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Did anyone feel pressure by surgeon to so bypass instead of sleeve
NikkiDoc replied to Mayastone's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon did not try to sell me on the RNY. I told him I was interested in the sleeve or band and we never even talked about the bypass. I actually saw his original presentation on WLS about 5 years ago but I didn't qualify. He was just starting to perform the sleeve then. He discussed RNY, band and sleeve. I would say he discouraged the band. My stats are not too different than yours. I was 257 and 5'3" as my starting weight. I had a 6 months insurance mandated diet and was at 242 at the start of my 10 day liquid pre op diet. I am 6.5 months out and am at 174. I am still losing, more slowly that when I first sleeved, but still losing. There are plenty of people on this board who have had sleeves and are well below the 180-190 that she quoted to you. If you are not comfortable with what this surgeon is telling you go talk to another one or two. Just because every one else loves her does not mean she is the right one for you. You need to be comfortable with your surgeon and the surgery. If you do decide on the sleeve I would recommend a different surgeon. You want a surgeon that believes in the sleeve and has a program designed for the sleeve not one modified from RNY. You don't want to have a minor stall or complication and feel like she is thinking "Well this wouldn't have happened it you followed my advise and had RNY". You want a surgeon that has done a large number of sleeves not one that does them occasionally, under duress. -
Did anyone feel pressure by surgeon to so bypass instead of sleeve
Dream4tc replied to Mayastone's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wasn't pressured. I initially wanted the sleeve, but I have been banded before and he took 45 minutes to discuss the sleeve with me and explained the risks because of my previous band. He told me that the sleeve would make my reflux and heartburn worse due to the high pressure it causes. I had been taking Zantac max strength and Prilosec both twice a day plus tums , milk and slept with 8 pillows at night for nearly 4 years so ....no thanks. I would rather not have any more heartburn or make it worse. I went back to him to discuss bypass after researching it on my own. He spent another 45 minutes talking with me about this and answered every question that I had. I have never once felt pressured. Bypass can be reversible, but if you are sleeved, your stomach is gone forever. If I hadn't had previous WLS, and if I was choosing for the first time, I would have chosen sleeve. But because of my weakened stomach from the previous band, and scar tissue, bypass is a better option, less chance for leaks and less complications for me. Research and gather as much info as you can to educate yourself. If you are new and not getting revision, go for the sleeve. But if you have had previous WLS before then consider bypass. Best of luck to you! -
Did anyone feel pressure by surgeon to so bypass instead of sleeve
tssiemer replied to Mayastone's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I felt the opposite. He said by-pass was outdated and had far more complications than the band and sleeve. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk -
Did anyone feel pressure by surgeon to so bypass instead of sleeve
rgmoe_718 replied to Mayastone's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was more interested in the bypass at first, got approved for it and everything but as I got closer to my date my surgeon ran a blood test to check my iron levels because I have chronic anemia. 1 week before my procedure I was told by my surgeon that I should consider the sleeve instead. Me being stubborn I was so stuck on getting the bypass because I thought it would be way more effective in weight loss than the sleeve until he revealed to me that I was at a much higher risk of complications because I'm extremely anemic. I agreed to the sleeve and they resubmitted my letter to my insurance company. Everything went smooth after. -
Going in tomorrow to repair a kink in my tubing. We mull over all the complications that can arise and hope and pray one doesn't happen to you. But this is something that was out of my control apparently. Trying to find a positive spin....the complication could be so much more problematic! This should be an easy fix. Please send good thoughts and energy my way. Thanks
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I'm in HR and I would at least have the paperwork ready to go for fmla. God forbid but if you have complications then he would have to "call off" work and would not be protected.
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Help Making the Right Choice
Kristina J. replied to tamarlarae's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Oh dear, please, do NOT go with the band!!! :-/ I have had two of them now! Please take a minute and read my story on my profile. The band gave me some up front success but then nothing but problems and multiple surgeries on top of all the maintenance!! It's taken 10 years, but I am finally getting this thing out of me! There are so many people with stories just like mine. I wish I had never messed with the lap band, and wish even more that after I did and had it taken out, that someone had told me about the sleeve before I tried it again (though it wasn't near as well known in 2006). There's a board here called "Lap Band to Sleeve Revision" ... Go read up there and also on lapbandtalk.com under the complications section. There are definitely risks with either, but the long term (2+ years) complications of the band far outweigh that of the sleeve! Good luck with your decision though. I know there's nothing easy about it. And I certainly understand the appeal of the band... but it's a trick -
The luxury of choice--stay close to home, or does it really matter?
