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I am being banded tomorrow and I am so scared. The doctor made everything sound so easy "You'll have surgery, be back to normal in 3-5 days and then after the 4 week post op diet, you will eat whatever your family does, only in much smaller portions'. From what I have read on here, the process is much more complicated. I am so worried about waking up from surgery unable to drink any water and being in horrible pain. I have fibromyalgia and have no idea how that will be affected by the surgery. I am kind of second guessing my decision to do this (something I knew would happen) but have already paid for the surgery and done the entire pre-op process. I just feel completely sick to my stomach and I know tonight is only going to get worse.
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I'm still in trying to get to goal so I'm no expert, but at 8months I still basically eat protein first and then a small amount of veggies as I have space left. I don't make any complicated meals. I eat chicken, eggs and salmon. I also drink fat free milk and sometimes small amounts of raw almonds. Every few days I eat a couple of strawberries and blueberries. ....yum! Best.
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Confused stomach and hungry!
liannatx replied to carolinacrumb88's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I went band to sleeve also. I had 1 week of clear, and 2 weeks of full liquids. It is tough, but I was more afraid of creating a complication or leak than I was of the hunger. I surely wouldn't try beef yet. I think of all meat Proteins it is the hardest to digest. I think it would be best to bite the bullet and follow your surgeons plan... it seems incredibly tough now but it is really a matter of days and once you get to soft foods/purees it is totally different. They do seem to quell the hunger pangs. Just hang in there, most of us have been there and understand the liquid phase burn-out. -
Help...band Feels Wierd/hurts...stuck?
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to sylviau's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I personally think you'll be ok until your appointment tomorrow, however I'm not a doctor, and if you are really uncomfortable and don't feel you can make it through the night then perhaps consider the ER. Otherwise, I think you're very wise for going in for an unfill. Night heartburn is a major red flag for a band too tight. That is not something you want to mess with, so I applaud you for getting right on it and going back for an unfill so soon. I see way too many wait months and end up with complications because of it. Best wishes, I'm sure you'll feel much better tomorrow after your appointment. -
I think a combination of all of the above. I have found a similar theme amongst the online boards though, which is no one wants to hear the negative no matter WHY it happened. I wanna know it all!!! but that's ME Some people have been hurt, in pain etc.. So yeah they come on a "little strong" I also see that if someone is content they don't visit the boards,if they need help/support they do. No one one wants to be in that situation,BUT IT HAPPENS. I usually read it, keep it in mind, and move on if I have nothing to offer I move on..Why make them feel worse? that serves no purpose. No one knows all of what is needed to know about this or any other surgery. I wish I knew how to "vet"a surgeon that would be awesome, But what do we really have to go on? other's opinion's what that doctor tells us? unfortunately the Doctor's only tell us the complications that they are given by the manufacturer And most people don't really want to know ALL the possible complications.
