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(dribbling drool on myself) Bec, I'm still not following. Was the procedure $8500? And your insurance paid 75% of that? This is getting very complicated. I guess it's not even important, but I'm a lil bored.

Tina, Congratulations to you! It's a tough decision, and it takes courage to decide to change. Change is the most frightening thing we go through in life. Many people stay fat and unhealthy because of this fear. I was afraid that the Band, or any WLS surgery for that matter, would change everything about my life. And so far it has. But the changes have been good. I no longer fear change, I welcome it. People in our lives have no idea how to be supportive, I'm convinced of that. I'm also convinced that many of the people who seem so unsupportive think they are being just the opposite. But remember, change is a frightening for them as it is for you. They too are afraid. After all, any change in you could result in a change in your relationships. They are afraid, and their fear has no reason behind it. They forget that you will still be YOU whether you band or not. They forget that your quality will shine through. You are afraid, and it's normal. Change is scary. Everyone you talk to knows someone who's best friend's aunt, had an acquaintance whose youngest daughter had the surgery and she only lost the weight on one side then her left leg blew up like a zeppelin and they went in and found the band broken into seventeen pieces and lodged near a perfectly preserved donut in her uterus. (preceding ludicrous story for illustration purposes only). So, if that kind of thing bothers you, by all means, keep it all on the down low. It's your life, and your business. But fear not. The beauty of the band is it's safety. Low complication rate. Non invasiveness, and ease of reversibility. Of all the courses out there it is the logical choice. I had to decide. I picked this, and now I'm one month out, it was easy, fast, and nearly painless. Well, a lot less painful than my overactive imagination had drawn it for me. Diet and exercise do not work. Lose the weight, gain it back, plus a little bonus. Will power is good for the next meal, and maybe for months, but sooner or later the will power fades, and we fall into our old ways. If the will power worked there would be no fat people, no alchoholics, no addicts of any kind. The way I saw it the only way to go was to choose between a short life and a longer one. Keeping my messed up relationship with food was the short life, the band was the longer one. Follow your own star. Make your own decision based on who you are. One thing about these people here, they know how to be supportive, visit often, read the old threads. Contemplate. But move yourself to action. As Red says in "Shawshank Redemption" it's time to get busy living, or get busy dying. I suggest living with the band, you'll smile more than you do now, you'll laugh daily. Good luck, and glad to see you here.

It's never too late to improve the quality of your life...and I'm an older bandster with 2 wonderful grandchildren. My primary motivation to have my surgery was to avoid several additional medical conditions...but there are many benefits which I was not focused on. How nice to not need to adjust the seat in my car to comfortable get in, get out , and fit in it while driving...not to mention the feeling of a degree of increased agility after loosing 60+ pounds. Definitely do your research, attend a seminar for additional information...and decide if it is the right choice for you. Though I have experienced a couple of weight loss related medical complications since having my band placed, they are mild compared to what my weight loss is sparing me from. Best wishes to you as you "weigh" your options...

Hi Danyielle - I second what Nancy said. Remember, it's your BMI that matters and not your actual weight; 191 pounds on 5'2" looks a lot different than on 6'2" -- you know that already, but it's worth repeating, because the 200-lb. mark is irrelevant for shorter people. (At 5'9", I wouldn't have been a band candidate at 191 lbs., but you might be.) Some doctors use a 35 BMI as a cut-off point, but not everyone has the same standard. Surgeons will still consider you a good candidate for the band if you have serious weight-related complications. Sounds like you're in pretty good health; that's great, but a disadvantage if you're set on getting the band! You might want to start documenting any joint problems -- have an orthopedic specialist check you out, if you have decent insurance. If you really think the band is for you, do as much research as you can. Let us know if you have more questions. Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

