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:help:I have been struggling with this decision for over 2 years. I have tried every diet known to man and just can't seem to succeed. I am currently at 265 lbs and fear I will just get bigger. I considered the Lap Band for over a year and a half before finally telling my mom that I wanted to look into it. Thought she was all for it, but after she went to the seminar with me, she became scared of it. She talked me into giving dieting another try. That was back in August. Since then I have gone from 269 lbs to 256 lbs and then back up to 265 lbs. Now it is December and I am kicking myself for not doing what I felt was right for me. I could have been banded by now. When I see and read the success stories, I get very hopefull. Yet, when I read the possible complications, I get scared. I worry that I will spend all that money on another gimmick that I will just fail at. My cousin had the Duodenal Switch done. She says she has never had the problem of food getting stuck or PB. Of course that is surgically altering your insides permantly. If anyone could please give me some personal input on their experience good or bad, I would really appreciate it.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

I also had a 3 week pre-op diet and it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I had a kind of similar diet to yours - I had to do slim fast shakes, plus I had sodium-free clear broth, fat-free sugar-free pudding etc. The first few days were difficult. I stayed inside a lot because I was afraid if I went out I'd want to eat (I live in the middle of a city and when I walk out the door there is food calling to me EVERYWHERE lol). After the first 3-4 days, it wasn't a problem and it was SO encouraging to see the weight coming off so fast. That was my motivation. I also really didn't want any complications at all with my surgery (including waking up just to find out I wasn't able to get the band). I am glad I stuck with it, because my surgery went well, and I'm feeling great now! Good luck, you will do great!!

You have to understand that this isnt a one shot surgery and I am "fixed" kind of thing. There are revisions, complications, appointments to adjust restriction.... point being its a lot of time, money and effort. A doctor is going to tell you that should plan on 50% of your excess weight loss with the band - so for you what is that like 35lbs? I am not sure its worth it for you. That said, and end to the yo-yo dieting might be. You also have to ask why your fat... Do you have portion control issues (I did) or do you eat all day long (I didn't). From what I have seen on here the band seems to work better for folks with portion issues. Also what do you eat? The band isn't going to help you make the right food choice - you will still have to do that on your own. I had never been the thin guy - but I am now thanks in part to my band. 296 with a bmi of 42 to 165 in a little over a year, but not without two additional surgeries. But still the best decision I ever made. Good luck

The band is awful. I'm revising to VSG for all the reasons everyone stated. I sure hope it's as amazing as it sounds. Not hungry, full after a few bites, low risk of complications.. that plus my 2 hr workouts and I'm gonna be healthy in no time! can't wait. SIGN ME UP :thumbup:

Mine was different though. I had major complications. Spent 6 wks in hospital. I had a twisted bowel and leak. Believe me you will know if it's major.

I am getting sleeved on the 21st of April. I am self pay in mexico. I have kaiser insurance but don't qualify for the sleeve. Does anyone know if I get home and have complications are they likely to cover it? What about follow up visits with my regular US doc. I am afraid to call and ask because I don't want them to know if they don't have too. thanks stacey

I am 48 Years old and have been married for 28 years. I have three grown kids and one grand child named Aden. I weigh 260 and am so afraid of dieing youngish. I want to get the lapband surgery or the Gastric Sleeve surgery but do not know which is better. I have watched several different videos of success stories on you tube and have seen many of people who first had the lap band procedure and then went on to have the sleeve done. Is this typical? I for one, don't have the money for more than 1 surgery so which is the best in terms of weight loss and less complications? I trust those of you who have actually gone through these kinds of procedures and have suffered the good and the bad of it, ya know? so any help or advise it welcome. I thank you in advance.

I'm not the doctor, but I'll chime in: leak rate and infection rate. Overall complication rate (complications happen, but a good surgeon should have a lower complication rate).

Hey Carrie, I talked to some of Dr. Stevens office staff in Lafayette today. She was really nice. She couldn't give me any stats on how many sleeves he's done and his leak or complication rates but I gave her my email and asked if she could send them to me later. She said she's gonna try and get some things together. So, that's cool. You know, I wish you could just set up appts to meet with these docs instead of having to go through all this seminar stuff. I'm so impatient, LOL. I want to meet with the docs FIRST and get my questions answered then have a chance to pray about them and see where I feel like I'm meant to go. But, it's not seeming to work that way, lol. Why can't it be as easy as meeting with pediatricians was when I was searching before my son was born? THAT was simple, call, set up a meeting, talk and ask questions for 30 mins and done. Oh well, guess I'll just keep on hurrying up and waiting

