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Hi- I've been reading the boards - as I'm scheduled for surgery on March 11 and I'm getting kind of nervous. I have just sat for over an hour reading the complications that some are having. Do complications happen more often than not? Also, has anyone had their band (without complications) for a very long time? I assumed that I would just keep it forever. Does it eventually have to come out? Thanks, Malissa

I'm on day 4 of my 3 week pre-op diet. Day 3 was the hardest so far. Length of pre-ops seem to differ between dr's. I'm def following it to ensure my body is in the best condition it can be which in turn should lessen complications... Well that's my thinking anyway! Secondly 3 weeks is a tiny part of the rest of my life! Don't put yourself in situations if you think you will be tempted! Stay strong!

My husband's company is self-insured. They use a company that administrates the benefits, and that is where the problems seems to lie. The network is Aetna, but the employer makes the rules and requirements. The benefits administrator is tasked with following the rules outlined by the employer. It is a bit more complicated, although most huge companies these days are self-insured (to my understanding). We have paid for the most expensive insurance plan for years. We shouldn't be dickering about these bills. I finally requested the intervention of a supervisor because I am tired of calling to dispute every bill. The supervisor said she will review my claims each day to ensure that my claims are not routinely denied. All this in spite of a pre-approval letter! Not making this up.

Newme Dr. Nick didn't want me to take the ibuprofen but if I was going to, wanted me to go back on Protonix bid to protect my stomach. Obviously, your situation is different. I had an acute problem with a short term solution. If the oxicams are what work for your pain, it sounds like Dr Nick was giving you an option that allows you to continue with it's chronic use while still protecting your tiny tummy. Dr. Nick didn't recommend the ibuprofen, I requested it. It works really well for me for my knee pain, especially post-op. I think different types of pain respond differently to different classes (and subclasses) of pain meds in different people. Most docs start with the proprionic NSAIDs and work from there depending on response. In what way did you find the post-op diet lax? Unless it has changed, it is very similar to most I have seen. For me, post-op has been a breeze (well...starting 3 weeks when I started on mushies). Once I was back on solid food, no problems. I have kept in touch with Melanie, one of his dieticians, with several questions and follow up. I know how to diet, have always known how. I was a great dieter for 2-3 months at a time, but eventually I would get hungry and would fall off the wagon and gain it all back plus a few. As far a complications, none really to speak of. I had some weird back pain at 14 days post-op. It was pretty significant and felt like it was getting worse. I called and was asked to come right in. He ordered leak test as a precaution, no leak. We ended up diagnosing the pain as muscle spasms - I think just knowing there wasn't a leak helped it go away - I'm a worrier. At nearly 6 months post-op, I love my sleeve and more importantly, I love my life with the sleeve :smile:

I am definitely feeling a bit discouraged right now. I've had the gastric band since January 2011. Since the very beginning, I've had the throwing up/regurgitating. It doesn't matter what I eat. If I have any restriction at all, I'm throwing up 2-3 times per day. My current surgeon (not the one who did the surgery) also said according to the X-ray, my band is slightly higher than it should be, but not technically "out of place". They had to loosen my band, and since then (2 months ago), I've gained about 15-20lbs back. My HW 300, SW 290, LW 220, and CW 270. My surgeon said he'd do everything he can to help me. I've done the nutrition class (again) and the psych evaluation. They submitted to insurance yesterday, and she said I should hear back within 2-3 weeks if I'm approved or not. But I've been reading A LOT of stories of people being denied for revision unless there is a serious complication with the band. I have BCBSNC. The insurance company that originally paid for my gastric band surgery was Tricare Prime, by Dr. William Richards in Mobile, Alabama.

Welcome to TRICARE, your Military Health Plan Tri-care has change its policy New TRICARE Policy Adds Weight-Loss Options (Article 2) A recent change in TRICARE policy now provides coverage for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band® surgery), opening new avenues of treatment for those fighting morbid obesity. This policy change is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2007. If you’ve had Lap-Band surgery since Feb. 1, 2007, and qualify under the new policy guidelines outlined below, you may submit a claim for reimbursement or, if you submitted a claim and it was denied, you may appeal the denial. Lap-Band surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help you shed excess body weight. The Lap-Band shrinks your stomach and restricts how much food you can eat at one time. You are eligible for Lap-Band surgery if you meet any one of the following conditions: You are 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and have one of these associated medical conditions: Diabetes mellitus Hypertension Cholecystitis Narcolepsy Pickwickian syndrome (or other severe respiratory disease) Hypothalamic disorder Severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints You are 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category. You have had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, require a second surgery (a takedown). For more information about Lap-Band surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure. Gastric Bypass TRICARE covers gastric bypass, gastric stapling and gastroplasty to include vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band surgery) is covered only when the beneficiary meets one of the following conditions: Is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome, hypothalamic disorders or severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints Is 200 percent or more over ideal weight for height and bone structure Has had intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and because of complications, requires another surgery (takedown)

