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Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

I originally booked off 1 week and because of a minor complication, was off 2 weeks.

Here's a list of questions (with recent updates) that I posted quite some time ago. Since you're coming up on your last appointment you'll likely have answers to some of these already but hopefully you'll find others that will prove useful. What are the risks? How often do patients have complications following surgery? What side effects are the most common? What are the benefits? What should I expect after surgery? Realistically, what weight loss should I expect following surgery and over what period of time? What are "stalls" or "plateaus"? How long do they last and if I do experience them, what can I do to shorten their duration? Will any new technology be used e.g. robotics? Is the hospital and surgeons office accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)? This is a combination of the programs formerly offered by two highly respected surgical societies - The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Beginning in 2012, this accreditation replaced the former Bariatric Centers of Excellence. Are you board certified in bariatric surgery? How many roux-en-y gastric bypass surgeries have you performed? Have you experienced any surgery related mortalities? Do you have patients that are willing to share their weight loss surgery experiences, positive and negative? What types of support groups and counseling will be available post-op? What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand the surgery? How often do you see your patients following surgery? What is the significance of Protein following surgery? Does your practice offer support services for psychological needs? What assistance is available for helping me secure insurance approval? Who should I speak with regarding insurance related questions? What pre-op testing will be done? What post-op testing will be done? Will I need Vitamins after my surgery and if so, what types? When can I start exercising after my surgery? How likely is it that I will regain weight after surgery? Think of the meeting with your surgeon as an interview. You're looking for an answer to "Why are you and your team the most qualified for the job?" You're gonna love the new you!!

I'm new to these forums, so bear with me. My story is long and ... complicated (pun intended). I had an open Roux-en-Y in April of 2002 at St. Vincent Hospital in Carmel, Indiana. I lost over 200 pounds in a three year period and have maintained that loss for more than a decade. I am a Type 2 diabetic. I am on insulin. The surgery never really helped, and my own inconsistency and occasional non-compliance (read: stubbornness) are self-made traps. I am in control at present with an a1c of 9.2 (and falling). I walk quite a bit at work and do functional lifting when needed, but am otherwise inactive other than routine daily activities. I started smoking about two years post-op. I needed something to do with my hands as grazing was no longer an option. I have stopped a few times, once for over two years, but have yet to quit completely. As of January, 2015, my kidneys seemed to be fine. My creatinin was 1.5. A little high, but normal for someone in my shape. By July, it has peaked above 5. I was anemic and almost dead. They direct admitted me from the doctor's office and began dialysis. Oxalate nephropathy was the diagnosis. Basically, oxalates in food that normal get absorbed and removed in the stomach and intestines instead routed through my kidneys and formed crystals that clogged up the works. I stayed on hemodialysis, both home and in-center, until September 2016, when I received a transplanted living donor kidney from my son at St. Vincent in Indianapolis. He is my hero. On my last visit at the Indy clinic, my lab work showed my creatinin has risen to 2.3. It had been normal at every other test post-transplant. Because of some medication issues that are getting cleared up, I am dehydrated and my heart is palpitating more than I am comfortable with. No pain, just lethargy and worry. Basically, my new kidney is failing for the same reason as my native kidneys, but at a more alarming rate. The solution? Everyone is leaning toward reversing my WLS. There are enough complications to warrant this course of action, and it beats the alternative of more dialysis and a shortened life. Is this unheard of? Can it even be done so far removed from the original surgery? This is sort of an open topic with vague questions. I just want to spark some conversation to help clarify my thinking. Peace . . .

Hi. I don't know about hard/soft masses? I had my Sleeve almost 3 weeks ago. We knew I had a small Hiatal Hernia going in. Well, the Dr. said, it was really big. They just sew it shut. I know its going to make me feel better. I have had no complications. Again, unsure if we are talking the same issue/Mass? Good luck too you!

I began full liquids at week 2, mushies at week 4, and now I can start trying other stuff at week 7 (my surgery was on Nov. 22nd). Is there a reason you are still on liquids? Did you have something else done during the surgery as well? complications afterward?