Knowing that many people have issues with their gallbladder after surgery, has anyone asked to have it removed as a preventative measure at the time of WLS? Also, if self pay, does insurance cover complications after the fact, like the gallbladder if not done pre-WLS? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Infected ports. Lost ports. Slipped bands. Funky tubing. I know that with the band growing more popular, the number of complications will rise in relation to the increased number of bands out there. But just scanning through the boards tonight, I'm surprised by the number of port and other problems people have had or are having. Isn't the complication rate about 1 percent of all patients? Maybe it just seems higher to me because I had a slipped band (since corrected in a second surgery) and am on-guard for problems. It's just scary how many people (myself included) have gone to such great lengths to obtain the band only to be left with lots of bills...and short of weight loss goals. Has anyone seen any good data from Inamed recently on complications? When I called about a year ago after my band slipped, they said they were required to report any complications to the food & Drug Administration (FDA). Anyway -- to end on a lighter and more positive note: I continue to be amazed by the great wisdom, strength and courage of everyone at LBT. And there's not another group out there that can top this crowd's sense of humor!!! Elizabeth

Fortunately, I had mine out about five years ago already...so I didn't have to worry about it. I guess gallstone issues are common enough after WLS that some surgeons just take it out preventatively, you'll have to ask if yours would. Some insurance companies may not see it as medically necessary until you have complications with it though, so your mileage may vary.

I just had the opportunity to chat with "the attending physician" who supervises fellows where I could have had my plastic surgery (free to me, long story.) I asked him to inform "junior" that if he continues assuming that he knows what patients want without bothering to ASK them, that private practice might prove to be a food stamp experience for him, as well. (In this case, he figured that when an MO patient is going in for PS, she must want to look like Calista Flockhart and, since she won't, she won't be satisfied with the surgery. My Beverly Hills plastic surgeon said, "Tell me what you're looking for." I said, "Rubenesque." He said, "We're on the same page. My insurance will pay and my surgery is in two days.) Can you decline the services of the fellow, or is he a "given" with the coverage you have? I ask, because--and I don't want to scare you--but I wouldn't want a beginner doing my band. (And I'm not a total snob; I did have a beginner do my panniculectomy.) The band complication rate is tied directly to surgeon experience. Anyone who would want you to make a scale move in short order--and basically, the only way you can do that in time is by dehydrating yourself--is not practicing common sense, let alone good medicine. Best of luck...

Holy smokes! I'm so drooling over here at the thought of going to the Congo! How cool is that! Congratulations to you first off on the AWESOME job offer! You go girl!!! I personally think that if there are no complications during or after your surgery, and you heal up ok, and you're doing fine, that everything would be ok. (Just my opinion) And if you could find a place to give fills ahead of time, that would totally rock! I have personally never felt weak from being banded, and as long as you are careful in what you eat (mainly just chew it up really well and stay away from things that will make you PB) I'll think you'll do fine. If you have 3-4 months from surgery date until you leave, that will definately give you plenty of time to get into the rhythm of your new banded life, and you'll feel more self confident in going. Whatever you decide, best wishes to you! What an awesome opportunity!

Some do, some don't. Mine will pay for any complications such as erosion, but then again, my original doctor does it for free. But then I would have to go back to Mexico. I would be torn with the idea and would have to seriously weigh the pros and cons. (and I would take Lisa with me if I went to Mexico because I know she would never let anything bad happen to me) I have heard that some insurances will pay for gastric bypass conversion if something happens with the band. While they are in there, they convert you. This is probably what I would do I think if I had to lose the band. Some insurances have an exclusion clause and won't pay for fills, some do pay for them after. I haven't even checked on mine for that one. I think it depends on what insurance carrier and what state you live in. Post your insurance carrier and state and see what kind of responses you get.

I'll toss in another perspective. Our culture has dictated specific ideals of beauty, which can be difficult to escape. What I am finding (and have learned before but didn't acknowledge) is that confidence is sexy..period. Men are much less complicated than we perceive. Own yourself, project confidence, feel good about yourself, and there is no stopping you.

I agree wait for a little while and let the stomach heal and then go with a larger band. I know several poeple with the RNY and know they wish they would have gone with the band. I have also know one person lost their life due to complications with it. Please be careful your SIL will be in my thoughts.

