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So here I am, today makes 3 months exactly post op and I am down 42 lbs. I am finally in Onederland. I am so amazed at how easy this journey has been in comparison to the Lap Band that I had placed in 2006. I am so happy that I went through the revision surgery 3 months ago. The sleeve is everything that the band was promised to be and more. Thank God I have not had one complication and I feel fantastic. As of now I have no regrets and I feel healthier than I have felt in years. I want to send out a special thanks to my surgeon Dr. Aceves for changing my life.

From reading this forum I get the impression that 90% of the people here had the exact same feelings you are describing. And then after the surgery, if you do it, you'll undoubtedly go through a few days thinking "Oh, no, what have I done to myself?!?" All of that is very normal. But the fact is almost everyone is eventually glad they did it. And as for making a mistake, remember, the band is reversible. If for some reason it does not work for you, you can take it out. The risk of any serious medical complications from the surgery is very small. The decision is yours. At your age especially there is no hurry. If you need more time take it. There is no need to rush into things if you are not ready. But I can tell you this. If you postpone your surgery, you will almost certainly have these exact same feelings again the next time you are 4 days from having your surgery. It just goes with the territory. cj, ask yourself, are you going to lose 137 pounds with diet and exercise?

There are pros and cons to being first and being up there in the numbers. I was roughly patient numbre 50-60 that Joffe and Yau banded. I know patient numbr 2-3 and they never had problems and that is 2-3 in the country not just with that surgeon. They say you should wait until after patient 50 because by patient 50 most docs have seen all different types of stomachs, and insides etc and they have placed enough bands to eliminate the possibility of most complications. But someone has to be the first 50 patients.. My advice as someone who has had complications is ask questions, like your doctor, seriously like your doctor you are going to have a lifetime relationship with them and make sure you are comfy with their staff. I would ask him if you are a complication who fixes it, who pays, etc. I would also ask what post op support he is offering, it is so important to have a good post op experience because that will help make or break some people. Good luck and argon is right for peace of mind 4 hours is nothing to drive for fills and support. Most of all make sure you are comfy with what you decide.

I was also confused on what to do. I was 319 before I had my lap band. And I love my sweets. But I have a couple of friends who had Gastric Bypass done and I knew it was not for me. I dont know if that is the same thing you are looking into or not. But I know for me the band was the best choice. I am losing slowely now. But I have had no complications and feel better then ever. I just did not want to have to deal with all the side effects and complications that can come from the other surgery. But it is a very important decision. Good luck to you on what ever you choose.

Last Feb., my older (and only) sister and her husband told us that they were pregnant. I have always wanted to loose the wieght, but the thought of not being able to keep up with my niece, or possibly not being there as long as possible due to weight complications in the future. That was my final motivational factor. Now my beautiful niece is 4.5 months old and I'm 74lbs lighter, and I know by the time she's walking, I'll be right there every step of the way...without getting short of breath!

Hi Gaintheworld! Sounds like your doing really well. Even tho you feel your loss is slow. Did you have bypass or sleeve? You lost quite a bit prior to surgery. Good for you. I wish you luck! We're all here to cheer you and each other on! I'm always around if you need to talk. How are you feeling? Thanks for the encouragement, I had the sleeve and am happy with the progress so far. I've gone from a size 22 to a 16 and am feeling so much better mentally and physically. The first 6 weeks, I was really tired but other than that no pain or complications. Good luck on you're journey!

