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I know some that did eat baby foods but personally YUCK! and a lot of my band friends threw stuff in the blender like roasts and said they tasted great again I just couldn't get past it. Once I switched over to the creamy/mushy phase at the 14th day I was all over the various cheese Soups if they had veggies in them I either gummed them to oblivion or fished them out. I couldn't be bothered to do the whole blender thing like I should have. I also made a variety of Protein puddings by mixing whey protein powders with instant sugar free puddings. (Chocolate, Cheesecake, Lemon or Lime, etc..) Later I discovered an even healthier option where I would blend Cottage Cheese until smooth and replace most of the milk called for in the pudding recipe with that instead. It had a much higher protein to carb ratio and tasted great. Most people think it sounds disgusting but really it tastes very creamy like you made it with whole milk (no hint of salty at all) Oh and if you freeze the puddings for a while before you eat them and stir them up they taste like eating soft serve ice cream. Yummy. Right now one of my favorite protein rich foods is Cottage Cheese with some Yogurt and a Cherry or Rasberry Crystal Light bottle Water packet stirred in. I've just been feeling too lazy to take the time to blend up the puddings and mess up the kitchen. But I'm not sure if cottage cheese would be considered "soft" enough for the 14 day mark. This stage was SO HARD for me but I just kept repeating to myself I can put up with anything for just a couple weeks and being self pay I couldn't risk the possibility of having to pay for any complications much less the loss of money with more time off work without pay. Speaking of work, one of these days I may need to talk to you about the whole teeth whitening thing. I'd love to do it but always assumed too expensive. Tried one of those home kits once and was VERY sore and dissapointed though I managed to get my money back. I personally think I would need veneers to do any good on my teeth. (though I'm not nor ever was a smoker)

Hello everyone, I was told I did great in surgery no complications. I did stay the night..thank goodness for that the inclining bed was a life saver. I was afraid of how much soreness I would have post-op but I have to admit it was manageable, I did ask for pain meds several times tho. Walking was good seem to help a lot I walked the halls each time I was disconnected to use the restroom. Now I'm home on the couch with everything I need within an arms reach. Everyone is so supportive on this site. Thanks to you all.

I agree with the others. Gastric band aftercare is not always black and white. You'll want someone who is very knowledgeable on the ins and outs of fills, the variances of how different people's bodies react to the band, etc. There's a lot more to being a good band surgeon than the actual surgery. The long term care can be very variable, and you'll want someone who has first hand experience in dealing with patients after the surgery is completed. He could be the most competent surgeon in the world, but if he's not in practice with an experienced gastric band surgeon, you may be his first patient to experience a complication that he's not seen first hand. I wouldn't want to be that patient.

Hm. Well I'm not here to defend my decision to you (unless you want to know because you care, not because you want to convince me I'm making a mistake and want to convert me), and more importantly, this topic is about the information you posted. So I'd rather focus on that, if you don't mind. What irked me about the post is that the whole tone is very misleading. If you are here to offer your experience and insight and possibly help others, then great. But you just posted a study summary that, after reading it, didn't pass my sniff test. I assume you downloaded (paid for) this entire study and didn't post just some vague conclusion about the lap band being inferior to the sleeve to explain why you made the choice to switch after a poor band experience. (which, by the way, is not everyone else's experience) I approach scientific data with healthy skepticism, and I'm happy to keep an open mind. So here are my questions on the abstract and results: What is gastrointestinal quality of life? What does it mean - how is it measured in this study? Are we talking good and bad bacteria, number of bowel movements, rate of intestinal distress? What is food tolerance? What does it mean - are we talking what variety of foods are able to be eaten? Quantity of food? This is most interesting to me because the band's primary purpose is to keep food tolerance low. I'm not sure why, otherwise, it would be part of a study. That's like measuring the light and heat from the sun and declaring that it's hotter and brighter than a lamp. lol. How significant is "significantly lower" did the AGB score? What do the numbers mean? Does it mean that because of these parameters, AGB patients had less long term weight loss? Lower quality of life? Less complications, less revision rates? Worse overall health? These things would get my attention, and cause me to look into my options again. Don't get me wrong, MsMaui, I wouldn't wish complications on anyone, I don't want the whole world to be banded. It's for specific people. And sometimes even good band candidates have a crappy surgical experience, like perhaps yourself. And maybe me, but I'm not convinced yet. As for me...My band has failed, yes, but for logical reasons. There is no reason to think it won't work again once replaced with a newer model and the port located to a less stressful place. Also, I am opposed to permanent surgical alteration, and will do everything in my power to avoid it. The band is still good in my eyes, especially seeing the results personally.