Over and Out posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi everyone, I have what may be an unusual situation in that I am not "settled" in my life. Because of illness and disability I am temporarily living in a small town (less than 200 people) in the middle of nowhere. Once I lose weight and get some orthopedic surgery, I am going to move. Here's my dilemma. I have started a program (two nutritionist visits) in one clinic that is 60 miles west. Very good reputation. There is also a clinic about 50 miles east, also with a good reputation. In my imagined (hoped for) future, I will be living in the town that is 50 miles east, which places me 110 miles away from my doctors if there is a complication in the coming years. I am wondering if I should switch over to the program that is in the town where I will be living; it seems to make more sense to me that in case of emergency the hospital has my records and the surgeon and staff are right there. I'm getting a bit nervous because as I research RNY I keep seeing a lot of folks going back to get gallbladder surgery, or other emergency surgery for problems related to their RNY even years down the line. It just seems like it would nice to be in the same city as your doc. So--Is it better to have your surgeon nearby or does it really matter, as long as you have good medical care available? Thanks for any advice you can give me, I am questioning everything right now. -
Are There Complications Due To Tummy Tuck Prior To Lap Band?
Shergirl posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had breast cancer/DIEP reconstruction done that included a tummy tuck. I am about 70 lbs overweight now and am considering lap band. Does anyone know if there are any issues with banding since my skin and stomach are so tight in that area? -
In my opinion. There is no, I repeat NO complication from the band that is any way form or fashion nearly as bad as those from a bypass can be. I just had a new band placed on Friday, due to slippage and had a hiatal hernia repaired in the process. My intestines are still intact, my body's capability to absorb nutrients is still in working order. I still have my whole stomach and no staple line to break. If I got erosion, I could take the band out and still have all my parts. I could also still decide to do the bypass if I absolutely had to. If I did the bypass first, I would have none of these things and no way to reverse it once it's done. Also, there is supposedly a window of opportunity with the bypass where you can lose weight. Then, the body learns to adapt to the changes and will allow weight to be gained back. With the band, I can have it adjusted and continue to lose or maintain my current weight, without the window limitation. I wish you much luck with your decision! Leatha banded 5/29/03 - Dr. Wetter/San Francisco Slippage repair - 07/16/04 - Dr. Veninga/ Texas 250/190/140??
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Ruth I am so happy with my band, words trully can't express. I did not have complications, blood presure, sleep apinia, etc the list is endless, due to Obesity. I thought I had a thyriod problem, They said I was pre diabetis I like many others, choise the band, paid out of pockect, still paying for it and now happily 65 lbs down. Today, I still can NOT eat like I use to. Wishing you the best. Ruth's my middle name.
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@@amandasue Sorry to hear about your complications...sounds like you've been through quite a bit. I haven't experienced any issues yet, although I just had my surgery on April 15. I would just keep doing what you're doing...sounds to me like you're listening to your medical team, and doing what they're asking you to do. The only thing I would probably ask is that with so much vomiting, you may not be absorbing as much of your Vitamins as you need to (just a thought)? My NUT recommended some Multivitamin and B-complex Patches if we either had trouble with pills or had issues keeping things down....maybe they'll help? I would certainly ask your surgeon what they think before trying something new, but it might help. Congrats on losing 81 pounds so far!!! That's fantastic. Stay positive and keep working with your medical team...I hope things get better for you!!!
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The luxury of choice--stay close to home, or does it really matter?
Sadiebug replied to Over and Out's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I would base it more on the overall program than the surgeon/surgeons office if there are any differences. My program offers nutritionists and free NUT appointments for life following surgery. They also have exercise classes, in person support groups, cooking classes and all sorts of other things. I haven't had any complications (knock on wood!) but I have absolutely taken advantage of all of those other things since I live very close. I know there are others who used the same surgeon as me but live much farther away so they can't utilize all of the other services...and they struggle. I also know some individuals who have moved away from our surgeon and have really had a hard time finding a new doctor who will take them on board which is another thing to consider. If you really love the surgeon/program 60 miles west that you've started with you could go ahead and ask the group 50 miles east if they would be willing to take you on post-op and just plan on switching to them at a point in time after surgery. -
Info on a new weight loss challenge
sjfink replied to Dashofpixiedust8's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Best of luck with your surgery! Wishing you a quick & complication free recovery! -
Is this what restriction is all about?