Hello fellow bandsters, ex-bandsters, and bandster wannabes. I am not posting this to beat anybody up or anything like that so please don't take it that way, but I'm just writing because I can't understand why so many people feel as though the band has fell them. So I'm ranting basically. I have been reading many posts in which people who have had surgery around the same time as myself and even after me are having or has had complications with their band and I can't understand that. Grant it, I do understand that many have had success and because of other issues with their body they had to have their fluids removed for either pregnancy or other surgeries and for whatever reason, the band is selfish. It doesn't apparently want us to have babies or other surgeries that we need for our continued overall good health. Okay, I get that and the band stops working and needs to be removed. Okay, cool. However, I have read other peoples stories and apparently funds were not available for aftercare to get the proper adjustments needed to stay restricted. I keep reading posts that state they never achieved the "sweet spot" and all I can say is I'm sorry. If you are self-pay, again, I'm sorry that you weren't able to keep getting your fills because proper fill capacity is the key. Yes, I realize many of you also have to drive miles and hours just to get that and believe me, I understand gas and money these days. But at the same time, you should have been given the guidelines to follow in order to successfully lose weight (types of food to eat and avoid and amounts) and if your bariatric team did not do that, then shame on them. The band can't say, however, "Don't put that ice cream in your mouth. Don't drink this or eat that." Only you have total control of what goes in your mouth. I have also read many people's journeys in which they didn't even need fills and have lost impressive amounts of weight. To you I applaud and congratulate you because I was not that fortunate. I had to get my fills and unfills when I was too tight. That's another problem I keep reading about over and over. If you are too tight, you will not lose weight you are in the red zone and are setting yourself up for failure. I hated that I had to get an unfill or two or three because I loved that tightness and I wanted to lose weight so bad, but I'm so glad that I listened to my professionals because it paid off in the end. So what am I saying, the band does not fail. YOU FAIL, I'm sorry. There are some unfortunate souls that well your body just doesn't want as you say something "foreign" in you. Well, God bless you and I hope you have found another way to lose weight. For you new people, IT IS NOT EASY!!!!!! Even in maintainence, it's not easy. Again, if you have the proper restriction YOU WILL NOT OVER EAT PERIOD. Can you eat anything you want? Yes for some of us but not everything. After being banded, some foods and drinks we just can't do and that is a plus for many of us because we don't need them in the first place. Why is it still hard in maintainence? Because you have to still be careful about not eating too fast and chewing your food really good so that you don't get stuck. For me and I'm sure for a few others, that is a daily struggle. So all in all, the band is a great tool to help you lose weight if YOU REALLY WANT TO, but YOU have to do the work. The band is just placed around your stomach and that's it. It doesn't think for you. Again, I'm not trying to disrespect anyone but just clarifying the fact that the band doesn't fail by itself. Best wishes to all of you.

Hi Amsaf I am now over a year out from my surgery with Dr. Shillingford, and still have nothing but good news to report. I could not be happier with my decision to use him. My only regret is that since his office is three hours away for me, I haven't followed up as regularly as I should. But since I haven't had any complications, this really hasn't been an issue. Please feel free to check out my blog for more details regarding my surgery day, and hospital stay. I really went into quite a lot of detail!

That's a standard term to mean that the insurance company believes you're worth spending the money on. Mostly they want to make sure that your risk of recidivism is low, that you know what you're getting into and how to take care of yourself post-op. That's why there's a psychiatric exam requirement before you can be approved. Most people do just fine with that, though in some cases the psychiatrist may feel there is some previously undiagnosed or untreated depression that could affect your health. There are also other factors, such as if you have other severe medical conditions like advanced cancer, are you likely to actually benefit from WLS? They balance that against the cost of leaving you untreated and instead paying for all of the complications that could arise, such as diabetes. Bottom line is unless you have an extreme situation either physically or mentally, you'll be fine.

