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Yay for swimming!!! As far as MFP numbers, I find it WAY overestimates calories burned for me. Maybe for someone with normal metabolism it is fine, but for me it wasn't working. I've finally embraced my slower metabolism as a good thing and am getting the sleeve done to help me better manage it. MFP treats weight loss like a pure numbers game but we know it's more complicated than that.

Hi Shelly, Glad I didn't scare ya off honey! LOL! I just wanted you to know the truth, he's tough, but it's tough love. If this is the groove that you need to get ya going, so be it. I accepted it completely, and it's proved to be what I needed to gain accountability for my eating. I started eating and acting like a Bandster. I ate my Protein first, then non-starchy veggies and avoided bread for the most part. I worked hard to stick with reasonable portions and calorie limits. Eating with smaller spoon helps, as does remembering to drink all the Water, at least 64 oz a day. I chose to stop drinking with meals too. Call it training, chew chew chew, this is something that is way too easy to forget. LOL! I worked on getting three meals a day, little or no snacking, and worked very hard on clearing out the junk food in my house. I measured portions for everyone, including my three kids, and hubby. I dished up meals, planned nutritonally balanced wholesome foods and cut out all trips to any fast food places...no candy, no chips, no Cookies, etc. I will be honest, there were times when my resolve was severely tested, I redirect as much as possible, and spend my days wearing my shoes. IF my mood hits, I am out the door stomping out my frustrations and getting my blood pressure and heart rate up for a good reason. It helped me to journal my thoughts too. I went from complete and total lathargic mode to insominia. LOL! On this Thursday, I will be post op 8 weeks. I had considered RNY at one time, but the risks scared me...the potential for complications was not something I was willing to accept. With three kids, 8,7 and 5, I can't accept that I may have risked so much more to be thin. So far, my experience has been a good one with only a minor blip in the whole trip. Once I understood that life on the otherside wouldn't be as restricted, I knew that I could live within my new limits...that I would be allowed the control in my life that I craved. Not only has it helped me lose 42 pounds total, with 29 since surgery, I've gained so much mentally. That call from Sherry will come soon enough!!! Hang in there and do what ya can to prepare! ((HUGS)) Linda

I want to thank all of you for your replies to my post. I am amazed at how all over the board your replies are. Seems some you got approved w/o any documentation or trouble at all, while others almost had to sign away their first born just to get a hello from the insurance company. Obviously depends on your doc’s efforts to help you and the state you live in. I am almost certain BCBS of Mich., just recently started covering WLS, so I guess they are going to make anyone who tries to get approval jump though all the hoops. GET THIS. When I called my insurance company and the customer service rep started telling me EVERYTHING I was going to have to need and do I immediately started to get a sinking feeling that I was going to be on my own with this one. After listening to the very nice, but not very generous CSR basically tell me it was going to take a miracle for BCBS to cover this for me I decided to ask her a question. I asked her if I paid for this on my own would they cover any treatment necessary if there were a complication with the surgery? I was stunned when she quickly told me "of course we will cover any treatment necessary related to any complications from the surgery. COME ON….BCBS has willingly covered and will continue to cover YEARS of medical treatment necessary due to my obesity: prescriptions, tests, arthritis medications, knee surgeries, and even treatment necessary if there are complications with the band surgery, but they do whatever they have to do to not cover the band surgery itself. Looks more and more like I am going to be paying for this on my own. I am a stress eater and the very thought of battling the insurance company makes me want to order an extra large round pepperoni pizza and eat the whole thing by myself. I just can not handle the thought of doing everything BCBS asks me to do, it taking months to get all their ducks in a row, then having them ask me over and over again for something more. I have done years of weight loss programs, but I really do not have any documentation to give other than the last medically supervised program that I left six months ago. After four months of nothing but liquids, minimal weight loss, and hundreds of dollars I was done. You all know how though this battle is already. I have been fighting and losing my battle with weight for so long I really do not think I have it in me to fight the insurance company and my weight at the same time. I figure why wait months just to still not be approved. Every day I wait is a day I don’t lose any weight. Again, thank you all for your replies. Regardless of how my band gets paid for it helps to know there are others out there just like me who I can talk to and turn to for support.

