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I had my surgery in November 2010. It was my first surgery and I was a bit worried . I recovered quickly with minimal discomfort post-surgery. My incisions healed well and I experienced minimal gas pains and discomfort in the week following the surgery. I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time. Both procedures went well. I was tired as expected but other than what I've mentioned, there were no complications. I had surgery on a Wednesday morning, stayed overnight because of sleep apnea, and returned to work on Tuesday. I walked as much as I could at the hospital and continued to walk when I came home which I believe helped my recovery. Best wishes on your journey.

Sorry you are feeling let down. However I am sure that the surgeon has your best interests at heart. Surgery is dangerous and the higher your BMI the more dangerous it is . A BMI of 68 is extremely high.Far better to lose the weight prior to surgery than to die from complications on the table. It is also normal in the US to have to undergo a 6 month supervised diet prior to undergoing surgery . This proves to the insurance company that you are serious and have tried your best and are not just looking for a quick fix. you are not the first person i have heard of that has to do a 4 week preop diet. The purpose of this part of the process is to help shrink the liver. When you are obese the liver is enlarged and fatty. If it is not reduced in size prior to surgery you run the risk of having to have open as opposed to laparoscopic surgery or of it getting damaged during surgery which is highly dangerous. If your Dr suggested a bypass you need to find out why do not just dismiss his suggestion out of hand.Yes there are some Dr's that push bypass because it is their preferred surgery but your Dr may feel that a band would not suit you. With weight loss surgery there is no one size fits all - different surgeries suit different people depending on their types of eating.Bands are generally recommended for people that eat large quantities but do not have as much of an issue with sweets. bypasses are recommended where it is felt that malabsorption is also required. There is another option - the sleeve.I have even heard of people having a bypass and a band combined. Price should not be your deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. I understand that it is important but it is more important to choose an experienced surgeon that has done lots of the procedure that you choose and that has a good track record. Their are countless horror stories of things going wrong when using a cheap or inexperienced surgeon. That is not to say that all surgeons offering cheap surgery are bad but you do need to be careful. This board is a great place for you to vent, get support and do research.Read some of the threads from people that had revisions from lapband to bypass to help you with your decision as well. Wishing you all the best.

Honestly, I never even thought about the "D" word (which I'm assuming is Death and not Diet). These procedures are so routine now that that isn't even a real risk. I think for VSG it's like 1 in 2500, and like 1 in 400 for any kind of serious complication. That said my general rule post surgery is get your ass out of the Hospital as soon as you can, you will feel much better and you eliminate the risk of hospital infection (which is a much bigger risk IMO) So where are you in the process so far?

Day 4 Best day so far. Was finally able to get out of bed, walk around without crying, and I actually went down stairs today. Yay me! My mom has been great coming over and getting things for me. It is so funny because she always wants to help me get out of bed, because that is the most difficult and painful part - I keep thinking that I will bust the stitches open. So she wants me to grab on to her arm, but she is 63 years old and probably 110 pounds and I am positive I will just break her if I put any weight on her to get up. So we keep fighting about how I should get out of bed. But today is day four and I don't need help anymore! Don't get me wrong - my incisions are still painful as hell. But today is doable. This is the first day I could say that. Surgery day and the following 2 days are a huge blur. I can't believe how much pain I was in. I knew it was normal, and I just tried to focus on sleeping, so the next would come and be easier. That must have been a good plan, because here I am! My biggest ah ha moment so far was the fact I had a haitial hernia. I had no idea I had one. I have always been 50 pounds over weight, but very active and I considered myself healthy and I would have said that I had 0 side effects from being obese. I was a "low BMI" patient and the 3 people who I did tell about my lap band all were very surprised because they didn't think I was that big. I know how shallow this sounds, but the reason I wanted to get lap band was because I wanted to look better. It had nothing to do with my health, because I thought I was healthy. But, I got a pretty huge reality check. A lot of people said they felt they regretted their lap band the first couple of days, but I have never once regretted my choice. All I can think about is the fact that I do have health problems because of my weight and I'm so glad I have made this life change. For me, the next four weeks are going to be totally about healing and nothing else. I won't worry about my weight (even though I did sneak check it a few times already). I will worry about getting enough protein (had 34 grams today), getting enough rest, and setting up a routine. Today I had a protein shake for breakfast, broth for lunch, and another protein shake, for dinner, and snacks of jell-o, popsicles, and gatorade. I am not hungry yet, which is a miracle. I hope this feeling stays for a few more days. Although, I do need to stop watching the Food Network because everything on there looks so good! I know a lot of people say that McDonalds made them fat, or high fructose corn syrup, but for me - I swear, Food Network made me fat! I am totally going to start cutting back! I truly can't believe I'm here. I'm scared to death of complications and having to go through surgery again. It was so stressful on my body and I really really don't want to do it again. But for now, I'm fine! Wow!