Hello everyone! I was banded last Tuesday, the 16th of April. I had only minor complications, which I was very thankful for. :thumbup: So far I have lost a whopping 20 lbs!!! I know this will slow down once the purees and mush start next week. Does anyone have any advice on how to make it through this next week with just liquids? I get major stomach growling and feel pretty weak. Thanks, Lara

Interesting article, but I think it barely scratches the surface on the minor complications. Soooo glad for my band to be gone!!! You know I rolled onto my side in bed this morning and it didn't hurt. For the first time in almost 4 years. Sweet!

1 month out today from under the knife! Overall very happy with month 1 - 35lbs down post op. Had dreamed it would come off quicker, but given I lost 40 preop a slowdown was a bit expect. So nice to be down 75 from Oct 7, 2012 and 58 since first doc consult Nov 15. Did my diet advancement (my surgery center is very conservative but great reputation for minimal complications). No vomiting and only discomfort was eating too fast. Getting 60 - 90 g Protein a day, but was averaging under 600 cals. Burning 700 a day swimming so I know I need to up to between 900 and 1100 but I dont know how as it seems I am already just eating or drinking all the time. Thank you all for help along the way!! Off to goal 2! Kevin

HI, this is my first post! I had my surgery May 16, 2014. I have lost 40 or so lbs. Right now I am having a problem eating the right things. And I am getting bored with all the food. I would rather munch than have a meal. Are there any recipes that are easy and healthy? I have searched and most of them are complicated. I want to master the basics now, then a little later get technical. Also, I am having a hard time exercising, I just don't want to do it most of the time. How do I motivate myself? I am such a mess!!!

There were a lot of people who have died from gastric bypass but I do not hear about it with the sleeve...but you could die from having any surgery. Do you know what her complications were after having the sleeve surgery?

Her family said it was the duodenal switch.........I thought if you already had the gastric bypass and you got sleeved that is called duodenal switch...Not sure. I know we were all told we could DIE and about all the complications. I am just sad because I never knew anyone to die of the WLS and Im just nervous and want to do good and have good results. Thanks everyone for your concerns/post.

Supposedly it's a type of massage that helps drain excess fluids via the lymph system. My PS is sending me to a woman who specializes in post-surgical massage to help with lymphatic draining as well as scar tissue formation, etc. He claims that his patients who go to her heal much faster than those who don't, with fewer complications, etc. I figure it's definitely worth a try.

I think your best bet is to ask your surgeon. I'm one who has recovered VERY quickly but the other poster is right; that's just anecdotal. Your surgeon will know best what his patients can/can't do. Your surgeon may prefer that you remain in town and close in case of post op complications. Mine requires that we remain in the city for a week post op....

Please listen to the other posters and stop this behavior. You must follow the after care instructions in order to heal properly. You don't want to end up with complications! Be strong. Remember that you had this surgery to improve your life. Don't risk ruining any chance of a positive outcome! We're here to support you, vent as needed, but follow your instructions!

Like others, I think it's a personal choice. Me personally, I haven't lied about it, but on the other hand, I also believe the Lap Band is not a miracle drug, it is a tool that without the work you put into it, you are not going to see the results, and so all my friends, all my co-workers see me constantly kicking my butt at the gym on a regular basis, eating right, watching my calories, making sure I don't drink my calories - and because of that I have been able to drop over 90lbs already since I got the lap band done in November without even being in the green zone that so many are normally in rather quickly. Now don't get me wrong, you can lose the weight without doing the gym thing, as many have, but the band isn't going to do it all for you. Will you lose weight with the band if you don't change your eating habits? Yes, because you are still cutting your calories by a lot just by having the band. But my perspective is, why get the surgery if you aren't willing to be a healthier and better you? Because whether I am skinny or I am fat, if I'm still eating like crap - my body is still crap. I have also seen many folks that only lose a certain amount of weight with the lap band because they don't eat proper lean foods to help them. The gym is really only 10% of your routine, it is food that is the 80% and then genetics tend to be another 10% - so can you lose all your weight you want to without the gym? Yes. But, I've also noticed that weight loss is just as much physical as it is psychological - most folks work thru that psychological within the gym or some sort of active activity. For me that's my #1 pet peeve, is someone that gets the lap band with no interest in changing their eating habits, because then whats the point? I have seen this way too many times, and way too many times those folks complain about that the lap band doesn't work and they regret getting it. It's something that makes me want to smack them for. I don't think it's a issue for someone that lies about having the lap band done though - like I said I think it's a personal choice, and in many cases it's because someone they told was extremely unsupportive about it - causing the fear of "what if everyone is unsupportive?" I have been beyond blessed to have everyones support. The only support I did not have, was because they had 2 friends that had gotten it done with complications, but as I told them, their 2 friends with complications goes against my many friends with amazing results, and since then seeing me kick my butt constantly at the gym they have been very supportive of me getting the lap band done. I honestly have no interest in getting to the green zone as so many get to, but that's a personal preference, simply because I am seeing the results I want to see thru my own butt kicking (not to mention I simply love food) but the lap band still helps me keep on track and I do not regret getting it. I simply can put in more food than a normal lap band person in the green zone can eat, however I still eat less than a normal person with no lap band does.

