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What type of surgery did you have? I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy What was the reason you had the surgery? Obesity, High blood pressure, diabetes. What was your chief complaint that resulted in the surgery? Obesity, High blood pressure, diabetes. How long were you suffering from the chief complaint? Since about the age of 9. I have lost and regained the same 100lbs 4 times in the last 15 years. Was the surgery elective or medically necessary? Elective What treatments or diagnostic tests were done prior to surgery/ Blood chemistries, urinalysis, EKG, Upper Endoscopy, Upper G.I. Were there any preoperative instructions? No food/drink after 10 pm the night before surgery and I was made to lose 25lbs pre-op. Were there any preoperative issues or complaints? No What was the outcome of the surgery? I was sleeved 11 weeks ago and have lost 40lbs and 95lbs overall. Was there a post operative visit? If so, how long post op? Yes. I had first follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, then once a year for life. Were there any post operative complications? None Was there any additional follow-up that has or will take place? Labs every 6 months.

Keep in mind, everyone gets cold feet the last few weeks, so what you are feeling is normal nerves. BUT there are people that get the surgery and regret it long term, so use this time to weigh all your options. Option 1. Get the surgery as planned. 2. If you are a candidate, go with a sleeve instead.. fewer complications (but if they do happen, they'll be just as expensive as the bypass ones). 3. Cancel the surgery, with the understanding that you may reschedule when you are comfortable. 4. Reschedule the surgery for January. 5. Have the surgery in Mexico, and that would leave quite a bit of money in your bank account to help with any complications. (I went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and have no problem recommending that option to others. It was a very good experience.. and Dr. Illan is willing to help with any future issues, you just have to be able to fly down for the care). Complications from surgery would be expensive, but so are complications from morbid obesity. Diet and exercise programs are a bargain, so if you haven't tried them, that may be a great thing to do if you choose options 3 or 4.

Hi and congrats on taking the steps to a healthier and better you. The sleeve is a wonderful and I absolutely love life post-op. As for your questions, I'll answer honestly and openly as I can. 1) I am a smoker. Smoking inhibits healing, and can cause ulcers. Not only that, it increases your risk of a leak due to hindering healing of the staple line. My surgeon knew my smoking status, but I didn't quit pre-op. Could it have contributed to the fact that I did have a leak, yes, but the biggest issue in my recovery and leak issues was because I had a band first that destroyed my stomach tissue. Smoking also complicates anesthesia recovery. Your abdomen is sore, causes more coughing and I had to use a spirometer to help prevent pneumonia. That really sucked because coughing caused major discomfort. I have quit twice since surgery, and am now trying to quit again. I actually went on Wellbutrin to help with the withdraws of nicotine as the patch, gum and cold turkey make life with me pure hell. 2) I had a huge panel of labs, a chest xray, psych eval, and consult with a nutritionist. Some surgeons require an upper gi and sleep study. 3) I didn't have a drain initially. A lot of surgeons use drains to make sure there is no leak, and some pull it before discharge, some require it stay in for about a week. I only had drains due to the leak repair surgery, and they stayed in for over 2 weeks. 4) I was not catheterized for my revision. I urinated before surgery, and was dry when I came out. 5) hair loss can happen to anyone that goes through surgery. It's a pretty normal occurrence. There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. It's a combination of anesthesia, surgical stress, and rapid weight loss. I lost hair for about 3 months, and I lost half of my hair. Luckily, I had super thick, coarse hair and no one that didn't know me before never guessed that I had lost all of my hair. The only thing you can do pre-op and during your recovery is to take hair/nail/skin supplements to help with regrowth. Biotin is usually the one most people choose. I didn't do anything to help with regrowth until I started losing. I used Folicure extra care shampoo. I started having new growth pop in while I was still losing. Currently, I look like a chia pet, and have chopped my hair off, layered it and bleached the top to help hide some of the new growth. I kept the back and underneath dark to help give the illusion of depth and volume. Unfortunately, hair loss seems pretty inevitable. There's several patients on this board that got in there Protein and extra protein, and they lost more hair and lost it for a longer period of time than I did, and I didn't get in my protein until I was on soft solids when I could eat chicken and other meat. My main advice is make sure you can handle the mental and emotional aspect of this surgery. It's a huge change, and no matter how much you read or talk to people will you really grasp it all until you go through it. I truly believe going in positive, and upbeat helps. Find strength within yourself, and know that you are doing something absolutely fabulous for yourself and your family. Know that recovery can be difficult, you'll be tested, you'll be exhausted, you might be mad at yourself especially during the post-op diet, but all of that is just temporary. Questions to ask your surgeon: What size bougie do you use to make the sleeve? What are your leak/complication stats? What are your expectations of my weight loss? Do you provide follow up care, labs, access to a nutritionist and psych if needed post-op (especially since you'll be self-pay find out what all is included in that cost)? Do you prescribe an acid reducer such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium to protect the sleeve, how long should I be on it? Post-op diet instructions? Pre-op diet instructions? How many sleeves have you performed? How many bariatric procedures have you performed? How long is the hospital stay? Leak tests, how many and when are they performed? That's all I can think of right now. Best wishes on your consult, and if you need anything ask away. We'll all be here for you through this journey.

