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It's fantastic that your having no pain! CONGRATS! I know it's kinda scary and your wondering if this is for real, but it is and you are doing great! I have only had tenderness at my incision sites and when they were healed, only discomfort when I over do it. I have had no complications from my surgery or slimes, vomiting, etc. I consider myself lucky but wish that on the occasional times that I eat to much that I would have it be painful so that I will learn my lesson and not over eat. I am a little concerned about stretching my sleeve and want to keep from stretching it. I am working on practicing mindfulness. Today I am starting to weigh my foods and keep my dense Proteins between 2 to 3 ozs and incorporate more veggies. BTW: My surgeon took out 85% of my stomach. Did your surgeon explain why he only took out 75%? Just curious, you will have the same results with weight loss I'm sure.

Hi Breanna, I hope you won't mind me sharing some answers even though I'm much earlier in the process than you (pre-op research phase). 1. what is your biggest fear with the surgery and why? Besides surgical complications (i.e., stricture, adhesions, internal scarring, having to redo the surgery for some reason), my biggest fear is not correctly handling my vitamin/nutrient needs at any time post-surgery. I've watched YouTube videos of people many years out from surgery who either lapsed in taking their Vitamins and suffered ill effects or one who "overdosed" on B6 (found in Protein, B complex vitamins, energy drinks) and got sick as B6 is not a routine lab test even for bariatric patients. Of course I plan to be complicit with the Vitamin recommendations of my NUT, but in the past I've put my medical needs second or third to work and mental health issues, so I'm weighing the possibility of that happening again if I get WLS and thinking of how to make sure I prioritize my physical health. 2. Who has been your biggest supporter for your surgery so far? And how has that impacted your decision? My mom, whether she realizes it or not. She's not 100% in favor of the surgery, but she knows I'm an adult, has my best interests at heart, and listens to me. 3. What is your goal weight and why? I'll probably take my doctor's lead on this one, as a major motivating factor for my surgery is comorbidities. I think the remission of my sleep apnea will be the deciding factor. Honestly, I've never been in 100s as an adult (I'm 5'5") so I don't have a weight I'm able to envision. It'd be nice to be in straight sizes for clothes, but I make do at my current size and am sure I'd do fine as a 16, 14, or 12, as well. 4. What was the one thing that made you be for sure about the surgery? Being diagnosed/experiencing four to five major comorbidities (including diabetes type 2 and most recently sleep apnea) has made me realize I am scared to go on the way I am. I'm not 100% for sure on the WLS yet, but am seriously considering it. 5. What is one thing you are giving up that you will truly miss having? As I understand it, unless something causes severe dumping there's no need to avoid it totally (with the exception of carbonated beverages, alcohol, depending on your body). I guess the hardest thing will be cutting back on sedentary activities I enjoy (computer, reading) in order to move more. 6. If you have had the surgery or are getting ready for it... what is one piece of advice you have for those that are just starting their journey? Listen to a VARIETY of voices from people who have been there. YouTube is a great place to hear from others, both positive and negative. People here and on YouTube recommended The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, 2nd Ed. by Cynthia Alexander which I'm halfway through and feel good about recommending to others, too. Hope this helps, Breanna. Best wishes as you continue to move forward.

Laura, what's going on? I didn't know that your having complications.......We are all pulling for you and hope to get answers really quick......

Bufflehead, I go to the same surgeon as you and they said that the program they use has the least complications. It is unfortunate that there are so many different programs people have to follow, it makes things so confusing.

I think the recovery from the sleeve was worse than my c section. I didn't have any complications with my c section but with my appendectomy and this surgery I had to get re opened due to infection with the appendectomy and a hematoma with this one. So to me from worse to not so bad appendectomy, sleeve then c section lol

The long-term complications of the Lap Band have been one of my top concerns. I cannot get satisfactory answers from my bariatric program. What they have said to me is, "Do the research." So I did, in peer-reviewed medical journals. And what I'm finding is downright scary, so scary that I'm at the point now where I'm probably not going to have this surgery.

I think sometimes you can do too much research and freak yourself out about what could happen. If you look hard enough you can find complications with anything and still be missing the details that are the most important. I will try to give you a couple examples. You do some research and find that some people have very servere problems with weightloss surgery. Along with that research please do some about the complications of staying obese, morbidly obese, or even super obese. Staying obese is much worse for your health than getting lapband. I had family members who died from obesity related conditions. Let's say someone is told they need to get their wisdom teeth extracted. They are told the teeth have decay and are causing an infection in the gum tissue around the teeth. They get on the web to do some research about it and find a case where someone died while having the procedure done at the oral surgeon. They get freaked out about that case. They fear the dentist anyway and this gives them the "out" they were looking for. It gives them a reason to not make a return visit to the dentist. They fail to do the research and find the info about the risks of leaving the infected teeth in their body. They fail to find the info that many more people die from the infection being carried in the bloodstream and to the heart causing a heart attack and death. My own father died from obesity. I chose to end my own obesity and decrease my health risks by getting the lapband. Though this was not my biggest motivation.