Ok this is the story, I am three years out and I have lost 80lbs.I have had one fill six weeks after surgery and a complete unfill two months ago. My current weight is 155. I have a slipped band and I will require surgery soon. I am a self pay and I have not even paid off my last surgery yet. My husband will probably divorce me because we can’t afford another surgery. My band was completely fool proof until three months ago. I loved it, after four or five ounces of food I felt like I had eaten a thanksgiving dinner. Occasionally, I would overeat, eat to fast or be too hungry, the result was vomiting. People call it purbing, “productive burping.” Perbing is the dirty little secret of having a Lap-band. Perbing is vomiting and ultimately it can cause a prolapsed stomach. After a bout of what I thought was stomach flu, I vomited more than usual. The symptoms were the onset of reflux, stomach pain and more vomiting. The night time reflux became so bad that I aspirated and contracted pneumonia. I have been on anti-biotics, Nexium and Carafate. I now have ulcers and my barium upper GI showed that I am damaging my esophageal sphincter. I had an endoscope under fluoroscope and the bottom line is I have to have surgery and have my band fixed, revised or removed. I have an appointment with my original surgeon on Friday. I am not sure how this will all turn out but I want others to be aware that you can slip your band years later, after no problems and a good weight loss. I you eat until you vomit, you are eating too fast or too much. I have pretty good insurance, but they will not cover the Lap-band. If I have any more complications with my second surgery I will be bankrupt. I never considered these possibilities when I had my initial surgery. Would I have the LAP-BAND surgery knowing what I know now? Yes, absolutely I would have the surgery again. I love the result, losing this much weight has changed my life. I will figure it out, I will figure out how to pay for it, my husband will not divorce me. I will keep you all posted…….Jennifer

I have the exact same fears!! I have a small toddler, and I almost chose the vsg, even though I didn't feel it was the right surgery for me, solely because of the lower complication rate. I've also been very concerned about the possible, though rare, complications down the line. Sending good thoughts for a safe surgery and quick recovery your way.

I had surgery on 2/27. I, too, have a history of mrsa infections over the past 3 years. My infectious disease dr instructed me in some preventative measures... one is that I use Hibiclens when I shower. Since starting that, I have not had an infection (6 months). But, my question is do I need to worry about future infections from the band. My surgery had no complications but am I at risk for mrsa internally? Thanks for your help, Nancy

Welcome to LBT! Take a while, look around. There is a forum that has just the questions you are looking for, here's the link, but you can find it on the main page under Lapband FAQ's and References. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/lap-band-faqs-f73.html Here's a list I took with me: Questions to ask during consultation: 2) Research the doctor. What kind of follow up care is provided? (ie: fills, unfills, endoscopies, fluroscopies, port revisions, removal, etc). Ask to speak to about 5 or 6 of his patients before you make a decision. Ask those people if they have any complaints or issues with their care before, during and after the procedure. How many of the procedures has he done? What types of complications can occur from this procedure and how frequently do they happen? (ie: perforations, etc) What types of complications has he personally ran into doing this procedure? What is his policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS). Is he Inamed approved for the procedure? If not then who qualified him to perform the procedure and can you have literature to verify this? 3) Research the procedure. How is the procedure performed? Will you use the Pars Flaccida approach? What type of sutures do you use? Can I request glue and not staples? Will I have a catheter placed? If I am on my menses, can I wear a tampon? What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items? What are the short term issues? What are the long term issues? How will I be able to take my pills? Will you write today for liquid pain meds? Do you want me to take antibiotics post-op? If so, will you write for Diflucan? 4) Follow up care. What is the schedule for fills? When can I get my first fill? How is the fill procedure performed? (ie: with or without fluroscopy) What is the cost for fills? (under fluro and not) How often will I need to be seen? Will I have access to a Nutritionist? How do you handle unfills? Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies? Does your doctor have email address? Should I continue to take Metformin? What Vitamins should I be taking? Will I need to crush my pills? If so then for how long? Are there any pills that cannot be crushed? If so then how will I be able to take them?

Don't do a bypass with GERD!!!!!!! My DH had GERD before his bypass and even now that he has lost all his weight his GERD is much WORSE!!! The bypass makes the stomach smaller in addition to re-plumbing the small intestine. He wakes up coughing almost every night (not great for my sleep either) and already has Barretts. I have GERD too and it is much better since the band. (don't even get me started on how horrible the bypass is, and all the LIFELONG complications including not being able to absorb fat soluble Vitamins and the horrible smells...arg)

I would be careful if I were you. Gall Bladder attacks are nasty, and make you very sick. You can only tolerate a few of them before you cry uncle! If you doctor recomends you to have it taken out, I would listen to him. Gall stones getting stuck in the duct is terrible and can lead to some serious complications.