Oh, dear, if I could only count the number of times I have lost 20 or 30 lb through dieting. Yet I was on my way back up to my highest weight of 255 when I had lap band surgery last October. I was pre diabetic, hypertensive, and had some bad knee pain. Now my blood sugar is 88, my blood pressure is 110/65, and I'm riding my bike 15 miles a day with no knee pain. I felt sore for a week or two after surgery, but managed the flight and two hour drive home the third day after the operation with no problem. Yes, I occasionally pb when I eat too fast or the wrong things. This is not a complication; it's the band stopping me from eating badly. I followed my doctor's pre op diet and lost 19 lb before surgery, but that certainly didn't make me feel I could lose what I needed to just by dieting, because without the surgery the loss wouldn't last. I followed all my doctor's post op diet recommendations and stuck to liquids for 3 weeks. I have had no complications and feel the band has been a total success for me. You could not pay me $160,000 to go back to the way I was before this surgery. I know you are worried about your wife's embarking on elective surgery, but please be very sure you are not letting your fears of how she may be able to beat obesity and become a new, happier person, intrude on your opinion of the surgery. The risks she runs from continuing to harm her body through her obesity are much greater than the risks she runs from the surgery itself. By the way, my husband and I were banded the same day. I wouldn't have it any other way, as we support each other, share our meals, commiserate (with a smile on our faces) about our bands, and understand each other's roadblocks and victories better than anyone else could. My daughter is banded too. This is the best thing that could have ever happened to our family.

Congratulations on being able to have the WL surgery you prefer! Now you have time to prepare yourself. This message board is a very good venue to explore and ask what you may about the sleeve. I was in the hospital for 4 nights. I left the evening of the 5th day. I hadn't any serious complication just was given a blood transfusion. Most people are in the hospital approx. 3 days and a few have actually gone home the same day...(something I can't personally fathom).

Hang on u may not like me after this LOL... Pros: my clothes are cheaper bc I can shop in the kids aisle. I sit better in chairs My feet no longer have plantar fascitis Goodbye insulin shots My feet shrank from a 8.5 to 7 Guys notice me now which is honestly annoying Ppl who don't know think I've been like this my whole life lol Ppl who do know me from school that bullied me were preppy are now my use to be size lol I can booty dance to the floor Lmao The final last precious one..my kids can wrap their arms around me. Cons: (potential could apply to u) You develop complications which require several surgeries You need blood-from a total stranger You can't sleep bc ur bones hurt against the mattress Ur hair falls out U stay lethargic U vomit..sometimes a lot U catch more colds U constantly freeze Ur body hurts everywhere bc its use to carrying loads of weight. U may continue to keep a few co morbidities U stay scared bc at anytime a food can cause dumping U get sad bc now u don't know how to cope like u use too. Alone u wonder why did I do this Intimately you feel ugly and unwanted bc your stomach is full of scars U don't tell anyone bc u don't want to hear how cruel and harsh ppl can be even if u are a size 4. What I've learned in this is u can 300lbs or 100lbs either way somebody somewhere is out there ready to berate u. One thing I urge u to do. Come to honest grips as to why and how u became obese. Lots of luck and love on ur journey.

Hi I'm 12 days out.had some complications and had to go back in hospital. I have been home a few days but still can not get out of bed or my recliner by myself. Pain is easing up some bit still bad enough. I can't hardly drink a cup of liquid a day. How are you guys making it. Most of you sound like your doing wonderful what do I need to do?

This is the first time on the site! I'm actually checking on this for my daughter who is 19 - I could also use the surgery, but my concern is for her right now. I'm pretty sure my blue/cross ppo doesn't cover it, although I will call them on Monday. From what I'm reading, this seems to be a complicated process on trying to get the insurance to cover it. Do you suggest starting with a seminar to find a Dr? or with insurance? I'm in Michigan and haven't even made a call yet. Help!! :thumbup: Thanks for listening!

Hi Kathleen, Yes. My first surgeon was only in it for money. The surgeon I have now (who also removed my band last year) is wonderful. I can tell he genuinely cares for his patients. He didn't try to push me in to anything and let me take my time to research what I wanted (if I wanted it at all). I love to pray. Yes, some may roll their eyes at that. But I do find faith is the greatest comfort. I appreciate that reminder. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm glad to hear how much better you feel. I feel sick and miserable almost every day. I have a one year old daughter and I put on a happy face for her and we are very active but I never feel well while playing with her. And I know one day she will catch on. I was recently told by all of my doctors that I should not get pregnant again until my blood sugars are under control. My husband and I weren't expecting to have our first baby when we did, but are extremely happy and ready for another. It was a huge shock when every one of my doctors said I could get sick and suffer major complications if I got pregnant again. The combination of always feeling tired and sick with being told no more kids for now was my light bulb moment. Again, thank you for the reminder and sharing with me.

