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How would you rate the ease/difficulty of your first week after surgery?
Losebig replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Probably a 2, had to be rushed back to the hospital via ambulance due to complications. It got way easier after week 1 -
Considering a lap band - scared after reading this forum!
Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 replied to Elrix's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hi i had a gastric band 10 years ago and it was fantastic for 5 years. Mine broke then (the fill port) and got repaired (New port under local) but we never got it to work again. When they work, they work great. But surgeons seem to be finding too high a percentage have problems, so many are stopping the band. One point - cause cancer? I seriously doubt there is any reputable research showing that! They can slip, get complications - mostly, though, people who have trouble can’t get them adjusted just right so they work. I did the first 5 years, but just couldn’t in the second 5! I knew what the ‘sweet spot’ felt like - but couldn’t get there. I chose the band cos it was reversible. Psychologically I needed that - I am in my 50s so life long wasn’t such a concern - but I think the research is getting pretty clear than bands do not last 40, 50 years. After 10 the percentage still working well is pretty low... sorry. -
There are dozens of studies globally that all say the same thing. complications that require revisions (read surgeries) of some sort range in the 30-50% range by 10 years out. it is why the rate of banding dropped to less than 5% now and it is banned in some countries. Until the "newer" bands have been around for 10 years, no one will be able to predict whether the pharma marketing claims are true (hopefully they are, but nobody can say that yet). all procedures have advancements over the years. the data is what it is aged, in every single case for all surgeries (by about 10 years to be viably trusted). Frankly at revision rates of 30-50%, the long term band complications are significantly higher than other bariatric surgeries. Having said that, this means 50-70% are still revision free at 10 years, so issues are not a foregone conclusion. So if you are symptom free and successful, enjoy it and don't worry about it. I had a great 3 years with the band before mine went bad. My advice though is this. if you start to have issues, don't do what I did and many others and ignore the symptoms, make excuses for it and stick your head in the sand. get them addressed and fast. If they aren't resolving, remove it before it is too late to have other options. The band is sold as low complication and virtually consequence free, that is simply not true. Yes it is reversible, but it does permanent damage in many cases. it stretches the esophagus over time and can cause reflux (which can lead to cancer), cause adhesions to other organs (my hospital roommate spent 4 hours longer than me in surgery with 2 surgeons removing the adhesions from the band to his liver and intestines. many have slips or erosion. Just make sure you are being your own best advocate for your health, and act to resolve issues, they will not go away on their own.
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Considering a lap band - scared after reading this forum!
Elrix replied to Elrix's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I’m not ready for something as drastic and irreversible as a bypass or sleeve. That’s why I looked into the band. Complications are so numerous and I haven’t heard of a success story past 15 years. Definitely not a “life long” helper since I’m only 21 now. I’ve tried every diet and exercise about 5 times a week , my bmi is 32 which means I’m just in the obese range and 2 surgeons have recommended the band to me. I’m very confused and hopeless as to what to do. Any advice? -
so nervous- please help ease my nerves!
orionburn replied to nervous2018's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Most of us had nerves that were shot leading up to surgery. You're far from alone. I've had surgery before so going under didn't really phase me or concern me, but not knowing what to expect waking up was the scary part. The morning of surgery I was nervous, but at the same time ready to be done with it. After doing a 6 month program (and other delays) and then the last 2 weeks with the pre-op diet I was wanting it to be finished. Everyone has a different story to tell. For some it's a walk in the park. For others it was a tough few weeks. Comes down to hope for the best, prepare for the worst. You'll find very few people that truly regret their surgery. It does happen, and my heart goes out to those folks, but luckily for most it's a relatively short period of discomfort for a long road of feeling better. That gave me peace of mind that so many in this community were thankful to have gone through it. Even some of those that did have some complications yet had no regrets (myself included). -
How would you rate the ease/difficulty of your first week after surgery?
