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Maybe I can help you. I have the lap band and my husband had GB along with his mother and his father. I can tell you why I did lap band. I am a nurse and have seen GB that have gone bad I could go on and tell you the morbid details but you can just go on the internet to do that. The band was out patient and if it goes wrong you can take it out. My family all suffered with intense pain for about 2 weeks after there surgery. I had very minimal discomfort. GB and lapband have the same goal. LB is a slower weight loss and does envolve more will power. GB weight loss is faster because say I ate a turkey sandwhich and my husband did too, my sandwhich goes through my entire digestive system. My husband is missing about half of his digetive system (hense the term bypass) so my body took in all of the fat and calories were his took in half. My husband did awesome with his bypass and has lost 180 pound but has said numerous times the he wishes he was aware the LB. This is a personal choice for each of you. The GB is 95% more risky than the LB. We had small children to keep in mind and they need parents (fat or skinny). I do not want to tell your husband what to do, however if he as patience the LB can be just as successful as the GB. My husband also had huge health issues (as most of us do) so the surgery makes it that much more of a risk. But we are a gastric bypass and a lap band household. In the end we both have lost weight and that is the goal. Also, I had LB in Aug a week before my father in law had GB he has lost 65 pounds and I have lost 73 pounds so it is possible to loose weight just as fast or faster than GB. P.S. I know it sounds good but I would stager you surgery and not have it at the same time if possible. There are complications as we have all told you :>

I was trying to decide if I was going to tell my parents or keep it a secret from them. My sister had bypass done a few years ago and she met with opposition pre surgery and lots of complications after her surgery (I told you so's insued). Well, I told my parents at Thanksgiving and they were supportive after I provided a lot of information and the research on my surgeon. They said they thought it was the right decision for me and wished they were candidates for the surgery too. I was surprised at their reaction!!!!!! I think it is because this surgery makes sense to most people who know about it.

Hi Guys, I'm in New Orleans, LA going for my consultation in the morning. I'm starting at 425 and had an accident with injury 2 years ago that has stunted my life in a lot of ways. I'm nervous about tomorrow. I am a smoker and know I have to quit. I'm paying out of pocket so I'm hoping to schedule this in mid January. I guess my questions are these. 1) When paying out of pocket, what tests etc did you have to go through? 2) How quickly were you able to schedule it? 3) If you were a smoker, did you quit? If you didn't what complications did you have? 4) What questions should I have ready for the doctor? Thanks in advance for any answers I get. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I think that's a reasonable plan. I had surgery on July 16 and went back to work July 27. I could have gone back July 20 if I really had to, but it wouldn't have been a great idea just because it takes a lot of effort to get enough fluids and protein that first week, so it's best to take it easy and focus on that. Now, I have a desk job, so it may be a little different for you as a student. For example, how far do you have to go to get between classes? You might not be up to brisk walks across campus. And do you have decent seating in your classes, or do you have those horrible one-piece desk-chairs that are difficult for some of us to squeeze into? You're not going to want to squeeze yourself into anything right after surgery while your incisions are still healing. Also keep in mind that everybody's recovery is different. Some people don't even spend a full day in the hospital while others have to stay several days. It's unlikely, but possible, that you could have complications that put you out of commission for weeks. Or you could have a difficult recovery and not feel well enough to go to class that soon. More than likely, you'll be fine by the 21st, but think about what you'll do if you're not.

I'm in the process of scheduling myself for Mini Gastric Bypass for May 15th. I have read as much as I could find on the procedure and all the various side effects, but I'm very interested in hearing that information from people who have actually had the surgery, not a research article or summary of the procedure. Do people have trouble with acid reflux, how have you treated it and was it effective? Any ulcers or any other side effects? I'm not morbidly obese, but have been quite heavy my entire life. I'm 50 years old, and have finally decided to do something for myself. However, I'm having second thoughts and would appreciate input from anyone about any unpleasant side effects.

