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The reality is that you won't know how your specific body reacts to the surgery until you have it. I thought I'd never be able to eat anything fun again. Every meal before my pre op diet felt like a funeral for a dear friend. Nonsense. You'll totally be able to eat stuff again one day, and in moderation and with real enjoyment as opposed to binge habits. But here's the reality. This procedure has been around for decades. It's hardly experimental anymore. Most people have little to no complications outside of the known side effects of the surgery. If you stick to the plan you're given, you're likely to skate by with flying colors. Remember that most people who have easy or routine experiences with the surgery don't go online to start threads about "Everything's normal!" You are, by a huge margin, statistically likely to fall into the everything's normal group. And if, god forbid, there are complications, you're in a country with the highest order of medical response. My money says you're going to do great. Think positively and focus on eating and exercising according to plan to give your body and your surgeon the highest possible chance for success. YOU. CAN. DO IT! Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello! I am another Ohioan, had my surgery last month at Riverside (this way you will know two people Frustr8 - OSU and Me @ Riverside in case you are going through either place and have questions) It is perfectly normal to be nervous. General Anes can be scary, I work in surgery at a different hospital and it is often something people worry about before going under the first time. Often if you left them know before the surgery that you nervous they can give you something to calm you down, or make you sleepy so you don't even remember going into the OR. I know my mom had RNY before me and she did not even remember being wheeled into the back let alone see any OR's for me they shot something in my IV in the hallway right outside of my OR wheeled in me told me to introduce myself and confirm my surgery which I did and then I woke up in recovery. The risks of complication are very low, but it is scary and they will make you sign some papers before surgery with a list of all the scary complications to prove you are aware of them. Try to get through it the risk of a leak and tube feedings is very very low. As for thinking of your babies. Of course you are, that is part of being a Mom and feeling guilty for doing this. You have to remember all the wonderful memories you are going to be able to make post-op when you are lighter and healthier and feeling better. You have so many games of tag to play, and laughs to share, and memories to be made. You are making a choice to do what is best for you right now so that you are here and healthy enough to invest in their futures! So it may feel selfish right now and but you are doing something so selfless and ensure you are in their lives so much longer. Hang in there!

I had unexpected complications also with pain and nausea. Don't be scared, it won't last. We're here for support Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal mobile app

I am one year out of an RNY bypass. My highest weight was 357lb, now I'm 178lb, Until this July, my answer to "was it worth it?" was "I don't regret it, but it was a hard decision and a difficult lifestyle change." Now I say, Yes, it was worth it. 100%. Why? Because I recently went on a vacation to a place I've been many times before, but this was the first time I've gone in a "normal" weight range. I was able to walk everywhere without being in pain or getting heat stroke. I was able to comfortably go everywhere I wanted to go. I was not able to eat everything I wanted, but I didn't go hungry. I haven't had any complications, but it's not a magic bullet--be realistic in your expectations and patient with your body. Mine is changing constantly as I'm able to exercise and everything settles. Be good to yourself. You are worth it.

I'm more shocked that there are surgeons still putting the band in. I was banded in 2011, worst choice in WLS I could have made, got stuck on foods I shouldn't have, could **NEVER** get to the "green zone" no matter what we did. Leafy greens and other things I should have been eating hurt to eat. Even though I had no major complications, my band was 100% encapsulated in scar tissue and took my surgical team more than 3 times longer to remove it than it should have taken. If I had left it in, I would have been faced with some serious complications. I didn't even know I had Grade 3 Esophagitis until I had my upper endoscopy to make sure everything was ok for the revision to the Bypass. The band caused the Esophagitis. 2 of the major manufacturers of the band, don't make them or replacement parts for them any longer because of how badly they are doing. I mean, good luck and all, but I'm very suprised your doc didn't alert you to all the issues, revision rates, etc https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266497/ Seems on average 20-30% (depending on where you look) of all lap band patients will need revision of some nature.

Has anyone taken Bliss complication insurance out as a self pay? I have. My surgery is scheduled on the 15 of August. Has anyone had to use it?