I am 37 and was considering lab band 2 years ago when I had the highest weight. But after doing the huge research I just realize that lab band is not for me. I heard a lot about complication with food stuck. and because I am a meat lover I decided not to do it and start nutrisystem. I lost and after I gain back. When I met the Lady who I knew, I knew she did the wls and I saw the progress I asked her what she did and she actually introduce me to sleeve. I did the research and decided that this is exactly what I need. after conversation with my surgeon he just said the same. I know that sleeve is new and there is no long term result but I believe in it. and I think it is the best what I can choose for myself. I am still only 2 weeks post op so cannot tell a lot about after experience but there is no regret so far.

Yes, these stats are from the early trials, when none of the US docs had any experience. Yes, 80% probably have a "complication", since they include even the most minor things in the term "complication" ! Who hasn't barfed once?? The way i see it, i am willing to accept the risks, because the "complication" from remaining morbidly obese is 100% early DEATH. That is a BIG complication! Renee

I felt the exact same way. To the point where they said no one is keeping you here. No one is forcing you. If you want to leave you clothes are right there. Change and go if you want. I was so scared I kept crying before. I was in pain the 2nd day after and I also cried to my mom and said I made a mistake. My mom said it would get easier. It has and I'm happier every day that I did it. I'm 3 weeks and 3 days post op. The chances are low for complications. Just follow your doctors directions and you should be fine. This is a life change. It shouldn't be taken lightly. You decide what it's worth to you.

Hi hoping someone where can help. I just had my final meeting with my doctor and scheduled my revision RNY to DS. 2 years ago my insurance denied my revision so I am 100% self pay. I got all my payment information today and the woman at the doctor's office told me she would need to "run the insurance info through" for the hospital just so they have the denial info? huh? the LAST thing I want is for my insurance company to have any info on this surgery. I majorly understand the risks of any complications in the hospital and being responsible for the costs personally since I am paying for the initial surgery. I understand that risk and am willing to take it. I also understand that if I go home a few days or weeks later sometype of complication happens, that I should be able to run that through insurance and have it be covered (different medical coding). So with all this being said the LAST thing I want is for the insurance company to have any inkling of this surgery Has anyone ever had this experience? I am very concerned now that she said that this morning and I cannot think of anything else...any insight would be appreciated.

Hi. Welcome!! You are feeling the same feelings that I think a lot of people do. No one can say what is best for you - only you can. I read lots of posts on here and when you read about someone who had complications or results that are not what they wanted.. it makes you think... and wonder. There are so many successful stories on here and even the ones I read that have had problems - MOST say if they had it to do over again, they would. Every surgery has risks. I just made a list of the risks of the surgery and the risks I am taking carrying all of this extra weight around. For me it was simple. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 12th. I am keeping a positive attitude, praying, and hoping for the best. I am ready to do what I need to do to be healthier. The band is the tool that I have decided on to help me get there. I wish you luck in making your decision. Again.... welcome!!! Becky

How can we have stalls? Because our bodies are not automobiles. They do not get X miles to the gallon with every 3,500 calories. They are MUCH more complicated than cars. And they're very effed up after having 85% of their stomachs cut out ... and after sucking in all those IV fluids ... and then losing all those IV fluids and some actual fat and some very real muscle to the tune of 10-20 LBs lost in the first few weeks after surgery ... and sitting around being prone and sedentary plus ... and taking opioids during and after our hospital stay and early recovery.

And what's wrong with him offering her different links on both band removal/complication, as well as revision links in case she's interested?

