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I would not do the band. In fact, hardly any surgeons place the band anymore - there have been way too many problems with them, and many people have had them replaced with sleeve or bypass. Sleeve is a good option as long as you don't have GERD. honestly, complications with either bypass or sleeve aren't that common and are usually minor. For some reason there's the opinion out there that these are really risky surgeries and you're bound to have a lot of problems, but it just isn't true. Yes you'll always find people who've had a ton of problems with weight loss surgeries (both sleeve and bypass), but for the vast majority of us, we sail through them just fine and have no issues. The only thing different about my life now (other than being 200 lbs lighter) is that I now have to take vitamins every day (and of course, I eat less that before)

I thought about surgery many times over the years and the fear of complications plus worrying I'd never be able to eat "normally" made me shy away. Also worrying about having to take time off work (I love my job!). But this time is different. I got to the point where I wasn't even liking the way I was eating. I love food but I wasn't even enjoying it. And COVID changed my job and I wasn't loving it anymore. It's getting better, but it's still slow now. I'm still scared of complications, but I think I'll be okay. And I have changed my diet to more of a post-surgery diet (except I am still eating more than I would post-surgery - like 1200-1400 calories) and I'm fine with it. Now that I'm not eating a lot of sweets I don't crave them as much. I miss baking, but I don't miss the way I would feel after eating a bunch of baked goods. And maybe I'll get to the point where I can have 1 cookie instead of 6... but I'm not there yet.

What are you prices like in South Carolina? In my state the prices were really high. Since I was self pay too and low BMI I really wanted an all in 1 price where I went in and got things taken care of all in a week or so. I only found a handful of places that accepted low BMI and were all in one pricing and a good price. In the south I found a doctor called Dr. Shillingford. The office staff was very professional and they gave me a good amount of information to prepare for surgery. I really was planning on going to him but with my family it just worked out to go closer to home. I found a surgery center in the next state 3 hours from me. If you do not know a "good" price for all in one pricing would be $8,000-$12,000 in the USA. Where I am going it is $12,000 for sleeve. I am getting bypass and it is $16,000. Dr. Shillingford is close to the coast and beach area. You could make a nice relaxing vacation. I believe 3 days was enough for getting testing done (at the time I was interested in sleeve), surgery and recovery. You stayed at a hotel and were to come back 1 week from surgery to get stitches out and a check....you could possibly get someone local to do that. In my area no one would take a patient unless it was 1 year after surgery. It makes me nervous. I used to go to a bariatric center local and may go back...IDK. I didn't see the doctor but the nurse. I just am not sure is all. MAYBE if I have a complication they would see me. I feel better seeing someone in bariatrics then my own PCP.

Bored - Best description I can come up with. Sitting here @ about 80lbs lost and in a stall. Why? Because I'm lazy and gotten complacent!! Joined the gym... haven't gone yet. The first 80lbs were beyond easy. I'm one of the lucky ones - No complications, no adverse reactions to any kinds of food/drink. All my friends/family are commenting on how good I'm looking and how proud they are. I'm even happy with where I am for now. Here's the rub - I'm happy (yeah, I know that sounds stupid) - Able to do more, feel better, and truly enjoying life. The problem? That's the black hole I get into. Happy = Family, friends, boating, food, etc and ultimately leads to my not following the plan. I've got at least 40lbs to go. Looking at the numbers, that means I'm "only" 2/3's to my goal. This is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made for ME - Now I have to figure out how to use this tool for the rest of my life - Not just for 80lbs. I know what I HAVE to do, now I just need to figure out for myself HOW to do it. I'm not much of a tracker (I manage to track for a few days, goes well, I get lazy.... you get the picture). The one thing that HAS worked is getting on the scale every day. I'm acknowleding that's what works for ME - it holds me accountable and makes me more aware of the slips and their ramifications. This forum is awesome for making me look at what I've done right and what I've done wrong. Seeing others with the same issues helps me know this is normal and often part of the process. I have a feeling that I'll be on here for a long time (if nothing else, just for reality checks).... So in closing, thank you ALL for your insight and comradarie. You've made this journey much easier to understand and relate to.

It is different for everyone. I was given no dietary restrictions nor have I struggled with any foods since my gallbladder removal. I knew someone who would go running to the bathroom after eating lettuce after theirs was out. My doctor said some people have no complications with food whatsoever while others do. So, it is kind of like trial and error. Maybe try a little bit if you are afraid and see what happens.

