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How much you lose is up to you. Typically they say about 60% of excess weight but it can be more or less depending on your ability and desire to exercise and eat right. But the battle isn't with your stomach- it's with your mind. We have an addiction and you have to treat it as such. And getting active will help. I took up swimming because I have bad knees and it's been great. For a few weeks to a few months eating will be much different than you're used too. Full very fast. EAT SLOWLY. If you overeat I guarantee you will only want to do it once. Follow the plan your doctor gives you and don't deviate. They have a reason they do what they do. You will gradually be able to eat more but never like you used to. I just had my first ice cream in 4 years. 1 scoop filled me up. And no real desire to have more. The quantity you'll be able to eat will vary depending on what you're eating and how fast. But don't push it. I've had to find other things to replace my eating. I can still eat most things just in much smaller quantities. I don't do rice or much pasta or potatoes as they fill me up very fast and no room for the healthier- and tastier- things. I felt great after surgery. Told the doctor I've had worse paper cuts. No pain, no gas, no upset stomach. But I'm one of the lucky ones. Expect some problems like gas and just have a heat pad ready - it helps. There can be complications- that's true with any surgery but, again, follow instructions for hygiene and type of food. Excess skin? Oh yeah! I've lost about 250 pounds and I look like a partially deflated balloon. But I'm working at losing some more to have skin removal. Need a BMI of around 35 before that happens. How long again is a matter of how much and how fast you lose. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! I wish I had done it 10 years before I did. But fear kept me from trying. I heard a quote bt Will Smith. " God puts the best things in life on the other side of fear." How true! Finally I would recommend a book called Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies. Very informative. Good luck

@@pattyor "tried and true" statement...... "the one thing we all have in common is that we're all different"!!!! as you've read above, people have taken anywhere from a few days to a few weeks etc the doc that told you that people might have surgery on a friday, and work on monday is/can be true in many cases - people stayed home for awhile, (a week, whatever) not necessarily due to any "serious" complications many people are extremelllly tired, weak et al if they have the sick time - they will/can use it many people can afford financially/or sick leave to take off from work longer for me - i immediately continued my "job" i'm retired its good to rest, relax - take care of you!!!! then of course, their are some slackers/ goofballs that just don't want to work!!! you probably need/should tell your office (for their planning) about how long you will need to take off maybe say 2-3 weeks, and go back sooner/earlier if you are able to listen to your body don't overdue i've heard from informed sources that April 14th is the best day to have surgery good luck speedy recovery kathy Yes ma'am April 14th is the magical day lol....I can't wait and can't believe I will become a sleever that day.

I have the Swedish band, which has yet to be approved in the USA, but it holds a similar amount to the VG band. (but is softer, and less likely to cause complications). First fill. 4.5cc (no restriction) Second fill. 5.6cc (adequate restriction)

I know with having 26 years combined experience of being a paramedic/registered nurse (ICU and ER) pain is very subjective. I have people get a paper cut scream like they had their arm ripped off and a gentleman get his arm ripped off in a round bailer who said it hurt a little. So as I teach about pain control pain is subjective so listen to the patient. As for drains, they are useful as another person stated for helping with surgical complications (ie. bleeding). Some docs believe in them and some don't just preference.

@@pattyor "tried and true" statement...... "the one thing we all have in common is that we're all different"!!!! as you've read above, people have taken anywhere from a few days to a few weeks etc the doc that told you that people might have surgery on a friday, and work on monday is/can be true in many cases - people stayed home for awhile, (a week, whatever) not necessarily due to any "serious" complications many people are extremelllly tired, weak et al if they have the sick time - they will/can use it many people can afford financially/or sick leave to take off from work longer for me - i immediately continued my "job" i'm retired its good to rest, relax - take care of you!!!! then of course, their are some slackers/ goofballs that just don't want to work!!! you probably need/should tell your office (for their planning) about how long you will need to take off maybe say 2-3 weeks, and go back sooner/earlier if you are able to listen to your body don't overdue i've heard from informed sources that April 14th is the best day to have surgery good luck speedy recovery kathy

I am just speaking for myself, but my Digestive Disease doctor stated to me that he would not support my decision to have the gastric bypass. He highly recommended the lapband since it is the least invasive and if you have complications it can be reversed. I have only had my band for 2 months, I am walking every day and I still have loose skin, just not as bad as a friend I have that had the bypass surgery, also needs to have plastic surgery. And as Wheetsin says..genetics have a lot to do with that as well..I have stretch marks from having my children and a c-section to boot..so anyone that has had one of those know what I'm talking about! I really think after 2 years of checking into this surgery that the lapband is the way to go! Good luck!