I'm sorry. I am frustrated as well, but I don't have the same complications you have, which have to be uber-frustrating, to say the least. Have you tried eating a 'primer' about 20 min before your meal? Like a bite of cheese or something so that when it is meal time, you've already gotten the first bite out of the way, so to speak. I hope this helps - and hoping you start losing soon! Amy

Michelle, I can't offer any suggestions on Mexico but there are plenty of people on here who have gone to Mexico and had wonderful experiences. I defer to them and their experience. As for being fearful, here's my take. horror stories about Lap Band There are thousands upon thousands of people who never, ever go to any internet forum and post their comments and stories. People who have bad experiences are often the FIRST ones to find a place to vent. I've read a lot of stuff but no "horror" stories. Yes, some stories of complications (a few who have had their bands slip; a few ports getting flipped) but nothing horrific. The risk of complications with lap band is statistically 0.1%; with bypass it is .10%. That's a big difference. Mechelle voiced a very common concern: Scared it wont work. Most of us have had that fear. After alll, just how many diets have we been on where we didn't lose and gave up or lost a lot of pounds and then "fell off the wagon" and gained it all back with a few extra for good measure? I will tell you that I personally haven't been able to lose more than 30 pounds without falling off the wagon in quite a few years. But I'm down 52 and really haven't even thought about eating some of the crap I used to. Now, that doesn't mean I haven't eaten a little bit of birthday cake (a very little bit, just enough to get the taste) and I've snitched a few fries when I made them for my granddaughter who lives with me but I most definitely haven't gone crazy. This is a lifestyle that comes with enforcement. Your band, once you reach your sweet spot, will keep you from overeating. Yes, you will still have to make good choices, but you will have help. There are bypass patients who have eaten around their bypass surgery and regained some if not all of their weight AND GOTTEN A LAP BAND AFTER. You can eat around any surgery. "Slider foods" like ice cream and stuff has a lot of calories and can get you in a heap of trouble. But guess what? Same problem with other WLS. There is no magic in this. You have to be willing to make the lifestyle changes ... and if you choose the band, you will have a great tool. I can say that because I have the band. I can't say more than I have about bypass because I didn't have that; I've only done my research comparing the band (my choice) with GB. And I know next to nothing about the sleeve so I can't say anything definite about that.

Hi, I live in Northern Arizona. I have made it to a seminar, and have decided on getting surgery, just not sure which one or where yet. I am leaning more towards Lap Band, but have been considering the Sleeve also. I have been hearing horror stories about Lap Band, but also have heard some really good things. With the Sleeve it seems that after surgery there is less restriction, less hunger, and fewer complications, but I guess it depends on who you talk to. which is why I am glad I found this site, it will be nice to get to talk to some people who have had this done. The other decision I am torn on is where to get it done. In Mexico it is so much cheaper, but my husband has some concerns about my safety as far as getting it done in Mexico. Anyone have any experience with this? Is just as safe?

I flew to Mexico for my surgery, and had no complications at all. Prior to going I had arranged more local aftercare. I was given pain medication in recovery I believe, something into my IV. After that I refused it, I did not need it. I was up and walking the hospital the afternoon of surgery, and did a lot of walking around the next day. We flew home 5 hours in the air, followed by another 5 in the car, on the 3rd day. I took one dose of liquid Tylenol on our layover, due to a headache. I had packed Gas X and never needed it. Once home I was walking Home Depot the next day, "supervising" a remodel of my DD new house!! I have been on the go ever since. I had actual stitches, that we removed ourselves. My fill Dr. was very happy with my surgical report, and my recovery, as well as my weight loss. It was without a doubt the easiest surgical procedure I have ever had. Would do it again in a heartbeat if something were to go wrong, and would recommend it to anyone! Good Luck to you!!! You have made a wise decision in my book! Kat

Recovery is not as quickly this time. I have trouble sleeping, feel kind of restless but pretty beaten. Had some cramps a few hours ago that lasted half an hour or so. I have to test out what I can eat a few days out and what not. Protein drinks seem ok, the protein pudding might have been too heavy. Will try that again in a few days. I'm still scared of complications. I'll be glad when the first month or so will be over.

You need to do what you feel is right for YOU! It's great that your hubby is supportive; it sucks that your parents don't support you. However, I'm betting your folks are more worried about losing you than really intending to be negative about the surgery. If it's truly important to you to have your parents' support, then show them the statistics for death and complications and explain how low they are. I've read that you're in more danger driving every day than having the sleeve, yet we all still get in our cars daily. Once you're post-op and doing well, I'm sure your parents will come around, even if you don't choose to show them the stats.

