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Similar procedures are done with the RNY (Band over Bypass - BoB) without a lot of success - that is something else for your to research to see how well the band works in that application. The couple of thoughts that I have had on the idea is that there is likely some over-promotion of the idea from the band manufacturers who have seen a dramatic decline in their market as the problems of the bands have become more widely recognized, and they are looking for new markets. The other concern is that acid reflux are relatively common complications of both procedures, so if you haven't had a problem with it post-VSG, will adding the band bring about that problem where it didn't exist before? Another concern (make that three, now) is what are the longer term implications of this, given that the bands have a fairly high revsion/removal rate due to band failures or damage to the stomach via slippage or erosion - will it work any better, or worse, on a sleeved stomach?

Don't know them, but Dr George Mutafyan in Glendale did a wonderful job on me, with no complications. He has privileges at Glendale Adventist, and takes Anthem Blue Cross - AltaMed, amongst other insurance plans.

Congratulations on the first step towards the new you, Cara! All of your feelings are perfectly normal and just about everyone experiences these at some point along their journeys. I am a Type 2 Diabetic, and in just two days post-op, I was completely off all blood sugar control medicines. Gastric Bypass is the gold standard for Bariatric Surgery as it has the most research data and still has the best success rate. Basically your stomach is reduced by about 75% and you have a malabsorbtive component which helps you lose weight. It's probably one of the most "major" routine surgeries performed. My surgery was completely performed laprascopically and my surgeon told me that basically robotics do the majority of the work. A robot is going to be far more precise than the human hand at incisions. The end result is that the incisions healed up very quickly. The one recommendation I make to everyone starting out is to seek out counseling, because some people may experience worsening depression post-surgery. I experienced this, and consequently, I had a much harder time with the mental game. I had very few, if any, physical complications at all. They say anesthesia and the hormonal changes can effect each person quite a bit differently. I am still learning to eat slowly and more mindfully. If I don't do this, I end up praying to the porcelain god. I also don't like sugar anymore. If I accidently have too much, then I get an uncomfortable feeling of shakiness and rapid heart beat. I hope this helps you out some! Good luck and I think you'll find some really receptive folks on here.

But your life isn’t over. You are only 30. As frustrating as it is with surgery there are potential complications, that’s why we sign consents to let surgeons operate on us. There are no guarantees that each of us will tolerate the operation the same. You cannot predict what will happen to you after surgery. There are many risks to remaining obese as well. The only thing you can do now is focus on healing and following your diet guidelines. Not all people that have complications have them forever, so don’t get stuck in a negative way of thinking that what you are experiencing now will last the rest of your life. Start on miralax for the constipation. Not pooping can make you miserable. Work on meeting the fluid goals. One day at a time. If you continue to have issues maybe it is prudent to have a second opinion.

Question. Have any RNY patients had any complications with their sphincter of Oddi? And if so have you undergone an ERCP for diagnosing and treating this? I’ve been having ongoing bouts of intense right upper quadrant abdominal pain that can at times be extremely debilitating, as well as some abnormal LFTs, I’m scheduled for the procedure in about two weeks. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Also were you able to have it done endoscopic or did you have to have it done laparoscopic? My doctor is going to try endoscopic although it may have to convert to laparoscopic. Did this procedure/treatment work for your symptoms? I did have my gallbladder out about a year before my RNY surgery. I’m nervous to have another surgical procedure, especially with so many unknowns about it. I understand that it is a very individualized procedure and every patient will have different recovery time. It’s just driving me nuts that most of these questions cannot be answered until I actually have the procedure!

My program is St. Peters Bariatrics in NY. Surgeon is Mehul Trivedi, Surgical PA is Tyler Chenel. They are wonderful charismatic skilled professionals. I don't See Trivedi often and I'm cool with that. I prefer he works on maintaining his skill level by going to conferences, updating training, clocking surgical hours etc. That is his craft and I'm thankful for it. No complications not even nausea, it's like I never had surgery at all. Chenel is wonderful, also highly skilled and friendly. 10/10 recommend. HW 270 SW 238 CW 182 VSG 11/7 [emoji146][emoji146][emoji146]

That's a standard term to mean that the insurance company believes you're worth spending the money on. Mostly they want to make sure that your risk of recidivism is low, that you know what you're getting into and how to take care of yourself post-op. That's why there's a psychiatric exam requirement before you can be approved. Most people do just fine with that, though in some cases the psychiatrist may feel there is some previously undiagnosed or untreated depression that could affect your health. There are also other factors, such as if you have other severe medical conditions like advanced cancer, are you likely to actually benefit from WLS? They balance that against the cost of leaving you untreated and instead paying for all of the complications that could arise, such as diabetes. Bottom line is unless you have an extreme situation either physically or mentally, you'll be fine.

