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I had a revision on September 10th with no complications at all. Any surgery has risks attached to it. Maybe review with him what he is afraid of, what complications maybe he is just a fraid to lose you. It has been the best decision I could have made and have no regrets. Good Luck.

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!

PLEASE POST TO LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR 2ND BAND EXSPERIENCE. I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! I have been reading searching for others who have had their bands completely replaced. I am also facing this and would deeply appreciate hearing from others to know how you feel about doing so. Was it worth it in terms "pain for loss"? Have you had more complications? Are you doing well? I am 30 mths from the 1st banding surgery and haveloved having my band. At 15 mths had to have 2nd surgery to fix a tube herna (poked up at bar line and became a problem). Also, the clinic has had on-going issues hot being able to get me to a substainable fill level in my Vanguard Inamed band....but in spite of all this I have lost (today) 71 lbs. and I'm around +28 lbs from my goal to get to 24 BMI. So here it is the time of year where there is food everywhere and I have no band to guide me; I'll never make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, what do you think; would you do it over again? Thank-you, Judy

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.

im looking for anyone who has had a band to sleeve revision with Dr. Ramos Kelly in Tijuana, Mexico. please share your experience with me! i originally had my band done in Tijuana 4 years ago but it was not with Dr. Kelly. Im not scared of going to Mexico, or even scared of traveling alone but i have a fear of dying from complications. i know, i know probably just me being paranoid, but its a real concern. i have a 5 year old daughter that i want to watch grow up please....any info is appreciated. thank you, shaundra

I had my lap band surgery last Wednesday (November 9). I had to spend the night in the hospital because I had a large hiatal hernia that had to be repaired. Two days after surgery, there was redness and pain at the site of my port. Back to clinic for strong antibiotics which are now causing diarrhea. I'm drinking lots of liquids and 3 Protein shakes a day (20g. each). Today is the first day I'm beginning to feel better. I go see my surgeon tomorrow morning to check the port site. If any of you are prayer warriors, I could use some prayer to heal this infection so they don't have to operate again. Although I've had complications, I am still glad I did this. I had great reservations the week before and almost canceled it. Now, I'm focusing on the long-term benefits and looking forward to a healthier me! Thanks for prayers.

You're going to do great! I had the same fears. It's complicated because you are doing this to be a healthy and active mother, but you are also taking a risk with the surgery. I won't say that being sleeved has made me a "better" mother, but it has made a MASSIVE difference in my life as a mother. I can really keep up with my kids now. I don't have to worry about embrassing them because I'm so overweight (there will be other reasons that I embarass them once the teen years hit!). I'm healthier and happier, and my kids can sense that too. It is really the best thing I ever did for myself, AND for them. Good luck! They'll have a healthier and slimmer mommy to wraps their arms around very soon!

:clap2: December 21, 2006 I began my journey to a new me. My surgery was at 1:00pm and I was out of recovery by 4:30pm. There were a few complications with my blood pressure going up extremely high, but with all the prayers of the saints of God I was covered and brought through. December 22, 2006 I am released from the hospital today. The pain is not as bad as I thought it would be.

I'm sorry to hear about your wife's band. I was under the impression that if your band eroded, you would NOT be a candidate to be re banded. I would think that whatever caused it to erode in the first place would happen again. CatLady: the band is designed to be permanent, but yes their is a percentage of people that develop complications like erosion or slippage and need a revision or removal. I hope that helps! Good luck.

I just went to see a friend who didn't follow the advised diet plan. He has 4 stints and a feeding tube. He has to have a RNY and all its nightmare complications. Nyou went through all the hoops and underwent a major surgery. Is a slice of pizza worth it?

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I think you should crap in wheaties- you have every bit of reason to warn others about the possible complications that can happen, so that they can be fully educated. It's weird. usually im so scared, but even reading the horror stories, i really do still wnat the surgery im going to pm you- ill understnad if you don't want to read it or reply since you are trying not to deal w/ the negative right now, but id o have a question.