Its Been 5 months 7 days since my surgery. I have only lost 3olbs. I still have to diet like i did before the surgery which makes it so hard. i thought if i had this surgery i didnt have to go through all the same dieting counting calories. If i knew all this i would have just went on a diet with out scars and surgery :frown:. I'm so tired and upset :cursing: i should have just went with the gastric bypass surgery and not the lapband. Now i have to go through the fills and all the bloating and all the other complications i'm going through. I'm just Tired !

Do not get the band!!!! The research says if you do your chances of another surgery are about 50% by year 10 and continue to go up thereafter because of complications. I personally never would choose a surgery with a 50% long term complication rates that are severe enough to require surgery. Unfortunately that data was not available when I got mine so I became a statistic and had my band revised to bypass last year. Love my bypass.

Hi! I’m new here and would really appreciate some help/advice. I’m 12wks out and have had several complications: allergic reaction to staples, cellulitis at incision, infection drainage twice and today I had to have another CT & started two new antibiotics because the dr thinks I have another infection under my incision. I have constant pain around my incision and over to the right side. It’s extremely painful and very sensitive to touch. Is it possible to get an infection under my incision 12 weeks later from just the incision, that seems completely healed on the outside? Has anyone had similar problems? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

I hope the seminars were helpful by giving you a good overview of your options for weight loss surgery. It's perfectly natural to be nervous, and I think most of us were in the same boat. You worry that you won't be successful, that you'll be the one to have complications, that your life as you know it now will be drastically changed, etc. For me, reading these boards and getting the most up to date statistical info I could find helped alleviate my worries. I decided I was going to follow the band rules to the best of my ability and if I happened to be one of the unfortunate people who ended up with a complication, it wouldn't be because of something I did. I also chose a surgeon who had tons of experience with lap bands and had come highly recommended. I'm self-pay, and I feel like it was worth every penny. My quality of life has improved exponentially. I'm not one of the extraordinarily fast losers. I've lost 50+ lbs in a year and I'd like to lose 20 more, and then I'll go for the final 10 lbs (if I decide I need to at that point). On the other hand, I can eat almost 100% of the same foods I could pre-band, just much smaller quantities. One of the pluses of the band is that it can be adjusted to your lifestyle and goals, to a point. For me, it's the perfect tool to help me become healthy again.

I did. 7/1/11. the surgery went very well and there were no complications, still none. it does not look like a typical hospital (more like a strip mall). It is basic but clean and likely has a lot fewer super-bugs than you would find in a multi-service hospital. for recovery, you will likely be in a house with roommates. I liked the company...not like any of us were perky, but there were people to walk with (you will be walking a lot, to get rid of the post op gas). and there was terrific clear soup and popsicles on the second post op day . the only thing that I would suggest you consider is to have a post op md or nurse lined up in the us. first of all, it is important to have someone to call if there is an emergency. also, unless you are very personally un-squeamish, you might need help taking out the post op sutures. I ended up doing it myself, because no doctor or nurse here would do it for me. Also, you might want to consider having the folks in Mexico send you a list of the post op meds you will need and then seeing if there is a way to get these in the US. I did not have any problems with this, but on another (terrible, horrible and awful) trip to Mexico for dental work, the anti-biotics they gave me were not effective... I found out that the ones you get there may not always be top quality. One final thing, remember to follow all pre-op instuctions. If you can get on a liquid diet now, you will reduce your risk in surgery, heal quicker and feel a LOT better than you will if you dont. most of all, don't worry ...congratulations on making a good start toward feeling better about yourself and your health

Hi everyone, I'd love to hear from other women who have gotten pregnant after having their band. So I have always been told that I would never have children because of various health issues, I think I even remarked that on a thread that someone else posted that was similar... but well, I'm pregnant! I found out last night, and took a test this morning to confirm it. I don't know what else to say except this is nothing short of a miracle. If anyone wants to share their band baby experience and if you had a lot of complications, or what was easy, what worked, what didn't, please let me know!

