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Can everyone please share if any, complications with the sleeve?

There is a section of the forum about complications - you can get a feel for what sort of problems that are possible. They are rare but do happen - I had an abscess and leak myself. Today, I would do it again. 6 months ago no way!

Complications are different for everyone... myself I had a lot of vomiting and dehydration. Stay positive..

I agree with other posters that you should quit smoking immediately. Not only is smoking going to increase your risk of having the complications mentioned, but it is going to hinder your body's ability to heal quickly and correctly. I would also start walking at least 30 minutes per day now, and drinking tons of water. You want to build up lung capacity, and start getting into shape. I was already working out 6-8X per week before surgery, and everything was super easy for me. I could have returned to work after 2 days. I smoked for 10 years, and I understand how stress makes you grab for that cigarette. Don't do it though. You are doing this for your health, so why not make a complete change starting tomorrow? You can do this, and will be better off for it. Good luck to you.

My surgery went perfect. They said there was no complications and that I am healing well. Yesterday was the first day after my surgery and it was very hard. I was in a lot of pain and had terrible heartburn which caused more pain and nausea. But they kept me in the hospital until they figured out the right medicines to give me. This morning I woke up like a whole new person! I am still sore where they cut my stomach but it's nothing I can't handle. I am just worried about getting all my fluids in. it seems like and impossible task to drink so much Water when my stomach can only handle a tiny sip at a time!

I thought I'd just put my story out there so far. So many times we read about the the surgeries that have complications..... which scared me so bad. I thought I'd give a happy outcome! I started my process in November by going to the group meeting then meeting with my surgeon. I had to go through the 6 months of doctor visits and of course all the health screening tests. I was approved by my insurance company Anthem BCBC in less than a week. Finally I was given my surgery date, 6 weeks out. I felt like that was forever far away.. but time went fast! I was put on two week liquid diet. The first few days were a test for me for sure, but I stuck with it because I knew if I cheated my liver wouldn't shrink as much as possible. I was lucky enough that I had no comorbidities and I wasn't on any medications. My surgery was Thursday the 21st at 8:30 am. I was back to my room by like 2pm. I felt fine, just real groggy and tired. I wasn't really in pain though. I feel like the gas "pain" was like when you eat too much food, and it burns right at your sternum area... all you want to do is poop to relieve that pressure. That is how I felt. The first time I tried to stand up I started dry heaving, so I stayed laying down. ... well sitting up as far up as my hospital bed would let me. I had some pain meds in my IV, then later at night the meds they give to relieve some of the inner swelling to give the gas more room. My nurse told me that the actual pain med narcotic causes constipation so I didn't want to take it. When I would feel the gas move around and get stuck somewhere uncomfortable, I'd move to get it moving... then I felt fine again. Friday I woke up feeling great, in the afternoon at some point the gas really stuck somewhere for probably like 45 min, that was the worst of it for me. I just kept making laps out in the hallway to get it to move. Saturday I was up feeling amazing, I had a bowel movement, drank Water, my first Protein shake, and some Soup. Since I was able to keep it all down I was released to go home. I honestly did not even feel like I had surgery at all. That night I started staying at a clients house with their pets. (I own a pet sitting business). I felt fine. I think the worst thing was having the drain tube removed. I was mostly just sleepy because in the hospital they are taking blood, checking monitors, checking blood sugar.. blood pressure.. ect like every hour so I got NO sleep there!! I did still take this week off of my accounting job to give myself time to get used to drinking what I need when I need. Today is monday, so 4 days post op. I honestly do not even feel like I had a surgery. Obviously I have the bandages over my six incision spots.... but I feel amazing! I think I feel so thankful that my surgeon belonged to a bariatric center of excellence. The nurse told me they have a lot more hoops to jump through, even the hospital rooms had to be special for the patient to heal in... and no sharing of rooms!! whew. I think that would be one of my biggest suggestions... follow your preop diet exact.. and if you don't have a surgeon yet, try to find one that is certified with the bariatric center of excellence. I can't wait to continue on this journey!!

