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Hi everyone! I am scheduled for surgery Dec 4th in Mexico. The price of my surgery includes follow up care, but I assume I pay for the flight (of course). My question is to those of you in Mexico, do you just follow up in the states with your general doctor, or do you make the trip back to Mexico. Has anyone gone home, then had a complication and had to fly back? Thanks for your help!! I love reading these boards. I am so excited to get my life back!! Jen

Although adequate water intake is important regardless of your weight, water is more essential after surgery and while you are rapidly losing weight. There's a lot of chemistry that goes on in your cells and organs, without enough water some of these by products will crystalize so you are prone to gall stones and kidney stones. You are also going through lots of changes as you lose weight, your body is making adjustments and needs plenty of water to keep up, flush out toxins, protect you from constipation, healthy skin, keep proteins soluable, and I'm sure many more good reasons. I think the doctors realize it's going to be difficult, at least in the early stages, to drink enough water so they emphasize it to encourage good hydration for healing from surgery and reduce the chances of complications. Sounds like your doing well though, keep it up.

Generally speaking EVERYTHING carries a risk. Having a VSG and going through 3 months without and leaks or complications I would have to say that statistically you should be at perhaps only slightly higher risk of stomach issues like leaking or other troubles. You have afterall drastically altered the form of the stomach from it's natural shape and function, redcing it's capacity so that it can hold less than it orginally could. Should you force feed yourself you CAN do damge to your stomach sleeved or not. This all has to be taken along with the very real benefits of weight reduction and the possible elimmination of some health problems associated with obesety.

Ktkx - from one control freak to another - that was the hardest part of the whole surgical experience for me - being out of control for a while. And, I planned for the worst - had my living will done, had a detailed list for my husband where all the important papers were, all account passwords, safe deposit box keys, etc. I had all my bills paid, groceries bought and the house cleaned before the surgery. That aside - my surgery was a textbook case with no complications. I had surgery late one Tuesday morning, and left the hospital 24 hours later. My insurance would have paid another night, and the doctor wasn't pushing me out the door - but I didn't feel like I needed to stay at the hospital any longer and went home to sleep off the effects of the anasthesia. Since I arrived home - I have taken one pain pill in 5 months. Yes, there was discomfort as I was healing - but nothing a heating pad and wearing an abdominal support belt didn't take care of. I have had no problems with vomiting - only two times have a had a problem eating too fast/too much and tossed something back up. I had already had my gallbladder removed 20 years ago, so that wasn't an issue with me. I did have some acid issues, but take an acid pill morning and night, and a prilosec before I go to bed. No big deal. Was it worth the risk for me? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I don't regret my decision for one minute. If you want a description of potential side effects and risks - look for my previous responses to other posters - I did research and have some links. I think I will post it in my status so it will be easy to find.

The VSG is probably the least prone to complications due to its relative simplicity. There is the risk of leaks, as with all of the stomach reducing procedures including the RNY and DS, but this is an immediate postop concern the probability of which reduces to virtually nil after the first week or two. Some, or most, surgeons do leak testing a day or so after surgery before releasing you from the hospital - something that is more difficult to do with those who do "outpatient" VSG's - check with your surgeon about their procedure. The RNY and DS are more complex procedures involving some intestinal rerouting, so there are more potential leakage points with them. Longer term, adhesions can cause problems with things sticking internally that shouldn't stick, but the chances of that happening increases with the more complex procedures. The bands seem to have less risk of initial complication due to the simplicity of the procedure, but have more complications down the road from band slippage and erosion, along with statistically poorer weight loss and maintenance. Nutritional issues are a concern with any of these procedures, particularly with the RNY and DS due to their malabsorptive components (though at least with the DS you get some benefit in return in the form of better long term weight maintenance which one doesn't really get with the RNY) but even the VSG can have some problems in this regard simply because we are eating a lot less, so there is less opportunity to get in all the nutrients that we need. So, some supplementing will probably be necessary, though not usually to the extent that is usually needed for the RNY and DS. Even pre-op, most of us need some supplementation just to make up for the typical American diet, but post-op we tend to be better educated about it so it is a bigger concern for us! Reflux is potential problem with these procedures. There is some controversy amongst the surgeons as to ideal stomach size (if there is such a thing,) as the smaller stomachs seem to be more prone to reflux problems while it is feared that larger stomachs won't produce as much success in overall weight loss and maintenance - there is not firm consensus on this as the procedure is still relatively new and longer term data isn't very available. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns and see what he can do to tailor things for your situation. My wife had an unknown hernia when she had her DS a few years ago, and they simply repaired it as part of the job. On the other side of the coin, you have to weigh the risks of not doing anything, the complcations and health issues of being overweight. Good luck with your decisions,

