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I had surgery on Aug. 19th but then had complications and was sent back to the hospital for emergency surgery again on Aug. 24th. I came home with more weight on me than before I was admitted to the hospital. Like svasquez said, your body is catching up to the trauma. I'm the kind of person to get on the scale at least twice a day. I get discouraged everytime I don't see a pound being lost. It will come, don't worry. I got depressed and everyone that had surgery that I have become friends with on here is going through the same thing. I'm sick of broth, broth, broth.

Hi Susie, I was diagnosed with diabetes over 25 years ago when I was 22 and was also put on insulin immediately. That is to protect your health ans the insulin will work immediately to bring your blood sugars into normal range. I then started to lose weight and went to oral meds, but not ever got off them. I lost 95 lbs. I of course put back the weight over the years. I continued on the orals but 10 years ago when I wanted to get pregnant I had to go on insulin because you can not take those meds when trying to conceive or pregnant. Well, I nevef went off insulin after that. I have not yet been banded, but I am hoping that this time when I reach my goal I will be able to go back on the orals. If not - no big deal. I am very used to taking insulin and monitoring my blood sugars. You may be able to go off meds, but it is likely that at some point in your life (when you are older) you will have to go back on or take insulin. I know this not what you want to hear but diabetes just does not go away like that. You will always be insulin resistant and will always have to be vigilant. You are doing the BEST THING for your health by getting banded and losing weight. People don't die of diabetes, they die of complications from diabetes which can be avoided with good blood sugar control. Don't panic, get as much information as you can. Feel free to PM me anytime. I will be glad to help as I have walked in your shoes. Susan

fat cells produce estrogen, and having excess estrogen lowers your sex drive (it's actually more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it). Guys who are bigger often have low testosterone levels, which is easily treated by testosterone therapy (it does more than just balance your sex drive, but that's an added bonus). You can get it either through a gel, which you apply to the skin every day, a patch, a weekly injection, or a pellet that you get implanted every 4-6 months. I have low testosterone (not related to being overweight, it's a congenital thing, so i will need to be treated for it even after I lose all the weight)--I took weekly injections for a long time because they are much more affordable, but recently got the pellet implant which my urologist did in-office with a local anesthetic--it was painless and is great because I only have to think about a couple times a year. I have no idea about how higher estrogen levels due to higher percentages of body fat in women effect their sex drive (I just know so much about the male stuff since I've had to deal with it personally--I have heard that higher estrogen levels can increase your risk of breast cancer, but most people know that). You'd have to talk to an endocrinologist, but low sex drive could be related to a hormonal thing. and I do know women are supposed to have some amount of testosterone, which, if it's being drowned out by higher estrogen levels, could be responsible for a lack of sex drive--you can have your PCP do bloodwork to check your hormone levels and if they are abnormal, discuss options to level out your hormones (which could help your sex drive)

You should look into the sleeve. The bypass is serious stuff. The band works great - but if you don't get a handle on your issues with food, you may have complications - especially if you are an emotional eater! Sure there are ways to go around the band to get what you want with food - but is that the reason you get the band in the first place?? The most healthy outlook about the band is this: The band provides 50% assistance in weight loss. You provide the other 50% by sticking to the plan and not eating things that go against the band, causing distended pouch, esophagus issues and slippage. I speak from experience and I know, first hand, that all my problems with the band that I am going through right now (I am scheduled for band removal) are as a direct result of my food intake and not paying attention. Yea, I am disappointed in myself - but if I had it to do over again.....I would learn as much as possible prior to band about food/band, I would get treatment for food issues (too many people don't like to admit this one) and I would join a HEAHTLY support group, not one that everyone sits around talking about ways to "get around the band".... I wish you luck. The band truly does work - but you have to do your part...seriously. Don't get lax! Take it seriously - and I also heard there is a new band coming out in June that will replace the old one. Look into it. My message speaks of my experience ONLY. Take what you want and leave the rest. Just remember....never stop trying... the band should be your friend and not your enemy.

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.