You are braver then I. I'm starving but I don't want any complications. I am able to move to pureed foods on Friday and I'm frightened! Haha. But excited. Anyway - I'm sorry you had your first "stuck" episode but you live and learn, right? Just stay on your liquids and don't push it. I feel like this part is the part where we need to really learn self control.

Hello fellow sleevers. I was sleeved 1/31/17 I am so excited to be on the losers bench. I now realize that you really have to be mentally prepared for this journey and it is very hard. I first decided to get the sleeve because I failed at so many diets. Then after I went thru all The blood work I found out I had sleep apena, pre diabetic and high blood pressure. At that moment I knew it was time to change my life forever. I am so grateful to have took that step to start my journey on healthier me. I go to my post op appointment Wednesday and I can not wait to get on full liquids. I haven't had any complications as of yet. (Thank u Jesus ) I just still feel very hungry and a little heart burn. I actually going back to work today. Sent from my SM-T113 using the BariatricPal App

First google hit for "lap band slippage" - they all say about the same thing. Note the underlined bits (my underlining): "The two most common complications associated with the LAP-BAND® procedure are band slippage (up to 3-5%) and band erosion (up to 1%). A band slippage can be described as when a portion of the stomach slips up through the band and causes dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), nausea/vomiting, and acid reflux. Band slippage can be caused by a repeated or sudden increase in intraabdominal pressure. This could be related to repeated vomiting or even trauma caused by a car accident. A band slippage usually requires the patient to return to the operating room for repair. A band erosion is related to the pressure of the band being wrapped around a hollow organ. Over time, the band may erode through the stomach wall and if this occurs, reoperation is required. "

I was self pay. Had single port sleeve surgery in Mexico for $6K and they took out my gallbladder at the same time for an additional $700. 2 nights in hospital. No complications. I'm 6 weeks out and have had a smooth recovery.

I had the sleeve 07/08/2011. I have lost 100% of my excess body fat. I have a cousin who had the sleeve and he deals with bowel obstructions from having his intestines re-routed. I don't have to. He also has the issues with malnoutrition and foods he can't eat. I can eat anything I want and I have no malnoutrition issues. I lost 100% of my excess bodyfat and he has lost about 75%. My sleeve cannot stretch back to the size of my old stomach. His pouch can, which can allow him to re-gain all of his weight back if he doesn't be careful. Yes, I can eat around my sleeve, but I am going to have to make a conscience effort to sabotage myself. If you are committed to make a change, either surgery will get your weight down, for sure. I just didn't want the complications bypass brings to the table. Yes, there are risks with the sleeve as there are with all surgeries. But for me, the sleeve was the right choice.

OK, first of all...breathe! This is not the end of your life as you know it, just a change. Yes it is a major change, yes it will be very different, but the foods you love are not leaving the planet. They really aren't. So...let that sink in firstly then we can talk about the emotional aspects of eating. I honestly didn't think I was an emotional eater. I didn't think food was that important to me but after surgery during week 2 of liquids I had a couple of melt downs just because I couldn't eat the food i wanted to eat right that minute...I stayed true to my diet but had actual tears over the foods I couldn't eat right then...which I later gave myself a mental smackdown for but I have to own those feelings. After particularly stressful events I would eat more than I should for dinner, not always unhealthy stuff, just way more of it than I should. I am an emotional eater. I am watching for triggers now and distracting myself but like you before, food was the center of my life. I still have to plan my meals in order to stick to my healthy plan, not planning for me is planning to fail so I have to do it and stick to it and then I am fine...gives me that control. One thing I do want to address however that I wish someone would have told me before the band is that the band will not make you eat less. You have to choose to eat less. You have to measure it out and know you are not getting seconds. You have to do that. The band will make it so that your appetit is surpressed for a longer period of time than it would hav been before when you eat 4 oz of meat and 6 oz of veggies. That's all. It's not about restricting what you can and can't eat, it won't stop you from eating until you are in pain, and if you can't get that under control before surgery you are looking at slips and erosion complications that can be very serious. I would honestly try really hard to measure out your portions and be done...not as small as you will post band...but practice limiting yourself right now. Distract yourself when you feel the emotional hunger come on, try to recognize what those triggers might be for you, at the very least journal everything you are eating now so you can be truly honest with yourself about what your current habits are, and what things will need to change. I beleive the band was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I am seeing a lot of success and it is a lot easier to just eat my one yogurt for Breakfast and be done but it does nothing for me when I have an emotional attack that makes me want to eat. I have to wrangle that stray thought in myself and battle with that. The band can't help me with that. chocolate will go down just fine, as will other snack foods that I just have to choose not to eat. There are still daily and hourly choices invlolved with being successful. I wish you every bit of luck and happiness on your journey. It is worth the effort I can promise you that, but it's really all up to you. The band is just a tool that dims the appetite, that is all. Just know that going in and put your expectations in the right place and you will do great!

