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Bandista is right, it's basically like being on a diet at first! I go to a support group and the nutritionist said that this is the part people seem to forget when they get surgery, that after it can take a while to get the proper amount of restriction in the band and until then, it's up to you! When I was on mushies I couldn't ever tell if I was really full. I just stopped when I finished my 2-4oz of food because that's what my nutritionist's guidelines were for each meal. It's REALLY important to follow the guidelines they give you though! If you overeat too often after surgery, it can lead to complications like band slippage. I'm about 6 weeks post-op and I still only eat my 3/4 - 1 cup of food per meal, even if I'm starving after it's gone. It's hard, but I know it'll be worth it in the end best of luck to you!

I feel sorry for you as I know what you are dealing with. Having three surgeries back to back is so hard, I can only imagine. I had to do a endoscopy and had a 2 days rest and then went in for surgery. I think you can get PTSD from all of this, and it hurts to know that this is a elective surgery. We all went into this with high hopes and dreams of changing our life for the better and instead we dealt with more trauma. I had a spinal surgery in 2019 and I developed a drop foot, which was a complication from the surgery, which I still deal with. I have struggled with depression prior to this and it just hurts. I have went back to the ER and I get good support there but where I live it is overrun with covid patients, so it isn't the best place to go. My surgeon is very kind and I have his number. He comes to see me in the hospital every morning. I am doing a bit better but I still stay in bed most of the days. Your advice is great and I agree that I need to get back to a routine. I am less emotional now, I also think the meds they us on make us more emotional. I wish you a speedy recovery!

I planned meals before considering WLS. It helps make sure a meal is on the table rather than fast food after work. I keep a spiral bound notebook and write a header for each day - and then I simply fill in a meal under each header. Now that I'm mindful, the 'meal' is just a protein and veggie and how I intend to cook. I love doing it this way, since I can make my grocery list from the menu and everything is on hand when it's time to cook. I can leave it on the counter - the fam can peek at it to see what's for dinner and even start prepping with out you. If you find it overwhelming, try doing it just for dinners. Repeat your breakfasts and lunches to simplify things. If you get stuck on planning, you can flip through your notebook and view previous weeks for inspiration. This week,my meal plan looks like this: Sunday: Taco Salad (no tortillas, dairy or cheese for me); Monday: Vegetable beef soup; Tuesday: Zucchini and meatballs with marinara; Weds: Lettuce wraps with ground turkey & cucumber salad; Weds: Grilled steak & asparagus. It doesn't have to be complicated

It is very medically necessary to follow the post op diet to a T! Your doctor wouldn't give the post op instructions if you could really have solids within days or even weeks after a surgery like this. You chewed it up well and nothing happened? What if something would've happened... Is it worth the chance of SERIOUS complications? I would think not.

Thank you so much for the many constructive and helpful responses. To clarify my worries, here it is distilling them to two points of greatest concern: Ability to incorporate good fats into a post-gastric-sleeve diet The foundation of my current diet (that I would be happy to keep for the rest of my life) consists of lots of vegetables, moderate amounts of high-quality protein, and the inclusion of a good amount of healthy fats (avocado, EVOO, butter, animal fats from pastured, organically raised animals). This is supposed to help the body adapt to regularly burning fat (whether from the diet or from our own fat stores), and to much more easily reach satiety and control hunger, in addition to the various documented nutritional benefits of these fats. I read over and over again about directives to keep post-bariatric diets very low fat for the rest of the life of the patient. Also various posts from patients about not being able to tolerate fats and struggling with digestive issues. How much of a problem is this universally (realizing and respecting that everyone's body, digestive system, and hormonal balance are different)? Ability to do fasting and support periodic zero-protein day(s) I have started to incorporate time-restricted eating (16/8) with great success and starting on my first 36-hour fast over the weekend. I have not only had great results on the scale, but starting to see amazing physiologic benefits outside of simply lowering my body weight. I definitely would want to have the ability to have a longer (3 day?) fast once in a while to trigger autophagy and reap some of the other benefits related to insulin and metabolic issues. I realize that for a period following surgery I would have to be adhering to the physician-prescribed diet aimed to maximize healing and avoid complications. But what is the situation six months or a year down the line? Can I incorporate fasting then, or am I eternally tethered to a 70g-minimum-per-day protein intake that I cannot violate without risking my health? Your help and insight are appreciated!