I guess my approach is different than the incredibly positive and helpful ones above, lol. I like to get even. I know it's juvenile etc etc, but sometimes you just have to get even. For Banded Guy I would confront him and possibly say something about the regain/complication rates for Lap Band. Maybe I wouldn't get that nasty but I would definitely put him in his place. As for the person of authority, there is no place for bullying behavior in the workplace and I would be collecting evidence of bad acts for the day when I finally would make an official complaint. As for the donuts, I found a blog called worldaccordingtoeggface and she makes Protein donuts that look and taste like the real thing. I would still indulge, just indulge in those. If neither of those suggestions work, I like knitting, lifting weights, punching the heavy bag, singing, drawing, dancing, jazzercise. I've heard Zoomba is good. Like Tiffykins I love to plan so I enjoy researching hotels and vacation spots and obscure places. I also like to online window shop. I haven't lost a lot of weight yet and I don't actually purchase but it is fun to go through websites and pick out silly outfits and accessorize them.

Agree with Laura about the shot glass. Set a clock by your chair or bedside. Aim for one ounce every 15 minutes while you are awake - either Water or your Protein drink of choice. I used a 1 cup measuring cup like a little pitcher to keep refilling the shot glass. It was a lot easier for me to drink when I broke it down like that instead of facing a big glass of water. I took my pain meds for almost two weeks and I didn't have any complications. It will get better. Lynda

My name is Mckenna am 25years old and live in texas. I currently have the realize band and have been having so many complications and I am going on about 5 years with it now. Since my problems have Been getting worse I finally said enough is enough and I am doing a revision to have the sleeve done the same day my band is taken out. Because of my complications I don't have to go through the waiting period I met with my surgeon today and after my nutrition meeting tomorrow I am all set to go as soon as the team or docs review my case because I use a center of excellence. If anyone could inbox me or comment with your wisdom or experiences with your sleeve that would be great! Thank you!

Hi sleevers! Got back from hospital wednesday. I havent pooped since tuesday morning and I havent been able to fart, just burp. I took my stool softener this morning. Anyone else have these issues? I want to be sure this isnt a complication! Thanks for any responses. xoxo

In one week, I'm having surgery. I have a sleeve, currently, and need to treat a rare condition called achalasia. So, to reduce complications from a myotomy, I am revising my sleeve to a modified gastric bypass. I'm getting a second chance at losing all the weight that I needed to lose from my sleeve. I was originally over 460 lbs (not by much, but that's as high as my doctors scale went at the time). I had my sleeve, lost about 150lbs and then got pregnant. I gained back, in total, about 70lbs in a year and a half of being pregnant and post partum. Then I got back on track. I was heading in the right direction until this achalasia started about a year ago. The condition has made it very difficult for me to eat, so in the past year since being sick, I've lost another 40ish lbs... so little because about the only thing I CAN consume comfortably are carbs. (Which I really don't appreciate at all post op WLS!) Currently, I'm about 320. I'm really trying to be optimistic about losing weight and fixing my issues with eating due to the medical condition - but being a previous WLS patient and knowing the realities of post op life, I'm having a hard time NOT focusing on how loose my skin will be, what I'll look like, how I'll afford clothes - something that didn't consume me so much before because I was single and childless and made decent money... but now I'm a mom, I have an SO (and he assures me that he loves me no matter what my body looks like), money is tight... it's all just so stressful. I have body issues to work on and don't know how to change my mindset of being so critical of myself. That's definitely part of it. But there is a part of me that was okay with not "being skinny". I lost enough weight to feel better about myself, look better, but still look like ME. I need to appreciate the change, I suppose. I just feel like I can't talk about all these things to anyone in my real life. They just don't understand. They can't relate! Can anyone here relate? How do you deal with your unshare-able thoughts?

