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Observation: Some people make the band so complicated or try to turn it into something it's not. Reality: it is hard.. but it's not complicated. Just follow the rules and work the band!! That's what seems to yield the greatest results! =)

HI, I saw that you were banded by Dr Pompa in Mexico and wondered if you had any issues or if it has been a good experience. My insurance has denied my surgery because they want 5 years of a BMI of 40+ and I only have 3 yrs but I certainly dont want to wait 2 more years before I get started so I have decided to self pay and will be going to Mexico to Dr Ortiz or Dr Pompa, but wanted to hear from others that were banded by them to see if there were any problems- with the banding, complications later, problems finding a dr in the states for aftercare and fillings, etc. Thank you so much for your help!

Well, my surgery went very smoothly. I didn't have any real pain until I got home. The pain was mostly around the incision near my port. To be honest, this surgery was quite a breeze. I know you'll be nervous, I was too, but you shouldn't be. I'm young (26) and I have no other health complications and I'm pretty sure that's why it went so smoothly. Good luck to you!

Hi Jessi! Good to hear from you. I'm doing alright. I saw my nutritionist today and I've lost 6 lbs. since I saw her a month ago. At least I'm heading in the right direction. Next week I get my second fill. I hope it helps more than the first fill did. How are you doing lately? Any complications? Are you in bandster hell right now (hopefully not!) or feeling restriction? I hope everything is working really well for you. Stay in touch. Willow

I think that the only reason I was able to do the liquid diet was because I was afraid of complications with the surgery, so that kept me in check. After the surgery, I went back to classes the next day, I was sore, but it wasn't too bad at all. The first 2 weeks after surgery, I didn't feel hungry at all, so it wasn't hard to not eat solids at all. I barely ate anything at all because I felt really full and uncomfortable even after a couple of spoonfuls of soup.

Was that helpful? I can answer any other questions you have as well.

Wow .... you have done great !!! Any little "secrets" to your success. Will be banded August 4th. Also, what kind of protein shake did you use ? Do you ever feel deprived ? Are you happy with your band ? Any complications ??

Thanks !!!!!!!!!

Janat in New Hampshire

Thanks Dee,

I have been lucky, good restriction and no complications. The hard work in the gym is helping too.

Good luck on your journey,

KatMan

I would like to find out if the band is effective tool for weight loss kaiser is more for the gastric bypass, or the sleeve i'd rather have the lap band since it has less complications any suggestions?

Almost 8 weeks post-op...22 lbs down. 49 from start of journey. Because of all the complications...I haven't exercise yet. Just had my port replaced 2 weeks ago, tummy looks like a battle scene. But still moving forward...missing foods that are BAD for me.

Hey sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I had the surgery the day after you posted. Everything went great, no complications! I spent the night in the hospital as a precaution. I'm having a little abdominal pain, but not too bad, every day get better. I can already see myself shrinking!

Re: Lap band vs RNY, I'm going for lap band, don't like the idea of re-routing intestines etc...Both have benefits / drawbacks, a big difference I see is the lap band complications are fewer and generally less serious. The complications from lapband are nuisance problems. Getting food stuck, PB's, sliming, pain from stuck food ...most sound controllable, but sound like many get frustrated due to not making the changes required to work with the band. RNY limits amount, but does not necessarily restrict what foods they eat. Lap banders have trouble with different foods etc... you can read of lot of info on this site and get more details / opinions. Good luck

No I am not working yet, I'll go back on thw 25th. I took 2 weeks off and boy am I glad. Some people say they went back to work after taking a few days but, that in my opinion is not a good idea. I haven't had any complications and wounds look wonderful but this is a major surgery and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

It was the best choice I've made for myself in a very long time. I had my first follow-up appointment today and Dr. M was very impressed with my incisions and my overall progress. He doesn't fill your band until the 2nd week out. He believes in allow your body to heal from surgery to give you every possible chance at being successful.

When is your surgery?