I have struggled with my weight for over 20 years, yoyoing away. I heard about this surgery in April of 2011 at a seminar. I found out my insurance didnt cover it so I tried to put it out of my mind and keep trying on my own. Then, in July, my husband got a new job with new insurance. I started looking to see if they covered it. They did and I scheduled to attend a seminar with a different surgeon the next day (a saturday). They talked about all the different wls options and I knew then and there the sleeve was definately for me. I found out there that Humana, my new insurance, doesnt cover the sleeve unless your bmi is over 50. I was devastated until a nice guy who was there starting talking to my hubby. He said listen, forget the insurance, just self pay. they have financing with no interest for 18 months. Thats what I did. We talked about it and decided we could do it. I scheduled an appointment with the surgeon there for Monday, two days later. I went to see him and we talked for an hour. He said I was a perfect candidate and he thought I was ready. I had to have a psych eval but everything else was a go. I already see a therapist and she wrote a letter for me that week. My surgery was scheduled for the following MOnday!!! I had seven days until my date and so my preop liquid diet started that day. There was no time to think about it. From Seminar to surgery was 9 days. I had my EKG and bloodwork done during that 7 days and I reported for surgery at 6am Monday, aug 8, 2011. That was seven months and 73 pounds ago. I had 100 pounds to lose. I was 234 and I am 5'4". I was wearing a size 18-20, mostly 20's and 1x tops. I am now wearing mostly 10's some 12's and medium tops. I dont regret it at all. I am glad it went fast so I didnt have time to dwell on it. I had no complications with the surgery, recovery went smooth. I did have a kidney stone a few weeks later but it wasnt related to the sleeve. I have a long family history of them and I was a little dehydrated after the surgery so it happened. I am just telling you that I think I am the fastest person to ever get sleeved from seminar to surgery. Its the best decision I ever made. I was emotional the night before with the usual anxiety but I knew I needed to do this for me. I knew I would love being able to eat my favorite things and this time be able to control how much of those things I ate. Now, I just eat a few bites and I am so full and satisfied. You will love your sleeve and you will be happy you didnt have to wait forever to get it. Embrace your good luck! You will do great!

Well, this could be an "it depends" answer. Everyone recovers and heals at a different pace. That being said, I probably would not want to go to theme parks or places where I have to walk a lot at 3 weeks. At 3 weeks, barring any infections or complications, your incisions should be healed with scabs over them. However, your insides are still healing. The suture line of your stomach will still be healing and I probably wouldn't recommend lifting luggage. Remember, you will have just had major surgery. While you may look OK on the outside, your body will still be recovering. That, combined with the major change in your dietary intake, you will more than likely have fatigue. It's one thing to walk around your house or try to walk a little in your neighborhood, it's an entirely different thing to have the energy and endurance to walk a theme park. Then, there's the logistics of your diet. You will not be eating "regular" food by then. At best, you'll be on soft foods and possibly still on puree. It's hard enough to get through the stages of food in recovery without the added stress of trying to find food that you can eat. You ask how long would anyone suggest. I'm not sure there's a good answer to address the kind of holiday you're describing. I went on vacation at about 6 weeks out. At that point, I had the energy for an 1100 mile road trip. I helped pack/unpack the vehicle and walked my dogs. However, the vacation was more of a visit to family/friends. I engaged in no activity that required strength or endurance. I struggled quite a bit with maintaining my diet and finding "safe" foods. I found myself placed in situations where there was food I hadn't tried or food I shouldn't eat. Protein shakes and bars only go so far.

