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Oh man, I'm so sorry that anxiety is sitting with you right now - it stinks. I too have heard that mood swings can be part of the early stage post-surgery for a variety of reasons, including hormonal fluctuation, sleep disturbance, or loss of food as a comfort and coping tool. During my pre-surgery phase, I got more aware of how I have used food to manage and numb anxiety. Post-surgery, as my hunger/food desire has started to return I've had some unpleasant reminders of this old habit. I also really and truly get having fear around moving from one food stage to the next. with each food stage "graduation" I have been so afraid of what might happen. Go figure that by following my program I have been fine. Like catwomen said complications are rare, and even rarer if you're following the recommendations of a reputable program. Not to go into advice mode too much, and knowing our experiences might be different (maybe you are having panic attacks rather than generalized anxiety?), I will say that I have found therapy to be a big help. With my therapist I know I can unload my anxious build-up. saying my fears out loud to someone else helps me put them in perspective. Therapy also gives me a non-food outlet that instead of numbing helps me identify what might be contributing to anxiousness and give it less power by helping me to put it in perspective. Not all therapists are skilled, so it can take some shopping around, but might be worth it.

Hi All, Just wanted to know what others have experienced. For some reason I am having daily anxiety. I absolutely can't stand it as it hits out of nowhere at all. I am only 17 days Post-Op, take my vitamins daily, and still taking my Metformin until I am blood tested again. I do not want to go on an anti anxiety medication. I had been on Lexapro for 4 years at which point I put on a lot of weight going from a size 4 to 1-2X. I lost all motivation on working out as well. I went off the Lexapro completely 2 months before surgery and started actually caring about myself which is why I decided to do this surgery so I could get my health back on track. Following my weight gain, I developed diabetes, Apnea (now using a C-Pap for a year) and NASH of the liver. I notice exercise helps with the anxiety for sure but I cant seem to get a decent response from the medical community to help me feel better about this. I asked my surgeon why this sudden onset of anxiety that hits for what seems like no reason at all and his response was if I am eating right and exercising that this could be the cause because of sudden change and that maybe people are treating me differently and all of this is causing anxiety. I then told him no - people are not treating me differently. My family is amazing with all of this and I am working out of the house so have not been around others for them to treat me differently. In my case this is absolutely not the case at all. I pressed on asking if chemical changes in the body could be happening due to the surgery that may be causing this and he said yes. Wondering why I had to keep poking to get that response at all and yet because that was not the first response I am even doubting that. Why not just tell me that since I made it clear I am having these spikes out of nowhere and can't figure out why. I am finding myself overthinking everything right now honestly. Wondering how I will tolerate eating anything at this point or will I ever be able to. My doctor keeps his patients on a 5 week post-op liquid diet before you go on to a pureed / soft food diet for another 3 weeks. So unsure of myself right now and considered I made a huge mistake and so very much want to get passed this feeling more than anything in the world. Part of me is happy I did the surgery for my health and the results of weight loss I have seen thus far but another part wonders why I could not get back on track on my own and worried about long term complications. Like once I start eating will I have a sudden stomach leak, will I have no ability to hold down food or end up on liquids for the rest of my life? Will I ever be able to enjoy a glass of wine again and comfortably get on with life in a better more healthy way. Will I end up with Gallstones that cause another surgery or will I have stomach blockage in the future and how will I know if I do? I want to celebrate my choice to have done this and enjoy the weight loss but instead I am having so much self doubt and it's making me miserable. My liver health alone was cause to do this along with the diabetes so what is my damn problem? It is really hard to deal with this and I'm frankly pissed at myself for letting the anxiety get to me. I am considering going back on a lower dose of Lexapro again at least until this simmers down as I am hoping this is a chemical change in my body due to part of the stomach being removed and all the dietary changes just concerned it will make me not give a crap again and go lazy. IDK, if I knew factually this was all going to be a temporary reality then I would do it until the body goes back to normal.

