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I had a good experience. I felt I was treated very well and enjoyed talking with the other 2 girls that were sleeved the same day as I was. No complications and I am doing well.

No complications. 3 nights in hospital.

I have heard of these cases, but I think they are actually pretty rare. I do work in a hospital and could tell you some similar stories where patients had one thing after the other happen post operatively, but it’s not exclusive to gastric bypass. There are risks to any invasive procedure. I am so sorry you have been through this and I hope you are able to heal and be on the road to good health soon. Hopefully your complications will resolve and you will be done with hospital stays soon, I know it can be depressing and discouraging to be in the hospital so much. Gall bladders commonly do go bad after bypass due to rapid weight loss. Picc line infections are unfortunately too common as the line requires meticulous maintenance practices to remain infection free. The high dextrose content of TPN increases risk of infection there as well. We are here to support you.

Sorry to hear about the complications. I had surgery that same day too and am so over the liquids. Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

I thought about DS when my lap band wasn't working and was considering revision. I had heard that with DS there would be no question that I would lose weight. I don't know that much about DS or BPD-DS but I know many people have definite opinions on the matter and probably a better crowd to discuss might be found at www.obesityhelp.com My surgeon wouldn't reccomend a person for DS unless they were in the 400-500 lb range. There was a surgeon north of me who I was going to see and discuss it with but he was 2 hours away and I didn't want to be that far from a surgeon in case I had complications which can happen with any weight loss surgery. Anyway wondered why you were considering the DS route as opposed to RNY? Good luck with which ever surgery you choose, Nancy.

I am doing ok now. Unfortunately I had some complications. You always think I will be fine those things won't happen to me. But sometimes they do. I won't stress you out with the details. Just know that you will probably have some hiccups along this journey. I thought once I was done fighting with insurance things would get easier. It hasn't. There is always opposition just in different forms. Don't let anything stop you from achieving your dream.

Hey all! About a month out from surgery I went in because I had an unusual series of events happen. Out of nowhere, I was able to eat significantly less than I had been (just yogurt and cottage cheese), and I had even vomited after a few occasions of simple drinking (Water only). So, I went in and had a swallow study done. That confirmed my new stomach was slow to empty, and my surgeon suggest a scope to go in and verify and if needed, dilate the closing connection to allow me to eat. I got called the next day, offering me a time on Monday to go in, or I could wait about two weeks. Since my symptoms had gotten better by this time, I said I didn't need to rush in and get it done, and that I could wait for two weeks. That was another big mistake. I found my symptoms would be ok in the morning and then at night, they'd flare up and I'd end up vomiting and being unable to keep anything down. This eventually morphed in to being able to consume no Protein shakes (I was put back on Clear liquids and protein by my doc regardless of when my procedure was, UNTIL I had my procedure.) I felt fine though because my body was still burning fat. But all things being the same, I put a note in my online chart for my nurses to see Monday, asking for the next available date to do the scope. Monday I was called and told to come in Tuesday. Everything seemed very routine, and the overwhelming feeling was this procedure would fix my issue and I'd be back on track. Wrong! I got up after the scope ready to walk out and feeling refreshed from what I'd just call a nap. The nurses had different plans for me. As they wheeled me back to recovery, I asked where my wife was. They told me she had gone to get something to eat and would be up soon, in the meantime, I should order some food. I was told that I could "have whatever I wanted," which I immediately questioned. I also asked why I needed a meal if I was leaving shortly. The reply was that I wasn't leaving shortly, I was being admitted overnight. I was literally shocked. Confused, and now wishing my wife was there to answer some questions, I tried to get whatever I could out of the nursing staff. They had limited information because they're all just staff in surgical recovery, they don't know all the details of every patient, and there were a lot of them. I got ahold of my wife who told me she had actually gone home because they said it would be 2 hours before I'd even get back to a room. She told me the dilation was only mildly successful, and that I was malnourished and had to stay overnight for observation. Long story short, I ended up with a PICC Line, a massive bag of TPN, and orders for home health to help me with future daily bags of TPN for about the next 4-6 weeks until they can go back in and do another scope. I'm feeling a lot of things right now, most of that is disappointment that this hasn't gone as easily as really everyone led me to believe. I understand every patient is different, but it's so hard to hear things like "you're an ideal candidate for this now because you're so healthy and your only comorbidity is hypertension, so you're mostly healthy aside from that," or, "we don't anticipate any complications in your case." The moral here is if you think you're having issues, call your surgical team ASAP and tell them. I have no clue if there was anything I could have done to avoid this, I honestly doubt it, but here I am with a 2 liter bag of Fluid I'll be toting around for the next month and a half either way.

