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Of course there are pros and cons to both.....I crossed Bypass off the list because of the long-term complications I've read about in several studies published in medical journals from the Bypass and malnutrition, as well as searching for patients who had the surgery over 5 years ago on forums (I couldn't find many). There are complications that can arise with the band as well, but the band, you can take it out if you run into trouble. The bypass is for life-complications and all. Please, please look into the evidence (and lack of long-term info out there) that shows the problems so many GBP patients are having getting in the necessary Vitamins and minerals. Long term Vitamin A deficiency means you could lose night vision (no more driving at night!). Long term Calcium deficiency means you could have early onset osteoperosis and break bones easily. These things are happening to people who have been taking all of their prescribed supplements. There's just not a whole lot of positive evidence from cases 10+ years out from having GBP surgery. And yes, I am extremely obsessive in doing this kind of research! Did patients lose the weight, and quickly? Mostly yes, but at what price in the long term? It bothers me that people aren't talking about this more. We are supposed to be turning to WLS because we are done with the "quick fix" method to weight loss (meaning losing a lot and losing it fast), so if that's the attraction for anyone, they need to put that aside when making their decision. My BMI is 47-point-something, and I am actually looking forward to putting in the work in my eating choices and exercise this time because this time, I will also have this tool as an additional motivator and assistant in fighting hunger. It's going to take longer than if I had chosen bypass, but I'm okay with that. I think if you are going to be successful with the band, it doesn't matter how much weight you need to lose, what matters is that you are willing to change your life; commit to healthy eating and exercise, and the band will help you get to your goal. Of course, whatever you do decide is what must be best for you. Just weigh your decision very carefully and practically. And good luck to you!

Thanks for the replies. It seems I am getting more excited every day! Audree, my MD has said to expect the weight loss to be a little slower since I do have a lower BMI, but I think that slow and steady wins the race and I'll take it! Good luck to each of Y'all! Mary

I gave up, My insurrance company said they do not cover any kind of weight loss, pills, Gym memberships, or any type of W/L surgery. My husband called and complained, because we have insurrance through the union. He told them I work my butt off for the union and we can't even have good ins. He said fine my wife will just have to rack up a bill for ins to cover with all her health issues. One month later, We got a letter today- Says as of Jan 2007 we now cover Gastric Bypass types of surgery. YES!!!! :) :Banane33: :D :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) So now 6 months of supervised diet and excercise and we are set.

OK, I don't know if it's just me...but ever since I booked the surgery, my feelings of self-hate and misery over being fat seem to have vaporized. I remember when I started putting on weight again in the spring, after losing 50 lbs and getting down to size 10, I felt such intense anger and frustration at myself for every extra pound. Then those feelings seemed to perpetrate every other aspect of my life - I had no desire to study, was curt with everyone, didn't want to participate in any activities I normally enjoy, nothing. Then I book the surgery and all of sudden I feel completely at peace saying things like "I'm fat" or "Size 16 is awful tight right now, can I have an 18?" or piling on 2 Entrees on my cafeteria tray while everyone's STARING without blinking an eye. I just ate an entire box of Milano Cookies and couldn't give less of a damn, whereas before, I would've rushed to the gym and/or hated myself all day for doing that. Don't get me wrong, I know I will like myself more after the surgery, and I definitely want to have an easier time walking up the stairs or running, but it seems like I'm the closest I've ever been to that elusive "fat acceptance." Isn't it funny, I'm less than 2 weeks away from weight-loss surgery and I've finally experienced "fat acceptance" that you hear so much about on the blogs? Am I the only one?

I am in the Bay area and this evening KTVU (the Fox affiliate) aired a story about a military wife who had a VSG. The story was about the cost to taxpayers as the surgery, done in a military hospital, is performed at almost no cost for military dependents. The story emphasized that 390 million dollars worth of what they called "weight loss surgery" had been done. They made it sound like every overweight woman with a husband in the service was rushing to get a VSG on the taxpayer's dime. I'll bet that Congress is going to jump on this pretty quick, so if you are considering surgery and your benefits are through Tricare, I'd get it done sooner rather than later.

