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Your relationship with food will change - it has to. That being said, nothing is absolute. I am 5 months out from my sleeve. I have had the complication of not being able to tolerate more than a bite of solid food, so am living on Protein shakes. I still go out to restaurants with my husband, I may not eat more than a bite or two, but I can still enjoy the company and the atmosphere. I am not feeling hungry, so it bothers me not to sit there and sip on a glass of ice Water while others eat. I am not an alcohol drinker, but I have read that on some programs a bit of alcohol is allowed once weight loss has been consistent. I know I haven't answered all of your questions, but don't be discouraged. Lots of us have been where you are, and we are making it just fine. You will also. (Also, reading the internet, while helpful, can at times be very unhelpful. Don't take to heart everything you read on here.)

Recovery room was about 2 hours, but it really took me an additional 48 hours to get out of Icu recovery and to my room. I had surgery on Monday at 12 pm and was disharged Friday at 11am. I remember really being ready to go home. Just to be fair, my circumstances were not considered to be average. Most folks go home the next day after surgery. Some also stay much longer then my stay if there are seriuous complications. Good luck.

Most of us ask ourselves the same questions you have. We need to be sure of what we're doing, and, when we've decided for the surgery, we even still question it. Because it is major, life-altering surgery, NOT for the faint-of-heart. It requires life-long commitment, and belief in ourselves - that we CAN succeed at living a healthier life. I chose to do it for one specific reason: to get diabetes out of my life, hopefully for good. And I did. No more shots, no more testing, and if I continue to follow all the rules, never have it return. When I saw the neuropathy setting in, that made my mind up, and I wish I hadn't waited even that long. I don't want to go blind, or lose my limbs, let alone die prematurely. So I made my choice, as nothing else has worked for me. I wasn't even that overweight, but enough to make my life lead down a very scary slope. I had done all kinds of diets and made all kinds of changes, but genetics play a large role in our body types, as well, and you can't fight genetics. At least in my opinion. I don't regret the surgery, I am happy to have this new tool to help me fight my battles, and I feel it is something I should have done YEARS ago, had I known about it. And then there are all the side benefits: FEELING BETTER! Looking better, getting to go shopping for new clothes (needed them anyway, so I don't feel guilty about spending for this), lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels...the list goes on. Sure, there are the potentials for complications, I saw it as compared to what if I didn't do it? There are lots of books out there to research, and these websites, so get your fill of info - the more the better. Then make your educated decision. What will you have if you do and if you don't? I have had 22 surgeries. This was the easiest and least painful, AND most beneficial. Good luck to you!

Howdy, My name's Blue and I've always felt fat even when I was skinny. Back in high school, I weighed 140lbs (I'm 5'7), but I thought I was fat because my two best friends at the time were teeny, tiny. One wore a size 00 (Extra, Extra Small) and the other a 0 (X-Small), whereas I thought I looked like a beached whale in my size 8/10. In addition to self esteem issues, I suffered from untreated OCD most of my life which contributed to my 100lbs weight gain over the last decade. I know the LB is not a magical cure and the hardest part is going to be retraining my brain not to reach for food as a comfort (and not to replace food with another vice like excessive drinking, gambling, shopping, etc). I am fearful of choosing the wrong doctor and the incision getting infected and/or having some weird complication that threatens my life or possibly kills me. HOWEVER, if I continue on the path I am now, then my own body will be my executitioner. Right now, I am in the planning phases. I've been researching online for a LB surgeon in my area so I can get in initial consultation. One of my friends had the procedure done in another state, so I'm thinking about asking who did hers. A little non weight stuff about me - I'm 29 years old, a classroom teacher, and the wife of an amazing man. I'm kind of artsy-fartsy and though I can't draw very well, I appreciate art and enjoy seeing it in books, museums and exihibits. I'm always reading and want to publish a novel someday soon. I listen to a varity of music (rock and roll, alternative, punk, classical, New Age, pop, etc). I watch more t.v. than I should, am a Christian who believes heavily in karma and good vibes and I like going to the movies, dinner, road trips and shopping.

