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Pre-surgery question... does anyone know statistics of people who have had complications, and had to have band removed?
Beni replied to Ready 4 Changes's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A Bariatric Surgeon I saw while researching for which surgery and doctor to go with, stated he no longer does Lapband because the weight loss outcomes are so poor. He was the chief of surgery at a major hospital, Harvard educated and had stellar credentials, only lost one patient due to deep vein thrombosis in over 2,000 procedures in 15 years. He also stated he does all the more difficult cases with the higher risk patients. I considered the Lapband as well but he talked me out of it. Of course, he was very professional but it was clear he didn't support it, even though he recommended another doctor at the same hospital if I wished to go that route . He says it works very well for some patients but it requires a level of maintenance with adjustments (adding or removing saline through the Lapband port using a needle and syringe) to the band that most people do not follow through. In addition, the complications with the Lapband are high in his experience. But has you have seen there are many people who have successfully adjusted to life with Lapband and had a great deal of success. My understanding is, they are in the minority. I would advise to see a few different surgeons and attend the support groups. You will meet a variety of patients and their experiences will educate your decision. On another note, I find the gastric bypass diet a fantastic weight loss diet. It is by far the best diet i have ever been on. I am not hungry and feel fantastic. It's a high Protein, fruits and veggies but only a little carb. The trick is not drinking while you eat in the golden hour. No drinks 10 minutes before you eat, chew your food for 20 to 25 minutes (it's an eternity) and again no liquids for 20min after. I am never hungry. Good luck -
Getting ready for Pacific Bariatric
annav562 replied to thxkbye's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Omg..I actually am opposite of you..I had health net 3yrs ago and was referred to Pacific bariatric. .went to seminar in October and by December I was told I would be scscheduled for surgery in January. .did everything from pre op classes to all the testing required. .sadly the medical board denied me last minute despite my countless pages and pages of documented attempts to lose weight that spanned almost 10 years...fast forward to last year in April I am back with Kaiser and I was approved for the options program..had surgery 3weeks ago..Pacific bariatric I thought did good in terms of making you informed. .perhsps not as much as Kaiser but maybe things have changed I was under the care of Dr. Suh at the time...I was happy overall in the way things moved smoothly. .but unfortunately like I said getting approved last minute wsd an issue. -
My WLS journey has been at a Bariatric Center of Excellence in a major Medical Center. The Weight Loss Center here has done thousands of surgeries in the last ten years. The program is discouraging patients from pursuing the lap band procedure because of the risk of complications. In my classes, I met two lap band revision patients that have had multiple issues. After talking with them, I am very comfortable with my decision to do the sleeve.
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My sleeve surgeon just did a gallbladder removal for me a couple weeks ago. I saw him today for follow-up and he chatted a bit about a bariatric surgeon conference he just attended in Sydney, AU. Just as background, my surgeon does mostly sleeves and the occasional bypass. He used to do a ton of bands but now only does the band if the patient insists. He still maintains a lot of bands. He said that the band is way down in Australia and whole areas of the country have no band surgeons anymore. He also said that the re-operation rate (for all types of re-operation) is as high as 40% with the band. He said that the band has a lot of potential points of failure, including that the port can flip, the needle can puncture the band during a fill and cause a leak, or lots of other ways that are not really direct failures of the band. He seems pretty down on the band now but wants to give his existing band patients the highest standard of care. He also confirmed that Allergan has sold the lap band to another company, Apollo Endosurgery. I googled that and found a story in the Wall Street Journal. http://m.asia.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303471004579165961441181356?mobile=y He said that the sleeve is gaining massive popularity because of the low complication rate, high success rate, and that they are starting to feel really confident about the long term prospects of the sleeve, starting to see some patients with more than 10 years sleeved. He said that the sleeve may stretch 3-5% over time but then it stops. He said it is like taking a t-shirt and cutting off a sleeve. You can stretch the sleeve but it will never be nearly as big as the shirt. The bypass is going to be around a long time and is still very well regarded. It is the #1 choice for people with reflux or bowel diseases and it is the best salvage surgery for people who have reflux problems after the sleeve. The DS is very uncommon these days because the sleeve works so well on its own. This is my surgeon's summary to me about the state of bariatric surgery in Australia today from the point of view of the surgeons.