Hello, wls comrades. Five years ago today, I entered Onederland after a VSG Dec. 2013. HW: 271. SW: 257.2. Lowest weight: 180.8 (1/23/17). I wanted to get to 175, but my face was getting so thin and I was looking older/wrinkled. My Onederland weight was "197.8" and I smiled so broadly!! Alas, today, I weigh 206...ten pounds heavier than that day, and 27 pounds above my lowest weight. Grrrrrr. I am bummed, as I'm having a hard time getting back under control. I'm mad at myself. Just saying. I'm considering having a re-do...a second VSG later this year...because I don't want to be in that fight again. I'll see how I do between now and July. Keep me in your thoughts/prayers. Although I had NO complications, was done outpatient and did great, I don't want another surgery, but more...I DON'T want to be in that fight again, nor be over 200 pounds. But I'm told that ghrelin returns after 5 years; I'm approaching 6 years, so...'Hello, Heartache... here we go again..." My thought is...if I have another VSG ~205 pounds; lose 50-60 pounds, get to ~140-150. Then if I regain 20 pounds after five years (when i'll be almost 70 y.o.), wth. :-) I won't worry about it then. lol. When I was at 180 pounds, I was a near-size 10, feeling real good, etc.I can 'finish out' around that weight. Just thinking. Any thoughts? I may try that old "Master Cleanse," if I can hang in there the first few days. I'm open to thoughts to get back on the food track. If I can do that and get over the hump, I may be able to lose again. Hmm.

You are at a higher risk of dying from obesity and the complications and medical conditions it causes than you are from the surgery. Think of the band as your life support!

You all are so amazing. I didn't realize there were more replies on this thread as I am still getting used to this site. Noob! Kindle, thanks for the info. I will read her posts to see what happened. One surgery with complications doesn't surprise me, or put me off but if post op contact is bad then....as it stands right now I am having trouble getting hold of anyone at the hospital to ask questions. It's bizarre - the main voicemail box is full so I can't leave a message, and the person who did respond via email said they were travelling and would contact me within 48 hours and it has been a week. I have emailed several times since. This is not inspiring confidence. Is there a place to put a personal weight loss thread so one can keep adding posts and not have to have a separate blog? Stacy - You raise some good points I had not thought of (and I will check the youtube videos...good idea). 1. Do most of these places provide private rooms? 2. How many surgeries a day does the doctor perform? 3. Does the doctor speak English (I assume most do). Happy - congratulations on your loss! How did your doctor know he had a good reputation? Do you know, by any chance? I am just asking so I can maybe consult similar sources. Covatila - indeed, you are human - and it is hard to do 100 percent, you know? I am glad to hear you have adjusted so well. I see it has only bene like not even 2 months for you and you lost 70 lbs! Wow - is that even possible? I must be reading that wrong. Ahh ZMDH, you have been such a font of useful information (like everyone has!) 1. Ok, I will avoid the independent booking agencies - your assessment sounds reasonable. I would much prefer to have a coordiator out of the doctor's office. 2. How do you qualify for in house financing - any idea? The PDL website said you need to have a bank account and a credit card. I am pretty sure it is more complicated than that lol. It's not a lot of money to pay anyway - but still, I have to come up with it and the time slot to have the surgery that works best for me is June (ish). 3. Ok, I will just ask for what possible hidden costs. I am thinking of getting some dental done down there as well. I usually have it done when I travel overseas. 4. I have a best friend that is graduating a surgery residency. I should ask him to check out the pictures. Wow you actually checked supply line origins and manufacture history? Wow - I don't even know what that would tell you but adding it to my list lol. WOW. You should make up a checklist for people to ask each doctor. Would you?! That would be so awesome. We could work on a google doc together if you want. I would love to see your posts on the research process. I saw one and it was loaded with information. Would you mind telling me what made you uncomfortable with Jerusalem Hospital? I am definitely going to check out your doctor and the others people have mentioned. Cost due to the time factor is an issue for me. I am hoping I can find one at a reasonable price that I am confident with. --------------------------- Ok and I came up with a few more questions. -Do most of these places provide private rooms? -The surgeons in the usa are concerend with sleep apnea being diagnosed prior to surgery. I have never been diagnosed with it but is this something I should check before going down there? What about cardio tests that they ask for in the usa? - Do the doctors put your legs in the pressure things to avoid blood clots? - What is it like flying back so soon after surgery?