I was going to do the sleeve at first too but after going to the seminar and given the statistics, the RNY patients lost more. In my case I started at 360lbs so it was better for me. In your case you may not need to lose like 200lbs so the sleeve may work. As far as sugar I have mentioned in other places on the forum that once you start drinking shakes everyday it really tends to ween you off of sweets. Like I am typically a chocolate addict but since I have a chocolate shake daily, I don't crave it in candy or Cookies etc. you may find that different but for me it's great. There are pros and cons to both surgeries and there are always risks. I would say the complications aren't near what they used to be as RNY is more common now. Either way we are here to support you! Be blessed, Onyx

Headdesk is correct! It's clear that your dad loves you and is coming from a place of love. Maybe he knew someone who had the surgery and had some crazy complication? That's usually what I have heard about from people (who then act like experts) about WLS. If your surgery is tomorrow, at least you are toward the end of his pleading. Unless of course, he decides to continue to talk about how you shouldn't have done this after surgery? That might be one thing to address with him, that you know his opinion but now hat you've had the surgery, you need him to be 110% supportive and not bring up his personal opinions about doubts. You're not a lemming. Your an adult making an informed decision with which your dad disagrees. You're allowed to put yourself and your health first. Good luck with your surgery! All will be well! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm 1/30, so not technically a Feb. 12 sleever, but I feel I bonded with you guys pre-op because my original date was 2/6 (got bumped up). Life is feeling pretty normal, albeit a new normal. I feel completely healed and my mind is catching up with the physical progress I'm making. The weirdest thing has been having my eyes learn to match my new stomach capacity. I still have to stop when measuring out food to remember what is the appropriate portion size. My old way was to pile stuff on and then eat everything on my plate. I still am a eat-everything-on-your-plate person (working really hard on slowing down and listening to the full feeling), so I use a cup size mug to eat out of accompanied by a baby spoon. I've had a couple of instances of eating something that hit my stomach and and came right back up. But I'm so happy with how everything is going. I feel very lucky to have been complication-free.

Not only speak to your surgeon about it, but have a back-up plan as well. If you aren't feeling up to the travel or if there is a complication, be prepared.

horror stories are few and far between. The vast majority of people have no complications at all or maybe only a minor one (like a stricture). It's just that the horror stories get a lot of press. And you're right - staying obese is way more dangerous than weight loss surgery. I'd honestly do it every year if I had to. Best decision I ever made.

Yea i want to have a baby slso thats why i didnt get sleeve got bypass instead didnt want my stomach cut either You guys are correct about the sleeve not being reversible; however, I don't think it has a negative impact on becoming pregnant (providing you are willing to wait a year after the surgery to stabilize weight): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23306797 http://www.marinahospital.com/blog/will-i-be-able-to-get-pregnant-after-gastric-sleeve-surgery Studies stated, "Barring very uncommon complications of surgery, this should eventually make it easier both to conceive and to carry a child to term with less risk of negative consequences."

I can understand the rationale of getting the band. Being a little gun shy about surgery myself, the band is really, really tempting--it promises to help us lose weight with minimal invasiveness, very low up front complications, and no stomach cutting. Each surgery fits a different need and different demographic of people. All surgeries can have complications and whatnot, and from what I read they all improve in technique and efficacy over time. But I do understand wanting to get the sleeve, because I've been leaning that direction myself (yes, more short term risk but lower long term maintenance and risk).

My daughter is one year out of gastric sleeve surgery. She has done very well but in the last couple weeks she has been experiencing very high liver enzyme’s and Billiruben in her urine. She is in the hospital right now and they have ruled out Hepatitis. They do not seem to be paying much attention to the fact that she has had gastric sleeve. She only drinks alcohol socially. And she is only 24.Has anyone heard of this complication a year after surgery or more?