This is really interesting, thanks for posting it. It was super accurate for me at Year 1, I did weigh very close to the prediction. Year 2 is where I started to diverge, in reality I kept losing but the prediction was essentially that I would stay the same. I switched it to Lap RnY to see how it would affect the prediction - my projected weight loss went up by 15 pounds and my probability of complications went up 10% (to 20% total). With open RnY, the projected weight loss didn't change but the probability of any complications was 30%. I would love to see the model this is based on, it's pretty fascinating.

I am having my Sleeve surgery tomorrow and wanted to know what the length of your hospital stay was following surgery? I was told by the Surgical Nurse that called me today that some people go home the same day. The Medical doctor that did my clearance two weeks ago stated one night and my surgeon said one to two nights. Obviously its based on any complications that may arise but just curious if you don't mind sharing. Thank you!

I had my lap-band removed a little over a year ago due to complications. Since then I have gained 30 pounds and growing, and now have a BMI of 35. I met with my surgeon today in hopes of getting a revision to gastric bypass. He does not believe I would qualify due to my BMI not being 40 or above, although my band was removed due to complications. He is still willing to play out the process and see what happens (dietician visits, etc.). He has also ordered a bunch of tests to see if anything shows up that may be obesity related that may help the process. Has anyone else been in the the same or similar situation? What was your outcome? I appreciate any feedback.

it’s surgery & all surgeries have some risk for possible complications but generally they are pretty low for sleeve surgery. The best person to ask about these is your surgeon. You’re having surgery & are changing how you partially digest food so there are going to be some changes for you & your body to get used to. Generally, my surgery went well. No real issues or problems at all. Little or no pain & I happily looked after myself after surgery. And there ‘s been no significant issues since. My energy levels were low for some time after surgery. It was complicated by low blood pressure & some hypoglycaemia. I always had a tendency towards these so nothing new. They just happen more frequently now. Also it was discovered after my surgery that I have Gilbert’s which explained why I always picked up bugs more easily than others & why I take longer to recover. Low blood pressure (postural hypotension) can be an issue for some but it generally passes. I vomited a few times in the months after surgery. But it wasn’t a retching vomit. More gentle. All but once was from my multi vitamins. They made me very nauseous but vitamins usually did in the past. Was just worse but I don’t take vitamins anymore. I think I had diarrhoea once. Constipation was the bigger problem but I managed that with powdered fibre, added fruit & vegetables as soon as I could & took a stool softener if I reached about 3 days without a bowel movement. It improved a lot in maintenance. I had stress related gerd which was also aggravated by certain foods before I had surgery but I had already cut those foods out of my diet anyway (no fatty or overly rich creamy foods, rarely had carbonated drinks, no spicy food). I took Nexium only as needed. Now the gerd is still there but different. As long as I don’t have a solid protein before I go to bed (liquid is fine ) & take a Nexium every morning I’m fine. A liver function scan at about 6 months did reveal a very small gallstone but they think it may have been there for ages. Didn’t & still doesn’t cause any issues. Food intolerances are pretty individual. I’m not good with potato or pasta - sit like a lump in my tummy. But no loss. I choose to remove these from my diet anyway & only tried them out of curiosity a few months back. Some struggle with sweet things others with fatty. As for pasta & your family. There’s a lot of high protein vegetable pastas out there which many don’t have an issue with in maintenance. It was what I unsuccessful tried. If I want ‘pasta’ I use fresh zucchini noodles. While losing, just avoid the pasta & eat the sauces or just the inside of filled pastas. Portion size may be more challenging. Only 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup for a while slowly increasing. I have about a cup now but it ‘s really about what is a recommended serving size. My friends & I always enjoy having a ‘few’ drinks. Now I have a glass of something & that’s it. I sip on the one drink for an hour or so. Hasn’t changed our relationship or how we socialise at all. They say more for them to drink. 😁 We’re all individuals & how we respond to the surgery & how how body reacts to the change to our digestive system is very personal. Much is tied to your pre existing conditions or tendencies like mine. Sure some will be similar but really it is your journey & experience. My surgeon & his team & my GP are wonderful. I can’t complain about their follow-up & ongoing care & support in the almost 2 years post surgery. Between my surgeon’s blood tests, my GP would ask for one. If I had unusual for me symptoms they’d order scans & additional tests. It’s how they picked up my Gilbert’s. Nothing was ever found to be wrong it was just how I was reacting to the changes & the additional hormones & such being excreted as a lost fat. For example my previously fine cholesterol level sky rocketed while I was losing then went back to normal. Plus they shared all information about my health with me & each other. Having a supportive medical team behind you can not be undervalued. I haven’t regretted my surgery a single day. Sorry for the long post. Good luck.

