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fresh out of surgery I ended up in the ER and back in hospital with aspiration pneumonia, an acute UTI and critically low potassium. I’m pretty sure the uti was due to the catheter being in place so long after surgery. I don’t know why they kept it in to monitor my output until the day I was to be discharged. They kept telling me my chest pain was gas, I kept saying no it’s not. It wasn’t. Any liquids I sipped were being aspirated into my lungs. It was pneumonia. I just don’t get fevers like normal people do. Maybe my immunodeficiency. I don’t know. I went home to intermittent fevers. It would spike really high at night and go down by morning. My body doesn’t fight what it needs to. So then doctors don’t think I’m sick if my body doesn’t maintain a consistent fever. The ER did a chest X-ray, bloodwork etc. and admitted me. I hate hospitals. I got stuck there three days with IV potassium and antibiotics. The hard part was I could barely move. After my surgery I was basically bed bound, when the nurse tried to get me up to walk I made it to the hall and had to hurry back to bed before I passed out. Every chronic pain in my body screamed bloody murder all at once. This round in hospital wasn’t much better. I waited for tests, they kept trying to give me regular food so I wasn’t getting protein. Long story short, they did a swallow study which showed dysphasia and every time I drank thinner liquids, ie. Water, thinner shakes. It puts me at risk of aspiration. I’m still struggling to find the cause. It’s esophageal Dysphasia. So my gastroenterologist said it’s not his area, my ent said it’s not his area it’s neurological but so far the neurologist doesn’t know and is sending me to another neurologist. I had a bad reaction to the antibiotic I was sent home with. And ended up with severe oral thrush. Im getting those chest pains that extend down under my ribs again. I had a upper gi fluoroscopy and endoscopy. I was told I have a sliding hiatal hernia, Schatzki ring, ulcers, and a stoma stricture (severely narrow stoma) Nothing as of yet is resolved. I see my surgeon next month. I don’t regret fighting for the surgery. It was my last hope to fight against metabolic disorders and inability to exercise, to lose weight. It was eating me alive. I am having a hard time of things but most people even with complications do very well. For me it’s hard to separate out all my other medical issues from recovery.

docsdeb- I don't know what thread you read, but keep in mind, that thread is what life is really like for that person, not for everyone. The majority of what you read is positive and for all you know that person could have just been having a bad day when they wrote the post. So far (although I have only been banded a week :confused: my experience has been very positive. I haven't had a panic attack in a long time and the band hasn't changed that. I guess you have to weigh the risks of what the changes in your life are if you do get the band vs the complications that come with obesity. For me the complications that I read associated with the band were minor compared to the complications associated with hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. I agree with poolvr, don't rush into anything, but also don't let anxiety prevent you from getting a tool that will help you overcome obesity. Best wishes, Elizabeth

That, my dear, is a LONG explanation on how it's supposed to help lose weight. First, your doctor must think you're insulin resistant, or he wouldn't want to prescribe it. If you have not been diagnosed as insulin resistant, or prediabetic and he simply wants to have you take it for weight loss, he is an idiot....sorry. If you are insulin resistant, that means your body has high level of insulin all the time and doesn't use insulin like it should. To make a very long complicated story short, if you have high levels of insulin in your system all the time, your body wants to store fat, not lose it. It's much more complicated than that, but that's the Cliff notes on how it works. So, by taking Metformin, your body is better able to use the insulin it produces, thereby theoretically not wanting to store fat all the time. Now this sounds good, but in practice, like I said before, almost no one loses weight by just taking Metformin - if they did, EVERYONE would be on it and it would all over the news as the magic bullet/pill everyone is looking for and none of us would need surgery!! Your sleeve has put your body in a catabolic (losing) state already, which has already forced your body to produce less insulin and use it more wisely - that's why I can't see how on earth at this point, you taking Metformin would produce any sort of weight loss. So, all that being said....you have lost almost 16 pounds since surgery on 8/31. That's 16 pounds in 5 weeks.....sure it's not as much as some lose, but we are all different. I also noticed that you were on the 'smaller side' when you started and in my experience on these boards, those that don't have a large amount to lose, tend to lose slower. You also lost weight prior to your surgery, and that's fantastic, but that also could mean that you wouldn't drop weight so dramatically after your surgery as your body wasn't 'shocked' like those that didn't lose weight beforehand (like those that didn't have to do preop liquid diets, etc - they tend to lose more right after surgery). I honestly think you need to look at your calorie intake and the makeup of foods you are eating (carbs, Protein, fats). If you are not eating ENOUGH calories, that will definitely slow down weight loss, as well as they wrong type of calories. You can certainly try the Metformin, it won't hurt....I just don't want to see you disappointed when you don't lose weight on it. And, any doctor that tells you that your weight loss to date 'sucks' needs a quick swift kick right up the ass, in my opinion. What a horrible, horrible thing to say to your patient! You have lost an average of over 3 pounds per week! Which is amazing compared to all other types of weight loss plans. As long as you are losing, and the slope is downward, keep your chin up, honey. Don't get discourage...you just may be one of the 'slow' losers. But it will come off!!