I recommend the IUD. It's the most effective, has a low rate of complication, and you can take it out any time with a simple office visit when you & your partner decide you're ready for another child (and no waiting period to let your hormones regulate like with BC). I have Mirena and between that and PCOS, I have not had a regular period in years. It's awesome lol. Mirena is known to lighten or stop periods. The medical literature included with the IUD said it's only about 20% of people but literally everyone I know who has Mirena has had lighter or no periods, so YMMV. I don't recommend the copper IUD if you already have a heavy flow b/c it's known to make periods and cramps worse.

Oh my! What a bunch of complications. I hope you continue healing!

Hi Susie, I was diagnosed with diabetes over 25 years ago when I was 22 and was also put on insulin immediately. That is to protect your health ans the insulin will work immediately to bring your blood sugars into normal range. I then started to lose weight and went to oral meds, but not ever got off them. I lost 95 lbs. I of course put back the weight over the years. I continued on the orals but 10 years ago when I wanted to get pregnant I had to go on insulin because you can not take those meds when trying to conceive or pregnant. Well, I nevef went off insulin after that. I have not yet been banded, but I am hoping that this time when I reach my goal I will be able to go back on the orals. If not - no big deal. I am very used to taking insulin and monitoring my blood sugars. You may be able to go off meds, but it is likely that at some point in your life (when you are older) you will have to go back on or take insulin. I know this not what you want to hear but diabetes just does not go away like that. You will always be insulin resistant and will always have to be vigilant. You are doing the BEST THING for your health by getting banded and losing weight. People don't die of diabetes, they die of complications from diabetes which can be avoided with good blood sugar control. Don't panic, get as much information as you can. Feel free to PM me anytime. I will be glad to help as I have walked in your shoes. Susan

I went to have my first fill with DR Nottle. When I was called in the room it wasn't DrNottle but some other Technician I have never seen..he tried to fill it but couldn't find the port. He told me that the first time was always the hardest and it would get better in time. After 5 trys and alot of pain later he gave up and called dR Nottle in telling him he couldn't put the needle into the port. Then DrNottle tried and after about 10 try's and swapping a big needle to an ever bigger one he had no luck!! He told me that this happens and that he would need to do it via xray. I went to get it done with the xray and he still had no luck. He was baffled and told me this was very rare and that they almost always have luck with the xray. I had heaps of questions and by the time the nurse bandaged me up he was gone!! He quickly spoke to my fiancee saying that he would get his receptionist to arrange for me to see him as he is going to have to cut me open and see what is wrong. I am so scared..I don't know what is going on, I feel like I am left high and dry with no answers. His receoptionst didn't get back to me so we had to chase them up..When we finally got through she told me that it could be a faulty band and that we had to spend a further $1100 to get it fixed and god knows how much if it is really a faulty band!! We already paid over 12k and there are still more bills coming from the hospital, anethisist!! I just can't believe this..I didn't think that I would have to go through all this stress!! It's even more stressfull when your own doctor won't tell you what is going on, we had to find out through his receptionist!! Sorry for rambling on..I just needed to vent!!

Okay, so the "reason" that the sleeve will work - beyond the portion control - is because of the insulin resistance issue going away. I had not heard this, but it makes some sense although I don't understand the reasons that a smaller stomach causes this. I have had fasting blood sugar of just under 100 for many many years - borderline. My A1C was in the pre diabetes range. The first bloodwork post surgery at 3 months showed a tremendous drop - my fastiing blood sugar was more like 77. I thought it was due to my dietary changes only, but I NEVER saw that drop when i was doing weight watchers and lost quite a bit of weight. Maybe there is something about the sleeve that helps with the insulin issue. I guess I would still be skeptical, BUT, what I do know is that for many of us it only takes eating a little bit more then we should to keep the weight on. Maybe the shift in insulin response is enough to help? So, although I am a sleeve advocate, I am not sure about the strategy of planning another revision if it doesn't work. Ask your surgeon, but I thought that each successive WLS increases risk of serious complications. If I didn't believe in the sleeve, I would go straight for the RNY or more like the DS (although THAT is a scary procedure!).