Yes, I my surgeon was Dr. Stephen Burpee in Tucson. His office is helpful. The surgery was very successful with no complications and didn't take long in the OR either. The best part is the affiliation he has with Northwest Hospital in Tucson (a walk from his office). The weight loss program they have there is great. Tons of infomoration and informational classes to take before the surgery so you know what to expect. An RN by the name of Gail is the head person for the weight loss program and supplies you with a great binder including what to eat at every week, and lots more information like vitamins, protein, exercise, etc. etc. She also visits you after surgery and the day after that. She makes frequent calls to check up after you and tell you what you should be eating, I guess in case you haven't read your binder. I like Dr. Burpee as well. I didn't have a lot of questions for him at all, so I just didn't converse with him much. The seminar he conducts gives you lots of information too. Office visits post surgery are at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and yearly after that. He just makes sure you are where you need to be and checks out your blood work. After reading some people here that don't know what to be eating or what they should be doing after a couple of weeks, I realized how fortunate I was to have Dr. Burpee and Gail. If possible, they provide you with TOO much information!!

Congratulations to you both!!! I know you are excited to join the losers team. I wish you a complication free surgery and a speedy recovery. I can't wait to follow your progress.

Your surgeon is right. Even if you look through the complications section, it seems everyone who has the surgery does not regret having it. Congrats on getting your date!

For me, the sleeve was a perfect option for me. I first went to the orientation bc I wanted the lap-band, but when I heard about the complications of the lap-band and realized that it's not a permanent solution. I researched the vertical sleeve and loved what I was reading. It's permanent and very effective. I have lost 77 lbs and so happy I chose the sleeve! For me, it's been a god send.

I never like it when they put fluid in at the initial placement of the band, it always leads to complications : (. Hopefully you will get passed this and I want you to know that it gets better.

I think insurance companies are finally seeing the value in sleeves. Bands and bypass have so much aftercare and complications. They are a life long investment and the dollars will be spent forever. No so with the sleeve. So hopefully ins co's will change their tune soon. If you have to take NSAIDs that is a contraindication for bypass, that might help with the appeal process.

Hi all: My surgery is scheduled for 7-22. I'm starting to hear things from friends who's surgeons are recommending bypass instead of the band and that they have been hearing from European doctors that the band erodes and has bad complications about 5 years into it and they are changing their opinion of the band.....anyone have any advice or resources that can tell me an unbiased opinion about the device?

Hi all, I'm paying for my surgery myself but I just found out that my insurance company will NOT cover any complications from my Lap-Band surgery. Has anyone else had to make this decision? I'm freaking. I'm finally ready to do this but having to pay for emergency treatment could ruin us financially. Please give me some input. Thanks!

Hello Hope, I have been on my pre-op diet since last Wednesday and I have to be on it until the night before surgery on Dec.2. Mine consists of this recommended diet: 4-5 protein milkshakes 27 grams of protein each, protein bars high in protein but low in suger and fat, and 32-64 oz. of water each day for 2 weeks. I have been doing ok. I have been having a hard time getting 4-5 each day. I get 3 in ok, but I am having to do another on around 2-3am so that I am getting enough protein. I do not have a difficult time with physical hunger, but sometimes like now on thanksgiving day I am having a hard time with head hunger. It is going to be difficult being around all that food and not being able to eat any of it. I just keep trying to remember that it will pay off in the end. My sheet said that if the patient does not adhear to the diet, it may cause complications during or after surgery and could even cause the surgery to be cancelled. I have been making them into more like ice cream by using those plastic mugs with water inside of them that freezes in the freezer before I make the milkshakes. When I make the shake I make double the amount and freeze some in those mugs for later sometimes, so that I don't have to do all the clean up so many times. I hope everything goes ok for you.

Currently waiting for gastric bypass procedure , I have an appointment in September which will involve me having a comprehensive medical inc seeing the Anethetist , weigh myself meet the nurse , surgeon , blood tests and psychiatric evaluation . Does any one know roughly the time between going to this evaluation and the operation itself as still have not received a surgery date yet and thought there might be a time frame that can't be exceeded between the evaluation and actual surgery inc pre op diet . As circumstances and body may change ... A less complicated way of explaining what I mean is that all the results from the evaluation made on me could become invalid or wrong if operation is not preformed relatively soon after my medical ....?? Any one else know?

I'm very excited for you. I don't have my surgery until October. Any ways, being nervous and scared is normal, after all you are having surgery. You'll be fine. I too have been reading others post about complications people have had. I wish you the best of luck and I will pray that you have a safe and speedy recovery. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted.

About the walking - the hospital made me start walking on the first day post-op. Walking immediately after helps decrease the possibility of blood clots and alleviate gas. I experienced the worst of the gas on Day 2 post-op, but nothing too unbearable. I made sure to keep moving/walking, balanced with a lot of rest, when I got home (3 days post-op), and I was doing fairly vigorous gardening 11 days after surgery. Just take your pain meds like clockwork for the first week and make sure to drink water as advised, and barring any complications, hopefully all will be fine! Good luck!