Hi Ryan! First, congratulations! I can see why you'd be very concerned right now. Both are very legitimate reasons for feeling uneasy. I can tell you that MANY women have the band and have had babies and dropped their pregnancy weight after, with the help of the band. I'm sure they'll give you a complete unfill. Even so, without a fill, the band can help to keep you from over indulging...well at least WAY over indulging. Remember, gaining weight is part of pregnancy. 20-30 pounds is perfectly acceptable for a woman of healthy weight (15-20 for an over weight woman). I know "the baby only weighs '7' pounds"...but you have to add the amniotic Fluid, placenta, extra Water retention, etc...I'm sure the thought of gaining weight back is VERY scary...we've all probably yo-yo'd most of our lives and can't seem to wrap our minds around the band being a permanent aide. Try to relax about the weight. make healthy choices, continue to exercise as the doctor recommends...get plenty of rest and ENJOY! Now, I don't know what complications you had with your first child. I do know that if you were obese when pregnant, that in and of itself can pose issues. You're healthier now. Hopefully this will contribute to a healthier pregnancy. Hang in there...tomorrow is Monday and you can talk to your doctors and come up with a good care plan Best wishes!

Hi! I was sleeved Dec. 18th. I knew that had sleep apnea for a few years but wasn't officially diagnosed until one month prior to my surgery. The anesthesiologist usually want to know this prior to putting you under to assess any complications you might have during surgery. I woke up intubated and could hear the nurses and doctors talking about how shallow I was breathing and my blood pressure being out of control. I was in recovery nearly an hour. Since the surgery, I have felt 100% better. No waking up with headaches. I am waiting until 6months post-op to schedule my follow-up sleep study.

Yep SLOW down!! My mom made the observation the other day that one problem with laprascopic surgery is that we forget we have had MAJOR SURGERY!! Also any other major surgery they would be encouraging us to eat good healthy foods for our body to heal, instead we have restricted our calories big time. It takes time. I went back to work after 2 weeks (but I only work 1 full day a week) had to take a nap at lunch, and it was 5 weeks before I returned to all my activities. But I also had complications during surgery, and I'm 53. I also felt like I should be more based on those posts you mentioned.

Just research research research..... Usher's ex-wife had complications during hers in another country and Kanye's mom past as well..... It happens, so all u can do is research and pray. I had tummy tuck, lipo of upper body and thighs in bowie, md for 8k, and this doctor has document he gives you stating any problems with your level of satisfaction, he will fix at no cost to you... He was good! Good luck. Will pray for your safety...:-)

