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I've joined this site a little less than a week ago, looking for some insight into this whole process. But the story doesn't begin there. The story begins about a year and a half ago when I called my crappy insurance company at the time and asked about weight loss surgery. I couldn't even get the rest of the sentence out before the representative on the other end advised me in the most abrupt manner that this was not covered under my plan. I hung the phone up...pissed as all get-out because I am dealing with a serious medical issue and I NEED HELP. It was not so much the fact that it was not covered that had me all out of sorts, but the fact that it has taken me over 14 years to admit that there is something that I could not do on my own and required the assistance of another person. I've always grown up to believe that the only person that anyone can ever depend on is themselves, as we are all aware of what our limitations are. I've always known with a firm assertion that I could always conquer this weight thing...it's an essential equation of mind over matter. In the very beginning, I believed that I could just do the cabbage diet for a week or two to jump start my metabolism and since I was in my early 20's the weight would fall off. And it did. I lost 35 pounds in less than 6 weeks...got down to a voluptuous size 14 and was able to run a mile in about 10 minutes. I don't need anybody's help. I did it on my own. The weight loss battle continued....I'd lose 25 pounds...to gain them all back. And to never be out done, I always added another 10 pounds to keep it consistent. I tried Weight Watchers over ten times with some success...all to give up when I hit a plateau. I caught the occasional blessed stomach virus (I'm probably going to hell for admitting this...but I welcome a stomach virus and a hearty bout of the flu with open arms) all to go back to being heavier than I was in the beginning. I look back today at all those times..and now realizing that this volatile battle with weight has been a never ending war over the past 14 years. And 160 pounds later, I realized that it's a whole lot more complicated than I thought it was or ever thought that it could be. About little about me...my family primarily consists of my mother and my brother, and they know I have struggled with my weight for a long time. I have always been a big girl...and always got the you have such a pretty face and a beautiful smile...but ....and I've always wanted to say But what? Say it! Say it! even though I knew that meant that you're pretty, but your big. I don't know how I would go on if I ever heard the answer, but part of me wanted to hear somebody have the nerve to say it. Because I was always overweight, I was never viewed by my family as a person who could be loved or seen having a family or those things that most women assign their value to. So I've never pursued them. I'm embarrassed to say that I am 33 and have never been in a serious relationship where the love has been reciprocated. I was always viewed by my family in terms of my accomplishments. So my entire being has been focused on my career and climbing as high on the ladder as I could possibly go. I realized this was true when I turned 30 and was asked at a family event if I wanted a family or if I would ever get married, I found it interesting that the response was a resounding no and I never opened my mouth. That was so hurtful...but I kinda shrugged it off as I didn't care and laughed it off. What...because I am obese I cannot WANT to be married and have a family? Can I not be EXPECTED to be married and have a family? My closest friends really don't believe in weight loss surgery. They are all just a tad overweight...and when you are my size, I hate to admit this...but I could care less about people who are struggling to lose 25 pounds to get to their goal weight. I know