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Showing results for 'Complications'.
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researching my options
socalgal3 replied to motherkittie's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I don't know any good surgeons in Kansas-sorry! I doubt that many people on this forum will call you crazy for considering this surgery. We are all pretty happy with the procedure! Of course, there are complications(I myself had to have a slip surgically repaired), but I wouldn't change my decision! Best of luck to you in your search for a surgeon. I went to Mexico and Dr. Ortiz was my surgeon. It is cheaper in Mexico, but you also need to consider follow-up care, etc. Read through the threads here, ask questions and you will make the best decision for YOU. -
Thank you WPA. I'm counting my days, but I too am afraid that I'm going to fail. After a year of being banded, you haven't experienced any bad side effects or complications?
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Gallbladder Removal during VSG
shoodle72 replied to ozbigman's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon is based in Sydney and said that he didn't want to remove my gallbladder at the same time as the sleeve surgery as it only opens me up to developing complications. I have no gallstones so I'm lucky. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
First of all welcome, good luck and congratulations. There are pros and cons with everything, so far I don't really have many cons other than I can't eat the amount of certain things anymore that I'd like to lol, but then again this is also a pro. Many people have complications, many do not, many succeed, many do not. But so far, almost a year out, I have no regrets. Some days it's a struggle, some days I couldn't be happier. It is no magic pill and it does take work, but I never forget why I did it, it's truely been a life changer (and saver) already, and I'm very happy with the results so far. To answer some of your questions... How difficult was the surgery? It wasn't very difficult, I was asleep lol. But seriously it's a low risk surgery, but there is some risk as with any surgery. I woke up and a few hours later I was on my way home, with no problems. How long was recovery? Everyone is different, I was up and moving around the next day. I was full of gas so I had to be, plus moving around quickly after surgery helps you heal faster. It's usually a very fast recovery time for most people. How long were people out of work? Some people are back to work in less than a week, some longer. I was greatful that my employer gave me 3 weeks no questions asked, they were very supportive. Although when I went back I did have some port pain from sitting and rubbing against the desk in my port area, and some pain from my bra rubbing one of my incisions (I don't think you'll have that problem lol). I was fine when I was up and moving around, it was the sitting and desk rubbing that really bothered me. I was also very tired when I came back, this was probably because I was getting used to eating such little bits and from being a slug for a few weeks lol.. Yes I milked my surgery and was lazy for a while. What did you tell people when they asked about the weight loss, and did you tell anyone before the surgery what you were going to do? I told who I felt was important enough to know. I didn't hide it but I also didn't go around volunteering information. It was and still is on a need to know basis, if someone asks I'm honest but if it doesn't come up I don't talk about it. It really is a personal preference, some shout it from the rooftops, alot of people don't tell anyone but close family members and sometimes no one at all, to each his own.
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Any bandsters ever experience dumping syndrome?
lisacaron replied to parisshel's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
@@parisshel I am so glad that you went to the ER and that they were able to help stabilize you. The symptoms of heart attack in women are so much different then what we would think they are. Here is a link to a Video by Elizabeth Banks on Heart Attacks in Women. We might think it can't be that, but sometimes it can very well be. I had one when I was very young due to medical complications after the birth of my son. https://www.goredforwomen.org/about-heart-disease/symptoms_of_heart_disease_in_women/just-a-little-heart-attack/ It is a GREAT idea to have your cardio Dr. sync up with your bariatric surgeon because the Vagus nerve can also play a role in what's going on and most Cardiologist are not familiar with WLS patients, having him consult with your surgeon will help in what ever diagnosis and treatment that may be needed. So glad you are OK. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and keep in touch let us know how your doing. -
surgery in two weeks. getting nervous and having second thoughts.
