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I am not trying to be negative in any sort of way. I'm so happy for you and wish you all the best. As for myself , I had the band five years ago to the day and I can say that it is the worst decision I ever made in my life. I wish I had gotten gastric bypass to begin with. My quality of life is limited due to always being in pain and constant complications from the band. It was never the tool for me it was supposed to be. I've had all Fluid removed and still feel so horrible. I had to resort to eating foods that slide this I've gained all weight back and then some from severe depression. I would advise against Lapland. I think it's horrible they even still allow this procedure. Please do your research. I wish I had. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Hi Bobby. Congratulations on your surgery date. You are in for an experience for sure. First just let me say...I love my sleeve and would do it again if I had to. I have had many surgeries but they have all been different and the Sleeve surgery was also different but much like the gall bladder surgery as far as the pain. The first four days was pretty rough for me, I felt terrible as I always do after any anesthesia, and I kept saying to myself...What in the hell have I done to myself. But by the 5th day I was truly onboard with it. At first it is so difficult to swallow the Water and Soup but each day gets easier and easier. Its a process that just gets better and better. My daughter stayed with me most of the time and helped me get up and down and helped with my shower. I was too weak to do it on my own but as I said, the anesthesia always knocks me for a loop. I did not have the severe gas pains that others have mentioned on here but my daughter had me up and walking every 3 hours, no excuses. That I think made a big difference. I had all of my foods and meds ready at home so all I had to do was heat them up when I got home from the hospital. My husband helped a bit but he was against the surgery so I didn't want to be dependent on him. After I started losing weight and feeling good he jumped on board with this sleeve thing and he is now my biggest supporter. Everyone's experience is different but similar and complications, though real and possible, are very rare. The Best thing you can do for yourself is to follow your doctor's instructions. They really do know best and have a lot more experience at this than we do. I wish you well and hope you have a non-eventful surgery and an easy healing. Good luck and welcome to the world of Healthy and Happy.

absolutely no problem deciding, zip,nada, no. Bypass has never been an option. Too many complications. Plus, I'm not on the higher end of the weight scale. 37 BMI but lots of medical issues. Plus my daughter has had and her best friend had bypass. World of difference, Plus being off work 6 weeks was not an option. Trisha

Yes I was banded on Dec 17th. Had some complications so was rebanded on the 20th. I get my first fill tomorrow. I am so ready.

Mrgrta, Wow, I almost did the same thing. I didn't even have to go through half of what you did or the time you put forth to do it. I simply (uh yeah?) made up my mind on Sept 3rd and called on Sept 4th and got the ball rolling and I am to be banded in Mexico on the 28th. I started reading this forum like a drug addict. I read everything I could. Then one night I read a horrible thread about one person's bad experience with her band and I freaked! Almost had a total meltdown and I am not that kind of person. It had me almost cancelling my appt, losing my deposit and getting a refund on my plane tickets. What happened next is what this forum is really all about. SUPPORT!!! The responses I got almost immediately were supportive,firm and to the point, and just what I needed at the time. I was and am so grateful for them.They were from newbies as well as being years post banded and it very much helped. To those of you who responded (and you know who you are), if you ever read this thread, thank you very much!!!! I am a stonger person everyday and my decision to go through with my band has even more empowered me. You have to think this through and work you way through it yourself. I sat back, took a deep breath and did some pretty hard thinking. In my mind food is no different than heroin is to a drug addict or nicotine to a smoker. You get the picture. I need help and that is why I am going through with it. I am 51 years young and I figure this is my last shot at being as healthy and I can before God calls me home.Am I scared? Hell yeah, everyone on here will probabaly tell you the same thing. I don't know a single person who LOVES to be put to sleep and have surgery. It's just a necessary step and will be over and done with before we know it. You just have to make the right decision for you. Just find a quiet place and really noodle it out. The best thing is, this forum is not just about the complications. It is about the support no matter what is going on. If you decide to go ahead and I hope you do, you couldn't have a better bunch to have your back afterwards. Best of luck to you no matter what you decide and God bless you good! docsdeb

People come here for support when they have problems. The rest of folks are usually out living their lives and don't post as often. So it seems like there are lots of complications when the incidence of complications is actually low. I don't call PBing a complication exactly. It's more a learning process. A swift punishment, er, reminder when I'm not following the plan. I no longer take meds for diabetes. I no longer test as having osteoporosis. I can cross my legs and see my feet!