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hi all, I am now 6 months post op and have been stuck at the same weight now for about a month, i have had a couple of pounds loss then its gone back on, i am getting a little desperate here now , things have been going so well up to this point, i never had any complications after the surgery, can get plenty of liquids down and hardly any trouble eating, it has been really great, i have lost about 80lbs so far, which i feel so pleased about, i know i was going to hit a stall at some point but next week i am going to the dietician and i feel that she will be really disappointed that i haven't lost much since i last saw her, i don't really know what to do, should i cancel my appoint and hope that i have lost some weight by the time i get another appointment or should i just go and accept this is all i have been able to so far. thanks for listening viv
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Hi everyone. So I just joined this app I'm a 17 year old girl. I weigh about 320 and I haven't been able to lose weight easily but I am in this program at my hospital, you meet once a month with a surgeon, occupational therapist, nutritionist, psychologist, and finally a endocrinologist. You have to be in this program for about 6 months in order to be qualified for surgery. I managed to lose a few pounds with this program but I really am struggling to lose it. I just had an appointment Tuesday and this was my 4th month in the program. The surgeon told me that next month, I can make the decision on whether or not I want to go through with surgery. I decided I do want to go through with a surgery and I've decided I wanted the gastric sleeve since it's less risky than the gastric bypass. I've been looking at many before and after pictures of people under the age of 25 and even some older and it does make me excited, hoping that one day I can do a before and after picture like that. My older sister actually had a gastric bypass surgery when she was 23 and she's 25 now and looks great. But, despite my anticipation, I can't help but be terrified. I'm scared of complications, I've had 2 surgeries but they were minor, just tonsils and adenoids, and tubes in my ears, nothing major, the thought of this major surgery scares me. I know it's the right choice for me as I've struggled with my weight since I was just a little girl. I'm sick of being so huge, I want to be able to go out with my friends and not struggle to keep up because I'm always out of breath, I want to go to theme parks and go on rides without fear that I'm too big for the seat belts and bars, I want to be confident, I want to be healthy. But the thought of surgery scares me. I'm scared I might regret getting the surgery. I'm scared there'll be complications. I'm just scared. Has anyone else felt like this before their surgery? Anyone have any advice?
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I've been reading here for years so let me take a shot at your questions? Every doctor has different protocols and some prime the band during surgery. Some don't prime at all. Every doctor has different protocols for fills. We have some here who only get .5 CCs per fill. Some fill with 5 CCs and ask the patient to swallow some Water to make sure it goes down OK. Allergan or Realize bands aren't that much different. Some of us got to the green zone with no fills and some with 13. I'd say the average is around 5. Usually it takes 2-3 before we feel the first satiety signals. Some doctors fill with fluoroscopy. It's an X-Ray so the doctor can see how fast Fluid flows through the band. This way they can fill the band only once or twice to get you to some kind of restriction? Most of us have no complications with fills? Sometimes the port can flip but it's rare. Occasionally some nurses or nurse practitioners may have a hard time finding the port. Hope this helps till someone more specific answers your questions?
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Hello all, I am getting ready to begin the process for getting the sleeve hopefully. I have my first appointment this week with my Medical Doctor and psychologist. I hope I can get approved for real. I haven't been to the doctor in years almost 10 so I am scared with what they may say and if that may have any complications. I'm 480 6'6. I am pretty active. I just started back working out. Been playing basketball 2-3 times a week. Don't have as much energy as the competition lol. Any tips on how I can be successful??
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Hi all, I still have to take a PPI (omeprazole) 7 months after surgery. I have had zero complications to date and have slowly but surely been losing weight. My surgeon is a bit concerned that I still have to take the PPI otherwise I'll get reflux within 1-2 days. For the last week i'm also getting a sharp pain around my largest incision when i bend over. The surgeon asked that I get an upper endoscopy here in Canada (I had surgery in Mexico). Has anyone had to get an endoscopy after the healing period when there were no issues post surgery? Thanks!
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Did anyone like the band better?
Band07 replied to OldMomOf3's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It's prob easier if you do a quick search and then scan the images of full bypass VS mini but mostly it's less surgery time, less invasive (only one new connection to make) easier recovery and less risk of complication with just as good and most believe even better weight loss. The stomach pouch is longer (like the sleeve) but they do bypass a little more of the intestines (around 7'). -
RNY or Sleeve! What to do!
Navigating the Wilderness replied to starlight_dreams's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Ah yes, went through the same dilemma. In fact I changed my mind the week of surgery, for the exact reasons that you list. That being said, I have heard there are some metabolic benefits to the RNY that the sleeve does not provide, but I am not sure if that is true, and if so, how long those effects last. I can tell you in the 9 weeks since I was sleeved I have not touched a blood pressure pill. My BP has been perfect. Also, my sugars have been in the normal range ever since surgery. So, with the sleeve I was able to get rid of 2 medications. As for sleep apnea, I have not had a sleep study done yet, but I was at 400lbs so it will be a bit until I loose enough weight to help with that issue. Ultimately you have to decide which you are comfortable with. I personally think all things equal the sleeve produces about the same weight loss and with quite a few less risk factors, but then again I chose the sleeve, perhaps someone with RNY has had better results than I have. I'd personally rather lose less weight and not have to worry about the complications that come with RNY. As an aside you will see a lot of evidence suggesting that GERD becomes a real issue after the sleeve. I had GERD, with pills and chewables each day I still had issues. Since the surgery I have not had a single problem with reflux, but then again I am only 7 weeks out. -
They say money cant buy happiness but..