everyone's weight loss struggle is different...but for some reason, it irritates me in the worst way. I would secretly get angry at Weight Watchers meetings when I saw a room full of thin, beautiful stay-at-home mothers whining about losing 20 pounds. I wanted to pull an Ally McBeal, slap them all in the face and stand in the front of the room and remind them that there are bigger things in life to worry about than trying to squeeze in a size 4. I mean, c'mon! I get frustrated when my friends want to go shopping....and I am only limited to shop in 2 stores: Lane Bryant and Target. I can sit watching them try on clothes for hours in The Limited, Express and Forever 21...but when they have to sit in Lane Bryant for more than 15 minutes, everyone has somewhere else they need to be when it's my turn to shop. I don't think they know what it is like when you go to a restaurant and the booth is cutting in your gut because you barely fit in it. They have no idea what it is like to fly on an airplane and you whisper for a belt extender...and the flight attendant brings it to you and everyone looks at you with disgust. I doubt they know how it feels to have a host of male friends who call you to tell you about all their dates and heartbreaks with beautiful women who are fit and trim...and you know in your heart of hearts that you can love them better than any woman could ever love them...but know that you are never afforded that 'opportunity' becuase of how much you weigh. I dread being in weddings...because if they decide on a bridemaid's dress it has to come in a larger size to accommodate me and not be backless to exploit my dredded 'backfat.' I can't cross my legs. I haven't seen my no-no in years...and if I so desire to take a peek, I need a mirror to give me the story secondhand. Having sex is like playing Twister with arms that are too short and legs that are too long...you can reach one spot with no problem, but none the other spots that you need to in order to get a good score. Not to mention you're playing incomplete darkness, so you don't know what dot you're aiming for...you're just trying to get to something. I talk to my friends regulary and they look at me and always say that I have the life they want: I have a really good job, have a nice home, nice car, very well educated and single. Well, I doubt if anyone is dying to get at the head of the line to deal with cystic ovarian disease, peripheral vscular disease, sleep apnea and hypertension. Yes, I have a lot of nice things and a ton of accomplishments, but they are... all. just. things. I'll die of a massive heart attack before I get the full opportunity to enjoy them. I live alone, and my dog hasn't learned CPR (I don't doubt that she can...she's almost human) so by the time they find me, I'll be all stew and maggots. Oh, and I have this horrible fear that I probably can't fit in a coffin or when they carry me out the hurst the handles will rip off of the coffin and my body will topple out...so that's another embarrassment from the grave. I don't want anyone to get the impression that I have bad friends or family. I love them and all their flaws. They are exceptional people because they deal with me...and sometimes I can be difficult. But I want anyone who reads this to understand that no matter what your friends and family may think, feel, believe or say...sometimes you have to have to take full ownership for your life and the cheers and jeers that are contained within it. As I write this for everyone to see, I say the following statement to myself over and over again: the instant that you take full ownership of your life is the moment that you fully acknowledge your obligation to do what you must to preserve it. I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I do know that I've made the first step to assure that I'll at least get a glimpse of it by meeting with my surgeon on Thursday for my first appointment.