How long does the process take from initial consultation to surgery date? It really depends on your insurance, your surgeon, and you. Could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, but for most people it seems to be about 3 - 6 months. Did anyone feel that people in their environment judged them for having surgery vs 'trying to lose weight' the natural way? I've told just about everyone who has asked about my weight loss about my surgery. Only one person has said anything negative to my face. Other people may be saying things behind my back, or thinking negative, judgmental things. I really don't give a rat's patootie what anyone thinks about me or how I lose weight though. That may be one of the benefits of doing this as a not-young person (I am 49 now) -- my IDGAF bone has definitely gotten stronger through the years. It's a medical decision, I made it in consultation with my physicians, anyone who feels like they have the right to an opinion on my medical decisions can bite me. How long was the hospital stay? My surgeon's standard hospital stay is 2 nights. Others do 1 night, 3 nights, or on an outpatient basis, it varies a lot. How long does recovery take? Again, this is all over the map. We are all such individuals when it comes to healing, plus different surgical techniques may result in longer or shorter healing times, some people may have complications, others may have hiatal hernia repair or gall bladder removal done at the same time as the sleeve. I was off work for two weeks and pretty much exhausted for four weeks after surgery. I've seen posts from people who bounced back a lot sooner, and others who took longer. But to be clear, during the two weeks off work, I was tired, napping a lot, and in occasional pain, but not bedridden or unable to care for myself and my household. I just needed to be able to take things slow and rest a lot.

I too will have to have my band removed--the date hasn't been scheduled but I have an appt. tomorrow to discuss my options. I also had good results in the beginning however after the 8th month started having complications. I have had several o/p tests with all of them coming back within "normal limits"-I cannot eat anything substantial so I am also now gaining weight. I wish you luck on whichever procedure you have and look forward to hearing about your outcome.

Hello everyone I have just read alot of posts of people getting there LapBand removed and I want to add my reasons why I had my removed. First I want to say my doctor did a great job putting in the LapBand no problem there. The first six weeks I lost 25 lbs. I followed the diet plan however, I was having problems with the LapBand around eight weeks when I was told to change my diet to regular solid foods. The foods on the diet plan however, when I started eating it would get clogged and I would have to drink something hot to melt it down or make myself throw up. So I thought maybe I should eat slower or the bites are to big. So I changed it. Smaller then feeding a baby with a spoon. It took me one and half hours to eat a small plate of food. Okay I went to the doctor and he took out some fluids. Same thing happened. One day I was eating dinner and I was so sick, I became light headed and and almost passed out. I was admitted in the hospital for a week (twice). My blood pressure was to low. The doctor came and removed the rest of the fluids from the LapBand and told me to wait a few weeks and come in the office and get a adjustment he gave me a very small amount and the same thing happened a few months later (twice). This don't have anything to do about educating myself about LapBand or doing research (which I did before I had it done) it was not comfortable for me. And by the way I read all the sucess stories and the complications stories on this site too. It did not give me the results I expected. I do not want to adjust my life style to taking hours to complete a meal. I have a family and a job and my whole day should not be consumed with eating a meal. It felt uncomfortable having it inside to. It took me over a year before I could lay on my stomach to sleep. Because I had to eat Yes I had to have sauces on meal so it would go down. Even having all the fluids out. Therefore, I gain weight. The regular people here who are having sucess with the LapBand can sit back and judge you because then are losing weight. Typical. But unless you are in my shoes and know how it feels to be sick with it in you, you cant judge me. Just like it is rude to judge fat people and call them lazy, because that is completely untrue. I am having it removed and I am going for another procedure that makes you FEEL FULL not like a clogged sink all the time. Good luck to the people losing weight with the LapBand it works for you. But, if you was not okay with the LapBand and had it removed, you are not alone. Next time I post it will because I was sucessful and had it removed this friday 10//31/2008. God Bless:thumbup:

We'll I only got a couple more days to go before it's time for me to walk the plank for VSG surgery next week...Im currently on my 2 week high Protein,zero starch diet and it's going pretty good after making it out of the first day with headaches...Tomorrow I will be completing my final labs and am scheduled on 09/13/2011 with my final surgeon interview...I completed the Kaiser Options program back in 02/2011 and turned down a fast moving surgery date process since I wanted to make a little more extra money at work. I will be going with Dr.Suh from www.suhbariatric.com and will be having my VSG surgery at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar,CA on 09/16/2011...I was really nervous at first but im pretty much just going with the flow now and just following all my doctor's instructions before surgery so that way no complications will arise during surgery (hopefully). Im 5'9 and weight about 285 and have been overweight most of my life without any medical problems and have also tried and failed with all the popular fad diets throughout the years...Hopefully this decision is the best one I ever make and I would of preferred to of lost the weight with diet and excersice but unfortunately im one of the few that it hasn't worked on. Let the journey begin