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I agree with Babs - the aftercare is absolutely critical to success. I'm based in the UK and went with a specialised weight loss company. The consultant put the following argument to me: surgeon's simply do a technical job of putting the band in place - so you really want one that has done the job many, many times to reduce the possibility of surgical complications. Supporting the patient afterwards however, is the job of others who are equally expert in their roles. So, the consultant (not the surgeon) conducts my band fills, I have a personal dietician, a dedicated weight loss mentor and access to an 8 week behavioural programme following surgery. Each member of 'my team' is there to offer different types of support -- something the average surgeon is neither qualified or particularly interested in doing.

Hello. I've looked into the surgery about a year ago, did some research & got a little worried about the side effects and decided not to do it. I've again thought about doing it and did some more research. I was hoping to get some detailed input from recent and long-term banders. Any complications? Concerns? Frustrations? Suggestions? I'm hoping to maybe get the surgery done in October. How long before that do I need to meet with the doctor and start working with my insurance? Any information would be greatly appreciated! :smile: Thanks and congrats to all you banders that are doing great! :tongue2:

Hi September folks! I was banded on 9/3 and am just biding my time until my first fill on Oct 20, which still feels like FOREVER away! lol Of course I have zero restriction right now and have been battling hunger. It would be a million times worse if I weren't exercising, I'm sure. I've returned to walking 3 to 4 miles most days of the week and have gotten back to Curves. Yesterday, I got started with the Curves Smart workout, which is a computerized and customized workout that pushes you to work as hard as possible. I have to say I thought I was working out before, but WOW. Curves Smart kicked my butt yesterday and I loved it! I am confident that it will help with strength, shape, and toning. For those that are just starting to take baby steps with exercise, keep at it! You will amaze yourself with what you can do. Try a little bit more each time. And no matter what activity you're doing, please make sure you're wearing good shoes! You don't want to complicate things with an injury or pain. You can do this! We all can! Imagine how great it feels to be DONE with a workout - and then go make it happen! All the best! gracerev

:: I just knew that somehow my commitment would be questioned. I hesitated to ask this. I have been seriously looking into wls for a few years. I am an adult, I understand the idea of commitment. If anything this forum has made me even more cautious since the official literature doesn't give the honest information that the veterans on this list have given me. I don't go into this easily or with the idea that the band will not be extremely hard work. It is a tool. I want to live and not die of complications of my weight. It has held me back for too many years to discuss. However, I want to live. The tour I am referring to is a geneology vacation with my Mom. We will be visiting relatives we have never met in very very small towns in Sicily. It is once in a lifetime. And...more than a year away since I am hoping to get banded by June. I don't have any intention of putting off the surgery due to this possible trip. I was really sincerely hoping not to open up a pandora's judgemental box. My question was about eating, dorky yes but cavelier no. I was wondering how one feels after a year of being banded, being successful at losing some weight and then being unfilled for an extremely short period of time. ::scared:: Thanks for answering though. I do sincerely appreciate it. And again, this group is truly terrific. Love, Diva

Hi Natlin, How do you know if surgery is right for you? The best you can do is research, research, RESEARCH. Take a peek around the postings here, the different boards including the complications board. Read up on anything and everything. Check out the websites for hospitals near you and see if they have a Bariatric unit or the surgeons that do the different WLS. See how many they've done, etc. Then take that ALL in and ask yourself....Is this right for me. If you think it could be visit your PCP, get his/her recommendation on a surgeon who does them, make an appointment with that surgeon and ASK questions. There are also informational groups at many hospitals where you'll hear first hand what folks have gone through and questions they have. Amazing what you'll learn. Definately...make the decision being well informed. I know for me RnY wasn't an option. When I finally heard about Lap-Band I studied like crazy and THIS website has been the best. I'm being banded tomorrow (2/13) at Beth Israel in Boston,MA and I'm very excited about it! Good luck with your decision Sherry

I don't have a recliner, and I was in a hotel for 2 nights after my surgery anyway. To lay down, I just sit down, lay on my side, then roll into whatever position I wanted. To get up, roll onto side, use arms to push into sitting position. Loving-it is right about the bathroom or any sitting position), push on your knees with your hands while you stand up to support the upper part of your body. It takes some of the work off of your abs. My fiance came with me for my surgery, and it was very nice to have him around, but I *could* have done everything on my own. Walking around is good for you so it's not like you are bed ridden. Don't pick up anything heavy and you should be ok. (assuming there are no surgical complications) I slept on both of my sides the first night after surgery. I just can't sleep on my back. I CAREFULLY and SLOWLY rolled to each side. It was a little painful to roll onto the left side (where my port is), but once I got settled, it didn't hurt anymore.