So im Ok!! The big scare was my high fever and sore stomach, it scared every one. but after two long days at the hospital and hours of testing I'm Ok. I've been cleared of all complications. and had bad gastritous

I'm not a Dr. but your description of what's happening actually didn't sound like reflux to me. Reflux is usually uncomfortable in several different ways. It's essentially hydrochloric acid - the most corrosive acid - coming into contact with tissues it shouldn't contact, and that hurts. What you described sounds more like a stomach that's slow to empty, or liquids "backing up" (can happen if you drink too quickly), or getting a "bubble" stuck or something more along those lines - where it's not the contents of your stomach (as it is with reflux) but things hanging out in your esophagus or some other before-the-stomach area. Reglan (metoclopramide) basically prevents your muscles from relaxing. When our muscles relax, the opening from the stomach can open up (it normally would not) and allow things to slosh back up, just like a ziploc full of liquid will spill out if you unzip the top a bit. It's actually a sphincter, not a ziploc. But that is essentially forced shut, and your stomach goes into a bit of overdrive. My father was on Reglan for a while to help with gastroparesis (partial stomach paralysis, essentially) he developed as a related complication to his lap-band. It was used to -- basically make his stomach start emptying again (gastric emptying). I can tell you - it has some crazy side effects - esp. related to dosage and duration. http://www.medicinen...ral/article.htm BTW, they also give Reglan to lactating mothers who aren't producing sufficient breastmilk. So...

I've been wrestling with a similar dilemma. There was no medical reason compelling one surgery over another since I don't have diabetes or binge eat sweets. The doctor recommended sleeve because there are fewer potential complications. Also, he feels I have a higher than average risk for ulcers due to a previous ulcer. Earlier this week I was panicking because I felt like my diet was deteriorating and maybe I needed dumping syndrome as a tool. I called and spoke to the dietician. She had me read my food diaries to her and told me she thought I was actually making reasonable decisions, and that I would do well with the sleeve. I feel relieved. I think anxiety just increases as surgery approaches. Also, it's hard to make a decision because I don't have any experience of not feeling too much hunger for my body. So I don't know what life will be like if I don't feel that degree of hunger. I can really empathize with your agonizing over which one, especially if two different docs are telling you two different things. My doc's reasoning was: bypass is better for diabetics, people with severe sweet cravings leading to binging, and people with serious GERD. Sleeve is the better option without those indicators, and for people with a history of ulcers. I really trust him a lot.

I have approval and am finalizing the NUT and psych evals before meeting with the program director next month, then setting a date with the surgeon. Today changed my path... I've been processing a lot of information, and there are some things that don't sit well with me. I went for the first of two psych appointments, and he starts telling me I'm getting the sleeve. When I mentioned that all of my support people have had long-term success with RNY, he demanded that I explain in detail why the RNY was better than the sleeve. If that wasn't enough, he called my husband in later. When my husband expressed that he has some apprehensions because he's worried about complications (I'm sure that's normal, especially expressing this to a psych doc - right?) the doc said my husband was ignorant and didn't know what he was talking about. One of my Bari friends who went to another doc was told that the clinic I was attending (Sparrow Hospital in Lansing MI) has been pushing the sleeve on everyone because; a) it's easier on the surgeons; and allows surgeons to perform more surgeries in a day. I was processing that info and didn't put too much thought into it until today's visit. I was headed down the homestretch as far as testing and approvals, even getting told I may have surgery as early as next month. Now I'm looking at a different program on the east side of the state. I am just very discouraged right now... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There is a ton of research that dispels this myth because its way more complicated than that. They type of protein and how long it takes you to digest the meal will affect how much protein your body absorbs. So 60g in a a shake is going to absorb differently than say 60 g of protein from an actual meal. Which is one of the reasons I mix my protein powder with food.What kind of food pureed, Jello, whole? Sent from my N9518 using the BariatricPal App right now puree so I mix it into my main meal which is usually a creamy Soup of some kind.

I think researching all your options and learning everything you can about the sleeve is a good thing. But that being said........Maybe after your research, you should focus on the good things it will do for your body instead of the possible complications. Maybe that will help you cope.

I am one day post op revision all in one surgery. I feel like a million bucks. The first few minutes in recovery is very rough. I was very nauseous and in a LOT of pain. They got all of that under control quickly and it has been smooth sailing since then. I have had a few instances of reflux when burping and that has been my worst "complication" no nausea, very little discomfort ... I felt like a million bucks when they brought my Breakfast of broth, diluted apple juice, ice and Jello. I didn't touch the jello but the rest was amazing. As of right now I'm feeling so confident about my decision and I already feel better with out the port.

