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Hi - I was banded in Feb of 2005. had a similar experience after getting pregnant about a year after having the band. I had had some reflux symptoms before getting pregnant, but had a partial unfill during the pregnancy and that, combined w/ no eating at night and sleeping w/ my upper body somewhat elevated, helped control the fluids that had been coming up at night. As soon as I had my baby, I'm talking I was still in the hospital, I got the symptoms incredibly intensely. It was awful. Can you imagine giving birth, all you want to do is recover and every time you close your eyes you're wakened w/ bile in your mouth and coughing? I took the baby w/ me when she was just a week old for an emergency unfill. I had an esophagram that showed nothing, but an endoscopy showed a hiatal hernia. I left it for a while. I tried dieting. I really wanted to avoid the risk of another surgery now that I have 2 kids. Dieting of course didn't work. If it had worked in the first place, I would never have had the band! Now my surgeon wants to repair the hernia and reposition the band higher up. She said the repositioning will lessen the chances of the reflux symptom. I have to say, in a way it is good to know I am not the only one who had complications w/ the band that intensified after pregnancy. I am sorry you are going through this though. I hope you get it resolved. If I had it to do again, I would push for corrective surgery sooner. Though I have not had it yet. It seems like the best solution. Best of luck to you! Sneeka D.

It seems like I'm meeting my milestones on schedule as usual. My Sunday weigh in just revealed that I've lost no weight this week. I'm still rocking the 313. As I've seen on the forum, it seems to happen 3-4 weeks post op....the infamous "STALL." Nice to meet you! I'm staying on course and it didn't even phase me as a negative. It just happens. I'm still working the program and exercising....the dreaded exercise....Man' I'm going to somehow learn to like it. I also had another milestone yesterday. For the 1st time since surgery, I felt the "restriction" that so many mention. I attempted to eat a small piece of BBQ sausage and got sick. I felt uncomfortable for about 10 minutes and finally hurled. I came home and told my husband that I finally found a food that my sleeve didn't agree with and I hurled. He looked at me and shook his head....He said you're the only person I know that would be happy to have something negative happen.....He just doesn't understand me. I guess I'm complicated. LOL. Or just crazy as all out, but it was good to experience the boundary and feel the uncomfortableness and know what it feels like. I hope things can get moving though soon. I had a personal goal to lose 30 lbs by my 6 week check-up. I'm still finding the eating schedule to be a challenge with my work schedule. I hope once I'm on regular foods that should go away, since I will be able to eat beef jerky and quick protein meal bars by then. Currently I'm bringing my food with me daily. If I"m in a meeting with a client, I can't just get up and go to the lunch room, heat up my food and bring it to the meeting! AWKWARD. Overall I think I've earned a B+ with staying on schedule and eating the right foods. So far I've given in to a corn chip and salsa craving and a chick-fil-a nugget serving (the small one).

Hi. I had massive complications after my sleeve and was in hospital for over 4 months from October 2011 to Feb 12. Another additional bonus was I lost the vast majority of my hair. By January this year it had all gone. I started taking biotin in Feb (I was nil by mouth before then) and took 1 per day. My hair grew back enough to stop wearing wigs by early June. I believe the biotin played a huge part in the regrowth and highly recommend it.

1 day for me ... I had surgery @ 2:00pm I left the next morning @ 10:00 am ... I had no complication ... I actually was ready to go home the same day of surgery .... But that didn't happened for me ..????

I was in 4 nights. I was a revision from band to sleeve and I had a lot of complications. the surgery itself took over 4 hours due to scar tissue (from the lap band and from a previous spleenectomy). After surgery I couldn't keep anything down because the swelling in my stomach and esophagus was so severe nothing was passing through. I also developed pneumonia and m y left lung collapsed. They also thought I had a blood clot (which I did not). So I had a lot of complications and still was only in 4 days.

You look fantastic! Crazy that we still have to worry about complications 6 weeks out, but glad you're finally on the mend!!