Sorry in advance if my story scares anyone. The first night I tried to sleep on my side was in week 3. I had this weird sensation that I can only relate to a feeling like when I was pregnant and had little arms flailing around inside me. This was unfortunately my intestines flip flopping. They twisted like one of those balloons you make animals out of. As my meals progressed to more solid food it created a full obstruction and I wound up in the hospital for 10 days and had to have a second surgery to correct it. The worst part was my Dr kept insisting I must have eaten something I shouldn't have to cause the blockage, that is until he got in there and saw what had happened. I also reminded him that I had been emailing him since week 4 suspecting I had a problem. It was not anything I had done but just a freak thing, I tell people this because it is a potential complication to be aware of.

Hi! I was sleeved Dec. 18th. I knew that had sleep apnea for a few years but wasn't officially diagnosed until one month prior to my surgery. The anesthesiologist usually want to know this prior to putting you under to assess any complications you might have during surgery. I woke up intubated and could hear the nurses and doctors talking about how shallow I was breathing and my blood pressure being out of control. I was in recovery nearly an hour. Since the surgery, I have felt 100% better. No waking up with headaches. I am waiting until 6months post-op to schedule my follow-up sleep study.

I was banded at TLBC June 8th 2006 and have already reached goal. The best advice I can offer is follow instructions.....Lapbandtalk can offer simple suggestions through experience, however.....when it comes to advice about fills, staying on liquid or other diets, etc...then talk to your Dr....they know best. I have never had an issue with TLBC...they treated me well and professional at all times, I had no complication pre or post surgery. My husband is a chef. I do not like cottage cheese so for the pre-op diet my husband was mixing 1/2 cup low fat yogurt with 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of ice cubes, 1 package of sweetner and liquified it through the blender...every day he would add different flavourings...such as 1 - 2 tablespoons of sugar free jam, or 1 tablespoon of plain cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of real vanilla, etc. It was like drinking liquid cheesecake! Don't say you can't take the pre-op for 14 days....it will be tough but think of your priorities.....1) not following instructions and compromising your surgery....or 2) weight loss from your surgery which will bring you better quality of a longer life that would otherwise be compromised from your obestiy. I took the second choice and am now enjoying life as I never knew it....I also wear a size 8.....from a 24/26. Good luck Carol

I found out about a year ago that I have one (1) mutation of factor five leiden in my blood after suffering from a superficial blood clot in my left calf, at the time I was smoking about a pack a day and on the birth control pill Yasmin. Anyone been banded with the condition?? Any complications?? Thanks

Hi everyone, It's been two years since I had my surgery, and recently I've experienced some major changes. I started suffering from really bad night coughing a few months ago, and was vomiting a lot during the day as well. I opted to have a substantial defill, and that helped a lot. The weird thing is, even though I'm at a much lower level of restriction than I have been for a couple of years, I still experience more unpleasant side effects and complications. For example, I have heartburn constantly--and I never did before, even when I was at a higher level of restriction! I am not sure if I should get another defill, because I feel like if I had any less restriction I'd have no restriction at all. I can already eat a lot more than I could before, and can eat lots of foods like salads that I couldn't before. I'm worried that another defill will leave me with no restriction at all. But on the other hand, I have heartburn all day until after dinner, and then again a couple hours after eating dinner. I take Tums every single night when I go to bed. (Could that be making it worse???) Any help or suggestions from those who've been banded for a few years now would be greatly appreciated!