My surgery went without a hitch. I had little to no pain -- but everyone is different. I have been banded 4 1/2 weeks, and have had NO nausea. I haven't thrown up, or been "stuck". I have had NO complications!! I have lost almost 20 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks, and I only had to do the pre-op diet for 1 week. So, most of my weight loss is post-operative. I love my band, but I do somewhat miss all the "bad" foods I used to eat. However, I am too excited about losing the weight and keeping it off to get too bothered by it! I was very scared before my surgery, because face it, this is a life-changing event. Now, I wouldn't change it!!

Oh Guy not more complications? So sorry to hear of these latest complications. Let hope and pray these are the last of them and you can get your health back again. 32 surgeries in less than a year stay strong and you will get through this too.

Hi - I am one year post-op tomorrow. What a difference a year can make! I thought I would respond to some of your worries. They are all very legitimate worries. I am the Queen of worrying, so I had an even longer list one year ago today! 1. Hair loss. This happened. I thought I was going to get away without it happening, but between 4-5 months it began. I lost a lot of hair. It is now growing back. 2. Blood thinners. Didn't need them or clinic didn't prescribe them. But I do have MS and have had to give myself injections over the years for that. It really is amazing how fast you get the hang of it. 3. Gas. They do pump you full of gas. The best way to get rid of it is to walk as much as possible as soon as possible. Walking will help with every part of your recovery. I was up the evening following my surgery and walked every few hours all night (they are coming in and waking you up anyway!), 4. Catheter. I had a catheter. It was inserted after they put me out and it was removed before I regained consciousness. No memory of that at all. No infection. 5. Complications. I had NONE! I worried I would have them all, but I sailed right through. I could have gone back to work after a week off I felt so good - I work in an office. I am 49 years old, so I am not a kid saying this either. Being active makes all the difference. 6. Family / Friends / Coworkers. My family have all been terrific - I could not have done this without them. Friends and coworkers, some have been great, others not so much. I have taken a lot of support right here. It is one of the things I love so much about this site. 7. Dehydration. For the first week you full time job is to drink. It is very possible to get it all in and be fine. Just think of it as the number one thing you have to do in those first days. 8. Stomach. This one I can't speak to. I have not had any problems now or in the past. But this surgery has been around for decades. I am sure they know how to scope and look for problems post RNY. It is one of the advantages I think of having this surgery over some of the other choices. 9. Dumping. This has never happened to me. I have been very careful to follow my clinic's plan and have not had any dumping symptoms at all. As time has passed I have tried sweets, even a few M & M candies or a bit or cake or pie. For many people, as long as you follow the rules, it doesn't happen. 10. Lose skin. I wish I had a more positive response to this one, but this is a big problem for me. I have lost 198 pounds in the last year. I was 331 when I began this journey and am now 133. My arms are the worst. I had HUGE arms. I also have lose skin on my legs and stomach. I was never big breasted, but now am probably an A-B cup. I work out every day. I don't think there is much you can do about this one. They say age and genetics and how much you lose will tell the tale. I wish there was a magic answer for this one. Best of luck to you! Even with the down stuff, I wouldn't go back to where I was a year ago for all the money in the world. I love my new healthy life! Carol

Well im really good at worrying so lets see... I am Worried that ... I will not work the tool like I should and remain obese I will be hungry ALL THE TIME I wont have enough energy to do well at work My hair will fall out and it will be noticeable I wont be able to afford plastic surgery when its time I will be scared in hospital I will suffer complications or long term negative side effects like bone loss despite doing everything im told to do None of that is reason enough not to go through with this. But theyre things I think about. I just want to be healthy enough to enjoy life.

Hi all, I've only posted a couple times but I read this sight all the time. My surgery date is June 18th and I have my pre-op later today. I am soooo nervous! Will it work? Complications? I decided not to tell anyone except my husband, because we came to the conclusion that our families are just to judgmental. His family -- all thin and eat what they want-- mine : fat and don't care! Both would be against the band for different reasons. Will I really be able to keep this a secret? I really want this to work but I'm afraid of not waking up from the surgery (I've had 2 surgeries before, so why does this bother me?), I'm afraid of regretting the decision afterward because I love food!! I hate the aches and pains I have, the sleep apnea, and I don't even like to be in family pictures due to me weight. I know I'm rambling but every worst case scenario keeps popping into my head!! (I'm that type of person, but things usually work out in the end, I just like to be prepared!) I guess I'm just looking for words of encouragement here, and if anyone's got them I'm all ears. One last thing, our whole family (hubby, me, two kids) are trying to eat better, but at age 40 my husband eats anything and everything and is still at his high school lacrosse playing weight. He says he knows he needs to eat better for health reasons too but I feel he may sabbotage my progress with his snacking. What to do? Thanks for reading my ramble. I'll post after my pre-op tomorrow. --Gail

I was banded July 2014. I had steady weight loss and lost 45 lbs the first year. Since last year my weight has went yp and down 20 lbs. I journal, exercise, watch my carbs, had a fill 2 months ago. No complications. I eat at least 60g of solid protein. I have changed my workouts to a little more intense. I am frustrated because this was the last resort for me. I could use any advice for those who have stalled in their weight loss journey. Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App