NewBeginnings2018 replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I would say I was an 8. First few days were tough, no complications or issues, just did not feel well. Since day 5 I have been feeling great! -
revision rates due to complications range from about 30%-50% from most of the studies. estimates are that those numbers will only continue to go up from here. ultimately it is a piece of equipment and equipment fails. if you go the the "failed Lap band and realize band" page on Facebook, it looks, overwhelmingly that gerd, reflux and vomiting are the major causes for people wanting to seek removal. followed by lack of weight loss (mostly due to de-fills to alleviate the reflux or vomiting or eating unhealthy sliders because healthy foods get stuck). and also erosion and slips show up. I revised to RNY and just wish I'd done it to begin with. no issues with surgery or recovery, RNY feels normal. totally different than living around a band and dealing with the unpredictability of a band. recovery felt quicker and easier than with the band, but that is probably knowing what to expect and doing lots of walking to get the gas out. I did self pay because I couldn't live with the band for one more second (and frankly was warned by my surgeon that it needed to come out asap) and wait lists where i am can go a year or more. I also wanted to chose my surgeon. my cost for the revision was 23k CAD, straight removal would have been less (I think 16k). it would have been covered if i'd chosen to go through the whole process for insurance. In the US I know some folks have had issues getting coverage for revision unless their BMI was high enough. .
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How would you rate the ease/difficulty of your first week after surgery?
LittleLizzieLilliput replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was in horrific pain, I was miserable, I had 3 major procedures done and did not get the sleeve voluntarily. I couldn't get in and out of bed by myself, I was scared, tired, in a lot of pain. I had a breakdown by week 4 and didn't stop crying for 7 days. Scale of 1-10, well I didn't have to go back into the hospital of complications so I'll say a 3. It was miserable and horrible and not a positive thing for me. 15 months later and life is great, I wish I had had the surgery 20 years ago had it existed. But my first weeks were horrible and I resented all the people who were like "Everything is great!" because I could barely walk. Then there were the folks here that shamed anyone who expressed regret so when I posted my situation I get attacked by a few posters who are now banned. But at the time it was a HUGE blow, I felt like not only am I an obese failure but I am apparently even worse than my peers because it went great for them and apparently by expressing regret I'm pushing others from getting the surgery. It was really rough. It's why I try to really support those expressing post or pre surgery fears and regrets. It's OK, we'll get through it! -
How would you rate the ease/difficulty of your first week after surgery?
orionburn replied to Creekimp13's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'd have to say 3 for me. Despite some complications on my third day it was pretty rough as it were. Looking back I think half my misery was due to not reacting well to pain meds, but I was also having a hard time getting fluids in. When I finally got home six days later I was still fighting an elevated heart rate & temperature along with extreme fatigue. First two weeks were not a lot of fun but things did get better. That being said I have no regrets. Not saying I'd want to do it all over again, but it was worth it. -
How would you rate the ease/difficulty of your first week after surgery?
Creekimp13 posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If 1 is....I had horrible complications and wish I had never done it. 5 is...I had periods of difficulty and times I was really stressed and challenged, but I got through it. 10 is...I'm one of the luckiest ones. My surgery was an absolute breeze. No stress, very easy recovery. -
It was much better than I thought it would be hun. I was up and about walking quickly and I think that helped a lot. You will be a bit tender at the incision sites but you'll get pain relief for that. The key is to walk as much as you can to move the gas and avoid complications like clots. I got up for a walk every two hours. You should also slowly sip water as soon as your carers let you to get off your drip and stay hydrated. Be prepared for a bit of burping and feeling a bit nauseous but there's absolutely nothing that you can't handle xxx
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Surgeon didn't complete my Gastric Bypass surgery!
numinousvessel posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I went on January 16 for gastric bypass. I woke up about an hour after being put under to a nurse in the recovery area telling me they did not complete my surgery because of complications. I have multiple adhesions and my intestines are stuck together so much that my anatomy does not look like it should. My surgeon did not want to complete the surgery until I could be told. He has given me the option to have him do a sleeve or for him to refer me out to someone who still does open bypass surgery. I cannot explain the mind f**k this was and the anxiety I am feeling. This is terrible. I knew something was going to happen or be found. I knew that I was right. Something was going to be found that would explain the symptoms I had had for years at this point. These adhesions do not show up on scans of any sort unless you have an obstruction. I have only had one other surgery in my abdomen and it was a laparoscopic appendectomy 10 years ago. He thinks it stems from chronic inflammation and autoimmune **** that I have. Has anybody had an open procedure for bypass? What's your experience? Or has anyone been opened up and not finished? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app -
2 weeks post op!!! What stage are you on??