Does anyone indeed do tae bo and if so, have you experienced any complications after doing so?!? Is it safe. Please let me know. Thanks!

Of course I plan on having no serious complications, but I think it might be safer to travel the 1 1/2 hours vs. 4 hrs. Having kids and making arrangement for fills/unfills might be a pain at the greater distance. The main thing is emergencies and can I get to my surgeon. In my town we have no surgeons that do bariatric surgery. I'd hate to put my body in the hand of the unexperienced! Hmm.

Hang in there. I had surgery May 17, 2012, was in hospital 9 days and had to go back weekly. for about 2 months for IV fluids as I was dehydrated. Couldn't keep much down. I had 4 endoscopic stretches over the first 2 -3 months and finally started doing better. Just want you to know, I now have no regrets. I have lost a total of 161 pounds including 54 pounds lost pre op. Early on I had the same feelings of regret that you are having, but I want you to know that not only do I not regret the surgery, I think its the second best thing I've ever done. Going to therapy to prepare for this surgery was the first best thing as I know I would not have been successful had I skipped that step. I hope you will soon be done with the complications and miserable times and begin to enjoy the many benefits and pure joy and amazement that I feel as I watch my body change and my health improve each day. Sending prayers and.positive thoughts your way for strength to get through this awful time and fast healing and recovery.

Hi there, Make no mistake - the lap band is major surgery with everything that entails. One of the first things my surgeon warned me about is the risk that he may need to convert from laproscopic to open surgery. This could be for all kinds of reasons. My surgeon has done over 200 lap-bands and so far has never had to convert, but still, it is a risk. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be wanting to have my abdomen opened up in a Doctor's office. Also, as someone who is overweight there is a higher risk that you may develop complications from the anaesthetic and as Alexandra says, again, you want the full service that a hospital can provide in terms of crash equipment. I am full of admiration that Alexandra went home so quickly. There's no way I could have done that. I was glad of the two nights in hospital. I was worried about blood clots (another high risk of being overweight) and was given Flotron massage treatment for 36 hours, as well as anti-clot injections and help getting the TED socks on and off. I live alone and there is no way I could have come home sooner. I don't mean to alarm you. The mortality rate for this surgery is very low. So far I don't regret having the op for a moment. But I thought long and hard about it before I went ahead. 4 months of yes one minute, no the next until I finally decided. I am now 3 and half weeks post-op and haven't had any complications. I feel great, down 12lbs (although most of that was in the week post op). Am REALLY looking forward to getting onto solid food on Friday!!! I've also been cycling for the last three days to and from work and a lovely day on Sunday all the way to church on the other side of Hyde Park (London) and back again. Don't rush into a decision. Keep reading this board and all the other literature you'll get from your doctor. Good luck and happy thinking !!!!!

I know how you feel because I freaked out and wanted to pull my Band out in the beginning, too (I think a lot of us felt that way.) Take it from me, it will get better. And I'm the resident expert on complications since I've already had 4 major Band related surgeries and two ports removed. I am in debt up to my ears, but I know there's hope, and I know one day I'll start losing weight again. Just be positive, it will get better.

Katerzz didn't you have some complications that kept you in the hospital a little longer than most? Forgive me if my memory is faulty on this. If you had a normal procedure that amount would be WAYYYYY over the top. The bill for my procedure was nowhere near that amount, and I live in just about the most expensive state in the Union for healthcare.

I used Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey - he was wonderful total cost was $7900 plus $500 airfare - he's done over 5,000 surgeries w/ minimal complications and no deaths. I like that he owns his own private guesthouse where you stay before and after surgery (u only stay in the hospital one day) and arranges all transportation. It was oddly enough a very relaxing experience - his back patio faces the beautiful mountains. I took a roll of pics to remember it. He did not require any weight loss prior to surgery and I was 293 - bmi 48