I have my initial consult with my surgeon in August. I am already on my second month of the required three month supervised diet. I am beginning to second guess my decision to have VSG. I have really been researching the complications, and I am starting to get anxious. I have a two-year-old daughter and work full-time, so I have no time to be sick from complications. I would love to hear from other sleevers that have had good/bad experiences. I have reflux now, so will it be unbearable afterwards? Last year, they found a small hiatal hernia (they told me 80% of people have them and it wasn't a bad hernia) - will this affect my surgery? Also, the possibility of leaking has me really concerned. I have also read that many people have their gallbladder removed after getting sleeved. Please tell me your situation and if the reward is worth the risks. Thanks so much!

I would agree. My sleeve surgery and recovery were remarkably easy. My c-sections were far more painful. I remember it taking 20 minutes to get out of bed it hurt so much. I also think surgery has come a long way in the last 25-30 years. Of course, the c-section also come with post surgery complications every time without fail and last forever. They actually gave me what they took out and I had to bring him home! With the sleeve they keep what they took out.

I would go post this on obesityhelp.com and post specifically to Misseye and Jimbo. Misseye lost 200lbs in a little over a year, and Jimbo has dropped 300lbs in 18 months. So, the sleeve works. Malabsorption only lasts 2 years with RNY with carbs/fat/sugar, but with DS you get a permanent and metabolic switch. Problem for me, on both of those, is the insane Vitamin regimen and complications that come with both long term.

Good luck! My band slipped about 6 weeks ago. Mine slipped around the esophagus, though. Was yours the type where the stomach slips up through the band? They said mine only happens in 2% of the cases, so I'm not sure it's the same repair. I wish you the best. My nurse said that once it slips, they can reposition it, but the likelihood it will slip again is greater. I don't think it's that way with all. I'm sure yours will be fine. If it was working well for you. I'm all for it. My mom and sister both had it done and they've had no complications at all. My sister has been most successful. Let me know how it goes! I currently have no fluid in mine and I'm gaining weight like crazy. Dud they say if it would be the same recovery time?

oh!! I won't! I'm here to ask lots of questions! I think I have a bunch of stuff already done, for that "passport checklist" thingy required for the insurance co.. "hoping and praying" that the 4 month 3x a week cardiac rehab classes & weigh-ins with exercise routine, monitored by both my cardiologist & the nurses, (also was paid for by BC/BS since end of Nov.-March) included nutritional counseling, exercise physiologist, mediterranean diet (my cardiologists' fav, lol!) and aggressive meds..yikes, I'm even seeing a bariatric weight loss dr TOO, with appetite suppressants and even THOSE don't help, for heaven's sakes!! and I've continued the program at phase III level, paying "out of pocket" on my own, while being weighed monthly since April/May and still being weighed at the cardiologist's (saw him April 18th).. I just started seeing the dietician prescribed by the endocrinologist, since starting the metformin 2 months ago, so I'm due for bloodwork again which I will be doing tomorrow, since I'm seeing her on the 26th. My last visit with her, was when she told me I had a BMI of 35, so when I called the insurance co and they said the 35 BMI was accepted with the ONE complication, I figured since I had even MORE than the one, it wouldn't be an issue. The deal is, I have to pass the cardiac stress test again. BOO. no fun. then, the endoscopy, which I've never had any of those things done before. ewwww.. those things are entrances and exits, you know??LOL! just kidding! Guess I better get used to it! It's easy when it's "other people" when you are an RN, but when it's YOURSELF? omg.

I think it's outpatient if you don't have complications??