As long as you’re sensible and follow what they tell you , there’s no reason why you should have complications. Of course , none of us can predict what can or can’t happen , even if you follow the diet and rules to the letter, you could still get complications that aren’t your fault, but the key is to make good food choices and excercise , and of course , keep to the golden rules! I read and researched everything I could . I wish you every success on your journey 😊

Complications - I had a leak when I had my gastric sleeve and was in hospital for 3 months. Had several surgeries to put in a stent (didn't work at first - had to have one stitched in place. That one ended up slipping and so had to have it restitched). My whole sleeve was a total flop, so I had the bypass. Yes, there can be complications, but despite them I went back and tried again. The main thing that I wish people knew when having complications is to make sure they have the support of family around them should everything go t i t s up. I had to fly my mum in from the UK to look after my autistic daughter. I knew there was a chance of complications, but I had absolutely zero idea of how that might impact my, my husbands, my daughter's and my mum's life. So... my advice to everyone getting surgery is to make sure you have a good support system in place should the worst happen. THAT is what I wish the surgeons office would emphasize when we sign all of those release forms.

Hi All, I was banded by Dr. De la Garza back in June, and he was awesome. I went by myself and everyone was so nice and hospitable. The hospital rooms were huge. The nurses and anesthesiologist were all wonderful. I really liked the anesthesiologist. He came and visited me twice after the surgery to make sure everything was O.K. Everyone there was very thorough and professional. They really care about how their services are rated. I had to complete at least 3 different surveys about my stay before I left. I went alone but never felt lonely because of all the friendly people there. I have no regrets and have not had any complications. I've lost 53 pounds since then. Only need 6 more pounds to reach my goal weight of 150!!!

Anyone here suffer from complications related to Gastric Bypass? I am getting it this spring and trying to mentally prepare. Thanks!

I'm two months post op and I had my surgery in Tijuana Mexico. No complications at all! Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for the recommendation! I don't think I've seen this guy; I'll try one of his tomorrow. I've tried some other ones that look similar to Leslie Sansone, but the problems I usually run into are that (1) they don't follow the beat of the music, and/or (2) the steps are too complicated or change too often/without warning. Part of it may just be that Leslie's videos are the first ones I tried, so I'm used to them and I know what to expect and don't have to think too hard. I've done most of the ones that are available on YouTube many times; I do 30-50 minutes every day, so I often do 2 or 3 shorter ones back-to-back so I can mix it up a bit. My favorite Leslie Sansone videos are the ones with Nick as the walk leader. I wish there were more of those. It's funny because he annoyed me at first, when I saw him in the background of videos led by Leslie, because he just looks way too happy to be exercising, but he's pretty funny and seems to have a genuinely positive attitude. I still wouldn't say it's "fun" but it doesn't seem as onerous when I do his videos. I also think he does a better job of leading the walks than Leslie because he always gives a heads up when he's about to change steps and he is honest when he counts down (it kind of drives me crazy when Leslie counts down from 8 and I think we're done with that step and then she does 12 more).

Hi!!! I'm 36 years old and Post-op sleeve 6 days ago! I feel great!!! Except this liquid diet is very complicated!!! Can't wait until full liquids!

One of Tomkitten, my son's favorite all-time videos is "It's Raining Men" by Martha Wash and the Cancelled. He was playing,it off of You Tube, turned to me and said Those,ladies really could benefit from Bariatric Intervention. Yes, he inherited my,❤of BIG words. And truly, at the time they made that video,they could. Several of them looked at risk for cardiac complications. So as first nominees I vote for them. Number 2 would be Kim Jung Un , he is an un- happy fat little dude. and perhaps surgery,would make him a smaller happier person. WHO do YOU feel would benefit MOST?

I have been relatively impressed with everything I have read about the sleeve....seems like almost everyone is happy with it. I have seen a few people with complications but I would expect that with any surgery. However, I thought I was being very informed when I got my band too. But the band definitely wasn't the way I wanted to live. So no throwing up?? No "getting stuck"??? Can you actually eat REAL food...like chicken, and steak?? I felt like the band made it impossible to eat real food....processed foods seemed to be all I could eat...no matter how small the bite, or how much I chewed. I'm pretty happy with everything I have read/seen so far....hopefully I will get cooperation from the doc when I finally get to talk to him.