I have a question for those whom are able to stonewall and give non answers .... how do you do it? There is no way in my professional life I would just be able to give non answers about my weight loss and eating habits. This is also complicated by the fact I'm not willing to say, "I'm dieting, I'm watching what I eat", etc.. I have never admitted to having any issues with my weight. I have always projected confidence about who I am, and admitting to wanting to change myself would be acknowledging that was a lie. Dining out is a a big part of my job. I may dine with some people a few times a year. But others I may have 3 meals a day with 3-4 days straight. The amount I can eat is so small (1-2 oz) it is always noticed. Even if I were to say "I'm watching what I eat", there is no way what I can eat is considered a healthy or balanced approach. No doubt people would assume I have an eating disorder. Additionally, my weight loss has been so dramatic, it is not something that is achievable with normal dieting (if I was going to use the "watching what I eat" excuse). I know there are people at my company seriously concerned about my health. Some of this is genuine care. But a large part is succession planning. If I were to become suddenly unable to do my job, that would obviously cause a considerable problem. So is my situation just unique? I can't imagine how I could not answer any questions about this day after day?

My SIL had amazing results with a lap band years ago, and when I (rather rudely, in retrospect) asked how she did it, she said "diet and exercise," and I felt like a loser for not being able to do the same. Just ... as a data point. (Obviously, I found out, because my family is into gossip, and eventually the band failed and she gained a lot back.) Being several years older and wiser, of course, I now realize that it is super duper rude to ask people about their weight or comment on their food choices, so with people who are close enough to me that they get to ask rude questions, I'll probably tell the truth. (It helps that I have some complicating medical issues that make this surgery a bit more necessary, which will slow their roll on the judgment front. I'm also happy to point out "this is my body, and since I'm the one who has to live in it, I'm the only one who gets to decide.") But coworkers? And randos I just kind of know? I'm still working on a set of scripts, but it's going to be something along the lines of "That's a very personal question" or "I don't believe in food-shaming one another" or ... just ... blatantly ignoring anything rude they say and changing the subject outright. (I'm working on my quelling stare, for if they try again after I've changed the subject. ;)) I'm not willing to make someone feel like I felt, not if they're well-meaning and generally not a jerk. But I also don't owe anyone any answers, you know? So this is my happy center line. Ultimately, I hope we'll each find what works for us.

Just had my Gastric Sleeve done August 2nd. Im getting out the hospital today, August 5th, because of some issues with nausea. No one told me that could be a thing but I’m doing better now. Also, I saw some posts about vitamins, amazon sells vitamins called barimelts. I got those and had to create a vitamin spreadsheet (for real) because there are so many and so complicated. Anyway, I’m a bit scared because I was supposed to be doing this with a family member but, due to medical reasons, couldn’t complete the surgery. So now I’m in this alone and am kinda freaked out now. Any help/advice, especially for this 1st month, would be appreciated

not a medical necessity. BMI too low. No complications with my band

Hello I'm ok, I was hospitalized for 4 days. The surgery was good and without complication. I really feel no pain, however, the first night I developed a hiccup for about 6-7 hours. It was terrible. My throat was very sore from the intubation. I am home today, but feel so very tired. Very tired. All in all I feel ok. I'm trying to drink my water and shakes, but I feel full very fast. I ate some sugar free jello, but could only eat 1/4 of it.

Mine was also higher. Under my right breast. It was awful. I only had to have mine in for about 4 days though. I can't really speak to how/where it was inserted and complications, but I feel your pain!

No need for in person follow ups as I didn’t have any complications post-op. I did have some questions, which the surgeon and his staff kindly answered. My PCP has been supportive and runs all my labs to ensure my vitamins and supplements are the right doses for me.

I’m concerned about how people get by without the follow ups that would happen if the surgery was performed at home in the USA. Obviously if there are complications that have to be dealt with , insurance will be flipping you the bird. My PCP is supportive of the procedure and my having it done In Tijuana, so that’s not an issue as far as her attitude will go. What have some of you done to deal with this issue?

