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I stayed 2 days. They said I could be released after the first night because I was doing well, but I was really dizzy and opted to stay an additional night. No complications here.

Hi - I'm a real person with a real job with a real family who had surgery in Mexico. ^_~ I also had some real concerns about going to Mexico. I live in Kansas so hopping over the boarder for surgery was a hugh leap of faith. I had my surgery in TJ with Garcia (my experience is posted in my profile) in April. No complications and I would do it again in a heartbeat! If my insurance had covered the surgery I def would have had it done locally.... And if the self pay cost was even close... Heck ya, would have had it done in my own back yard... But it wasnt. I am so glad that Mexico was an option for me. When you get back from Mexico in Nov and things go well, which I am sure they will, come back and post in this forum. You know how important it is reading real peoples experiences are. Is your husband going with you? Hopefully he is so that he can see first hand what it is like! He will be a believer as well! Best of luck!

I had surgery in October. I'm down 53 lbs from my highest weight. I haven't heard anything about Dr. Eslami. I absolutely love Dr. Shadle, and am very happy I had my surgery with him. I have had NO complications whatsoever. Hello! I live in Citrus Heights as well. I'm getting ready to meet with my surgeon. I'll be having mine done By Dr. Eslami at Methodist in South Sac. I've been trying to find others that are getting ready to get surgery or already had surgery through them as well.

Lilith, I had my procedure at St. Agnes with Dr. Averbach. I have nothing but fantastic things to say about him, his staff and the entire process. I was banded on August 18th and have had no complications. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at djw6171@comcast.net. I am in Harford County (Forest Hill) and work in Baltimore County.

Hi, I think all of us looking at the LB, get antsy about making the "right decision". Other than a general internet search, I have no specific sites to recommend, but I'll give you my impressions. The VGB is a nifty procedure because it does not create the malabsoption syndrome of the RNY. It is however a permanent surgical procedure and has only been out in US since 2002. There are surgical side effects; it is not benign therapy. There are very few physicians that do the procedure. It was popularized in the UK, etc. etc. just as you can read on the Internet. For me, my medical co-morbities and BMI just don't warrant that option. My specific problems with it: I am not willing to undergo such surgery, RNY, VGB, etc. There is, for me, a much better alternate, the LB. My health insurance does not cover any WLS and more importantly costs of complications. I am willing to take the small bites, the chewing, the reduced food choices, PB, etc. As a pre-banded person, let me say the lapband it is not an elegant solution to weight loss. It will be a hard task-master. Indeed, it is rather "crude". And you know, if it doesn't for some reason, work for me, it will come out. Maybe some day there will be a magic pill. But if the banding is "crude" and inelegant, the surgery is drastic, however you cut it. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

The lap band causes many complications. They say its minimally invasive but at least one third of patients need reoperations which can be much more dangerous thant the first operation. Also, a significant amount of patients dont lose much weight. The lap band company allergan is trying to get the band approved for bmi 30 to 35. Thats like everybody in this country. It's absurd. My opinion is try other methods to losing weight than wls. NYU is a dangerous place to get wls. read this department of health report I attached.

Thats like saying the treadmill failed me cause I didnt use it. Compare complications and morbitiy rates with individuals with BMIs >40 and compare with the lap band morbitiy rates. Thats the key. Good luck in your journey, whatever that may be. You sound angry, are you overweight and a failed Lapband patient looking to blame something besides yourself for your failed weight loss attempts?

If u believe that patients cant lose the weight on their own. They need a lap band to help with behavior modification. So If a patient has a lap band and fails then the behavior modification failed and hence the lap band failed, not the patient. Also, if you can follow the strict lap band diet and keep the wheight off how do you know you couldn't do it without the band because the band diet is harder than a regular diet because of all the restrictions on food and on how you need to chew so much. Many people who do WLS eat emotionally and the lap band company (allergan) says on their website the band does not work for this. Obviosly people who eat a lot and cant follow a diet on their own have a food addiction, at least the majority. And since the lap band company says people with mental problems shouldn't get the band most WLS patients shouldn't really have had surgery. Last time I checked, having an addiction is a mental issue. I am not saying obese people are mentally ill. I myself am obese according to bmi charts and eat emotionally. How well would the band do if the FDA made surgeons and the device company say in ads or in the office that if you eat when stressed you cannot have the band (only for non emotional eaters who can already control their weight)? My point is since the company admits the band doesn't help with weightloss of emotional eating what is the point of the band for the majority of patients. Also the research articles show horrible complication and failure.