My doctor did not allow lapband patients to return to work until after 2 full weeks of recovery at home. I kept myself somewhat active by short walks and the like, but no lifting whatsoever during that period. Although I have a desk job, I really needed the full 2 weeks to heal and get my strength back. I had a laparoscopic procedure done about 10 years ago & at the time I felt the need to return to work within a few days time. I paid the price. I ended up with a number of complications and then developed adhesions from being too active too soon, which I still feel to this day. I learned my lesson & felt no remorse for "babying" myself for this procedure!

Ahhhhhhhhh... to be 22 again and know what I know now. LOL. First of all, you're brilliant for doing something about your weight while you're young and don't have any complications like arthritis. Don't let your cousin push you too fast. I'm sure you'll do great but... keep the Motrin on hand just in case. LOL.

I flew to Mexico for my surgery, and had no complications at all. Prior to going I had arranged more local aftercare. I was given pain medication in recovery I believe, something into my IV. After that I refused it, I did not need it. I was up and walking the hospital the afternoon of surgery, and did a lot of walking around the next day. We flew home 5 hours in the air, followed by another 5 in the car, on the 3rd day. I took one dose of liquid Tylenol on our layover, due to a headache. I had packed Gas X and never needed it. Once home I was walking Home Depot the next day, "supervising" a remodel of my DD new house!! I have been on the go ever since. I had actual stitches, that we removed ourselves. My fill Dr. was very happy with my surgical report, and my recovery, as well as my weight loss. It was without a doubt the easiest surgical procedure I have ever had. Would do it again in a heartbeat if something were to go wrong, and would recommend it to anyone! Good Luck to you!!! You have made a wise decision in my book! Kat

My parents were not thrilled with my decision. They kept their mouth MOSTLY shut on the issue with a few comments like, "But don't you think you could do it on your own?" "Do you really think this is the only way." I had my husband's blessing (with trepidation, but full support) and my kids were on board and that was all that mattered. But really even if my kids hadn't understood I would have gone forward. (I needed my husband because of course it did cost money). Ultimately you are in charge of your life, yes it does affect others, but if you are an adult then your parents are secondary. If you have children/SO then they could have a say, but ultimately this is on you. The day of surgery my parents came to the hospital and with them and my husband we prayed before surgery. I did break down a little and said, "If anything goes wrong, please don't be mad at me. I know I have to do this to get my life back. And the only thing I am afraid of is if something goes wrong and I become a burden to you all." That was my only fear about disappointing them. They all reassured me, we hugged and here I am two months later feeling so much better. All my family is so excited for me. So ultimately your parents will understand, they are fearful (understandably) but they need to realize if you don't get your health back they may lose you sooner rather than later due to complications from obesity. Stand strong, do what YOU need to do to get better! ((hugs))

I think that's a reasonable plan. I had surgery on July 16 and went back to work July 27. I could have gone back July 20 if I really had to, but it wouldn't have been a great idea just because it takes a lot of effort to get enough fluids and protein that first week, so it's best to take it easy and focus on that. Now, I have a desk job, so it may be a little different for you as a student. For example, how far do you have to go to get between classes? You might not be up to brisk walks across campus. And do you have decent seating in your classes, or do you have those horrible one-piece desk-chairs that are difficult for some of us to squeeze into? You're not going to want to squeeze yourself into anything right after surgery while your incisions are still healing. Also keep in mind that everybody's recovery is different. Some people don't even spend a full day in the hospital while others have to stay several days. It's unlikely, but possible, that you could have complications that put you out of commission for weeks. Or you could have a difficult recovery and not feel well enough to go to class that soon. More than likely, you'll be fine by the 21st, but think about what you'll do if you're not.

Posts that relate difficulties and complications are educational and helpful, especially to those of us in the pre band stage. We need all of the facts, all of the information so that we can make fully informed decisions. However, posts that make blanket statements like, the Lap Band sucked for me, so it will suck for everyone! are counterproductive. Posts like that are fear mongering and to me, they feel a bit like a massive case of sour grapes. As if those who have not been successful, for whatever reason with a band don't want others to be successful with a band. It's like anything else, YMMV.