I just posted my story under the Revisions forum. It is not the happy, hopeful story I know you would like to hear. Please read it so that can understand that there can be serious complications. Best wishes to you!

Each doctor can perform the sleeve differently. With different sizes and capacities for the outcome. And with the varying out come of the "size" or capacity of sleeves out there you will also see varying post op diets. It is best to follow what your doctor has prescribed for the best outcome for your sleeve. It is ok to stay in a lower stage but to rush the other stages has the possibility of leading to a complication.

So if your looking at the stats...Yes it is rare..But it happens. Whether you are educated or not it can happen. Whether you feel you are ready or not for it to happen. Your not! Keeping your eye on why you are doing it is key, and having the greatest intentions of dealing with the possibilities is neither here nor there. Because you have no choice but to deal. You can't go back if you have the sleeve. So you do want to make sure you have the right attitude if it does happen and that you can endure the possible long haul of complications. I was less then 1%. just like some others on this forum......some odds eh..For over 700 patients I was the one who got the bad odds..Odds are in your favor, yes! But it can happen. It does happen! Fact! Your doing it for the right reasons so make sure you can deal either way the best way you know how! k All other goals take second place if you have complications!

I originally wanted plication. My surgeon advised against it. Me Bmi is 44. Hospital angeles strongly advised vsg instead of plication. Apparently vsg has a better chance of long term weight loss with less complications for someone with a 44 Bmi. Based on their study of plication and historical experience they strongly advised vsg versus lap ban and plication even though it is not reversible.

Hello Everyone, So, I'm halfway through my third week of the preop diet (I was only supposed to do 2 weeks, but insurance is dragging their feet on my authorization, so my surgeon wants me to stay on it), and so far I've lost 13 pounds. Pretty good, huh? But now some strange thoughts are running through my mind. Because I'm doing so well on the preop diet, I've been fooling myself into thinking that if I just continue with what I've been doing, I won't need to have the surgery in the first place. Never mind that I lost 60 pounds with HCG last year and have gained it all back. Never mind that I have ALWAYS gained my weight back (plus more) whenever I've been on a diet. Never mind that I'm a hardcore compulsive overeater that can eat enough for 3 people. Never mind that I can't live on Protein shakes, green veggies, and egg whites forever. I'm still trying to kid myself into thinking that I can "do it on my own." My insurance has paid for all of the preop tests, so besides a few copays, I wouldn't even be losing any money by not having the surgery. I KNOW this makes no sense and I'm being completely unrealistic. I KNOW that I am setting myself up for failure as proven by my past "success" with dieting. I KNOW that the sleeve will have numerous benefits for me, both emotionally and physically. But there's still a little voice in the back of my head saying, "What if?" It's not about being "ready" to have the surgery. I have a great surgeon, have educated myself thoroughly on the procedure, and am comfortable with any risks or complications that I may or may not have. I just hate feeling this way when I know it's just an exercise in futility.

So far..good! I'm down around 30lbs so far...25 the first month and then I've been hovering with the last 5 this past month. Eh..im not worried about it being slow as Im loosing inches a lot faster than lbs these days. I've been lucky in that I've had VERY few complications...I dont have any issues eating or drinking. I am tired more than I used to be but that's ok..it will come back. Im so glad I had the surgery..it's been life changing. The biggest positive is that my blood pressure is down to a normal level for the first time in almost 9 years! I have a history of heart disease on both sides of my family and my dad has his first heart attack at 40 yrs old. I'm 38 and Ive been on BP meds since I was 30...so the impending heart attack was a big factor for me in having this done. I feel a lot better knowing I'm doing everything I can to help keep me here.

I had lap band with plication and I would do it again in a heart beat. I've lost 66 pounds since may 24, 2012. I've had no complications with it.