While that seems like a reasonable statement, it is not true. If there are complications during surgery there may be additional costs, which would be your burden to pay. Be sure to check with your doctor and consider any additional financial expenses as one of your risks when deciding to proceed or not proceed w/ lap-band.

I was eligible for surgery on the NHS but because of the ridiculous 3 tier scheme (which is just a waste of time and money) I was told it could take anything from 18 months to 2 years to get the op done. I felt I couldn't wait that long as I'd spent 30 years yoyo dieting and was at the end of my tether so I did my research and decided to fund it myself and have a gastric sleeve in the Czech Republic. I had my op on the 7th of April with no complications (had my gall bladder removed at the same time) and I've lost 3st 8lb so far. I'd like to lose around another 5. I can't fault the treatment I received in the Czech Republic - I chose that location because of the high standard of care and the cost, which is far lower than in the UK.

Thays awesome. Did u have a lot of pain after or any complications? How long did the actual surgery take? Thanks for your replys:)

So just prior to the surgery, I was super excited. People who I told were, like "Are you nervous?" and I wasn't. But after a while, everyone being nervous for me, was making me start to questions whether I should, in fact, be nervous. I finally decided no, I had done my research, found a great surgeon, and a fantastic hospital. He's record is amazing, with no deaths, and half the complications of average. At the hospital, it went relatively smoothly. All the nurses and physicians assistants would ask me what I was getting, my name, and my birthday. The hardest part for me was getting the IV put in. My veins tend to be small and deep, so they tried on my right hand, no dice, my left hand looked like it was working, but then I got a small bubble of saline, so they went back to the right at the wrist. Again, couldn't get it. No surgery without an IV, so I suggested my ankle. She was nervous to go there, because it rolls. At that point, the bubble in my left hand had subsided, and it looked like a vein had moved up on my left wrist. Finally, the IV was in. The nurse was very kind an patient for the while process, numbing my skin whenever she tried a spot, so it was only mildly uncomfortable, not super painful. After that, I walked to the surgery room, where I got to say hi to some of the people who would be assisting. They were really nice. I laid on the bench, and they helped position my arms. After a bit of adjusting, I was out. The next thing I new, I was in the recovery room. I fluttered my eyes, and the nurse saw that I was waking up. My back hurt, so I asked if I could roll to my side. She said that was fine, and helped me. She also asked if I needed more blankets, and I said no, I was hot. And thirsty, like - wow thirsty. They said I could get some Water when I got to my room, which was soon, they were just cleaning it up. So I kind of rested, and eventually woke up in the room, where they gave me a few sips of water, which tasted like the best water ever. My husband was there to give me a hug, and my friend. I was on morphine, and could give myself a small dose as needed every 8 minutes. It was nice and low-level, so I didn't feel any pain, just some mild soreness. They brought me a tray, and I was able to sip on some green-tea, and some broth. They saved the Protein shake for later. A little while later, I felt like I could stand up, so they helped unhook me, and we walked around the hallways for a bit. Whenever I had to pee, they had a little hat in the toilet to collect it, so they could see how much I was peeing. I did pretty well, that night, periodically walking, and sipping the Protein shakes. They nurses would come in for blood-pressure checks, and a couple of blood samples. My surgeon was a little disappointed at the size of my liver, he felt ti was too big, so my pre-op diet should have probably started a couple of weeks before.I had gained some weight before the surgery, my first weigh in was 263, I topped out at 270, and by that morning, I was 265. He was also concerned about my Synthroid dose, because my TSH is undetectable. But my endocrinologist has said before that the goal was to suppress the thyroid all together, because that stops the Hashimoto's symptoms. So as long as the T4 and T3 are in range, I should be good. I'll bring up my surgeon's concerns with him at the next appointment. I'll probably need lower and lower doses as I drop the weight anyway. Se I was discharged yesterday, felt pretty good for the ride home. We stopped at the Walgreens, and my husband went in to get the pain medication for me. The pharmacist wanted to call the doctor to confirm, but of course the number on the script was for the home office, so no one answered at 6pm on a Friday. My poor husband was like, what do I do? And the pharmacist was very rude, and was like, "You figure it out". So I ended up having to get up from the car, and bring all my paperwork in. Once he saw me, with all the paperwork, and the discharge papers, he went ahead and filled the prescription. I guess he thought my husband was a drug-seeker or something. So now I'm at home. I've taken some pain meds for today. It's not quite as nice as it was at the hospital with the IV drop, and metered morphine. My stomach area feels loose and stretchy. I keep imagining that wrapping it with a corset might help. My back also still hurts, but my husband is so sweet, and he's been carefully massaging it for me. It's a little hard to get up and down from my sofa and bed. If I wan tto be on my side, it's more of a 45 degree angle, with a pillow under my back. Anyway, I can still walk, go to the BR by myself, and I'm planning on taking a shower later today. Sipping lots of water. I'm also going to do one of the protein shakes they gave me. All in all, it's not too terrible of pain, and I believe this is going to be worth it in the long run.