I think many of us have been in your shoes. I am 38 and had this conversation with my grandma recently. She said, "Honey, you know if you just ate less and worked out more, you'd be fine." Okay, after 30 years of that speech, and attempting and failing and constantly disappointing myself, I decided I needed a tool to help me. The band isn't a "quick fix," it is simply a tool to help you and me and others in a fight against obesity and health related complications. I have been so angry at myself for not being able to lose weight for long periods of time. It seems so easy. Eat less, exercise more...but it isn't. If it were easy, you and I would have done it by now. Think about this, we live in a society where everything is centered around food. After I had the band last week, I was watching TV during my recovery and realized that every second commercial was food related. We can go out at any time of the day or night and get food, we are encouraged to "supersize" it and then condemned for the results. We go to dinner where the portions are 3-4 times what is normal and we eat. And food is good, it makes us feel good. After I got the band one of my first realizations was, "OH CRAP! what am I going to do when my first crisis arises and I can't eat an entire pizza?":scared2: And then I resort to my support group, here, my family and my friends. I have had to learn different techinques to solving my own issues. And lemme tell you, the desire to wander into the kitchen and grab something when I am bored, tired and/or lonely still exists. The thought of wondering if I could puree cheese sticks or could I just try to stuff down a little bit of a Snickers McFlurry still exists. And being afraid I will screw this up and fail at even this still exists. But from what I have read here in the past week, I am optimistic. The folks here are good, they have all gone through the same thing and they get it. For 30 years I tried this on my own. I am smart, well educated, professionally employed. I have a Master's degree in social work, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you'd if it were about smarts and will power I'd have done it by now. Food is the one addiction that you can't give up. You don't get to throw away the pizza and say, "I'm never going to eat again." Not only is food in your face constantly, but you need it to live. I know in my case, I needed help. And this is the tool I need. I need that measure to tell me to STOP! Because honestly, if given most anything, I won't stop. Don't you remember growing up when your parents made you finish your plate because some there were some poor starving children somewhere that would kill or die for your moose flank and borsht...ugh. Okay...off my soap box now. I just wanted you to know, it's really okay to get help. I did and although it has only been a 5 month commitment and a week post band, I would never look back. Good luck, Chris:redface:

I too, WAS a slow looser. I found out I had an eroded band and it was removed April 9, 2011 (installed Aug. 4, 2008). I was very ill. Please watch yourself if you stop loosing, it could be a sign of a complication. I do miss my band. Without it, I struggle even more and wrestle with unnecessary guilt over eating. I am currently checking into other WLS because once you have an erosion, you cannot be banded again.

Hi all, I am booked in for feb 19th Conversation with my mum earlier tonight has really got me stressing.. The operation will cost me approx $16k and there is always the possibility of complications which means 1000s more in cost and hospital stay I'm trying to be positive and look at the bigger picture but the stress of the above has really got me anxious.. Do I just cancel and go back to life as it is..? Or take the risk and what will be will be? Positive reinforcement is definitely needed here send help!

I hear so many people say surgery was literally a breeze, I'm sure it will be. I just have this notion that I rather panic, and have a smooth recovery, than be cool and calm but have complications. This is the point of no return -deep breath-

Yikes...well let me tell you....I was not at all indicating that she would stretch her pouch, if you had read the entire post I had indicated that I had experienced gain at one point in the last 4 years simply due to choice. We have "satisfied" our appetites for the last years and in my simple opinion....and that is all it is...an opinion, we need to teach ourselves quality not quantity. I didn't have a fill for 4 months and did not eat simply due to the desire to loose the weight. I am not saying anyone is wrong or right. I am not say that there will be stretched pouches, remained obesity, complications or a party in your monkeys cage next week at 6, I am only saying GOOD CHOICES....thats all. We aren't going on if you don't want an honest opinion then that should be stated in the post titling....LIE TO ME PLEASE! I am not going to....I have faught this fight and it is not an easy one! 4 years....let me know when you have been banded 4 years....one of the first 1000 in this province...I have the inside scoop....again.....JUST MY 2 cents.....POPT

@Mhy12784 I had my band placed during an open procedure as well. I have had approximately 15 abdominal surgeries and when he did my band he said the adhesions are like cement blocks. When they removed my band the surgeon and his team need two hours for them to release the adhesion srom stomach and liver. I am complicated case surgeon will try laparoscopic but is not too optimistic. Dr. Cobourn has done thousands of surgeries, I trust him with my life.

