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Sorry, the chart doesn't show up well on mobile. A general outline of the advantages/disadvantages of each: VSG Advantages: Safer and less complex procedure; Limits food ingestion; reduces hunger sensations by removing the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger hormone; digestion occurs naturally and does not cause nutritional deficiencies resulting from intestinal bypass; does not cause dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve is kept intact; few problematic foods; option for high-risk patients (very high BMI or medical issues such as anemia, Crohn's disease, anti-inflammatory drug use, or extensive prior surgery) VSG Disadvantages: General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots; Leakage along the stomach sutured/stapled edge; Not reversible; Lack of long term data; considered investigational and not covered by some insurance companies. GBP Advantages: Greatly controls amount of food that can be eaten; malabsorption assists with weight loss; dumping syndrome prevents the intake of sweets; Considered the gold standard for bariatric surgery base on long-term use and results. GBP Disadvantages: General surgical risks including infection, bleeding and blood clots; complex operation; leakage along the staple line of the stomach; stoma obstruction; nutritional deficiencies; gallstones, ulcers, reflux and bowel obstruction; dumping syndrome.

I had my band put in in 2012. I lost 50lbs then I started to have major acid reflex, here there was too much liquid in the band. They ended up taking it all out and I gained all my weight back plus 40 POUNDS Beyond devastated. Scheduled to have my band removed and sleeve conversion on 10/24/17. Praying I am able to lose all my weight but it is scary once you try a bariatric surgery and it doesn't end up working the way it should. My doctors office no longer performs lap band surgery. Wish I was self-pay when I got my lap band and paid $17,000. To have it come out and not have worked is just so mind boggling. Such is life I suppose........

Piedmont Bariatrics in atlanta has been very help throughout this process.

I think that the sleeve would work just fine for you since you probably only have 60-70 pounds to lose to place you into the normal range. If you already have acid reflux issues or Gerd, those issues can be agitated or worsened by getting sleeved, however, and many people undergo a 2nd surgery to convert to GB because of this. If that is the case, you might be better off with GB instead. Other than that, see below: Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Comparison of the Bariatric Surgery Procedures Comparing the various methods of weight loss surgery can help you determine which surgical approach is the best option for you. As weight loss surgery is only a tool to assist with weight loss, what works best for one individual is not necessarily what will work best for another individual. The following chart is a side-by-side comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), also called gastric sleeve surgery, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The information is intended as a general overview of these two types of weight loss surgery to help you quickly compare the similarities and differences of these procedures. Weight Loss Procedure Gastric Sleeve Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Approach to Weight Loss Restriction Limits food ingestion Controls hunger sensations Restriction & Malabsorption Limits food ingestion Reduces food absorption Changes to Stomach Stomach size reduced 75-80% of the stomach is cut away along the greater curvature and removed from the body Stomach size reduced and new stomach outlet (stoma) created Stomach is separated into two and stoma is created in the smaller upper pouch; lower remaining portion of the stomach is bypassed Changes to Small Intestine Kept intact Cut and rerouted Small intestine is cut in the middle; upper section is bypassed and lower section is attached to the stoma Changes to Pyloric Valve Kept intact Bypassed Average Operating Time 1 to 3 hours 2 hours Average Hospital Stay 2 to 3 days 2 to 3 days Average Time off Work 2 weeks 2 to 3 weeks Average Recovery Time 3 weeks 3 months Surgery Advantages Safer and less complex procedure Limits food ingestion Reduces hunger sensations by removing the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger hormone Digestion occurs naturally and does not cause nutritional deficiencies resulting from intestinal bypass Does not cause Dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve is kept intact Few problematic foods Option for high-risk patients (very high BMI or medical issues such as anemia, Crohn?s disease, anti-inflammatory drug use, or extensive prior surgery) Greatly controls amount of food that can be eaten Malabsorption assists with weight loss Dumping syndrome prevents intake of sweets Considered gold standard for bariatric surgery based on long-term use and results Surgery Disadvantages General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots Leakage along the stomach sutured/stapled edge Not reversible Lack of long-term data Considered investigational and not covered by some insurance companies General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots Complex operation Leakage along the staple line of the stomach Stoma obstruction Nutritional deficiencies Gallstones, ulcers, reflux, and bowel obstruction Dumping syndrome Causes Dumping Syndrome No Yes Dietary Guidelines 600-800 calories per day, during weight loss period 1000-1200 calories per day for weight maintenance Meals should consist of high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods Drink 6-8 cups of water or other low-calorie liquids per day 800 calories per day during weight loss period 1000-1200 calories per day for weight maintenance Meals should focus on protein-rich foods and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables Drink 6-8 cups of water or other low-calorie liquids per day Chew foods thoroughly into a pureed consistency Eating Habits Eat five small healthy meals each day Do not eat and drink at same time Do not overeat, skip meals, or snack between meals Eat three small protein-rich meals each day Do not eat and drink at same time Chew foods into a pureed consistency Do not overeat, skip meals, or snack between meals Problematic Foods Not many problematic food as the stomach continues to function normally, but high-calorie and high-fat foods and drinks must be avoided and daily calories limited for weight loss to occur Foods that are dry, sticky, or fibrous can cause discomfort or blockage, including tough meat, bread, pasta, rice, raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, and skins of fruits and vegetables, and chewing gum Sweets can cause Dumping syndrome Carbonated beverages can cause bloating High-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat foods and beverages will ruin weight loss efforts Nutritional Supplements Multivitamin Calcium Vitamin B12 Multivitamin Calcium Vitamin B12 Iron Average Weight Loss Studies show greater than 60% excess weight loss at 12 months after surgery and a maintained excess weight loss of 53-69% at 5 year follow-up.(1) Rapid weight loss during first 6 months Weight loss settles 18 to 24 months after surgery 70% excess weight loss at 1 year 60% excess weight loss at 5 years