You'll get there. You should be really proud of what you have accomplished. Even with the complications you're sticking with it and making it work for you. Good for you!!

My diet consisted of 4-5 meal replacement shakes plus sf jello, popsicles and clear liquids and broths for 14 days. My nut said if I felt I had to cheat to eat good protein. I did cheat a couple of times but it was a bite here and there with a chicken breast of beef roast. I would definitely call your surgeon or Bariatric place. The whole reasoning is for the shrinking of the liver. I have seen posts where livers where too big and in the way and Dr closed them up and didn't do the surgery. I took my preop very serious as to not cause complications while under. They will probably tell you everything is ok but to be safe I think I would stick to clear liquids, jello and broths until surgery. Good. Luck and keep us posted.

Huggles, thank you for sharing the complication. A blood clot is a risk of any surgery. I am very sorry it happened to her. In obese patients the risk is even higher of a clot occurring than in normal weight patients. The main treatment for fighting blood clots is to get us up and walking right after surgery and keep us on the move. I hope you find the balance between honesty, privacy, and peace with your family. Try not to let emotions rule the day. As for what I have done, most of my family knows except for my mother-in-law, because all she does is fuss over everyone's health status. I get migraine headaches, and every time I see her she wants a run down of how I am doing. DH told her recently that I had an abscess on my back side a year and a half ago that needed lancing (he was searching for conversation--she was seeing the nurse practitioner who took care of it for me), now she wants all the gory details and asks about it often! So the family understands why I don't want her to know. They all just say, "gee your diet is going great, you look so good!" Best wishes to you!

The stats you quote in your initial post are about right, but I don't think it's the fault of the band or complications with it that results in the success rate not being higher. I think that complications are only a small portion of the failure rate. Physical hunger is only one thing of many that contributes to someone who is chronically obese. Head hunger and other emotional/psychological issues are a HUGE part of our problem, and the band doesn't fix those, of course. Perhaps looking at those numbers from a glass-half-full perspective is in order. 95% of people who lose weight through diet alone gain it back. 50% of bandsters gain it back. Personally, I like the odds WITH the band (or other WLS) a whole lot better than those without it.

Hey All: As I count down to my surgery, I have tried to calm my jitters by continuing to be more informed about the surgery, the effects, the complications. I have found some very informative videos on youtube posted by a Dr. G. Alvarez. Search "Endobariatric" within www.youtube.com. 11 days to go!

Dreamer, That is a really tough personal decision. I too had never been "put under", so I didn't know how things would go. I was in the surgery center of a good hospital, so that did ease my mind. I also spoke with a lot of people pre-op, some of them with good knowledge in the medical area. One reported that the technology used now in anesthesia is so much better and more exacting that they wouldn't hesitate to go under in either location. My "day of" experience was pretty good actually.. I was sooo wanting to get the "versed" pushed I was almost begging for it.. However, just having a loved one with you and trying to distract yourself is enough to get you to the versed.. I used humor, I was joking with every person I interacted with. I don't think I was too bad, but I didn't care, humor was my drug. Versed is only pushed in the IV by the anesthesia specialist who is the last person you see before heading into the surgery suite. Once they push that, you can forget about any worries in the world. Someone could tell you the IRS was auditing you and you would not care.. Complications are rare, however, we made sure to get the most experienced (# of bands installed) surgeon in Austin. Best wishes for a smooth procedure.

