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DOn't let them treat you without an EKG and a chest xray - EKG eliminates heart problems, and hopefully chest xray will catch any emerging infections... ....BE REALLY CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH MORE THINGS THAN NECESSARY!!! You are post surgery and having a complication as it it...you do not need to contract MRSA or anything else. I would ask for a mask as soon as you walk in, and take you own antibacterial goo - on the way home, go buy some hibiclens from a pharmacy or walmart, and give yourself a basin bath wit about 1 oz to 2 quarts Water - hibiclens is chlorhexidine gluconate - avoid eyes, ears, etc. use it in diluted form. <<<ex Funderal Director and (now) somewhat germaphobe :/

My sugery date is JULY 30 too!!! Omg this diet is killing me haha since I have to cook for my family and can't eat! lol.. Im really concerned because I want my liver to co operate!!! and do not want any complications but I think I may be pushing the diet a bit too much with just drinking water and eating 1 non fat pudding a day..?? =0(

VGS surgery is a major trauma to the body, and it takes a while to heal completely. This could just be a set back in the healing process, so focus on the easier and more common causes than spending a lot of time worrying about the less common complications. Feeling emotionally down is common to. Most of us are food addicts and this surgery takes away our ability to use food to cope with emotions. It is a rough time while you figure out how to handle food related cravings and other issues. Some of what she is experiencing is normal post surgery. I'm hopeful that the new medication will make a difference and that the pain was just doing solid foods too soon!

After months of complications (leaking port and then a flipped port) I finally had restriction. I was losing weight, eating well and enjoying my band. After 2 months I decided I needed a fill and scheduled an appointment with my doctor since I was eating more than I should. My doctor gave me a small fill (.2) and it felt like he actually removed Fluid. I have been eating like crazy (I am an admitted stress eater and I am traveling to Chicago every other week (sometimes weekly) to train someone else to take my job due to the company deciding to relocate our office and will be out of a job in November). I have GAINED 10 pounds in 1 week! I have been making bad choices and eating way more than I should (not forcing food down). I have called my doctors office for help. I totally understand that I will get some bashing responses but some encouragement would be nice.

Hi Everyone, I had my GVS surgery on June 13, and all went well. I remember laying in bed waiting for surgery, and the next thing I remember is waking up in my room with it all done. I had a mild cramping in my chest, but it went away as soon as the nurses gave me meds. I remember walking down the hall soon after I woke up to insure that gas wouldn't get the best of me. The nurses kept me comfortable and gave me meds on a schedule. I also had a medicine ball for incisional pain. I never felt any incisional pain whatsoever. I walked the halls a few time the next day. I didn't have any complications at all. They wanted to let me go home on the second day, but I said that I wanted to stay one more night. It was included in the package deal, and I felt more comfortable sticking around a little longer. Today is my first day at home post op, and I have been comfortable here as well. I cleaned up the kitchen, walked a little outside, washed a load of clothes, and Sip, Sip Sipped all day... I did my Clear liquids and no problems. I didnt do everything at once, just a little at a time as I felt that I could do. I feel very blessed and very happy and to me, this experience was a cake walk... I realize everyone's experience is different, so I don't want to downplay the realities of others. My prayers are with you all that have suffered and had complications. A couple of weeks before surgery all the way to surgery date, I made sure to exercise by doing weight resistance, and aerobic activity. Not sure if it helped, but I figure getting the blood flowing in the body couldn't hurt. I feel so happy that this is done and over with, and now, I can watch myself deflate. I can't wait...

Though my complications weren't anywhere near as bad as yours, I had a tough time and my dr has been doing this for years and he told me I was his first to have complications like I did. I was so angry because it seemed everyone else sailed through with no problems and I was so sick. Why did I have the rotten luck? Or what did I do wrong that I screwed this up? Of course before all surgeries we are told the risks. All kinds or horrible things, including death. And I was scared of complications. Everyone said no matter what they went through, they never regretted it. Well I did. I regretted it for a while. Buuuht... Now I have almost fully recovered, my diabetes is in check, my weight is going down, my energy level is going up. I feel better, the only real problem I'm having now is I'm having trouble keeping food down sometimes. But even that isn't too bad. When I was going through the worst health problem of my life, I couldn't find anyone who had been through what I had been. Well maybe we can help others who have issues with their surgeries. I'm sorry for what happened to you. It sounds like you have a lot to deal with but thank goodness it wasn't the alternative.