Tiny One replied to LRC89's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had second thoughts up until I went under anesthesia. But I really needed to get healthy & knew this was the best option for me. Everyone is different & I guess I'm lucky that I'm approaching 9 mons post op & haven't had any complications. I think I was nauseous a total of 3 times after being discharged. A little pain first couple of days. Week 2 my entire body ached & i was extra emotional, But after that it's been smooth sailing for me. You can do it if you really want to. Good Luck!!!! -
Hello everyone, My name is Jennifer and I live in Tempe, AZ. I have been considering getting the LapBand to help with my weight loss, but I'm not sure where to start my research. I've been to the seminar at the Bariatric Services at Banner in Mesa, but I found them to be very impersonal and they rushed me out instead of answering my questions. I also had one person in the seminar tell me I shouldn't be there because I wasn't "big enough". Whatever that means. If you have had the procedure done or are in the process of it, I have many questions for you. Such as: What are the steps prior to the procedure? I've heard various stories anywhere from they starve you for 2 weeks all the way to requiring to see a psychologist to make sure you can handle the life change. Can someone clear this up for me? Also, choosing a doctor. How do I know I'm getting the best possible care and I'm not dealing with a doc who just wants to make a quick buck? I've been under general anesthesia twice for knee surgeries and it scares me to know that I'll have no control over what they do when I'm out. The first time I was under, the doc botched up my knee. The second surgery was to correct what the first doc screwed up. I don't want to make the same mistake with my organs! Are there any websites for surgeons in the area where I can check their backgrounds and get reviews from former patients? Here's a questions for those who can answer: Is this thing removable? If I decide several years after the procedure that I don't want it in my body anymore, will there be complications to removing it? What are the follow-ups after the procedure like as far as frequency and duration? What's the recuperation time after the procedure? How much work could I expect to miss? My email is Siobhan_Ra@hotmail.com is you would like to email me any information you have. Thanks for looking! -Jenn
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More and more people are being approved. I think the Insurance Companies are seeting the value to the surgery and unlike hte Gastric Bypass, it has less complications. It will be worth it. If you do not follow the required steps you will always wonder what if. All some insurenace companies require is 45 BMI. You can only try! Best of luck!
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Can someone tell me about the drain?
M2G replied to Melissal's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Myori did a good explaination. I had a JP drain (that is just the name for the type, but maybe you can google it for a visual) so I had a hole in my upper stomach, with a tube coming out of it (where the tube was coming out my surgeon had stitched the tube into place) and the tube ran down to a little bulb (about the size the bulb used to squeeze air into a blood pressure cuff). The bulb attached to an adhesive strip on my lower tummy that had a clip on it. So every couple of hours I would unclip the bulb and empty the drain, and then reposition it. I had my drain for 6 days post op. I don't want to scare you, and everyone's experience is totally different, but in my opinion, that was the worst part of surgery. (I had a super-easy recovery with zero complications, so hey, I had to find something to complain about!) Having to live 6 days with the drain and emptying it (yuck). When it was time to come out my surgeon snipped the stitches around the tube, and pulled the tube out. He left that hole open (no glue or stitches) and it finally closed on it's own (last of my scars to heal.) But even though I wasn't a fan of the drain I was glad it was pulling excess Fluid out of my body cavity. -
Hello Forum! I'm so glad I've found this site. We have a support group here, but they meet once a month. I was recently banded on 9/19...so I'm through my first week and starting the second. I had no complications and was back to work on Monday. Since I started the process with a liquid diet 2 weeks before, I've lost 21lbs...only 4 last week, but I'm hoping to get a fill on Thursday for more weight loss. I slowly started adding soft foods this week...an egg, thin slices of ham, and tuna. Lots of soups mixed in along the way. Since I've started soft foods, I feel like I'm still eating too much even though it's literally just ounces that I'm having. We'll see what my Dr suggests at my visit. I look forward to chatting with everyone and reading about your weight loss journey. Tammy
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Certainly understand! One thing I would like to add is that it is NORMAL and GOOD to have these worries and concerns. They are healthy because they motivate us to make the good decisions before surgery. Ultimately the worst thing that happens is the surgery is delayed a bit. And while that is emotionally hard, it is best so that you have the greatest chance at success without complications that you reaaaalllllllyyyy don't want. Being prepared is key. You are on the right track. I wish I could send a magic wand to prepare everyone for the roller coaster they will encounter (some are small coasters and some more challenging) but like you said, before you know it you will be on the other side and headed to a healthy life! Congrats on your decision! Keep us posted!!
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Hey there! I was banded July 8 by Dr. Ortiz at OCC in Tijuana, Mexico... GREAT facility and staff!! I will not be going back to Mexico for fills (bc I live on the East Coast, so it would get very costly with flights.. unless i am visiting my friend in San Diego or something) you just have to find a doc near you that will take patients who were baned outside the US. Prices vary on the doctor... all the docs I found are anywhere between $100-$250 for a fill (and thats W/O xray/floro...) So try to find a doc first if you dont plan on traveling to Mexico for fills. The last thing you want is complications and you havent found a US doctor yet.. A am self pay too, so I knwo how ya feel! Good luck!!!
