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I am so sorry you are going through this. Complications were touched on briefly during my journey, however everything I have experienced was never discussed. I went from band to sleeve to y n roux. Last year alone I had 4 surgeries, two of them I could of died...we go with the flow with our doctors advice and each procedure makes everything worse than when I started. I don’t blame, or hold any resposible but myself, but life is now very painful with constant attacks and no answers. My doctor told me “ if all surgeries went like this no one would get this done”. Not very comforting. I am young and have resigned myself to a life of chronic attacks, I am really depressed but I have no options. I feel your despair.

I had no idea that this feature was available on this site. I really love BariatricPal.com. It's given me an outlet for all these thoughts circulating around in my head and how to deal with them all as I get adjusted to this new life. A little background about me - I'll be turning 40 this year. I've been struggling with my weight for the better part of 20 years now but have always struggled with my image. I look back at pictures of me when I was thin and healthy and fit and remember thinking how fat I thought I was. I now have a 3 year old and doctors were beginning to use words like diabetes, hypertension and "morbidly" obese around me. The biggest I ever got was 240 and that was quite enough for me. My mom died when she was 65 from all the aforementioned conditions and their complications. I already started late out of the gate having my daughter late in life. The least I can do is try to extend this here life a little longer. That's not really possible / an option if diabetes and hypertension are eating away at my ability to exist. So I banded! My surgery date was 7/11 and it's been pretty smooth so far. Just getting adjusted to it all. Today's challenge is gas, feeling tightness in my esophagus (which I think is my body just now taking inventory of the band install) and I can't wait for these incisions to heal so that I can pick up and hug up on my daughter. The journey continues!

I used dr Kelly August 2012. A lot has changed with workers then, but I have had zero complications with my surgery.

I had MGB on 12/12/16. I have had no complications. I have had no acid reflux issues. I do take a Protonix every day but that's simply because I have LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease or silent reflux) and I haven't gotten a checkup with my ENT doctor. My surgeon also gave me some omeprazole to take after surgery when I was discharged. I started taking the Protonix after I ran out of the omeprazole. I have lost 51 lbs so far and am almost in onederland. My heaviest weight was 298 lbs. My pre-op diet weight was 259.2 lbs. My surgery weight was 247 lbs. My current weight is 201 lbs. My goal weight is 145 lbs. I am 5'7" tall. I get nauseous at times but it doesn't last long. I'm not sure why it happens but it doesn't happen often. I have dumped once right after surgery on my way home. I bought the wrong Gatorade drink and took a few sips. Almost immediately I started to feel light headed and dizzy and just generally bad. I figured it out pretty quickly. I tried to pour water into the Gatorade but that didn't work so I just threw it away and got something else. The thing that has worked for me is having an eating schedule and keeping in touch with my surgeon and my NUT. They have helped me tremendously to make sure I am making progress. I hope my experience helps you make a decision. Having this surgery is one of the best decisions I have ever made. [emoji2][emoji41][emoji3]

Everyone tolerates this surgery differently. If you have a good expierenced surgeon you will not have problems etc. I was back to work one week after surgery, I had no complications what so ever, the pain was minimal and that is coming from someone who cannot tolerate any pain what so ever -LOL. And I would do it again in a second. The key is to do exactly what your doctor tells you to do. Take your vitimans, drink you protien, eat what you are supposed to eat and you will be fine. After surgery I was not hungry at all and had to make an effort to eat when I was supposed to eat. You have to work with the surgery, it is not a miracle cure becuase you get out of it what you put in. Only YOU can make it a sucess !!!!

I really think the choice is a personal decision based on the individuals situation. In my case I would never choose the bypass! Vitamin deficiencies and dumping syndrome, count me out! I do however think that the gastric sleeve is a good way to go too. Unfortunetely, it is still considered experimental by most insurances. I think that you will see a gradual decline in gastric bypass and an increase in the amount of gastric sleeves. However, even with that said, I would choose the band since it is reversable in case of future complications.

I am so glad that I found your post because I have had almost the exact complication. I am relived that it wasn't anything more serious. I recently had a cold so I am assuming that is why I was having so much pain. Thank you all for the information and putting my mind at ease.