Only you can decide what is right for you. But you have to remember that the few people who do have complications come here for support. There are a vast many others with no problems who do not post. I find however, that reading about complications helps me to behave in a way that often will help prevent complications. A lot of those posts are "don't let this happen to you" warnings. Being banded was the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I was more scared of the surgury than the complications. I think I watch to many Discovery Health shows. I was crying uncontrolably and they had to give me something to calm me down. I'm so glad I went through with it. I know how scary it is to have someone that depends on you. I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old, and I don't want them to grow up without me. However, they might have to if I didn't get this weight thing under control. I also don't want them growing up without a mom to do fun things with. My son wants to go to Disneyworld. I can't fit in the rides. Try explaining that to a 4 year old.

Well, I chickened out of my surgery last week. After 12 months of medical supervised weight loss programs, sleep study test, medical records, psych eval, etc., I was finally approved by my insurance company in August for lap band surgery. I was so excited I couldn't stand it. I followed the liquid Protein diet to a tee and lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks. However, 1 week prior to surgery, I started reading the threads on complications and I totally freaked out!! I canceled my surgery the day before I was scheduled to have it done. Now I'm sitting here thinking that I have made a huge mistake. My approval is good for 12 months and I can get back in next week if I want to have it done, but after reading about vomiting, slipped bands, erosion, PBing, minimal weight loss, I can't help but be scared. I have two small children at home that need their mommy to be around, and honestly if it weren't for them, I would have been on that operating room table without a doubt. I am so scared that something will go wrong. Sorry for the long rant, but I can not make up my mind. Kat

If you've done your research then you probably know which one 'fits' you best. Good luck with the decision, I know the LB isn't for everyone. My reasons for the LB over RNY: - Safer surgery - Unfill at any point needed and Reversible if needed for other health reasons - Less complications (dumping, hair loss, etc.) - Slower weight loss (easier to explain when you're not 'telling' others, and easier to get proper nutrition) - Continued interaction/accountability to the surgeon (ie. I had to sign that I would continue seeing my surgeon for 5 yrs. post-op, he covers 6 fills as part of the package so it's not for more $, he wants you to be successful long-term) - Continued adjustments to stoma for life (RNY- can stretch the stoma, some need revision surgery) - I need portion control, not reactions to bad foods. I already know I can diet successfully so I'm not worried about counting calories etc. (I don't think I need the malabsorption). If you haven't found it yet, there's an RNY/Other surgery group on LBT HERE. You might want to ask the RNY'ers why they chose (there's a group there that went from Band to RNY). Good luck! -BG

LOL - Thanks... Happy to answer any questions I can. Yes, I work full time, at a desk, no physical job. I do Protein Shakes randomly, not as much as I used to. I've had 3 fills and I'm right around 5 cc's, I believe. Do I diet? No, I HATE the D word with a passion. Have I made changes? Absolutely, but they are lifestyle changes that have made my band all that much more successful. I've cut out breads, pastas, etc. Sometimes, if I'm really craving something, yeah, I will have it because I'm not DIETING. Dieting is the big ass mean elephant in the room for me. If I'm dieting, I'm doing without and if I'm doing without, well then, that is what I want most. So, do I ever cheat? I'm not "dieting" so there is nothing to cheat on. If I want a bite of ice cream, I take a bite of ice cream, BUT and this is a big big BUT, I do have the will power to LIMIT it. I don't need it, it's a want, I can live without the want, but I'm the type of person that if I don't let myself have something when I want it, I'm going to ruin myself when I finally do snap and eat it all. So, yeah, I have the will power to limit it. My guilty pleasure at the moment. LEMONHEADS!!! BUT, I count out 10 a day and after I eat those 10, that's it, no more. If I get a craving, then I move on to something else to get my mind off of it. If I absolutely cannot, then I have a little something. Freezer pops are good for this, lol. It's a balancing act but something literally flipped when I had surgery. I don't know where or how I got all this will power regarding food from but I do. I've taken to heart that this is a TOOL one that I am lucky lucky to have and I am not going to screw this up. I can't, this is my chance. Plus, I'm terrified of complications, so I probably baby my band a lot more than some. Lastly.... I exercise my ass off. When I hit 250, not even a month after surgery, I started running, and started with a mile. I now run 3-4 miles a day, 6 times a week. I try to run at least one 5k a month. I will tell you, I would not have been this successful without all the exercise. Good luck to everyone on your journeys. It is entirely worth it, everything that you change about your life is for the better! Typical day... Get up around 6am, read in bed for about an hour. During the school year, I'm getting the kids up and ready out the door by about 8:30am. I start work anytime between 8am and 9am. Depending on how busy I am during the day, if I have the time, I get in my run at lunch, if not then I work through lunch and usually eat at my desk. I'm off around 5pm. Getting dinner ready. If I didn't get my run in earlier, then as a family, we go out and run together in the evening. Food wise... Pretty much the same for most of the day, every day. Breakfast - I will either have EggBeaters or make 1 egg, scrambled. Lunch is usually 1/2 cup of 99% FF Chili or canned chicken with Laughing Cow cheese. Dinner is whatever I cook or my husband cooks. We live in a warm client, so we do a lot of grilling. If I feel hungry during the day, I'll eat a Chobani yogurt or something similar. Lots and lots of water/Crystal Light.