Thanks for sharing your story, I hope and pray that you will eventually heal and will be able to resume your normal life. The band has caused some horrible complications in many people from what I've read on various message boards over the years and some have permanent damage to their body. However, everyone does not suffer from horrible complications and the band has saved their lives from other life threatening issues from being obese. I for one, am very grateful for my lap band, and I've had two, and both have been good to me, there are no perfect weight loss surgeries, things happen sometimes without fault of our own, but those are risks we take when getting any type of elected weight loss surgery.

If it helps any... The stats for anesthesia related death is fewer than 1 in 100,000 patients. A true anesthesia related complication causing death is rare. I have to admit, the fear of my doc doing bypass vs. banding crossed my mind too. But we were talking about the band in OR before I went to sleep so that risk was pretty low. Aren't you a nurse? Ever see a patient getting a BTK amp write with magic marker on the good leg, "DO NOT REMOVE"? Write on your stomach, LAP BAND ONLY. Or, ask how much time they scheduled you for surgery. If it is 1 hour or less, you are good to go. If it is 3 hours or more, jump off that table and run the other way. Removing your heart... impossible. You have to actually be brain dead before they can do that. Lap to open procedure, rare. But it might need to be necessary. It's not the end of the world, it will just feel like it after surgery. That is mostly done if the patient has previous adhesions. If your liver is too big most docs will simply not do the procedure vs. opting for open. Clarify that. If your liver is too big explain they should close the lap incisions and you will do a LSD until it is smaller. Just keep in mind, the rare risk of complications with the band causing death is just that, rare. The risk for morbid obesity isn't rare, it WILL happen. So you have a choice, a rare risk or a certainty. I'd go with rare, and did.

I came back and re read your post, and honestly you sound kinda like many of the band bashers on Obesity Help that has actually destroyed that entire forum. The reason I say that is this, you never shared with us what REALLY HAPPENED. You just say it destroyed your life and caused horrible complications. I think what would be REALLY helpful to others is telling us EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED? Did your band slip, erode, did your body reject it? After hearing about thousands of lap banders over the years on various boards that suffered horrible complications, when you really investigate why, it was really not the lap band but with other medical problems that caused complications with their band. There are many contradictions with the band, heck having a hiatal hernia is a contradiction, which MANY obese patients have, but having the hernia repaired is a must in order for the band to work properly. Also if you got your band removed in only 6 months, it could be surgeons error also. There are warnings and precautions with the band, and knowing how to use it properly helps many from complications or failures or no weight loss. I think it's ok to tell your story but it would be more credible and beneficial if you told us exactly what happened, instead of saying the band was the worst thing you've ever done.

I'm planning on getting banded in Sept 2008. Between now and sept I'd like to focus my diet and exercise towards reducing my risk of complications rather than worry about my weight. I feel my time would be well spent if I focused on reducing the amount of poor circulation and Water retention in my legs( to reduce the risk of blood clots) Are there specific things that I could do? or should I just do a lot of generic diet and exercise stuff? thanks Tyler

when I had my lap band, I applied for FMLA, and had the doctor give me a range just in case there were complications I didn't get dinged for unapproved absences. I'm probably going to do the same when and if I'm approved for the sleeve, and just use vacation days at first. I have it in my head that I'll be able to be back to work the following week since I telecommute and have a desk job, but I still want that FMLA buffer just in case. Congrats on your approval and surgery date!

Depends on the complications and the insurance company.