shellyj replied to Graceful One's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
hey firegirl- they actually figured out what was wrong with my band. BUT before i tell you what it was the amounts of food you listed really doesnt sound like alot to me. i was able to EAT with no restriction. never tight in the morning or ever really. here is a copy of what i posted: i have been dealing with a lack of restriction for a while now. i ended up contacting inamed to have them review my last swallow study (i dont have ins coverage on the band) well after they contacted my dr, my dr called me and wanted to do another swallow study at 4.1 cc (last on was at 3.8 cc) so this is what happened... go in drink barium look at band. NO RESTRICTION. check to see whats in the band 4.1 cc. everyone is very confused how can this be yada yada. fill me to 4.5 cc. drink barium. no restriction. fill me to 5.0 cc. no restriction. the fluid in my band came out a little murkey. they decide to change the t-shaped fill needle thing. when changing them out the dr wants to access the port himself (pa had done in past and today) he is poking jabbing stabbing etc. he even BENT the needle trying to get it in. switched again, got it in. removed all fill. still not happy with the connection so they switch access needles again. thank god they decide i need another numbing shot. so they fill me again to 3.0 cc and have me drink. i had a little restriction, bump me up to 3.2 cc now my opening resembles a bandster!!! remove fill, fill, swallow barium. remove fill, fill. swallow barium. they leave me at 3.2 cc. they concluded that when i was getting filled before, while they were accessing the port they were not getting the fill fluid into the part of the port that would send it to the band. when they would withdraw fluid it wasnt coming from the band but a pocket in the port. i dont know. i dont care. all i care about is if i have restriction!!!! i had a can of cream of chicken soup and was able to drink the entire can with relative ease but thats just soup so we'll see as i get more adventerous tommorrow and this weekend with foods of substance. they were also VERY impressed with my loss since the band hasnt been offering me any/very little restriction. my dr has banded 200+++ patients and i am the only one this has happened to so dont worry i am an oddball! i guess i am in the 4% complication rate...but not anymore!!!!! i hope! -
Oh, Sue, I completely agree that people who are AROUND folks at risk for severe complications can benefit from the vaccine. My husband works in food service, and everyone where he works is required to get the flu shot. I'm not against them at all. I'm not sure they've reached the safetly level of most vaccines, though; I personally know of several people who complained of getting sick after getting their flu shots. I take anecdotes with a healthy dose of skepticism, of course, but in general prefer to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with my health. And though some might say that not getting the shot is, by itself, taking an unnecessary risk, it seems odd to me that ten years ago flu was just something you got, or didn't get, and got through. Is it worse now? I survived years of not getting the flu, or surviving cases so mild I didn't know I had them, and don't really see any reason that should change for me now. (On the other hand, now that I think about it, "people at risk" includes my very young children. Maybe I'll re-think this position.)
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Sue, what makes you say that getting the flu could lead to band damages? I'm not advocating against flu shots, but I don't see the connection in light of the info Donali gave. I know on the very few occasions that I've ever had the flu (like twice in my life?), vomiting was not part of my misery. I personally am not inclined to get a flu shot. I'm young(ish), in good health, not generally prone to catching everything that comes along, and don't think I'm particularly at risk of complications of the flu. But that's just me.