So I met with the surgeon's office today. Had the first meeting with the dietician, filled out the gigantic pile of paperwork and met with the doctor. Got some super amazing news from the coordinator of the program, which is not only does my insurance pay for the psych eval ($200), but also pays the program fees for the meetings and everything ($600). I was blown away. Then the super awesome amazing news - while my insurance carrier normally requires a documented 6 month dietitian/food class, my particular group does not. So that requirement is waived. On top of all that, when I went to check out and make my psych eval appointment, the nurse said - "Can you do today? Like in 15 minutes? She has an opening and she is right across the street." I said "sure!" and off I went. So in one day, I got my first appointment, first dietitian meeting, most of the paperwork and the psych eval done. Basically, I just have to attend one informational class/workshop/meeting and I am good to go! I feel like I at the wheel of a speeding train! As far as the debate, I had pretty much decided on Sleeve. I didn't like the idea of the bypass and I knew there were more complications with that procedure. But I do have Type 2 Diabetes and the RNY is this particular surgeon's gold standard for bariatric surgery. They said ultimately it is up to me, but now I am not sure. Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other? I am 44 years old, have approximately 150-170 lbs to lose and plan to live at least another 50 years. So for me it's mostly about the long term effects and while I know there is way more data about RNY, I just get skeeved out at the idea of re-routing my guts.

This was the best thing I could have ever done. I haven't had any complications, no drama. I guess we have all gotten to the point where we are ready to shed this weight and keep it off. Not everyone here who has had the surgery was really ready (you can see it in their responses). Of course we're used to eating whatever we want, whenever we want, but look where that got us:thumbdown:. For me, this has been and will continue to be a life changing experience. I am eating better than I ever have in life, I'm exercising (I mean really exercising), I work out 5 days a week , 2 of those days with a personal trainer. It's only been about 6 weeks since surgery and I am getting so many compliments, people are really noticing. Others that need to do something about their weight are inquiring about the procedure. I would shout it from the mountain tops if I could. THE LAP BAND WAS THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO ME:thumbup::lovechoc::scared2:

I was banded in april and I have not had a fill due to infection complications that forced the removal of my port. I have lost 50 #'s so far. Even when I get my port back I don't plan to have a fill unless my hunger is totally out of control. Everyone here talks like hunger is a bad thing and it isn't. It just means our body needs some fuel. Like you I only portion what I should have and I always wait 10 mins if I 'think" I need more. Seldom do I still want any more and am usually glad I didn't eat any more. The few times I have, I ended up with the shoulder pain you hear so much about. I try not to be 'full' only satisfied with my meals. If it has been 3 hours and I am feeling a little hungry I eat a small protien snack (usually protien only) and I am fine. A lot of people wamt the band to do all the work and it can't. You still have to make good food choices most of the time. Can you indulge occasionally, Absolutely but this is where the band helps you eat much lest then you did before. I find I don't have the raging hungry I ha before with just the band and I probably could stuff myself with more but Why would I. We all know going in that you have to make changes so why do this to ourselves. NOt me.

i read your post and all the comments and decided to answer differently... i read your posts filled with i cant, what if this or that, and more can't complications (that may or may not happen, its surgery-things happen) and on and on but you seems to forget something...read this part as i mean it with love and from someone who started with a large BMI what if you can what if you do what if you are a success what if nothing goes wrong and all goes right? think about *that* and make yourself well your the only one that can do it..so do it best of luck

This is a personal decision that you should make after you've done as much research as possible. I would get more than one medical opinion. Try to choose a hospital that has a bariatric center of excellence rating for your surgery. The bypass is still considered the "gold standard" as my surgeon put it, because it had been around longer, been studied and has statistics to back up the success of the procedure. I first considered the band, then was set on the bypass, but after learning all of the potential complications I opted for the sleeve and I am happy with my decision. I didn't want to deal with the dumping syndrome that happens to people who've had the bypass. Not just cuz it can be embarrassing but often people experience heart palpitations and I already have an irregular heart beat so, didn't want to go there. The sleeve is still a major surgery and there is a huge adjustment that has to happen both physically and mentally. Regardless, one must be ready and committed to making it work. Best of luck to you whatever you decide. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4