I'm not going to tell you what to do but the rules are there for a reason. This isn't like dieting we previously tried, where if we messed up and cheated, we could just say "whoops" and start again. Eating things that your stomach is not healed for can cause HUGE complications, pain, ripping stitches, even death if your stomach leaks and you go into sepsis and can't get treatment in time. My advice is... toughen up, stick to the plan, and soon this frustration with Protein shakes will be over. It's not worth the danger and the pain, and you've come too far to make a rookie mistake now!

I had surgery with a BMI of 32. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was an expert dieter, but could never maintain. This tool gives me the ability to be successful at the "hard" part. Saying that, I think it's good that you are considering all the possible complications, impacts, etc on your life. If you want to give it one more go, certainly do it. With self-pay, you have more flexibility in your schedule & shorter consult to surgery time. I have heard good things about Dr. Landerholm.

I worried about this as well and am currently looking at medical tourism complication insurance. I found this company but am continuing to research it. It does give me some peace of mind as I'm not sure if my insurance would cover complications related to a procedure that they don't cover. But I also am not too worried, as complications are extremely rare! https://www.globalprotectivesolutions.com/individual-and-companion-travel-accident/

Perfectly healty people can have complications, and the elderly and infirmed like me might fly through it. If you have problems to start with, as I do, you have to be assured that this is an option for you. Don't worry about what could happen. General anesthesia is a risk no matter what surgery you are having, but the risk is small compared to what you are going to get out of the surgery...and trust me I've had enough surgeries to know. I spent 9 hrs. having open heart surgery and 5 years later I'm here, and I'm looking at the band as "a small obstacle" rather than the huge one I've been through. The band is about psyching yourself up for it I think more than anything. Good luck and quit worrying.

I started doing normal things including some work and going out with friends at one week, but I was still getting tired very easily. The friend who has been my main source of information (she was sleeved 5 years ago) went back to work after one week too. I think going back to a sedentary job at one week should be fine, as long as you're prepared for the chance that you will still need to be in recovery mode for awhile. For me, working say 9-5 would not have been a problem after a week, but I rested a LOT in those first weeks. I didn't feel like I had my energy back until 3 weeks post op - body healing, also clearing out that hardcore anesthesia! But I wouldn't have wanted to take 3 weeks off work unless two of them were at Club Med or a spa or something. And as everyone else says, 1) the reality is that if God forbid you have a major complication, your plan will change radically anyway, and 2) your parents are in a great position to approve breaks if necessary, or to work with you to have someone cover your shifts (if it's that kind of job) or whatever it takes if you have to change course post op. Betting on a week is not a 100% thing; nothing is. But it's a good bet in your circumstances IMO.

@@vjc2004, you look great! I'm glad you were attentive to your body and not ignore signs of the complications you encountered. I'm glad you are doing well and it shows. What is your food intake like now? @@prisi84, congratulations on your surgery as well. Keep us informed? Are you on liquids now? I have 2 more Nutritional visits. HW 240, CW 217, with sleep apnea..

I am so sorry you are having such a rough time! It sucks to have pain and not have what you expected happen. I read a LOT before my surgery and thought I was well informed but still things happen that I am surprised by and everyday is a new learning experience with my band! I was very surprised by my bouts of depression for the first month or more after surgery. Even though I knew not to expect to lose much the first month or two, I still was disappointed when I didn't. I was lucky that my health was good and I did not have a lot of complications (did have an infection in my port incision) and I know when I am sick or in pain, I certainly am more negative. It is difficult to remain positive in hard times. I am four months out now and have some restriction and am doing well. I have lost good weight and that has made it worth all the effort. I hope you get to feeling better. One thing is for sure, losing weight can only help those other medical problems. It will take time to lose, but it will be worth it. Congrats on what you have lost so far. Every pound lost is a victory! Please continue to post and let us give you support in working your band. Hang in there and don't give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I'm still pre-op, but I'm 51 years old and my feeling is that I've been eating for more than 50 years and I've eaten everything I need to eat. I've been struggling with my weight since I was NINE, and although I've never been huge (never even reached 200 lbs, but then I'm only 5'2"), I have worried and fretted about every bite that went into my mouth, and every ounce on the scale, for more than FORTY YEARS. So when I found out this surgery was available to me, I jumped on it like a drowning man jumps on a lifeboat. Honestly, I can't imagine anything about the restrictions of this surgery being any worse than what I've been through up to now. Even if I were restricted to Protein shakes and chicken soup for the rest of my life (which I know I won't be), for me that would be a fair trade-off for being slim and healthy. As for complications, I know they happen but if they do I will get through them and it will still be worth it. I guess everybody has to do the cost-benefit analysis for him- or herself. For me, it's a no-brainer. I just envy those of you who have the opportunity to do it while you're still very young!