I can understand your frustration. During my lap band journey there were many people, professional and personal who were very, very discouraging. I think some Dr. let their personal opinion interfere with their profession. A lot of people don’t like the idea of weight loss surgery or they simply don’t understand it. Ultimately, I knew it was my decision. Go with your gut feeling, you know in your heart of hearts if it is right for you. Besides who knows you best? I would research the statistical information to verify if what your Dr. said is true. We have to remember that with any surgery there is the risk of complications so of course there is the chance of problems, but I know for me my high blood pressure at 28, lack of energy, and overall fight with weight was worth the possible complications. Now I don’t have high blood pressure, my energy level has gone up, and yes I can still have chocolate. I love chocolate covered almond clusters, but now I eat two of them and am full and satisfied instead of half the jar. Best of luck, and remember it you already know if this is for you. Just ask yourself. Bandina

I think below 1000 calories a day long term is seriously risking your health. That said, I dont think WLS patients can compare to normal people - I know i cant as the charts all say at my height, age, level of activity I shoudl be eating about 2400 a day. I eat about 1500 to maintain my weight. Because at the end of the day, whatever your surgery, you have lost weight by fairly strict calorie reducation and yoiur metabolism IS affected by that, no matter whether you're doing a newfangled low carb diet or the perfect strength trainign routine. Once you have lost a lot of weight by calorie reducation you will never be able to maintain your weight on a "normal" calorie intake. that said, I lost easily on 1500 a day (I do a lot of exercise) and I really think that there's no medal for starving yourself. I can nourish myself adequately on that level if I eat carefully. If you're eating 700 a day then you will need to be obsessed with your nutrition for the rest of your life, there's no room for treats in there, and even so you WILL become deficient in various nutrients, and your metabolism will slow markedly and you will have more trouble than you need to maintaining lean body tissue. It really should not be necesary for most people to eat that little, but I guess its one disadvantage of the sleeve, they have to make your stomach small and restrict your eating a lot because if they allow you more leeway and you peter out 50lb above your healthy weight range, there's nothing more you can do about it. You're stuck with the size stomach you have and would have to diet and use willpower to lose the rest. Its a moot point anyway because you will have your sleeve for life and so eating low calories should be doable for you without undue pain, as long as you're very attentive to nutrition, I'm sure most people would swap that for the pain and undoubtedly more severe medical complications of obesity.

First of all I am proud to be a member of this site. It is wonderful to hear the stories of those who have been banded and those in pre-band status. It helps to read forums about the successes and the concerns, the achievements and the lessons learned. However, I wanted to reach out to those whose journey to Lap Band was slightly different. You see, My journey began at birth. I was born with a defect that was not treated until July 10th but caused me many issues throughout life. I was never an overweight child or teenager. I stayed active and in shape BUT I was sick. As a baby, I couldn't digest most formulas and I had a hard time with breast milk. Ended up with PET milk and karo syrup. As a young child, I had multiple stomach viruses. At the age of eight, I learned that falling asleep after I ate lead to choking in my sleep later on. This was chalked up to having a weak lid (whatever that means) and bad family history. During my college years, I began to develop ulcers. I was placed on a daily regiment of Protonix and sent home. By 30, I was experiencing fatigue, slight hair loss, and pain whenever I ate certain foods. At 31, I had enough and I requested to be sent to a specialist. I had an Upper GI which confirmed the presence of a hiatal hernia. One I was born with. Told that I could live with it and sent on my way. At 32, the list of foods I was unable to digest without pain was growing by leaps and bounds: NO fruit, no raw vegetables, no cakes, no desserts, nothing with tomato paste, no spicy foods, limited greasy foods, no carbonated drinks, no alcohol. I virtually had to watch almost everything I ate. I was in pain when I ate and pain when I wasn't eating. My vitamin levels where awful and my immune system not the best. I was exercising but not losing weight. I was surviving off of starch. I met with the specialist who performed and EGD - or scope on my stomach. Afterwards, He said he understood why I was in pain. The hernia had went from small to moderate size, Gastritis, GERD, reflux, and signs of Sleep Apnea. My stomach was a hot mess. All relating to the fact that my Hernia was never treated and 33 years later the damage was evident. My part in it all: Im sure I sped the process along with my awful College eating habits - aka eating when I had a chance and not getting anything remotely close to proper rest.) I remember sitting through my Pre Surgery Informational Class shaking my leg because I was in so much pain: I had just ate chicken and mashed potatoes and cole slaw. Yes I know: not the best - but anything I ate caused me pain. Well, the doctor sat down and discussed my options with me. LapBand seemed the best option. As of July 15th, I feel so much better. I actually rest when I sleep now. My thoughts are clearer. Outside of the pain of surgery, My stomach feels much better. I did start the protein shakes a month before my surgery. Two shakes and one meal for four weeks, which greatly helped with the abdominal pain and agitation. Two weeks before surgery, I had a protein shake every 3 hours and water in between. NO food. Yes I lose 24 lbs before surgery: though I was not very thrilled during the process. My doctor informed my loved ones that not only where things better than he anticipated during surgery, but my surgery went well and everything looked good. I wanted to share this story with those who are experiencing the same issues. Please note that your journey may be slightly different: It may not have started with the desire to lose weight or high blood pressure or diabetes or bad cholesterol, BUT I want you to know You are NOT alone. Many adults suffer from Hernias they know nothing about. They are not aware of the symptoms and just think they have stomach viruses and ulcers. If you are living on Maalox or Pepto or Mylanta: I am talking to you. If Nexium and Protonix are not working: I am talking to you. PLEASE get checked out. Have your children checked out. What seems like a small problem may lead to very bad complications later on in life. There is a better way of life available to you. I am and aim to continue being a witness to this fact. Thank you for reading this. Good luck on your Journey. Most importantly, Love yourself ALWAYS.