I would like to share my lapband experience. I was banded in 2003, at a weight of 245 lb. I initially lost 75 lb in about the first year, but only after several balancing acts that was adjusting. I was either too tight to eat anything solid OR I had little to no restriction. Fast-forward to now, weight is (was) 220 lbs. Started working with a new doctor. 6 adjustments and 1 EGD later I had enough of the band. I was revised to the sleeve 3 weeks ago (Nov 6). Re: Risks- The sleeve is a more involved and invasive surgery. This naturally makes the risk of complication higher than the band, at least in the short term. Leaks seem to be the worse complication from the sleeve, but it is very rare. I don't have data to support but I'm pretty sure you are only at risk for a leak for a certain time period after surgery. On the other hand, many complications from the lapband can occur at any time post surgery. Scarring, erosion, slipping, and possible autoimmune response can all be pretty serious. Re: Recovery- My recovery was longer after the sleeve than wih the band. Of course I was 9 years younger then. After the band I was fine to go back to work after a few days. This time with the sleeve I had 2 full weeks off and then 1 week part time before returning full-time. I know some people can return to work after a few days with the sleeve, I personally did not feel well enough to. Re: Weight loss not as much?- Thise who are successful with the band can lose down to goal, but is generally slower than with the sleeve. Again looking at the long term, many with the band re-gain, and often end up heavier than when they started. Not sure about statistics with gaining back after the sleeve, but I would guess it is not as much. The band does work for some but unfortunately does fail many times. Do all the research you can, connect with people from both "sides" and see what you feel is the best choice. Good luck on your journey!

Gail- I'm being banded on Friday and I have wondered countlessly about whether or not I'd miss food too much. But then I go to bed and have to hook myself up to the dad-blamed Bipap machine, and then the next morning have to mince down the stairs because my knees and feet hurt so much. What I suggest is try making a list of the good things about your enjoyment of food, and then make a list of the good things what will happen after you get a band and lose weight. I'll bet the band list will be LOTS longer! And you don't have to give up food totally, but eating large amounts of it. And there's nothing wrong with worrying about anaesthesia and complications, it's your self-preservation instincts kicking in, but remember this is "old-hat" for the professionals, and they certainly will minimize all risks for you. Good luck with your consult and post how it went!

Thank you all. I'm not sure what I'd tell my BFF. I'd be scared of losing her too. I suppose I'd tell her to go with her heart/gut. And yesterday MY gut and heart were fine. I have read about all sorts of complications up until this point and they didnt phase me. I'm not sure what happened today, it just kindof hot me out of the blue. We'll wee how I feel in the next couple of days. I still have a good 2-3 weeks before I pay my deposit and book my flight. Maybe I'm just at a point where this is turning more from excitement to readiness. I think this is just something I really need to do an ill regret it if I don't. I need to be a better mommy. A confident one. One who actually goes places and is happy. Right now I just stay in the house almost all the time. I just don't feel like being seen in public. I've lost 60 lbs alone before. Felt great but didnt stick to it and Literally gained it al back as soon As I lost it. I can't continue to live this way. Oh and hiosiergirl, my rump is rediculous too!!! Zomg!! O.o

Hi all. I had the sleeve done with a local doctor back in December, but this post isn't about me. A friend of mine had the sleeve done in Mexico (Jerusalem Clinic, I think? Dr. Ponce de Leon) back in October, so she's about 4.5 months out. Everything fine until about 2 weeks ago, she got sick. Typical flu-like symptoms - fever, unproductive cough, tired, no appetite.. 2 days in she started getting better but strangely started to become nauseated. Still not eating at this point and barely getting in enough fluids, she became dehydrated and went to the hospital to get an IV. Made an appointment with her PCP last week and he scheduled bloodwork to see if perhaps it was a viral infection. He prescribes her antiviral meds and anti-nausea meds. The week continues and she is feeling worse - nearly constant nausea, any attempt at eating (and sometimes just taking her pills) ends in vomiting. Even the occasional 'nothing in my stomach but still end up vomiting/dry heaving'. Fast forward to this afternoon at the bloodwork followup, she's now two weeks without really eating anything and not keeping down anything more substantial than a small glass of orange juice or Water. Doctor finds nothing off in the bloodwork results, she's very drained (obviously from not having any nutrients), and what's more worrying is that he can't even get a blood pressure reading after multiple attempts (again I presume due to lack of nutrition and being dehydrated yet again). He basically told her she had to go to the hospital, it was not an option. So, she's now at the hospital getting an IV to rehydrate and I believe she will be admitted so they can figure out what exactly the problem is. I'm putting this out there because I wanted to see if this condition rings any bells with the community. We don't know if her problem is related to some general illness or if it might be connected with her VSG surgery. It just seems odd that it would suddenly present itself 4 months out on the tail end of being sick. The only thing we could think of is that perhaps her heavy coughing during the first couple of days could have caused a problem of some kind. (Sudden leak?) What's odd is that it's just nausea. I know there's lots of talk here over leaks, strictures, gall bladder problems, etc but she has no abdominal pain, it's just nausea all the time and an inability to keep food down. My other concern is that since her surgery was done in Mexico, she doesn't have a surgeon familiar with her surgery who can get involved in her diagnosis. She's at a pretty good local hospital but as far as I'm aware, no one at that hospital does the VSG, so I don't know if VSG complications is something they will give much focus to or even be aware of. I'm tempted to call my surgeon (who is in another town/hospital) but I suspect they would not give any kind of medical advice or even their opinion without seeing the patient. So based on the above, does this sound like something that could be a complication from VSG? Has anyone had (or developed) nausea 4+ months out after an uneventful recovery period? Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.. like I said it could be completely unrelated to VSG, I just wanted to see what the community might have to say about it.