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For my multi, I take either a Vitamin capsule my doctor's office sells or Bariatric Advantage chewable multis. I also take Vitamin D, Cal-mag, Biotin, a B-complex, additional pantothenic acid, selenium, Co Q-10, and chewable Iron on alternating days. Everything listed is something I found I simply did not meet minimum requirements for over a long period of time. (I track nutrients on Fitday.) Now I meet or exceed the USRDA for everything but potassium, which my doctor monitors (and will Rx supplementation for if needed). The Co Q-10 is a supplement he suggests all patients take daily---preferably for life. ETA: Since surgery, I have not been able to tolerate pills---at least, not pressed tablets. So, every supplement I take is either a chewable, a powder-containing capsule (breaks down before it tries to pass through the stoma) or a gelcap (same idea).
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The WRONG Isopure!!??
youknowit replied to Boredoncemore's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
Has anyone heard of or tried Unjury? This was brought to my attention by a sleeve-friend today, and I looked it up. Sounds like something to try? UNJURY Protein for Weight Loss Surgery Patients: WLS Protein, Bariatric Protein, Gastric Bypass Protein, Lapband Protein -
Larger Bougie Size For Exbandits
Wheetsin replied to trishah's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
To all of you saying that you "failed" with the band - try to see it in a different light. Unless you knowingly ate too much or ate incorrectly, irped the food back up, then tried again until it stayed down, you didn't fail. Unless you opted to eat ice cream all day because it's what you wanted, then you didn't fail. Having a mechanical device that is supposed to give you fast satiety, but never does, is not failure. In reality, it's having gone through surgery with high hopes, and finding you still have to "diet" to maintain weight or lose weight. Having a band that maybe worked for a while, then failed, is also not you failing - it's you not having the ability or resolve to "do it on your own" but why would having had surgery change that? If we could do it on our own, we would have long before surgery... and definitely would have long before a second (or third, or fourth...) surgery. The sleeve cannot have the same issues as the band. The sleeve cannot slip (prolapse), it cannot erode through your esophagus, etc. It can limityour intake. You will still have to work at it. Since it is not (or maybe just lightly) a malabsorptive procedure, you will still have to own what you eat. If you cannot own what you eat, then frankly the sleeve might not be the best option. I'm pretty far post-op by band standards. I know a lot of people in the 5 - 7 years post-op range. Those who still have their bands, shouldn't, but are too afraid it will be removed to seek the medical care they need. It has let down a lot of people, and mentally is about a 30x magnification of the standard diet "failure" emotions we've all experienced more times than we care to count. I suspect I will spend the first 6 months with my sleeve "just waiting" for it to somehow fail. I mean, 100% of my bariatric experience tells me that eventually, it stops working, right? But try to focus on the fact that the band is not PERMANENT. Ok, in theory it's intended to be a permanent device. I'll give it that. I don't know anyone 5, 7, 10 years out who still has theirs, so it's not THAT permanent. Every sleeved person I know 5, 7, 10 years out still has their sleeve. I understand your fears, and I share them. We have "failed" at weightloss most of our lives. We "expect" failure again, it's what we've become conditioned to. But if you didn't at least have hope, you wouldn't be here, so run with it. -
Mothers day scheduled at a buffet ... Lol
marfar7 replied to squeaker31's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I know this sounds crazy but I like buffets...I get to choose 1 bite of numerous different things. What I don't like about them is I don't get to bring home a to go box. I have tried my bariatric card (the only time it's ever been rejected) at Hometown Buffet and they politely said no. So I hafta pay $11 for about $1 worth of food. But hubby makes up for what I don't eat. He's a low carber so he enjoys getting all the meat and veggies he wants. Last month, we visited a Soup Plantation. They gave me the $4 kids price. Still didn't eat $4 worth of food but it was nice to not pay full price. At buffets, they frown upon u just taking a couple nibbles off ur hubbys plate! At Hometown, I usually get: Baked chicken, cornbread stuffing, broccoli, mashed pots, 1 butterfly shrimp, roast beef, and maybe a small salad. I take a bite or 2 of everything and it doesn't look like I've even touched my food. Enjoy ur Mothers Day. At 5 weeks, however, not sure how I'd feel about it. I was still on soft foods (of which the buffet has lots of, btw). I wouldn't try to tackle a salad or ribs! Good luck! Oh and I usually sneak a few Cookies in a napkin in my purse. Figure since I'm not getting $11 worth of food, I'm gunna take dessert at least! Embarrasses hubby...oh well... -
Well I have called both my insurance companies already and I know that my BCBS and Medicaid does cover bariatric surgery. I was just curious if anyone knew how things worked when you have a primary insurance with BCBS and medicaid as a secondary insurance. How does the coverage work for medicaid as a secondary insurance? Will medicaid cover all of what BCBS wont cover or just a certain percentage?