Vertical gastric sleeve (VGS) to Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) ? I was sleeved about 7 years ago in Mexico. The operation added about 90 pounds of weight loss over 18 months. However unfortunately, after several years and a couple of babies, the weight has come back on. I’m exactly where I was seven years ago. 😔 I feel my pouch has been stretched slowly over the years and my metabolism is shot. Not uncommonly, one of the side effects of the sleeve was terrible heartburn. I’ve been taking a prescription grade antacid since my surgery. I recently read that this particular bariatric side affect has been linked to stomach cancer. 😳 I recently consulted with bariatric surgeon in Mexico to see what my options are and he suggested I convert to a mini gastric bypass. He said it would resolve the acid reflux complication and also I would lose the weight I have regained. Has anyone gone from VGS to a MGB that could share their experiences with me? Either here or privately? I’d really appreciate it. 🙏🏼

Since the Band has only been FDA approved in the US since 2001, longer term reports from the US are only beginning to come out now. As I posted in another thread, in this month's Journal of the American College of Surgeons, there is a report from a group in Atlanta, detailing their results with over 1000 bands. See the thread : http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=10835 No operative procedure is without risks, but I think the data clearly shows that risk of severe complications, such as death, is much lower with the Band than with GB. To each their own, when GB works, it works great. My personal opinion is that the Band has a much better safety profile for similar results.

From what I read I see that there are some suggestions that banding MAY not be as good as bypass, and MAY have more complications, and MAY not have as much weight loss.... but they need to do studies to prove that theory. THAT means, it's NOT a proven fact, it's just opinions. If you read this carefully, you'll find it contradicts itself somewhat. It theorizes that there MAY be less weight loss, and there MAY be more side effects. But over a period of years, the amount of overall weight loss is closer to bypass. Look at the news today... 1 in 29 chance of bypass death? I'll take 2 in 100 chance of reflux over 1 in 29 of death. These quotes tell me a lot about the whole article. <<"that concluded that LASGB had an identical weight loss curve to the open VBG performed by the same surgeons. Kellum (2003) concluded that “t is obvious that only a prospective, randomized series would definitively establish which operation is best in terms of safety and efficacy.” >> <<"The researchers concluded that more study is required to determine the long-term efficacy of LASGB." >> <<“For laparoscopic gastric banding, the available evidence suggests that weight loss at one year is less than that achieved with gastric bypass. More limited evidence on three-year weight loss suggests that this difference in weight loss may lessen over time.">> <<" Early adverse event rates are low following laparoscopic gastric banding, and are probably lower than gastric bypass.">>

had my surgery on the 23rd as well.. but i had complication and my shakes didn't start until the 29th had two shakes at the hospital (had Optisource caramel and strawberry) although i wasn't a big fan i was happy to have something other than just plain water. although for the first time in my life i never wanted water more than i have now. on the 30th first day back home I had two more Optisource shakes a day and wasn't too bad, i never finished either one all the way but almost most of it. I also started on sugar free jello (again never happier to have jello). Today I tried costco premier shake (chocolate) and it was so thick it took me about two hours to have half of the shake. for my second shake (also the chocolate premier) i tried it with three ice cubes blended and it was much more easier to drink. the coldness or lighter feel felt easier to drink. I didn't finish it all but almost all the way and this one only took an hour to drink. Hope that helps, i will continue to try new ways of having the shakes and keeping the goal of three shakes a day. Hope this helps a bit Good luck!

I assume you want to have your band with you for life, but is this realistic?; I mean if there are no complications how long can the band be intact inside your body? are there studies about this?

I understand your fears I am planning on the gastric sleeve next month myself. As a recovery nurse I see patients of all sizes go through anesthesia. There can be complications for anyone no matter your weight. You have to remember what risk you face being over weight and not having the surgery and see that your risk are so much higher not having the surgery. In surgery you are monitored by a CRNA or anesthesiologist 100% of the time. They stay right with you and watch the monitors and vitals adjusting meds as need be. Having sleep apnea you should bring your machine and you might take a little longer coming off oxygen but that's no big deal. I send people up to the floor on oxygen daily and they are off by the next day. Bottom line it's scary. I totally agree but the end result is worth it. Hang in there and best of luck to you!