I guess my question with having surgery done in Mexico, what happens if something does go wrong? Will your medical insurance pay for fixing WSL not performed in the USA? And what about other complications or health issues that arise from the surgery? I can see an insurance company telling you that since you paid out-of-pocket for a medical procedure they didn't support, now you must pay for your own repairs

I agree with circa. While weight loss surgery is certainly a money-making industry, there are a lot of people who have no idea what they are doing regarding the surgery, who live in denial of how they got in the situation they are in, and let's face it, not everyone out there is a rocket scientist. No surgeon wants to have a failure like a death or complications on his/her record, or that malpractice suit to defend. Many overweight people have psychological reasons for overeating, and I think those need to be addressed. I appreciate the psychiatric component of the prerequisites. I have found the extensive presurgical process to be extremely helpful. I read some of the situations posted around the internet by people who have had this surgery and I think to myself that these people must have not had a very good preparation, if they are having certain issues and surprises.

When I first met my surgeon, I was on 50 units of Insulin daily. I was 256lbs and had had heart bypass surgery years ago and then a stent put in August 2016. Our decision was to go the bypass route due to the diabetes. Due to the Plavix tablet I had to take for a year, I could not have my bypass until now, and I am due to have it on September 22nd. I can't wait. When I saw the Dr yesterday he was delighted that I had lost 34lbs since my last appointment with him and was even more delighted to hear that I have reduced my insulin to just 15 units per day. As I have improved so much, through hard work these past months, he said if I would prefer to have the sleeve he wouldn't be against it. I thought for about 10 seconds, and told him that I still wanted the bypass as I desperately want to get rid of my diabetes and feel this is the best chance I will have. My dad had diabetes and was VERY overweight, and almost lost his leg from ulcers caused by diabetes. He has since died, from complications from the disease. I do know there is no guarantee that my diabetes will disappear, but I have proved already that with diet and exercise I can probably get off the insulin at the very least; Good luck with your decision. You have time to get all the information out there and then to make a very well informed decision with your Doctors help.

I decided not to tell anyone about the surgery, for a variety of reasons. First and probably foremost, I didn't want people watching me and expecting the weight to simply fall off of me, as it does with GB patients. I also worried about people judging me, particularly with the possibility of failure. I don't want to feel like the Science experiment at every meal who people watch. I now sit at meals and enjoy my company, not worried about what they'll say. I have never regretted my decision. No one even noticed me gone! I was out of work for only 2 days (I have a flexible job that allows for me to do some work from home) and no one was any wiser. I've even traveled to Aruba twice since surgery and though I had some worries about issues arising and considered telling my girlfriends with whom I traveled, it never came up. Do what you know is right for you. This is solely about you. If you worry about how people react, simply choose not to tell them. I wish you the best. I've changed my eating habits and continue to work out at least 45 minutes every day. No one even wonders why I've lost weight because they all see the changes I've made. Look forward to your new, post surgical life and do what is best for you and your family. May your surgery be complication free! Good luck! :thumbup:

all surgeons are different in what they require preop.. some are much more strict then others. I personally think my doctor has a nice in even line... My pre op consist of giving up any drinks with carbonation and to drink a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and have a no carb meal for dinner. this is to help shrink the liver. the smaller the liver the lower the risk for complications during surgery. my sisters surgeon had her on an all liquid diet for the two weeks prior and that was all she could have.. so basically that is .. I go to my pre op tomorrow so I will update you on anything i might have missed. i only know the stuff i know because my husband had his pre op last week, but i was not at the whole thing so i cant be sure he told me EVERYTHING ha ha good luck

I chose the band because of the fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, etc. For me, the band was the only option because I wasn't willing to take the risks that bypass has.

I had surgery on 3/25/13 but lost 30-25 pounds in the month before that. I've lost a total of 101 pounds as of this morning. I had my gall bladder taken out on Monday but other than that, I've had no problems/complications. I have really got to get some pictures linked in here to show some progress. My weight loss has really slowed down over the past month but seems like it has picked up since my gall bladder came out. Hopefully it will continue on down. I'd love to be below 200 by Christmas. I guess we will just have to wait and see how it goes!

Just research research research..... Usher's ex-wife had complications during hers in another country and Kanye's mom past as well..... It happens, so all u can do is research and pray. I had tummy tuck, lipo of upper body and thighs in bowie, md for 8k, and this doctor has document he gives you stating any problems with your level of satisfaction, he will fix at no cost to you... He was good! Good luck. Will pray for your safety...:-)

That's so not true with all drs. What a poop! My surgeries were all in MX and when I had complications (bands) there were several different bariatric drs more than happy to help me. Fact, I had one that didn't charge me.. ! You can see your PCP for after care and if there's more serious concern they will locate a dr. Jeeze Louise... What ever happen to the ethical obligation drs agree to when they graduate? Some drs just SUCK!