I had always been big...all through school..always size 16+....senior year 2001 i was a good size 22....2003 i was a size 24 and by 2005 i was a size 32......I was always made fun of.....i gained almost 100 pounds in 3 years from being on the depo shot(birth control)so i got off of that...... and then getting pregnant. By 2005 I was at my worst. I walked into the Dr's office thinking I was only 360 back in April of 2005. When I got on the scale it read 380...I almost died. I cried in his office because I was so ashamed. Ashamed over 20lbs!!!! I had researched the band and felt because I had a daughter it would be the safest surgery for me. I am only 24 and was 22 at the time. I thought this was going to be the FIX.....the thing to change my life. I thought that there was no way anyone or anything could stop me from losing weight after I had surgery. I went through all the tests....and got all the required medical paperwork and convinced some family members to pitch in for my surgery. I set the date and started my pre-op diet! From that point on I should have known I was going to be a mess. I was supposed to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks because my liver needed to shrink for surgery. So i ate everything they told me to for the first 3 days and BAM....the feeling set in.....I WANTED AN ULTIMATE CHEESEBURGER FROM JACK N THE BOX AND I WANTED IT NOW! I couldn't get it off my mind....i was thinking about it allllllll day.....i went to bed thinking about it...and the next morning i went and got one. I figured...what could ONE double cheese burger with double cheese and mayo possibly do......well...it did nothing to the surgery process but it really broke the frame of mind. Before the 2 weeks was up i had eatin 2 not one but TWO ultimate cheeseburgers and a few chicken nuggets. Why? Why couldn't I just do the PRE SURGERY diet? June 8th 2005------So surgery day came....and went.....all went well no complications.....i was on soft food in the beginning and I started to eat Eggs for breakfast....but my eggs HAD to have cheese and butter in them....HELLO!!! What was I thinking.....I remember getting my first fill and at this point I had almost lost 40lbs. 20pre-op and 20 post-op. It was amazing....... About 3 months out(2 months after my 1st fill) I started to become familiar with my band and how much I could and could not eat. I realized that when i would eat too much, i drank a little bit, and it would make the food pass and then i would feel sooooo much better. I never exercised...keep in mind...(maybe got into the pool like 10 times the whole summer) and i was preparing for my wedding which was September 17th 2005. I was so stressed because my weightloss had pretty much STOPPED......I was craving foods like never before and started to eat and drink at the same time...BIG MISTAKE......i was eating at least double what I should have. So I went and had ANOTHER fill. This slowed me down...but still I was not losing ANY weight. I remember eating my first fried chicken after my fill and like trying to manipulate my band into letting me eat more by taking one bite and then drinking....it was the worst thing in the world i could have EVER done. A year after my band was put in I was only 20lbs total lost (which means i gained 20 back) and I was so angry...I promised myself I was going to try and fix things and make it better....So much had happened that year....2006....we bought a house, my husbands dad died of cancer, my husband was leaving for weeks at a time for work...and i was home ALONE with my daughter. I had no energy to keep the house clean(and i still dont) but i would sit and mope.....and EAT.....I would make excuses to people who asked me WHY i hadn't lost any weight. I told them all that it was a slow process and that i had lost 40 pounds(lied to them). This year, Jan 2007...I was just sitting at dinner with my husband and looked down and noticed i had a 12oz strip steak, baked potato loaded....and mashed potatos loaded on my plate. I ate all of it. my band was NOT going to stop me. I also ate bread before that.......and drank sweat tea.... in Feb07 I was online playing around and saw an ad for a weightloss show. Primetime...suppose to be JUST like the Biggest Loser....I thought...hmmmm I'll just fill out the app for shits and giggles.....well they responded and wanted me to send them a tape....so i did. Then in march they had me get my band completely UNFILLED and then flew me out to LA and put me through med tests and interviews,THEY BOUGHT ME 2 PLANE SEATS because i was too big to fit in the plane chairs on my own....pretty sad huh,(cant say much more because they made me sign all kinds of disclosures) They told me it was a show that will be on ABC and told me i would be away from my family for 10 weeks. I thought....this is the chance i have been waiting for. They made me think i was going....for weeks after the interview I was getting called and asked follow up questions and told i was in the top 4....then on March 31 i was called and told the network did not choose me. I was DEVISTATED.............like someone should have just shot me right there. I was so upset...i cried the whole way home(we were out to eat of course) and my husband looked at me and said...why dont you just do it on your own? Ummmmm DUH right...? So about a week went by and I had done a real examination of what i have done wrong and how i have basically cheated myself out of my life! On Easter i saw my family and noticed how no one said i looked good anymore...that's because i didnt.....i looked worse...heavy as can be....and that night i sent an email to my family and decide that enough is enough. Im exercising daily...NO EXCUSES...i posted before/after pictures on my walls in my house of other people who have had the band. I put sayings all over the house saying "whats ur excuse now" and i told my husband that enough is enough. So we decided to start our weightloss exercise on the 9th.....on the 10th I went and had my band RE-filled and since the 10th I have lost 10lbs......unbelievable huh!!! So hopefully all this will inspire SOMEONE before it happens to them. Let my "GAIN" be your "LOSS". Good luck everyone! Krystal