Last night I found this & posted in another thread. Here is something I found online about a medical alert Bracelet. Hope this is okay to post. "5 reasons gastric bypass patients need a medical alert bracelet 1 ) You should not be given NSAIDS NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are known to have a few side effects when taken under normal use. These include ulcers, an increased chance of bleeding, and liver or kidney problems. And that's just for a person who hasn't been through a major surgery like gastric bypass! The point of a medical alert bracelet is to let people know about your condition in an emergency. NSAIDS are commonly used in medicine, so alerting the staff of your bypass can give them the chance to find another medicine to treat you. For people who have had a gastric bypass, NSAIDS can be problematic for newly constructed stomachs that haven't gotten the chance to build up protection against irritants like NSAIDS. 2 ) A Blind NG tube is dangerous for you Blind NG tubes are inserted through the nose of a patient who needs to be fed through a tube after a medical emergency. It's usually fed through with no problems, as doctors know how to do this procedure on normal anatomy. But after a gastric bypass, only a medical alert bracelet can let your healthcare team know that you no longer have "normal" anatomy. A bypass changes the way your stomach is shaped and how it sits, meaning a blind NG tube is likely to break through your stomach walls and cause vast damage. This is especially true because gastric bypass patients do have stomachs that are more sensitive to damage. If your medical team knows about your gastric bypass, then they will incorporate a different method that is equally helpful but cuts down on the risk of damaging your stomach. 3 ) A limited intake of sugar is important Hospitals have variations in the diets and medications they can give patients depending on their medical history. Gastric bypass patients need to actively avoid excess sugar intake for a few reasons. It can heighten any problems related to diabetes, which is common in overweight individuals. It can also cause severe diarrhea in people who have had a gastric bypass. It's also important for your healthcare team to know about your bypass through your medical alert bracelet so that they can continue giving you the right diet. For gastric bypass patients, this means high Fiber and low sugar! 4 ) Complications can be found faster Having a gastric bypass surgery is a major operation. It's done to transform your health and quality of life, yet it can have complications. In the rare cases when a complication happens, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible! You could potentially experience bleeding, blood clots, or a rupture in your new stomach pouch. Hernias are also known to happen as well as infections, leaking, or ulcers. These cases can be fixed with usually simple procedures, but knowing is the only way staff can address them before more complications arise. So when you are brought into a hospital, a medical alert bracelet can work wonders in letting the staff narrow down what could be happening to you. It can ultimately save your life. 5 ) Your solid food will need to be limited If you need to be fed while you're in the hospital, then staff should be aware that you need to have your solid food limited. Because your stomach size has been greatly reduced through the surgery, anyone placing a feeding tube will have to know that your stomach is smaller and cannot handle a large amount of food. When someone with a gastric bypass is fed large amounts of foods, a few things can happen that your team needs to know. If they do, then they can properly adjust your in-hospital diet and look for signs that a complication from overeating is the reason you were brought in. Overeating can stretch your new pouch, rupture it, and cause your body to reject the food. Regardless of the situation, a medical alert bracelet can keep your medical team totally up-to-speed on what is going on with you so that treatment can be effective and quick. And everyone at N-Style ID loves keeping our customers up-to-date with the latest information about medical alerts and other topics on our blog. You never know when an emergency could happen, and that's why these bracelets are designed to be stylish and useful."

Just got to the hospital. I’m super nervous. Other than the excess weight I’m pretty healthy so I’m low risk for complications but still nervous.

If you click on her name and look at her history that’s exactly her situation. Long term complications that haven’t responded to other treatment. As for G2, all our local groceries and Walmart and Target carry it, perhaps because we are in California? Another great only slightly sweet option is NUUN tablets you drop in water. Available at most athletic stores, Amazon and also our local Target.

Am I reading this correctly? You are trying to get your bypass reversed? Have you spoken with your doctors about this, because typically the bypass is considered a non-reversible surgery. Does it happen, sure, but it's usually a last ditch effort due to complications with reverting this surgery.