I've never heard of a doctor requiring immediate surgery to fix a slipped band. For many people, the band slips and they never know it because there can sometimes be no symptoms. I talked to Inamed about this and asked if I could go a significant amount of time with my slipped band -- of course, they didn't want to dispense medical advice, but the message I took away was it's okay to walk around with a slipped band provided there aren't any complications. Not forever. Before my fill was taken out after the slip was confirmed, I did have lots of side effects. As for acid reflux (before the slippage), my surgeon suggested Gaviscon. That worked sometimes. Someone on another board recommended taking a Pepcid A/C before bed. That really worked well for me. Be safe! Elizabeth 8/28/03

Let me start off by saying that I dislike going to that area of the board, however as a prebander I feel it is necessary to hear the good, bad and ugly about this from all view points. However, I have noticed that a lot of people begin having problems years out and dont immediately seek medical care from their surgeon. They live with problems for months and then finally decide to go back to the dr. I guess my question is to those of you that are a success story -- how often do you see your surgeon? My surgeon requires monthly visits for the first yr - regardless of if you want/need a fill. After 1 yr post op your follow up visits are up to you but it must be at least once a yr. So my response to him was "so i can come monthly for the rest of my life?" he said yes. I look at my relationship with my surgeon as one i will have forever. Perhaps all newbies think like that though, then they make it to goal, life get in the way and before you know it you havent seen your doc in 2 yrs. My dr did say that while the majority of his long term post op patients dont come in monthly they do come in regularily-- quarterly, every other month, etc. But when i think about it how does he know the success of the other patients if they dont come in? If i end up having problems with my band i dont want it to be because of something i did. I want to follow the rules and to me regular follow ups with your dr is part of the rules.

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum...I have not had Lap Band surgery done yet, I am going for my initial consultation next week and would like some words of wisdom from those of you who have already started your journey! I am so excited I have decided to do this but I'm finding myself very nervous. I have only had one surgery in my life, (gallbladder removed last year), and I think the actual SURGERY part scares me more than the recovery and new way of life that follows....and I am a nurse! lol. Just wanted to hear from some of you, what was your surgery like? Were there any complications? How was your immediate recovery? Thanks in advance! -- Lacy

Don't be afraid. It just sounds like you need a fill. That's it. Or maybe you are not eating enough. That's definantly a question for your doctor. If you aren't having any kind of pain or other complications you are most likely due for fill. I have heard that heartburn is a major sign of band slippage. And your food intake would be greater if you stretched your pouch. Let me know how it goes. I'm curious now.

I too have waited many years thinking about WLS. I work in healthcare and see so many bypass complications that haunt patients for years. I don't see band patients though (I work in a bariatric hospital). I have the issue that even though I know I'm overweight I don't feel overweight. I'm very active and "see" myself skinnier then I really am. I lost 110 lbs in one year (11 yrs ago) doing Atkins/exercise.....kept it off for 2-3 yrs then it started to creep back. I've gained 60 back total, so not a total loss! I decided on getting banded this past fall, have done all the work for approval (lost 18 lbs too!) and got my surgery date today! April 16th will be here before I know it!! I wish you the best with your band and know that we are taking a great step towards healthier lives!!!

So I am starting this topic because I just had double hernia surgery, two weeks after having my RNY. I was wondering what other people's complications were after surgery even ages six months after.

Call the hospital. Every one I have been in requires you to sign a form... among the bezillions you sign on admission... that gives the hospital the right to file appeals on your behalf if the insurance denies the claim. Since they covered your surgery, this just has to be a mistake... maybe some paperwork they need or a clerical error. You definitely don't need the extra stress and drama! I'm so sorry to hear you have had complications and hope you will be feeling better and better. Call the folks at the hospital and you just try to relax and heal ???? (((BIG HUGS))