At 2 weeks out, it was discovered that I had a small absess with a leak. I spent 17 days in the hospital with no food or fluids going into my stomach. I was fed TPN through a PICC line and gained weight during my stay. I went from feeling like I was on top of the moon before surgery, to feeling like I was actually going to do this after surgery, to going downhill for two weeks after surgery, to passing out, being weak, not being able to eat or drink much of anything and internal pain by the time I was admitted into the hospital...on my birthday. After numerous tests throughout my hospital stay, the leak partially closed and my idiot doctors (not my surgeon) felt I should just go home and eat, hoping the rest of the leak would heal in time. But if I get sick again, just come back. Horrible advice, in my opinion and the opinion of my surgeon, but thankfully I have not been back to emergency and I seem to get better as time goes on. I still worry daily. It been about 3 weeks since I've been out. But I lost the weight I gained and then some. Stay strong. My story may not be as bad as yours but I do know some of the struggles you are going through. I spent a majority of my days worried I was going to die and crying more than I thought possible. I now thank God for helping on this journey, for bringing me back to my family (I have a 5 month old baby girl) and for the 40 lbs I've lost so far. ((((hugs))) to you and everyone else who's had complications.

Hello All, Thank God, I have had no complications or any serious problems with my band, that's what keeps me motivated, well, at times haha. Anyway, I know I'm not in the best shape of my life but I never felt this way. I noticed that after my filling (3rd one) for the last 2 weeks, I have been out of breath easily, I get winded even going down the stairs. I don't get dizzy, or anything like that. Can it be due to the filling? Maybe because I'm not eating as much? I haven't been eating anything just crackers, cheese and Soup mostly. Does anyone else get like that after a filling? Thanks, Chris

I used Dr. Fernando Garcia in Oct. Had great results no issues. I did not get the single incision though. FYI, I searched Dr. Garcia's name on this website (in all forums) and did not find anything negative on him. I think I saw one person had a complication but that was due to her surgery was a revision which is more complicated. That helped me to use him. Definitely search his name and see what you think. I also searched his name on other sites as well as google. I did the same for some other doctors and did not like the mixed reviews on some so I steered clear of those doctors. Good Luck

Has anyone heard or done GJ REVISION WITH ROUX if so would you share your experience with me,as far as:starting weight,weightloss,complication etc.

I was told by the surgeon anywhere from 2-6 weeks but that depends on if there ate complications. But I have a friend who had her surgery on Wednesday and way back to work by monday. As for people at work, to include your boss and HR department, it's not their right to know what type of surgery you are having. If you don't want to lie ( though its not a bad idea for people who are pushy lol) simply tell them it's personal.

Thanks!! Well I'm a 44 years old Hispanic female. Have three sons. Been married for 18 yrs. As a tradition Hispanic Puerto Rican we eat very unhealthy. I have done so many yo- yo diets as many of you with temporary success. It has been hard Keeping the weight down. My maternal family all have diabetes which many have died with diabetes complications. When I became diabetic it scared me to death. My doctor helped me in every thing she could with my weight loss. Many letters were sent to my insurance for approval. Finally this September it was approved. My big day was 2/1/12 its been almost 1 1/2 months. I was 226 and currently @ 206. My first fill will be 3/13. very new to the lap band. It will be nice to be able to speak to someone on a one on one for support. Thanks

Update for anyone interested in this practice. So far my experience with U.S Bariatrics has been great. They really help you with each stage. Jenn, the surgery scheduler has been wonderful in taking me through each step. The only thing that I just found out was that I have to have my surgery with Dr. Marema instead of Dr. Koppman. Not that that is bad but I did my consult with Koppman and have planned on him being the surgeon since the seminar. The problem: I am self pay and Dr. Koppman can not provide the 1 year complication insurance. So I have to go with Marema. I really wish they would have mentioned this sooner so I could have had my consult with Marema. I will still have my pre-op appoinment with him. I am so far into at this point there is no turning back. Good thing I know that Dr. Marema is a fine surgeon. PCP appointment next week and then all of the final stuff from bariatrics. WhoooHoo:thumbup:

:thumbdown:hey i was banded 1/12/09. I am post op day four. I am hungry on the liquid diet i've had no complications so far no pain no discomfort no nausea no vomitting sometimes i wonder if the procedure was even done. does anyone know if it is still normal to feel hungry on this liquid diet? i'm almost ashamed to admit i still feel like eating:sleep:

Does anyone indeed do tae bo and if so, have you experienced any complications after doing so?!? Is it safe. Please let me know. Thanks!