My doc has had 5 slips in 6 years of placing bands (I am number 5, yay me!) he did say that one of the four prior to me was a slip and an erosion so I know they can happen together. I know my pre-op paperwork included slippage and erosion as possible complications and therefore I wouldn't stand a chance at getting 'financial assistance' if I'd considered pursuing that avenue (I haven't, I'm a firm believer that sometimes **** just happens although my surgeon has made it blatantly clear that this slip was 100% my fault and not his). Before talking to a lawyer you need to look through everything you signed pre-op, willing to bet you agreed that slippage and erosion were known and acceptable risks.... That said, good luck! This whole thing sucks :/

Hey everyone!! I'm a little over 3yrs post OP (3/6/15)...wow that seems like a lifetime ago. I've had struggles over the past year and had a slight regain...about 20-25lbs from my lowest. But my concerns centers around GERD. I have to take omeprazole every single day. If I miss even one day...it's quite literally a fiery hell. I know that GERD is a side effect of complication from vsg, but I see a lot of people having revision surgery for it. So my question is...how do you go about that process? Is it self pay? Does ins cover it? If so, what ins do you have...if that's not too personal? I'm not going to lie...I would LOVE to regain my old restriction...but I'd love to get rid of GERD more. So does anyone have any advise out there? Thanks!!

I didn’t know what to title this. My surgery was April 29th, I ended up in the ER the day after my release from the hospital with pneumonia, critically low potassium and acute UTI. I was also diagnosed with esophageal dysphasia. Because of that my follow up appointments got thrown off course. I had two appointments close together. The second appointment he had me go for a upper gi fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Which found stoma stricture, Schatzki ring, sliding hiatal hernia and ulcers. TBH after the endoscopy I didn’t want to schedule my next follow up appointment. And the doctor hadn’t said when. It should have been 2-3 months post-op but it’s almost 4 1/2 months. I see my surgeon on Thursday and because I need medical transportation it turns into practically an all day affair. I am actually dreading this appointment. He is a great surgeon but my communication skills, especially when I’m fatigued are sorely lacking. I’m at a loss what to say since I feel like I can’t do anything right. While yes my weight has gone down (rather slow) and I think I’ve hit around 53lb loss - I haven’t been able to progress in certain things and have to keep my calories very low otherwise I stall. Due to the esophageal dysphasia I’m not drinking a lot of water. I haven’t attempted purées again and should probably even be into regular foods by now. The most I’ve been able to manage is yogurt mixed with protein powder for breakfast (sometimes a shake) cottage cheese, BariatricPal protein soup (if I have any) juice flavor protein mixes, and sometimes soft boiled egg but I get kind of sick from it so not too often. It’s more an allergy thing with that. My surgeon never really said anything after the endoscopy. I read on the results that he balloon dilated the stricture which it seems to me he did it too much at once and I don’t feel better. The fluoroscopy showed it at 3mm and he dilated 10mm and assumed it was ok because the scope passed? I find it perplexing. And maybe they think the other issues too minor? I don’t. I don’t want to be stuck on proton pump inhibitors. They cause constipation and are not safe long term for things like magnesium, bone density etc. which I have enough bone density loss as is. I told My gastroenterologist about new issues with this of course they said talk to the surgeon and also my PCP. I’ve been having crushing chest pain. And weird strong spasms below my ribs on the left side. Of course I forgot to mention it to my PCP I was too annoyed by her attitude when I caught her up on the surgery and everything after it (she was on maternity leave a few months) well that’s a long story I won’t bore anyone with. My gastroenterologist scheduled me for a colonoscopy the end of this month to rule out possible colitis (a ct scan result said colitis) I was supposed to have had it before my RNY but it didn’t work out that way. I’m not sure how I’ll manage prep. They gave me a prescription for one that is less to drink but I’m allergic to it. Ill have to do clear liquids two days prior to the colonoscopy. Does clear protein count as a clear liquid or do I not have protein? I’ve had colonoscopies before but this is my first after RNY. Also. I have endometriosis and it’s possible he won’t see the problem in the colonoscopy since that won’t show up if it’s on the outside. I worry it won’t answer the problems there. As for endometriosis. I saw my uro/gyn because of hemorrhagic cysts on my one remaining ovary. Which also has endometriosis on it. I guess it’s time to have it out now and I’m scheduled for that October 14th. Which means .............. menopause. But I’m hoping it will ease the endometriosis and pcos symptoms. He had removed my other ovary that was covered with endometriosis during other procedures he was doing at the time. I’m too chicken to ask him about an issue with one of the other procedures he did. Just like my follow up with my bariatric surgeon. I’m at a loss what to say and when I’m exhausted I lose my words. Also doesn’t help that I speak to several people before he enters the room. I feel like they expect me to be cured of all my ailments after surgery, even my pcp had that attitude but with lifelong chronic illness it doesn’t work that way. In fact I knew things likely would get worse for me but this was my last chance at a tool to fight my out of control weight gain. You can only eat so little calories without help of some kind. My surgery wasn’t reliant on comorbidities since my BMI was 40. I have them. But most wont just go away with weight loss. But it doesn’t mean I regret the surgery. (My pcp had the attitude of why did I have it if it didn’t help those things ... well I was already at least 208lbs and BMI 40 (height 5’) like isn’t that enough of a reason? Im sorry I just wrote a very long rant. My memory is so terrible I don’t remember when my last two appointments were and what was discussed at the last one. I don’t think they even mentioned my bloodwork. All I know is that was when he scheduled the tests. Now I’m following up on that. I almost don’t even want to go. I feel like I won’t be able to explain anything. And honestly surgeons just want to hear that you lost a huge amount of weight and that you’re doing great not “it’s complicated. “

There are so many more options with the lap band procedure rather than the bypass. Then look at the variety of complications and the morbidity potential. It's your decision of course, but if you're asking for input, mine is simple: GO with the band!

