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I just had the gastric sleeve a month ago. Like everyone else has said my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I didn't have any complications whatsoever from the surgery and am healing just fine. I've lost 16 pounds in a month and 15" overall, so that's a good start.

Luckily the contacts weren’t in - but she’d been in a nonresponsive vegetative state for a week before we had that revelation and got her glasses. Hard to tell if she’s focusing on people purposefully if she can’t see a damn thing either way! Unfortunately she’s not okay, though there is always hope of further improvement. She experienced something called an amniotic fluid embolism during the birth of her first child, which caused a cascade of other complications including a stroke that resulted in the coma. Freak condition, no warning or prevention, just happens. It is completely unreal that this is happening to her and it’s very hard to process that she’s going to need assistance in some degree for the rest of her life, but she’s in there and we get hints of her occasionally. Communication is still a struggle. Her baby survived and is doing well, and frankly that’s what would matter most to her, so. Every time I visit her I reassure her no, she hasn’t slept away entire years between visits, I actually am losing weight at a ridiculous clip. (This is fine humor-wise, she’s been one of my closet friends since we were 14.) And then I make her husband leave the room and tell her scurrilous gossip.

Hello, I am seeking advice from anyone who converted from lapband to sleeve and especially if with a lower BMI. I scoured the forum but didn’t see any similar stories): Also looking for anyone who had band removed because of esophageal dysmotility. Here is my history, briefly(: I had lapband 12 years ago (self pay in Mexico) and was successful. I had reached my goal weight and 24 BMI! (with some ups and downs along the way). That was until three months ago when I had a severe food poisoning and the associated vomiting. I was very sick and violently vomited at least 20 times. This left my band very irritated and I was barely able to drink two weeks later. I thought the band was slipped. When I had a fluoroscopy/esophagram there was no slip, but it did reveal esophageal dysmotility. Apparently this is a common complication with long term use of lapband. Although I have no symptoms (typically reflux and/or difficulty swallowing) my doctor suggests removing the band. He also will not refill the band which I do agree with considering the risks. So, three months ago I had a total unfill. Yesterday I had another esophagram and I still have the esophageal dysmotility. Sadly, I have already gained from 137 to 165. I feel like a total failure and really wished I could maintain on my own. But now I am considering the sleeve. Twelve years ago I would have never considered a surgery to remove part of my stomach. But the descriptions of the way the sleeve works sounds like the way the band worked (when perfectly filled:) I have not checked into it but likely insurance will only pay for removal of band and I will have to self pay for sleeve. This seems extreme considering my current weight but I don’t want to wait until I weigh 232lbs again. But I did restart weight watchers today. So my questions are as follows: 1) has anyone converted from LB to Sleeve with lower BMI. What were you experiences? 2) Anyone with esophageal dysmotility? Did it improve after band removal? Thank you and apologies for the super long post! Stella

Hello, I am seeking advice from anyone who converted from lapband to sleeve and especially if with a lower BMI. I scoured the forum but didn’t see any similar stories): Here is my history, briefly(: I had lapband 12 years ago (self pay in Mexico) and was successful. I had reached my goal weight and 24 BMI! (with some ups and downs along the way). That was until three months ago when I had a severe food poisoning and the associated vomiting. I was very sick and violently vomited at least 20 times. This left my band very irritated and I was barely able to drink two weeks later. I thought the band was slipped. When I had a fluoroscopy/esophagram there was no slip, but it did reveal esophageal dysmotility. Apparently this is a common complication with long term use of lapband. Although I have no symptoms (typically reflux and/or difficulty swallowing) my doctor suggests removing the band. He also will not refill the band which I do agree with considering the risks. So, three months ago I had a total unfill. Yesterday I had another esophagram and I still have the esophageal dysmotility. Sadly, I have already gained from 137 to 165. I feel like a total failure and really wished I could maintain on my own. But now I am considering the sleeve. Twelve years ago I would have never considered a surgery to remove part of my stomach. But the descriptions of the way the sleeve works sounds like the way the band worked (when perfectly filled:) I have not checked into it but likely insurance will only pay for removal of band and I will have to self pay for sleeve. This seems extreme considering my current weight but I don’t want to wait until I weigh 232lbs again. But I did restart weight watchers today. So my questions are as follows: 1) has anyone converted from LB to Sleeve with lower BMI. What were you experiences? 2) Anyone with esophageal dysmotility? Did it improve after band removal? Thank you and apologies for the super long post! Stella

I’m so sorry your husband said these things to you : ( I’m 50, I was 5’2 and 220, I’m 141 and still 5’2,lol You can do this!! Don’t let his crap keep you from feeling better about yourself. Life is really great on the other side. I was lucky that I had no complications. My meals taste great, they’re much smaller but so much better for me. I wish you the best of luck and I hope your husband comes around on the idea. You deserve this and your husband should support you as you supported him, but if he doesn’t, you take care of you ❣️

People who haven't gone through this really have no concept of how difficult it is or of how complicated our relationship with food is. What he heard is that "You're not hungry because of the surgery." He doesn't understand how many "homey" foods are tied into our memories and emotions, of times shared with family and friends, of celebrations and sadness. Right now, you're probably mourning not being able to share these experiences in the "normal" way. It will get better when you're healed up. You will be able to share your favorite foods again and enjoy sharing the meal and building new memories. It just takes time and you need to give yourself both time and permission to work through it. At least, this is how it was for me. Hope it gets better for you soon.