I am so happy I did it I did not have any health issues but I did not want to have any either I was sleeved on 4/4 and have lost 38lbs I have not had any complications and have felt great from day one the benefits far outweigh the risks I think most people on here feel the same this is the most supportive. Kind group of people Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

Hi Jane, I'm sorry you've had trouble and been abandoned by your surgeon. You might want to go to the complications threads. I know there were several going about stretched pouches. If I remember correctly, the solution is to unfill and go back to liquids and mushies for awhile. Anyway, check it out. Also you can start a new thread on the subject in that section if you want. I checked out Amazon for Dr Oritz's book and it's available. However, it costs twice as much on Amazon uk. I'm in Canada and sometimes when I want something from the US that I want to carry across the border rather than have it mailed and have to pay duty on it, I'll get it sent to the hotel I'm staying at. You might want to order from the US site a bit before you come over and have it waiting for you. I also saw another book about banding when I looked. You might want to check that out, too. However, all that being said, I find that LBT is an incredible source of information. We even have a band surgeon, Dr. C, who will answer questions. Read, explore and ask questions. All the best to you, I hope you get your band working well.

I was self-pay and had 1 year "free" fills. I don't regret my decision to have the band. I did my research and I don't want to lose any more organs than I already have... I want to have children someday so I want to be able to know that I can unfill my band to make sure my child will receive adequate nutrition. I want to be able to reach a point when I no longer have to rely on my band and can control myself so that I can have all of my Fluid removed. For me the band was the obvious choice. I am aware of the complications that can/may arise. I am prepared if the worse does happen. I honestly believe that everyone should do their research when trying to decide which bariatric surgery is the best one for them. Every surgery has their possible complications and you need to be able to decide if you can handle the complications if/when they arise. Those who had the surgery without doing the research are fools. Read about people's complications/successes. Be prepared and don't get caught with your pants down.

Sorry, but your the one who brought up the complications rate being higher then the band first. So, since you brought it up first, you should be the one showing the proof. I'm not going to waste a bunch of my time convincing the obvious unconvincable. I'm not going to bother.....there is plenty of information out there showing the statistics on complications of sleeve versus band. And no you don't get to lump bypass with the sleeve against the band....they are two entirely different surgeries. You can carefully word it to make it sound better or worse, but you need to actually look at all of the statistics. And yes, most importantly you should look at the statistics of your doctor in reference to the surgery they are going to perform on you.

My doctor said surgery was day one. I was scheduled for a 11:00 surgery which due to complications from the 10:00 surgery I was pushed out to 4:30. Buy the time they got me to my room all I did was sleep until day 2.

So I remember the first time I ever heard of any weight loss surgery. I was 19 and my mom went under the knife for the Gastric Bypass. I was so excited for her. She had been heavy all my life and recently found out she was diabetic. I remember my sister and I joking that there is no way she is getting skinnier then us and we went on short-winded diets. I met my now husband that same year and he even went to the hospital with me to visit her. She was in longer because she had complications. Ever since 2004 I always wanted to go the other route where I worked out and ate healthier for short periods of time. I never thought I would ever consider surgery ever! But, it was in 2010 my husband starting telling me I should look into the surgery. (Not negatively he knew I wanted to lose weight and is very supportive). but it wasn't until 2011 I finally took a good look at my health insurance at work. I was amazed when I found out that they included it in their coverage! Bless you Marriott. So I first went to my parents because not only did my mother have surgery and experience have physical complications but the 3rd party center that helped her get approved for the surgery set her up at a hospital with a doctor out of her network. So my father was very worried about me seeing the fine print so that I didn't end up with any mystery costs. After getting their blessing, I moved forward in my journey and in May 2011 started my 6 month supervised diet. I remember not thinking twice... I wanted gastric bypass. But then the doctor suggested the sleeve and his knowledge and these forums changed my mind completely. I had everything going well and then there was a bump in the road. Come to find out at the last minute literally that I could not get approved for the surgery because the hospital was not deemed a "Center of Excellence" which was a stipulation of Marriott when they chose the benefit. But God is good and i was able to get an appointment at new hospital and 2 weeks later was approved for surgery! My approval was January 3rd at 9:30am. I remember seeing the number come across my phone and held my breath lol... but leading up to that moment with the small stall that occurred...I couldnt believe how I had let myself start to think. See on the 2nd my doctor called me to tell me they denied me but really they had just read the letter wrong because it was sent out before the holiday break and the problem had fixed itself the nxt day. So I remember thinking on the way home that maybe I'm just meant to be overweight. I really thought this could be my destiny. But like a Weight Watchers leader once taught me ... delete delete delete.. negative thoughts. And here I am now about a month away from surgery ecstatic. I am all the feelings that everyone else has had on this forum but I am so excited to be the me I feel is trapped inside this heavier body! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a lil scared. I'm not really scared of the procedure itself but just the aftercare. I want to eat right and take care of myself right and get the most "bang for my buck" like they say. I can only take it one day at a time... but feb 13th can't come soon enough