It sounds complicated, but by the time you get there, it's all second nature. For a while it seems like they keep adding a million new items on the list of hoops you have to jump through....but I promise it's not that bad. Once you're about a month or two on the other side of surgery, things start getting back to normal. And the new normal is great. Most of the little things...if you screw up and forget....won't be world ending. It's a process. You get there. I think for a lot of people, the real hurdle is the idea of giving up control. It's tough to let your dietitian dictate your eating habits and make all these new rules for you.... when eating is your comfort habit. It's kinda like someone yanking a security blanket out of a kid's hands. It can make you feel kinda vulnerable. I'm coming up on 5 months out....and I feel terrific. My new habits don't bother me in the slightest. I feel at peace with food for the first time in my life. It's a good feeling.

My husband had sleeve surgery on 4/12 with Dr. Corvala and has no complaints or complications.

Anyone having surgery May10? I am very nervous and have read so many posts on here. Just looking for any tips for right after surgery. I am scared that I will be hungry but unable to eat. I currently never feel full. Does anyone have experience of this feeling? Did anyone have complications right after surgery that’s another fear of mine. Thanks in advance

Any fellow nurses(or any profession honestly) can help me out with this one... I currently work in home care, how long did you all take out of work? Ive had my gallbladder removed but due to other complications (pulmonary embolism) I was out of work for 1 month but honestly felt as though I could return to work the following week.... I know each individual is different but all input is greatly appreciated... TIA!

I'm pre-op. I take a lot of Advil and Tylenol for reoccurring headaches and I'm worried after reading this can cause complications after surgery. The doctor has never been able to pinpoint my headaches, between sinus inflammation, high BP, etc. but hopefully headaches decrease with weight loss. Do any folks post-op have experience with taking NSAIDs regularly post-op? Thanks!

lots of people. me from the band. but same symptoms. GERD is a common sleeve complication as it is a band complication. revised to rny

I'm new. Still checking all the boxes to apply for insurance. I've done all my weight loss / NUT consults, psych, and cardio. I'm just waiting on my thyroid test so we can apply for insurance. I'm going for gastric bypass. I'm worrying whether I'll have problems with doing it laparoscopic. I've had 3 c/sections and most concerning is the umbilical hernia I had to have repaired after my last pregnancy. In the multiple episodes of Dr. Now and online research I hear about adhesions. It's an easy decision to have the surgery laparoscopically. However getting cut completely open makes me think twice. I have had 3 c-sections, so it's not like I haven't been cut open. Having to have wls open makes me think twice due to the significant increase in recovery time, increased potential for complications, and last (yes it's makes me a little shallow) the wicked scar down the middle of my stomach. Anybody with previous abdominal surgeries and still able to have wls laparoscopically? How does it work, do you agree upfront that if it can't be done laparoscopically that the doctor will convert to open or do they close you up and you have to go back later for open surgery? Anybody end up with open, how did it go? Was anybody who was concerned they might have issues able to find out before surgery which method would work via some scan?

He didn't die of heart attack, he died of blood clot on his brain and surgical complications that might have been complicated by his circulatory issues. His cause of death was events resulting from blunt force trauma of hitting his head. The report from the New York Medical Examiner's office was factual. He did have a history of hypertension, heart attack and congestive heart failure. The report was made public illegally. But it's still factual information from the medical examiner taken from his medical records. Dude had clogged pipes and a bad heart....and his wife wanted to keep this quiet. I think that's incredibly dishonest. The family's claim that he gained 60 pounds of water weight in 9 days is also bogus...unless he was in renal failure, which would support the hypothesis of cardiovascular failure. And still.... 60 pounds???

So...why did the medical examiner say that Atkin's health was pure ****... and his wife insisted his health was great? Could it be because she stood to lose millions on ketogenic diet books if it was proven he died of complications from a horribly clogged unhealthy cardiovascular system? Must have been some reason she refused the autopsy.... makes you wonder. Cause, you know, if it had been my life's work to show how good a radical new eating style was for you....I'd love to prove it with a clean autopsy and silence my critics. Guess Mrs. Atkins didn't want to take that risk.

Atkins died on April 17, 2003, at the age of 72. Nine days prior to his death, Atkins fell and hit his head on an icy New York pavement. At New York's Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was admitted on April 8, he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain but went into a coma and died from complications. He spent nine days in intensive care before dying on April 17, 2003 A medical report issued by the New York medical examiner's office a year after his death showed that Atkins had a history of heart attack, congestive heart failure and hypertension. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB107637899384525268 His widow refused to allow an autopsy.