I had my surgery with Dr. Christeau at the Royal Vic. It went well. I had it 1.5 years ago, and have lost to date 200.8 lbs. I am almost at goal. I started running a year ago. I have done a half marathon and plan to do a 30 km run in Ontario in the spring. I feel fortunate to have been so lucky with this... no complications at all. Dawn Banded April 4th, 200 Montreal 358/157.2/148

My Dr. also uses a 40fr Bougie and I was worried also. However, after researching it, there is minimal difference between a 32 and a 40. My doctor explained that the smaller the bougie, the more chance of complications such as strictures so that is why he uses what he does. I spoke to many of his patients and they have no problems with weightloss at all! That made me feel much better. I searched here also and basically came up with the same info. Size is minimal! I am only 1 week out from surgery so I'll keep you updated on my personal weightloss with the 40 fr bougie.

I had Roux-en-y first. I then had a revision to sleeve due to complications from the rny. So my case is a bit more complicated than most. For instance, most sleevers don’t dump. I also had a lot of scar tissue and a stricture. I’m sure some of this contributes to my issues... although my best friend had a perfectly done RNY and has a lot of long term issues too. So it’s hard to say.

I got my approval! My surgery will be done on March 21, 2011. I'll be going through the Mehta Bariatric Center in NJ and having the surgery done at Somerset Medical Center. Has anybody else used Mehta? He does the surgery with a single incision at the belly button. Now I am nervous. But I am still going to do it! They could have done me in January, but we are going on a vacation in February and my hubby insisted that I wait until after we get back in case there are complications.

It's been a very long 7 1/2 months for me.... but I can confidently and proudly say that I finally feel as though the inside matches the outside! I'm about 5lbs to my goal, (although I'm only about 3 months out from my actual bypass procedure), and I went on a mini shopping spree today, and it felt SO good! From size 22 pants and 1x or 2x shirts, to size 8 or 10 pants, and a size M shirts. Everyone who is struggling in the first few days or weeks after surgery, just keep your mind on the end result. Everyone with complications, surround yourself with love and support and you'll make it through. You'll make it through, just keep pushing!

Hi All, So I've found a surgeon I like and with the gastric sleeve, he's had no deaths and no complications. None? Well, that's what he tells me. Over the last 12 months, he's done 60 of these surgeries. He does more bands and a lot more bypasses. He's been doing these surgeries for about 5 years, so I'm trying to decide, is 60 surgeries a year enough for him to be good? How many sleeve procedures have your surgeons done? I don't want a newbie! Thanks!