Many people over this last year have asked me what I did to prepare for my weight loss surgery. There were many things that I did and not one was more important than another. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that your preparation heading into surgery and especially the liquid diet the week or two prior will be the hardest and most important thing you do as a part of your journey. You will work hard to prepare your mind, your body, and to some degree your spirit to go though the surgery. Once you do have the surgery the hardest part is over. If you can survive the months before taking the plunge then everything you do after will be a piece of cake in comparison. I am here to tell you that anyone who says having a weight loss surgery is taking the easy way out is someone who will never understand what it truly takes to go through this process. To some degree I feel sorry for those who don't get it. They will never understand the joy and excitement that comes with going through this transformation. To be honest, even though my wife loves me and has been an amazing support through this whole process, she will never full know or understand what it is like to make this decision and prepare for the surgery like I do. This is part one, in a series of three posts, detailing my preparation for surgery. The first aspect of this preparation I will cover is how I prepared my body. This was pretty simple for me really. I was in bad shape and was huffing after just sitting up from a chair; as my transformation video in an earlier post has shown. I was miserable! I would practically crawl through my front door after just my first night back to work. I work as a pharmacy technician at a hospital and walk 8 to 12 miles a night. I was living off of Tylenol and Bengay. Honestly I smelled like I was probably 90 years old. Looking back I find myself completely disgusted that I ever let things get that bad. Since I could not really do much working out because of the toll work was taking on my body, what could I do? The answer came from my brother. He is a nurse and knows a ton about medicine. I honestly think he should have became a doctor, but he didn't want the added responsibility. Before I had fully decided on having the bypass surgery and long before anyone knew I was even contemplating that option my brother came to me, as serious as I had ever seen him. Those that know my brother know he's a bit of a joker and very lighthearted. His demeanor kind of scared me, but in this conversation would be the answer that would help me prepare my body for surgery. He explained to me that he wanted to see me healthy, that he wanted me to be able to be the cool uncle when he had kids, and how he wanted his brother back. He was scared that I wouldn't be around much longer and didn't want to see me die. Looking back I really think he was right. Then he did something that floored me and provided and amazing answer to how I would physically prepare for the journey I was about to take. He explained to me that he wanted me healthy so badly he would pay for my gym membership if I promised to go three times a week and swim. On a side note; He religiously checked up on my progress with the gym manager to make sure I was going and even went so far as to meet me at the gym and swim with me. I swam on a team in junior high and he explained to me the benefits of working out in the Water. Water has the ability to take all of the pressure off of your knees and other joints. It can keep you cool if you are prone to overheating and provides an amazing about of resistance if you find ways to take advantage of it. He set up a plan and told me just to come three times a week to swim and do what I could. So that is what I did. I did not want to let me brother down and I would hope he would agree it was the best investment he ever made. So that is what I did; I swam. I swam freestyle, I swam breast stroke, I saw backstroke, and when I was feeling particularly squirrely, I swam butterfly. Butterfly was my specialty when I was on swim team but man it is a butt kicker. I started out with 10 laps, which was a lot better than I had thought. I found I could move more freely and with less pain in the water. From there I just simply added one or two laps each time I went. Before I knew it, I was approaching my surgery date and I was swimming close to an hour non-stop! Why should I work out prior to surgery? There is a very simple answer. To prepare your body. You need to prepare your body for what you are about to put it through. This is major surgery and not something to take lightly. You also want to work out to build up your cardiovascular and pulmonary endurance. Strengthening the heart will make you strong for surgery because your body will be stressed, because of this your blood pressure will spike for a short time after surgery and it is a lot to put on yourself. Strengthening your lungs will help keep you from a common post surgical complication which is pneumonia. My goal in preparing my body was simply to be able to survive the surgery, keep my complications down, and my hospital stay short as should be your goal as well. I want to tell you right now that preparing my body worked out well. I had no major complications and I left the hospital three days later, which was the minimum hospital stay my doctor required for his full bypass patients. What if I can't swim? The key here is to simply get moving. If you can walk, then walk. If you have access to a pool, then you can water walk or water jog. If you love biking and can do that, then do that. You just need to move. Your goals with this are simple. First, you want to make sure you are panting a little from being out of breath when you are done. This will show you that your lungs have been pushed a little and if that is true then your heart will have been pushed also. Second, each time you work out, just add a little to it. If your taking laps on a track, add a lap or a half a lap each time. If you are walking your neighborhood then walk for another 30 seconds or a minute. If you do this early, as soon as you begin contemplating surgery the further along and better prepared you will be, come surgery day. As always, if you have any questions, or if there is anything unclear, please post your questions and comments below and I will work to answer them all as soon as I can. Also check again soon for part 2 of the series about dealing with the psychological aspects of preparing for the amazing journey you are taking.

Yes I had fear. But mainly I was excited about changing my life. I think you need to go into this with your eyes wide open. You need to know all the possible things that go wrong. You need to be prepare for the worst. And then you need to put the 'worst' into context: complications only happen to about 5 out of every 100 people who get the band, and many are minor enough to be resolved without much fuss. I was one who had a complication. I'm grateful it didn't have long term effects and was relatively easily fixed. I don't blame the band for me gaining weight as a result of the band failure, the band works while it's working, but it's not some magic weight loss injection, all it did was help. When it stopped working, it meant it was all on me, and I don't blame the band for that either. That's the thing I think: people don't take the responsibility for their weight loss. They hope that the band will fix all their ills, and it doesn't work that way. So when it doesn't because they didn't put in their part, they blame the band for failing them. I have definitely seen my share of people for whom the band has failed them, BUT I see a WHOLE lot more people who consistently fail themselves, which has very little to do with the band itself. So you need separate the good from the bad and figure out what's best for you.