Try to get at least 600 calories for the above reason; you may have enough body "fat" to function, but you still need calories as well. I found in the beginning of I was running to short, I'ld just sip on a glass of skim milk at the end of the day or make another shake if I could stand the thought of it! It is important to get the minimum of calories in so that you have some energy to get through your day- you'll still lose! Just be sure to get vitamins, protein and fluids in each day to avoid any complications. On Feb. 11th I had my 4 month surger-versary and can tell you that some days I can eat more than 600 calories and on others, if I'm busy and not focusing on my meals, I'll eat a lot less. The hunger isn't there (at least not half as strong as it was pre-op) so the preoccupation with food lessons more and more. Feeling healthy, for me, is just as important as the scale moving lower and my clothes getting looser! So be sure to give your body all the fuel it needs to do what it needs to do; lose the extra weight and make you a healthier you! Good luck!

Thursday night last week I went to the seminar. I don't know that it would have ever been required of me but I'm so glad I went. My husband went with me. And we both learned a lot. A lot almost seems like an understatement. And what's weird, was I already knew a lot - but it makes a difference hearing it from the surgeon. It makes a difference being able to ask questions of someone QUALIFIED to answer the questions. My husband learned a lot, too. And my husband and I both learned that he is on the border of being eligible for this himself. He thinks he can lose the weight on his own - by following the "diet" I am doing and continuing with his exercise program that he likes. I think there is potential for his yo-yo'ing to continue, though. I also think if we were doing this together, at the same time, on the same page - that would make it "easier". If we both had to do the liquid diet at the same time, for example, t'would be "easier" than if I do it and then six months later, he does it. If we both do the six month supervised weight loss together, t'would be easier, than if I do it and then he starts his program. He is like me - I KNOW he can lose the weight. But he's gained it back before, like me, multiple times. There is no easy answer for this, that's for sure. I surely can't push or cajol or try to convince him. He needs to decide on this for himself and no matter what he decides, I am and will always be by his side - just like he is for me. And no matter what, I know he is just as in this as I am. We had a long conversation this morning and some last night about cleaning out our pantry, about changing our approach to grocery shopping, about setting a menu on a Sunday, for example, doing our grocery shopping accordingly, and what we will no longer buy. Before I met my husband I was not an impulse buyer. I was also not in the shape I am currently, either. :wub: After I met my husband, I was able (as we wifes do) to retrain some habits - mostly not buying the little debbie crap and things like that. But he retrained me, too (as husbands do) and I now keep chips on hand, whereas the single me would not have. I now keep a second freezer full of meat and a second refrigerator full of sodas. We now both completey agree with each other that we quite simply CANNOT DO THAT! I grew up eating well, cooking well, exercising frequently (some might say too much), and generally active even when not exercising. From the age of four through high school I was on a swim team and I was good. I still am. I had to be on two sports teams all the time and the second thing bounced around from soccer to basketball to volleyball. Around junior high I switched to drill team and chearleading as my second thing. Around high school I was just doing swimming and drill and in my spare time I was in the choir and drum line. My mom ALWAYS steamed our vegetables - they were not soaked in broth and bacon fat or cheese or anything else. My mom always baked our fish and chicken - it was never fried and very rarely was it poached. We ate very small servings of carbs, if at all. We did not keep sodas in the house - we drank sugar free cool aid. I didn't eat my first dorito until I was 8 years old - and while it was good, I didn't care about them. And then I went in the Navy. Who in the world goes in the military to see their activity