clean out all the un-healthy cookbooks, replace them with organic cooking & recipes that are healthy, which means purchasing the fresh groceries to go along with it. My daughter, my mother and I are going to continue getting together & help cook for each other, healthy meals. I have a weekly date with two of my grandsons (3 y.o. & 9 mos) and were going to make healthy pizzas & play games. They can learn how to decorate their pizzas with good fresh ingredients given to choose from. Start slow,, food will taste different, textures will be different. Spend time researching this site, read what has worked for others; talk to people and find out what works for them.. Change your habits.. The first day of my 2 week liquid diet had me a little concerned. My 'habit' was to come home after work & pour a glass of wine before anything. That first day I came home & literally walked around talking to myself "Must find a new routine" and I got busy with some things I had put off a long time, found myself distracted & alas a new habit was formed. No regrets. Keep focused, but don't make it too complicated. Set some short-term goals & long term goals. Those are some things I have done... Dawn
-
Thanks for empathizing everyone, and for the advice. Funny @Creekimp13, I was thinking today that I wish my dog were still alive, she'd be loving all the proteins she'd be getting, and I wouldn't feel near as guilty! @Orchids&Dragons I totally love buffets. I feel like people pay far less attention to what's on your plate, and I create very little waste. And I wish I wasn't single right now. Then I'd be able to cook and send almost all the leftovers home with him! As for the work travel thing, it's complicated. When I'm eating alone I customize the crap out of my meals. But when I'm dining with others I do so only minimally. First I don't want to attract any more attention than necessary to my eating habits. It's also not viewed favorably at all with in my company to be "picky and demanding". I have a peer who customizes everything, but not due to any dietary issues, just because he is a self absorbed PIA. He is definitely looked down up by our management, and it is viewed as unprofessional. Being able to be flexible and go with the flow is highly valued where I work. @Pearldrop I unfortunately don't go any single place more frequently than quarterly. Even in the same city I don't have a lot of frequent repeats, unless it's the hotel restaurant, lol. I think the hotel chain I stay at sent me a summary last year saying I stayed in 54 different cities. Since I am traveling to my customers or collegues area, it is customary for them to pick the restaurant. Wine and dining is a requirement, I'm afraid. But it is not only customers, but colleagues as well. Going to a nice dinner with drinks flowing is a way to relax and break down barriers, and form relationships with people you deal with frequently but see infrequently. My company is very frugal in a lot of ways, but I have no T&E budget, and have never been questioned on a dining expense, so that's how important it is to our corporate culture. (Also part of why I needed WLS!) I'll definitely have to look into the shelter or Ronald McDonald House idea. I like it a lot, it's killing two birds with one stone. I've just never heard of any place being willing to take home cooked food. I think in the US we might be too afraid of liability for a charity to accept such a thing. I'll look into it though!
-
EGD results, Barrett's esophagus diagnosis
Bufflehead replied to VickiCat's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well, none of us can give you medical advice here. I can tell you that my surgeon will not do sleeve gastrectomy on a patient with Barrett's, and if you Google it you will see that seems to be a pretty common approach. My surgeon recommends bypass for patients with Barrett's. I know a few in my support group who had bypass when they had initially wanted the sleeve, due to a diagnosis of Barrett's. They are both doing great! No complications, look very healthy and are losing weight quickly. -
Anyone using NWWS Everett?
SpaceDust replied to journeygrl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Here's a high level list of what I talked about with Dr. Michaelson: How long have you been doing the procedure? How many have you done? What is your success rate? Rate of complications, and what sorts of complications? What can I expect from you throughout this process (availability to answer questions, meetings, etc)? What will be expected from me? Are there current or former patients I can speak with? What can I expect it to be like post surgery (time in facility, recovery time at home, diet, etc) assuming nothing unusual about my surgery? He told me to not hesitate to call if more questions came to me, and either he or his staff would do their best to address my concerns. -
Questions about bypass in Mexico?
Berry78 replied to whitneyisfab's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I am also deciding between sleeve and bypass. (Don't want a mini since they aren't common in the US). I'm pretty set on the sleeve because it can be converted later if necessary. The bypass is one and done, but what if it is more than I need? The sleeve has a pretty good weight loss to complication ratio, and I am willing to entertain the notion of a revision later. The RYN bypass is definitely "one and done". I wouldn't entertain a revision later from that. Good luck! -
I Am So Afraid For My Mom... She's Going To Be Sleeved.
wishes replied to JaspersGirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I understand completely. My mother had surgery two months after me. She had a complication which would have been mild if she would have received care when she started experiencing symptoms, but she waited until six months post-op to seek treatment. In all honesty, complications occur pretty infrequently with the sleeve. Just pay attention to her symptoms and trust the surgeon to do his or her best. I will be keeping you and your mother in my thoughts. -
Hey guys, hoping someone can help me out here. I'm 2 weeks post op today. I have not had any complications, no pain, vomiting etc (I'm NOT complaining)! My recovery has been amazing until today when I got on the scale and only dropped 2lbs!! I lost 13 my first week but only 2 this week! I'm so frustrated! Now, I do feel better, have been working out harder than "allowed to" cuz I feel like I can but scale wise I'm upset. Has this happened to anyone else? Words of advice? Thanks guy!
-
When Should I Start To Smoke Again / After My Sleeve?
topgun replied to bopbopbaby's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
As a non-smoker of 7 years, I understand your dilemma. If you're not going to quit then wait at least long enough to ensure you have sufficiently recuperated from your surgery and there is possible complications from post-surgical pneumonia. I'd think at least 30 days. -
Being encouraged to get the band over the sleeve
triciavr77 replied to rockdutchess82's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I started thinking about WLS I thought about doing the band too. After talking to my doctor, I decided on the sleeve. For one, the amount of work you have to do to make it work, plus all of the complications make it not worth it. And I've heard of so many people who ended up getting a reversion to get the sleeve. And something else my doctor told me that really swayed me against the band - other doctors are very leary of working w/ band patients. So if you move, need to change practices, or move, you have a hard time finding another bariatric practice willing to take you on. You don't have that probem w/ the sleeve. Hope that helps! -
H. pylori is the last thing you need after surgery. If there is even a hint of it now, kill it and be glad that you have done one more thing to help ensure a positive outcome post-op. Many of us had hoops to jump through to get our surgeries done but, in the end, they were designed to help prevent complications afterwards. I had to have a sleep study and start using a CPAP, had a stress test and heart cath, and had an EGD with biopsies. My surgeon likes to be proactive in preventing whatever complications he can. I'm very grateful for that stance!!