I'm an RNY patient (gastric bypass), but I've been hanging around on this and other boards for a few years now, so I can address some of these. complications like you described are pretty rare. The most common complication with the sleeve is GERD, which happens to about 30% of sleeve patients. Most cases of GERD can be managed medically, but some people end up getting revised to gastric bypass, as that often improves (or can even cure) GERD. re: diarrhea - actually, constipation is much more common. It's due to the high protein diet plus some of the supplements (that is, if you have to take iron and calcium - not all sleeve patients do). nausea/vomiting/etc - that's not uncommon in the early weeks after surgery, but after that, no - not very common. Blockages, etc - none of that common. Seriously, the GERD issue is the one that's the most common. Food intolerance - you'll most likely be on a fairly restrictive diet the first few months (and very restrictive the first few weeks), but after that, there's nothing that's prohibited. Some people do develop some intolerances and just can't stomach certain foods anymore, but there's nothing that's restricted after you're a ways out.

VSG is a major abdominal surgery, so recovery will be a process. They start getting you up the next day after surgery (or same day, if you're awake enough), so you're not going to be spending a long time bed-ridden. I was able to get into and out of bed, sit and stand from a chair, walk to the refrigerator or bathroom, etc. from day 2 onward. I got stronger and more mobile every day and was back to normal about 3 weeks out. I had no major complications, no follow up procedures, etc. Eating was very uncomfortable for the first 3 weeks but that's not a universal experience. A lot of people report minimal discomfort. Wow, that's a crazy long time for the liquid diet! I struggled with my 10 days, LOL. I haven't had chronic nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (actually constipation has been more of an issue for me). My surgeon routinely prescribes medication to prevent gall-stones. I had no unusual scarring or stricture of any kind. This one is very much YMMV. Once they get through the eating stages, some people can eat just about anything. Some of us find that there are foods we used to eat that we don't tolerate now or that don't taste good anymore. Ground beef is one of those things for me - it just doesn't sit well in my tummy. Have you talked these concerns out with your surgeon? People love to share horror stories when they know you are going to have WLS and of course people are more likely to share when something goes wrong. I mean, you don't see people posting on here: "Hey, I just wanted to let everyone know, it's been two years and I'm fine", LOL. People who post generally have a need or an issue of some kind (unless they're just here for the support and friendship). It makes the site a great resource but can give a false impression that almost everyone has complications. I had surgery two years ago, lost all my excess weight, am learning how to maintain that loss and have no complaints. There are lots of others like me, they're just too busy enjoying life to share updates, LOL. Talk to your surgeon, ask him/her what the risks are, which ones particularly apply to you and how they will be managed. And tell everyone who brings you a horror story to get lost, LOL. <--just kidding about that, but honestly, I got sick of it when I was pre-op.

Thanks so much! The visit with the surgeon was nice. The nurse who did my vitals before I met with him was so excited for me when she started. She normalized my nervousness. Talked about complications being rare, real, but mostly rare. My BP was high. Anxiety triggered for sure. Then the surgeon came in and normalized my anxiety as well. He quizzed me on risis and benefits and my expectations. I got a 95 on the quiz, lol. Well, maybe a 97. I missed just o e part of a three part question. Then he answered all my questions which were mostly about possible complications. Tonight I realized that although we talked about him fixing the small hiatal hernia that he found, I did not ask him about acid reflux. So, I sent a message to him. His nurse usually chats with him about the questions and then sends a reply. So, overall, the appointment was goos. Then I had my follow up Cardiology appt to go over my echo results which we did as part of pre-op. The NP met with me to just review the results. She was awesome. The actual cardiologist is great too, but I didn't see her today. The NP normalized the anxiety. Talked with me about the benefits of the surgery. And we talked about me not looking at anymore videos are reading stories online that trigger the nervous about possible complications. Overall, feeling much better. Thanks for the support from everyone!

I talked to my gynecologist about this surgery and he said he has known sooooo many women to have it and even those who have experienced complications still are glad they went through with the surgery. It would be interesting to know if that’s the same case with the community here.

Thank you. Yes, my worry is about possible side effects and complications. I want to be educated so I'm not going in blind, but I think all that education is getting to me again. That happened a couple weeks ago and it was able to pass. Its rearing its ugly head again. I think the grief is also impacting me. Again, thanks for your reply.

if you want to go to Mexico, Dr Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey and Dr. Laura Carmina Cardenas in Tijuana are very well-known in bariatric circles. They've worked on A LOT of bariatric patients and specialize in massive weight loss patients. Dr. Joseph Capella in New Jersey has also operated on a lot of us (and specializes in massive weight loss patients, too), and his prices seem reasonable compared to a lot of other US surgeons (haven't seen anything recent on him, though) several people here have gone to Miami for plastic surgery because supposedly it's one of the cheapest areas in the country for that - I don't know any names, but a few people on here have gone there and can probably give you some recommendations. The prices they've gotten don't seem much more than the prices in Mexico oh - Dr. Joseph Michaels in Rockville, MD has also been used by a lot of bariatric patients I personally would look for someone who specializes in body contouring for massive weight loss patients or at least has done a BOATLOAD of them, because it supposedly is a complicated sub-specialty.

Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. People who haven't lived with significant GERD often don't understand how serious it can be and how it affects quality of life. We need to find solutions to this problem. Now that so many people have gotten the sleeve, there will be an explosion of people affected by the nasty form of GERD that can happen post-sleeve, and not all of them are good candidates for the bypass. I feel like doctors push people to convert to bypass whenever there is an issue with the sleeve because that is something they are familiar with and has fairly predictable complications. However, I have seen so many stories of people who converted to bypass but then ended up with new problems or still had reflux even then. There has to be a better way to deal with this problem. Can I ask, how have you managed to cope with the awful GERD all this time? What do you do in order to get through the day? Have you developed Barrett's esophagus?

I am so glad that you mentioned that Dr. Jossart is experienced in dealing with this issue. I will need to look into that. Did you have to make an appointment with his office staff to talk to him? I am sorry that you are suffering with these issues too, but I am also glad that you are here and talking about what you have learned. It is so nice to hear from someone else who is interested in this topic and taking action to try to figure it out. This is such a difficult problem because it seems like there aren't a ton of people who have dealt with it so you feel kind of alone struggling to find help with a complicated problem that even many doctors don't seem to understand very well. To be honest, I desperately wish that I had never had the sleeve, because I didn't understand at the time what trouble it could lead to, and I NEVER wanted a bypass under any circumstance. I wish I had made it more clear to my doctor at the time that I did not consider the bypass an option and maybe then she would not have done the sleeve. Here are a couple of other leads that I have found that you might want to check into: Dr. Kenneth J. Chang at UC Irvine is doing research into an experimental method of controlling GERD with an endoscopic procedure that can be done post-sleeve. https://www.ucihealth.org/find-a-doctor/c/kenneth-chang https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6133678/ Dr. Olaya I Brewer Gutierrez at Johns Hopkins is apparently close to starting a clinical trial using a similar endoscopic procedure: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04771247

Thank you Shanell! Surgery went well, no complications. Recovery has had it's ups and downs but overall blessed.

Hey! congrats on your surgery and progress so far. Try not to freak out. I think at some point we have all messed up and had something we shouldn’t or too soon. I know what the nurse told you is scary about complications, but just monitor yourself and maybe give yourself some extra time for digestion before putting anything else in your body!! So my plan had me go from puréed food to “soft foods” so I just wanted to share a couple things you could try to bridge the gap between the puréed and regular food stage (I’m not allowed regular food til month 3 post op, but my plan is kind of strict) but what I’ve been eating in the soft foods/transitional stage has been like smothered green beans, moist soft chicken (I made a low-fat low cal gravy), sweet potatoes, ground Turkey (made some really good stuffed bell peppers with some this week but I’ve been really sick to eat more than half of one), I’ve done ricotta bakes (look it up, life changer), low cal/fat “lasagna” with egg instead of pasta, some ground chicken patties with spinach and green onions. what my NUT/surgeon told me is the new stomach is trying to learn how to digest properly for even months after surgery. So things very starchy or carby are dangerous because they can become gelatinous in the stomach!! So please don’t freak out, I know it’s scary! Monitor yourself and if anything starts feeling wrong besides being full, contact your doctor!! You’ve got this!!!

As a recent sleeve to bypass patient - specifically to resolve the terrible GERD, Gastritis and Esophagitis caused by chronic acid reflux - I can so relate to your comments. I had acid reflux disease before I even had the sleeve, and my surgeon never told me that GERD could be a complication following sleeve surgery. In all fairness, I think that this has really only come to the surface over the past 5 years. Now surgeons, and GI doctors, seem to be more versed in GERD following sleeve surgery and more prone to advise patients to choose the bypass. On a positive note, I've had ZERO acid reflux since my bypass surgery October 2020. I stopped taking any PPI, and my primary care doctor is thrilled. Long term use of PPI's can also lead to bone loss in women. Best decision I made was choosing the revision surgery.