My PS has done several lap-band patients and told me the same thing your first doctor said...she was going to have to be very careful pulling down around the port because she didn't want to damage it...but more important she didn't want their to be disruption to the blood flow to the skin. I am having vertical incision so there is the possibility of blood flow complications. She was very honest that lap-band patients have an added complication with the port. I was less concerned about before and after pictures because they don't represent me...they don't represent my skin type, my BMI, my skin elasticity, or my body shape. I just asked to see what a vertical incision would look like so that I knew what to expect after surgery. She showed me but told me this may not be what you look like because your beginning photos are nothing alike. All I wanted to know was how prominent the scar would be! Good luck in finding a surgeon. I was VERY limited on my choices, so I was lucky to find one that I really liked.

Crime happens in every city/country daily, trust me! I'm from the land where my people (Palestinians) fight and get killed each day. I now reside in Houston where there are so many cultures and ethnicities and depending where you go , the samethings are happening here that happen everywhere. Yes their maybe be horror stories but that's everywhere u go. My friend who had it done here in the US had complications and a leak when I who went to the best doctor (just my opinion, dont jump on me) who's done more surgeries than any doctor I know or researched, I know I can always go back to my doctor for follow up and blood work at no charge. Luckily , I'm not too far from where I went and would go back in a heart beat! I dislike when people say they've done research when they didn't! Don't judge others and what they choose. Yeah I could've went to Dallas four hours away instead of my doctor , five hours away but this was my decision. I had the opportunity to meet my doctor in person before surgery also, so before u jump on people, u do ur research. It took me 2 years to save my money and not one regret. Ignorance.

THANKS! That makes sense. So I might not get my surgery on Monday as scheduled (the job cuts your bennies the DAY you leave), but as soon as they send the COBRA paperwork and we pay (for just me), then it is On like Donkey Kong. Ironically, last year I had 100% coverage for this surgery, then they changed the plan and I've had to pay $1,000 hospital and $400 to Dr. plus since my hubby got a new job without WLS coverage, I also have to pay for 2 months Cobra to cover surgery and complications. Irony of ironies. But that is still cheap and about what I thought I'd have to pay before I started anyway. Last night when I was so down and thought I'd missed the timeline I wasn't sure if I was happy or sad, since I am afraid of surgery (dr's done 1000 baratric combined with no deaths), but also dammmm tired of lugging around at least 100 extra pounds, I'm realllly tired of that. Its like I am dragging around a crash cart on my butt all day. LOL and I am not even in medical! Colette!

Rhonda, Your decision should be made between you and your surgeon and some self-reflection. I am 4 mos out now and feel great with my decision and my weight loss. That said, my surgeon was very clear with me that if I could not commit to regular exercise I would probably lose 20-40# tops! I am in the gym 5-7days every week since a month after surgery. For me, I had lost weight before I considered surgery. I know I can lose it and have the right mindset to succeed and keep it off. Also, I had made many lifestyle changes prior to surgery. I am young and otherwise very healthy aside from a back injury. At this point, I didn't feel I needed to go the more drastic route of RNY. I like that I am responsible for my weight loss. I have some restriction now, but I still have more control over my choices than bypass patients do. In 4 mos postop and a little over a year since starting this process I am now down almost 90# and down 6 dress sizes. So it can be done, but takes A LOT of dedication. If you are able and willing to commit to regular cardio and strength training as well as make the changes in your diet, then the band may be right for you. However, choosing the bypass is a great option as well. You will lose weight faster, but there are other possible complications and longer recovery. You can dump post bypass but not post band. With either surgery, vomiting and PB'ing can happen. Since bypass is malabsorptive, you can have Vitamin and mineral deficits, but these issues can happen after the band too, if you make poor choices. Also, do not look at the band as reversible because it should not be removed except in the extreme case of severe complications. The band is placed to help you manage your weight over time. Just because you lose X pounds doesn't mean then the band can come out. Both surgeries are major abdominal procedures and are permanent except in the rare case. RNY is more drastic and requires a lot of cutting and stapling while the band involves some internal sutures around the device. Both surgeries have been proven to be safe and effective. Remember, RNY is still considered the gold standard for WLS. In the end, both surgeries require you to exercise in order to keep the weight off. The bypass just shortens the weight loss phase. I know many people who have chosen both surgeries and each has been successful and healthy. The choice is yours, but I encourage you to be honest with yourself- your comittment, expectations, and lifestyle. Talk to your surgeon and others who have had surgery. Best of luck! I'm sure you'll come to the right decision for you. I wouldn't change my decision for anything!!