Recovery time should be pretty much the same as it was when you had the band installed. You are going in for a full laparoscopic surgery, so you'll have all the ports/incisions that come with it. You'll be unfilled, have your band adjusted and more than likely some more sutures put in to hold it in place, and this is all barring any complications. I had my band installed in 2011 and I had ZERO physical issues, no slippage, no erosion, nothing. But when I had my revision from Band to Bypass, it took my surgeon over 3 times longer to get the band out, because it has been 100% encapsulated in scar tissue. So, you *might* not have any issues once they get inside you again... but you could have some major complications ahead like I did, even though nothing pointed to there being any real problem. To be honest, my "suggestion" would be to talk to your surgeon about revision to another WLS. The Band has just so much working against it at this point, 2 major manufactures have stopped making them, most surgeons won't even do them any longer.

I can relate to your disappointment...it took 14 weeks for me to have my first fill due to medical complications. The time will pass quickly...

I got the lap band surgery about 6 months ago. Up til now, I've had absolutely no complications, not even vomiting. But last night at dinner, I took a bite of a sandwich that was too big and it got stuck in my pouch. I ran to the bathroom and vomited it up, and there was some blood in my vomit. Is this a serious problem or is this normal? Thanks for the help.

Baylor Mom welcome to the site. You will find very good information on this site. Just do go the complication site too much I find it very scary at times. For the back pain try walking and a heating pad. For the port site pain try an ice pack. See how this works Congratulations on your new life. I live in Arlington TX. I will email you so we can keep in touch

Hi Nikki Sorry I didn't see this until today. I had the band for almost 10 years and after about 7 years, I started having lots of complications. I always had difficulty with fills and unfills because my port flipped almost immediately after surgery. I did fairly well with the band and lost about 100 pounds. However, I regained almost all of that weight after 2 children, 5 months of bed rest and an injury from running. I started looking into revision mid-2010 and was given the choice of RNY (which I found out I couldn't have due to my severe anemia) or sleeve. I wasn't happy with either of those choices so after about 6 months of research I found out about the plication. I was going to go to Mexico but ended up finding a doctor here in Southern California who had just started doing plication. I was his very first banded plication patient, which was scary but somebody's gotta be first!! Anyway - I've lost a bit over 42 pounds in 15 weeks. I'd like to lose about another 50-60 pounds. I started at 283 and am now at 240.5. I am actually surprised that I've lost as much weight as I have considering I'm a revision patient. I track my food but not religiously. I ensure that I eat 50-70 grams of Protein and drink about 60-80 oz. of Water. I do exercise almost everyday and walk/jog about 2-3 miles per workout. I completed my first 5K a few weeks ago and am planning on wogging (walk/jogging) a 10K July 23. I have averaged about 10 pounds per month and have lost 42% of my EWL (excess weight loss). I've gone from a 22/24 (26 top) to loose 20s and almost fitting into 18s! My goal is to be around 170-180ish which for me is a size 12/14. I don't want to be much smaller than that as I prefer that size on me and so does my husband! PS-I have not had any fills in my band and I plan on leaving it completely empty.

I think you're going to see a high proportion of complications on a site like this. Because if things are going well, what would you post about? I've had my band 5 years and I've had complications - a leak (mostly covered by insurance but I'm in Australia so can't speak for your insurance company), but more important than that, I've lost 100% of my excess weight and kept it off in that time. No reflux, no pain, no constant tiredness (quite the contrary in fact), no bs. The band gave me my life back, plus some, in more ways than just weight loss. If not for my leak I probably wouldn't have come back to this site. Then would you have heard of my story? Or the stories of the MANY thousands of others for whom the band has worked? So read the complications and know of the possibility of them and then put them in context. Complications are not as common as this site would make them seem. My suggestion is ask your insurance about what they do cover in the event you do suffer a complication, but always balance that out with what you're NOT seeing, which is people who were like me until recently, who have the band and are out there living our lives without having to talk about it in a forum like this.

My surgery date is 8/15 but since being on this site I have become less certain this is what I want to do. I am overweight, BMI of 36, but otherwise no health issues at all. I'm worried that I will go from a "healthy" person to one who is suffering from constant pain, tiredness, gas, acid reflux, esophageal erosion, etc. Seems like everyone has similar complications and complaints. While I'm so glad I found this site, I'm kind of wishing I didn't until after surgery! Ha. I want my kids to have a mom who is active, healthy and thin but not at the expense of being debilitated by other symptoms. Does anyone know if insurance covers band removal or additional surgeries related to band complications? I have Aetna. I also worry about going bankrupt dealing with treatment of complications. Ugh. Lots of worry. I guess I should utilize my "patient advocate" who has not contacted me once....

