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I am so there with you. I am nervous too, its still surgery and complications can still occur no matter how many questions, research, or discussion with previous operated people. I am trying to relax by doing things that keep me calm, for me its movies and listening to music. So guess what I am doing for the next few days, yep sticking to enjoying relaxing movies that takes my mind off it. Plus spending time with my family.

that is so true about complications, my mom had gastric bypass twice! I think that any and every diet works! It just depends on what works for you.

Hello everyone, my current employer's health insurance does not have any bariatric benefits, neither will the new health insurance for 2016. Any suggestions as to where I could get health care insurance? Other than Obamacare? I have a complication on my sleeve and I need revision. Thank you.

I have been banded for 5 weeks. Whenever I inhale deeply I swear I can feel where my band is. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. In the morning it feels the same way, kinda of tight, and as the day goes it loosens and I barely notice it's there. It really depends on the day. On my post op visit dr. didn't seem too concerned. It has gotten better over the last few weeks but it hasn't gone away. Does anyone else feel their band? I have no problems swallowing, nothing comes back up and I haven't had problems with any food. Minimal complications.... So far I have lost 20 lbs. and I feel fantastic. Going for a fill soon. I have lost most of my weight in my belly area and it seems like my port has shifted position. It hasn't flipped it just feels like it maybe shifted? I can still press on the site with my fingers and feel it. Am I just paranoid? Has one else had their port shift? Thank everyone!

Sooo here's the short version of my story. Tried to get my insurance to cover the surgery.... well, no can do. I was actually down to the point that all they had to do was schedule my surgery... dangit! Well, I decided to go with Dr. Almanza in Mexico. I've been talking to the pt. coordinator, but I still have some questions. My surgery is on March 8th. What should I expect? They never said anything about a pre-op diet, but from what I've been reading, its looking like something I should do, even if he doesn't require it. Also, for those who've had theirs done in Mexico.... if there are complications, were you able to find doctors around you that would be able to assist you? or are most of them against helping? Lets hope not for my sake lol. If there was one piece of advice you'd give to someone going in for the surgery, what would it be?

The band is supposed to be a permanent fix. You should not think that it is temporary. The only times the band needs to be removed is if it errodes, slips, etc. I believe some of the people who had to have revision surgery was due to complications. I know for me if anything happens with my band I will have no second thoughts about getting a revision and keeping it. I love my band and I'm so glad I have it.

Hello all. Im struggling with not eating. I can smell the food through the walls of my apt building. I went out for the first time and I could smell the BBQ in the air. My Docs recovery is very strict compared to others i see. Will be on Protein for 5 more weeks, then mush. Ive been holding on but i was determined to have a soft scrambled egg yesterday, but its not worth the complications that may come. How are others doing and how did you over come this stage?

I had the sleeve last year and my friend had the Gastric Bypass. Both of us are losing. She ended up back in the hospital with complications and wishes she'd done the sleeve too. It's probably not fair to compare though, I'm 15 years younger and had less to lose.

It can be scary ... And I have yet to be sleeved but honestly can't wait for it to happen! Think about it ... The risk of death or complications is much less than the risk of health issues due to obesity. This is a great tool for us to get our lives and health back! Wishing you the best in whatever you decide

I had lap-band surgery a year and a half ago. I found out I was pregnant so my doctor removed my fill about a month ago due to the pregnancy. A few weeks ago I started having complications after eating. About 30 minutes after eating anything, no matter how much, I start having pain around the spot where the band is and I have horrible bloating. I feel like my insides are going to explode. It is extremely uncomfortable and lasts for about 5 hours. Has anyone had this happen and does anyone know what could be causing this?? :help:Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

I know I'll probably find out tomorrow, but what stuff do you have to work on? The dietician at the seminar mentioned a checklist...what's that about? I had a friend that had the bypass. She lost over 100 lbs, but she also had some complications. All I really know for sure is that I DO want surgery, and I DON'T want a band. Have you joined any online support groups that you like? I joined this one on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/100213180146725/ and it seems like it will be very helpful...

When ever I had complications from WLS and had to have urgent care they did not need any records. They do all the X-rays and exams you need if you have issues.

I'd be a bit concerned that you cheated on a pre-op diet that was only required 3-5 days pre-op. That's a very short period of time and I wonder if you'll be able to adhere to the post-op diet or give into cheating. The pre-op diet serves to limit carbs for the purpose of shrinking your liver. This makes doing the surgical procedure easier for the surgeon and the recovery easier for you. If you're going to have the sleeve, the post-op diet MUST be adhered to or you risk causing a leak to the suture line. This can be a serious complication. Depending on your current weight and fat distribution, you might want to contact the coordinator and let her know what you ate. You should also discuss any concerns you might have about sticking to a pre-op diet.