Thank you , thank you, thank you. Hearing you say this is incredibly powerful for me. I too, enjoy the things you do but WAS really scared that my social 'eating' wold have to stop so it's great to have your response. I am gearing up to be mentally there- I'm currently trying to loose weight myself AGAIN and although I feel I'm in the right mental place to do so I'm struggling- having that construction, I feel, will give me the extra help I need. Can I ask you one more thing though. Have you had many additional health issues surrounding your sleeve??? This also scares me as I read about Iron infusions, constipation etc etc As it is my health is OK - it's just that as I'm getting older my body isn't quite as resilient as it used to be and I'm struggling to do things I would really like to . Thanks again Macman Hello MarieI was 57 years old when I started this process a year ago. I had serious doubts about doing something like this later in life. But the driver for me was my family. I wanted to be around for the first grandchild and have a better quality of life as I got older.I did have a major complication as a result of surgery. I developed a blood clot that ended up as a pulmonary embolism. I had no risk factors so doctors wee quite surprised that it developed. Luckily I got to a hospital quickly and they were able to treat it effectively, although I did spend a week in Cardiac ICU. The recovery plan fit with a need to exercise after the sleeve operation. I did a lot of cardio work which benefitted me greatly.Today my health is excellent. I keep asking myself, "who is that guy in the mirror?" I feel better, I am more active than ever and exercise regularly. I still have a couple ruptured discs in my lower back, but the 130 pounds lost have helped immensely. I no longer take blood pressure medication or have sleep apnea.I've had no issues with the sleeve since surgery. I had the normal constipation issues immediately after surgery, but they passed quickly. The only thing I have had a problem with is red wine. It doesn't agree with my stomach at all. Jokingly, the surgeon suggested I try a pinot noir instead of a Cabernet.Seriously though, the first 8-12 weeks are something everyone has to work through. The body has been through major surgery and needs to recover. And we need to adapt to a new lifestyle. I think that the progression from liquid to pureed or soft foods to full menu is something the sleeve needs after surgery, but so does our psyche.It can be difficult for people to get through the initial few weeks but I always looked at it as the price I had to pay to ge where I wanted to be.

I paid for my surgery in full before having it. Facility 10,400. Surgeon 3,500. Well I have been receiving bills in the mail. One for pathology that was not included. Well then I receive one for $600 from hospital. Then one for 5,000 for anesthesia(included). Well I contact the hospital and they tell me I got a zero balance with them and they are going to contact the anesthesia place because that was included. So I am waiting for that. Well I just checked my mail and opened a bill for 59,000. WTF I am freaking out. Has this happened to anyone. It shows my 10,400 paid. It doesn't even have services just inpatient. I did not have any complications and only spent 1 night.

My Dr. seems to have done a great job "covering his tracks" and proving what happen does not seem possible. I believe it was the same problem as Sades ( that he never put the band around my stomach), I think he thought he would just go in and fix the real problem ( not lock my band) but something went wrong with where he placed it which caused some complication ( not erosion) so he removed the band and devised a cover story. He did not even put me on a post op diet after the second surgery, so how could I have been eroded? He never did a floroscopy after the first surgery or at anytime, that would have proved if my band was placed wrong. I ahve been told to ask for a CD of the surgery, but the hospital does not have one. I was told by the hospital IF there is one the Dr has it! I doubt he'll admit to having one. It's just all so frustrating. Plus since he is claiming erosion and that is a possible complication of being banded, why would he pay me back? I get mad everytime I think about it, but that attitude is not good for me, so I'm trying to get over it all. I was just VERY unlucky. P.S. my dress and the alterations were pretty expensive, so it better fit right!

Hello my brother had the sleeve October 20 and has been in and out of the er he is nauseous and throws up constantly can't keep any food down. I am so sad for him he was overall healthy just over weight he regrets every moment of having the surgery it has made him unhealthy and depressed and he is in fear that he is going to die. They have him in meds for pain and nausea but nothing is helping him. I am scared for him will this pass they checked every thing and can not find any complications which I am thankful for is this just something you go through or is it going to be life long? I am so worried for him any information that any one can share would be amazing. God bless all of you and I pray those who are suffering from complications a speedy recovery.

I had surgery eight years ago at age 55. No diabetes, though - just obesity. SUPER obesity. Also, borderline sleep apnea that I didn't know about until I did a sleep test for surgery. I lost 235 lbs and gained back about 20 lbs in year 3 post op (a 10-20 lb rebound weight gain after you hit your lowest weight is very common). Maintained ever since, but it's work. On the other hand, before I had surgery, the most I could lose was about 50-60 lbs, and every ounce of it would come back. Happened dozens of times. So yes - weight loss is sustainable after bariatric surgery as long as you monitor yourself. I had strictures at two months out and four months out. Very easy fix. The PA at our bariatric clinic told me it was the most common complication, and that they happen to 5% of gastric bypass patients (and if they're going to happen, it'll be during the first three months post-surgery - they're very rare after that). I personally wouldn't call something that happens to 5% of people "common", but that does give you an idea of how common complications are. Basically - they're not very common. about 30% of bypass patients have dumping syndrome. I've never had it and most of the people I know haven't had it, but some of us do. It's caused by eating too much sugar at one sitting (or for some, too much fat at one sitting seems to set it off). It's because food passes through to your small intestine much more quickly once you've had bypass, and your intestines go into overdrive trying to deal with the sugar (or...fat). It can be prevented by limiting the amount of sugar you eat at one sitting (which we should be doing regardless, even us non-dumpers). good luck in your decision. Honestly, I should have done it years ago. My only regret is that I waited that long to have it done. My life has changed dramatically for the good. I'd go back and have the surgery done every year if I had to - it's been terrific!