Hi guys. This is just me being nosey. I like to visit the american pages (if you don't mind) its really interesting how things seem to be a bit different as far as banding goes. We have the NHS - where (SOME) overweight people can get their banding done free - although you need to wait a very long time (and the list is getting longer) - usually about 2 years and if anything goes wrong with your banding - its fixed free. I think you may need to pay for extra fills though. I got mine done privately - unfortunatley had to pay, but I couldn't wait any longer. When I went to visit the doc on 23rd May, I was in for 20 minutes and accepted straight away. I didn't have a complicated history and the doc could have fitted me in the following week if I wanted!! I have seen the dietician and had my bloods checked, but that was it. I see a lot of listing on yours with dates of certain appointments you need to go to before surgery. Can someone explain to me the process you need to go through and how long does it take. Does everyone have to pay in the US? N xx Happy 4th July by the way. :thumbup:

I'm in the process of scheduling myself for Mini Gastric Bypass for May 15th. I have read as much as I could find on the procedure and all the various side effects, but I'm very interested in hearing that information from people who have actually had the surgery, not a research article or summary of the procedure. Do people have trouble with acid reflux, how have you treated it and was it effective? Any ulcers or any other side effects? I'm not morbidly obese, but have been quite heavy my entire life. I'm 50 years old, and have finally decided to do something for myself. However, I'm having second thoughts and would appreciate input from anyone about any unpleasant side effects.

You gotta walk through the door or you will never know what is on the other side. My surgeon gives all his patients a journal - a way to track food, weight loss, exercise, vitamins, etc. On the front it says," As I'm getting smaller, my world is getting bigger." I never really understood it until I lost about 50-60 pounds and could be more mobile and pain free. Now my world can't be big enough! I feel no limits - only by my own mind. I believe I could hike the Grand Canyon now, or ride in the 100 + mile El Tour de Tucson (bike), or hike the 830 mile Arizona Trail, or take flying lessons. Or kayak without swamping the boat, or get on and off the floor with my grandkids, or walk up hills without being winded, or ride my mule, or buy SMALL size tops and size 12 pants. It's an unbelievable world right now for me - a world I would never know without walking through that door, scared as I was (crying in preop, wondering if I should just get up and leave.) Surgery has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is a whole new life!!!!!! A life I never thought I would see again. Yes, there can be complications (I got a blood clot in my leg), and yes, recovery is a bear. But there is a whole new world waiting for you on the other side of that door.

I told almost nobody about my surgery, so events with food were (and still are) a bit complicated and unnerving for me. However, buffet style is definitely the easiest to deal with, as you can pick and choose foods that will work with your diet. (I would frequently go with cheese and cold cuts. No, cheese is not the best choice, but it has protein--and a little won't kill you.). If it's a sit-down dinner, I usually say that I'm feeling unwell and will only be eating small portions of a few things. People don't usually push back. One word of warning, since this is the first time with family since surgery. If any of them are quite overweight, they might come across as a bit hostile or dismissive about your surgery. I have one obese family member who has never approved of my surgery and is always quite nasty about it. I believe that such people feel threatened by the fact that we are taking control of our health and may be a bit envious. (I hope this isn't the case with your family, but if it does happen, you're not alone.)

Hi Lilbit, I am 38 and just was banded on 10/13/08. I was scheduled for RNY on 8/4 and changed my mind on 7/31. I just could not do it. Too many complications. Not sure if this makes sense or not but I could never see myself after that surgery. It just never felt right to me. I happen to read a story from a lady who had RNY like 15 years ago and regreated every moment of it. The comment that just clicked and brought it all home for me was " I did this to be healthy but I didn't realize I was healthy just fat". My niece had RNY on 7/16 and has lost 104 lbs to date. She looks horrible. Her hair is falling out in clumps, she is pale as a ghost. She can not eat any meat at all. She is only 31. I worry about her every day.

I think telling your complications is beneficial. I'm struggling with the decision. This was not my own idea. My doctor is recommending it due to other health related issues (lupus, RA, thyroid) he hopes getting the weight off will help with my joints. They told me to start thinking of whether I want RNY or sleeve and we will discuss it more at my appt on May 8th. I have toyed with the idea for awhile but it wasn't till he wrote a referral that I started to seriously consider it. I don't know what I want to do yet. The complications scare me, but being able to exercise again is a plus. I have only been overweight for 12 years. I know it still sounds like a long time- but most people on here have been overweight since childhood I have noticed. I personally like knowing the truth from patients- good and bad. It is all fluff and good stuff it gives a false representation of what might really happen

Hopefully you are now on the route to healing and better health and no more complications

Hello James, Thank you so much for sharing that information. It was very informative and you look great. It has been 10 months for me since I had gastric bypass and have many challenges. I am definitely going to keep this maintain a phase in mind. I am in my goal weight due to TPN that I receive because before I was underweight due to all my complications. I have gained a few pounds but I am where I am suppose to me. I still having problems keeping food down most of the time. I wonder if I am doing something wrong.