Thanks for your kind word guys, I will surely keep posted as I get my band. <O:p</O:p About having the band done in France <V:p</V:pI always visit my brother who lives in Switzerland. <ST1:pSo I though it would be nice to have the operation done in Europe since doing it in Mexico<ST1:p</ST1:p is not an option for me, and doing it back in the States is SOOOO expensive. <O:p</O:pI started searching on the net, and found that one of the best surgeons in the world is in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comSwitzerland</st1:country-region>, which is only 2 hours driving to France. <st1:country-region w:st=" /><st1:City w:st="on">Lyon</st1:City>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> (they cliam that he placed thousands of bands) So I thought why not do it in France, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1:p</st1:country-region>and enjoy few days while at it<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""> </v:shape><O:p</O:p Plus after my research I found that the mid-band has less complications when comparing to the Inmad Lap-Band. Although it still not approved back in the States. So I'll just cross my fingers that what I read about the mid-band is true.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p And (the_best_me) I would really like if you can get Megan to throw her 2 cents about the mid-band. Thanks a lot and the best to you guys <O:p</O:p

Magic, I don't think there is enough data or research to definitively show that the Midband has any fewer complications than the lap-band--what you read is probably what the manufacturer says about the Midband (and also Dr. Frering's expert opinion). That said, I think it sounds like you made a good choice for you, provided that you have arranged for follow up care. I was banded with a Midband in Jul of 2002 by Dr. Frering. I was very pleased by my experience in Lyon - the surgery & recovery was a breeze for me. I had trouble with follow up care, though. I had to travel quite a distance to get fills, and was turned away by surgeons who either did not want to provide follow up for somone they didn't band, or did not want to provide follow up on a band that was not approved by the FDA. If you frequently travel to Switzerland, it may not be a problem for you, but still, you may need more convenient follow up in case of emergency. It may not have been such a problem for me if it hadn't been for the fact that I experienced complications. First, I got terrible reflux as soon as I got adequate restriction. I had two unfills, and then finally had to get a complete unfill. Later, I got a small fill, and then a few months after that my Midband slipped. After my Midband slipped, I was rebanded in the U.S. with a lap-band and I'm doing well now (at goal and stable for 8 months). Good luck to you--just remember, with the band, having quick & affordable access to good follow up care is probably the MOST important thing after choosing a good surgeon! -Yvonne 260/160

YES! Don't be ashamed of your fear. Study and learn. There can be complications, but as you will see they are rare: http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-loss-surgery/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-risks-and-complications.html A mortality rate of 2/1,000 for major surgery is not too shabby! Do you have a family history or a personal history of blood clots? Is your starting BMI over 50.0? If not, it is likely that they will not agressively treat you for potential clots... But DO discuss with your medical team!

Hi Everyone! I’m a newbie and this is my first post. I’m 63y/o and probably one of the oldest living that still has a Molina Band in place. The surgery was in 1985 and that sucker has been useless since about 1988. It did work for the first couple of years or so….I lost about 75lbs. I went back to Molina in 1988 to see if anything could be done and he just humiliated me. He made it all out to be my fault and insisted I had abused the band and not followed the instructions. He said I needed to have a revision and a new band put in place. I declined, left his office in tears, felt I had failed and it was all my fault. From that day forward, I worked like crazy from one diet to another and managed to keep most of the weigh off until I hit menopause………. slowly all the weight came back and more. I never had the serious medical issues with the Molina Band like many others had. For me, it just stopped working and in some ways, I was relieved. I was so tired of all the “stuck” episodes, the pain, staying up all night, pacing the floor and trying to throw up….I never ever want anything like that, again. Back in 2002 I was considering the “stomach stapling” weight loss procedure. My primary doc sent me for a upper GI…no restrictions, at all and it appeared the Molina Band was probably held on by adhesions. The radiologist said I was one of the lucky ones because so many Molina Bands were removed by emergency surgery. The surgeon “freaked out” about the Molina Band and would only consider it by doing two separate “open” surgical procedures. I was not willing to be “cut open” twice so I gave up on having any type of revision surgery, until now. Back in 1985 I had the Molina Band surgery because I wanted to be skinny, now…….. things are very different. My reasons for surgery, now are all health related. I have very high blood pressure that has been difficult to control, chronic sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint aches and pre-diabetic. I’m on so much blood pressure medicine I can barely function. I retired early, last year because I just didn’t have the energy to keep working. I’ve changed blood pressure meds several times during the past year and the awful side effects have just about turned me into an invalid. I want off all the meds and I just want my life back. Do I have a chance for a revision to a gastric sleeve? I’m told maybe……. because my band was done in 1985 when Molina was using a material that is much easier to remove than the mesh band he used in the 90’s and I haven’t had the complications that many others had....I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m very grateful for this website. I appreciate all the info and I love the success stories and before & after pics. I really need that now because I’m very scared, nervous and anxious. I get so happy and feel so hopeful after reading all the success the posters are having and then I end up in tears because I’m so afraid it will not happen for me. My emotions are just all over the place. Thanks for being here…… Texy

