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I stopped cold turkey 3 months before my surgery. I also stopped drinking just before my preop (and I was a cocktail every night/dozens weekends kind of gal). I went to Mexico, so there were no restrictions/testing from my surgeon, but the fear of complications from poor healing was enough for me. I looked at my surgery as a package deal...I had to succeed both mentally and physically to have the best chance at getting through everything as safely as possible. To me the not smoking and not drinking and not cheating on the pre and post op diet were just as important as the surgery itself.
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My heart goes out to you that the lapband journey has been so traumatic. Unfortunately some people do have a lot of problems, some because even though they do all the right things, things go wrong and then there is the other group that do all the wrong things and then say the lapband failed them. For me so far it's been fantastic, yes there are the ups and downs if learning to eat slower and taking smaller bites, honestly I am enjoying my food and really tasting it this way rather than gobbling it down not really tasting it and then feeling like crap by eating too much. So glad to have broken that cycle. The lapband is reeducation me with nutrition, good healthy food and being active. I feel so much more energetic, no longer need a nanna nap at 3 pm and I sleep better at night time, still snoring but not as bad. Honestly I think we all know what the right foods are that we need to eat and the right quantities. For me it was like my hunger switch was constantly on and the lapband has controlled that for me now. Before being banded I did my research well, I read about success stories and horror stories. Now that I am in lapband territory and experiencing living with it, what comes to mind is I wonder if some of those horror stories could have been avoided if people learnt how to live with the band. I know if I have an issue it's my responsibility to be in contact with my aftercare team. If I'm not then complications will arise. My surgeon has stressed so many times if i am having any issues no matter how small He need to know and He will help correct it. As much as I don't like that you've had such a hard time I don't agree with you warning everyone not to get it done. There are so many people that have had great success. What is important to point out however is that we all need to keep in contact with our team if we are experiencing problems so they can help us sort them out. I do wish you well and hope you are on a better path now and have success!
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Started my pre-op diet today. Failed somewhat miserably. Lol. Im really just like a fish outta Water here. My old surgeon had a whole plan where 2 weeks before you do two shakes a day then like a real food Protein dinner...only lean meat and veggies. My new surgeon has no plan of the sort he just said it'd be nice if I lost a few pounds before surgery. Im trying to follow my old surgeons plan cuz its more structured. Today I was ok with the one shake in the morning. Im still waiting on my other shakes so I had a Protein Bar and fruit for lunch. Dinner got a lily crazy because a lot was happening, I had chicken that I'd stuffed with spinach and feta but then I messed up by having noodles with it. Right now I feel like a failure, but I've also discovered that Im going to just stick to the shakes and broth packets fruit and yogurt cuz eating real food is just going to complicate things for me.
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Had my last supper meal tonight...steak and lobster! My RNY is on June 9th (tentatively schedule as I wait for final approval BCBC FEP) and will start my modified (self imposed) liquid diet tomorrow (two liquid meals with one light meal) and official pre-op full liquid diet on June 1st. Feeling excited and fearful simultaneously. I'm fearful of possible complications and excited that I have an opportunity to save my life! Praying a lot; however, I know that this is God's will and that He has led me down this path.
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Having It Out!! Hooray!!!!!!!!
jessiecms replied to JanetAdele1977's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Are you having complications, Miss A? Sounds like you need to go to a different surgeon if you can get your insurance to pay for it. I'm not using the same surgeon who put it in to get it out. I hate that guy! -
Thx raine: I am amazed at how well things are going. I had prepared myself for all the complications and slow loss, the pain and fatigue, so far I have just been great! And I have lost 35lbs as of this morning! I need to get a ticker. Things that I think are helping I am up moving all day everyday, I got home last Friday night the 13th of may, I have not laid around at all. Up out of the house all day everyday. I am sipping liquid all day, I'm not getting a ton in, but constant small amounts. I bought some "emergenC" drink Powder. It is tons of vitamin C and B complex, I try to get one in at least every other day. Dont know if it is helping but don't think it is hurting. And "attitude"'yes I think it matters. I have not once regretted this, not dwelled on what I can't have or such. I am staying positive and excited about this new adventure and life. But that is kinda me anyway. My cup is generally overflowing and stuff is rapidly condensing into it. :-).
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Having It Out!! Hooray!!!!!!!!