I have been alternating between this site and OH's VSG message board. I noticed that there are few posts from sleevers in general, compared to the other surgeries. Why is that? I know the sleeve is newer, and fewer people have had it. But I also think (hope) that sleevers have the fewest complications/problems, thus do not post looking for help as much. Also, perhaps sleevers don't need the constant support that bandsters do, for example, because there are fewer adjustments/changes with the sleeve. At least, that is what I am hoping. And if you are sleeved and just lurking...please post! We soon-to-be-sleevers have enquiring minds and want to know! My surgeon consult is Monday morning. Man, am I excited!!!!!!:ohmy:

Well, on the 28th I will have surgery!! I start my pre-op liquid-only diet tomorrow night (5 full days). I am really excited and only a little nervous (but more excited than nervous). I'm worried that I am too excited. I've had 2 c-sections (13 & 18 years ago) but never been in any other kind of surgery. I read everything I can about what to expect and do for my new life so I know I'm ready for the "after life". but this 6 week post-op pain and nausea and fatigue are the only things that worry me. I have about 75 Protein powder samples from a bunch of different sources - so i think I'll be okay with that. really really really want to minimize my post-op complication rate and get back to work/life asap. Suggestions? Anyone else just have or are having surgery soon? I'd like a buddy to compare notes and get/give support. thanks for reading my post. I just have so much pent up energy and don't know how to channel it at the moment.

Are you happy with your weight loss? If you are, congratulations, if not, journalling is really helpful and doesn't need to be complicated and time consuming. Best wishes.

Thanks for the input! I have wondered myself about the complications that may come from already having had surgery; but when I asked them at the Jerusalem Center, other than telling me that they recommend the band over the sleeve for former bypass patients, there didn't seem to be an issue. It is definitely an area that I need to look into more closely. Thanks! Also, one more question for Tiffykins. How pregnant are you? Or have you already had the baby and are on the way back down the scale? I am interested in how easy it is to begin re-losing once you have begun putting weight back on, as that is one of the things that I was thinking about as well. I mean, at one time, my stomach was just large enough to eat 2 oz., so maybe there is something that I could do to re-shrink my stomach without the need for additional surgery. But I haven't found anything yet.

Hi, I am Tiffany. I am 37. I am married to very supportive man. I am a long haul truck driver. I am having surgery August 10th in Bakersfield, CA. by Dr. John Garcia. I have to lose 20 pounds before surgery, I have already lost 13. liquid diet starts July 24th. Final weigh in is August 7th and then Monday the 10th is THE DAY! I have 5 kickbutt sisters, a fab mom, a great dad, and a wonderful mother-in-law, along with the hubby that are my support system. I have researched all WLS and I think this is what is right for me. My GP is wonderful and she is very supportive. I am a self pay, so I am a bit nervous for complications due to the $$$ factor, but I am trying not to get obsessed about it. Good luck everyone!!!:thumbup:

Jack I'm curious in light of another discussion going on elsewhere. You've had the band for a long time. Have you experienced any complications? Are you "one" with your band and completely happy with it?

Hi- I've been reading the boards - as I'm scheduled for surgery on March 11 and I'm getting kind of nervous. I have just sat for over an hour reading the complications that some are having. Do complications happen more often than not? Also, has anyone had their band (without complications) for a very long time? I assumed that I would just keep it forever. Does it eventually have to come out? Thanks, Malissa

Ok, yes! Be hard on yourself. WTF? Seriously. Call your surgeon and get a referral to your RD and to the bariatric counselor. Start therapy now. This may sound harsh? But you are 4 WEEKS post op! This is the "easiest" and the "hardest" you will ever have it and the time you will feel LEAST like eating in your entire journey. Cuz barring complications like it sounds like you're asking for, your restriction will get increasingly less and less as the months go by and you continue to heal and evolve. You either take care of your food/behavior problems now? Or you could be doomed to either never see goal, or regain. Tough? Fu*k yes. I am being tough and shocking. I hope it shocks you into getting a grip and getting real with your bad choices. It begs to be asked...Why did you have this life-changing surgery if you weren't ready to get serious about living a new life? Ask yourself, WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHY did you want the surgery? WHY did you want a new lease on life? How important are YOU? How important is your marriage? Your LIFE? (Seriously one of the saddest posts I've ever read and I've read a bunch including a post-op eating pizza at 4 days.)