I was finally able to get some clarification regarding my coverage. Knowing what to expect puts me at ease. Gastric Bypass Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) is covered only if specific medical criteria are met:  Bariatric surgery may be indicated for patients 18 to 60 years of age. Requests for bariatric surgery for patients less than 18 years of age should include documentation that the primary care physician has addressed the risk of surgery on future growth, the patient's maturity level and the patient’s ability to understand the procedure and comply with postoperative instructions, as well as the adequacy of family support. Patients above 60 years of age may be considered if it is documented in the medical record that the patient’s physiologic age and co-morbid condition(s) result in a positive risk/benefit ratio. • The patient has been clinically evaluated by an MD or DO. The physician has documented failure of non-surgical management including a structured, professionally supervised (physician or non-physician) weight loss program for a minimum of six consecutive months within the last four years prior to the recommendation for bariatric surgery. The six consecutive month weight loss program listed above is waived for super morbidly obese individuals who have a BMI ≥50. Documentation should include periodic weights, dietary therapy and physical exercise, as well as behavioral therapy, counseling and pharmacotherapy, as indicated. • Documentation that the PCP and the patient have a good understanding of the risks involved and reasonable expectations that the patient will be compliant with all postsurgical requirements. • A psychological evaluation must be performed as a pre-surgical assessment by a contracted mental health professional in order to establish the patient’s emotional stability, ability to comprehend the risk of surgery and to give informed consent, and ability to cope with expected post-surgical lifestyle changes and limitations. Such psychological consultations may include one unit total of psychological testing for purposes of personality assessment (e.g., the MMPI-2 or adolescent version, the MMPI-A). • The physician needs to be aware and follow-up with individuals who have had gastric surgery for any long-term complications. • In cases where a revision of the original procedure is planned, documentation of all of the following is required: - Date and type of previous procedure - The factor(s) that precipitated failure - Any complications from the previous procedure that mandate (necessitate) the takedown - If the indication for the revision is a failure of the patient to lose a desired amount of 51 weight then the patient must meet all of the initial preoperative criteria. Note: The following surgical procedures are considered experimental/investigational because their safety and/or effectiveness have not been proven: • Loop gastric bypass gastroplasty - also known as mini-gastric bypass • Stomach stapling Endoscopic procedures to treat weight gain after bariatric surgery to remedy large gastric stoma or large gastric pouches are considered experimental/investigational.

Hi all. I need some help. Had my surgery Oct 2020. Went private in the UK which means no psychological help/therapy beforehand & £10,000 out of pocket 😕 I lost very quickly & easily, minimal complications. I'm about 12kg from my goal bmi of 23 and feel & look a million times better. But... I've stopped trying. I injured myself about a month ago & couldn't exercise, I stopped tracking food & started eating rubbish. Not binge eating but actively making terrible choices, partly because real food was a struggle for a while & junk gave me energy at least. I'm not losing but not putting on. I'm fit again but can't bring myself to exercise. Friends & family haven't noticed an issue as I'm a normal weight now but I know I have more to lose & would like to. Not sure what's happened, I just can't seem to remotivate & I'm terrified about wasting this "golden" time & know that if I carry on I will eventually start to gain. Any advice or suggestions would be most welcome. Every day that passes I feel a little more lost & useless.

Congratulations on coming through. Gas pain issues began coming up for me late on Day 2 and on Day 3. Perhaps I wasn't walking around enough and the gas was not moving through and out of my body. I finally took some Mylanta, which was approved by my surgeon, today, Day 3, in the morning and it helped. A heating pad on the part of my body where I could feel the gas pressing, also really helped with the discomfort. My main activity for Days 1, 2, and now 3 are to measure my intake of broth, water, jello, and popscicles to make sure I'm staying hydrated. Dehydration is the #1 complication, I read.

I really wanted to like the Body Project workouts, but the guy who leads those doesn't follow the beat of the music and it drove me crazy. I don't always follow the Leslie Sansone steps (I did at first, though) because I find that my heart rate drops during certain steps, so I do something else during those. And when I do back-to-back videos, I don't want my heart rate to drop, so I do different and/or faster steps during the cooldown/stretch of the one that's ending and the warmup of the next one. I don't like the ones with complicated steps because I don't like having to slow down or stop to watch what they're doing and try to get it right, and I feel like I'm not getting as much out of the workout if I'm not doing the steps. I also find it stressful; sometimes by the time I figure out one move, they've already moved on to the next one!

I've done some of those (well, i have little tolerance for those who don't follow the beat of the music, but as far as complicated steps, i figure as long as I'm moving, I'm good. If it's a video, no one can see me anyway if I give up on one of the steps and just march in place for a couple of minutes until they move on to some other step!