It's an awful feeling losing all that weight to then put it back on in such a short period of time. And I'm sorry you had to experience that as well. I had thrown out many of my clothes because I swore I would never get back to that size and now I'm getting back to "that size" and having to shop all over again. I want to try dieting on my own and I've somewhat convinced myself that I can do it, but really who am I kidding, I couldn't do it before and I probably can't do it after the band. There are very few people who've had the band removed and go on to maintain their weight loss--very few though. I meet with my surgeon today and I'll find out if the band slipped again (actually hoping that it did but either way I'm going to have them remove it). I'll let you guys know what I decide! I think you/your surgeon made the right decision by waiting in between surgeries, lessens your chance of complications is what I've been told. Sending lots of prayers your way for a safe and successful surgery. Please keep me posted on your progress!

I'll keep you posted after my surgery if there are complications. I really want to follow doctors orders to avoid those things you mentioned. Wish me well!,

I'm interesred in hearing about the lifespan of the band. Anyone out there that have had it for more than 3 years without slippage etc.....?

I have a 32fr, and have not had anything close to a stricture. From what I've read, the strictures were seen with smaller than a 32fr. It seems the most "popular" sizes are from a 32fr to a 40fr for most stand alone sleeve procedures. I haven't read about many strictures, and from what I have read that it's not a common complication. Apparently, it's when scar tissue grows and interferes with the passing of food/liquid into the stomach, or a twist in the tubular shape of the sleeve. I'm not sure what the percentage is on patients that experience them.

Although I am two years out from being banded, I have a number of body image issues and I find that photographs help me to see what I have trouble seeing when I look in the mirror. I know that pictures also help my buddies on this site when they wonder if they too can transform even with high BMI's or complicated co-morbidities. Here's the proof that it can be done by just limiting intake, making healthy choices, and moving a little bit. I haven't done anything to excess and have still found success. If I can do it, so can any of you. The first set of pictures is from our company Christmas party. The before is from 2011 and the after is from 2014. The other set of pictures is from a hotel I stayed at in June of 2013 and again last week. At the time of the first picture, I was already down nearly 70 lbs. and the after pic is me down 155 lbs.

Yup. Very common with quite a few of us. Don't forget that Breakfast is the most important meal (gets that metabolism up and running), so don't skip it. If you find that breakfast is difficult because of band tightness, try sipping some hot tea or coffee 30 mins (or however your doc wants) before you eat. Ok, I'm pretty radical on this point. We don't need a diet, per se. Diets fail. What you need is to eat healthy meals (plenty of lean Protein and vegatables) in bandster portions. Once you really get that scale moving, there's even room for the occasional treat! Take that, diets! lol Yes indeedy. Exercise is perhaps the MOST important aspect of having a band. Remember, cardio burns fat that's already on your body while resistance training builds lean muscle to pump up your metabolism. Click on mine. That'll take you to the tickerfactory. Then, follow directions from there regarding putting in your information. Once you have it like you want it, go to your "user CP" tab (for me, it's in the upper left hand corner directly underneath the pics of the people at the top of the home page), go to "edit signature" and cut and paste the tickerfactory into your signature. Sounds complicated, but it's not. Holler if you can't figure it out. Good luck!

My turn to "weigh in"! I'm 5'4" and had my surgery 12/29/08. I've had one complication (my surgeon had to move my port 4 weeks ago), but that has almost healed and despite that, I've lost 30 pounds! I'm thrilled with my success, but it hasn't been easy ... I follow the Protein and eating guidelines to a t and exercise 5-6 times a week. I say go with what your psychologist says! You might also ask why your surgeon thinks gastric bypass is better for you. Also, follow your "gut" ~ your 6th sense will usually guide you to the right decision. Hope this helps!

my first day of surgery I was reading my post-op diet for the 100th time and I became sad, scared and cried . I wanted to call that damn Dr. and tell him to take this s--t out of me. I was thinking of an excuse to get it out, the same thought came back to me the next day, stupid me I was on the site looking over complications (will never go back there) and I was thinking of the what ifs can happen 5-10 years from now. I wanted this s--t out. I was freaking out and keeping it to myself. I finally told my husband and kids what I was going through and they reassured me I made the right decision. it passed, I am 5 days out and am so excited and ready for this. When you feel like banding was a mistake, think of all the things you will be able to do when you are healthier. I have a goal set for 2008, camping ,hiking with my family and how hot I am going to look in my shorts. ok and my health lol you to will come get through this, I know I will be going through emotional up and downs, but with support, great people from this site you will be ok. god bless you and happy new year SC banded 12/26/07