Hi All, its been a long long time since I’ve been on boards as I’m almost 5 years post gastric bypass. the surgery was the best thing I ever did and I would never change it. I did get gallstones and gave my gallbladder out but other than no complications. While i am some what happy with my weight (I’m about 50kg lighter than before surgery) , one thing I’ve noticed consistently is the frequency of how often I get sick. before my bypass I didn’t get sick often st all!! Afterwards I started getting sick way more often but the past 8 months of my last I barely make it a week without getting a new bug. I do work with children who go to child care and kids in school so I know I must get germs from there, but honestly it’s ridiculous. I try the immune boosters and I’m always getting b12 injections and on different vitamins. Nothing works and I’m so so sick of being sick. I wanted to know if anyone else post bypass gets sick very frequently? It’s really affecting my life, not being able to work and study and feeling so horrible. At the moment I’ve just finished antibiotics for chest infection and 2 days ago I got horrible gastro which I still have. Anyones thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks liz

My bypass is August 23. So far I've not seen anyone else with this date. Here is something I found online about a medical alert bracelet. Hope this is okay to post. "5 reasons gastric bypass patients need a medical alert bracelet 1 ) You should not be given NSAIDS NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are known to have a few side effects when taken under normal use. These include ulcers, an increased chance of bleeding, and liver or kidney problems. And that's just for a person who hasn't been through a major surgery like gastric bypass! The point of a medical alert bracelet is to let people know about your condition in an emergency. NSAIDS are commonly used in medicine, so alerting the staff of your bypass can give them the chance to find another medicine to treat you. For people who have had a gastric bypass, NSAIDS can be problematic for newly constructed stomachs that haven't gotten the chance to build up protection against irritants like NSAIDS. 2 ) A Blind NG tube is dangerous for you Blind NG tubes are inserted through the nose of a patient who needs to be fed through a tube after a medical emergency. It's usually fed through with no problems, as doctors know how to do this procedure on normal anatomy. But after a gastric bypass, only a medical alert bracelet can let your healthcare team know that you no longer have "normal" anatomy. A bypass changes the way your stomach is shaped and how it sits, meaning a blind NG tube is likely to break through your stomach walls and cause vast damage. This is especially true because gastric bypass patients do have stomachs that are more sensitive to damage. If your medical team knows about your gastric bypass, then they will incorporate a different method that is equally helpful but cuts down on the risk of damaging your stomach. 3 ) A limited intake of sugar is important Hospitals have variations in the diets and medications they can give patients depending on their medical history. Gastric bypass patients need to actively avoid excess sugar intake for a few reasons. It can heighten any problems related to diabetes, which is common in overweight individuals. It can also cause severe diarrhea in people who have had a gastric bypass. It's also important for your healthcare team to know about your bypass through your medical alert bracelet so that they can continue giving you the right diet. For gastric bypass patients, this means high fiber and low sugar! 4 ) Complications can be found faster Having a gastric bypass surgery is a major operation. It's done to transform your health and quality of life, yet it can have complications. In the rare cases when a complication happens, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible! You could potentially experience bleeding, blood clots, or a rupture in your new stomach pouch. Hernias are also known to happen as well as infections, leaking, or ulcers. These cases can be fixed with usually simple procedures, but knowing is the only way staff can address them before more complications arise. So when you are brought into a hospital, a medical alert bracelet can work wonders in letting the staff narrow down what could be happening to you. It can ultimately save your life. 5 ) Your solid food will need to be limited If you need to be fed while you're in the hospital, then staff should be aware that you need to have your solid food limited. Because your stomach size has been greatly reduced through the surgery, anyone placing a feeding tube will have to know that your stomach is smaller and cannot handle a large amount of food. When someone with a gastric bypass is fed large amounts of foods, a few things can happen that your team needs to know. If they do, then they can properly adjust your in-hospital diet and look for signs that a complication from overeating is the reason you were brought in. Overeating can stretch your new pouch, rupture it, and cause your body to reject the food. Regardless of the situation, a medical alert bracelet can keep your medical team totally up-to-speed on what is going on with you so that treatment can be effective and quick. And everyone at N-Style ID loves keeping our customers up-to-date with the latest information about medical alerts and other topics on our blog. You never know when an emergency could happen, and that's why these bracelets are designed to be stylish and useful."