Have you asked your current Dr how many of these procedures they have done? What their rate of complications are? Does either perform surgery at a center of excellence? The other surgeon may have more or different hoops to jump through. Another thing to think about is that many times Drs do not like to take patients from other Drs. All things to consider IMHO

It feels extreme to me... My dad had the gastric bypass about 8 years ago and he had awful complications. I'm worried I'll have the same issues since I'm close (or was) to his pre op weight Sent from my SM-J327P using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 4 days p.o. I had my sleeve done by Dr. Jorge Reyes Amendola, and could not be any more pleased. I did go through one of the scheduling companies, which I can not recommend, but I highly recommend Dr. Reyes and his team. When you find out about a surgeon you’re considering, research them directly, and not the touring company. I validated Dr. Reyes’s credentials online, read reviews about his medical practice (I didn’t want an MD who ran only Bariatric practice like a puppy mill). I knew no matter where I went, I wanted it done by a gastroenterologist, as they specialize in laparoscopic surgeries, which is most often the cause of complications from Bariatric Surgeries. Dr. Reyes does no more than 3 surgeries per day. On my day, I was the only one. I had full attention pre and post surgery, and recovery. I didn’t wait more than a minute if I needed anything, and I didn’t have to, because they were always checking in on me. I have to admit that the place wasn’t state of the art, but more than well equipped, and everyone spoke English. Lastly, I have direct contact with Dr. Reyes. I have his clinic phone number, cell phone for emergencies, and email. You can’t get that kind of follow-through in the US. Rule of thumb, be your own advocate.

Found an encouraging article online: https://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/band-over-sleeve-a-safe-alternative-to-achieve-further-weight-loss-and-reduction-of-co-morbidities/ BAND OVER SLEEVE: A Safe Alternative to Achieve Further Weight Loss and Reduction of Co-Morbidities Amy Banks, MD, R Harrell, MD, J Foote, MD. Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Michigan State University and Grand Health Partners. Introduction: The vertical sleeve gastrectomy was traditionally performed as part one of a staged bypass procedure in the super obese patient population. The weight loss achieved from this surgery alone is often substantial and frequently patients do not require or desire the second stage malabsorbtive procedure. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common weight loss surgeries performed today. Over time, however, weight gain often occurs and we present a new technique of using a laparoscopic placed adjustable gastric band (LAGB) over a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) to aid in further weight loss and reduction of co-morbidities. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of five patients who underwent LAGB placement following a VSG. BMI, weight loss from VSG alone and weight loss from LAGB plus VSG were reviewed. Percent excess body weight loss (%EWL) for LAGB alone and for LAGB plus VSG was calculated. Co-morbidities and their resolution as well as any postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: All five patients achieved further weight loss after placement of the adjustable gastric band over the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with an average of 40.4 lb (range 31-64 lb) and an added %EWL of 32.2% (range 12.7% – 44.1%). Total %EWL following VSG plus LAGB placement was 57% (range 43% – 67.5%). The average BMI decreased from 56.6 pre-operatively to 43.9 post VSG and down to 37.6 after VSG plus LAGB. No major complications occurred during the 31-month average follow up (range 15-46 mo). An average of 3.6 adjustments to the gastric band were needed post operatively. Several co-morbidities resolved after VSG, and there was even further resolution of co-morbidities after LAGB plus VSG. One patient was intolerant of the band and required eventual removal. Conclusion: This case series introduces a novel approach to add to the repertoire of bariatric procedures following a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. There are advantages to placing an adjustable gastric band over a sleeve gastrectomy in lieu of converting patients to a malabsorptive procedure such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a biliopancreatric diversion with duodenal switch. We demonstrate that certain patients can achieve further weight loss from laparoscopic placement of a gastric band over a vertical sleeve gastrectomy without complications. Further studies still need be done to determine the efficacy of this procedure to provide long-term weight loss in this patient population.

I originally tried to qualify for Bariatric surgery twenty some years ago. At that time, the guidelines were much more stringent. In one way I am glad that I did not have it then because I think the technique has improved over time. Now it’s endoscopic, etc. and many more doctors are very experienced with it. On the other hand my biggest regret it that I didn’t have it at least ten years ago. This is not from an age point of view but from a how much more I enjoy life and being able to do stuff point of view. I had it at 57 and I did not have any complications or problems with it. Without a doubt, it’s the best thing I have ever had done!

I’m also going to add that I wish edibles gave me more munchies. Some days I eat nothing because of surgical or coincidental complications that make eating much of anything and drinking extremely difficult. Sleeping next to the toilet difficult. I need to eat more to keep losing so bring on the munchies.

There are all kinds of stories out there. The bottom line is that you cannot use those stories to predict what your individual outcome will be. From a physical standpoint, I had absolutely no complications and everything went as smooth as could be expected. The mental side made the last 6 weeks a nightmare that I don't want to relive. I believe that as long as you follow your program's guidelines, that the chances that you will have a smooth recovery are very, very high.

Do you know the phrase, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?" Anyway, yes, there can always be complications with surgery. On the other hand, these are statistically safe surgeries with low rates of complications. You face much greater health risks by remaining obese. As far as keeping it off long-term, you have a much better chance with surgery than just doing it on your own, where the success rate is dismal (something like 5 percent, I think). The surgery isn't magic, it just gives you a fighting chance to lose a significant amount of weight AND time to change your eating habits for long-term success. Good luck!