SunshineSA31 replied to JanetAdele1977's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Wow, I really can't believe I'm not the only one with these issues. I'm sitting up in bed right now at 3:00am, burping because I drank water! I had my band 'installed' about 4 years ago and last year had surgery because it had slipped and also had a hernia. I was burping the same way constantly. And now I'm sitting in bed thinking it has slipped again. I just really want this thing out of my life. My husband hates it, it's embarrassing to be at work and have your stomach sound like a flushing toilet, and all I want to eat is a salad! If you're reading this to research lap band complications, do NOT get the band if you have a sensitive stomach. Really think about it. I read things too and choose to ignore them, but please please save yourself the money, frustration, and embarrassment of having a lap band! I know a lot of people have success, but a lot of us don't and we follow the rules! Exactly! And we still have complications! I wish I had never done this to my body. It is not natural and I'm hopeful through hard work I can loose weight. I'm so willing to do whatever it takes...just make the burping stop!!! -
Hi, My name is Gigi. I am considering WLS and have been doing research on the lap band and VSG. I went to a seminar on 8/19 thinking I wanted a lap band and realized it was not really a good option for me. I have a lot of allergies and do not think the idea of putting a foreign object in my body a good one. As a result, I have been thinking about the VSG. I am 5?7?, around 282 lbs with a BMI around 45; I also have asthma, high-blood pressure and moderate to sever sleep apnea? so I am a good candidate. I still have some concerns especially as I have never had to have an operation. I?m scared! My insurance covers the procedure but I have to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet and exercise plan. I am mainly considering this procedure to improve my health before I add more complications to the mix. Looking better is just a plus. I have been reading the entries on here for while so most of my questions about complications and results have been answered. I am still interested in knowing if there are any major restrictions to exercising after the procedure. I have always been a big girl ? size 14 in high school, while all my friends were size 9 -10 ? and extremely active. I have taken dance lessons most of my life and even when I was in a dance troop where I was dancing 6 days a week, I was never smaller than a size 12/14. So what I am interested in knowing is ? after the procedure do you lose your muscle? When you lose all that weight, is your skin extremely lose that you require surgery to correct? Do you know if I will be called for my initial appointment before I start the dr supervised diet and exercise plan or is that something that typical takes place after you have your initial appointment? Has anyone had there VSG done at Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York? That is where I would be getting my surgery if it proves viable for me. Thanks for any information! It is greatly appreciated.
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Problems converting from band to sleeve?
TexasT replied to Mares's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I never had any complications from the band, unless you call not being able to eat a lot of healthy things because they would get stuck a complication. I also could never find the sweet spot, and I got real good at eating fattening slider foods to get around it if it felt too tight. I just hated food constantly getting stuck (and yes, I chewed like crazy), not being able to eat salads and fruits like grapes and oranges, and the feeling of the port bumping my ribcage. One of the most embarrassing things I dealt with was running out of a restaurant in downtown Santa Fe after a fancy meal and basically throwing up out in a dark alleyway. The bathroom was full and I didn't want to have to do it in front of people. Getting all that plastic out of my body was so freeing. Living with the sleeve is completely effortless. I love it and would recommend it to anyone not happy with their band. Fills, schmills - who needs them??? In Texas there are plenty of surgeons experienced in revisions. I was also self-pay, so I know this is not a decision to take lightly. Good luck! -
Question about food getting stuck...
Wheetsin replied to CajunCutie's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Making oneself throw up is a poor practice and can (likely does, according to the research) contribute greatly to slipped bands. Letting the stuff come up on its own, which 99% of the time it will do, is still not great - but does not carry the same complication risks. Your body will get rid of it on its own, most likely. It's just going to take a bit longer. And in the meantime, it does hurt. A lot of people won't endure the hurt so they gag themselves. If your body can't/doesn't get rif of it on its own, chances are your esophagus will irritate, you will swell, get tighter, and end up needing an unfill. Everyone I know IRL who is banded for a year or more has had to have an unfill at some point -- it's really not that uncommon. -
Problems converting from band to sleeve?
Gracie replied to Mares's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Frenchie: I had the lap band done in 2004. I lost about 30 lbs max....I still have the lap band but I too am looking to have the sleeve done in the summer. I haven't had much success with the band at all, although, I have had no complications from the band what so ever, just that my stomach has streched over the band, hence, allowing me not to loose weight. In the begining it was good, for the most part, but now I found a great dr. in Florida that is going to remove my band and do the sleeve in one procedure. I'm so thrilled. I just hope and pray I can loose this weight. The lap band was once my dream, but failed, I hope the sleeve will do it. But to answer your question, yes it can be done in one procedure and most dr. desire that one surgery. Did u have it done yet? -
Problems converting from band to sleeve?