This hotel is in Mexico. This is where you stay when you book with MBC. To the person who said they do NOT recommend Mexico Bariatric Center, please provide a legitimate reason to help people make the best decision for themselves. Did you have your procedure done with them and if so, who was your Dr. and what was your bad experience?

I've been playing the insurance game for 2 years and had to switch hospitals/programs as well. My current insurance company is a royal pain to get info from, so I've had to fight for everything. At one point I was ready to give up just from the frustration of insurance, but my husband gave me a pep talk and thankfully I have renewed vigor to get what I need. It's not the fast lane, but baby steps are getting me through the process. No surgery date yet.. but getting through the requirements one by one.

My surgery was in Cabo, with Bariatric Mexico. Dr Gerardo Garcia. It was $6,450. But $800 of that was a fee to remove my lapband. When it comes to surgery, you don't want a deal. You get what you pay for Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I completely agree with you , but at some point when you can’t eat any cleaner or reduce your calories, your body is done. I’ve been through all this as I was once 135 lbs. my diet was strict, but I did put in lots of hours at the gym to maintain this. Most of us don’t burn enough calories in the gym anyhow compared to how much we eat. Now that’s the average person. Maybe not how little bariatric patients consume now. But yes, weight loss is 80% diet. This is true. Plus there are so many other factors like hormones , stress levels and cortisol, health issues , sleep , antiquate water intake, and more.

You probably got the Roux-en-Y Bypass. But other than putting a name to it, the actual procedure doesn't matter for your after care. I want you to find a new primary care doctor, preferably young, and go into your appointment telling them you had the Bypass. Even if this is in error, it won't affect your care at all. Request they run ALL the normal Bariatric panel. Possible deficiencies: Calcium Iron Vit. B-12, Folate, Niacin, B-6 Vit. D, A, K, E Vit. C Also known: zinc, selenium, copper You can just throw vitamins at yourself and hope for the best, but you may never really figure out what is wrong by doing it that way. For example, if you are short on copper, but you also take zinc, the zinc will "cancel out" the copper. Good luck!

I use bariatric advantage chocolate protein powder irs great

Weight loss surgery success takes a strong support system. Each patient’s network may include a slightly different combination of the surgeon and other bariatric healthcare professionals, family members, friends, and coworkers, but there is something consistent for all patients: the patient. That’s right: you are the most important component of your support system. It may be time to ask yourself whether you are pulling your weight. If not, you can consider how you can do better. One simple strategy is to take a step back and think about how you would treat your best friend if your friend were the WLS patient. Set the Bar High Best friends believe in each other. You believe your friend can do anything she sets her mind to. Even if you are unsure that she can achieve her goal, you are willing to help her do everything possible to get close to her goal. Support yourself in your WLS by: Being positive. Keeping off-limits foods out of the house. Stocking up on the foods you need at each stage of your pre-op and post-op diet. Sympathize First; Question Later The hallmark of a good friend is taking your side. Whenever your friend tells you that something is going wrong, you automatically take his side before you even hear what the problem is. Only after letting your friend know that you’re on his side should you listen to the story and ask questions. Similarly, you should take your own side automatically, then ask questions. For example, Problem: “My doctor says WLS won’t work for me.” Response: “Yes it will.” Question: “Why did my doctor say that, and what can I do about it? Problem: “My husband won’t stop eating junk food around me.” Response: “That’s selfish and hurtful.” Question: “My husband deserves to be able to make his own choices, just like I make mine. Can I come up with a compromise such as letting him eat whatever he wants, but making sure the leftovers are out of reach?” Listen without Judgement… Everyone needs a sympathetic ear when things are not going right. You will have struggles, whether it is because the scale is not behaving, you are having trouble with insurance or getting through to your surgeon, or you are falling off the bandwagon and eating in ways you know you should not. Admit it to yourself, and go a step further. Explain your problems to yourself just as you would want a friend to explain them to you, and listen to yourself without judging. When you really listen to yourself, you may not only feel better but might even come up with a solution. …But Demand the Truth You would start to wonder if your friend came to you every day and said he was doing everything right, but was not losing weight. Your friend needs to vent, but as a best friend, it is your job to get at the truth. There is a chance that your friend is not being honest with himself or you. Ask yourself if you are really being honest. Are you measuring each bite? Are you hitting your daily protein and fluid goals? Are you “tasting” any of the foods you prepare for your family or that they bring home from restaurants? Have you been working out consistently the way you should? Celebrate! Thankfully, being a good friend does not only involve the tough times. It includes being an enthusiastic cheerleader. Recognize each scale and non-scale victory by congratulating yourself, just like you would congratulate a friend. Remind yourself that you deserve it and you worked hard for it. Celebrating each victory helps you look forward to the next one and be more motivated to achieve it. You are the only one who is guaranteed to be there for yourself the entire WLS journey, so you might as well make sure you are giving yourself the most support possible. Act like your own best friend, and you may be well on your way to being strong support for yourself.