Thanks guys for the congrats. I'm still really nervous. To answer your question connie, I don't actually have any particular pre-op diet, He wants me to try and loose 5kgs though. I know it's a long journey, but I'm ready for it I think. I know it's going to be a tough journey as well. I must admit I'm not looking forward to the 2 weeks clear fluids stage. But it's going to be worth it. Reading the book made me scared though. It was talking about complications with the surgery and my heart started to speed up... making me get some ectopics... *rolls eyes* I have venticular ectopics on a regular basis, like for instance, right now as I'm typing this. But anyway, I'm looking forward to not having this blasted back pain anymore, that's for sure. I have really bad lower back problems, and most of them are related to the weight I think. Anyway... :girl_hug:! I'm excited! Stephie

Do NOT have surgery until your are ready!!! It is a big decision that you must be comfortable with and there is always a risk of complications with any surgery. That being said I had my Lapband surgery on MAR16, 2009 and I have lost 74# since starting the presurgery diet. It was the best decision I have ever made. I had done WW and also lost over 50# on a physician supervised diet but could not keep the weight off. I have high blood pressure and also arthritis in one knee. I needed to lose the weight to become more healthy. I feel 10 years younger and have so much more energy. It is a tool and you still have to work at it but you can achieve success with the lapband.

PHOENIX!!! OMG we are in the same boat here! My BMI and highest weight is 312, now 300. We have tried so many years to have a baby and i decided, even though i am 39, i would rather be a bit older and healthier than risk the complications from having a pregnancy at 300 lbs. Not to mention that most fertility specialist won't do IVF or at least you are limited as to what can be done if BMI is over 40. My husband and i are going through this process together as well. The plan is to do all the nutrition, PT and group sessions together and i will be first for surgery and once i heal, he will go as well. Its so nice to see that other couples are going through this together, it really works to be on the same page with everything. Good luck to you... and heres to our future baby bumps, and looking cute in maternity clothes!

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

Hello everyone! Thank u so much for your replies. I kept re-reading them when in doubt! So my surgery is booked for Tuesday March 24th. I am scared/ excited... don't know what to feel??? I am doing it in Syria because I am originally from there, and this doctor has performed hundreds of surgeries. I am not worried about the doctor or the quality of care, I am just worried about complications. From what I have been reading, is that some people get complications.. and some people don't... I was trying to find out who would be more at risk at getting a complication... for example, why do you get that reflux thing in your esophagus, it sounds so terribly painful! Also, why would you get 'dumping'? I know dumping is for people with bypass, but some users on here said they experienced it ! I like to know my risks before going in, and mentally preparing, but it seems like these complications are 'random'. Am I wrong?

I got the lap band in Aug, 2012. I have never thrown up. No complications until the last couple of days. I have pain under my left side ribcage and there is a little swelling. There is a little redness too. Anyone had this before? I have been drinking the pineapple juice.