I am a second grade teacher. I was sleeved over the summer and school started four weeks after surgery. I was definitely ready to work after four weeks off. I actually felt I needed to work because I was a little anxious sitting at home thinking about what I couldn't eat. I was happy to be back in my routine and that I had something to think about besides the surgery! Being a kindergarten teacher, I think I might take three weeks off. I felt great after three weeks physically. Just no heavy lifting. The only problem was I was forgetful and a little airheaded for a couple of months after surgery. I told my principal I had weight loss surgery after I had it. She was very supportive. I also shared it with everyone on my staff. For me, I didn't tell anyone at work I was thinking of the surgery, but once I scheduled surgery I told people as I saw them. I was a little uncomfortable telling people but I would much rather be honest and open than have people whispering and gossiping later. Also, I was a little ashamed presurgery having to acknowledge that I was so fat I needed weight loss surgery. That was hard for me to admit, so when I told people I felt a little exposed. But, every single person I have told at school from parents to staff have all been very supportive.It is also nice because I don't get any candy or chocolates for presents anymore! I only tell parents if they comment on my weight loss and ask how I have lost, but the word has obviously spread around in the parent group. Some parents even bring me my favorite post surgery passion iced tea from Starbucks! Overwhelming support is all I received. But, I did tell most coworkers after the fact. The funny thing is I don't think any of my students have noticed that their teacher has been shrinking and shrinking all year!! You do have every right not to share why you are on leave. So, do what you are comfortable with. Just wanted you to know that my experience of being open and honest has been great. I also like that I don't have to keep up with vauge reasons for my absence or my weight loss. Good luck to you! I am so happy for you! And don't wait until summer, get the surgery now and feel great this summer! I am so happy with this change, this sleeve has made me such a happier and healthier person! I love life post-sleeve! I hope you do as well. Good luck to you!

I was exactly like you! Slow and steady and stalls..... Then the break and I loose more again, then repeat the cycle. Just hang in there! Your body will finally give in. I'm still loosing slower than most, but I've just accepted that we are all different. I'm loosing slow, but not loosing hair or muscle and feeling great.

Oh Heels! I ruined my feet when I taught in them on a daily basis, so I'm please to see someone else can enjoy them after weight loss. I have a pair of flats that I wore for a couple hours without having to take them off!! LOL!

I had lost 80 then gained 30 back. Old habits returned, but the bigger reason was that my doc over the last year was able to document that I had a leak. I just had my band removed and replaced. See your doc, but in the interim consider giving yourself a jump start by going on a liquid diet. I was on liquids two weeks pre- and post-op which resulted in 20# of weight loss. That in itself has really motivated me plus it detoxed by body of the sugar and carbs and made me lose the cravings. I have gone to soft foods this week, but staying away from sugar and most carbs. I do feel better.

Bandsters have alot of responsibility for their weight loss success or lack thereof, so it's imperative for you to center your thoughts on what is different now versus when you first had your band placed. What is different in your thinking today? Are you measuring your portions? How healthy are your food choices? Do understand the differences between authentic hunger and "head" hunger? I agree with others who recommend using a food journal...many times we are surprised at what we are putting in our mouths without being aware of it...and seeing a dietitian who works with bariatric patients is definitely helpful... The other, to me, equally important part is for you to refocus yourself on weight loss...and empowering yourself to regain control over your eating patterns. No one but you is there to monitor your choices 24/7. Only you can make those changes...Best wishes...

The pre-OP liquid diet isn't intended for weight loss. It is intended to shrink your liver. The way it shrinks your liver is by depleting it of glycogen. Glycogen requires Water. So really, the bulk of the weight you lose will be water weight. While the minimal food intake will create a calorie deficit, it takes a colorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of actual fat. That means to lose 10 pounds of actual fat, you need a deficit of 35000 calories. It's highly unlikely that you create a calorie deficit of 2500 calories a day for those 2 weeks, and I definitely wouldn't recommend that you try.