Thanks, Betsy! Yes, the doctor said that we are playing catch up now because he had to unfill the first 2 cc's in that 3rd week. According to him, I am moving along just fine. He is a Bariatric Center of Excellence rated doctor who has personally done well over 700 lap band surgeries alone, not sure how many gastric bypass surgeries in addition to that. He is definitely experienced in this. I agree that I would prefer a more conservative approach than some of the other doctors that I have read about on here that seem to be way too aggressive. I think that would definitely have more propensity to cause complications resulting in PBing and unfills, etc. Betsy, I admire your resolve and self discipline when it comes to your diet. Unfortunately for me, I cannot be that strict with myself all the time. If I do so, then eventually I will have a complete meltdown and cram any and everything I can find into my mouth! I do much better to allow myself a little here and there so I don't feel so deprived over all. But you are right, whatever works for you! Thanks for your input! It is much appreciated! I hope to one day be working on maintenance like you too!

OK, so I had my very first consultation with Dr. David Ward in Morristown New Jersey he will be my surgeon. He addressed all my questions and my husbands as well. We had pretty common questions like, how long does the surgery take, healing time, what to expect, any complications that could arise, mortality rate etc. The first thing he asked me was what type of surgery was I interested in. I did not let him know right away that I wanted the sleeve. I asked what he thought would be better. He let me know that the sleeve would be better for me. Which is what I wanted to begin with. He informed me that bypass would not be in my Best interest. Also, he does not like to perform bypass surgery on smokers. I asked him how long I need to be smoke-free in order to have surgery. He said, obviously it is better to be totally smoke free but, he does understand how hard it can be. He did say that I can use nicotine replacement such as the patch he wasn't too happy about vape only because there's not too much information on it. He did recommend that I at least cut back even if I don't use the nicotine replacement. I also asked about liquid diet and what I need to do now to start preparing. He said we definitely want you to cut back calories and carbs. you will be meeting with a nutritionist who will help you with that. My husband asked when would I need to start the liquid diet the doctor informed us it would not be necessary until much much closer to surgery. He said it is not mandatory that I lose weight just not to gain any weight but it would help if I lost obviously it would make surgery go easier. So my first of three appointments with the nutritionist will be on the 26th of this month. I still need to make an appointment with a Gastro and the psychiatrist. I did ask why does it seem to vary so much as far as everyone's diets preop and wait times. He said is far as wait times go, that's the insurance requirements. Pre-op diet really depends on the individual some of us are not as heavy as others. Some of us have different issues Healthwise. That's why it varies so much from person to person. For example he already told me that he is sending me home after surgery with a blood thinning injection. Most of you probably didn't need that or won't need that. my BMI is very high (63.7) He did warn me already not to compare what I can tolerate and what's in my program to what others have. Oh on a final note, I mentioned that we have a few family events coming up and that I'd be heading into NYC and probably eating my head off. He laughed and said get it out of your system now because once the nutritionist appointment starts it becomes very serious. So that was my very first visit to a bariatric surgeon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't loss as much as I have expected pre-operatively. I only lost like 3 lbs and it has been hard to say no to foods that I feel I wont have for a long time. My doctor did not give me a specific amount to lose, but I am worried about complications. My surgery is on August 8th--thats just two days away. Any suggestions or thoughts? TIA

No one knows for sure that you will be ok. But, with that being said the complications that you mentioned are rare. At this point you have decided on your own that this is right for you. You have to continue to trust your own judgement. Be realistic , will you lose the weight without surgery? I had gotten to the point that I would rather die free than live a slave to my parasitic fat. I have NO regrets.