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.

I know, it's frustrating to have the surgery and then have to wait so long for your band to really start doing its job. Sometimes the careful, incremental fill process seems endless, but it's safer to do it that way because overly aggressive fills can cause very unpleasant complications. I started feeling a little bit of restriction after my 1st fill, a little more after the 2nd, and the 3rd fill really did the trick. Looking back, I'm glad it was gradual because if they gave me that much fill (2.5 cc in a 4 cc band) all in the 1st visit, my eating problems would have been unmanageable. The way it worked out made it possible for me to practice good band eating skills and slowly adjust to the fills. Hang in there! Edited to Add: don't assume your surgeon gives fills only once a month just because they automatically schedule appointments for you once a month. My surgeon will do fills at 2-week intervals if you ask.

Tomorrow i will hit 22 weeks and so fast everything is going smoothly. I an due June 20, we are having a beautiful baby girl. When i found out i was pregnant i weigh 197 and first trimester i went down to 192 ..so far right now i stand at 200.. Baby seems healthy and no complications with sugar nor blood pressure.

I hope to be like you guys that bounce back and without any complications. My biggest fear is the surgery itself, having complications. But I'm glad to know it's normal to feel like this and im not the only one who had these thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing I appreciate it more than you know[emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173] Sent from my SM-G925T using BariatricPal mobile app

I know I felt like you on and off for a a couple weeks before surgery. I was scared and tempted to back out, even at the hospital I was ready to run for the hills. But I didn't and I didn't have any complications with the surgery. I followed my pre op diet to the letter to ensure my best possible condition before surgery. You've obviously researched the gastric bypass surgery, you've taken the courses and you've made the decision to proceed with the surgery. I stopped researching and reading threads about complications when I started to worry, because I knew they would scare me. Also people don't tend to start threads when everything is going well and they have no complications. I think we all go into it with that fear in the back of our minds that we will be one of the ones with complications, not just for WLS but for any surgery and that's natural. In the end it's only a decision you can make for yourself.

Being scared and nervous can make you question your decision. Normal pre surgery jitters. I’m sure your surgeon gave you the statistics and risk/complication facts. Your team is going to take good care of you and manage your pain with medication. The pain is temporary, your results will be amazing. As for all the horror stories, I think its human nature to gravitate toward the negative posts. It will fuel your pre surgery aniety. Try to balance things out by reading the positives. Surgery before and after’s https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297668-i-want-to-see-before-after-pics-contd/ Success stories https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1298-weight-loss-surgery-success-stories/ NSV's https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=NSV I think many of usthat have bounced back from surgery quickly and had no complications don’t get represented. People that are maintaining no longer need support leave the site. Most people posting are in weight loss mode, a few with complications and people that have gained weight.

Hi, My name is Patti. I am 53 years old. I am 5'2" and currently weigh 303 lbs. I am so happy I found this site because I feel I am being led to seriously considering the lap band. First and foremost, it seems to be a safer method, much less invasive. That is important to me. Secondly, I will probably have to pay out-of-pocket, and though I could afford the surgery of the bypass, I'm concerned about possible complications which could devastate our finances. I am learning a lot and I've only logged on to this site a day ago. I need all the advice I can get and would really appreciate some feedback from "old pros" of the band. I know it will be a good journey. Patti:decision:

Hi, My name is Patti. I am 53 years old. I am 5'2" and currently weigh 303 lbs. I am so happy I found this site because I feel I am being led to seriously considering the lap band. First and foremost, it seems to be a safer method, much less invasive. That is important to me. Secondly, I will probably have to pay out-of-pocket, and though I could afford the surgery of the bypass, I'm concerned about possible complications which could devastate our finances. I am learning a lot and I've only logged on to this site a day ago. I need all the advice I can get and would really appreciate some feedback from "old pros" of the band. I know it will be a good journey. Patti:decision:

Hello everyone, I am pre op however I am excited to hear about the increased fertility that comes with being sleeved! My Husband wantes to use Condoms for the first several months before I am Cleared by my Physican to begin trying to have a baby. Note that this will be our first child, I have been on birth control for over 10 years and this is thee first time I will be going without BC. To add to that My Hubby who is Military will be returning around the time I will be having surgery which is SCARY! For the first time in my life I am excited about the possibility of having a baby~ I am 29 years young and have been married for nearly 6 years~Birth control has also resulted in me gaining extra weight or other complication~~~~I know he wants to use condoms and not traditional birth controls but I don't wanna get preggos too soon and have complications~ What has been YOUR experience with Pregnancy Post op? When did you begin trying? How long after Surgery did you get pregnant? Thanks in advance~ T~ :wub:

What a wunderful new period in your life! My surgeons practice actually asks all female patients to use 2 types of birth control during the first 18-24 months post surgery. There are a number of reasons why, even with a sleeve, there is malnutrition that you suffer when losing the weight, the high amount of Protein is very hard on your kidneys and anemia is common as are vit B, A, D and Calcium deficiencies. hair loss is a big complaint due to the shock to the system and malnutrtion. When you become pregnant the fetus requires nutrition that you're body may not be able to provide without detriment to you or the baby. What leads to infertility for so many women is the excess estrogen stored in all the extra fat we carry, therefore, drop the fat and boom fertility increases! I can tell you about my closest friend who suffered from PCOS and was unable to get pregnant until she had Gastric Bypass. She had open surgery nearly 10 years ago and lost a good 50 lbs when she began actively trying to get pregnant (against medical advice). She was blessed with a healthy bohy and relatively few complications despite being 12 months out from surgery when she delivered! Since then she has had 2 other sons but has gained some weight back and recently lost a pregnancy. The surgery was a success for her and she was able to get pregnant right away, she would tell you she doesn't regret any of it! I'm so happy for you and your husband, I pray your surgery is also a success and that many babies are in your future! Please keep us posted on your journey! :-)

I picked the sleeve over bypass for several reasons, but only YOU can choose what's best for you. If I was diabetic, I would have had bypass. I am not. I wanted to live and eat as "normally" as possible and I was not interested in the possibility of "dumping". I wanted to be able to have a bite or tow of cake or a brownie here and there and I can do that with the sleeve. That said, rich ice cream (my favorite dessert in the world) makes me dump like a pansy biotch. Rich cream Soups do, too. ARGH. Malabsorbtion scared me. I suck at taking Vitamins and pills and I did not want to be on that regimen forever. I don't swallow pills. With bypass that's a must. With sleeve it's a YOU REALLY SHOULD DAMMIT but I don't. I didn't want my intestines re-routed. I don't have a logical reason for that, I just didn't. I loved the idea of my grehlin factory being shut down and it has been. Appetite suppressants have always worked well for me, now it's happening naturally. WIN!! The sleeve was my best option and my surgeon was behind it 100%. As active as I am, and as dedicated as I've proven to be, he agreed that the sleeve was my best bet. I am just over two years out and have been at goal for almost 16 months. I'm thrilled.I more than thrilled. I'm feaking ecstatic. I've had my share of complications but I don't regret a single moment. Not even for a second...

i am booked for Aug 26 for Bipass. The doctors at my hospital dont give you a choice it's bypass or sleeve if they find complications when they get in there. I am soooo scared. I am very healthy other than being overweight. Worried i am gonna trade one problem for another. I am trying to focus on the after, but it's so hard not to worry. Having surgery at St joseph's hospital in hamilton, somebody pls talk to me

Both surgeries are effective. Take a look at the stats. I chose the sleeve bcause its an easier surgery and almost as effective. That being said in my support group there are people that have had both. All are happy with the results, but the sleevers ave less complication eating.

I have taken two Tylenol in my life and drinking is hardly on the menu. The physician said a Tramadol is much better than Tylenol due to liver failure complications.

yes they can come back - I've had two. But they tend to be an early complication - after the first 3 or 4 months, you'll probably be in the clear.

LovemySGT, Yes this happened to me and my doctor told me that I was her first patient this happened to and she was puzzled and couldn't give me a reason why this happened! The ports can flip which is something completely different and the docs deal with every so often, however, dislogding of the port is rare. My port was found in the lower port of my belly somewhere. My doc relocated my port over to my right side now and said that she's used mesh to attach it so that this will never occur again. Wow, I guess we are the lucky ones to expereince this. Was your port replaced at the same place or relocated. Mine was relocated to my right side and I do have problems with discomfort when I sleep on my left side. Jake Re-edit and Correction to above: I just read that you were waiting for this to be fixed. My re-attach required a full surgery, requiring me to go under, however, this was because I also had the band tubing that has also popped out of a sermoa on one of my incisions. Mine was bit more complicated and took 2 hours to fix because the tubing had been exposed and had to be disinfected. I remember my doc saying that she could probably attach it with a local and not put me to sleep, however, because the tubing was exposed the tubing problem cause a full blown surgery. I think you should be ok and the proceedure should be simple. Hopefully. I will keep you in prayer. jake