Agree with above poster, you need to have a good conversation with your doctor to help decide which is best for you. I can only offer my own experience. I have been banded and I have been sleeved. I was banded in 2005. I did well at first, but when my gallbladder took a crap and my doctor didn't diagnose it properly, I was in absolute misery and afraid to eat for about 6 months. Ultimately, I lost 85 lbs with the band. I gained a little back towards the end, but maybe 20 lbs. Thankfully not all of it. I was never able to tolerate a fill in my band and after I switched surgeons, I learned that my original surgeon placed the band too high on the stomach. After the gallbladder thing, I had ongoing reflux and slept nearly sitting up for the rest of my time banded. I lived that way, miserably, for almost 5 years until my surgeon's only answer was to just take the darn thing out. I got a copy of my op report during my sleeve pre-op process. The surgeon reported that my band slipped. I suspect it happened with the gallbladder issue because I was never the same after all that vomiting. I lived without the band for 8 years and did fairly well maintaining my weight, overweight, but at least not morbidly obese. In late 2013, I had some major life changing events and looking back, I was doing some comfort eating and binge eating. I gained ALL of my weight back. I just couldn't seem to get back on track, so last year I had the sleeve done. I don't regret it. I feel "normal" and after about 10 months, I've lost 72lbs. My weight loss has been much slower with the sleeve, but they tell me it's because my body's been through this with the band. To get to my ultimate weight loss goal I have about 45 to go, but honestly, I'd just be happy to get under 200lbs and that's only 20 lbs away! Aside from the initial recovery, I feel great. I never feel deprived. The only time I feel bad is if I've overdone it a bit. Then, I'm uncomfortable for a while until the food passes. I have a little bit of nighttime reflux, but it's nothing like with the band. My gastroenterologist says I have a small hiatal hernia, which we'll talk about addressing at my next appointment. I don't necessarily regret having the band, but it did mess me up a bit. I was thankful that it helped me lose weight. In exchange, I was rather miserable with it for years and it left me with a lot of scarring that made my sleeve surgery more complicated. I don't regret having the sleeve at all, but I will admit to having a little bit of remorse that I can no longer use food as a comfort. I've been forced to find better coping mechanisms, which isn't a bad thing. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have more control over food and my weight. I have HOPE for a future without dealing with morbid obesity. Best of luck to you!

The surgery went well. It took only a half hour, I am told. No complications. Since December, I have lost 13.4 lbs and nearly 6 lbs this week. The nursing staff at my hospital was incredible, other than having to wait a long time at certain times of day. I was in for two nights because I had to learn how to give myself blood thinner injections due to increased risk of blood clots. Thank God, only for two weeks. I will say though, that the side effects of the opioids they had me on were decidedly unpleasant. I am on no pain meds other than Tylenol at the present and have very little pain from the surgery. It is mostly my grumpy knees complaining all the time. Also getting used to having my stomach clench when I swallow something and get a gurgle each time. It is weird. And eating such small amounts. Now when I look at portion sizes for other people, my eyes bug out. I also cannot drink and eat at the same time, so I frequently use a timer to make sure I follow the rules. They are very serious about making sure you retain the proper nutrients and not have water wash them away. I see my surgeon for a follow up on Friday the 18th, and while he may clear me to return to work the following week, I am not mentally ready. I am going to take another full week to recuperate. I need this. So, a quick question. Is it normal to feel your stomach clench at times when you swallow liquids or food? This happens often to me, and sometimes it feels like a cramp. I just wait and make sure everything is OK and I continue to ingest food or water slowly. Will this continue to occur all the time or does my new stomach eventually get used to things?

Good thing you knew to stepback, if you persist you will vomit and as a veteran urp-er it is absolutely no fun. Found out mine was complicated by being strictured stepped back down, but I am taking only a token amount by mouth. Being largely sustained by TPN through a PICC line in my upper left arm, I turned out to be the rare occurance doctors mention in their pre-surgery warnings, frankly I didn't ask for this honor! But it is fixable and my doctors know the interventions to do. Just a matter of time until I am better!