I have had my lapband since 2005. My starting weight was 230, my lowest weight was 174 (lasted about a month) and now I am at 265! My band is unfilled because I never felt full. I just felt pain when I ate (unless it was soft foods or liquids)...this was no way to live. I had a unfill and found out my port is tilted (most painful adjustment ever!!). I really want to lose weight and live a fuller life! I have been researching the sleeve and am hoping it will work for me! Any help with these questions is MUCH appreciated! -I read a lot of people saying sleeve doesnt work after having a lapband :/ is this true? I am SO scared of making a wrong choice -Is it possible to have a band and sleeve? -Why do more surgeons not offer the "net" around the stomach to help prevent stretching? -Weight loss aside; are you able to drink a small amount of alcohol (like a glass or two of wine)? -Do you feel like you get enough energy from what you eat? -Do you find yourself craving carbs or did the sleeve help kill that “I gotta have some bread and butter!!!”. Because even when I stuff myself with other foods, I still have that mental “but you didn’t have what you really wanted” feeling. -Since this is removing some of the stomach, do you feel like some surgeons are better than others? Like it’s an art? I am curious why some people fail and some succeed. Could it be the surgeons don’t remove enough stomach or do it wrong? I also ask this because I would consider going out of state (not out of country for a surgeon more experienced with lapband to sleeve. -Do you believe WLS is like breast implants, where you should prepare yourself that you may need to have “maintenance” done on it? Whether that be revision or additional surgery to correct complications? I explained to my boyfriend I always knew it was a possibility that I may need my band fixed or removed because I saw many patients with slips and port issues. -Can someone have the sleeve done 2x if they gain weight back? -My lapband surgeon is charging 22k for band removal to sleeve. Expensive! I already paid 19k out of pocket for my lapband, and it didn't work out. And I REALLY did try. This would be a 41k investment-- sigh. Many of my question stem from my fail with my lapband. Thank you for everyones replies... I have read this site over for days and finally wanted to post!

Ladies, PLEASE don't let discouraging words of others make you doubt yourselves. You must be hanging out in a different area or board than I am. I rarely see negative! And, what little I see, I don't internalize as part of my journey. I researched this for a couple of years before I had mine done. I'm sure you have, too. From all of those I know personally who have done lap-band (4), 2 have been successful. The other 2 are both over 300 lbs right now. It is not difficult for the band to fail. One reason is slippage, medical complications that warrant retreat, etc. another is when the person manipulates the situation intentionally and self-sabotages. With the sleeve, it's a LOT harder to sabotage yourself. Your body just won't let you that easily. And, unlike the band, you can't change your mind and reverse it. You REALLY are committed. Let me share one more interesting piece of info rarely shared. I asked for the sleeve. My surgeon asked me why I selected that option. Then, we discussed my medical history and he said I would never be a candidate for the bypass surgery anyway. I'm excluded from it. Why? Because I am EXPECTING to need a liver transplant in about 10 years (hoping never...) and when a person gets the full bypass there is critical tissue removed that MUST be in place to have a liver transplant. Forgive me. I don't recall the name of that tissue, but it gets removed with bypass surgery. So, I told my Dr, NO-ONE should EVER get a bypass, then! What if, through illness or injury, they need a liver transplant someday? He said they factor that risk in when deciding to do bypass. It is usually reserved for those who are at highest risk to die from obesity soon. So, please set your sights on a positive goal with the sleeve and don't consider bypass unless it is your only hope. And surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage you. I personally try to balance the elements of my life with 30% Receive influence from people with more knowledge and experience than me (LEARN) 40% Surround myself with positive thinkers on a similar path (GROW) 30% Be there for those who are starting out and could benefit from my journey (HELP) Nothing in excess.