Yes it IS too good to be true, looks like alot of possible complications http://ezinearticles.com/?Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-With-Duodenal-Switch&id=444089

Surgery was 6 months ago, and I'm loving it! I now weight 175, which is actually below my goal weight of 180. I'm happy though, everything went well and I'm enjoying my life. I feel better, healthier and it has changed my life for the better. I never had any major complications, or nausea. Thank you for supporting me and helping get through everything.

So a year ago I completed the 6-month process for my insurance to get weight loss surgery. We were getting ready to schedule the date and I chickened out Plus on top of that a lot of stuff happened I lost my grandpa and my sister within 2 days of each other. I called today to see what I needed to get back on plan for surgery, because this time I'm so beyond ready. They said I would have to repeat the 6 month process again which I'm ok with. That helps me to get some weight off before surgery so the surgery is saver. I'm so excited for this journey but terrified of there being complications. Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

I must be a "glass half-empty" kinda gal cuz, although I have had great results since being banded 10 months ago, I am starting to have fears of losing my band! I have had no complications and am living comfortably with my tool. What I worry about is that something will happen that will cause my band to be removed... I worry that there is only a set amount of time that the band can remain inside one's body without the body maybe rejecting it etc... Is there anybody out there that can reassure me by telling me they've had theirs for ???? years? I know that the band hasn't been around that long, but let us know how long you've had it. (Then I can find something else to worry about!! ha ha ha).

I started this process in late January. I was scheduled to meet with the surgeon right away and I really liked him. After speaking with him I talked to the Coordinator, also very nice and assuring. I kept hearing, "Call us if you have ANY questions or concerns." Admittedly I am too easygoing and didn't want to seem impatient so I waited. And waited. Three weeks later I called the number I was given for the Coordinator. First off there was a LONG intro message that kept repeating that the process takes time because of the insurance company, patience is required, don't keep calling about a surgery date, and please expect 3-4 days for a call back - is this normal? Anyway, admittedly this made me very uncomfortable because of my personality... I hate confrontation and didn't want to be annoying (I know that is ridiculous since that is there job, but I'm being honest.) I did leave a message but no one called me back in the 3-4 date range. When I finally did get a call it was a reminder of my surgery date for the following week and I knew that was wrong because I hadn't even been scheduled for the required appointments yet. The caller apologized when I told him this and we both knew I had been confused with another patient. No wonder I wasn't being called to schedule appointments. I wasn't sure what to do so I found the email where I was first contacted about my interest in the program so I replied to it and explained my situation. I received a prompt reply saying they were sorry and that my email had been forwarded to the Coordinator. Still no call, but I did get calls from providers to schedule my other appointments. I finished up all of my requirements in mid May and I sent another email which was forwarded to the Coordinator and left a voicemail and still no calls. It's so frustrating and I'm starting to worry because I've spent so much money toward my deductible and if I don't have the surgery this year I don't know if I'll be able to afford to have it. I know I could find another surgeon at a different facility but how complicated is it to switch this late in the game? And it sucks because I really liked the surgeon. I'm just not sure what to do. I feel like if I call and leave a message for the surgeon he would make sure they submit my paperwork (I don't think they have because on the Cigna site there are no pending authorizations for me), but would I be stupid not to switch given the experience I've had? Surely this can't be normal. It blows my mind that they didn't call after finding out about the mix up to reassure me that everything was okay. And you'd think they would make sure that they stayed on top of my case to make up for the mistake. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I was sleeved with hiatal hernia repair on 4/9, and started mushies on the 22nd. I haven't pushed it too much, slowing adding pudding, poached eggs, was going to start refried Beans today. Last night I had 1/4 cup of egg whites scrambled. Even though I ate slowly, chewed really well and the eggs were soft cooked, something just didn't go down right. I felt like all my food was stuck in my esophagus, had terrible hiccups and just didn't feel well. This morning I have mild but constant discomfort in the area underneath my left shoulder (which was the only place I had gas pains after surgery), a feeling like my esophagus is really restricted, and my tummy is making a lot of noise. liquids are going down OK although the sleeve sounds like Chewbacca again when liquid hits it. I spoke with one of the surgeon's nurses. She thinks a piece of egg might have gotten stuck and caused irritation and swelling. She told me to double my Protonix and stay on liquids through the weekend. I have a 3 week follow up appt. with them on Monday, but to call if I don't feel better by Friday. This has set my mind to fretting and worrying about developing a leak. Has anybody else had a similar experience? Talk me off the cliff, please!