Hey I'm around your age (26 tomorrow) and I went through the same tough decision on which surgery to have. I was emailing back and forth with a woman I met who is having RNY but in the same program as me at my hospital. This is a copy and paste of one of the emails I sent her. (I know some of it may not make sense, but you get the idea). I hope this helps! Copy and pasted email... I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you in a few days. The cord on my laptop was frayed and sparking a little, so now I'm using my cousin's computer while I wait for a new cord. Anyway, it was so nice to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear about the gallstones they found-- but I think it's good that they can take it out during surgery. Gallstones can develop more easily in people who lose rapid amounts of weight, so you won't have to deal with that . I'm actually planning on getting the lap band, not RNY. I went back and forth on my decision so much. There are definitley pros and cons to both. I liked the idea in RNY that you can lose a lot of weight pretty quickly and since I'm so impatient, I was thinking that that might be nice. I also kind of liked the idea of dumping syndrome because it would keep me in check, but then I thought about that say in the future if I want to have a cupcake at a birthday party on a rare occasion or something like that, I don't want to be sick from it. Another thing I considered is you have to be very careful about consuming alcohol after RNY and the chance is higher of developing alcoholism. Not that I think I would become an alcoholic or anything, but I don't know if I really want to be smashed if I have one drink. Now the malabsorptive thing was back and forth for me, too. I think it's cool that you can eat things and not absorb all the calories, but then again it scares me a little not to be getting all the nutrients I need. I know in both surgeries you have to take Vitamins, but in RNY there are more, and it's a little more vital to be on top of it. Plus, like you, I want to have kids some day. I'm only 25 (26 next month) and I'm single but it's something I need to be thinking about, too. I googled 'gastric bypass and pregnancy' and was trying to read up a little bit on it and sometimes it can be hard to get all the nutrients to the baby. I'm not trying to sway your decision at all-- I just want to share what my thought process was coming to my decision. I also liked that in RNY, that your hunger hormones are changed a bit and you may not even feel hungry a lot of the time. But then again, a lot of what I eat is not because I'm actually hungry-- it's because I'm bored and it looks good and tastes good. So I think that that's more of a behavior I need to change rather than the whole hunger hormone thing. It's funny that you mentioned about the social worker suggesting therapy, because she said the same thing to me. But she also said she's supposed to basically say it to everyone, so I'm not too worried about it, lol. Ultimately after going back and forth I decided on the lap band. A lot of people say they like it because it's reversible, but that actually doesn't play into it for me. I hopefully will never have to have it reversed. I do like the fact that it's very adjustable, though. If you feel hungry and not satisfied a lot, then you can go get a fill and have more restriction. With RNY, you don't have that adjustability. Part of that lack of adjustability and control with RNY scared me because you hear about people who have lost a certain amount of weight and then gain some back and they can't adjust what they're taking in. I know everyone is different, but I like the fact that I can just get a fill if I need to to get me back on track. And I know that with lap band it takes longer to lose weight, but I've been overweight my entire life and I can wait a little longer. Also, since everyone is different, I'm hoping if I exercise most days and eat right that I can really do it faster than the statistics. Twice in my life I've lost close to 90 lbs (which I gained back both times), so I know what it takes to actually take the weight off. And I think with a lap band it will give me the extra push i need to lose even more weight and keep it off. Another small factor for me is the recovery time. I say "small factor" because it the long run, what does the recovery time really matter in exchange for your health back? But I do like that lap band has a quicker recovery time and is a safer surgery with less risk of death and complications. Another factor, like you mentioned, is the hair as well-- people with RNY are more prone to lose their hair than from lap band. My hair is very fine too, so I was kind of scared of that. But either way, they say it's only temporary, so you can wear head scarves or hats or something until it passes, if it even happens (everyone is different). Also what helped me in coming to my decision was seeing what other people say about lap band and looking at success stories and all that. I don't know if you know about it, but there is a site called lapbandtalk.com which is pretty cool and lots of topics. Another thing I looked at was youtube. There are some people on there who update once a week or more about their surgeries. I've really only watched the lap band ones, but there are people who do the same after RNY if you're interested. Some of the lap band people I like if you want to check them out are Newtoy4kt-- she started at 308 lbs and it's been like 66 weeks so far post-op for her and she's down to around 180 I think. Also there is BandedWendy who's been at her goal weight for a while now, and there's Thebandinme who gives some good info as well. It's kind of cool to see their first few video posts and then see their recent ones to really see how much they've changed and how far they've come. But like I said, if you want to watch RNY patients they have them on there too, just gotta search a little. It's funny what you said about Dr. H trying to sell you on the band. I didn't get that feeling so much, but I do remember leaving there and knowing for sure that I wanted lap band, after being undecided. Part of it too, if you have lap band-- you can always have RNY afterward if the band isn't working for you. But you can't have the band after having RNY (I don't think). Ultimately, I think you just need to go with what you're most comfortable with. And I'm really not trying to sway your decision at all-- just wanted to give you my thought process on the whole thing.