Mares replied to Mares's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thanks for all your replies. I was so nervous going into this and was so glad to have found that others had had the revision with hardly any complications. It's been a year so I hope that I'm perfectly healed on the inside. Nina, yeah, mine was a full slip and also a nighmare. Had to be taken to the ER by ambulance where I was questioned as to why I didn't drive down to where my surgeon was. I can't imagine having to make that 1 hour drive, I was in so much pain and couldn't keep my head off the floor. After 7 hours of crying and carrying on in the ER, I was finally given the surgery to remove the band. They admitted that I wouldn't have made it had this gone on much longer, my stomach was hemorrhaging. I met with the nutritionist yesterday and whispered that she liked the sleeve much better than the band. I hate that the dr's aren't up front about the more complications that come from the band. However, at the time I got that, the sleeve wasn't being offered by my surgeon nor was my insurance covering it. Almost 3 years later, and my insurance changing, my surgeon performs the sleeve, yay! I can't wait to be on the other side, again. Best wishes, Mary -
Confused whats better the sleeve or bypass
Josephine replied to ladybashful's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I preferred not to alter my intestines if I didn't have to, because THAT is what leads to 99% of RNY complications. -
I have Regence Blueshield of Idaho insurance and they specifically exclude any treatment or surgery related to weight loss, including complications that arise from any such treatments. (Despite paying over $3500 in premiums to them every year....F.....ers!) anyways, I've researched several other insurance companies in Idaho and they are all the same (ditto to previous exclamation). Does anyone have individual insurance in Idaho that has had bariatric surgery covered? I'm going to self pay for the surgery itself because I'm not about to kiss their as....es and jump though all their hoops, but I was hoping to have coverage for any post op complications that may arise. Thanks!
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By the way, there was a study that got published recently that basically stated that RNY and Lap-band were statistically equal in medium-term weight loss. There wasn't enough data available to analyze long-term weight loss at the time, but the way the numbers looked, Lap-band would probably be superior to RNY for long-term weight loss. The 8-year loss from Lap-band was statistically equal to the 10-year loss from RNY, which leads to the suspicion that 10-year loss from Lap-band would be statistically superior to 10-year loss from RNY. So with that, I chose to have Lap-band because of the following reasons: Ease of reversal Low mortality rate Low severe complication rate No malabsorption Adjustability Good long-term weight loss prospects Not as many "no" foods No dumping syndrome No smelly BMs or gas Healthier weight loss (slow = better chance at keeping it off) No "skeleton look"
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Well, a fill would be required if you are hungry all the time.. other wise maybe you don't need it. Before the fill it was just healing mostly, and you were on mushies and liquids thats why you lost more weight. Yea just make little tweeks and see if that helps. I'm more liberal on my diet than a lot of people. I want it to be realistic. I eat a good 1200 calories a day. I'm not one of those people that eats like 1 egg for Breakfast, and 1/4 cup of tuna for lunch.. and I'm losing 1-3lbs a week. It's all complicated! One week I go balls to the wall 5 days a week, INTENSE exercise and I lose a pound. Which I HATE, and makes it feel so useless when you don't lose much, and spend 6 hours in the gym. The next week, I do some walking, or an exercise video for maybe 4 days, not nearly as intense and I lose a pound or two. I'm trying to figure out the right balance. The body is just fickle I guess.
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I'm pre-op and still not 100% about actually getting the surgery. This post might be a mess. 1.My dietician is saying because I am young (26) I should get the sleeve because there are less complications but I already have heartburn. I did a barium swallow and she says I don't have reflux but do have a small hernia. 2.Another is not eating and drinking at the same time is SO difficult. And I'm worried that I'll regain from it being able to do it. 3.My SO isn't too thrilled about it because he's worried about complications and that I won't be good at post-op lifestyle changes and that's a little discouraging. I'm hardly taking his opinion into consideration though. 4.And lastly, does anyone post-op have something similar to dumping? Diarrhea, runny stools, frequent bathroom trips etc? Sent from my SM-S515DL using BariatricPal mobile app
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My surgery is in Tuesday. There are quite a few women who have been very successful at my old job (on COBRA) so I'm still covered. My sister had the sleeve not too long ago and from what my mom says she doesn't sound like she has lost weight and may need surgery for scarring. She's been having issues with it. She lives in the Middle East. My doctor does less lap band now than the other procedures but is well known for all of these surgeries, so I'm not worried about that. He still is going to do the lap band for me, he says less are asking for the lap band. Just getting nervous about the negative things I see out there about complications. Oh and my mom had a gastric bypass years ago and now has osteoporosis since she doesn't absorb Calcium. I've got a small area of osteopenia of my lower spine which I'm taking calcium supplements and picked up upper body weights. I broke my knee 3 years ago and had to stop Impact exercise which stimulates bone growth. I swim, ride my bike a few miles and go to the gym. I just need not to be hungry. I've been eating less theses past few months also. Anyway. Just nervous. I'll do anything not to throw up that's the worst thing in the world for me. I know I can follow the instructions on how to eat what to eat and exercise. I'm a RN also.