411angela posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
They say money can't buy happiness but I've never been happier! I had the gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ariel Ortiz on August 12, 2013. I've been fortunate that I haven't had any complications. I've lost 80 lbs. I'm not at the goal weight they set for me, 153. I'm actually 162 lbs at 5'8. When I get much below that I hear comments that I'm looking too thin, etc. Im happy with being in a size 8. I just need to tone up! Exercise has not been a strength for me. The past few months I've really had to remind myself that the sleeve is a tool to losing the weight but that I have to work at making healthy choices and making this a lifestyle change. I can eat anything and could quickly gain the weight back but I love how I feel about myself now. I no longer turn down social events because I'm embarrassed of my body. I'm now a confident independent woman. I'm so thankful I made the decision to trust Dr. Ortiz and get the sleeve! What a difference a year makes!- 13 replies
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I had tons of pre-op diet questions and felt just like you: if I can't stay on a diet 2 weeks, how am I going to do a pre-op diet? So I tried to maintain my low-cal preop diet but failed badly last night & went to bed stuffed. I called the doctor and told them how I ate, but she was really nice and said, "don't worry, honey, the band will help you." I've heard if the liver is too large, the surgery is more difficult for the doctor so they may have to make larger incisions or a more complicated procedure. My surgery is tomorrow at 4pm so I'm on Clear liquids till then, which will be hard enough, let alone several weeks on liquids. But the thing that's so weird is I fasted all the time in my teens. How come I could do it then but not now? To keep life interesting, I drink several glasses of Water in the morning. Then I start diluting Gatorade or juice with 1/2 water. This way I'm tasting something all day long. Meanwhile, I just removed my acrylic nails after 20 years so I can learn to play guitar. I tried learning years ago but gave up, so now I have no choice because I'll need to keep my hands away from my mouth. My obsession is so, so bad, that even when I'm not eating my hands are constantly near my mouth. I either play with my hair, bite nails, pick teeth, scratch nose... anything to get those fingers towards my mouth. Maybe they should just sew my arms down to my sides to keep my hands away from my lips.
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I have had the lap band about 2 years now. The first year was awsome. The past few months I have been experiencing Acid Reflux and sometimes even after just drinking Water I spit up this sour grimey stuff. Sort of reminds me of (gross sorry) gum that has been in your mouth way too long and its coming apart and flakey and sticky in your mouth. This happends daily. I feel like I am at the right fill amount because I can get down water just fine and my protien shakes and I can eat and have just the right amount of restriction. But at night I experience burning in my stomach and this grimey spit stuff that likes to pop up at all the wrong times. Has anyone else experienced any of this??? Its driving me nuts.
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I Cheated On My Pre Gastric Sleeve Surgery Gastric Sleeve Surgery Diet... Should I Be Nervous Now?