Please re-read that paragraph.... The lap band is the safest surgery, but if done wrong it can cause horrible complications, it does have a high complication rate because of bad surgeons and non compliant patients bending the rules. You are correct the lap band surgery itself IS pretty safe if done properly, some surgery centers have no problems, but many have in the past, including that infamous 1800-get-thin clinic that was probed by Congress and Allergan finally stopped selling bands to them. Unless you've been in a bubble, the lap band HAS A VERY HIGH COMPLICATION RATE, Allergan the manufacturer is in the process of selling it for this very reason, for non complaint patients abusing the band, surgeons abusing the band, offering horrible or no aftercare, etc...the list goes on Many post here apparently have not researched the band, or tried to find the best surgeon for them, many do not even realize what is going on with the Manufacturer selling the band, it has been abused over and over again, and warning people of the dangers of the band and how to best avoid complications does not help. Lap band issues usually don't start to rear their ugly head until about 5-6 years post op and have A VERY HIGH COMPLICATION RATE LONG TERM. This is why I try to warn newbies and help them, some people are cocky and don't have a clue what they are getting themselves into, the band CAN be safe if someone has good aftercare, but that still do not prevent issues, this is why many long term bandsters, reduce saline long term. Fourteen-Year Long-Term Results after Gastric Banding http://www.hindawi.c...es/2011/128451/ http://gastro.oxford...tro.got023.full LAGB has been demonstrated to have some advantages, such as ease of operation, low risk and low early complication rate. However, LAGB is associated with a high late complication rate and a requirement of a high level of follow-up management. Although LAGB is efficient in reducing body weight in obese patients, the percentage of patients with successful and perfect weight loss is unsatisfactory. With advances in laparoscopic skills and improvement in other surgical procedures, there is a trend towards replacing LAGB in the treatment of obesity [14]. We believe that LAGB should not be the first choice for the treatment of obesity, but should remain as a therapeutic alternative for obese patients, such as the young and patients who do not tolerate removal of the gastrointestinal tract. Here are some links if you have not been reading up on lap band issues, all you have to do is google: http://bariatricsurg...n-lap-band-sale http://www.yourdocto...nd-turn-around/ http://articles.lati...p-band-20120203 http://www.cbsnews.c...-sales-decline/ http://www.medscape....warticle/758086 http://www.californi...ery-advertising http://www.necn.com/...7d144f251fc5584

7 days after surgery I still had a drain, find out if you will have a drain and for how long. I spent 5 days in the hospital and I know some people came home in one day. I had my drain taken out day 13. I took naps daily for the first 2 weeks. I'm 49 and I have Lupus but I also lost 70 pounds pre-surgery and I had a leg up on the weight loss. I have heard stories of women crying during dinner because they couldn't eat what everyone else is eating. Realize that your eating is going to be seriously different. From clears, full liquid, pureed, soft & regular. If you have been working on behavior modification pre-surgery that will probably be a piece of case for you, but for many people they really get depressed after surgery. Around day 9 it seems everything is much more emotional than before surgery. I would love to be a foster mom, mys on is 22 years old and I think what you are doing is wonderful. With that being said, you will have people say to you, oh yeah, no problem I did this that and the other after surgery. No two people are alike and you have no clue how you are going to be until after surgery. If you go into surgery with the right frame of mind and you are an upbeat and positive person, you will most likely do better, but complications do happen, people respond differently to different things. If these girls have been through a whole lot of stress prior, it could be hard on them, but if you have help for the first week they are there, and you can control your emotions when it comes to food and you don't have food mourning in front of them, you could do it. I think being a foster mom is a wonderful thing, and I wish you the best of luck and I'm not trying to scare you, I want you to be as informed as you can be. Again best of luck and I am looking forward to hearing good news after your surgery.

One week after surgery I was very tired and was spending all my thought energy on figuring out what liquid thing I could eat (since I ended up despising the Protein shakes). Who do you have at home to help ? Could you explain what is going on in your personal life to the agency and have the girls come the following week ? You could do it, but it won't be easy. And if you had any post-surgiical complications your spouse would have total responsibility for you and the girls. I don't normally sound like a negative Nelly but this is a very important decision.

THANK U SOO MUCH. I WAS SUPPOSED TO GET BANDED NOVEMBER 17TH BUT HAD COMPLICATIONS W MY GALLBLADDER NOW M WAITING AND EXCITED. HOW HAS UR JOURNEY BEEN SO FAR. HAVE U STARTED WORKING OUT YET?