While I was going through the prep, I only told two people. When I was approved and a surgery date scheduled, I told a few more people, figuring the gossip line would let everyone else know. Not until about 50 loss, did anyone comment. I readily told them I had bariatric surgery. Their first response generally was "I know someone else who had that surgery and they had _____ complications." Now after five months and 80 pounds, I want to discuss my surgery with anyone who has an interest. I want to be an advocate for WLS. People are going to ask how you are losing so quickly. And as in my case, those who didn't ask, assumed I had cancer or some other bad thing wrong with me. Don't fool yourself by thinking no one is going to notice or ask. I think the biggest struggle with telling or not telling is the fear of what feedback you are going to get. Most of it will be positive. But then there are uneducated (uneducated in bariatric surgery) people who will say something stupid or hurtful. When this happens, you have one of two choices. You can either allow that stupid/hurtful comment to chip away at your self-esteem or you choose to realize that this person has no clue as to what they are saying. Trying to educate them more than likely will be useless, because they know everything about everything. But you can try. Don't give these negative people the power to make you feel bad about yourself. The most hurtful thing someone can say to me is that I took the easy way to weight loss. This has only happened once. My response was "I respect your opinion, but you have no idea what you are talking about." And I left it at that. I did not give that person the power to make me feel bad. I put a lot of hard work into my weight loss. My surgery is only a tool. Generally, when someone belittles you, they are trying to make themselves feel better and more superior to you. They themselves suffer from low self-esteem and the only way they can feel better about themselves is to belittle someone else. This is not your issue, but theirs. Don't allow this to be your issue. I was married to a bully for 17 years who made me feel I was lower than the grunge build up at the base of the toilet. It took a divorce and five years of counseling before I finally realized that there was nothing wrong with me - it was him all along! Just don't give away your power to anyone who doesn't deserve it.

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk. I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

Abusing Nsaids can lead to stomach ulcers which are the leading cause of band erosion. Doesn't sound like that's the problem though. Sometimes we never know how or why our bodies react as it does. Too tight is another. Other reasons, who knows? Unfortunately it happened to you. Understandable you would feel like you do but for the vast majority of people, erosion is not a complication. So, doubtful the product will ever be recalled or discontinued. I do believe that more patients should undergo yearly fluoroscopic fills/adjustments. This could target most of these types of complications and avoid such a serious consequence for something that should be so benign. Best wishes for you.