I take Biotin, but I'm using a product called Terax (a collagen based cream rinse) to repair my hair. There is a shampoo for it too, but instead, I started using a garlic shampoo that is supposed to slow or prevent hair loss.

not biotin the supplement, i take that already. this is topical its a hair cream. and ive been taking the supplement for 5 months and my hair is still less voluminous then before

You are getting caught up in the scale trap! DON"T weigh yourself every day. It will fluctuate within several pounds over the course of the day just from fluids. Weigh yourself 1 day a week! Preferable right when you get up in the morning, use the bathroom, and naked! Focus on a weekly loss. Plateau's are common. You'll see that you'll hit a spot, and maybe the scale won't budge for a week, but you'll notice "non-scale" victories, such as your clothes fitting differently, having more energy, etc............. then the next week, that scale will drop down. So don't get hung up on that scale! Some nutritionists actually tell you to get rid of it, but I don't support that philosophy. I think the scale is a good item for weekly feedback to reflect on your eating pattern & exercise. If it moves, you did something right. If it's stuck for a while, we need to re-evaluate what we need to do differently. :party:

hey everyone just made a pharmacy run and decided to try this stuff i will let you know if it helps my limp lifeless hair

Your hair looks great!! The shampoo/conditioner def made my hair silkier and fuller.

I'm with RCruz....rapid weight loss can trigger gallbladder problems. For me, it was a burning pain that went up through my chest and I thought I was gonna die. So ASK the general doc if he thinks this is gallbladder and ask to be screened for gallstones.

I need a buddy desperately! I was banded on 2/4/08 and have not had very good success at all. Basically, I learned how to eat around the band right off and that's where I am today -- almost a year out and only 25 lbs. lost. Ugh. I am sick of being a failure. I want to be a success. I'm really good at being consistent with exercise if motivated. It's the ice cream that does me in. I can eat a gallon at a sitting. It's sick, sick, sick. I was self pay -- you'd think that would have motivated me -- but noooooo. Anyway, does anyone here want to be my weight loss buddy? I am a very positive person in general and this is the only thing I've really ever failed at. I'm a little like Oprah in that way, I guess. I'm 55 years old and I have two kids (well, both are almost adults now), and I live in MA. Let's do this together. Together we can! b.

I have been having many problems with my band lately. I was banded over three years ago and lost over 50 of the 100 lbs that I wanted to lose in the first 15 months. Then I hit a plateau that lasted for several months. I wasn't losing, but I wasn't gaining. I had cut back on the exercise, so I tried to step that up again. I lost about 10 more pounds and began feeling dizzy all the time and extremely tired. I also had very bad acid reflux, but I didn't pay much attention, since I have had acid reflux for years. I cut back on my BP medicine and that seemed to help with the dizziness, so I went to my PCP and told her my BP medicine was too strong. She disagreed and gave me sleep medicine instead to help with tiredness. Of course, this did not help one bit, so I switched PCPs and she switched me to another BP medicine, and now the extreme tiredness and dizziness are gone. Anyway back to the reflux. I went in for another fill to get me back on track and help me begin losing weight again, since now I was not too dizzy to exercise anymore. I mentioned the reflux and the Physician assistant (PA) said my band was probably too tight and wanted me to have a fluroscopy to see the pouch under X-ray. When this was done, we saw the band had moved into a vertical position, instead of the horizontal position it should have been in, and the pouch had enlarged. The liquid would hardly go down and the steak I had eaten the night before was visible in the pouch (It hadn't gone down yet). He loosened the pouch and told me to drink only liquids for several days to two weeks then SMALL meals for two weeks before another fluroscopy, where he saw the band had repositioned itself and the pouch had shrunk, so he filled it up a little more. He said if the band had not moved back into position he would have to do surgery and replace it. He said you must ALWAYS get the band loosened when you begin to have severe reflux or are not able to eat regular food, in order to prevent irreversible damage and require surgery. So I would warn the people earlier in this thread that it is very dangerous to keep your band too tight. Since that time I have had the band filled a few more times to where I felt it had good restriction, only to find out through fluroscopy, that the pouch was too big again and the band had moved out of position again (e.g. - band was too tight). I can no longer sense when the fill is adequate and have gained 25 lbs back over the last year with all these unfill-refills. I no longer know how to make the band work for me and can't seem to turn the wieght gain around. I want another fill, but am worried that the band will become too tight again. I am always hungry. Has anyone else experienced this problem and found a way to get back into weight loss? :wink2::confused::redface:

Hi! I have a consultation scheduled for weight loss surgery at Johns Hopkins Univ. hospital. I know it's one of the best hospitals in the country, but I was wondering if anyone has or is planning to have their surgery with their bariatric team. If so, what were your thoughts? How did your consultation go? Thanks in advance!