There aren't lots of people with slippages. Complications with the band are rare. People tend to come to a support group when they have problems or questions or a HUGE success. That's why you mostly see concerns posted. That's what a support group is for.

I agree with the others, I think that the people that are doing great for the most part are out living their lives. I have been banded almost 1 year and feel great. I am less than 20 pounds from goal and I wouldn't trade my band for the world. I did have some gas/shoulder pain for a few days after surgery but that is the extent of my band complications. I was on pain meds for all of 2 or 3 doses and then regular liquid tylenol did the trick for me. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 12 in just 11 months. Feel free to PM or ask any questions you may have. I am going with my sister for her lap-band seminar next week and I am trying to talk my mom into researching it further. I think the band is good enough to reccomend it to my mom, does that tell you anything? ~Mandy

I, personally, think you should have decided on the band before you booked the procedure -- kind of scary to second guess this when your surgery is just over a week away. BUT... There is another website I frequent where someone just asked this question....you might like their responses. However, most people on that board that didn't have the band are pretty ill-informed about it. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/1262177.html?vc=0 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/postdetail/171393.html?vc=0 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/postdetail/170826.html?vc=0 My cravings are pretty much gone. Sure, every once in a while, I crave something specific: mexican food or itialian or something, but I don't crave food in general. I don't have the feeling that I need to eat, eat, eat. That comes with good restriction as I don't feel hungry. Here are the reasons that I went with lapband: (note: this is posted from my blogspot where I journal these things) There are a few different types of weight loss surgery. They each work a bit differently and the results are different. One of the most popular ones is called RNY, where they cut your stomach to make a much smaller pouch that feeds into your intestines. They also shorten your intestines to prevent food from absorbing into your body as quickly. Depending on the person, they can either do the surgery laproscopically or open. I believe the surgery takes a couple of hours. From what I understand, most of the weight lost after this surgery is in what they call the "window of opportunity"-18-24 months after surgery. People can expect to lose 50-70% of their excess weight. A newer surgery is called Lap Band. Most of these are performed laproscopically. They place a band around the top portion of your stomach to make it smaller (called a pouch). It makes your stomach like an upside down funnel. You have the full sized stomach, but the opening is alot smaller, so you feel full faster because you have to wait for the food to go through the funnel into the larger part of your stomach. The FDA approved this method in 2001 for the US, but it has been performed before that in Europe. Weight loss with this approach is slower, but there is no "window of opportunity". After surgery, people can get "fills". The band around the stomach is filled with saline and can be filled up to be tighter or emptied to be looser, giving the person some freedom. Here are my reasons for having the lap-band: 1. My stomach/intestines will not be cut/staped/rearranged. If I ever had to have it reversed, it is much easier to remove the band than to re-cut the stomach. 2. I do not have to worry about malabsorption of my food and nutrients. All my nutrients will be absorbed the same as they are pre-surgically. People with RNY really have to watch their Vitamins since their stomach and intestines don't absorb nearly as much. People with a lap-band have to watch their vitamins too because they can't eat as much, but what they do take in vitamin-wise will all be absorbed. 3. Weightloss is slower. This helps with skin not to be as saggy after the weight loss. It also helps me establish lifestyle changes instead of using the "window of opportunity". People who lose weight very quickly often get gallstones and then need their gall bladder removed. I'd like to avoid that. 4. The band can be adjusted if needed. If the weight isn't coming off well, the fill can be increased. If the weight is coming off too quickly, the fill can be decreased. If I ever get pregnant :-) and need to eat more, I can get an unfill. This is true even 10 years down the road. 5. Lower mortality rate by far. 6. Less complications post-surgical, since there are less changes in your body and no cuts. 7. Shorter hospital stay. Most Lap Band patients are in and out in a day, if they have a fairly early surgery time and no complications with anesthesia. Here is information on Lap-Band: http://wlssearch.com/surgicalweightloss.htm http://www.nevdgp.org.au/geninf/std_misc/OBESITY_SURGERY.htm http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/about.html http://www.lap-band.com/about.html http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p000008.html

Hello, I'm new to the boards but I am from Houston! Northwest near Cypress to be exact! Looking forward to meet you all, I am still in the process PRE OP, on Monday I have my last dietitian consultation! I want to be banded asap but I have had some complication choosing doctors that are on Tricare's network. It is being sorted out though, although now the surgery date won't be as close as I thought and wanted to. Nice meeting you all!

How many surgeries per year does he perform Also his complication rate