Hi amencorner I am post-op 4 weeks. Had my sleeve on Feb.13 and had the same feelings as you. I had moments when I regretted having it. I also had some complications like dehydration and bp meds. Once they were under control, I felt back to normal. I also was hungry on the liquid diet and am now on soft foods. It does get better so hang in there. Good Luck to you

I am scheduled for a surgery with the SAGB lap band. Can anyone tell me if that lapband is as good as the Inamed ??? Are the complications rates the same ??? Thank you !

Hello Topgun. I understand exactly how you feel. I started this journey back in 10/2011 only to have my insurance come back and say I had to switch facilities in 12/2011. Now that I have completed all of my pre-op and scheduled for surgery 20 days from today I am freaking out. I thought I was ready for this now I'm not sure. Wondering if I will lose the weight? If I will have any major complications? Will I gain the weight back? How much skin will I have? I just hope I am making the right decision. Not only that but I have lost 15 lbs so far and will prob end up losing another 10lbs before surgery. I'm just thinking to myself how come I can't lose the weight and keep it off without surgery. Anyways...we can hold each others hand on this one. Good luck

I was scared of leaks, too, especially being self pay and knowing my insurance would not cover any costs of complications. I researched the heck out of ever possible complication scenario. I really wanted to know when I could stop worrying about every little twinge and rumble and "funny feeling" I had after surgery. It was 6 months before I finally let myself breath a sigh of relief. The funny thing is, I Was so worried about the complications that I never bothered to get stressed about the pre and postop diets, slow weight loss, stalls, constipation, diarrhea or hair loss.

I have an appointment in St Louis this Friday to see a nurse, nut, and have my psych eval. Im nervous but looking forward to any information they can give me. I have had 3 abdominal surgeries in the past so my big fear is that they will not be able to it laproscopically. Anyone ever have it done open? Or have a lot of scar tissue but able to have it done lap? And is there any long term complications that someone can think of? Im trying to come up with lots of questions for my appt!

I know there's always the chance of complications and my week off is based on an easy surgery with no major issues. I have a fairly high pain tolerance so my biggest concern is being weak and fatigued easily. My work days are usually around 9-10 hours long. I can take breaks and have a fridge and microwave available. I might get a small blender to keep up there as well.

@@Jamie, I have read way too many threads about regrets from folks 1, 2, or 3 years out who regret never having reached goal and finding it so difficult to get back into weight loss phase. I have read very few threads, if any, from people who regret reaching goal or of being "too skinny". Frankly, barring any complications from surgery, we are all experts at gaining weight and can remedy "too skinny" should that actually ever happen by eating higher calorie foods, adding more carbs, etc. From my own experience, I am so happy I reached my goal weight. I definitely have dieter's fatigue and could not take another 20-30 lbs off this far out from surgery now. I just can't see myself getting my head back in the game. I would recommend taking full advantage of the "honeymoon".