level DECREASE? Their food quality go bad? Their portions go up? The Navy is aware, though, that they have a problem. They were aware then and they were trying to fix it. But suffice it to say, in the Navy - I gained weight. In the Navy, in BOOT CAMP of all places, I lost a LOT of muscle tone which was my first step in the wrong direction. Anywho. I know how to do this. That's the story there. I have spent more of my life living healthy than not. However, add in some hormone complications of my late 20's and here I am...unable to lose it AND keep it off. And sadly, it, in the last year or so, has gotten to the point where I think, apparently, that if I'm going to look like this, I might as well eat what I want. And that's the part that's changing NOW! So Friday, I went to my first "weight loss appointment". I met the Nurse Practitioner in the new place - the practitioner that will be following me for my six months of supervised weight loss and exercise. I like her. Friendly. Non-judgemental. And straight forward. And she said - you already know what to do. So do it. And I'll see you in a month. She didn't sit there and preach to me about the importance of portion control. About the importance of balanced meals. About the importance of not drinking sodas. About the importance of exercise. She said "YOU ALREADY KNOW". And she's right. We ALL do. I read on here somewhere last week "If you want to know how to lose weight - ask a fat person" and that is so true. We KNOW how to lose it. We can't keep it OFF! I told a "friend" that Saturday night - a skinny girl who eats FIVE, yes FIVE pieces of PIE in one night and doesn't gain an inch and yet is always trying to lose weight - and she scoffed at me like :confused:. So I asked her - knowing she is ALWAYS wanting to lose weight - do YOUR "diets" work? No. See. Mine DO. I just can't KEEP it off. And hopefully this is the tool to help me be able to. Her answer. "Whatever". She seems to think that human beings cannot live on restricted calories. Since she can't (and doesn't need to) therefore no one should/could. Anyway... Friday was good. I was happy to be getting everything OFFICIALLY started. I go back on Nov 5 for the next check in. Now time seems to have slowed down. In the meantime - I should be able to pick up the letter of medical necessity from my PCP this week. Since my OB/GYN is someone with ongoing care, I should get a letter from him, too. I see him later this month. I need to also see a cardiologist since I have had issues with heart palpitations in the past. I see him later this month, as well. Finally, I've started trying to get into do my psych consult as well - although that's not been easy. I got a list of In-Network Providers from my insurance company and when I attempted to call SIX different practices on Friday, they were ALL closed for the day! Seriously. Not ONE mental health practitioner in my area works on Friday? Really? Whatever. My goal is to be able to turn in as much as possible when I go back on Nov 5th. This weekend was strangely emotional to me, though. Friday I was excited, happy, and certain. Saturday morning as I was waking up I was vaguely depressed. I just kept thinking in the back of my pea brain - no more bread EVER? But by the time I was fully awake I was back to my normal opinion - whatever. I am not a bread-aholic... Saturday night, had friends over for dinner - and skinny minny stood there in my family room judging me. I've had issues with her judgements already and am now of the opinion that she is just not ever going to understand. Sunday I had the vaguely depressed notions coming up again as I realized - no 'this', no 'that'. How to juggle this and that. Can I really not just do this on my own? That skinny minny got to me. Finally got to talk to my hubbie last night and he thinks that I CAN do this on my own - but thinks that this might also be a fail safe that would be worth it in the long run. He thinks that I should nevermind that skinny minny and chalk this up to experience. He thinks that no matter what, I should do this six month thing and then make a better informed decision then. So I woke up this morning thinking - we need to change how we grocery shop. We need to change our pantry. We need to change our refrigerators. And I need to go back to what my mom taught me, what I was raised with, what I know. And my hubbie is along for the ride. He's such a great man!