I keep getting this pain in my diaphragm intermittently. It happens when I drink too fast and will go away in a couple of seconds. However, tonight I am laying down and it’s just happening randomly and I haven’t been drinking anything for the last hour or two. It’s happening every couple of minutes or so. Is this normal? Sorry I’m a worry wart and want to make sure it’s nothing crazy or serious post op complication.

Ask your bariatric program is they offers an information seminar. They will talk about all the different types of surgeries and discuss success rates, expected weight loss, complications, pros/cons and take peoples questions. Your Surgeon will have your medical history at your pre op appointment. He/she will suggest a surgery that may work best for you. Many surgeons don't do the band anymore. Check your office. Four years out from surgery. I had great results with the sleeve. It was less invasive for me. ( my intestines are not altered) My height weight 254. I weighed 234 the day of surgery 2014. Hit my goal of 140 in six months. I now maintain in the 130's. Even if the weight loss was slower I would have been happy. We all lose at different rates. Things to know about the sleeve: After my sixth month, I can tolerate any food with no dumping syndrome. It's important to eat healthy and stay within my calories and macros. Going back to old behaviors I would gain weight back. You have your best surgery restriction in the first few months. Months to a year out you will notice you can consume more food. The restriction is less (your stomach has not grown back to full size)It will be important for behavior change and not going over you calories and macros for weight loss and maintaining. Most sleevers can tolerate sugar. Less change of dumping syndrome. If sugar is an issue, other types of surgery may be worth looking into. I wish you the best, Jenn

I had the sleeve. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. I’ve heard of several people that have had complications with the band and have converted to sleeve. I lost close to 40 prior to surgery (May) and I’ve lost a total of 135 since the beginning. Good luck in whatever you choose!

I’m planning to have either the band or the sleeve and would love to hear back from people who had either of these and your thoughts? Did you have success? Did you have complications? How much weight loss and how long?

I’m planning to have either the band or the sleeve and would love to hear back from people who had either of these and your thoughts? Did you have success? Did you have complications? How much weight loss and how long?

I am right there with you! Absolutely terrified, and my surgery is just in 4 days! (Well, less than now, technically!) I keep thinking of literally every worst case scenario (thanks, anxiety!) But in general, these surgeries are pretty safe overall. Just have to watch out for complications and be vigilant about taking care of ourselves afterwards. If you ever want to talk about your fears, feel free to message me (cause I completely understand and feel much the same worries!) Take care!

RinRin, Sorry to read about your struggles. I am fortunate in that I do not struggle with depression, or more importantly medication to treat depression; keep this in mind while reading my response. Your body is going through some major changes during rapid weight loss, this includes changes in your hormones. Again, not knowing how your medication works I would be curious if the weight loss and change in hormones due to it are complicating matters. My only suggestion is to be in close contact with your primary doc since he/she is the one treating you and to reach out to a psych doc if your primary can't get things under control. Maybe get psych on board now rather than later. I wish you all the best. Keep reaching out and doing what you need to get yourself where you need to be.

#1-it sounds like you need to see a doctor who understands and/or specializes in bariatric procedures. Going to or finding a new family doctor is all well and good, but they don't specialize in bariatrics and wouldn't necessarily understand the special needs or potential complications. If your access to a bariatric doctor is as limited as you say, another option might be a gastroenterologist. In terms of how to have it removed, I'd say refer again to #1. See a bariatric doctor. He/She will advise on that and their office knows how to manage reimbursement. In my own experience, I suffered with reflux for nearly 5 years with the band. I left my original band surgeon because his bedside manner was so poor that I lost faith in him and his practice. I found a new band doc, had to drive nearly 3 hours to get there, but it was so worth it. He worked with me, offered me options and when it came time, he was honest by telling me there was nothing more he could do and maybe I just needed the band out. Then again, I live in the States and my access sounds a lot different than yours. Best of Luck!

It's normal to be afraid before major surgery. But it'll be okay. The surgery itself is safer than getting a hip replacement (.08% vs .4%). And major complications only occur in about 2.4% of patients. You'll be okay. Sources: https://asmbs.org/resources/studies-weigh-in-on-safety-and-effectiveness-of-newer-bariatric-and-metabolic-surgery-procedure https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/types/hip/hip-replacement-mortality-rates.php https://obesitynewstoday.com/gastric-sleeve-complications/

Hey! So my surgeon is calling me in a weeks time to book my surgery for Feb. I am so ready for this new way of life. Im ready to be a better Mom and wife. Im ready to be HEALTHY. However, I am also terrified of not waking up, of something going wrong during surgery and of just major complications (leak is my biggest fear). I know it may seem silly, but if there's anyone out there that was in the same situation and offer some words of encouragement, I would be very appreciative. I totally understand that the risks of obesity FAR outweigh the risks associated with surgery, I just have an irrational fear I suppose. Thanks again! H