Hello all - I am going through the pre-op process for Gastric Sleeve and have been doing some research to be better prepared post-op. One topic that is really concerning me is the risk of low Thiamin/B1, Iron and Vit D3. My original understanding was that as long as you follow the post-op instructions and take your recommended vitamins/supplements long term, that you will be Ok. However, after reading a number of posts online, it sounds like even then you could develop major complications due to extremely low levels that Dr's may not be able to address? Any info, pointers, or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Wow Im sorry to hear that...i noticed alot of wls patients state that they are tired or weak Im wondering if you are getting all your vitamins in and enough b12...we all are different and wls isnt for everyone...i hated bein banded for numerous of reasons besides complications...i wish yu luck and great success to everyone trying to be healthy

Very good questions indeed. I don't know if I qualify to even respond to this, since I know many European Bandsters who have had theirs for some time (longer than me, I've had mine 5 yrs this upcoming month). There are also some Mexican Bandsters who are around with longer term band experiences, if not on this forum, then certainly on others. What's a "long" period of time? I don't know. Mine has stayed in (even though almost 5 ys ago, I had life-threatening illness after being banded) partially because no one knew much about the complications back in 2001. Rejection is always a possibility but so far apparently the Band and I have found some truce. I did have my port & tubing replaced 13 months ago but it was done surgically as usual (*shrug*) and I don't think there were signs of me rejecting the band, per se. However, my biggest concern is that after 5 years and 2 LapBand surgeries later, I've only gotten my BMI down to 30 or so. So technically I'm still listed as 'obese' according to BMI charts. That's hardly acceptable to me, and far more important, I still have more weight to use. So to answer your second question sometimes I wonder why " I " particularly went through this. Had I known a year ago that I still wasn't going to lose weight - then band rejection or not - instead of having my band port/tubing replaced - I would have been revised then (*sigh*) to another form of surgery. I wouldn't have gone through all I have done just to get down to this size. I'm VERY frustrated about that. Here's the irony - now that my BMI is down to 30 - I no longer qualify for a revision. So it's a tough position. So now I am undergoing series of tests to make sure the band is still OK. If the band has a defect or needs to be removed - then I would DEFINITELY need a revision to another surgery at the same time. Period. Or else I have to fight it out with the band. I can't lose any more weight with my band being under-restricted but at least it's there. - if I am unbanded and without a restriction, then I fear I will return to my former weight without a doubt. And so help me, I live in fear that I'd get even bigger. I'd be inconsolable. So it makes this a bit tough, but I'm not down yet. Happy Band (and UnBanded) Journeys to all, New Sho

i weighed 428.5 lbs on dec 1, 2010, and just had the sleeve done last wed. i was told weight loss is very similat to rny, im currently at 384, in a good mood still, no complications, no mood swings, but im sure theyre coming from what ive heard and read. i think the quality of life will be greater with the sleeve then the rny, thats why i chose it.

I was sleeved 12/20/12 and am down 51lbs. I never had any complications nor issues with nausea or vomiting.

I don't currently have one. When I chose to go to Mexico I figured if there was anything major that went wrong that I could go to the ER. As far as blood work/labs, you can get that done practically anywhere. I had zero complications.

Told my doctor 3 months after it was done and asked her to blood work. Came back with surgical report X-rays etc. She was honest that she would have tried to talk me out of it. I did call OHIP before I left which is who covers Canadian healthcare to see if there was complications if I would be covered and they said yes.

My surgeon straight up told me that if you have 100+ pounds to lose he doesn't recommend the band as average weight loss is only about 50 pounds. Since I've been in this process I have seen many on here that had terrible complications with the band since it's a foreign object in your body. Do your research- it might be right for you but it definately wasn't the choice for me.