I had a slipped band and my symptoms were EXTREME acid reflux...especially at night, and trouble keeping most things down...including water. Trust me, I KNEW there was a problem! A regular abdomonal x-ray showed my band had slipped and I was admitted to the hospital 2 hours later. Most of the time, they can "fix" or reposition the band, but in my case they had to replace it. I advise anyone having ANY sort of problems to get to your doc asap. Not every complication requires another surgery...but don't waste time trying to self diagnose...just got see your doc!!

@@Karlnjax - take it easy on yourself! You had some complications and longer stay than some of us. You need and deserve the rest. Just get up and walk around the house a little to get started. It will get easier and then you can try a walk down the street (preferably with someone just in case you get weak). Everyone is different. I am not great at exercising myself, but I walked 3 miles yesterday at 11 weeks post-op and I was completely wiped out. (I was tired at 2.5 miles / 50 min but I had to keep going to get back home!) Your strength will come back. Be patient and keep up with the Protein and fluids. VERY important for your healing - much more so that true exercise at this stage.

Had my gall bladder out and a hiatal hernia repaired Aug. 17; was sleeved Dec. 12. Gallbladder surgery was worse and doctor told me it would me (same surgeon for both). The gallbladder surgery was twice as long and more complicated. I felt pretty crappy the first night. But I went back to work in 2 weeks and had no issues. Also lost 22 lbs. eating a lighter diet. Now, have zero pain after the sleeve; biggest struggle is trying to get enough water and protein. I’m only two days out, though, not taking pain meds and I drove a short distance today to pick up a prescription.

Hi all, I'm contemplating whether to have the gastric sleeve or duodenal switch. I am 5'2-3 with just over 150 lbs to lose. I have heard that the sleeve is wonderful but that folks struggle with maintenance so many folks wind up revising their surgery to a DS. I would love to hear your experiences and what to look for in a doc and the size of the sleeve itself. Does sleeve size matter as far as results and complications? Any and all input is greatly appreciated. I'm in the Durham NC area, if you know of a great sleeve doc with lots of experience, please let me know. Thank you so much!

Personally I found the first 5 days the hardest. Not so much pain ... more nausea and a generally "yucky" feeling from the aniesthetic. After that I felt completely normal and able to care for my 5 month year old alone. I think you should be fine provided no complications. Many go back to work after a week. Good luck ... you are about to go on an awesome ride !!

Remember it is a process...do not expect results within the first few weeks, months even. People get frustrated too early on. The band is adjustable and needs to be before it starts to function the way it was designed to do. Also, as the band gets adjusted, so the patient needs to adjust themselves also...old habits will not co-exist with the changes the band wants to bring. It's easy to blame the band while all along the patient is resisting change. Some people insist on hanging onto old things...things that made them obese in the first place I was very frustrated early on, felt I made a big mistake, especially after all the work and anticipation leading up to surgery... But 4-6 months later...Everything started to fall into place, and it just got easier and easier. Best decision I ever made. Here I am over 5 years later...no excess weight or fat, medical problems reversed, definitely a new person and still going strong! Most of the day I do not even think about it that much. Never had a complication, other than the ones I brought upon myself by eating things I shouldn't.

That sounds really rough. Sorry to hear that you had complications.