Hi All! I have asked loads of food questions but is it just me or did anyone else kinda obsess over all the food and big meals you are going to miss out on? I keep thinking I will be miserable watching everyone around me eat whatever they like and I will be living on Protein shakes and Soup the rest of my life. I worry about complications and leaving my husband and 2 very young kids alone. I worry about having the surgery and waking up and thinking what the hell have I just done. I have asked it before but, does anyone regret having the sleeve surgery? I have searched all over the forums and I cannot find anyone so far who regrets their choice. Nor have I been able to actually find anyone who has dies from it. (In my mind, I'm sure I would be the first) I could use a little reassurance. Surgery date is 2 weeks from today.

I was banded 2/23/09 and I love it. I am more disciplined because of the band. I knew this was my last resort. GB,GS, and all other permanent WLS are out of the question for me. This is because as a nurse I have seen the complications. I read a lot of post and as others said the problems with some bandsters are compliance. They don't understand that the band is just a tool. And like any other tool they are useless unless we use them properly. I also think it makes a difference in why you got the band in the first place. One of my doctors made a statement that stuck with me. He said that when he look at his patients that have did any type of WLS those who did it because of health reasons had a better outcome then those who did it for cosmetic reasons. He said because most of the people who do it for health reasons are more willing to make the sacrifices to make it work whereas the others usually get discouraged when they don't get the quick fix or response from others that they want and quit or self sabotage their efforts.

Fear of failure is quite common, and you won't know the success you are capable of if you do not make the attempt to be successful. Please learn early on that you can create undue negative feelings of failure if you compare your weight loss journey to others. We are all individuals, and as such will not have identical weight loss journeys. My life with the band has given me a life skill which eluded me for years...patience. If you follow the rules as given to you by your medical team, you will be successful. I have experienced some complications along my journey, and am losing weight slowly. I am focused on that the scale continues to move in the direction I want it to, not at the speed which it moves. There will be days when you will be less compliant than others, and you may from time to time encounter weight loss plateaus. It is important to stay the course and stay in touch with your reasons for opting for this surgery. The weight loss will happen...all good things in time.

Kelly, Congratulations on taking this step, you will be so glad you did! If your surgeon recommended a pre-op diet, know that it is essential to follow it carefully because the purpose is to shrink the liver, and get it out of the way so they can safely perform the surgery. If it is not done properly you have a higher risk of serious complications. Some people don't have to do a preop diet and your surgeon will let you know if you need one. Welcome to the forum!

Because I experienced some serious complications 5 days out of surgery and had to return to the hospital, my recovery was slowed considerably. My hubby had to drive me to all appointments and I went with him whenever he had to run an errand for us (I wasn't cleared for driving for a few weeks following 2nd discharge), so I considered every trip to the store a physical activity; each trip was exhausting for me, but every step I took in a store (using a buggy for support) and, every PT appointment to build-up my strength counted. Give yourself time to heal completely before returning to your pre-surgery normal workout. Everybody's recovery is a little different. As another BP member suggested - check in with your Dr. for his recommendation, esp. about the hot yoga.

Gosh, bless your heart. Sorry about your band. Hopefully your story will help other Bandsters and remind us all to be aware of the risks. But one question - I know you didn't feel as if you need a fill, but in the year after your banding, who was your local doctor before you found this new one (who sounds great, by the way)??? I mean, I know Dr. Ortiz placed it, but which doctor did you see that concurred with you that your band didn't need a fill? I always caution Bandsters to go for 'follow-ups' and so-called 'fill' appointments even if they don't think they need a fill. Often these follow up visits (even when things are going well and restriction is good) help to underscore issues that might arise and pre-diagnose little complications early on. Those appointments aren't just to re-tighten the band. They are great opportunities to find out how you're eating, how you feel, your diet/food choices and other great information. Anyway, congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck on the next leg of your band journey.