I have gallstones so I asked my surgeon how I could tell if I am having pain from rny complications or gallbladder pain. He said Gallbladder pain is on the right side radiating outward and pain related to rny surgery is felt primarily on the left. Hope you feel well soon!

I agree with getting a second opinion - but keep in mind that your surgeon is the one with medical expertise and the vast majority of surgeons really do just want the best results for their patients, they don't have ulterior motives. Maybe see if you can attend some support groups and talk to people who have had the gastric bypass. It wasn't my choice for wls surgery and I love my sleeve, but lots of people do well with the bypass. My niece had one and is doing fabulous, has kept off all of her weight, leads a normal life with no complications - it can be a good option. But I would definitely get a second opinion!

Hi Jennifer! Another New Jerseyan here. We have a lot in common, you and I: two small daughters (mine are 7 and 5), over 300 lbs to start, and a lifetime of obesity behind us. I can completely relate to your fears. Banding was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Bypass was out of the question from the start, because with two small kids I just wasn't able to accept the risk. Being out of commission for even a few days wasn't something I wanted to do, and most of the bypassers I've met -- even the highly successful ones -- seem to have been hospitalized more than once. I heard too many stories about complications to consider it even for a moment. Banding is WAY safer, and effective enough to make me healthier, which was all that I was after. Even at 340 lbs I wasn't sick, just fat, and I didn't need to lose weight overnight. I wanted to lose it safely, sanely, and get permanent control over it so it wouldn't come back. The band is delivering in spades. One of the greatest things about banding vs. bypass, to my mind, is that banding doesn't require us to make complete lifestyle and diet changes literally overnight the way bypass does. We have time to ride the learning curve of increasing restriction, time to get used to the idea that 1/3 of our usual intake really is enough to sustain and even satisfy us. It's a concept that takes some getting used to, and the band gives us time to do that. Who is your doctor? Please feel free to contact me by e-mail or PM if you want to talk about anything specific. Welcome to LBT!!!

Hi folks, well I have done all the preliminary visits and will finally meet iwth the doctor. It i a 3 hr appt that I have been told will end with my date being set. The process was a little backwards as I have not even had a consultation with the doctor, I had to see the psychairist and nutrionist before I could get to see the doctor. I am nervous, but so excited. It has taken me a long time to get to this point in my life where I am ready to do it. My husband, although very supportive, is not thrilled about me having surgery and a friends husband just (within the last 2 wks) had surgery and had many complications including 2 days in ICU, so that has really made him not happy. but enough about what is flying through my head, any suggestions on questions I should ask? Thanks for listening and being here Bonnie

I have been diagnosed with Lupus (SLE), and have a Realize band. I also have had psoriasis for many years. My physicians, specifically my PCP and surgeon knew of these diagnoses prior to my surgery. I've not experienced any complications or exacerbation with either of these medical conditions post band surgery which could be attributed to either diagnosis. I was never informed that the band would be contraindicated for someone with either of these diagnoses. I also don't see the logic why the band would be contraindicated. I would like to know more about this topic...as an aspect of lupus treatment does involve lowering the body's autoimmune responses.

Fletcher, Don't beat yourself up! You have already done it and you can't go back and correct it. But, what you can do is make a decision right now to stay on track. If you are like me, your dieting history probably included so many starts and stops. As soon as I blew a diet, I would think, "well, I already messed up, so I might as well eat this too." Don't let that happen to you this time. Instead, get focused on letting your body heal...that is the whole point of the liquid phase. If you keep eating solids before your body is fully healed, you could have some complications. I came to love tomato soup during the liquid phase. My doctor even let me crumble up some crackers in the soup. If you make the soup with milk instead of Water, you are adding some Protein that way. Some milk has more protein than others. If you are in an area with a Braum's store, their milk has a lot of protein compared to most. Hang in there! You can do this. I know that it seems like the liquid phase will last forever, but you'll be through it before you know it!