I was sleeved 10/15 and have had absolutely zero issues. No dumping, no extreme soreness, no sweats.. no complications at all i eat tons of protein, steak, pork, chicken, turkey, fish- you name it. I stay as close to zero carbs as I can. I operate on 800-1000 caps a day. But it’s picking I can eat a 6oz steak, but it literally takes 2 days- small bites, chewed well, but my body doesn’t reject it lol I drink min 120 oz of water a day. 4 thirty ounce yeti cups over 18 hours. The first week it was hard to get a sippy cup down, but once the swelling subsided, it was game on This morning I officially lost 100 pounds. (Actually 116). Weight day of surgery was 381, today it is 261. 116 pounds/87 days=1.3 pounds a day and no stalls. So to those who say the guy was wrong or what ever, it’s his body, his procedure, his ass if it doesn’t work. I’m kind of doing the same thing. So far, I think I have a handle on it.

I'm having bypass surgery in Washington, DC in February 2019, and I will be moving to Australia for work in September 2019. I thought about waiting until I get to Australia to have the surgery, but I decided I want to do it now and arrive in Australia as the "new me." However, I'm a bit concerned about switching to a new doctor for periodic checkups (or to deal with complications if they occur). Has anyone had to deal with this? Has it been disruptive in your weight loss journey?

You have the right attitude, Stephanie! You need to do this for you--your health, your future, your happiness. Don't second guess yourself if you know you want the surgery. Jasmine, I could not agree more! I am 59 and will be having the surgery in February. I have lost and re-gained the same 60 pounds more times than I can could over the last 30 years. At my last physical, my primary care doctor told me that there is very little chance that I could lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off at my age without surgery. (He also told me I would have a massive stroke or heart attack in the next 10-12 years unless I did something drastic.) I'm nervous about the surgery and possible complications, but I have no doubt that it is the right thing to do. I just wish I had made this decision earlier so I could have enjoyed that many more years of health and energy!

I had several pre-op appointments (of different kinds.) It will vary from plan to plan and person to person though, keep in mind. If I recall correctly, my first appointment was with a gastro specialist who generally just discussed the different surgeries and what each one entails. They told me the basics of each surgery, but didn't go into heavy details. It was there that I was first told how much weight I was supposed to lose. I also spoke with several nutritionists in between who told me a little more about the surgeries and helped me to understand what the pre-op diet would be like. My second pre-op appointment was with the surgeon herself, and she also did my gastroscopy so that she could examine my stomach and make sure it was a-okay for surgery. She answered any questions I had at the time, and we discussed possible complications a bit, but in general I didn't honestly get a lot of information at the time. I had my last pre-op appointment just a couple days ago with the anaesthesiologist, and she weighed me, checked the size of my neck, and discussed the details of the procedure (how long it would last, basically, and the direct details regarding the surgery itself.) I came prepared this time with a whole slew of questions, but I sadly wasn't able to get them all answered. She provided me with a drink that I'm supposed to take a few hours before the surgery as well. (In between these appointments, I had a lot of different tests conducted. Bloodworks three different times, testing for diabetes, the gastroscopy, and also an EKG. I also had to see a psychologist as well.) I should note that I feel like I wasn't given as much information on the surgery as many people have been provided with their plans. I was not told about a lot of the different complications that can happen (such as possible hair loss, for example) or even what my meals would be like post-surgery, and only learned after I did a lot of my own research. I would highly suggest you do the same, just in case the same happens with you! Good luck with whatever decision you ultimately make though!

I eat anything I want because after after 4 to 6 ounces, I'm done. But you should know that I've had post-op complications. I got multiple infections, stomach leaked, 4 surgeries and so on and so on.

I got surgery there Dec 1, 18 Gastric Sleeve by Dr Rodriguez Scheduling was very efficient and quick, they didn’t contact me much after they gave me all the details and information for the date I set and the preop diet. I made sure to have all my ducks in a row and give them all the info they needed but don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. When I did email or text or call they got me all my answers very quickly. As for the travel, I drove to the border and got picked up before crossing, went by myself and everyone was super nice. They immediately took the tests they needed, blood work, ekg, etc. then went to a very nice hotel the room was amazing. I had complications where my hemoglobins were too low for surgery and I had to go back and get blood transfusions (costed extra obvi not included) and had surgery the following day. I only had major gas pain the first night of surgery but they took care of my pain pretty quick. The nurses were so sweet and helpful, me being by myself they were comforting. Id recommend bringing someone, make sure you have $1000 on a card (unless you have extensive doctor appointments before you leave, you NEVER know what might happen like a hernia repair, or blood. I did not know my hemoglobins were low and would need blood transfusions to get the surgery), bringing your favorite pillow ever, and packing light!! They really do give you all the info in the emails, read every single line and click all the links and read those too.