I want to say that I think that the lap band is a good tool for weight loss. I have seen some successful people with it and have personally known quite a few. I've realized, though, that the lap band really is a temporary device. I have never met anyone that has a lapband after 10 years. They either had slippage, erosion, or other complications from the lap band such as infections and hernia or whatever else and etc. My friend told me that when she signed the paperwork...it was listed as a temporary device. One of my friends had such bad damage and scar tissue from the band that she was unable to get a revision surgery. That got me concerned. Does the band cause damage to the stomach from having it for years that makes the person incapable of getting a revision surgery? Does the person then simply just hope and pray that they have learned new lifelong habits to maintain the weight loss? There are so many what ifs. So who still has it after 8-10-12 years? Does it still work or is it unfilled and simply just sitting there without being in use? Is it really a permanent solution to weight? I want to say I think it's a good temporary tool. But I do wonder what people do when the temporary is over...

Yep had my gallbladder out a year before getting the band..didn't change or complicate anything

So glad to hear that no one is having complications I had mine out in 2005 and will be banded in about 3 weeks Thanks for your input!!

Donali's sister, Cheryl, called me an hour ago. Sorry it took so long to post but I'm going in too many directions this evening. Donali was in surgery 4 hours. Cheryl didn't call them "complications" but the surgeon had some repairs to do. I don't have any other information yet, other than her sister is with her at The Oasis Hospital, and her mom is waiting at home for her in San Diego. I think we can all agree that she's truly amazing. Actually, you all are. Cheryl told me Don was touched with all the support here. Believe it or not, I'm at loss for words.

Hey Jack, Thanks for your concern. I'm a nurse, so I'm well aware of what they're talking about, and what's involved in bypass versus the band versus DS; I've talked to several nurses at my work who've had the surgery and have been able to ask really detailed questions that the average WLS consumer might not think of. I have a list of 25 things I plan to ask the doctor during my consult. Apparently, the smaller the amount bypassed, and the earlier in the digestive process it takes place, the less malabsorption there is. (This "jibes" with everything I learned in nursing school, and has been verified by my husband who has a BS in Biology and who's counseled people on nutritional counseling). Obviously, ANY malabsorption is a problem, especially for someone with an autoimmune disease as I have. I need all the help I can get to keep my inflammatory condition at bay, which is why I take roughly 25 vitamins, mineral, and other various supplements a day. So that's an enormous concern. OTOH, not having anyone able to follow me after banding is a huge concern as well. Even the one doc up here who does fills is difficult to get in with and is talking about not doing them anymore; and he wont' actually touch the band, just do the odd fill. Yikes. There is literally no one within 2500 miles who would follow me and help me if I had a complication; I'm not sure people who don't live in Alaska quite understand how isolated we are up here, and how limited our health care choices are. It's really quite frustrating how limited we are. The lack of follow up care is scary for me, and why I'm reconsidering banding. The safest operation in the world becomes dangerous without proper follow up care. The money situation with us is enormously difficult. Without going into details that I'm uncomfortable sharing, there is no way I can have my surgery financed. I have to go through my insurance company or it will not happen. We've figuratively cut the fat out of our budget in order to support a family of FIVE on two health care worker's incomes (we're not doctors, just a nurse and dental assistant) in one of the most expensive states in the US. So it's not as though I'm not motivated; there is literally no way to do it (and I'm a persistent one). I can always wait until we move to Washington or Oregon sometime in the next 5 years, but how much weight will I have gained by then? (I don't wanna know). So it's frustrating right now. My insurance would cover me going to Texas for the band, but I'd have no follow up care. My new insurance (as of April 1) won't cover WLS at all. So if I'm going to do something, I have to do it now or else possibly wait several years. In the meantime, my mobility is failing, my comorbidities are getting worse, and my Sarcoidosis is getting worse as well, in part because of my inability to exercise and the stress of my weight on my lungs. (I was in the ER the other night because of a flare up, which led to a panic attack). Sucks to be me, doesn't it?