Melissa, i am sorry you have had such a difficult time! Do you mind sharing more about your complication - what went wrong? I have not yet been sleeved, but had my band out in late Sept and plan to be sleeved before the end of the year. I read alot of people who are very happy with the sleeve, even when they had a rough start like you.

I've had a complete lack of complications - ie I feel pretty much normal and barely have any restriction. Whilst I can't binge (this wasn't really a problem for me), I'm not exactly eating like a sparrow like the VSGers seem to!

Hi. I had my surgery in Charlotte on Nov. 11. I believe Dr. Voellinger is part of the same group as my surgeon. It's called Carolina's Weight Loss Surgery. Dr. Roc Bauman did my bypass at CMC Northeast. Where does your doctor do his surgery? If I'm correct he either does his at CMC University or downtown at Mercy Hospital. The pre-op experience was very complete and and staff was wonderful. I've heard that all the surgeons in this group are excellent. My surgery went well, with no complications. I've saw Dr. Bauman at 1 week and 4 weeks post op. I saw the nutritionist at 2 weeks out. I will meet with the nutritionist once a month for a full year. I'll see Dr. Bauman at 3,6,9 and 12 months. As far as my success, so far so good....... I've lost 34lbs so far. I feel really good with the exception of some constipation. I'm now adding new foods everyday or so, and am tolerating them well. I'd love to hear from you. Good luck.

Sorry you are having these issues! I hope you get it resolved ASAP :-( What is this complication you mentioned? Can you have a heart attack or stroke from this surgery? This is the first I've heard of this.

i doubt very seriously you'll be feeling up to anything more than a stroll to the couch 48 hours after surgery....plus you'll still be on pain meds, which made me SLEEP! and you dont want to dance your incisions back open.... give yourself time to heal...you will really have a lot of explaining to do if you get out there and have "complications" .... best of luck! it will all be worth it in the end!!

There are many complications that can happen during and after any major surgery. The main ones that people worry about after bariatric surgery are: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, leaks, strictures, gallbladder problems, and malnutrition. There are probably 100 other things that could go wrong.... but keep in mind that significant complications only happen about 5% of the time for good surgeons. Malnutrition is an issue both close to surgery and years later. (Close to surgery, there can be a rare complication that keeps one from eating. While years out from surgery (usually gastric bypass or DS)... malabsorption can result in deficiencies (thus the need for lifelong routine bloodwork checking vitamin levels). Heart, lungs, and kidneys shouldn't be more affected by bariatrics than by any other major surgery.

Walking from day 1. Light hand weights at home week 2. Back to the gym week 3 and only because I take Water aerobics and needed to wait for my incisions to heal. Check with your doctor but if you have no complications 2 weeks give or take is about right.

I went with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela at Mexico Bariatric Centers and I can tell you I had a great experience. My patient care was outstanding much better than I have ever received in the States. From start to finish it was very easy. Dr Valenzuela had the same surgery three years ago and the Doctor assigned to our floor had it done 3 months ago. Dr V has: Performed over 4,000 Bariatric Surgeries Limits Bariatric Surgeries to 3 Per Day Performs Every Surgery She Schedules Successful Results & Close to Zero Complication Rate The price varies based on your BMI and other health conditions but I found them to be very reasonable. The key though is don't fudge on your weight or height because they base fee's off of your BMI at time of registration. So if you put down a lower weight on the application you might be assessed a fee at registration. Also, plan on a few hundred extra dollars for additional medications and such from the hospital. I needed a blood thinner for long airplane travel that was not covered. Whatever the cost find the money somehow and get the surgery done. It will change your life! I no longer have to take medicine for diabetes or high blood pressure.