I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you are feeling much better now. I'm really not sure why you haven't had any replies about your condition. Erosion is one of the main causes of having the band removed. Maybe you could re-post in the section of October 2009 (maybe there are others in your month who've had the same troubles) or in previous months.. It is odd they haven't replied here. I hope you manage to get everything sorted. I have had MAJOR troubles with my band in my first few weeks.. from port flipping 180 degrees to infection to inflammation of my oesophagus ..and all in the first 6 weeks!.. I've been banded for 18 months now and have lost 50 pounds. not as much as I'd like but it is easy to stray and forget the rules.. I was offered to have my band loosened so I could enjoy my vacation last summer.. I was MORTIFIED.. NO WAY!.. I told my doctor.. "you don't understand.. my friends and family.. they EAT!.. and I have no willpower.. I NEED my band! '... So as you can tell.. with all of my complications.. I love my band and it has certainly helped me from GAINING anymore weight.. I just need to refocus on my goal and start following the rules again.. otherwise my dear band may have to be taken out due to neglect and abuse!.. take care and let me know how you get on!.. :thumbup:

Welcome!! I was banded back on April 5, 2011. So far I am down 50lbs. And I have to say this was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have no regrets, so far. I chose the band verses any other bariatric surgery because it is one with the least complications and it is removable! Plus you lose the weight at a more healthy pace than lets say gastric bypass. I also have 3 children and they are my world. My mother died at 48 from complications from obesity. When I hit 30 I realized I was very close to ending up like my mother. I was pre diabetic and hypertensive. I refuse to die at a young age. I did not want to leave my family that young. My mothers death tore apart our family. I am now at a healthy blood sugar level and have good blood pressure again. I am now 31 and have a better prospect for my life than I did a year ago. I still have about 120lbs to go before I hit my goal weight but I have no doubt I will make it. Good luck on your research! This is a fantastic forum to get any info you need. I have been addicted since I first found it. Great support system here! Karrie

Hello all, Since I'm thinking of moving to Florida, and since more then likely, if I do I'll be teaching, I started checking out BCBS of Florida. I read the federal employees policy and weight loss surgery is covered, but what about after care? I had my surgery done here in Portugal and I want to know if they will cover fills, and/or any complications I might have even though the surgery wasn't done there. Any one had any experience with this?

You would probably need to consider some of the following: 1. Travel Insurance - check into very carefully - most insurance will not cover "pre-existing" medical issues, particularly if you have had any treatment in up to the last year (and the insurance company would consider a fill a treatment and would likely consider a dr's appointment with a specialist a treatment) 2. Vomiting - I don't know about the rest of the world, but I can PB very easily, but I have not been able to vomit since being filled. I would be worried that if I ate something that disagreed with me or got a parasite or something I would not be able to get sick. 3. Is there anyone in the area I am visiting able to help me if I get into trouble? - if you are going to visit family, maybe they can help get you some information before you go. I don't know - I think I would seriously think about getting defilled if I were spending a significant period of time in a third world country if I couldn't ensure that I could be helped if I got into trouble. One thing to note (and it is kind of gross), but if you end up with a bowel obstruction or some other kind of gastrointestinal issue, if your lap band is filled, you cannot receive an NG tube (a tube they stick up your nose and snake down into your stomach and attach to a suctioning device) blindly. That is to say, with your restricted stomach opening they need to do the NG tube (a very standard treatment) with a flouroscopy or something similar. If the country does not have the equipment available or does not understand your issue, you could have severe complications, if they go in blindly, which is normal practice. I have an ileostomy and have had to have an NG tube a couple of times and I have to tell you it is incredibly unpleasant at the best of times.:biggrin:

You guys are terrific so much knowledge. Big smiles! I am healing after some surgical complications and I’m averaging about 120 each day as per my MD. He also states 30 is a max in a meal - so of course this means I wake up in the middle of the night and have a protein shake with a handful of antibiotics! Fun times

I agree with the above statements. Because you had complications your stomach may need a little extra time to heal. Mashed potatoes can be kinda rough going down, I would try yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, and jello. Gradually work your way upto more dense food as time goes on. Best of luck to you.

Poor thing, I'm sorry about your complications, go slow. I'm 2 weeks out and still having issues with protein shakes though I can drink water and peppermint tea all day long.