So, I was banded 6 days ago. I have lost 10lbs up until yesterday, but thanks to my monthly visitor, I now have gained a pound...a pound. All this work, and I gain a pound. Jeez. There goes the next few days. Anyways, I thought I would share some of my tips. They may not work for you, but they did for me. And if you have some, please do share. I am always lookinf for info. So let me start with medicines. I was told to take a multi Vitamin, acid reducer, and Calcium. Went to Walmart, got store brand Equate Acid Reducer ($5 cheaper than Pepcid, $10 for large bottle - may change to ); Viactiv calcium chews with vitamind D ($10); Active Kids Complete with Iron multi Vitamins ($6 for 120 tablets, with one daily tablet needed only, that is three months. Kids only need half, so one will do for you). Now, my doctor said ok to Kellogs shakes, and there is 10oz in a bottle, so I get 5 servings each. I found this baby formula container, which is perfect size to measure my 2 ounzes. I bought the multipack, so I saved $2 bucks on the shakes ($10 for 8). For my diet I am using Maggies and Campbells Soups, Water, sometimes 1/4 cup of apple juice and the 6oz of shakes. I do get hungry sometimes, but I have learned to extend my eatings until a little past my hunger. And I take the pills like food. So instead of taking them with the shake or Soup, I take them, and wait a while to take either of those. It is like a mini snack. I am not doing enough with the water, but I cant drink a lot, just sip and sometimes I forget. So far it was working, until the monthly came to visit. I think 10lbs in 5 days was pretty decent. I am also walking, very slow, half hour. Do not overdo it the first days. I did on my third day, and was told to take it easy by the doctor. Last thing, applications. I use four. This application for inspiration and questions. MyFitnessPal, which logs your water, food, medicine (the viactic has 20 calories so you better count it and your vitamins will show in application totals, telling you you have taken 100% of needed supplements). The app is not used to people eating so little calories, so ignore the daily message of completion telling you that you have not eaten enough. I also use runtastic, a pedometer that syncs with myfitnesspal, and something that has the word ticker in it. It creates that little ruler you see in message boards showing your weight loss journey. Go online and find more info on message boards, forums and youtube. You will also find ideas for foods to eat. I will post some later on in this thread and a couple of youtube videos. And remember, no solids during this phase. liquids only. Your stomach is healing and a scar is forming around your band, which will help keep in place. Do not put yourself up for future complications, by eating solids now. It is not worth it, even if you feel fine afterwards. You made your stomach work. That is it for now. Just remember, it maybe painful, and hard at first, but you will fet the hanf of it soon. And the results, the energy, getting rid of medical problems and why not, the clothes, are a great reward. Good luck and God bless your journey.

Welcome! You will gets lot of uniformed people telling you this is dangerous and don't do it. For me this was life changing and the easiest surgery I have ever had done. I had zero pain and zero complications. This was easier than my complete hysterectomy. Do your research and listen to experts, not nay sayers. Even with doctors some are old fashioned and not up on what baritric surgery involves. If he's not your doctor, he doesn't get a say. I would recommend continuing your research, but don't bother talking to your family about it. It's not worth the arguments and family discordance. People often hear surgery and panic. Even with your pre-op testing, just quietly get it done and don't make a big deal about it.

Welcome to this site. It's a great source of information and inspiration. It has been a great help for me. I was sleeved April 20 of this year. Due to some financing delays, I had plenty of time to learn as much as I could and to prepare, so by the time I had surgery I was ready to get it over with. I have had a complication-free recovery and am very happy with my progress and experience. I consider myself very blessed to have been referred by my PCP to an outstanding surgeon. I have also been blessed to have nothing but positive support from my family and friends. Even if they don't always understand what my life is like, they are supportive. You might want to see if one of your family members would attend some of your pre-op appointments. I was sleeved through a Center of Excellence and I was encouraged to bring someone to all of my pre- and post-op education classes. I think that the more you and your family can learn about the process and the surgery, the less fearful and anxious you will be. Learn as much as you can and ask lots of questions and keep us updated on how you are doing.

yeah i still have a few friends who dont agree with me getting the band, but i have not had any complications other than self induced(not chewing well/eating too fast...leading to sliming and vomiting.) But going from a size 20 to a 16 in 3 months i'm totally happy. i feel like some people who know i'm banded totally watch me when i'm eating . I still havent told a lot of people and some are wondering what i'm doing and i tell them portion control and i work out 2-3 days alone and 2 days with a trainer. so it's not easy, but i'm doing it. congrats on your loss so far! keep up the good work

Got my surgery is scheduled for December 9th 2010 :thumbup:YAY!!! O so Nervous:eek: I meet with the Sergeon Todd s Burry ,MD and the exercise specialist & Dietitian in a group setting talked about Lap-Band issues & Complications it's like sign your life way.:thumbup: Oh talked about vitamins & Nutrition..yes ! i had lots of questions about lap-band surery..LOL I have a 2nd visit on November 18th for pre testing...only:smile:35 days until surgery....

I'm sorry that you have had complications and I will pray that your upcoming surgery will correct everything successfully! Sending hugs!!

