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I say go through with it. My mom and dad were supportive of me getting the lap-band, but not the sleeve. I had the sleeve anyway, and I didn't tell them otherwise because I wanted to avoid the confrontation. They were afraid of me having a "real surgery" in Mexico. I was afraid of having the complications that came after the band, and having a re-operation to remove it (which is almost guaranteed after so many years). You know your body best, so do what you need to do. Your mom will come around, she has to. It's not like they can reattach your stomach!

I have read that there are surgi-centers that do lap band surgery with no overnight stay. Does anyone know of any of these surgi-centers on the East Coast. I understand that an over night might be needed if there are complications ( I am an RN).....but I really do not want to stay in the hospital, and would travel to not have too! Thanks, Robin

Thats quite impressive pricing for the states!! However I am almost a day away (just over 13 hours) so we would still have to fly. Factor in the additional cost to go to him and he is even more out of reach than Aceves. If anyone knows of an affordable doc closer to indiana please let me know, can't hurt to look into them and see what I can find. I am even willing to save longer if I can stay close to home & in the US because I will have family to lean on for things like lodging (instead of renting a motel/hotel) for hubby and the boys plus it means I will be closer to my surgeon if I need to be seen for a complication. As much as I HATE the idea of waiting longer those perks aren't available if I go to Mexico and they might be worth the wait. I would also consider the Georgia area if its close enough to where my dad lives. How does self-pay work in the US? Do you still have to go to the NUT meetings and see a shink and everything for 6 months?

No. No other medical complications.

My doctor called me about 48 hours after I got my lap band plus had given me his number in case I had any issues and said to call. That was several years ago. When my lap band was removed in February 2017, my current doctors office called me the following day to check on me. I appreciate the follow up and think it is very thoughtful of them to do this as I know it can be time consuming. But let's face it, there might be little things going on that we don't think anything about and by asking you a couple questions and giving you an opportunity to tell them how you feel you very well could proactively catch any post op complications before they get worse rather than wait a few days until you are miserable enough for feel justified to call them to ask if XYZ is normal. Better to be proactive rather than just reactive. 🤗 Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

This thread is for anyone who has had complications after any type of bariatric surgery. I think most hope and experience a good outcome from surgery but, we also know the risks going into this. Any first hand experiences would be appreciated. What type of surgery did you have? What is your medical complication(s) that you are diagnosed with? What are your treatment options and what did you choose. Any medical referrals or resources in your area that you would recommend? your experience/story if you feel comfortable sharing

I'm in Fairfield, OH. Had mine done by Dr. Curry in early August. I'm so sorry to hear that you're having complications. I'm not saying you're doctor isn't good, but have you thought about a second opinion? I know nothing about your doc, so I'm not bashing him/her. Just trying to help you get answers. I've had nothing but excellent service from Dr. Curry's office. I've had no complications and have no food intolerances. I know everyone is different and complications happen, but maybe you could call and talk to them if you're not getting answers elsewhere?

Hi I'm researching getting a revision from a VSG to a MGB. I was sleeved in July 2010. I never experienced the "Honeymoon phase" and my weight loss was slow from the beginning. I was able to lose 80 lbs over two years with dieting and vigorous exercise, but now my weight is rapidly creeping back up. I have a few questions for those who went from a sleeve to a Mini Gastric Bypass. Did your surgeon resleeve you and then bypassed you or did he/she bypass you only. I watched a few revision videos from Dr. Rutledge and he doesn't recommend resleeving unless the sleeve is very large or deformed due to the increased risk of complications when resleeving. Are you satisfied with the outcome of the MGB and would you recommend your Surgeon? Also, if you can please list your Surgeon's name I would appreciate it. Thanks

FIRST, congrats on your amazing weight loss. I so admire you. I spend time in the Complications area here. I have read so much great stuff, but honestly, I want to know both sides... I WANT TO HEAR because I want to be able to make a decision from all the information gathered. I do spend time googling things like 'failed sleeve surgeries" "percentage of leaks in gastric sleeve surgery" and I would advise you to do the same, as I don't know if those folks are here on this website to share, in that it might be hard for them to admit or even want to talk about it here. You can garner much in Complications area here, though. And google is your best friend to garner more. Personally I would like to see someone start a topic that says, "I wish I hadn't done it and why" Hey, maybe I will, except I haven't done it. Yet.