When I first started this process I really appreciated hearing peoples experiences (good and bad), so I thought I would return the favor. About 1 1/2 years ago I had an abnormal mammogram and it really scared me. 3 big contributers to breast cancer are drinking, smoking, and obesity. I quit drinking and smoking immediately and made an appt with the lap band surgeon. Tomorrow will be 1 year since I had my band placed. I consider the band to be a complete success. This morning I weighed in at 151.8. My highest weight was 270 lbs. I was 250 when I first met with the surgeon, 231 after the 6 month supervised diet, 218 on the day of surgery (after 2 weeks of liquid protein diet). I am wearing a size 6/8 pant and a medium shirt. I didn't think it was really possible since I had failed at so many diets and diet programs in the past. I am still surprised when I pick up my jeans and I think, "look how tiny these are, how is it possible that I fit into these". I follow a high protein low carb diet 80% of the time. I don't count calories, but I estimate about 1000-1200 calories per day. I work out about 5 days a week. I mostly do cardio, but I want to start adding weights to see if I can help this sagging skin. I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on Friday to see about a tummy tuck. This has really been a life changer for me, I am back to running which I used to love to do. I have done a couple of obstacle course 5k runs and a 4 1/2 mile mud run. I am taking my son to Chicago to do the Lucky 7k on March 16th. In 18 months I have gone from being morbidly obese to 2.8 lbs from being considered a normal weight. I think I have had 2 stuck episodes. I have vomited due to eating too much or drinking too soon after eating, mostly in the beginning while I was learning to work with the band. I have been on these boards pretty regularly since I started thinking about having this done, it seems like the journey is different for everyone. For me it was a fairly easy, complication free experience. I think the hardest thing for me is that I keep thinking it is going to quit working. Every time I go clothes shopping I think, "I better get these now, I don't know how long I will be able to stay in a size 6". I have had a biopsy and I still get mammograms every 3 months, but at least I know I have done absolutely everything I can to live my healthiest life.

In the same boat. I had my band in dec 2010. I haven't lost that much and still need to lose 50-60lb. I keep vomiting and am miserable. I spoke with my doc today about revising to the sleeve (or bypass). Which he reccomendation the sleeve for me. He actually removed ALL my fluid today (which I was not expecting). Now I am worried about gaining. I haven't gained in a bit but I haven't lost either. He said he is doing more and more band to sleeve revisions. I really hope due ton he go it to g complication my insurance will ok the procedure. I can't afford it myself and as of right now I don't qualify for it. Bmi is 35 with no comorbidities. He did say it would be slightly more risky due to the scar tissue the band has caused, but said it should be ok. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your decision. I'm just about 4 months out and I love my sleeve. Zero problems and zero complications. Best of luck to you!

Hey Anne, You need to follow what your doctor said, everyone is different and have different medical issues. I was told liquids for two weeks until post op appt. You want to make sure you heal properly to reduce complications later on. Trust me I UNDERSTAND about the liquids...but I would rather suck it up now...and take my time...and besides I look at it as... .....we have eaten food for over 30 years a couple weeks without it won't hurt.

Hiya I'm on day 5 of 14 on pre op liquid diet and it is rough!!! I have not cheated and don't plan on it! I really look at this as a challenge and I have a how bad do I want this attitude! I don't want any complications and it's really training me mentally and physically and socially you find different things to do with yourself you learn your body such as when your hungry and when your just eating I have also come into understanding of eating for nourishment eating used to be my pleasure or a hobby now I just drink my disgusting Protein shakes for nutrients lol you will be fine tho

As long as you're surgery is tomorrow, you can take Dayquil until midnight tonight. Your surgery should only be rescheduled if you have a significant fever or your cold has clogged up your throat. After surgery you are drugged pretty heavily when they pull your intubation tube, so you need to be able to support your own airway since not being able to breathe through your mouth while you are drugged just means you're not breathing at all. I had a whopping cold before surgery, but I could breathe just fine through my nose and mouth so I wasn't concerned about fibbing that I felt fine. If, however, I couldn't breathe well, I would have told them this. Unlike when you have a cold and you try to sleep, if your throat gets clogged up, you wake up coughing and blow your nose. When you're drugged if your airway is blocked, you just lay there and don't get any oxygen since you physically aren't able to be woken up by the fact that you can't breathe. So...no big fever and no airway complications, lying about a cold is fine. A fever and/or airway issues, it's generally better to delay the surgery a bit than risk dying in recovery.

It's nice to talk to others that are similar in weight/height and goals. I keep telling myself this will pass and I just need to get through it and start seeing the results then I will be excited. I'm not scared of surgery but I am scared about complications. Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

So my sleeve is scheduled for April and I think it is time to tell my family. I am very nervous because I don't know what to expect. I have an aunt who had some complications with a bypass so I am sure it will be brought up. I am not necessarily afraid to tell them, but I just don't feel like dealing with problems. As far as I am concerned it is really no one's business what I do, but my wife wants me to tell at least my parents and siblings. I am totally excited for my surgery and my wife and kids are totally on my side. I have all of my research ready for them and I am ready for questions. Just not sure how to tell them. Any Advice?? Thanks!!

sorry to hear of the complications,hopefully it will all be resolved then you can focus on the weight loss and benefits the sleeve will bring:001_wub:

Sorry to here of your complications. My thoughts and prayers are with you to a quick recovery. Tracey

Sassie, sorry to hear about your complications... I hope you feel better sooner than later... all the best xx