GreenTealael replied to lyfechanging's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I don't think it was one major thing : Time management of getting all the fluids and protein sources in. What I didn't realize is that it would become more possible over time. I still struggle sometimes but I track and use alarms. Not to sound high and mighty (because I'm not) but Im so grateful I don't have food issues like cravings, I can't imagine how rough that would be. If it's off plan (within reason ) I don't even come close. I even went as far as to sneak protein chips into the movie theater (shhhhh don't tell) If I'm hungry while out and can't find anything plan approved I buy a protein shake, a juicebar smoothie that will have protein, unsweetened drink or coffee and work on hydration until I get home. But I really need to work on eating dense proteins, I'm choosing easier ones (like egg and cheese ) because they are ... easy but according to my NUT that doesn't help my system go back to normal Realizing my journey will never be like the rapid weight loss stories I hear about. So far absolutely no complications. But I stall often and lose slowly. I started at 249 and now im at 209 at 2 months post op. Slow but I hope steady. I could live with that. I hope that helps -
Can I live off sf popsicles?
FluffyChix replied to EndlessGoals#2018's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@shsa_rod LOL. While I would LOVEEEEEE to take credit for that genius, I'm pretty sure I read about some vets doing that here. What I might try doing though, since I love complicating easy peasy...is to melt some unflavored gelatin in a tiny bit of hot water to dissolve it and to add it to the protein drinks so they aren't as hard and icy and you get some good cystine and collagen in at the same time! -
For sure. I just went on a walk yesterday and my icd (Implantable cardiovascular-defibrillator) almost triggered, so I'm hoping I won't have any complications post surgery with that.
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More Exhuasted At 3 Weeks Post-Op
Sleevedincali replied to KatFight's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi there! I am almost 3 months post op and let me tell you the fatigue is something you cannot understand until it hits you! The first two weeks post op I was a champ! Finally at week 3, I became completely depleted and thought I would never feel normal again! I was sleeping, napping, sitting, moping, lol! I noticed around week 5 I started eating more and was slowly getting more brave and confident in my energy levels. At six weeks I went back to work and found that the normalcy helped with the mental struggle of being soooo run down! I PROMISE that it gets better...mind you I had ZERO complications, was pretty active before surgery and have a husband two kids that I couldn't ignore so I had to bounce back quickly! My first "real meal" albeit very small, was around 5 weeks...it was Frozen Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and french green beans. It became my go-to until I was able to eat everything else. I started out getting about 1/3 of the steak down, a tablespoon of potatoes and beans...now I can eat one "steak", 1/4 cup beans and a little potatoes if there is room. I still avoid almost ALL bread/complex carbs...I started at 278, today I am 233. I only walk...waiting until 3 month appointment to check levels and start more exercise. Best decision I ever made...hang in there always -
I've had the Garmin Vivosmart HR, and now I use a Fitbit Charge 2. I really liked the Garmin but it was a bit more complicated then I wanted at the time. I love my Charge 2. It's simple to use, tracks all of the basic stuff I need (steps, HR, stairs, exercise) it's not too ugly. Plus I like the cheesy little messages and notifications it gives me periodically telling me to get up and walk The Garmin would literally just vibrate and display "MOVE" but the Fitbit puts up a picture of a little guy cheering and says things like "are you up for 200 steps?" The only thing I miss about the Garmin is that it was totally waterproof so I could wear it for swimming/water aerobics.
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Florida sleevers/bypassers?