I had a stroke at 35 that took me down for 9 weeks. I've had another at 50 in addition to 3 TIA's. Was forced to close my restaurant business due to stress and no tolerance for heat. This was my dream and 35 years of my life, 23 of owning my own 200 seater steak/seafood restaurant. Started college and will graduate in Dec. with office degree, (hate it but, I started and I will finish) Weight went from 160-238--considered morbidly obese for my small 5'3 frame which was always small until all the meds. Drs couldn't control the blood pressure pushing 300, and suddenly diabetic pushing 300. Told me I would have to begin Insulin. I said HELL NO!!!!!! I refuse! Meds were only making health worse, and body was beginning to hurt,,,joints, muscles, leg cramps. Now granted, I didn't eat perfect but, I did and do eat fairly healthy. Recent pictures didn't help either but......INSULIN was the last straw. My insurance won't cover anything bariatric so I was a self-pay at $10,000. That hurt the pocketbook but, no Mexico chances for me.(Although I have read of great results....a friend did that and has nothing but bad health issues and no Dr. wants to do anything for her in the states. She's miserable and can't even work anymore and she's only 40. Since my day of surgery, no meds except thyroid,low dose heart, and anti-depression (1/2 pill) because they started me on those at 35 and they at a b***h to get off of. In my case I became suicidal (for no reason...happy life and young family at the time) BP and Blood Sugar has been fine since day after surgery. Aug 1 was surgery date, down 25lbs first month, only 8 since Sept 1--hit a 3 week stall, and in another from 7-9 weeks. Lost 1.2 today(won't count it until it lasts for 2 days.......I lack 2-3 lbs until I hit wonderland. My first goal...I plan a manicure (2nd in my life for a treat. Overall health with no INSULIN was my main cause, but now, I'm looking towards the weight loss. I'm still waiting for that ENERGY I'm supposed to feel but, maybe it will hit soon. At my age, I'm estimated to only losing to 175, but I'm going to hold out hope for about 150 since I was always 110-125 before all the meds took control. This has caused a complete life change, and large drain on finances (with lifetime bariatric supplements and probable gallbladder surgery) Gonna shoot for the best and take good care too prevent additional problems. I like my bones, and my teeth! SHORT ANSWER---Better quality health and future with my family and someday grandbabies. Best of luck to all of us!!!!!!

The first year after surgery is important. Those who don’t reach goal might be because they start eating all kinds of things. my surgeon told me I’d reach goal in far less than a year and without issue. Especially since I’ve been that small before. I’m even on the “ smaller” side for a bariatric patient. He said due to all my health problems , my fat is hormonal , so once I’m balanced, I’ll easily lose the weight. Time will tell! I’m not one to really worry ahead nor believe one size fits all. But I can’t speak for people who are over 300lbs .. I’m sure I’ll have to work hard once I reach 150-160... I know the drill. SW: 248 CW: 229 GW: 130 Had surgery 9/25/2017..

It's good you had this discussion with your doc. Lots of people don't, and then are super surprised and upset when the scale stops moving when they are 40lbs above a normal BMI. Here's an article that talks about it: http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/weight-loss-surgery/dear-doctor-ive-had-bariatric-surgery-will-i-ever-get-to-normal-weight

Please...3 months is rabid overkill, especially for a sleeve, band, or bypass. These are simple, minimally-invasive laporascopic surgeries. My sleeve was a same-day procedure: I was operated on in the morning and sent home that night. Those with no complications and sedentary jobs often return to work in 1 week. Those with complications, slower healing, and/or laborious jobs usually return to work in 2 to 4 weeks. But 3 months (12 whopping weeks)? The bariatric coordinator who said that is living in La La Land among the ivory towers and unicorns who fart rainbows.