I have gone through some if the things you mentioned and we SURVIVED. I just lost my mother from complications with the bypass and i am scared beyond words. You have spoken to your counselor and people on here have said some encouraging words. Here is what helps me. First let me say I LOVE food. That is why I have let myself get to the size I am. I have many comfort foods an I go to them when I think I need them. There are many excuses that I make for eating bad foods, but here is the deal. You have 2 choices. 1- accept things the way they are. If you do this you will die an unhappy person with the same health problems that you currently have and may have more. 2- change things. This is when you think about what you want out of life and go get it. The things that have happened to us in the past, is what has made us who we are today. There are things in my past that I want to forget, but I can't. So I continue to be the best ME that I can be. I am living for myself and my kids, and if other people don't like it, they can remove themselves from my life. Remember you are you and you are doing your best. When you do your best, you hold your head up high. Life can be good if you want it. We will make mistakes. When you have the BAD DAYS, eat your ice cream. Then on the GOOD days, eat your healthy foods. You will start to see that the GOOD days come more often than the BAD.

Okay today, I was trying to take vitimans because I am getting the early signs of a cold. One of the vitimans did not agree with me. So of course it came up eventually. Well now I keep burping and I have to keep sallowing, plus my mouth is watering.I know last time this happened I had complications and had to go get an unfill. I was just saying how good the fill was.

Making oneself throw up is a poor practice and can (likely does, according to the research) contribute greatly to slipped bands. Letting the stuff come up on its own, which 99% of the time it will do, is still not great - but does not carry the same complication risks. Your body will get rid of it on its own, most likely. It's just going to take a bit longer. And in the meantime, it does hurt. A lot of people won't endure the hurt so they gag themselves. If your body can't/doesn't get rif of it on its own, chances are your esophagus will irritate, you will swell, get tighter, and end up needing an unfill. Everyone I know IRL who is banded for a year or more has had to have an unfill at some point -- it's really not that uncommon.

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

I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but this is the best I can come up with. Your surgery most likely swelled up your whole belly area. If you're swollen, it could put pressure on the stomach area. For example, lots of us get extra restriction when we bloat from our periods. Try putting ice packs on your belly to reduce swelling. After your gallbladder surgery calms, maybe your stomach and band will relax??? Just a guess. I'm sorry you're going through all this. I had a lot of complications with my port surgeries, but nothing like yours. I'm really sorry.

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

According to the research, the magic number is 50. When a surgeon has done more than 50 LapBands (not just more than 50 bariatric surgeries and not just more than 50 laporoscopic surgeries, but more than 50 LapBands), the patients have fewer complications.

So sorry to hear of all your troubles! Please hang on to that determination and hope you've mentioned throughout your post - you will get to the other side of this. This isn't your fault, it's an unfortunate series of events and complications that could have happened to any of us. I'm sure your husband is upset and scared, rather than hating you. One thing to consider is getting another opinion. The best physicians can benefit from consulting with others, and in no way implies he doesn't know what he's doing. I'm sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery.Please keep us posted as to your progress!

It's natural to be scared, I was crying on my husbands shoulder minutes before they took me in for the surgery.. all out of fear and the unknown. I had my surgery in November and I think it's the best decision I could have made for myself. I tried all the diets, I lost the weight, regained the weight plus more so many times I lost count. In the end, for me, I realized that all my reasons for wanting the surgery (not all that dissimilar from yours) far outweighed all the reasons that made me doubt getting the surgery. You have to decide what is more important to you... drinking 7 or 8 beers with your friends and eating huge portions of steak with wine, or being here for your children and family, not dying young and not getting the diseases you mentioned that plagued your family. If you stay as heavy as you are, you know the answers to all those questions.. you know what could happen... Is all that worth the 7 or 8 beers or huge portions? Only you can decide that. Yes, there is a risk with surgery and anyone going through this has to be aware of that and complications do happen, it's true... but which is more riskier? Again, only you can decide that with your family and doctor and determine what is best for you. You will still be able to go out and instead of 8 beers, maybe you have 1 beer, but I wouldn't recommend that, it makes you gain weight.. instead of a huge steak, you will eat some and get to save some for later or another day... just think you will get 2 or 3 meals out of one! All things in moderation and you will learn how to still enjoy all the same things, just on a smaller scale. Bigger does not always mean better. I've been lucky, my surgery went well and I felt good. I had no real issues other than a muscle soreness. I haven't had any issues eating smaller portions and I actually do not feel hungry at all. I have to remind myself to eat sometime and as you start out slowly, eventually those cravings will go away and by the time you are eating regular foods again (about 3 weeks out) you will not be thinking about those huge portions.. they may actually disgust you. I found that things I enjoyed before, just totally repluse me now I wouldn't want to eat that if I could! Hang in there, I bet you are doing the right thing for your health. You will have a whole new life. Again, only you can make the right decision for what's best for you and your family! Good luck!