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I looked into my insurance requirements for the sleeve. I have been seeing my pcp for the 6 month supervised diet. I made the appointment to see the nut doctor. And I been goin to the gym. I feel like I'm missing something. This is what they want. Patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery include (NHLBI, 1998): Documentation of a motivated attempt of weight loss through a structured diet program, prior to bariatric surgery, which includes physician or other health care provider notes and/or diet or weight loss logs from a structured weight loss program for a minimum of 6 months. Active participation in an integrated clinical program that involves guidance on diet, physical activity and behavioral and social support prior to and after the surgery. Psychological evaluation to rule out major mental health disorders which would contraindicate surgery and determine patient compliance with post-operative follow-up care and dietary guidelines.
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I chose the sleeve because able I needed to be able to take NSAIDS, I didn't want the malabsorption, and I didn't want dumping. I wasn't diabetic and didn't comorbidities. I knew that statistically I would lose more with the bypass, but at the time I was over 300 pounds and it ALL seemed too good to be true. I figured 60% EWL would be good enough. So, fast forward 2 1/2 years, and I am happy with my decision. I lost about 90% of my excess weight, though it could be 100% if I changed my goal . My labs are normal and I don't need an excess of Vitamins to keep them there. I have never dumped or thrown up, and now I eat small normal size portions. (I do take vitamins, and I do follow the Bariatric Eating plan). I will admit there are times I wonder if I could have lost that last 5-10 pounds with the bypass, but it's a fleeting thought.
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I had the sleeve, and I have loved it. My understanding is that if you have gastric reflux or indigestion issues, the sleeve might not be for you. Also, if you have emotional eating issues, the bypass may lead to more success. I did not have any nausea issues. Ever. My eating plan through Emory Hospital in Atlanta was aggressive. We were eating solids (pureed) within a few days, and it never bothered me. I think I was chewing my food within 10 days of surgery, and could eat just about anything by then. I was back to work in less than a week. I was actually out house hunting within a few days, but I had already taken the week. I could have gone back by the Monday after my Wednesday surgery. This site was a huge help, but there are plenty of great articles on the subject. Get in with a good bariatric program, and they will give you all of the information you need, as well. Good luck.
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HELP! Protein Shakes (In-Store/On-line) cost effective pre-op and Post-op
firehazzard6029 replied to lisaanewme67's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If you have aVITAMIN SHOPPE in your area they specialize in bariatric health. But yes don't buy tons before the surgery -
I just remembered a few more... pureed cauliflower with cheese, baked ricotta, & baked pumpkin custard. Search pinterest for bariatric diet purees and you'll get lots of good ideas! I just remembered a few more... Pureed cauliflower with cheese, baked ricotta, & baked pumpkin custard. Search pinterest for bariatric diet purees and you'll get lots of good ideas!