Rhonda, I was banded in Oct 2005 too! I'm in Houston, nice to meet a fellow bandster I've been extremly fortunate not to have many complications, BUT I have heard that drainage leaves many people tight and causes problems with fills (often leading to having some of the fill removed) so it takes longer to get to a good restriction level. Are you completely unfilled at this point? When you go back next month will they start you off slowly? I decided I rather liked the slow climb, at each of my fills I had only .5 added at a time. I believe it helped me learn how to recognize what I could tolerate. I have a short list of foods I definitely stay away from, and others I know are sure bets if I'm away from home and have to grab something quick. Everyone here has great advice, read on and you'll be savvy before you know it! All the best, Karla

You know what? I went to a seminar Husted put on here in AZ in May. He had the vergito on his slides but he glossed over it very fast as if he really didn't want to talk about it. I think I remember on OH that he had a patient who was really unhappy with his. That may be why. Timing? Anyway, yes, he's in AZ now. I was going to go with him but it took him forever to get privileges here. I couldn't wait any longer. In the meatime, I found Dr. Aceves who in my opinion is just as good a surgeon. I was a private pay anyway, so I ended up saving 60% of the cost of Dr. Husted, got 3 days in the hospital, great care, great follow up and my complication was covered, which wouldn't have been in a US hospital. BTW, my complication was not the fault of anyone. I had pneumonia and a partially collapsed lung. I have crappy lungs but we all did everything right. It's just one of those things that can go wrong even if you do everything right. Overall, I would do it again in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves' team in a heart beat. He has done 1000+ sleeves, no leaks and specializes in the bypass. But I am here to tell you, I am happy with my sleeve. gg

So...lots of good news!!!! I called my insurance company today and found out I was approved (within 3 days no less)! I have my surgery scheduled for April 24th!! The whole process only took 4 months (from my first seminar to surgery date)! I am really happy and excited, but it all seemed to easy....its real but not 100% real right now. I am getting super scared and nervous! I want to keep only positive energy around me right now, but its so hard not to worry about the negatives....I am just hoping for a complication free quick recovery.

You're incredibly strong. I know how scary it is when complications happen. Hang in there.

Hey, its 12:54 april 24th 2006....i should be studying exams but i'm here doing my journal! I will start with what i did before getting into this, since i don't have much to say about the pre-op diet (i started 1 hour ago...its a 10 day diet consisting of yogurt and cottage cheese) So....around march i started thinking out of the blue...I need help, i've tried everything, I don't even know what clicked but all of a sudden i felt the urge to look up everything on the RNY gastric bypass. While i was researching that i found info on the Lap-band...which led me here. I was looking for forums where real people were discussing real issues. I started out just talking about it with my parents, they were ok about it but quickly warmed up to the idea. My mom did research and found someone in Toronto. This was the TCC (toronto cosmetic clinic) So i booked a consult in person for late may. I was searching the forum and found out no one really knew them and their reputation was not established, and their post-op care didn't add up. I opted for the TLBC (Toronto laparascopic band centre). Where i could do a phone consult which i booked for april 5th... Filled out the forms, did the consult, set the date....May 4th 2007. I spent countless hours on LBT researching, viewing threads, looking at before and after pics, reading horror stories about the complications. Now comes the real test...10 days, pre-op diet! I will keep you (if anyone is actually reading) posted!

First of all, DEEP BREATH! calm down! I am about 4 months post op, I wont lie, it was hard at first and I did have to jump through hoops to get it done. Second, If you dont do this now, you will regret it for the rest of your life. You are too young to have the problems you have and believe me, they will only get worse with age. Third, everyone, and I mean everyone, I dont care how much bravado they have, are scared when they go in for surgery, any surgery, you are not alone. Now to your questions: 1.How many of you needed your gallbladder removed? Was the option on the table to do it with the sleeve surgery? I already had my gallbladder out years before the surgery. From years of being obese and eating crap food, my gallbladder died. So if you dont have the operation there is a good chance you may have to have it out anyway. 2. Long term what Vitamins do you take and how many? I just take regular chewable vitamins, nothing extravagant. one a days and they are fine. 3. I got two body piercings a long time ago. Nose and ear. Both of which i got keloids from. Will my stomach react the same to the staples, infections? Anbody else who has piercings/ had keloids? Keloids is basically scar tissue. I doubt it will have any effect on your staple line 4. I have a retroverted uterus. Anbody else have it that has had this surgery? Any complications ( The two questions above are noted in my file to be discussed with my surgeon on nxt visit) I have the same and had no complications 5. Are there ever times when you can eat and drink at the same time? Even just a sip? I understand all the reasons why you shouldn't, just curious if months on out if its possible..my mind is having a hard time wrapping around that thought. Its usually a half hour before and half hour after, you get used to it, its not that big of a deal. 6. What happens if i do all the required visits and chicken out at the last minute? Now why would you do that if you have come this far. Imagine being 100 or more lbs lighter, it will happen if you do not chicken out! You have to live in your body, do not let anyone tell you how to live in your body. now go get'em!