My doctor told me to cut back on smoking if I wanted the sleeve, he also said that if I was having the bypass I would have to quit smoking all together. When you smoke you end up coughing a lot after surgery that is one of the reasons they want you to quit and there are other problems it causes but don't know what they are. I would ask him about it again let him know how much and how long you have been smoking ask him about cutting back and not quitting, ask him why he wants you to quit, and what the complications are of smoking. Each doctor is different and has their own way of doing things, I was very lucky mine was ok with me cutting back I went from a pack a day to half a pack a day before surgery. After surgery I did have some coughing but the long walks to and from the smoking area helped lol.

True, but there was never any doubt that Dr Aceves was a great vertical sleeve surgeon, and as this is a vertical sleeve forum it would make sense that he'd have great reviews here. I just don't know if he's a great DS surgeon, from what I know it's a MUCH more complicated surgery, but I have not had it done myself, I chickened out at the cost But you may have more luck on the ObesityHelp forums since they're not geared to any one surgery like this one is.

Obesity is defined differently but a general guideline is having a BMI between 30 - 39, with extreme or morbid classification starting at 40. Subsequent factor - never heard it called that, but I'm guessing these are comorbidities. This isn't technically correct, but think of them as other medical complications that are somehow related to or impacted by your weight. High BP, cholesterol, apnea, joint pain, diabetes, hypertension, etc. are common examples.

I know that every individual's recovery is different and certain situations wether it be complications or healing times differ, but on average, how many days or weeks would someone have to be out of work? I am a nurse and I'm on my feet for almost my whole 8 hour shift , I also lift and have to be slightly active. Obviously way different than say a office desk job. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm getting nervous because I don't get medical leave or vacation time for another 6 months (surgery is in 4 months) so I'd have to figure out how to take the least amount of time off work possible.. Is that even possible??

So far no regrets or complications. I do miss loving my old foods like pizza, fried foods & fast food. Those things just are not good now, I can eat them if I wanted, but they seriously are just disgusting to me now. While that is a good thing for health and weight loss, your mind struggles with it. That comfort that you used to get from those foods just isnt there now. Its almost a hassle to think about what I need to eat or want to eat. I guess there is just no food passion now, and I miss that. Having to keep up with drinking and vitamins is a minor annoyance, but nothing to really complain about. Its also easy to get into a pattern of snacking on things, those calories really add up so dont let that habit come back!

Very Depressing day today.... I dont even know why. Maybe it is because I don NOT want to go to the doctors tomarrow. The last time I had a GYNO visit was HORRIBLE. LOL Probably why I havent gone in 6 years. The doc was such an arse. I have always sat up since I was 12 but nooooooooo she wanted me to lie down, then was mad cuz she couldnt see nothin and then was just a witch about it. I told her my cervix was tilted!!! Sheesh I just feel like I am in a viscous cycle. I cant work at a good job with good insurance cuz of my swelling legs and ankles. So I dont have insurance that will pay for surgery. I have a job that doesnt pay enough to get financing for surgery. Its like buying a house, I just dont think its ever gunna happen. I wont be able to work a "normal" job till I lose wieght. I just want to cry. LOL I even thought about playing the Megabucks the other day. The only 2 people I know that have money are my parents and one of my aunts friends. My parents wont loan me the money. *Sigh* LOL and I only met Rita once, how could I ask for a loan even though I know they have millions of dollars. But at this point I feel desprate. I think I will call my Aunt tomarrow, and see what she thinks. Being poor sucks sometimes. Its at times like this when I get angry with my parents. Why the hell would they say they would not help with college??? It wasnt my choice that you spent $100 grand on counceling because you all could not get it together. I think I would have chosen my future over that. Its why I had to wait 10 years to go to college, when you know thats all I have ever wanted to do. So now I am almost done and I am afraid cuz I might not be able to work... WTF??? When did life become so complicated???? I remember in my 20s that being poor wasnt a big deal. That was before all of my medical issues. What the hell is up with the cost of Drugs and going to the doctor???? Some days I just want to give up and call it quits.... Put me on Medicaid, give me a check and I can sit on my fat ass and not leave my house EVER. I really have thought about it. Even got a application sent 7 years ago. And the sick thing was my mom was like, go for it!!!! She must have missed the class where ya learn that you should want your kids to do better than yourself. So while she and dad live in thier 4000 sq ft house, going on cruises, snowbird ways, I trudge threw school a full time crappy pay job, live paycheck to paycheck and sink further and further down the working poor class funnel. I am really glad that these days are infrequent...lol OOOO and can I get my brothers phone number??? I only asked 3 years ago!!!! Sheesh....I know she is scared that I will tell the truth but come on, he is sick, I am sick, get over yourself!!!! I have already been sworn to never tell my Grandma she had a child out of wedlock and gave him up for adoption. I was punished cuz I told a friend. I just want to get to know him. I dont think it is fair that I had to meet him once with her there and never been able to talk to him since. It is just crap! I wonder what my life would have been like if so many things had not happened in my life. Would I have gained wieght? Would I have acted out sexually in childhood? Would I be a Pschologist like I planned? Would I have travled the world?Would I have tried modeling? Would I have become a dancer? Would I have children? I dunno.... But I do know I just want to be able to live, and thrive. I am dying here. I want to leave. My spirt is dying. I miss my "family" that I created. I miss all of the kids. I am afraid I will never be able to have any children now. Which is odd...lol... because I spent most of my 20s fearful of having kids cuz i didnt want to be like my mom. I married a wonderfull man that has a disability but who loves me unconditionally. He takes care of me, but he will never get a good job till he learns english. He accepts me with all my issues, God only knows he is a Saint, lol. Its amazing that i am so distorted. On a day to day basis I dont think of myself as fat. I catch a glimpse of someone in the mirror, who is that? ooops its me. IS that REALLY me???? Not at all who I think of as myself. I miss dancing,volleyball, softball, cute shoes, swimming all day, holidays..... OMG I let so many things just go by and not even batted an eyelash... ICK.. ENOUGH LAMENTING.... I shall get my fat arse upstairs and into bed for tomarrow is a new day