I know exactly how you feel, I am on day 2 of my diet and I have cheated both days with Lean Cuisine meals for dinner. I started my 2 week (yes 14 day) pre surgery liquid diet on Monday January 3rd and my surgery date in January 17. My diet is 3-4 protein shakes a day, plain eggs, low fat cheese and sugarfree liquids only. I would be super happy to have your pre-surgery diet for the next 14 days. I am going to try my best each day to stick to the diet guideline. I am going to hope and pray that my surgeon will be happy with my liver when he opens me up and be complication free once he is done with the procedure. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as we both try to make it through this difficult time. Jen

If he's been supportive UP TO THIS POINT, I can practically GUARANTEE that he is just nervous, worried, and scared. It just comes out differently in husbands! You are (more than likely, anyway) going to throw a lot of crap at him afterwards, and he is going to need to "gird up his loins" to handle it! Plus, there is always the risk of complications, so he is worried about that (just like you are), as well. Is this his first experience with your having surgery? I would almost bet that it is. Go to him, comfort him, and remember, you are not the only one going through this! He is, too. Bless you both....and good luck with your surgery...BTW, MY poor husband has been through 13 surgeries with me...he is a PRO!

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.

I had my surgery on Monday 5/2!! I am so excited to be on the losers bench! My surgery went well with no complications. Stayed one night in the hospital and had the best care. Came home Tuesday afternoon with prescription for Tylenol with codeine and an anti nausea medication. I took them up to last night. Stopped because was getting a headache. Haven't needed the pain meds. Walking has helped with the gas bubbles. Thankfully no shoulder pains like I read pre op. I'm on full liquids until 5/11 when I see my surgeon for my follow up. I am having some diarrhea off n on. Not happy about that. Working on getting in my water and protein. Cream of chicken soup made with 1% milk for extra protein has been delicious! I have absolutely no regrets! Any suggestions on what I can eat on this stage is greatly appreciated!

Thanks. My starting weight was 236. I only lost 5 pre-op. Presurg I was 231, my surg was 1/22/13. Today I'm 196, but I've a lot of stalling, or at least it seems like it. Of course my original starting wt pre-band was 265, I got it in 2009 before the sleeve was approved. I lost about 100lbs in the first yr, but then had complications and had to have all fluid taken out, so of course I gained almost all of it back. Then decided to get the sleeve. Its definitely not a quick fix, but I'm hoping its more of.a sustainable solution.

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 too, like mommyto3, am new to this forum and also unsure about moving forward with having WLS and in my case it would be the lapband. I first checked into gastric bypass, but just could not come to terms with particular post-surgery complications and fears so I decided to check out the lapband procedure. Although some of the concerns I have don't seem to be an issue with the lapband, I still find myself somewhat in the same position, unable to make a decision and move forward. I've been overweight for years and suffer from a serious back injury which I know losing the weight would help termendously, but I seem to get stuck and struck by the fear of the unknown. I'm afraid of the pain associated with the actual surgery and just afraid of failing. Weight has always been an issue for me and it feels like I've spent my whole life trying to lose this weight once and for all but always end up in the same place: trying another diet, buying another diet or self-help book and/or joining another weight loss program hoping that will be the answer, but to no avail. With a BMI of 36 and several comorbidities, I'm pretty sure my insurance will cover the procedure which is a big plus. I would love it if anyone who was in the same position as I am, stuck, fearful and indecisive, has some info or feedback about a similar experience and then what was the turning point or final yes and not looking back. Thanks so much, jomarie

I would think very hard about getting a new surgeon. I share other posters' concerns that you may be treated this way post-op as well. I had complications after surgery that required really good post-op care. You need to feel confident that you will get that if you need it. Good luck and I am sorry you have had such a hard time!

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.

@Patty I've been having serious complications for the last year and have been told my my surgeons office I can't keep the band so converting to bypass. Bypass is being done later as this is an emergency removal was in er yesterday and scheduled removal for tomorrow. Im okay with them being seperate

Hi Lisa, I have tricare as well here's some things you need to know I'm triwest in Washington but its prob the same. 1) banded 2009 tricare covered approval in 2 days 2) removal tomorrow tricare covered due to complications approval a week 3) tricare will not cover the sleeve I wanted the sleeve as well. You can only get the sleeve done at a mtf I know for a fact jblm does them as my friend was revised band to sleeve there. 4) I love my surgeons and want to stick with them. Seems to me bypass is a more guaranteed weight loss with less complications than the sleeve. I am tired of complications 5) I hope to ask my surgeons office to submit for bypass next week even if surgery is out a few months. From all I have read if your band either failed due to complications or you still have not lost weight tricare will cover a revision. Good luck im in your shoes as well!

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.

My doctor and most reported here will not go the surgery if you smoke. The risk of complications is said to increase and the healing can be prolonged. Look for a thread called tested positive for nicotine. A pre- op urine test can get your approved, scheduled surgery cancelled. I'm not a mean finger pointing ex- smoker. I have quit a few times cold turkey, by choice. Once for over a year and I liked smoking BUT I did not like how it impacts my body and I have quit again for this surgery ( a lot out of fear) but I really plan not to go back. You should be clean about 4 weeks minimum before the surgery. I already had to do a six month diet supervision and I won't let a smoke wreck my plans... I'm scheduled for May 19 and I am still on the wagon. You can do it.

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!