Hi Cheryl! Best of luck on your surgery tomorrow. I am feeling great - better everyday. I didn't go through any complications so far .... but I will tell you that when you first wake up from surgery, it is the toughest part. They will give you painkillers right away, and the first 2 days is second hardest. But I was able to get through it far better than I thought! Anyway, I am very excited for you. I was nervous too - but just remind yourself that the first few days are worth having a new life.

This journey is HARD. Pre-op diet and post-op diet especially are difficult, plus if (God forbid) you experience a complication, you are going to need support. My psych eval included ensuring I have plenty of support at home to help me with my recovery from surgery and help me stay on track. As much as it would be awesome to say "Piss off!" and just do what you want anyway (LOL) you have to live with this guy and let's be honest, that ain't gonna work. Your hubby is very wrong that this is the "easy" way out. As someone who's done WW, and lost and regained the weight a few times, I can tell you this is just as difficult. It's a hard decision, it takes will power and dedication, just like any other lifestyle change you make. He needs to be educated. Suggestions: Would he respond better if you wrote him a letter explaining why you feel the way you do? Sometimes if people see it in writing, it resonates better. Do you have a support group through your surgeon's office that you can take him to? Would he go to a meeting? Don't take this the wrong way, but a mediator or therapist could help, too. There is NO shame in it-- sometimes having someone in the room to push the conversation in the right direction (meaning, understanding each other on a deeper level) would be helpful. Just throwing ideas out there. I would also provide him information on how safe the surgery is. I'd be willing to bet he's afraid to see you go under the knife! Completely reasonable to be afraid, but the surgery is very safe, generally. Especially if you're young (you look it) and have few health issues. If he wants to keep you around for a long time-- prevention of health issues is best!! That's why I did it.

RinRin, Sorry to read about your struggles. I am fortunate in that I do not struggle with depression, or more importantly medication to treat depression; keep this in mind while reading my response. Your body is going through some major changes during rapid weight loss, this includes changes in your hormones. Again, not knowing how your medication works I would be curious if the weight loss and change in hormones due to it are complicating matters. My only suggestion is to be in close contact with your primary doc since he/she is the one treating you and to reach out to a psych doc if your primary can't get things under control. Maybe get psych on board now rather than later. I wish you all the best. Keep reaching out and doing what you need to get yourself where you need to be.

I'm in my 5th year with the band, had complications (a leaky band) and opted to have it replaced with another band last year. I hit goal in 7 months from my first band placement, have been under goal for most of the last 5 + years except for a couple of months when the band was leaking. I'm back under goal now, got there within weeks of my new band being placed. The bands placed 10 years ago are also different from the bands placed 5 years ago, and again different from ones placed more recently. Like any new medical innovation, it takes years to learn and improve on it. So the longevity of the bands placed 10 plus years ago shouldn't be compared to the longevity of the ones placed now. I would keep replacing any band that 'gave out' between now and the end of my life if they were to fail, as long as I could do that. I hope every band I get will last forever, but I'm also prepared if they do not.

I hear ya on the boredom front, particularly when one has gotten used to being active. When I had a shoulder repair done last year, they at least got me into some physical therapy within a couple of weeks, but the reconstruction was just couch potato time for so long, and even once the drains are out, if there are any parts of the incisions that are slow to close (not an uncommon semi-complication) that can delay things further. Once they were all finally closed up, the doc was eager to get me back into the pool to start stretching things out again.

I am ready to schedule with dr Corvala. Has anyone had any short or long term complications after surgery using him? I am starting to get cold feet. Thanks for your help and advice.