Im nearly banded, but i have heard that if its medically necessary, meaning it causes rashes and other complications, that the insurance willl cover... mes

So...lots of good news!!!! I called my insurance company today and found out I was approved (within 3 days no less)! I have my surgery scheduled for April 24th!! The whole process only took 4 months (from my first seminar to surgery date)! I am really happy and excited, but it all seemed to easy....its real but not 100% real right now. I am getting super scared and nervous! I want to keep only positive energy around me right now, but its so hard not to worry about the negatives....I am just hoping for a complication free quick recovery.

Had vsg in my fifties, had vsg to rny revision recently (almost 2 yrs ago) in my 60s (gerd related). It's been great. Maintained 100+ weightloss over the years. My weightloss rate was on par with others much younger than myself. I had no complications, recovery was very easy for me. As far as long term success, after the honeymoon period, and hunger returns, long term weightloss requires some discipline in following your plan. But since you are already practicing good habits since 2015, you are ahead in the game, and I think you will be very successful.

My research has turned up the same info as Arts. For example, sleeve complications are higher than band complications in the short term (can't remember the exact stats). But in the longer term, the complications of sleeve go way down compared to the band. Basically, if its going to go wrong with the sleeve it goes wrong within the first couple months. (As long as you stick with your long term diet and vitamin supplementation) I would talk to your surgeon about their specific complication stats because little variations in techniques make a difference in leak/stricture rates (I.e. bougie size, oversewing, pre and post op diet plan, etc.)

Hi all, I'm new to the process, so I was hoping to see if y'all could help me with a few questions. 1) My insurance requires 6 months of documented weight loss, but not only would the end of the 6 months be an inconvenient time for me to get surgery as I'm a student, but it would also be a really long time to wait. I started on this in March, but skipped the last two appointments because I was having doubts about surgery the longer I had to wait. My parents have offered to pay for the surgery out of pocket, and I would be able to get it done in a couple of months after I have been able to learn more about the process (nutrition pre and post surgery, what I need to do after, etc) and it will be at a more convenient time for me. What do you guys think about this? I feel like if my insurance will cover it that I should wait, but that is so much time to talk myself out of it. I want this change, but I'm the type of person who goes back and forth on everything if I have a lot of time to think about something. Anyone else have this experience? 2) With self pay, what happens if you have complications? If this happened to you, did insurance cover the cost of complications? I will contact my insurance about this at some point, but I wanted to get a feel for what others have experienced. 3) I also need to get a hernia repaired that the surgeon said he would do during my gastric sleeve surgery. Can I submit the hernia part for insurance coverage if I do self pay for the actual sleeve part? Again, I will contact my insurance, but I just wanted to see what others have experienced. Thanks for any insight!

Anyone experiance a splenic infartc as a complication? I'm going through it now & it's pure hell. How long did it take for the pain to go & you felt normal again?? How did your doctor treat you? To say I'm miserable is an understatement.

Thanks for your response Heather, but 800cals? Please tell me you are not serious!? I will not be having a fill for 3-6 months due to complications with surgery and atm I can eat almost anything, how can I possibly stick to 800? Especially when I couldn't stick to 2000 pre band??

Thank you so much for your replies, very good idea, ill ask my surgeon about bougie size etc, i'm finding it difficult to ask them questions etc as I actually walked from my surgery last year, i was gowned up ready to go and i flipped out and had a panic attack, i have been in therapy for the last year and all the things i was worried about im totally cool with now, its more just the long term complications that worry me a little, but nothing like last year, i just came across a few things about strictures and scar tissue etc and i was curious to find out more about it, my surgeon wont operate on me unless he feels i am ready (fair enough, great surgeon!) so i feel awkward if i ask questions again or show any signs of anxiety i wont get the all clear, but its my body and i sorta feel its my responsibility to investigate possibilities of things that could be happen, knowledge is power kinda thing! It feels really good having great sites like this just to blurt it out and ask all these random questions and not feel like you are being over anxious etc. thanks so much guys xo