For me at nearly 40 years old it was my mother that was the most vocal critic though many people in my family were against it. They all thought I could just buckle down and do it myself like all the other times I had (then gained it back). They thought it was just laziness and a lack of will power and that sugery was some sort of cop out. My mom cried, begged, offered to pay for other things like (fat camps, hypnosis, Jenny Craig...) for her what it really boiled down to was she was scared of complications from the surgery. She still saw this as a dangerous procedure like RNY and was convinced I could die from it. I showed her several studies done on the band and invited her to come to one of the seminars as well as a support group meeting. She was never willing to give me her full "blessing" before the surgery but now 2 years out she is so proud of what I have accomplished and has actually had several friends and co-workers of her call me for advice on how to start the process of getting thier own bands. My advice - bring her to a seminar, take her to a local support group meeting where she can see and talk to people who are already banded, find the case studies that have been done for her to read. But in the end, tell her you lover her but that you need to do what you know is right for you.

Globe and Mail - Tues March 13th, 2007 There's a downside to obesity surgery SHERYL UBELACKER Canadian Press TORONTO — When people with obesity have surgery to help them lose weight, they can also lose something else — the ability to properly absorb certain nutrients, in particular Vitamin B1. And that deficiency can potentially lead to permanent brain damage if left untreated, researchers say. In a review of the medical literature, researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine found 32 cases of bariatric surgery patients who developed symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy, a condition marked by memory loss and confusion, an inability to co-ordinate movements and rapid eye movement. Wernicke's is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, also called thiamine, and these classic symptoms are usually seen in alcoholics, said lead author Dr. Sonal Singh, an internal medicine specialist at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. “But interesting to our study, we found that these people also had other symptoms, like hearing loss, convulsions and tingling and numbness of the arms and legs — symptoms that have not been previously described with Wernicke's,” Dr. Singh said in an interview. That made the researchers wonder if these bariatric surgery patients were suffering from more than just a B1 deficiency and may have been experiencing a deficit of other critical nutrients or had developed immunological problems. Strangely, almost half of the patients with the neurological symptoms showed no brain lesions when given an MRI scan, said Dr. Singh, whose study is published Tuesday in the journal Neurology. Of the 32 patients — who had one of four weight-loss surgeries, including gastric bypass and gastric banding — 13 made a full recovery. Eighteen others were left with various levels of dysfunction and one patient, a 33-year-old woman, died. Most had experienced vomiting prior to onset of the neurological symptoms, said Dr. Singh, noting that patients ranged in age from 23 to 55, and 27 of the 32 were women. (In the United States, 75 per cent of bariatric surgery patients are women, he said.) The vomiting could have been caused by any of several factors, including the anatomical changes created by the surgery; blockages caused by swelling around the surgical area; and ulcerations or other erosions of the stomach developed following the operation. “When people who have had weight-loss surgery start experiencing any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away,” stressed Dr. Singh. “Doctors should consider vitamin B1 deficiency and Wernicke encephalopathy when they see patients with these types of neurological complications after weight-loss surgery. If treated promptly, the outlook is usually good.” The average point at which patients began exhibiting Wernicke's symptoms was four to 12 weeks after surgery, although one patient developed problems two weeks after the operation and another 18 months later. Dr. Singh said his study could not determine how common Wernicke's encephalopathy is among people who have surgery to help them lose weight, and he said studies that follow patients are needed to establish how often it occurs. While some doctors prescribe thiamine supplementation after bariatric surgery as a matter of course, Dr. Singh believes national standards should be set for physicians to follow. “This is an emerging risk which is going to become more important in the future as more people get surgery,” he said.