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Only hearing the good....what about the bad
daqui26 replied to candies's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
if you go to lap band complications you will find people who have had issues. as for me i think i have first bite syndrome. in the beginning like the first 3 months it felt like i constantly had something stuck in my throat. over time it went away it was just annoying. it does come back every once in awhile. im fortunate to say so far i have not had any major issues. -
15 year old getting lap band
badlittledoggie replied to devs_15's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi Devin! I was banded back in May and it's truly gone well for me. No complications, no hang-ups, whatever. You might want to look around for a support group in your area. I've always been kinda "anti" group hug type stuff, but it's really, really helpful. This site is great too - even though I just got on last night. Read, pray, and follow your doc's orders - you'll do fine! Congratulations - today's the first day of the rest of your life! (Jenne - 31 is definitely not even close to old-fartdom!!!!) :biggrin1: -
Hello everyone! My name is Ashlee, and my surgery date is scheduled for June 15th. I had an amazing experience geting to this date, with no complications at all from my insurance provider. My doctor, Dr. Seger, and his team at BMI have helped me significantly through the process, and were so great to me. All I had to do was see the dietician once, do a barium swallow and have a psychiatric evaluation done to get my band date. It took a little while longer than expected because I missed my first psych eval appointment and had to reschedule it for two weeks later. Well, now I'm on the pre-op diet, and as everyone says it is, I'm having a difficult time. My stomach is alays growling, and I'm surrounded by a junk eating boyfriend and people at work bringing all their delicious snacks every day. It's like torture! I'm having trouble sticking to my meal plan, which is two protein shakes a day and a small meal of 3oz lean meat and a cup of vegetables. I know it's to shrink my liver, so I'm trying to stay on the band wagon as diligently as possible. Today, I had a new experience. While I cheated (I had a handful of potato chips a few hours after I woke up), those potato chips have held me over for about four hours now. It's crazy. I'm geting used to being hungry, which makes it more bearable. I've seen a lot of people who have had such great successes, but I've also seen a failure. I have a few concerns with the band myself, but I'm trying to remain confidant. I wants this to be a life changing experience, and something permanent. I hope I don't run into too many complications with the band, like slippage or erosion. A lot of people who starte a blog had a lot of success, and I'm sure it's because they're tracking their process and receiving helpful feedback. So, I'm going to attempt to do the same. I have a blog at Blogspot, and I hope some of you will read and either find something helpful or give me some helpful advice. More or less, if I can inspire anyone in their decision, I'll be happy too. My blog is located at: http://uiwleelee.blogspot.com/ Lol, there's my story so far. How are you guys doing today?
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Welcome! I too had my heart originally set on the Sleeve. However, my insurance and my doctor wouldn't approve it. My surgeon knew I had a history of heartburn and gerd - said that if you have that the sleeve may complicate it. In addition I was a revision to RNY from the band and it had higher complication rates.... I had my surgery back in August (revision) and original band surgery in April 2008. I honestly wish I would have had RNY originally I was scared of the malaborption as well as "re-routing'. However, I neded up with many complications from the band and ended up going through a tough revision surgery due to my fears. My original surgeon always pointed out that "band was reversable". Hindsight, why would I want to be fat again? and removing the band would do that. Iended up gaining back all of my weight plus some after band surgery. I'm down 47 pounds in two months (today is my anniversary - woot) and couldn't be happier! Good luck with your decision...let me know if you have any questions.
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Oh No! I hope you get all that worked out. I hate to hear you have had complications. Do you have medical issues that would complicate the procedure? Here's wishing they get that fixed soon
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Thank you I have alot of medical issues, not sure if they will cause other complications..I have to just take it one step at a time and trust my doctor. I will have an EGD and they will decide from that where I need to go from there.