This is the first week of my new banded lifestyle. All liquids, it was tough getting 40 grams of protiens and a total of 64 oz of liquids but I did it! I am determined to get this weight off my body. I have a family history of diabetes and strokes. I had 2 cousins die of stroke related complications one just 3 week younger than me. With 2 fused discs and 2 rods and screws in my back losing weight is even more of a necessity. My weight toped out an 294lbs prior to my pre surgery diet and after one week of being banded I now weight 269lbs (170lbs is my goal). I have a long way to go but I am encouraged with my own progress and from the threads I read on this site, you all are very encouraging. I no the Best is Yet to Come. Thanks Dadymon

Hello everyone, I posted this in another forum and didn't get any responses..so I hope its ok that I post it here too! I'm super new to this website, and started this process about a month ago. It's really great to know that there are other SSF'ers out there that are doing well! I've been going through the process pretty fast..and am meeting with Dr. Alami in a few weeks. I've noticed that a lot of you guys had him! I was wondering what your experience was like with him..? Did you guys ask him how many surgeries he has done and what his complication rate is? I know I can ask him when I meet with him..but the more info I can get..the less anxiety I will have! Also, I've lost 15 lbs since orientation (about 3 weeks ago) and was told to lose around 20. If i do..do you think he will schedule a surgery day right away? What was your experience? Thank you so much in advance!!

Whatever you doctor says, you have to go with the choice you can live with. I was scheduled for a bypass, but freaked out and cancelled it 10 days before surgery. The thought of rerouting my God given plumbing didn't sit well with me. And my next door neighbor had the bypass, and after a few years, ended up having the band put over it. My sister's coworker had the sleeve, and is slowly gaining a lot of weight back. She can't eat much at one time, but grazes on crap all day long. Imagine doing that after have 75% of your stomach removed. Scary stuff! I'm not trying to push you in any one direction. Only to say that compliance is key with any of these surgeries. Many of us are really good at it in the beginning, but as life moves on, old habits rear their ugly face. Banded, bypassed, sleeved.....whichever, we still have to fight the fight. Do as much research as you possibly can, and make an educated choice on the one you can live with. It is true that the aftercare on the other surgeries is nil compared to the band. But then again, the band is reversible, and the choice is available to revise to something later, should unrepairable complications set it. It's a lot to think about, but it's most important that the decision be yours, and not what someone else "thinks" you should do. Good luck!

I would ask how many of these surgeries he/she has done, and what kind of complications did he have experience with. Has any of his patients had any leaks for example!

You can end up failing at any of the weight loss surgeries. You do need to be prepared to change your eating habits, but I think once you have surgery you'll be ok. It helps shift your mind. You're not gonna go through that just to fail. Plus, as a self pay, I would be even more determined. That's a lot of money. As far as complications, every surgery has potential complications and doctors are required by law to tell you about them. We all went through these doubts and fears. Just keep on keepin on. Decide you will be a success and follow the doctors orders and you will be successful! Best wishes!

Also, my cousin had the band done a year ago. She just found out that she has gall stones, & has to have her gall blatter removed. Her dr told her that happens with rapid weight lose in alot of people. She's done very well with her weight lose, although she wasn't as big as me, but has had alot of complications.

thanks for your reply. I really am impressed with your weight loss- it looks like it was successful for you. that is all I can hope for- and I will use all the tools that are supportive for me including lapbanders, OA and Weight Watchers. I do think I can get a lot out of OA and it might help me with issues- but the fact that almost everyone is so negative got me really nervous last night. I just am worried that i will still be eating if i am bored/emotional and so the band wont work. i also worry about complications and the discipline involved and hope i can do it. i will need a LOT of support. thanks again Karen:thumbup:

msq, if you scour this site you will find several people who have had complications and their stories. Some think it was a waste of time altogether and some think that it was still the right choice. The majority of people out here are having varying degrees of success. I personally was banded 6 months ago and I've lost 58 pounds. All is well so far! Keep doing your research! The answers are different for everyone. Good luck!

I have the midband. It takes a contrast/saline solution for fills. The self filling issue was resolved by adding the contrast to the saline. I was given a 6cc fill at surgery and to date have not needed another one. I have been at my sweet spot to the tune of 92 lbs lost. I am beginning to consider a slight increase as I seem to have be stalling here at this weight. I've only lost 3 lbs in the last 4 months. I seem to lose and regain the same 3 to 4 lbs never dipping below the 92 mark. I chose to have a midband because of the statistics showing very low risk of slippage or erosion. As there is no real aftercare in my area for bands, I'll need to go back to Tijuana for care. Since I'll have to travel so far, I wanted the band that was at the least risk for complications. So far so good!