When I was a teen, I had a fabulous life. I was very active: In high school, I played basketball, folleyball, badmitten, swam in competition, was a member of the Saddle Club, and was a "modern dancer." After I graduated, I went dancing 3 times a week, joined a Ski Club, spent summer at Lake Michigan and Wisconsin, danced often in sock hops at roller rinks, went almost weekly to the world's largest amusement park, and had at least 2 boyfriends at a time. Interestingly, I weighed 116 lbs. at 16, 120 lbs. at 20, 130 lbs. at 30, etc., etc. For the most part, I was pretty slim, never really had a problem with weight or eating. Then a series of medical events led me on a downward path where I began to gain weight. Took steroids while receiving chemo, and began putting on weight like mad. Like others who didn't gain weight until a major life event occured (having babies, etc.) once I started to put weight on, it was like a train rolling downhill. The more time passed, the faster the train went, picking up a lot of extra weight as it rolled along. By 2011, I weighed over 400 lbs. It is now 2 years since I began my Quest for surgery. I went from being totally rejected by the first doctor, to rejecting the second doctor (we actually got into a confrontation) to wasting my time with more doctors, who wouldn’t take me for various reasons, mostly because they wouldn’t take Medicare. Finally, I went back to my first choice, Dr. David Provost, some 40 miles away. One of my challenges was finding a way to get there. I’m too big to drive my car. I no longer use a walker and need someone to push my wheelchair. Once I solved the travel issue, I was ready to surge ahead. But I had to jump through a bunch of hoops first. I’m on my last hurdle, cardiac clearance. My cardiology appt. is next month, so I hope surgery will follow soon afterwards Getting everything arranged for the surgery is hard enough, but since I live alone and have to take care of everything myself, it’s even harder. My size at nearly 400 lbs. creates a lot of problems. Couple that with arthritis for which I take Vicodin and Ibuprophen, and things get complicated. Some say they wouldn’t have my persistence. As I see it, however, it’s my life I’m dealing with. Between being in pain and not able to do much, the future would be unbearable if I didn’t have slimming surgery to look forward to. It has been a very long road. It’s hard to imagine a time when it will be over. But that goal keeps me trudging forward, one step at a time. I stay positive most of the time because opening the pity door is a dead end to nowhere.

A big motivator for me are the horror stories of complications people have because they didn't follow doctor's orders. Michele is right the risk is DEATH!!! Death is final and it's definitely not worth pizza. I feel your pain. I LOVE pizza and lived on it before surgery. Now I'm not eating it not only because it's an unhealthy choice but also because my doctor told me how it could tear a hole in my pouch and the consequences are deadly. I don't think surgery was a mistake for you but perhaps you weren't ready mentally. That doesn't mean all hope is lost. Read some self help books about eating, see a counselor, pray about it and come on this site for support. We are all going through it with you and will tell you the truth even when it hurts because we want you to succeed and live a longer happier life. God bless you. I will be praying for you. We can all get through this together.

Feeling nervous for my 1st day back @ work tomorrow. I'm still struggling with eating, so I'm taking a "lunch" with enuf items for the week- but am planning on doing my protein shake around lunchtime (which is what I did pre-surgery) & having meal # 2 when i get home around 3. very very few people know about my surgery-I went with the gallbladder cover. & everyone knows I workout alot ( I'm even planning on changing @ work for the gym) I've put some thought even into what I'm wearing tomorrow- I don't want to accentuate that I've lost weight (soooo weird to say that) but I just don't want to deal with nosy people. Ive always been ultra sensitive about my weight & this has been emotional, especially dealing with complications. I'm looking forward to beginning counseling to get a handle on the mental battles. But just had to vent about my pre-work jitters! (not to mention, it's that time of the month-lol) wish me luck!!!

Well I finally was sleeved on September 4 2012. At first I thought surgery was a success with no complication. Wellll needless to say I am still hospitalized. I did developed blood clots in my lungs and now going through all that. Hardest part is my daughter cries at night for me and I cry for her. But I have actually exercised for the first time in a long time by walking the hallways while waiting to heal. I am officially off pain meds now for 2 days. AND they are also considering lowering my diabetic meds already. In all honesty the surgery is not bad at all. It is the aftermath to beware of. Hopefully I will be going home tomorrow and they did delivery my oxygen for home use for the time being. Hopefully it will be for a short time. Please keep me in your prayers that I do get to go home. 2 extra days stinks being in the hospital!!!!