The main reason for me was fear of complications. I've considered WLS over the years, and the risks used to be higher. I didn't have any comorbidities, and figured the risk wasn't worth it. I should be able to lose weight on my own! So then, I would attempt to diet, and the older I got, the harder it was to lose weight at all. So, I wasn't sure that WLS would even help me lose weight. I feared I might be one of those people it just didn't "work" for. Also, my mother was adamantly opposed to it, because of the risks. 18 months post op, I'm happy I did it. I actually did have a minor complication (infection), but other than that, no problems. I still feel super lucky about that. WLS surgery has worked for me, and my mother came around once she saw I wasn't changing my mind. It's a big decision, though, and I always say you have to be willing to assume the risks.

Get a cuppa.. I have been researching WLS for many years. The band seemed sensible and there were myriad articles about it. The closest I got was attending a bandster bash in Tijuana, talked to others, watched a fill, and interviewed quite a few doctors there. I decided on who I wanted, started getting together with ladies in my area who had the band, then decided to 'give it another try' on my own. Two of my good friends struggled terribly with the band and one was, 2 months ago, finally dragged to the ER by her husband in a near coma state (both my mother and I gave her money, she was very poor). Both had them removed. A dear relative has gained almost all her weight back after a RNY. Another relative almost died from complications months after her bypass. So there's that. Now comes the sleeve and gastric plication. I liked the plication because initially I read that it was reversible. Now I find it really isn't. So, back to the books: I allow myself months of research. Then I came across some studies about 'foot drop', leak rates, and suicide rates in post bariatric surgery patients. That last one was my achilles heel as I struggle with depression. So those are my reasons for WAITING, and doing more research. While I am still very seriously considering the sleeve, and now I have narrowed it down to 3 doctors, much of my research energy is going into new and non invasive bariatric weight loss procedures. Even Dr. Ariel Ortiz (much admired here) states that in future we will look back and see these cutting surgeries as primitive and the Obalon type procedures as more preferred... I promise to go get the exact quote from him. OR go watch the Obalon video I posted from Nightline. I am excited to post these bariatric procedures and my research here on this website. Many are passed European safety trials and are being used in Europe/UK/South America now, but have not yet passed the FDA. Some have trials now going on in the US and some don't, but are available in Mexico or foreign countries. It is true that non-surgical methods may not bring you rapid, huge amounts of weight loss. But I find these non invasive methods can be used more than once, to get a larger amount of pounds lost. I kind of like the idea of no cutting to my tummy. I like the Endobarrier (a sleeve of clear plastic that is placed through your mouth and works like a non surgical bypass, and is removed through your mouth after a period of 3, 6 or 12 months - they are finding it eliminates type 2 diabetes as well)(now in trials in a city near you) and the Obalon (a capsule that is swallowed and turns into a gastric balloon, allowing you to feel satiated...after 3 weeks it is then deflated and removed through the mouth). These procedures are done on an out patient basis by doctors, and have success. It is true that they are not permanent, but for me, I hope after initial weight loss, I can get my 'healthy' on, and use that weight loss as a kick start to get me rolling with new habits. The Endobarrier can be adjusted for greater weight loss, or you can do it again, and the Obalon after the 3 weeks, you can do it again, after a wait i would imagine. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/ Prices seem high now, for these outpatient procedures, but I think these will come down, in time. But can I wait? I am just not sure if I can, thus my continued sleeve interest. But, If I was NEAR a city that was doing the Endobarrier trials, I would be there in a heartbeat.. I have actually considered MOVING to one of the cities for a year to get in on this trial. I am very supportive of everyone's journey here, and may still go with a sleeve, but feel free to have a look at my new research on non invasive or non cutting types of bariatric procedures (link above). I know all the arguments, pro and con. Please respect my outlook, as I respect yours. In support, triss