I had cold feet before my surgery, but I'm here a year later to say that I had NO PAIN, NO COMPLICATIONS, and the surgery worked. Good luck with your surgery (my birthday is 1/23)

Hi Y'all, I Relaize This Forum Is For People W/ Lab Band. I Am One Of Those People, I've Been Banded Since 1/07 And Couldn't Be Happier. My Problem Is My Mom. After She Saw My Succsess W/ Lap Band She Went Through The Process Of Getting Approved Through Her Insurance. She Had Everything Riding On Getting Approved And Kept Gaining Weight. She Then Found Out That Her Insurance Didn't Cover Lap Band But, Would Cover Gastric Bypass. Which To Me Makes No Scense What So Ever. Any How, She Went Ahead And Got The Gbp. Despite Me Warning Her Of All The Complications. She Had Her Surgery 1 Month Ago, And Has Been In The Hospital Twice Now. Once For Dehydration And To Stretch Her Stomach And Again Another Time To Strech It Out Even More. The Reason She's Having Her Stomach Stretched Is She Couldn't Even Keep Water Down. She Still Can't Eat Anything She Looks Horrible Very Weak And Pale. Her Doc Says They Can't Strech Her Out Any More. She's So Miserible And Wishes She Would Have Never Done This To Her Self. She Cries All The Time Bc She Can't Eat Anything W/o Throwing It Up And She's Hungry. She Also Says She Has No Support And Can't Go It Alone. We Live In Different Cities And She's A Widow. I Looked To See If There Were Any Gbp Support Websites Like This One And Couldn't Really Find One For Her. I Know Any Time I've Had A Question, Concern Of Needed Support I've Always Found It Here. My Hope Is Someone Will Read This And Maybe Know What I Can Do To Help Her Or Know Of Someone In A Similar Situation She Can Talk To. Anyone Please Help. I'm Very Worried About My Mom. Thanks Y'all.

Hello, all. I'm a 3 year band veteran and new to this site...judging from my current prediciment, I would've done well to find this site a years ago. Hold on to your hats...this is going to take a while... I was banded by Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago in Feb. 2004. I have not kept vigilant track of my loss, or my fills/unfills as most people seem to on this site. I did however, have amazing results of weight loss in the first year or so. I began somewhere around 308 and was down to 209 within a year. Couldn't ever make it past the 100 mark. (I am now 29 years old and have lost and gained significant amounts of weight prior to the band. Numerous times. In fact, I had an abdominoplasty and lipo in various areas following a significant loss. I proceeded to gain over 100 lbs. over the course of the next year. Just to give you an idea of my classic yo-yo syndrome.) I was extremely faithful in my exercise program and in my eating habits for about a year and a half following being banded; however, I threw up ALL THE TIME, on a very regular basis, even with just liquids and I don't mean literal vomiting, but "PB'ing" as I've come to learn it is called on this site. My weight loss was going so well, I chose to just accept it. My weight loss slowed after about 18 months...and at this point, I'm positive the scale is going in the wrong direction, I'm just too ashamed to look. I've only had about 3 or 4 adjustments over the course of the now 3 years of having the lap band, but have no idea as to how many ccs, I don't even know what band I have, specifically. I suppose these are things I should be more aware of. The last time, (which I'm estimating was 6 months ago if not longer) I saw my surgeon, I had an "un-fill", because I had completely stopped losing weight and finally owned up to the truth about my "PB'ing" and evidently my pouch had stretched out? (I don't know that that is the correct terminology). I went back in 2 wks later for an adjustment. I have not been back since. (Let me clarify, I was a self-pay and every time I walk in the door of my surgeon's office I'm spending $250). Since then I have not had the problem with the PB'ing barring a few exceptions, like when I tried to eat more than I should. The truth is, I eat soup and soft foods. And I most definitely, on a regular basis exceed the 4 oz. that my pouch should sufficiently hold. I don't even try to eat things like meat or bread. They don't even exist in my vocabulary. I have for at least 3 months lived with pretty acute pain in my upper abdominal region. I have chosen not to address it, because I am so ashamed, as I, at one time, was a "star patient" and now I have failed, yet again. (Unfotunately she shame goes far deeper than that). I am beginning to rapidly gain weight again at this point. I just decided to start researching and found this web site. I have finally called my surgeon and admitted my failure and told him what has been going on, in particular, the pain I've consistently had now for quite some time. Now that I have admitted this, the pain is quite more apparent. I will be seeing my surgeon (actally, Dr. Horgan has left the practice, however, he had a team of surgeons with him who have continued the practice). I spoke to him yesterday and he seems confident that I simply need to have the band deflated for a few weeks. I, however, after perusing many of the threads on this site fear major complications such as erosion or slippage. I don't have the reflux, as I have taken nexium for about 10 years (but if I don't take it, the reflux is constant and unrelenting). I am extremely frightened and am feeling so, so utterly ashamed of my failure and neglect and I hate that I know I will be made to feel even worse when I do go in on Wednesday, but I fear my health may be in jeopardy at this point, so I have no choice. I'm curious what you would do in my situation. I feel like an Upper GI is necessary, but I know that my doctor is simply going to do a barium swallow under fluoroscopy, deflate the band and send me on my way, to return for an adjustment in a few weeks. Should I be demanding an Upper GI? I have also requested a referral to a psychiatrist and will soon be seeing one who is also a patient himself. (I was req'd to see a therapist for 6 months prior to my surgery, and continued for about a year). I apologize, as brevity is not my stong suit, but would greatly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks very much. ABP