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I know exactly what everyone above is dealing with. I became suddenly lactose intolerant about 4 weeks after my surgery. What worked for me was switching to almond milk sugar free for a couple months and things have resolved themselves on their own. Other options would be soy milk, coconut Water, or just using water. Be sure whatever option you choose that it is relatively low to no sugar as this could cause dumping syndrome. The other thing I found that worked well for me was switching from unjury, which the bariatric nutritionist recommended for me, to Isopure Zero Carb. They have these in premade bottles or just a regular powder. They have the traditional chocolate, vanilla, strawberry flavors which I find like most brands that have these flavors taste better with milk or almond milk. The real gem with IsoPure is the non-traditional flavors. Early morning my stomach sometimes cant handle the heavy chocolate of vanilla, so I reach for my go to flavors or pineapple orange banana or peach mango. Both of these still taste amazing mixed with just water! I know that dealing with the stomach distress is a pain and can be very discouraging. I want to encourage you to talk to your nutritionist and also start experimenting with various Protein drinks and combinations. Every one is different and no two weight loss journeys are the same. I want to encourage you to keep forging ahead and if there is anything I can do for all of your or if any of you has questions, feel free to contact me at one of the links below and I will do what I can to help. Jonathan @Fat2FitBlue Blog: http://wakingupfromh...s.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook...ealjonathanblue
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Honestly, they can't force you to see this internist. I would keep going to your endocrinologist (I'm sure that you are), and I would find another bariatric internist recommended by other patients and let the bariatric surgeon know that is where you'll be doing your follow-up care. Are you also seeing a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in bariatric patients? If not, I would definitely find one. I am a slow loser also and my RD is really my most important post-op coach. I don't know what I would do without her. Diet is about 75% of what will make or break our success, and it takes on even greater importance when you are limited in the exercise that you can do as you are, so I would see if there are any tweaks that you can do to help there. Obviously I know that you are working very hard and your weight loss isn't a reflection of that, but at the same time, there is always room for all of us to tweak and optimize what we can. I would really, really focus on getting at least 60 to 80 g of Protein, even if you have to do more shakes, and try to drink at least 100 oz of Water. An RD will have lots of specific ideas for you that work for you, your lifestyle, and the particular preferences of your sleeve.
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BariatricPal Team MX's New Exclusive Strategic Alliance with Oasis Hospital in Tijuana!
CLN.BK replied to Alex Brecher's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
"New Operating rooms and recovery rooms with state of the art equipment." I had my surgery 2 weeks ago through Bariatric Pal's Team MX. From the OR, I had to transfer myself (no help from anyone) to 3 different beds immediately post-op. I was in an incredible amount of pain, still bleeding on the sheets, and barely coherent from the anesthesia. Is this something that is going to change at Oasis Hospital? -
Hi...My name is Jennie. I joined this website in 2008....yes, 2008! I had prelim approval from the insurance company, had my upper GI, paid for a psych consult only to be told that they made a mistake and there was a specific rider on the policy at my husband's work that excluded bariatric surgery. But I am jumping the gun. Let's see if I can summarize briefly... I, too, use to be thin...tall and thin...ahhhh. I even did some part time modeling. I am also a RN. I guess the weight started creeping on when I worked nights as a L&D nurse. Then, thanks to my career, many back problems which limited my activity level. During this time, I also had two kids (now 16 and 12). I gained under 30 lbs with each but steadily added weight after each one. Then I had back surgery. I am thankful I did as I am much better than pre surgery ( PT, steroid epidurals, etc) During all of time, I tried many a diet...in fact, I may have tried ALL of the diets! Lol! I even worked for NutriSystem during nursing school...back when they had centers. Also during this time, life got really busy and life got hard. My son was diagnosed with very high functioning autism but still very hard. Well, I ate many emotions and eating out(as life was busy) became the norm. I don't know if there are others like me but you know you are gaining weight I actually began speaking to the doctor in 2005 about wanting a lapband. She was great and documented that. Like I said, I thought I was going to have it in 2008. Fast forward to today....last year as open enrollment hit, I thought that we would have another year of the same insurance...well, to my surprise, they had new options. I think I called about 12 times to make sure it was covered. Yea! It was! So here I am. Even though I have researched it for years and am very ready, I have had my small share of doubts that I would fail....AGAIN! But they do not last long and I truly believe I am ready. Although at this point it still seems a bit surreal but I cannot wait until April 27th! I am so glad that I am here now!