How long does the process take from initial consultation to surgery date? It really depends on your insurance, your surgeon, and you. Could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, but for most people it seems to be about 3 - 6 months. Did anyone feel that people in their environment judged them for having surgery vs 'trying to lose weight' the natural way? I've told just about everyone who has asked about my weight loss about my surgery. Only one person has said anything negative to my face. Other people may be saying things behind my back, or thinking negative, judgmental things. I really don't give a rat's patootie what anyone thinks about me or how I lose weight though. That may be one of the benefits of doing this as a not-young person (I am 49 now) -- my IDGAF bone has definitely gotten stronger through the years. It's a medical decision, I made it in consultation with my physicians, anyone who feels like they have the right to an opinion on my medical decisions can bite me. How long was the hospital stay? My surgeon's standard hospital stay is 2 nights. Others do 1 night, 3 nights, or on an outpatient basis, it varies a lot. How long does recovery take? Again, this is all over the map. We are all such individuals when it comes to healing, plus different surgical techniques may result in longer or shorter healing times, some people may have complications, others may have hiatal hernia repair or gall bladder removal done at the same time as the sleeve. I was off work for two weeks and pretty much exhausted for four weeks after surgery. I've seen posts from people who bounced back a lot sooner, and others who took longer. But to be clear, during the two weeks off work, I was tired, napping a lot, and in occasional pain, but not bedridden or unable to care for myself and my household. I just needed to be able to take things slow and rest a lot.

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

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!

Best decision of my life. I am 3 weeks post op, no complications and minus 15-17 pounds. My asthma, high blood pressure and pre diabetes...all gone. I tried everything prior to the sleeve, lost only so much and gained all back plus. I am now down from 272 from the Fall to 225 and feel 20 years younger.

Hey everybody i'm about 5 weeks out after my surgery and so far i've lost about 30 lbs. (I opted with the ds) I did have some complications in surgery and i was in the hospital for almost 4 days. About 2 weeks after my surgery i developed severe acid reflux and i'm currently on my 3rd PPI and also taking carafate susp several times a day. The acid reflux is so severe i'm still out of work and will be for the next 2 weeks. Every time i eat or drink i get incredibly nauseous and theres a weird pain that radiates from the top of my stomach. Its been so bad i've been in the hospital twice to get fluids to prevent dehydration. My cat scan showed there was no leakage and i'm getting an upper GI and an endoscopy done later in the week. Has anybody else that got the DS surgery had symptoms like this or just had a rough time recovering from surgery? Any help that can be provided will be much appreciated!

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'm ba-ack! Got out Thursday, but this is the first I've felt much like getting online. In the inimitable words of my mother, I still feel like I've been "shot at and missed, then **** at and hit". I really thought I'd be one of the ones who seem to hop off the table and get back to life - no complications, but it hasn't quite been that easy either! Thought I'd go ahead and document the first few days. Mostly for the pre-ops, because I devoured all these stories and I know I'm not the only one, but partly so all the people who came before can repeat the same "this misery doesn't last forever" platitudes that I've read on other threads 100's of times. Sometimes it just feels good to hear it! We got to the hospital at 5:30 Tuesday morning. Registration was disorganized and the lady at the desk seemed kind of put out about having to work that day - maybe it wasn't her regular shift, I don't know. Then I got moved to pre-op. First IV attempt blew out the vein so they had to put it in my elbow on the other arm - ick! The position wasn't awful (it was on top, not in the crease) but they used a higher gauge needle and it felt like you could drive a truck through it. Got blood thinner injections, a motion sickness patch, a cool gown and some stretchy socks, then they let my niece come back. Everyone in pre-op was great. The nurse had been operated on by my surgeon and they were friends with kids in the same sports program, so that made me feel more confident. I asked the surgeon not to kill me, he asked me not to ruin his statistics, lol. There were two anesthesiologists - the woman was really nice, the guy was kind of a d**k. I was fine until I got to the OR. Every other time I've had surgery, they used a "normal" oxygen mask. This one was puffy and she kept trying to tell me it was like a CPAP (I don't use one) and it would help me breathe. I couldn't get it positioned and it felt like I was suffocating, so I panicked and started crying and trying to rip it off. I felt them holding me down, and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. They couldn't get a room ready for me, so I spent 12 hours in recovery before I got moved to a room. I do believe they ran into some adhesions in there (expected gift from my last surgery), so I had an extra special pain - plus we never settled on a decent working pain management regimen while I was in there. It seemed that maybe this had more to do with the holiday than anything else - no one was there to ask, so they just kept giving me more of what was in my chart. Melted Tic-Tacs, perhaps? They finally tried oral Oxycodone on Thursday morning, but all that did was make me so nauseous they had to hit me with Zofran. I refused more of it. Wednesday they sent an occupational therapist in. I'd moved over to the recliner and found it easier to get up and down from, and didn't want to move back to the bed. She told me she could show me a way to get out of bed easier, but I just felt a ripping, burning sensation in the big incision in the crease of my belly. That one still burns and hurts - up until yesterday morning, moving the wrong way made that one bring tears to my eyes. It's inside, nothing outside is inflamed or anything. But no fever or anything like that, and I couldn't get anyone at the hospital to be concerned about it, so maybe that's normal? Don't get me wrong - the night nurses and techs in particular were amazing. Attentive, responsive, one even made me mint tea out of her personal stash when I said maybe something warm would sit better than something cold. There are just limits on what they can do. 5:30 Thursday morning two associates of my doctor came in and asked if I wanted to go home. I asked if the pharmacy was open, because it was Thanksgiving and I didn't want to go home without whatever prescriptions I needed. Never saw them again. Wound up leaving Thursday night. My accompaniment was upset about something - I don't know if I said something and don't remember it, or if she was just hungry or what, but we got my prescriptions from the only open Walgreens around and she dumped me off and left. I still have trouble getting enough liquids in, and I've been sucking on the same 8 oz snack size Premier Protein since Friday morning. My tastes haven't changed and my big concern about being super weak (from blood sugar drops) has not materialized at all - I even bought some sugar tablets. Not diabetic, but I had some hypoglycemic moments pre-op. Removing the drain didn't hurt at all, but when I move the insides around that spot feel bruised. You could see the puffiness in my stomach go down as it was removed - it was a heck of a long tube! I'm having stomach cramps when I drink, no matter what temperature my fluids are (though they are less violent when I drink warm liquids). I still can't really identify what my tummy wants and I'm scared to push much so I'm not sure if that's my "stop" signal or what - I hope not! If it is, hopefully it'll migrate into something less painful, like a snotty nose or something. I still have to sleep sitting mostly upright but on my right side, which isn't super comfortable but doesn't pull on any of the incisions. I wish I'd set the money aside to get a recliner before surgery. This hospital offers one home care session post-op so I'm waiting for the guy to get here now. He's scheduled to be by this afternoon. My dog, after realizing that I'm not up for tuggy or wrestling right now, has been an absolute angel since I got home. I still have no regrets - I did this for my long term health and survival - but right now it sucks like crazy. That's about it for now - hopefully every day will be better than the last!