I actually work on the floor where the bariatric patients go post-surgery. One of the other nurses asked the bariatric coordinator and she said that she would have to be off work for 3 months. I am hoping for more clarification once I meet with the surgeon. I will do that if need be but I also need to find out about short-term disability if that is the case.

Firstly, this ... My ideal mass for my height is about 74kg (the red line on the graph). The graph charts about 25 years. There's the yo-yo effect over and over (the thick blue line). Lose a lot; gain it and some extra; repeat; repeat; repeat. I ate when happy, when sad, whenever ... but I would peter out eventually from work stress, change of role, new worksite ... whatever. I tried 11 months of a supervising dietitian and a 26 days per month swimming program. In the end, joint pain ... knees and ankles from carrying around more than twice my ideal mass. Then, the very last consideration ... I turned 61 and the cut-off for bariatric surgery is 65. It was now or an early death. Seven grandchildren need me around. I'm well insured. I can afford the 'gap' payment and the extras required. I'm trading cash for a chance to enjoy a slimmer, longer future.

I had gastric bypass and it resolved my GERD. Has your husband considered getting a 2nd opinion with another bariatric surgeon?

Hey girlie, i live in maryland. I have cigna so my process was different. I honestly don't think any of the state insurance programs cover bariatric surgery. What i would suggest, is call your surgeon's office directly and ask to speak to their billing coordinator. They would be able to tell you if your insurance is accepted and how much you would owe out of pocket. Who was your surgeon btw?

My spouse and I both got referrals for bariatric surgery within a month or so of one another ( I was first, then my spouse). We have worked through all the preliminary steps together and it's been a real comfort having someone I love and trust by my side for all the steps so far. I was looking forward to us doing this whole adventure together, getting healthy together and we had already talked about things we wanted to do once we got this weight off. Friday my spouse had a pre-surgery consult with the surgeon and the surgeon did not recommend any surgery options for my spouse due to smoking history and severe GERD. I am disappointed but I am still moving forward with my surgery. I am worried that the changes my spouse has made will fall away and this disappointment will be a set back to a new healthy life. Does anyway have any advice or are you in a relationship where one of you has had surgery and lost weight and your spouse is still obese? I'm just worried that this will negatively impact out relationship. I have requested an additional appointment with the psychologist in my program to address my concerns. thank you

If you use the email in the online portal for the insurance they will answer all your questions, such as - am I required to submit an exercise regimen, am I required to lose weight prior to surgery or am I required not to gain weight, am I required to have a sleep study, EDG, stress test, have co-morbities, a certain bmi, can I be denied for any of the above reasons, do I have to attend # of counseling or monthly support meetings, etc. Ask for how long after meeting requirements and submission do they make a determination. And after approval how long do you have to schedule surgery - some give you 6 months once approved. Ask them to attach the specific policy pages that refer to bariatric surgery qualifications to the email. Ask for the phone number of the department that addresses these issues - surgery intake specialist, etc. The person you spoke to has no authority to answer these because that person has no decision making power, there is a specific team that does this. Don't worry. The ins coordinator at the surgeon's office deals with difficult ins companies all the time and they know how to submit the correct paperwork. But keep on top of the ins agency for answers, keep emailing the specific team.

It is up to you entirely. IANAD ... so, this is just my thoughts as a 23-25 year yo-yo dieter. If you feel you are really ON TRACK ... as opposed to all your other dieting regimes of many years ... then, by all means, stick with it. But will you be okay if you hit a plateau or setback? The bariatric surgery route will give you the opportunity to push into an area where weight control and, eventually, weight maintenance will be more within your control. None of this is set in stone. Only you will know what your perseverance and resilience limits are. The balance of probabilities say I have a better chance with my layman's assessment. Ultimately, it's your say. Your risks. Best wishes, whatever you choose.

I went with Dr. V at Mexico Bariatric Center and I had no problems. Their preferred hospital is Mi Doctor Hospital. Its not brand new but definitely not too shabby either. The staff and doctors have very good bedside manners. The care was slightly better than the USA because they take time to visit you often to check on you and answer any questions or concerns you might have. The City Suites hotel was definitely up to date and walking distance to a pretty good shopping center, movie theater and casino. I have attached a few photos from my trip

I was sleeved on Oct 4th so 5 days out. I am making my own shakes using The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes (Volume 1) for all the recipes. Because I am not on vitamins yet, I do add a packet of Carnation Instant Breakast No sugar added OR a slim fast dry packet to my shake for added nutrition. Am using Fairlife milk (much more nutrients) for the milk. The recipe book is wonderful and the shakes are delicious. I then divide the amount up into 3 cups and sip throughout the day.

BMI 35. Scheduled for 10/25. Considered “low BMI” by my bariatric clinic.