I'm getting LapBand on March 30th and I'm totally nervous. Are there any complications any of you have experienced that I should know about? I'm worried how I will feel after surgery, any advice?

I have had no complications. I was banded on 3/18/11. Just sip the Water and walk (as much as you are able) afterward. I had pain. don't be afraid to take the pain med prescribed. Stay on top of that. The first three days I walked around but was very tired. After that, I began feeling better and better. Some of the folks on here have an easier time than I did. I didn't have bad gas pain...I have pain at my port site. It is still sore but I am sure it will pass. Good Luck! These feelings you are having are all normal!! *HUGS* Rachael

Yes there are ways to avoid most of the complications. As you have read everyone is different on how the react to the band and some people have more extreme problems than others. I have been banded for two years and in my early days when first banded I did have heart burn and some reflux for several months. My physician had me on reflux medication and I seemed to live on Gas-X in the first 6 months, everything seemed to give me gas. As for the throwing up, slimming, PBing (Puck Back) it should be minimal and really only happens if we; one eat to fast, two eat something we really shouldn't or we fail to chew or try to drink and eat at the same time. I am around your age, actually I am older, I am 57 and have lost 122 lbs and I am at goal. My results are not typical, I have worked hard to lose all my weight. The usually only expect you to lose 40-50% of your weight by the literature. As far as the blogs and the forums, In the early days I took the positive comments and situations and tried to make them work for me and all the negative; I tried to learn from them also, as things I may want to avoid. This is a web site which allows all of us to vent our frustrations, brag about our successes and not feel like we will be judged or ridiculed for anything we say or do. The band does require commitment and honestly it is hard, losing weight is hard, even with the band it is a lot of work. I wish you success in your journey but walk into this with your eyes wide open and realize that it will be work and it is not going to do it on it;s own. You are the only one who has control of what you put in your body: NOT the BAND! PS: one thing I forgot, be ready for honesty, when you ask the opinion of the people on this site they will be honest and sometimes it may hurt but they or we don't pull punches because we all need to be held accountable for our actions. Some of the conversations can get a little heated sometimes but everyone is in a different place and the feel very passionate about this process and their personal journey. Again, Good Luck!

TY for that @@MrsPJ I am okay with who I am now. When it all happened it was painful. But I have managed to adjust. I am in a lot of pain due to scaring because of the complications of WLS. So for me to wear tight body forming garments is not possible. It has been hard but I now like who I am even with the lumps and bumps. It is part of the sacrifices I made to lose the weight. A choice I made good or bad.

I have the same worries too. Most of us that self-pay do worry. But if they told you that your insurance covers complications of an uncovered procedure, then it sounds like you are gonna be covered. Because a leak would be considered a complication of the sleeve. You may want to confirm and even get it in writing and get the persons full name that told you this. It may even be in your insurance policy. You are lucky, a lot of self payers have no Ins. Also the possibility of a leak is low, like less than 1%. You can also check on your drs stats as well. Good luck!!

Oh Wow! Thanks so much for the advice! Congratulations on you being 5 weeks out. How are you feeling? I am so scared about having complications after the surgery. I have one friend who had the Bypass and had numerous issues the first couple of months, but is super skinny now and is a little over a year out. My other friend was sleeved and had no pain, no nausea, no nothing! I was like, "Really?!?!?" I want and am hoping for the same thing. My doc only put me on a 4 day liquid pre-op diet. How come I am seeing people posting different lengths of time for them? Does it depend on how heavy you are? Some say 7 days, some 2 weeks, etc.