OK, so life was great pre-band..with the exception of being fat...and having bad health because of it..but now...oh now..i've got many other things that i need to add to the list: i was a self pay. financially we determined that we could afford it. we are middle class $70k/or more average a year...so we aren't rolling in it, but we are doing better than we could be. So, yeah, we thought of course we can afford the band, why couldn't we. well, let me tell you a $400 a month payment is rough to adjust to..especially at christmas time. and add to that the fact that i NOW WEIGHT 3 MORE LBS THAN I DID PRE-OP. everytime i make that stupid payment..i think in my head..what in the hell did i do..i just spent $15,000 to be reminded every day that i am a failure and i am fat, and now i am paying for it literally. ok, so that is the financial part. everyone has their problems right, so that is no big deal. well, dh and i are falling on hard times financially and i am blaming myself, and he is trying to work more. we used to have enough money in our "bill" account to cover the bills as they came in and to have a month's worth of reserves in case one of us got sick. that way, we didn't have to do the pay check to pay check thing. we have our own individual savings and spending accounts too. well...we've got zilch right now, and i've resorted to finishing up x-mas on cc's. add to that-yesterday i found out that my brother defaulted on a car loan that i signed for him. i have perfect credit...not bragging..but never been late..and i work in finance so..this is a particularly important thing to me. he didn't even bother to tell me, so i get a letter in the mail yesterday that he is almost 30 days late and a payment has to be made TODAY to keep it from being reported (note: previous mention of us being BROKE). OK..so all of that is i am sure circumstanstial..but it is band related. dh and i both missed a week of work without pay when i had surgery. i then have had some days that i have missed in addition due to pains &/or complications. so..that means even less pay. .......again due to the band...then add sick days for problems i had before the band with migraines and fibro. ok..so you get it..money is a problem and it causes extreme stress. well because of it dh and i are both barely on good speaking terms (we aren't admitting that is what the problem is, but i know it is). i'm sleeping on the couch, and i swear that if one more person yells at me or says something negative I'M GOING TO RUN AWAY!!!!!! so i'm stressed..my son is going through a bratty stage..dh and i are having problems, and i'm getting nothing but bitches and moans and complaints and cynical remarks every single direction that i turn. ok...so that is the family related band problems..now i'm taking it to a more personal level: 1. did i mention that i now weigh 3 more lbs than i did pre-op..and i can't button pants that i wore for 6 months prior to surgery 2. i look 6 months pregnant and i have this huge distended abdomen that will not recede 3. i pass more gass than i would ever care to admit. burps come out mid sentence sometimes, and i have these long grotesque 10 second burps that everyone around me can hear even though i am trying to do it under my breath. then..add to that the constant cloud of methane (is that what it is?) that is hovering behind everywhere that i walk. before the band dh had never ever heard me...you know..pass gass...now he hears it like 20 times a night...gross....and it makes me smell. 4. i have no restriction..i can eat what i want..and the tremendous amount of stress that i am under sends me straight to crap food...cheese dip..candy...cheese ball..you name it 5. everyone keeps asking me if i wasted money on surgery and why am i not losing weight 6. i missed my 2nd fill because i had a bowel obstruction, and they can't seem to find TIME to fit me in. 7. i'm having migraines like crazy..(due to stress i'm sure)..and i can't take anything for it because it doesn't work..or i can't swallow it. 8. my work is threatening to lay me off at the end of the year due to absences even though i filed FMLA. there are other things....but i've gone on enough. all of this is causing me to have serious issues with my band. if i could rip it out myself i would, and then i would beat the hell out of a wall or something with it. I HATE MY BAND.... (i hope this will pass, and i already feel better from venting....i had too...i don't feel like i can tell anyone face to face because i am whining..and besides...i don't know any other overweight people with similar issues that i can talk to). i'm sorry for rambling..thank you for reading...or listening. and if you went through something similar, and found success later..please share. i am in desperate need for inspiration.