sleep apnea (i.e., patient meets the criteria for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea set forth in Aetna CPB 004 - Obstructive Sleep Apnea); or 4. Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite optimal medical management); and 2. Member has completed growth (18 years of age or documentation of completion of bone growth); and 3. Member has attempted weight loss in the past without successful long-term weight reduction; and 4. Member must meet either criterion 1 (physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program) or criterion 2 (multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen): 1. Physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program: Member has participated in physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program (including dietician consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification), documented in the medical record at each visit. This physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Nutrition and exercise program must be supervised and monitored by a physician working in cooperation with dieticians and/or nutritionists; and 2. Nutrition and exercise program(s) must be for a cumulative total of 6 months or longer in duration and occur within 2 years prior to surgery, with participation in one program of at least three consecutive months. (Precertification may be made prior to completion of nutrition and exercise program as long as a cumulative of six months participation in nutrition and exercise program(s) will be completed prior to the date of surgery.); and 3. Member's participation in a physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must be documented in the medical record by an attending physician who supervised the member's participation. The nutrition and exercise program may be administered as part of the surgical preparative regimen, and participation in the nutrition and exercise program may be supervised by the surgeon who will perform the surgery or by some other physician. Note: A physician's summary letter is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of physician's contemporaneous assessment of patient's progress throughout the course of the nutrition and exercise program. For members who participate in a physician-administered nutrition and exercise program (e.g., MediFast, OptiFast), program records documenting the member's participation and progress may substitute for physician medical records; or 2. Multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen: Proximate to the time of surgery, member must participate in organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen of at least three months duration meeting all of the following criteria, in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions: 1. Consultation with a dietician or nutritionist; and 2. Reduced-calorie diet program supervised by dietician or nutritionist; and 3. Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional; and 4. Behavior modification program supervised by qualified professional; and 5. Documentation in the medical record of the member's participation in the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen at each visit. (A physician's summary letter, without evidence of contemporaneous oversight, is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of the physician's initial assessment of the member, and the physician's assessment of the member's progress at the completion of the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen.) and 5. For members who have a history of severe psychiatric disturbance (schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, severe depression) or who are currently under the care of a psychologist/psychiatrist or who are on psychotropic medications, pre-operative psychological clearance is necessary in order to exclude members who are unable to provide informed consent or who are unable to comply with the pre- and postoperative regimen. Note: The presence of depression due to obesity is not normally considered a contraindication to obesity surgery. 2. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG): Aetna considers open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) medically necessary for members who meet the selection criteria for obesity surgery and who are at increased risk of adverse consequences of a RYGB due to the presence of any of the following comorbid medical conditions: 1. Hepatic cirrhosis with elevated liver function tests; or 2. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis); or 3. Radiation enteritis; or 4. Demonstrated complications from extensive adhesions involving the intestines from prior major abdominal surgery, multiple minor surgeries, or major trauma; or 5. Poorly controlled systemic disease (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Class IV) (see Appendix). Aetna considers VBG experimental and investigational when medical necessity criteria are not met. 3. Repeat Bariatric Surgery: Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction or stricture. Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria: 1. Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or 2. Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure. 4. Experimental and Investigational Bariatric Surgical Procedures: Aetna considers each of the following procedures experimental and investigational because the peer reviewed medical literature shows them to be either unsafe or inadequately studied: * Loop gastric bypass * Gastroplasty, more commonly known as ?stomach stapling? (see below for clarification from vertical band gastroplasty) * Sleeve gastrectomy * Mini gastric bypass * Silastic ring vertical gastric bypass (Fobi pouch) * Intragastric balloon * VBG, except in limited circumstances noted above. * LASGB, RYGB, and BPD/DS procedures not meeting the medical necessity criteria above. Cholecystectomy: As a high incidence of gallbladder disease (28%) has been documented after surgery for morbid obesity, Aetna considers routine cholecystectomy medically necessary when performed in concert with elective bariatric procedures. Notes: Calculation of BMI: *BMI is calculated by dividing the patient's weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared: BMI = weight (kg) * [height (m)]2 Note: To convert pounds to kilograms, multiply pounds by 0.45. To convert inches to meters, multiply inches by 0.0254. or For a simple and rapid calculation of BMI, please click below and it will take you to the Obesity Education Initiative. *BMI = weight (kg) * [height (m)]2 See also CPB 039 - Weight Reduction Medications and Programs.