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No regrets for me! During the preliminary stage, I was frustrated with all the psych eval, classes, support groups, text book reading with quizzes, and numerous lab work and medical tests. In hindsight, I am grateful for the rigorous preliminary requirements as it was part of the journey for making an informed and considered decision. It was an important process for me to get myself in the right "head space". I even had to take a written tests to ensure I understood all the possible complications and that I acknowledged this as a tool that I had to work with -- not a miracle "cure". Post-surgery, I have had relatively few complications, but here are just a few things I wish I had known: I wish I would have known I was going to be nauseous the whole drive home and part of the following day so I could have had the anti-nausea meds on hand rather than having to ask my hubby to make a call to the surgeon and then make a pharmacy run. I wish I would have realized my body would be constipated for the first time in my life. At four months out, I find I must take stool softners to keep this from being a problem. I wish I would have known that all the "taste testing" I did with the Isopure pre-surgery was for naught. My taste buds changed drastically, and what I liked pre-op was horrible post-op. Other than those very minor issues, I am thankful each and every day for making this decision. I am also incredibly grateful for this forum as it has given me the inspiration, motivation and support I have needed throughout the process.
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Ok, so i've decided to begin a lifting program. At this point, I have attempted several options but it has proven to be a bit complicated! So here is the dilemma: My original surgeon does not take my current insurance, nor does the dietitian. i WAS going to go to them, and pay out of pocket, dietitian alone is about $250 for one session. Additionally, the dietitian that was there when I had my surgery is now gone, and there is a new one who wouldn't know me at all. I saw a new surgeon affiliated with my insurance and although he didn't have much to offer me, he does have a dietitian that I can see. There is still SOME cost, with my co-pay/deductible. I have appointment for next week but not sure if I should keep it, again this person doesn't know me at all either. Lastly, my family belongs to the local YMCA. They have some trainers (I think maybe college students), and they do have a dietitian. He is only available every couple weeks by appointment. Even though we belong to the facility, it would still be a fee to see him (in the neighborhood of $150 for a 1-hour session with him and 3-30 minute sessions with a trainer. It's sort of a package deal. So my dilemma is: will the bariatric dietitian be able to give me the necessary guidance I need to know WHAT to eat as I begin a weight training program, and if not then who should I see? I don't know if a registered dietitian affiliated with my Y would know enough about bariatric surgery and specifically size restriction (i can only eat 1 cup at a time) to be able to work with me. Also, is it wiser to just go ahead and buy some sessions with the trainers at the Y or is it worth the money to invest in an actual personal trainer for a few months? VERY VERY VERY CONFUSED, need some guidance quickly as I need to make/cancel appointments. Any suggestions very much appreciated!!!
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Thanks for your response. This particular complication causes a lack of restriction because food goes up into the enlarged estopogus. I have read from studies that this is hard to fix once it has dilated one time, it can go back but tends to enlarge easily.
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Should I go through with the lapband????
Maxine_Amber replied to Maxine_Amber's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for all the replies. Your words are helpful and kind. I know that if getting the lapband, its not a quick fix. And that's something I want. I don't wanna do something drastic and quick and it ends up hurting me in the long run. I can give up foods....its like I've not tried it already lol.... I guess my biggest fear is going in and getting the band in place. Never did well with anesthesia and it seems like with the last 4 surgeries I've had, there has always been complications and my stays would be longer in the hospital. Maybe I should just shake the feeling off. That's my biggest fear.... The only fear I have right now after I get banded and if I get banded is my body not accepting the new change and rejecting the band. -
So I have a friend who has RNY in 2009. She started off at 410 pounds and at surgery day she was 398 pounds. 6 months later she was 185 pounds. She was telling me all about how she felt and how everything worked for her. She felt she was losing too fast and was scared and nervous. She also wasn't use to being able to feel her bones or other people feeling them either. She was losing more down to 174 lbs and felt she was losing too much, so she asked her doctor about gaining back up to 185 lbs. She has stayed within 10 lbs of this weight for the last 4 years, she has recently gone back down to 175 lbs after she had a tummy tuck. She hasn't had any complications besides 1 stuck moment because she ate taco salad too soon, she said she was 8 weeks out at that time. I'm so lucky to have someone who has already done this and been successful to be around to help. So with her story I'm even more encouraged and happy to move on with this journey.
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It's true. many complications can arise from any surgery. Not to scare you, but there are many worse things besides blood clots. Talk to your surgeon about all of the possible risks. Even 'minor' surgery has risks. You just have to decide for yourself if the risk outweights the reward. Good luck whatever you decide!
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Insurance coverage to get band removed after getting it in another country?
scotter replied to strawberiegirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You have to check with your own insurance, but it's my understanding that most insurances will cover a revision even if they didn't originally cover a wls. My mom's insurance doesn't cover any wls but will cover a revision if you are having complications because it would be deemed medically nessacery.