I couldn't understand the "reversibility" of the band, like "ah, this skinny thing isn't really for me... I think I liked being fat and unhealthy better. Take it out!" Why would reversibility be a good thing unless there was a high rate of revision caused by complications? Bypass and DS were too extreme.

I do miss food. But I miss that refreshed feeling of drinking water. I had some complications so that also contributes to my feelings.

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).

If you're going directly through your surgeon there's usually less pre-op testing done than what you may have done trying to qualify for insurance or approval or getting your PCP referal. I am also self pay and the process for me was 2 weeks from initial seminar/consultation to surgery. At the pre-op appt I had my blood drawn, vitals taken, weighed & measured, nutritionist & psych eval & finally a talk with the surgeon. When all was done that same day I started the pre op liquid diet & showed proof of funds for payment. Much simpler than the insurance process! (Btw see if you are getting the best package for your $! Having your fee also give you a year of follow up visits & fills. And I hear some practices even have revision insurance if god forbid there was any complications!) Best of luck!

I havent personally had a lot of bad. The bad really depends on your up keep. I hear a lot of people who have skin issues. I have no skin issues. I started working out right away about a month out. Some people get mad at the scale because they havent lost a lot of weight. The weight will come off trust me. I have also heard about ppl who cant deal with the different way of eating or dumping syndrome. Eating will be something that you will have to get used to all over again and learning when enough is enough so you dont dump. I didnt have complications from surgery or post surgery. So in my opinion the ugly depends on your will and ability to adapt to a new life without food.....yes i said without because it wont be the same again....well at least for about a couple of years. Good Luck on your journey...

So I haven't been on here for a while but had to share with others my experiences with the gastric sleeve. I had my surgery on April 12, 2016 the first 6-8 weeks it was going great some vomiting here and there while getting used to the new ways of life. Then the now and then became more and more frequent til I was vomiting daily. I this was not right so I had a long talk with the doctor he told me he was thinking i had a kink in the sleeve and sent me to a gastroenterologist. This doctor was sure it was a kink and scheduled me for a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD on August 12, 2016. The EGD went well for about 2 weeks than slowly I started vomiting again more and more, back to the doctor then to get another EGD on October 20, 2016. This time it seemed to do the job by the end of January I was doing good than the beginning of February the vomiting started again back to the doctor and April 25, 2017 EGD #3. I knew it linked again by may but I was sick of it so I decided to stick it out, BAD MOVE on July 27, 2017 I was rushed to the emergency room with Severe dehydration because I couldn't keep anything even ice down. July 29,2017 EGD #4. After that one I could tell it wasn't going to be long be i was back there and i was right November 8, 2017 I went in for EGD #5. After that last one it was a 100% different feeling not for the good but I pushed through and waited it out. I went in for my 2 year post OP appointment on April 10, 2018 (2 days before my 2 year) and doc was not happy to hear I am scheduled for my 6th EGD on May 10, 2018 so after looking at my labs and my upper GI from January I was told that my body is basically like rejecting my sleeve and my new lifestyle I have to live. So now i am waiting for a call from the doctor to start my new journey of having a gastric bypass done on my sleeve (revision) before I could think of what I should say I started crying and repeating "Why on earth did I do this to myself. I regret ever having this damn surgery". She calmed me as much as she could and now I'm waiting for this all to begin. When I was 18 months post OP my OBGYN gave me the go ahead to try for a baby. We decided to wait a little longer because he was working out of state. Now that he's back and we want to start a family I am told that I can't for another couple years. My life is crumbling and I am so disappointed that I can't start the family my boyfriend wants I'm even considering telling him to leave me and find someone that isn't a broken mess.

I am soooooo scared of the pre-op diet( actually kinda more than the actual surgery itself).i'm so scared i won't be able to fight my hunger for a week and i might slip up one day and eat something i shouldn't eat and then i end of having complications cause of my uncontrolable appetite!!! i'm haveing my surgery the end of october i kinda wanna test drive the pre op diet and see if i can handel it.