The band is supposed to be a permanent fix. You should not think that it is temporary. The only times the band needs to be removed is if it errodes, slips, etc. I believe some of the people who had to have revision surgery was due to complications. I know for me if anything happens with my band I will have no second thoughts about getting a revision and keeping it. I love my band and I'm so glad I have it.

I had my surgery on 2/27/12 and was supposed to get my fill today, but getting back to Mexico (they are having transportation issues) seems to be too complicated. I got in with a clinic closer to me and now have a scheduled fill for May 9th. UUUGGGHHHH, I want the fill now LOL. Oh well, it will happen I just have to be patient and keep telling myself "I'm not hungry, I'm not hungry"

Hi.. I just had surgery to reposition my band because of a slip...I am passed the two week liquid diet phase and I am onto mushy foods..lately I have been feeling nauseous a lot and hungry... (the hungry part I understand because I am unfilled) but the nauseous part I dont - can anyone relate? I have not vomited and refuse to do it because I am scared to cause a slip again....but why do you think I feel nauseous? I know I am not pregnant. Should I call the doctors office and ask them. Could this be some type of complication? Thank you. :help::help::help:

Ive had nurses that are friends of mine tell me the same things. My response is that they dont see the success stories and the complications are just a fraction of success stories. Ive talked to my Dr. and dietician and they both said the same thing. They only see the complications. I would guess the complications of being obese are higher.

Global Protective Solutions has an insurance you can take out that covers complications if your out of the countrty hospital is on their approved list (you cannot get coverage if you have surgery in the U.S.). Expensive though. $1160 for $20,000 of complications coverage (you can take out less coverage too). Seven Corner's Global Protection Policy offers a WAY better package, but is only available for JRC accredited hospitals. If you are self pay I would suggest getting the BEST surgeon your money can buy (either in the U.S or in Mexico, matters not....both places have good and bad doctors). There are some EXCELLENT surgeons in Mexico with almost non-existent complication rates. Research your options. Also remember many complications may very well be covered depending on how your treatment back home is coded. Blood clots and dehydration for example would be hard to prove are due to the surgery alone and in all likelihood would be covered. Leaks however would definitely not be covered. Because of this, find a surgeon with an as close to 0% leak rate as you can find (and don't take the dr's word for it....search all the forums etc). I know my surgeon has only had 1 leak in a virgin sleeve, and that was early in his career. Other surgeons have been equally successful.

The complication insurance will not cover any complications that are taken care of in the US. It is strictly for care provided in the country the policy if issued for. Won't work for me.