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Banded in July 07 - Thoughts and Concerns
heatherjune posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I was banded July 9, 2007. I am certain that this surgery is exactly what I needed to lose the weight I stuggled with since adolescence, but have recently incountered some complications that are starting to cause some anxiety. To date I have lost 30 lbs, and it hasnt been a cake walk, but it is truly exciting to see the progess coming slowly but surely. The pre-op diet for me (consisiting of 2 protein shakes per day and one lean cuisine for two weeks) was challenging, but I faced it with excitement, knowing that this was the start of my new life. I lost about 9 pounds during this time. My surgery went very well, I had the same pain and discomfort that many of you have described. Crappy, but tolerable. I was on a clear liquid diet for one week, a full liquid diet for the next week, and a pureed diet for three weeks following that. When I started eating soft solids, I started to experience pain in my left shoulder. I have pinned it down to occuring mainly with meals, or immidiately following, and it lasts for hours. This was at least 5 weeks post op, so I didnt think it could be gas, but wasnt sure. I called my doctor when the pain became intolerable, for fear that it was something with my heart, went to the hospital, had several tests and CT scans run, but everything came back fine - thank goodness. The week following, my pain improved, but was still occuring off and on. I received my first fill on August 22, but it didnt go so well. The doctor could not retract the fluid after he injected it and is afraid there may be a hole in the band, or the band could have come unlatched - both which, Im assuming, would require surgery to correct (we are waiting a month to see if I lose weight and will evaluate at that point). I was on a liquid diet for the 1st & 2nd day following and then a pureed diet the next day. I have now sarted eating soft solids again, and everytime I eat, I get that horrible pain in my left shoulder. This bring me to my anxiety comment. Not only do I now basically fear eating anything other than liquid food, I am fearful that this pain will always be part of my life, and I cant bear that. I am also fearful that I will have to undergo another operation, and feeling rather discouraged at this point. I have been reading and visiting lap band talk since my surgery, but have never made any comments. I am doing so today to see if anyone has any advice, or has had anything similar happen to them. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope to hear from you. -
Keep the faith! Everything happens for a reason. Better to have it taken care of now and not cause complications later.
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Do you lose less on the sleeve than bypass?
yogachick replied to bangbangbarbie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You have exactly my situation. Same height and weight and goal. I chose the sleeve after all of my research. The risks and complications of bypass just weren't worth it to me. -
Your results might be different, but I can tell you that I had a mild reflux problem pre-op, and it has disappeared post-op. I don't think that the reflux issue is a good justification for taking on all the other, much more serious risks of RNY. After all, reflux can be managed with medication, but the complications of the RNY can be deadly. Not a good trade-off in my opinion.
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Okay, I'm supposed to be sleeping, but I am so addicted to you guys. I'm the new erosion on the block, and I have to tell you, as devastating as this is, I got 97.5 pounds out of it. By the time I have my band removed it will probably be at least an even 100 - that's my new goal. lol Anyway - I don't know yet if I will choose to be rebanded. I am waiting for more info on the re-erosion rates. The one response I got wasn't good (she eroded again her second time), and two other posters quote increased percentages - one 50%, the other "4 times likely" which would be 4-12%. I'm going to have to agree with Jessie Ahroni on grads that no one really knows the stats on rebanding. However, the literature from Inamed does state that revisions have a higher percentage of erosion, and I would consider a rebanding a revision. If I knew then what I know now - would I still have done it? ABSOLUTELY!! Will I do it again? At this point, it doesn't look likely. But I will have to wait at least six months before I could be rebanded, if I choose to do so, so we'll see how it goes. I love my band - it did everything I had hoped for. It sucks for me that I have this complication, but I rolled the dice and this is what I got. I'm not angry, or bitter. Sad, devastated, yes. But I knew the risks, and my results have been worth it. I've learned a lot about myself and my eating disorder. Hopefully that'll help me out when I'm back out there on my own. Good luck with your decision!
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:tongue:Well my daughter came back from Mexico last night after surgery with Dr. Ortiz, thank God she is home safe. Even though I am the one who told her about him I still had my reservations. But after her insurance denied her for a no weight loss surgery clause that her employer had put in, she really didn't have a choice. She said all went well they picked her up in San Diego drove her to the hotel. Next day took her to Dr. Oritz had surgery stayed overnight, back to hotel for one day and they drove her back to airport. I only hope all goes well with no post-op complications since he is so far away. My surgeon Dr. Michael Nusbaum (Livingston NJ) will do fills for her and he is fantastic. She probably saved over $11,000 by going to Mexico. Well I mean I saved over $11,000. Now her fun begins!
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4 and 1/2 weeks since surgery
wanttoridemyhorse commented on jrb95864's blog entry in janicerb's Blog
What kind of complications did you have??????? And... was it hard to get through them?? I know there are quite a few you can have. Just trying to prepare and talk to people. Prepare for worst pray for best kinda deal ya know? Thanks if you don't mind talking about it! Nikki -
Donali's sister, Cheryl, called me an hour ago. Sorry it took so long to post but I'm going in too many directions this evening. Donali was in surgery 4 hours. Cheryl didn't call them "complications" but the surgeon had some repairs to do. I don't have any other information yet, other than her sister is with her at The Oasis Hospital, and her mom is waiting at home for her in San Diego. I think we can all agree that she's truly amazing. Actually, you all are. Cheryl told me Don was touched with all the support here. Believe it or not, I'm at loss for words.