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That's great brokenwings. There was actually a conversation in our lunch area on Friday about bariatric surgery. If it wasn't such a crazy work day and I didn't have to quickly get back to work soon after the conversation started, I probably would have joined in. It seems like people in my department are alway on one diet or another and one girl, currently doing the hcg injections (with a 500 kcal diet), was say that she would NEVER do weight loss surgery. I was burning to to join in and give my views, but like I said I had to get back to my patient. It probably would have been the best time for me to put it all out there. I feel like I have to inform people that no matter which surgery I choose, WLS is not the easy way out and takes a lot of work in conjunction with "the tool" of WLS.
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Hi mimi, I have Kaiser Select. So, now I am going to GBMC. Kaiser said they only approve patients for bariatric surgery at John Hopkins if a patient has major complications prior to surgery.
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86% will regain the weight they lost after WLS
bikrchk replied to Dreamin Again's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
The stat I've heard is 80% are able to maintain "success" which in bariatric circles is to keep off 80% of their weight loss. My surgeon told me I was a WLS "success" at my 6 month appointment when for me, I wasn't near "done" yet. I hadn't quite even achieved a healthy BMI at that point and personally wanted to be in the middle of the healthy zone before I stop losing. Success by his criteria was not that I reached "goal" but that I'd lost 80% and had erased my pre-op co-morbidities achieving a healthy lifestyle. I was also told that many people gain 10-15 pounds from their lowest post op weight, which kinda jives with the metabolic reset theory. Another reason to not fear going a little lower with the understanding that it's okay to fluctuate in a particular range without going over. Bottom line is, if we go back to bad habits, (not exercising, grazing on crap all day, etc.) we can fail at this. I don't intend to let that happen! -
Sorry that this has happened. I know when i started my process i went to my PCP to have her start the 6 month documented diet only to realize that she was not the best person to follow me given she hardly recorded anything and I found out the surgeons office would need more info. So, I started over with the bariatric center of excellence that my insurance company recommended. Thankfully i was only one month into the process. I got much better guidance working with the nutritionist, physcologist and bariatric nurses and doctors in that 6 months. It set me up for success.
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I do all liquid vitamins from Wellese. I'm on Multi Vitamin, Iron, Vitamin B 12 and Calcium with Vitamin D. Absolutely Love them, beats eating chalk, I would gag on the Calcium Lozenges. From Bariatric Advantage, I couldn't do it anymore.
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Blood test shows low protein and potassium levels
elfnow replied to LBD's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Vitamin supplements are not as bioavailable as getting the vitamins through food.... You're not eating much food lately.... And I haven't been told to take any special vitamins per se, just "one a day" from the drugstore.... So I don't think you NEED to take special Bariatric vitamins. I am with you soooooooo much on hating to take them tho. My surgeon asked me if I'm getting my vitamins every day and I'm like "I um... I average taking them about 4.5 out of seven days. I am trying." He gave me a look and said to take them every day.... I couldn't take prenatals when pregnant (they made me nauseated), I couldn't stomach them when breastfeeding ('til now, and Baby is almost 1.5 yrs)..... I TRY. But they're gross and my stomach turns, especially with Iron supplements (which I KNOW I need)..... YUCK!! So I get a week where I take them every day and then I forget a day and then I take them three days then forget another day..... And overall I'd say 4.5/7 is my average for the last 2 months. I got a bunch of pill keepers and sorted out daily doses of vitamins for a month and I carry those little carriers around with me, and I try to remember to take them with my morning meds... -
MY DOCTOR WAS SO DISCOURAGING
ameteorsink replied to taweedeegirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have Kaiser in Southern California and my PCP was VERY unsupportive! All I needed from her was a referral to the Health Ed dept and the Bariatric program takes over from there. Don't let the first DR discourage you! She's obviously closeminded and shouldn't be in a field where she helps people!!