I had my surgery at DesPeres. The hospital staff is really supportive. Some of the nurses have had surgery so they understand. I was in the hospital about 26 hours. No complications, great recovery. I recommend MyNewSelf, if you want a fast smooth process.

i get exactly what you say i have been one of those who was so harrassed on OH after i was banded last year (and before my surgery) with pm's saying how stupid i was to get the band and why didnt i get the sleeve or bypass and in two years id have to revise and all these complications i was due to get... and every time i posted a question of what is this or that, id get a link to the failed banded fb page...that my dear is what i call trolls and people who bait just to be mean.. i cant tell you crappy i felt for a few months thinking what a mistake i must have made...i felt bad bc my ins didnt approve sleeves..self doubt..how nice of people to do that to a newbie.. but you know what, i am proving those women wrong. so as for all i got out of your post..i read it and understood it. i agree with it. i support any and everyone who gives a crap about following their dr's advice i do not coddle those who divert off course.. and if you want support, in my opinion, it starts with ones own self.

Hello! I posted about a month ago, asking questions about banding. From there I prayed, and researched (more) and decided the band is exactly to tool I need to succeed with my weight loss goals. I've so confused about all the insurance stuff. I called member services and they said the surgery is coverage and gave me a link to the clinical policy bulletin which reads... Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (DS), or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria listed below are met. Selection criteria: A. Presence of severe obesity that has persisted for at least the last 2 years, defined as any of the following: Body mass index (BMI)* exceeding 40 My BMI is 53 (good lord), and I have high BP. It also says naturally that you have to over 18 and done growing, attempted weight loss in the past without success in long term reduction, and meet either criterion 1 (physician-supervised nutritional and exercise program) or criterion 2 ( multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen). I am working with a weight management and bariatric surgery center near me. I have to complete consults, and tests with all sorts of different people on the team including attending support groups, and lose 5% of my body weight before surgery - it's a 3m process. So I'm assuming this meets criterion 2. Aetna words it like this: Criterion 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: Consultation with a dietician or nutritionist; and Reduced-calorie diet program supervised by dietician or nutritionist; and Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional; and Behavior modification program supervised by qualified professional; and 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.) Sounds like my program right? I called my Aetna AGAIN to be sure they cover this surgery and she again assured me that it is covered so long as I meet the criteria and to bring the criteria to my NP consult. I know I have to wait to be approved after all my testing etc, but I'll (like anyone else) be so gutted if I'm denied. Anyhow, I'm waiting for June 30th for my NP consult and I'm so excited!! I've been reading everyone's stories and looking at before and after photos and I'm so impressed with the lot of you!! So inspirational. :confused:

I was thinking about a leak or infection that's not detected during the initial hospital stay. Or some other related stomach complication like cancer or reflux - anything that the insurance company could claim was related to the partial gastrectomy and therefore not covered. Usually I have the will to fight. But I just want the band out. I called Dr. Cirangle's business office today to find out what my portion of the cost of revision would be if the lap band removal was covered. I think that'll determine a lot about what I'm willing to wait for vs. what I'm willing to pay for. I'm at the point where $11k feels easier to come by that creating more paperwork and wading through two more rounds of appeal... Especially since I have confidence in Dr. Aceves and also feel better knowing that I'd be under care for 3 days after surgery and not just sent home asap. Even though I'm only 25 pounds away from the BMI requirement I just can't gain that weight again. It's not worth the money. I had to fight a bit to get the lap band covered the first time around with a different insurer, they didn't agree that my comorbidities justified the band. So my BMI went up from 35 to 38 while I battled it out. It was so demoralizing and it seemed so stupid - the general implied advice that if I just gained more weight my surgery would be covered without question. I definitely appreciate everyone's input. The sleeve seems like exactly what I hoped the band would be. I'm just more cautious this time around. And scared I guess that even if the VSG feels better what if it doesn't help me lose more weight. I wish this all wasn't so hard! Thanks, Britt

I followed the link and am so sorry you had complications. It's good to know you're doing better and on the road to recovery. Please post on your progress.

I was also de-banded and sleeved in one operation. I was in the hospital for two nights with no complications or issues. I will begin my puree food phase in three more days. I hope it continues to go well for me.