I saw a friend for the first time since my surgery (I've lost 40 lbs since she saw me last) and btw she's well over 200 lbs herself. She complimented me nicely and was very sweet and then she launched into a rant about how wrong these people are who lose weight from having surgery! I was stunned. If I told her I had surgery what was she going to do, take back all the compliments? I'm a chicken because I just listened and didn't straighten her out. I should have at least said something like... I'm impressed when anybody can get the extra weight off no matter how they do it. She obviously doesn't understand that weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out to the very complicated and dangerous health problem of obesity. *end of rant*

Cat, Welcome and congrats! One thing I will say is you may still be on pain meds at that point so you will not be able to drive. I would plan for the following week. Also, that will give you time if you have complications. I did and there was no way I could go back in two weeks. Also, I am Sr. HR person with my company and a lot of companies have medical leave options if you are not yet qualified for FMLA. I had mine at 6 months. I know you are excited to have your surgery but make sure you plan for complications and contingency plans if you maybe not reacting well to the surgery. I did not tell really anyone at work, not even my manager. However, she did see my return to work note from the bariatric center.

The vast majority of people have no complications with RNY. You're going to do fine.

A month ago today, I was having my RNY. Now, a month later, I am down almost 15# since surgery, for a total of 55# pre and post-op. I am really starting to feel the impact of my weight loss, and it is fantastic. I have had no complications. The process has been smooth sailing, although I'm still learning how my new tummy reacts to certain foods. This was a great decision.

Hi Everyone, I am new on this website, and this is the first time I am writing on this forum. I had pretty much decided to have surgery with Dr. Perez in Cancun, but I am having second thoughts because I cannot verify any of the Medical Associations claimed by any of the Medical Tourism websites. I have been able to very that he is a Surgeon in Mexico. But it just bothers me that they claim he belongs to all these associations, and I cannot verify that information. I am not saying he never did belong to any of them. Just that I can't verify that information to be current as of now. Did anybody else have these concerns? For those in the medical field; should this be of a concern when choosing a Doctor? This is what I am talking about: Boards and associations International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Mexican Board of General Surgery, Mexico City Mexican Association of General Surgery, Mexico City Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery Latin American Association of Endoscopic Surgery Mexican Association of Obesity surgery I know some have had the surgery with him with no complications. Maybe I'm just very nervous about having surgery in another country! I really would appreciate your feedback on this. Thanks!

Hi, I found this forum when surfing the net for answers last night. I was banded on 5/28/13. I also had a BMI under 40 with hypertension and sleep apnea as well, and I'm convinced I did the right thing having this surgery. It is so great to not always be "starving" for food. I didn't have too much difficulty getting insurance to approve once my internist sent in records showing my 2+ years of struggling with my new co-morbidities. I'm seeing my surgeon @3today. Hopefully my complications are minor (constipation, and the largest of five incisions is swollen and black and blue). I'm already down 11 or so pounds as I'm still on a full liquid diet - hope that changes to pureed foods today. I stupidly tried to eat a hard boiled egg last night and it didn't get very far. Regarding your questions, small pills are fine post-surgery but anything larger than a tylenol won't go down easily.

I all! I've learned a lot reading through the threads but wanted to ask those with lower bmi's some specific questions if I could . My bmi is 36 and I have no co probs. I'm told that the process can be streamlined for "healthy" lol fat people (now that does sound silly huh?). I'm wondering if you'd care to share what tests you had to do ahead of time, what was your pre surgery diet and quicky...start to finish how long from the first appt to surgery. In addition if you'd share how it's been going for you since surgery I'd love to hear it! I've struggled with the same 50 to 60 lbs most of the last 20 years and don't want to end up like most of my family is....overweight with associated complications (mostly diabetics). I'm 49 with a six year old and want to keep up with him for many years! I'm self pay (I don't even want to fuss with trying for the insurance because it will just delay things before they say no lol). I'll have my first appt with dr billing on the 23 and I'm so excited about moving on with my life in the right way!