Im a realist and don't belief in telling people alot of fluff so I will give it to you straight. 1) Scared about missing food - You are what you eat - period. I will not lie to you - The sleeve gives you the tool lose the weight - but its up to you to not eat crap and gain all the weight back. On ocassion I will eat things like pizza and other junk, but its only on occasion. Its a slippery slope though, especially with the carbs. If you eat crappy quality carbs you wake up the carb cravings and can get yourself in trouble. Do I miss junk food - not as much as I thought I would - and if I absolutely HAVE to have something I eat it - just not a whole box. 2) drinking beers - Im not a drinker but I can tell you this - Beer is carbs and makes you fat. You also will get drunk quicker with less beer. If getting plastered with your friends is a must for you I do not reccomend you endulge in that behavior too often. I know alot of bariatric patients who gain LOTS back due to alcohol. Its empty useless fat promoting calories. The sleeve will not stop you from drinking 8 beers - remember liquid slides right on through. 3) Can you lose the weight on your own - I'll say this much. The odds are against you. For me it was IMPOSSIBLE. I was a quantity eater and I like to be full. Now that I have a tiny stomach I can be full with so much less food and now that my hunger hormones are reduced I get much less hungry. But if I eat crappy carbs my hunger does return with a vengence so refined carbs are the enemy. Without the surgery I would still be an obese 377 pound 36 year old with who know what kind of health issues. 4) its irreversible - so what. Do you want your big bowling ball size stomach back that takes forever to get full and releases all kinds of hunger hormones. I don't miss mine. I still have a fully functioning stomach - just smaller. Your not getting a gastric bypass. Your body will work just the way it always has worked - just better. 5)Your going to die - I can say this - If you do nothing you will die. Also death from the sleeve is really really really low. Bariatric surgery has really come a long way and is very safe now. Worry about how unhealthy you will be without taking control of your obesity. That is the real fear. Your absolutely normal to be fearful of the unknown. I can tell you that I have zero regrets! I have had no complications and have never even thrown up once. I just had a tummy tuck and feel for the first time in my life - happy in my own body. No more looking in the mirror and wanting to PUKE. ALL my health issues went away - no more cpap - no more high blood pressure - etc etc. Its a miracle surgery. Good luck with your journey - Shayne

I know what your saying, now that surgery is a real possibility i had to take a real serious look at if this is the right choice, could i try and diet harder or exercise more, what type of financial hardship is this going to put my family under? But then i take a step back and i look at the fact that im floating around 300lbs, i have high blood pressure, i have high cholesterol, i have diabetes, i have back issues and now my liver is beginning to have issues. I have tried and i have lost and then i have gained back. Then comes the whole financial issue but i look at that and the reality is what type of financial situation am i putting my family in if i am not around in a few years. My wife and i Have discussed it and as someone else pointed out it comes down to risk vs benefit and while there can be complications there is also benefits, one of which is a longer life with my family. I often travel in my job so when 9-11 happened and the reality of the fact that that i could have been on those planes hit home for me and my family we had to make the decision of do we do everything we can to avoid risk or do we do everything we can to enjoy every moment we have together. We chose to do everything we can to enjoy every moment we have together. So for me i am moving forward with my plans. I wish you all the best in your efforts and lifestyle change be that from a surgical intervention or from a change in your diet and exercise. Weigh up your options consult the experts and make a decision based on the facts, but whatever you do dont let your fears rule you. Go in the direction you go in because you feel that is the best option and not simply because you are afraid of the other option.