I just had my follow up with surgery yesterday. I was told that the sticker they put on your neck, below the ear - for nausea, also causes vision issues. He told me a patient touched it once and then touched his eyes, which caused a lot of complications with his vision. I wish they would make others more aware of that drug. The anesthesiologist did make me aware that sometimes they need to administer insulin in surgery. Even though I'm not diabetic, the sugar levels can still fluctuate.

The office came through and got me complication coverage

I am 4 weeks post op, as of yesterday. I have not had any complications, I am tolerating most foods. However I am tired of the protein shakes. Please if any of you have any High Protein Recipes to share it would be greatly appreciated. The thought of drinking another protein shake is nauseating.

At the end of the day I think your post illustrates the best in a bariatric patient. The intense thought process considering all of the possible complications for getting, revising, or removal of the surgery. Going into this blind after watching a few "My 600# life" shows is about the worst thing one can do (And yes, I watch the show myself). It sounds to me that your mind is in the right place - considering what is going to improve your life the most, and yet doing lots of research on it. I applaud you for your research and I am very sorry for what seems like an awful number of years. I'm only 3 weeks out from my revision from a band to a RNY, but there were a number of reasons I went with a RNY over the sleeve. One of which is the possibility to do a reversal. Yes, it is not without complications, and no, it is not a complete reversal, but yes, it is still possible. With the sleeve? not so much. I would imagine that something as complex as a reversal would be quite variable between patients - what reason for each reversal is probably drastically different. So while I do think it is really good to see how outcomes were, I would postulate that your surgeon is probably going to be the best to trust. I was told that my surgeon was very "conservative" when it came to revisions. I was told he would go in and remove the band, and if things were really bad from scarring, he would not do the revision, and instead allow me to heal for 3 months before coming in and doing the revision. Maybe have a frank talk with your surgeon and make the same request. Maybe when he goes in, there is an obvious problem that can be fixed without actually reversing the procedure? Just throwing out another idea, if there is someone in your life that you trust your life with, consider filling out a medical power of attorney, and have a long conversation with them about your desires. Then, if doing the surgery the doctor would have a person to turn to and present both options...Your medical power of attorney, knowing your intents, could make the decision instead of a doctor who has spent an insignificant amount of time with you determining your interests. For my revision surgery, I did the above with a family member, so I'm not recommending something I didn't do myself. I will be praying for you and I wish you the best outcome, no matter what needs to be done to improve it!

I had the SIPS surgery on Valentines day - 2/14/2018. By the way, SIPS is not an option to select on here so had to put duodenal switch since it's the closest match to the type of surgery. Anyway, I paid $17000 out of pocket because I didn't want to wait for months to go through all of the insurance harassment. It is the best $17000 dollars I ever spent in my life, and would gladly do it again. I have no regrets! To be transparent, I did have some complications less than a week after surgery and ended up on feeding bags and in the hospital for a solid month. Even with all of that, I'd still do it all over again. I'm off my CPAP machine for sleep apnea, off blood pressure meds, off cholesterol meds, off of Symbicort breathing treatment and so much more. My purse was a mobile pharmacy! Being down 80lbs has had a significant impact on my life in so many ways. I was always confident, but I feel even more embolden and comfortable in my skin. The improved health benefits I already mentioned, and of course, it doesn't hurt to be wearing much nicer clothes and heels! I've come from wearing sized 20W pants to 14 (straight no W) pants, and 24W top/dresses, to between14W and 16W (depends on the brand). Fortunately, I carry weight well, so I look even less than my current 216 lbs. While I have another 26 pounds to hit my first major goal, I am elated with the progress that I've made so far. I've cooked more in the last five months than probably the last five years. I've cut out 85% of the take out I used to do. Even when I've gone out of town for business, I've cooked. I can most times find a hotel, especially Residence Inn by Marriott, that have a small kitchen with stove, dishwasher, full refrigerator and everything. I also exercise five days a week for at least an hour. I know this was long, but I'm just over the moon!