I'm 27 and did it because it was really the right choice. I was extremely healthy no comorbidies no high anything but it wasn't going to stay that way forever so I decided to do it because I'm healthy and at less risk for complications then waiting a few years when my body is shutting down.

I have my last preop next Friday. Then it's all downhill and I'm thinking surgery will be in April. I am scared to death!!!! The closer I get the more scared I get! I have a husband of 13 years, a 4 and an 11 year old. What if I die? What if I have complications like infection or leak? What if I am a weenie about the pain and have a rough time? What if I never see my kids again? What will their life be without me? How will my husband and family manage? What if my backup at work can't do my tasks right? I'm scared!!!!!! I hear it's normal, I know it's normal but why am I freaking out so bad? I'm contemplating taking some of my dad's ashes into surgery with me cause he was always my biggest protector... How to I chill out? I've had anxiety all week... I feel ya!! I really do empathize.

I can't offer much, I'm only 10 days post op but originally that is what I wanted. After research I decided against the band due to complications, always getting fills, and having a foreign object. The first doctor I went to was opposite as yours. I wanted sleeve by that point he suggested band but was willing, I found a new surgeon as the only reason was band was that surgeon's specialty. I researched alot on here and after my initial thoughts band was never an option. Keep reading and be sure to ask the people who had band to sleeve revision Also to had there are success stories with the band for me though sleeve was the better option.

Hi, I am in Flower Mound and will have my consult on the 30th to have the gastric sleeve. I had the lapband removed in 2012 due to complications. I even more excited this time around and ready to get back to a healthier weight and life!!

hey chris! well i hope i can provide some relief for you! when i was first banded i to had a BUNCH of fills atleast 10 i got filled to 4.1 and STILL had NO restriction... the band WILL hold up to 5.0 cc's mine was filled that much at one point.. this is an excerpt from my SECOND barium swallow.. "3-11-04 i had my swallow study don't today this is how it went... go in drink barium look at band. NO RESTRICTION. check to see what's 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 murky. 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 wasn't coming from the band but a pocket in the port. i don't know. i don't care. all i care about is if i have restriction!!!! i had a can of cream of chicken Soup just now and was able to drink the entire can with relative ease but that's just soup so we'll see as i get more adventurous tomorrow and this weekend with foods of substance. they were also VERY impressed with my loss since the band hasn't been offering me any/very little restriction. my dr has banded 200+++ patients and i am the only one this has happened to so don't worry i am an oddball! i guess i am in the 4% complication rate...but not anymore!!!!! i hope!" maybe your dr could do a fill under flouro and use contrast saline so he knows the fill is going into the band? and yes the band does hold 5.o cc's. once you get close to restiction even .1 cc will make a HUGE difference. after i was filled to 4.1 cc's still with not much restriction (and AFTER my dr did the FIRST swallow study and told me nothing was wrong) i ended up contacting inamed. the contacted my dr and the VERY next day they spent 2 hours poking and prodding me BUT i left with restriction!!!! michelle

It seems that this is a person that just doesn't want to listen to reason. They claim to be a medical student, but yet it seems they knew absolutely nothing about this surgery before committing to it. I had complications dealing with surgery. I was in the hospital three times, including an ER visit, within the first two weeks post-op. So I know this surgery isn't a magical, stress-free solution. Heck, at 3.5 months out, I still have trouble following a suitable diet plan. I overeat sometimes, and usually that makes me sick. Slowly, I'm learning. I know I have food issues, and this is a great forum to come and deal with it, whether you want to vent, inquire, or just learn from other people. Whining about the surgery because you refuse to follow the plan isn't going to solve anything. Is your surgeon frustrated with you? Or do you just act this way on the internet, and all sweet towards her and don't tell her all the problems you're having? I have a feeling karma is going to bite you in the butt once you become a doctor and you have patients who refuse to listen to you. Should this forum be all unicorns and rainbows? No, not really. People need to see the ups and downs, the pros and cons, the good and the bad of this surgery. It's a lifelong commitment. This surgery may help you with the physical aspect, but it doesn't help the emotional or mental one. You didn't get fat overnight. You didn't develop food related issues (because, really, pretty much all overweight/obese people have them) overnight. So this surgery isn't going to fix it overnight. I hope your journey goes better for you.