:thumbup:My team says I am doing great. Starting weight shortly before surgery was 293 and I am now at 277.... 16 lbs so far. My incisions have all healed, I have had no gas pains, nausea or any of the other uncomfortable complications I have read about here. Stayed on full liquids day 2-10 and still incorporate a lot of full liquids such as yogurt, cream of wheat and protein water into my daily diet. In fact you could say I am on full liquids all day, eating whatever else will go down comfortably for dinner, keeping an eye on my own personal nutritional goals. I was doing this for awhile before surgery anyways, and has now bwcome habit. I worry about progressing too fast with the diet. I asked my doctor if I ate something wrong, would it cause any problems with the band, such as slipping? He assured me that might have been true in the “old days” but that he now ties the lapband in securely by bringing up some of the lower stomach and stitching it around the band. The band will not slip by eating something wrong. He did say if I had a prolonged bout of throwing there was a slight chance of slippage, but unlikely. He also said that before the first banding the stomach pouch will not stretch as there is little restriction, any excess food just slips through to the lower stomach. His said I would be limited in what I eat by what felt comfortable “slipping through” and could gage how much swelling is remaining from the surgery by what size goes down OK. I would learn from trial and error what I could eat and what would be not be nice to me. So I have tried out various other foods to see how they feel, being sure to chew very well. This is very much feedback trial and error, as if I forget and do not chew well it does not feel good going down. I have the best luck on foods that are on the soft slippery type, like fish(scallops, red snapper), noodles, eggs and various oatmeals, even soggy morning cereal. All with no problems. No gas, bloating nausea or any other complications that I can feel. All went down just fine. Rice, flour tortillas and anything fibrous that can’t be chewed into pieces get “stuck” and I have to wait for it to clear before eating more. Not painful, just annoying. My nutritionist did say to avoid coffee as that has tannic acid which could cause ulcers on the band. I wonder if that applies to tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce, as tomatoes have tannic acid, as does wine, I think. I will need to verify that with her. I am thinking it may be the daily prolonged use of coffee that could cause an ulcer, but for now I just say no. The temptation is to keep pushing the limit, such as gobbling down a Burger King Steakburger ( I did not even though I probably could if chewed well), but I had better have enough self discipline to not do that or I have wasted my life, time and money on a procedure I do not respect. I log everything on FITDAY.com (have done this for years) and keep a careful eye on my calories, cards, proteins, etc. When I was on full liquids I was taking in about 800 calories and usually met the 60 protein goal. I am looking now at keeping my calories around 1200, so that I will continue to lose weight. My doctor has taken me off the high blood pressure med as I now test in the normal range. I have reduced my glyburide by 50%, and am slowly reducing my 24 hour insulin. I am experiencing fasting glucose of 120, which is about 100 points lower than pre lapband. So far I am very happy with my lapband.

I'm 18.5 weeks pregnant. I won't have any issues losing the pregnancy weight. I'll just low carb it again until I get the weight off. I gained a few pounds over the holidays and dropped those pounds in a little over a week just by cutting alcohol and carb consumption. As for the breakdown of weight gain with a pregnancy, this is what they've outlined for my weight gain: Maternal Fat- 7lbs Baby- 6-8lbs (average is 7.5lbs) Increases Fluid (blood volume)-2-4 ( a mother's blood volume typically doubles during pregnancy) Amniotic Fluid- 1-1.5lbs Placenta- 2lbs Breast tissue/mammary system weight increase - 1-2lbs Watch out for the ROSE procedure, it has an 85% failure rate. This is also discussed heavily on the obesityhelp.com Revision forum. ERNY (extended RNY, where they remove more intestine to start malabsorption again since intestinal adaptation has taken over at this point for you) is also an option. They will shorten your common channel by another 50-100cm. You definitely want to know before you agree to a revision if you have a pouch or stoma dilation because if you have actual mechanical failure with your RNY even a band over the pouch isn't going to do much because once the food passes through the band pouch into your RNY pouch, you will still be able to more food, and your malabsorption is gone. As for Jerusalem clinic, honestly, out of over 3 years on weight loss forums, I have never read of one patient having a RNY take down and revision to the VSG being performed there and honestly that is possibly why they are recommending the band over the bypass pouch to give you restriction again. Seriously, I can name 4 surgeons worldwide that are experienced with these surgeries, and with self-pay patients the cost just for the surgeon run upwards of 20-30k because it is such a complicated and exhausting surgery to take down an old RNY. I promise I researched revisions for months once I knew my band had to come out. The risks for complications especially leaks from scar tissue and adhesions literally quadruples with revisions vs. a virgin, unaltered stomach/intestinal tract. I had a leak with a band revision to VSG after only having the band for 8 months, and actually lost more stomach tissue because of the damage the band had done. My surgeon was experienced with revisions, and I happen to be a statistic of his that I'd like to take back. I was his first and only VSG leak so it can happen even with really experienced surgeons. I'm not slamming Jerusalem Clinic, but revisions are super tricky, complicated, and I would hate to see you fork out the money, get a surgery that is as high maintenance as the BOB procedure and then continue to struggle with your weight and be looking at or for another surgery. There have been RNY to VSG revisions performed due to reactive hypoglycemia symptoms and diagnosis after RNY, but again, it's a very complicated surgery with high risks. Just choose carefully, and continue to research your options.