sirensiren replied to Kendall Ann's topic in Pre-op Diets and Questions
are 2 oatmeal Cookies 9 days prior to surgery going to cause your liver to be inflamed and hazardously large for surgery? It's quite unlikely. Without being a surgeon, that just stands to reason. As others have said, so long as you don't make "slip ups" a habit during these tough 14 days, you should be fine. I had a low BMI and my surgeon put me on only a week of pre-op surgery to shrink my liver. My habits were not great on my liver prior to surgery, I enjoyed alcohol frequently, not to mention some other things. My surgeon said my liver looked perfect during surgery (I asked! I figured it was large and blackened, LOL!) and it was nice and small and easily moved out of the way. Just keep on your diet, and remind yourself that you will never ever be this hungry again! This diet is to assure that you have the easiest, complication free surgery as you possibly can in regards to your liver allowing your surgeon to have full access to your stomach. It's good that you are concerned, and realize you messed up and asked. I am sure out of the many VSG patients out there, there are plenty of people who don't control their urges to cheat during this time and figure it's no big deal. Better to be safe than sorry, and better to have the easiest possible surgery you can. -
so scared i guess cuz its getting closer
FitatFifty replied to ladybashful's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Lady- Your in the right place for support and it's ok to be scared. Having the sleeve is life-altering and surgery does come with complications. That said, I am so happy that I have my sleeve now and wouldn't look back. It's working great for me. You didn't say how the person popped her staples, so its unknown if this occurred because of medical error or patient error. However, if you follow your doctor's diet you shouldn't "pop" your stapleline. After the surgery, you follow the diet progression and sip, sip, sip your liquids, and listen to your body. It will tell when you've had enough. It's also important to follow the pre-op diet so your liver shrinks and your surgeon has plenty of room to work. The good news is...you don't starve after surgery!! I was sleeved last thursday (9/16) and am on the liquid diet for two weeks. I sometimes feel "empty," especially in the morning, but never growling hungry. That's the beauty of having the fundus of your stomach--where the hormone ghrelin is prodcued-- removed. Good luck to you and keep checking in - Fit -
If it's any consolation, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself. The band has limitations that people didn't know about the first few years it was out there. I read a few weeks ago where doctors are being urged to not even install the band into patients anymore because the long-term issues (weight re-gain, failure to loose, scarring, etc...) just are not worth it. The feds have sent subpoenas to Allergan about the lap band and expect them to testify about the low weight loss results and the complications. It was in the news back in May. If you are convinced that you'll regain, I think it's better for you to act proactively, especially with your co-morbid conditions. Why climb back up when you don't have to?
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All I can say is ... the haters can kiss my (thanks to my band) cute, small(er..) bee-hind!! I find that kind of thing so ridiculous. All of these kinds of surgery seem to work really well when done by good surgeons and on people who work the tool they are given. I don't view one as better than another -- I think it's really a matter of personal situation and preference. That said, I'm hearing good things about the sleeve from a few former bandsters who had to revise to the sleeve due to complications. But, otherwise, I don't know too much about it. The band worked very well for me -- I'll be 4 years out in October, and I've been at or under goal for more than 2 years. Best, Catherine
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How long were you in the hospital post op?
kpeters replied to scoots's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Friday 2/5 @ 12pm arrival time. Surgery scheduled for 1:30pm. Surgeon was behind, so we started at about 3pm. I was released from the hospital on Saturday around 3pm with no complications. Only way I could get out is if I could keep liquids down, take my pain meds orally. And pass gas. Walk walk walk all night if you have too. That's really the only thing that gets rid of the most uncomfortable gas pain I have EVER felt as a woman. 3 days post off, each day get better. Fluid intake is not the problem, it's the protein shakes that are really hard. The consistency and the diary idk just not my favorite. Reading along here I'm finding hope that this stage will pass. Because as of right now, I'm wondering why I made this choice. I don't feel connected to real world yet. Or able to get back in my routine. Keep the encouragement coming. I appreciate it and anyone feeling what I'm feeling? Please share, or just know that we will thank our future selves for this. Keep pushing you got this! ???????????????? -
thanks for @@Debbie3sons to let me know i have a fellow patient who has my doctor also..i went in to have WLS and he wanted me to have the bypass due to my size..i was as wide as i am tall...and i was scared to get it and wanted the lap band...he looked at me with a yeah right, you will not lose look and that just made me more strong...and also upset me..he then told me about the plication (i band and also now called gastric band and imbrication and etc)...he told he it was a new helper to the band and that he thought it could help me but def let me know that i had to help myself first..i like knowing the results i have (are) maybe making the plication and lap band more successful..truth be told any WLS can help and any WLS cannot help..i feel it is a lot patient doing in regards to the success..and to me losing 50 pounds is a success...losing ANY is a success...people seem to forget it it about better health, a better life or for me, it was to merely walk again and be able to wipe my ass again...that is why i had WLS i am somewhat familiar with the (SIPS) but not enough to comment on it.. i say go for it make yourself well dr enochs is a superb doctor as is his staff yeah the office is kinda slow but when i go monthly now, i schedule the appt around 1 or 2 and then take the rest of the afternoon off and as i always say for its true to anyone reading my words: for best results, with any WLS, it is wise to follow the doctors advice sometimes things (complications) happen and sometimes they don't.. its major surgery not a manicure...just do the best we can with what we have...and where you are now...if you don't do good one day, do better the next...its a lifestyle change..not a diet...it wont happen overnight but if you keep going...eating, moving, believing it will happen..