I am 35 years old, and I had the sleeve done on March 5th. When I went in to the program (October 31, 2014), my weight was 529lbs. When I started the four week pre-op diet (Feb. 5, 2015), I was 517. On surgery day I was 480 and today, a week and a half later I am 467. An astonishing loss in a relatively short period of time, and is (according to my surgeon) not the norm. I am thrilled, though. I have had zero complications. No nausea, no vomiting, no cramping and most of all, no pain. I was completely off of the narcotic pain killers within 36 hours of surgery, and have been able to take in every last bit of liquids and Protein that my surgeon requests. I consider myself very fortunate that I have had no difficulty compared to others. I firmly believe that recovery is 20% physical and 80% mental, or at least it has been for me. If you get in to the mindset that VSG is a tool that you will be able to use to get healthy and to lead a much longer, fuller life, then you will not only be able to do it, but to succeed. VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good luck to you.

I had the band on 2/24. I chose the band for several reasons. To start off the surgery is a lot less invasive so there's a significantly reduced risk of complications as well as a much shorter recovery time. I also liked the idea of it being adjustable. So if I start to gain back or stretch my pouch it can be adjusted to get me back where I need to be. I personally know of several people who had the sleeve or the bypass that lost dramitcally in the 1st year or so but then gained back significantly. I know of 3 people that gave regained 50+ back after the sleeve or the bypass .I've spoken to a few of them at length and they said that once they started eating poorly they had a really hard time stopping themselves. That once they're stomach started to stretch that eventually they ate like they'd never had surgery. At least with the band you can have your fill level adjusted and get back on track. And I'm not saying that there aren't plenty of people that have failed the band. But at least to me that having the option to go back for adjustments would give me better long term results. But I will also say that anyone that has any of the 3 surgeries without making the mental changes needed to change your relationship with food isn't gonna have much long term success no matter what surgery they have.

Three more hours I will be going back to into surgery. I'm hoping to wake up with getting through the procedure this time with no complications. It was truly disappointing and a set back for me the first time due to low heart rate. My whole focus was thrown off and depressing. I'm asking all buddies to please pray that this time around be successful.

I was pretty sure I wanted bypass then when I met with my psychiatrist and therapist, they both suggested the sleeve instead, saying it was "less radical" although it seems to me it's "more radical" because it permanently cuts out part of your stomach, but I listened to them and did the sleeve. No regrets. No complications, No problems.

radink, my sister had the Bypass surgery. She lost a lot of weight fast but it left her with a lot of sagging skin and unfortunately, her insurance refuses to approve the surgery to have the excess removed. Due to other complications/issues, she was nearly 450 lbs when she had the surgery and now down to about 250 but I would say a good 35 is skin. If you choose GBP, make sure your insurance company will approve the surgery for the tummy tuck and removal of the excess skin. You lose much slower with the band but I believe that gives your skin more time to shrink naturally (not to say there won't be some excess).

Hi all, I got banded June 8th, I've had 2 weeks off work and am more than ready to get back, daytime television really sucks. I only had a few days of discomfort after the op with no complications so far. I started at 410 lbs and now at 384. Lots to go but I'm feeling really confident about getting through it. I work in an office sitting on my butt all day so I'm gonna have to get exercising real soon. It is winter down here at the moment so early morning walks dont look too tempting. Good luck to everyone who has taken this step to better health. Jase