The LAP-BAND®®® surgery was the first surgery I had since I was 3 (48 years ago). I did pretty well and I've done well with the band. I was told in May (right before surgery) that I had a cataract in the right eye and surgery was required. I didn't want to have two surgeries back to back, so I scheduled this for October. I had my cataract surgery on my right eye on Tuesday. I felt fantastic afterwards, but have had some complications. I had astigmatism and lens correction in addition to the cataract surgery, and while my vision is better I have flashing and other issues I'm told are will require a second surgery for retina issues. My lesson is never to take anything related to your health for granted -- joints, heart, AND VISION. I've been sailing along for years seeing with contacts without a problem. I took a lot of things for granted and I learn day by day its not as simple as it seems. To top it off I can't do any kind of exercise this week and with the additional surgery next week I also can't exercise a week after that. That is hard for me as I'm used to a lot of cardio and weights and this is a setback -- weight -wise. It is what it is, I guess. I'll follow instructions and be a model patient and do everything I can to ensure my eye is good. Thanks for "listening".

That's good to hear though as my big day is comin soon:) you know what else is nice? That there is barely no complications on the board, granted its a newer surgery, but that's still nice! Keep in touch! Are you still on liquids then?

I'm newly banded (4/15/10) and did experience some doubts especially in the week prior to surgery. I think that my biggest fear though was of the lifestyle change, which probably sounds kind of strange since that's the whole point of the process. It was a fear that was worth facing though. I understand your apprehension about having a foreign object inside of you, but would point out that it's not really permanent unless you want it to be and that's one of the advantages of this over other weight loss surgery options. It can be removed if you have complications or just choose to have it done. I'm very happy that I've been banded, even though I'm still in pain and experiencing horrible gas. It was worth it for me to have another chance at a healthy and fulfilling life. I wish you luck with whatever decision you make.

I am wondering how or if my relationship with my husband may change after I have my surgery. In the beginning he was so against my having the surgery, mainly because he knew nothing about the current procedures and such for the surgery, he only knew of the old days when a lot of people died from complications and stuff. It took quite a while to get him to come around and thanks so much to his daughter who is going through nursing school she helped quite a bit in reassuring him that the advances in technology these days makes the surgery so much safer, and then when he finally saw how many medications I have to take daily, he finally got it. The part that has me a little worried is if and when I start to loose the weight, I worry he may start to feel differently towards me. My husband in a rare man, who actually likes woman who are large, fuller size woman. I'm worried that he may start to "fall out" of love with me. I know I just may be thinking silly thoughts but every now and again those thoughts do creep into my head. Most of my family and friends are very supportive and actually happy that I'm having the surgery and even though my husband as come around and now accepts that I am having this surgery no matter what. My medical condition has forced me to go forward with the surgery now rather than wait any longer and I know he fully supports me when it comes to my health. I also sometimes wonder if he is worried too, worried that if and when I loose the weight that maybe I won't be interested in him any longer. But that is completely silly to me, he is my husband and I waited 11 years for him to finally marry me (he had been married before and it ended in a very nasty divorce) so I understood he didn't want to rush into marriage too quickly, so I loved him and he loved me so it was worth the wait in my mind. But I wonder if somewhere in the back of his mind he fears I will loose the weight and leave him for some other man. I'm wondering if anyone out there who has already had their surgery is going through any of these kinds of things in their relationships. Does getting this surgery put a lot of pressure on relationships? And if it does, can it all still work out in the end?

Hello all, I had my band with plication surgery back in Sept. It's been 2 1/2 mos and I'm loving life! Have had no complications at all (thank goodness)...I've also haven't need a fill yet (feeling satisfied on 3 meals and one small snack between lunch and dinner). I usually stay around 1000 cals for the day. I was a food grazer pre-banding and would constantly crave food all the time...since the surgery that is gone. I had 1 hershey kiss today and that was it...didnt "need" anymore. Pre-band/plication I would have had to consume the bag. It's a whole new world. I eat every food (except triscuits--found out they just make me feel uncomfortable-think they swell up too much)....There is no deprivation at all and I'm feeling good now that I'm down 55 lbs. I do follow all of my docs "rules" and walk for exercise. It's nice not to have food ruling my life anymore. Hoping for continued success in all areas of this WLS journey that I've begun!!