Okay, I am hoping that there is someone out there that can give me advice, words of wisdom, or just plain old Ive been there and it is possible to get back on track. I got my band three years ago. Lost 100 pounds. Had complications, band slipped and severe acid reflux. Surgery to put band back, then way off the good trail on eating, followed by divorce. Now 80 pounds are back and I want to get back on track. I just cannot seem to stop eating and kick the habit. Any advise? I know it is up to me. I just don't know how to get started again.

I would make sure I am confy with the clinic and the surgeons I choose first and foremost I would ask how many bands have they done? what types of bands they use (yes this does matter different body types work better with different bands) how many complications they have seen (ask for a percentage the more bands someone has done the more complications they have seen) What type of complications have they seen (disconnects, slips, erosions etc) If you have a complications what is the procedure? Who pays? If the band fails or you have an issue/reaction to the band what happens to you? (there have been some reactions to the materials of the bands themselves very very rare but happens) so what else can that surgeon do for you do they offer other types of WLS or only the band. (I can think of one person I know who had an allergic reaction had the band out her surgeon only did banding he refunded 1/3 of her money and said he would help her with other alternatives and she never heard from him again) What type of pre-op diet do they have you do What is your post-op routine? What is their post op support for patients (do they offer seminars, counselling, online support groups, dieticians, nutritionists, fitness etc etc) Are any of their staff banded? I find this helps in having people who understand where you are and when you have an issue they get it. What is their typical fill routine? (does the nurse ask how you are doing, what you are doing etc?) Again remember this relationship isn't just one surgery it is a lifetime relationship. You will need fills, defills, support etc. I am 5 years + out and I was at my surgeons office yesterday for a small de-fill, I am not there often but I still get them.

Has anyone here experienced a flipped port? I'm almost positive mine has either turned on it's side or completely flipped over. I used to be able to feel it completely flat and round, and now it's hard to find and feels like just a slight bulge. I have not gone to see my doctor yet, but I'm concerned if there are any major complications from it, and how in the world did it flip? Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I'm already upset because my weightloss has been so slow, and now this. Maybe I posted this in the wrong forum. I'll try another one.