Engelyn replied to sandra305's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I am 7 days post op today and Dr. Teixiera did my sleeve. I think we were in the hospital the same day ufloop. Dr. T is great! I have had no complications, went back to work Monday, feeling good, staples come out today! -
Question on Feelings of hunger
KimTriesRNY replied to Down South Aussie's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I do occasionally get hungry however it is nothing like before surgery. I do not yet crave the foods that caused me to be obese. If this is due to me sticking to the diet, being more low carb, or being free from most artificial sweeteners I don’t really have the answer for that. In the beginning with either surgery you may have an issue getting ideal fluid intake in, so I don’t know that I would base my decision upon that personally. As someone that started over 300 pounds as well, you need to seriously consider giving bypass the consideration. I’m sure either would work but I was surprised at the number of ppl that were receiving sleeves in my pre op class. I was the only bypass patient and was not the highest BMI. Everyone is different and you have to choose with what you are comfortable doing to your body. I’m almost two months out. I’ve had no complications. I’ve never even vomited. I’m not sure if I’m in the majority or just have an iron stomach. I followed my post op advancement to the letter and things have gone smoothly. ‘Good luck whatever you decide. -
Energy wise the first month was really difficult for me. I'm not much of a napper, but I felt exhausted all the time. Walking is helpful for the healing process and exercise is important, but I didn't stress much about exercising for the first few weeks. I got off to a rough start so my focus was on healing first and avoiding any further complications. If your doc isn't overly concerned at this point that's a good thing. I wish there was a solid answer to your struggles, and it sounds like a cop-out excuse, but the truth is we all react differently. It may be taking longer for your stomach & brain to work together again. After surgery things are in chaos and those signals are all messed up. It is frustrating when a baby spoon full of food can make the difference of being satisfied vs feeling miserable. My suggestion is to keep doing what you're doing. Measure your food and stick to that. Eventually you should be able to add in another spoonful and not be bothered. Stick to that for awhile and then try increasing again. This is difficult phase to go through for a lot of us. The full sensations will come in time. Just keep in mind that with liquids and soft foods like applesauce and yogurt won't typically give you a full feeling as they pass through your system quicker. I had zero appetite in the early days and ate because I needed to, not because I wanted to. Things will start to come together soon. Hang in there!
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Surgeons in Wisconsin?
Dr. David Thomas replied to DB1229's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, I am a bariatric surgeon in San Antonio. Doctors generally don't share statistics on outcomes with their patients, except in a broad sense. We would be able to tell you statistical rates of complications, and if our complication rates are similar to the rates seen in large studies. I would guess that poor surgeons generally don't come out and say that they aren't any good. The best way to get an idea of a surgeon is to talk to hospital staff that have worked with the surgeons before (like nurses, for example.) If that isn't possible, then former patients are the next best thing. Just my opinion, though. Hope that helps. -
Flying Solo and kind of scared
Losebig replied to Luckeevee's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
hang in there, you should be fine. The only thing I think I would have needed someone for was the ride home (my hospital required it). At home you're able to do things for yourself and should be fine. You don't want to drive on pain killers, but should be off those before the first DR visit so either get food delivered or have it stocked up (not like you eat much anyway in that first bit). Hopefully the DR gave you all the prescriptions pre-surgery so those are taken care of. Support groups would be helpful. There's plenty of online groups like this one too. You should do well, maybe just keep your phone on you in case you have a complication and pass out (extremely unlikely). -
Describe Your Post-Op Pain
MG1776 replied to Bariatric Baddie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was fortunate to have very little pain associated with the surgery. I stopped taking any pain meds the afternoon of the surgery. I only had some complications with bleeding that would cause me to become light headed, dizzy, and faint when sitting up or standing, so my stay in the hospital was prolonged by two days. Once the bleeding stopped, I was up and moving and ready to go home. -
Hi there, have you spoken to your surgeon about this? What did they say? #1 - What food stage are you at right now? #2 - What are your protocol goals on Protein, Water and vitamins, and are you able to meet those goals? #3 - Dehydration can be a deadly complication, do not take this lightly, that you are unable to ingest liquid or food. You should consider going to the ER right now. Having chest pains, abdominal pains, these are no good. Above all I think you should immediatly pick up your phone and call your surgeon's office. Many people have come here asking this kind of advise and the next time we hear from them they are in a hospital room on an IV drip. It's no joke.
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I think something is wrong...
James Marusek replied to ereese123's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present.