Im new to all of this! I apologize if this is LONG!! Been researching wls religiously for maybe a year and a half now. The thing that really pushed me to finally make the first step in this process was... having severe undiagnosed pain in my back for 2 years and finally seeing a surgeon. Told me I had bulging discs and the only thing that he could do for me was shots and physical therapy, w/ a recommendation for getting fit and build the muscles in my back.....I'm 24, 310 pounds.... there are days that I feel like I'm an 80 yr old woman. Scared me to think I would have to live with this pain forever! Anyways, a family friend ( I'm still on my mothers insurance. The family friend is also my mothers co worker, so has same insurance) had the sleeve done so I took that step and made a consult app with the same office she went to. (Central New Jersey...Dr. Ballem/Dr.Rainville) Going in I thought for sure I would have to jump through all the same hoops she had to before getting my date (i.e. 7-8 months supervised diet). WRONG! With bmi so high I only have to do three months!!!! Going in I was okay with the 8 months, thinking it was a good time to prepare. Initially my mind was set on this surgery and I was thrilled to take this journey. When i heard three months at first I didnt know if I was happy or scared. Everything since the intial consult has been a whirlwind! My first consult i got a tentative date of May 5th for surgery. I have already been to 1 dietician app. 2 Left. Only have the pysch evaluation and an endescopy left to do..as a side note I wanted a sleeve to begin with. The surgeon agrreed it was the best option for me since I was relatively healthy. No co-morbids and (besides my back) full mobility. Now to the reason for posting..... I actually was very excited to be honest, about the three month thing because that meant the sooner I had it done the sooner i could start a new life. I have read information until my eyes bleed. Was prepared for the maintenance afterwards. I was very positive, had a great attitude about everything up until this past Wednesday when I had my first dietician app. My mom is not supportive of the surgery itself. She keeps reminding me of all the bad things that could happen. So she asks me how it went. I said it went great. I have to start changing a few habits now. (I.e. more Protein, less carbs, chew more, drink more). She goes on to tell me if I can make the changes before surgery why do I need it? I have been exercising for the past three months to help with the back pain and she says that coupled with the healthier eating should be enough to make me drop the weight. She thinks I have not exhausted all the avenues before resorting to surgery. To be honest I probably haven't done nearly as much dieting as some of you which I told the nurse, dietician, surgeon. Im gonna say I started gaining weight in kindergarten. Have only tried two commercial diets ( at 16 yrs and 280 pounds I did Michael Thurmond and last year at 23 and 330 I did Plexus) because I or my family could never afford any of the others long term. I have done numerous attempts on my own to cut back and exercise to no avail. The dietician seemed very positive that I would do great with the sleeve since my problem seems to be with portion control and obviously the sleeve would help with that. After that conversation with my mom the doubts of this whole thing came crashing down on me.....can you guys just answer some questions or input or calm my fears? I'm just gonna list them... 1.How many of you needed your gallbladder removed? Was the option on the table to do it with the sleeve surgery? 2. Long term what Vitamins do you take and how many? 3. I got two body piercings a long time ago. Nose and ear. Both of which i got keloids from. Will my stomach react the same to the staples, infections? Anbody else who has piercings/ had keloids? 4. I have a retroverted uterus. Anbody else have it that has had this surgery? Any complications ( The two questions above are noted in my file to be discussed with my surgeon on nxt visit) 5. Are there ever times when you can eat and drink at the same time? Even just a sip? I understand all the reasons why you shouldn't, just curious if months on out if its possible..my mind is having a hard time wrapping around that thought. 6. What happens if i do all the required visits and chicken out at the last minute? The dietician visits are included in surgery cost, would I end up having to pay for them? I think that's enough for now if I have more questions i will post in comments! Bless you and thank you if you've read all of that. I just need some support. With my back I was feeling the lowest I possibly could feel and thought that surgery was and is my last shot at living again. My weight has stole my childhood, teens, and now my 20's. I was teased in grade school but nothing like what I was in for in middle school. I ultimately dropped out because I couldnt take it anymore. Since then I have become a hermit. Don't know what to do with myself....weight scares me from doing anything fun in life. I was just ready for change....help!