Well, I did it!!! I finished my first triathlon in 2:15:09. I was super slow on the bike and run but I didn't come in last!!! I loved the ocean swim and I was 20/57 in my wave!!! I'm already signed up for another one in September and hope that I can drop a little more weight by then. My weight loss has slowed to about 4-5 pounds a month so it probably won't be until next year when I'm able to really improve my times considering I won't be carrying the extra weight. I have a question for those of you that have done/are doing triathlons: my back aches on the bike and run after some distance and I'm wondering if that is weight related or just core weakness???

Same here, I take the Biotin, and I use Nixon for shampoo and conditioner make sure to get my Protein in daily and I have noticed a slow down of hair fall and lots of new growth coming in!! Try the best you can not to stress about it, stress only makes the situation worse I have found....but I haven't found the remedy for that one yet

I liked that there isn't malabsorption, that our digestive tract stays "natural", and that it is "easy" to live with (not something that either bypass or band can say). IMO, the incremental improvement of weight loss that bypass affords over sleeve does not compensate for the additional risks and complications.

Snates - here is the post-op diet my surgeon provided to me - hopefully it will help you figure out what to eat when... Day 1 thru 5 ( Clear liquids Only ) fruit juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg?s Water popsicles Clear Protein drinks only ( example Isopure, unjury ) Day 6-10 ( thin liquids ) All of the above and: Natural Vegetable Juices ( example Carrot, V-8 juice ) Protein drinks mixed with water ( example Matrix ) whey nectar Protein Mix Day 11 thru 20 ( full liquids ) Cream Soups Yogurt Jello-O Boiled pureed fruit ( example apple, pear) applesauce Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Low fat milk 1 or 2% Water, Propel, tea Soy beverages sugar free pudding Protein shakes and protein powders mixed with milk Day 21 thru 30 ( soft food ) Soft food should be the consistency of a thick liquid ( no chunks or solid material ) and it should be chewed very well before swallowing until it is a liquid consistency ) Tofu Low fat cottage cheese Cereal oatmeal Precooked pureed rice Low fat Yogurt Yogurt mixed with fruit very well blended Cream soups eggs Boiled pureed fruit ( example pear, apple ) Watermelon, papaya or melon in small pieces Boiled pureed vegetables Beans Day 31st and beyond ( solid food ) Fish, Chiken meat Turkey Vegetables Fruit A diet consisting of 800 calories and 70 grams of protein should be your goal. There is a book called " Weight loss Surgery for Dummies" Authors: Kurian, Thompson and Davidson You might find it helpful. I contains several recipes and ideas on what to eat after surgery Grilled Marinated Tuna with Lime Herbed Beef Patties Turkey Meatballs Seafood salad chicken Salad

First thing in the morning: sublingual Vitamin B-12 - 1x per day (1 total) calcium citrate plus Magnesium - 2x per day (4 total) > I take the second dose before bed. Vitamin D3, 5,000 IU - 1x per day (1 total) Potassium, 3% RDA - 1x per day (1 total) With Breakfast: Multi Vitamin plus Minerals - 1x per day (1 total) Ferrous Sulfate (Iron) - 1x per day (1-2 total) One hour before dinner: Calcium Citrate Lozenge from Bariatric Advantage (I forget half the time!) Omega 3-6-9 (4x per week or when I remember) Before Bed: Last dose of Calcium Citrate, 2 Pills Biotin, 2,500 mcg That is a lot, but it has kept me healthy with all of the rapid weight loss and my hefty workouts. There are a lot of vitamins/minerals in all Protein shakes too! In time I plan to reduce the amount I'm taking, especially one dose of calcium and the biotin as well since my hair loss has stopped, finally.