Hi, Heather,

I'm in the process of getting the band, don't know which one I want to get realize or lapband but I wanted to talk to someone who has had a baby with the band. I'm curious to know if it caused any complications, how long did it take you to lose the weight after birth and how much weight you gained, if any. I'm indecisive about the band or the sleeve. Please help.

Thanks! Good Luck to you too! My surgery went well with no complications. I did cheat a little on my pre-op diet. I am so glad that I decided to get the band. I have not cheated on the post -op diet and don't plan to. I am going to follow my doctor's instructions to the letter. After all, I went thru all of this for me and I am worth it. Keep me posted and I will do the same. Sorry for the late reply.

Hey there.. I am sooo happy I got banded. I was more afraid of the risks of not being banded than the risks of being banded... stroke, heart attack, diabetes.. I am down 117.5 pounds and I know that my chances of getting those killer diseases are sooo much less now. Yes there are risks with the band but for me (I haven't had any complications) the risks of not getting done were so much worse. It has been almost 10 months and I honestly would do it again in a heartbeat!! I wouldn't even think twice about it. I am a self pay and feel it was worth every penny I spent. I hope that answers your questions and if it doesn't feel free to contact me anytime! I wish you much luck on your decision. xoxo Allie~

Your right this is a good place to vent. I just know how bad complications can be. I worked in ar Emergency room which is where I met my husband who is a nurse in The ER still . It would just be a shame to do so much positive stuff for yourself and cancel it out for the negative. I'm sure you will do great Good luck!!!!

Could you tell me a little more about your complications and what led to having the band slip?? I had my surgery in September 2007, I am only down 28 pounds. I have had to have the liquid completely removed from my band twice during this time cause of inability to eat. Did you have any similair occurances? I am struggling with my most recent fill and dont know what I need to do.

I must say that I did have every complication you can think of, however I don't mean to sound vain, but I would do it again. I did have it done in Mexico by a very experienced set of doctors. I know about 10 people from my small town that had used this place and they were all successful. My mother-n-law went in 30 minutes before me and had no complications. I lost about 60 pounds during the time I was sick. I am steadily fighting to keep from gaining. I wish I could have it put back in but I am too scared. I went to Mexico to save money, but it has ended up costing me over $100,000 in medical bills. I had it removed here in the U.S., which is where I highly recommend you have anything done. My dad just had the "Sleeve" done and he has lost about 80 pounds and is doing great. No fills or foreign objects. I would recommend that over the lap band.

Good Luck!!

gbaber

3. Top Surgeons is the least expensive place for me, after I researched other surgery centers in my area.

4. This is not brain surgery. The risks of complications are very low. I am more likely to have more health problems if I don't do the surgery.

I researched and really considered all this before surgery.

I chose to have the surgery and I am so glad I did. Dr. Salamitari has been great, the surgery went better than I expected and I have lost 50 lbs since.

My lapband is being taken out tuesday in Michigan due to complications. I will not be having it replaced

Thanks Chellz423 for your honest reply about the SILS procedure. I'm alot older then most of you -- in my early 60s -- so I/m more concerned about complications. Glad to hear you did so well. Keep up the good work. Chris (cat lady)

Hello

I notice you get your fills from Dr. Bishop in Ottawa. Can you tell me if he also does follow up care (ie: if you need an x-ray or barium swallow test, will he order those tests, or does your Surgeon have to request those tests etc?)

Im new to this and just wanted to understand how that would work if any complications arise.

Thank you so much in advance for your help. I have my consult tmrw with Dr. Cobourn and I am from Ottawa.

Thanks

Hello Jachut,

saw your post and wanted to ask how much it costs to have a lapband in Australia. Would the doctor accept a BMI of 31 without other obesity related complications? Thanks

Hi Tiffy. Thank you for all of your informative posts! I am so glad that I found this site. I was pretty set on the lap-band prior to hearing about all of the complications! Congratulations on your WLS journey!

Hey there,

I'm so glad your surgery went well!!! I am about two and a half weeks out and LOVE my sleeve. The whole surgery experience was kind of like getting tortured for a few days...lol.. But it all went great. I had no complications and was back to work in a week. Can't wait to hear an update from you!

Take care,

Nikki