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I was banded on 3/17 08 at NYU by Dr. Ren. If there were only one thing I could say about the whole experience it would be WOW!. I am so happy. I had NO complications after the surgery, and have continued to lose weight every month since. The comprehensive program at NYU has made everything go smoothly. First there are several opportunities to go to meetings to listen to what others who have faced the same issues have to say. I wholly recommend this. Maybe everyone is not on the same page as you, but in the long run you always learn something new that can help. Second, the after care is outstanding. I have heard so many stories from friends who have had the surgery, and from other patients in the waiting room, and even from the young woman who was in the hospital with me after surgery (for gall bladder ) about the "special"care they have received. Finally, what doesn't get said often enough: the Dr.'s are wonderful. I,personally, can only speak for Dr. Ren. She is an expert. And she is extraordinarily kind and caring. My recovery and subsequent fills have convinced me that I chose the best possible place to have this life-altering surgery. Yes, what many people on this forum have said, the office staff leaves much to be desired in terms of communication and efficiency sometimes, but the professional medical staff is truly outstanding. I know you will be thrilled with your decision.
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If everything goes smoothly with surgery you should have no problems as long as you have the relatives to help out. I couldn't drive for 5 days post op so my hubbie was in charge of going to the store if I needed something. However, if one of you has complications, the other would be in a very weakened state and probably unable to provide the support they would want to give. Statistically, it probably wont happen, but it is a consideration. Good luck to you both! (BTW, I have Aetna insurance and was in for one night)
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Help needed in Arizona
rosepose replied to sunshinetinaz's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That pain is while you're on pain pills? So while I totally agree that you should call your doctor or go to the ER if they're not in today if it's really bad - I was MISERABLE for the first few days. Every sip had me doubled over. I stayed with my parents for the first week and my dad has a shiatsu massage chair we got him for fathers day a few years ago - the percussion setting really helped with getting gas up. (Its now referred to as the burping chair.) The surgical gas that is in your abdomen after the surgery is freaking uncomfortable in my opinion and I was on dilauded. I guess what I'm saying is, yes a lot of people had little pain, but many of us had loads of it without it indicating any complications or problems at all. While checking in with a doctor is important any time you're unsure if symptoms are okay, you don't need to worry that something is wrong just because you're not pain free. My doctor was pretty clear that it varies and that while some people are off pain pills in a couple of days others need them for weeks. -
Sleeve or lap band?
IvyLeagueNP replied to LaLa Lady's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sleeve... The Bariatric center that I'm going to is no longer doing the band due to complications. They said there are a lot of issues trying to get the right amount of fluid in the band. Too much causes vomiting and issues with ulcers/esophageal erosion. And too little means slow/no weight loss because the person can eat a larger amount of food. A lot of their banded patients are now choosing to be sleeved.