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I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but this is the best I can come up with. Your surgery most likely swelled up your whole belly area. If you're swollen, it could put pressure on the stomach area. For example, lots of us get extra restriction when we bloat from our periods. Try putting ice packs on your belly to reduce swelling. After your gallbladder surgery calms, maybe your stomach and band will relax??? Just a guess. I'm sorry you're going through all this. I had a lot of complications with my port surgeries, but nothing like yours. I'm really sorry.
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There is no polite way to say this. I think I am experiencing labial chafing! I have lost a LOT of weight in the past year of so and since wearing smaller clothes, I think all my clothes are rubbing on the extra skin near the vaginal/ labial area. I have tried wearing looser clothes, but eventually pants etc do start rubbing, I wear pantiliners daily and I have tried every OTC remedy known to man (inc gold bond- don't try it- it is painful!!). Anyone else experience this? Aside from vaginoplasty, what did you do? Thanks!!
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I had RNY on July 28 & never had any pain or complications at all. My only issue was the anesthesia, which I knew would happen. I was walking the next morning, sipping my water, had crystal light that night & had a protein shake the next morning & left @ 11am I went home. I walked a mile per day since the day I went home. I'm up to 3 today, just not as fast as before surgery yet. Went back to work 2 days ago, tough getting back into that routine, but I don't regret it, and I hope this helps & that you have a good experience like me.
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I guess it depends on what "eating normally" means. Eating "normally" got me to almost 600 pounds. At 10-days post op my surgeon/NUTS program still had me on full liquids. I didn't progress to soft foods until the third week. What does your NUT advise? Whether or not you care what any of us say, I would highly suggest you care what your NUT and surgeon say. You are in their care. In the first few weeks after surgery eating "healthy" means allowing yourself to heal after major surgery. Following the food stages (texture) helps you to heal with a minimum of complications. So does focusing on getting enough Protein and fluids. I was cleared to get in the pool about 4 weeks post-op, once my incisions had completely closed up. I've been in the pool ever since.
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Pre or post op, what was or is the hardest for you
lodagoda replied to julie74601's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Post op is harder. Because preop is your choice to make and has no restriction to deviate. So difficulty itself isn't an issue. Post op is when you feel yourself has changed and you need to adapt safely to this not create any complication but also to provide yourself with bare minimum of nutrients and Vitamin to keep functioning well. So it is a lot of hard work afterwards. Ups and downs mainly up is what we hope for. But no one said it will be easy. I'm day 2 post op. Getting discharged today. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
Now i'm Terrified
Down South Aussie replied to jesslynn32288's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I know what your saying, now that surgery is a real possibility i had to take a real serious look at if this is the right choice, could i try and diet harder or exercise more, what type of financial hardship is this going to put my family under? But then i take a step back and i look at the fact that im floating around 300lbs, i have high blood pressure, i have high cholesterol, i have diabetes, i have back issues and now my liver is beginning to have issues. I have tried and i have lost and then i have gained back. Then comes the whole financial issue but i look at that and the reality is what type of financial situation am i putting my family in if i am not around in a few years. My wife and i Have discussed it and as someone else pointed out it comes down to risk vs benefit and while there can be complications there is also benefits, one of which is a longer life with my family. I often travel in my job so when 9-11 happened and the reality of the fact that that i could have been on those planes hit home for me and my family we had to make the decision of do we do everything we can to avoid risk or do we do everything we can to enjoy every moment we have together. We chose to do everything we can to enjoy every moment we have together. So for me i am moving forward with my plans. I wish you all the best in your efforts and lifestyle change be that from a surgical intervention or from a change in your diet and exercise. Weigh up your options consult the experts and make a decision based on the facts, but whatever you do dont let your fears rule you. Go in the direction you go in because you feel that is the best option and not simply because you are afraid of the other option. -
Diabetic Type II and I have Questions for Pre Op and Post Op
vacationgirl1 replied to vacationgirl1's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Yes, Fredric, I am complicated! Add Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to the mix, and... What a mess! This is why it's been so hard to get any weight off. Thank you, Sharpie, for your words of experience regarding diabetes. Unfortunately, my primary care doctor is out for a month due to her own illness. I will get her back in the loop before I have any surgery. I have appointments on 3/11 and 3/20 for all the tests and meetings with psych and nutrition, ect. I'll also be going to Joslin Diabetes Hospital for a consult. Fingers crossed! Thanks again!