I had MGB on 12/12/16. I have had no complications. I have had no acid reflux issues. I do take a Protonix every day but that's simply because I have LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease or silent reflux) and I haven't gotten a checkup with my ENT doctor. My surgeon also gave me some omeprazole to take after surgery when I was discharged. I started taking the Protonix after I ran out of the omeprazole. I have lost 51 lbs so far and am almost in onederland. My heaviest weight was 298 lbs. My pre-op diet weight was 259.2 lbs. My surgery weight was 247 lbs. My current weight is 201 lbs. My goal weight is 145 lbs. I am 5'7" tall. I get nauseous at times but it doesn't last long. I'm not sure why it happens but it doesn't happen often. I have dumped once right after surgery on my way home. I bought the wrong Gatorade drink and took a few sips. Almost immediately I started to feel light headed and dizzy and just generally bad. I figured it out pretty quickly. I tried to pour water into the Gatorade but that didn't work so I just threw it away and got something else. The thing that has worked for me is having an eating schedule and keeping in touch with my surgeon and my NUT. They have helped me tremendously to make sure I am making progress. I hope my experience helps you make a decision. Having this surgery is one of the best decisions I have ever made. [emoji2][emoji41][emoji3]

Welcome! You know yourself best. Hopefully your passion doesn't burn brightly for a few months and then wane in time. This is a long game and it's nearly all mental. I had 6 months of visits and I'm glad for it. The delay gave me time to start therapy, time to read all the books I could get, time to research complications and treatments, time to gather supplies, and time to prepare my loved ones. It also gave me time to try to lose weight on my own, fully cementing the conviction that I cannot. Take advantage of this time - as short as it is. Learn about yourself. Learn all you can about your issues with food and learn ways to correct them. Learn new coping skills - you'll need them when you can no longer turn to food. And you'll need to keep practicing them, so that when food becomes a viable coping option again - later on - you won't go down that road.

I have alot of family in Midland, MI !! I used to live there, but am in Arizona. Was a surprise to see Midland come up. Are you having any complications with your surgery? I am having mine in June, and am getting the jitters. I am hoping i am not making a huge mistake. Great job on giving up the carbs, i know how hard that can be...

I was told 18 months... sorry I'm just surprised by the 12, ahaha. But yeah, because our bodies are still adjusting to the shift in nutrition, it could put more stress on a pregnancy to do it beforehand. That and the lower your weight, the easier time you'll have/less complications. I'd just urge that whatever you do, talk to an OBGYN beforehand (if you're planning).

I quit smoking 2 years ago so I know how hard it is. And yes, it can effect you huge if you smoke. In fact, many surgeons will test you for nicotine and won't perform the surgery if you've been smoking. They don't want the increased liabilities and risks of operating on a smoker. Smokers are much more prone to problems going under anesthesia, more likely to develop post op pneumonia more likely to develop infections, and overall heal a lot slower than non-smokers. Simply put, smoking puts you at much higher risks for complications. It's not easy to quit but it's worth it. Best wishes

Hi, Can you consume alcoholic drinks after surgery? My Co workers wife had a VSG a years ago. She was told by her pcp that she couldn't drink anymore or it could be serious complications. Anyone told otherwise?

Has anyone done the surgery with a doctor that is out of their immediate area, like 45 mins or more? Does the doctor handle these situations any differently? Is it more complicated? Are there things that can be done close to home? How often do you need to see the doctor pre and post? Would anyone suggest against it? Why? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went this am to see if I could get a fill. My surgeon is very happy with my progress and doesn't feel I need it. He does not want to see me get too tight and says I am doing a good job. I lost another 4 lbs since my last appt. 3 weeks ago. He sat and spoke with me for about 20 min. He went over all the complications from being filled too tight. He is such a nice guy it is hard to get mad. I am disappointed. I drive an hour to see him and then wait for some time to hear keep up the good work. He says that I am a good patient and I am doing it the right way. I would love to say my hunger is gone but it is not. He says that for some people the hunger does not go away ever no matter how filled they are. He comes across alot of individuals who eat around the band and make bad choices and still gain or do not lose after this surgery. I don't know what to do. I am not going to rush back there anytime soon. It takes up my whole morning. The only good part was seeing the scale go down which I knew b/c I weigh myself every morning. I hope everyone is well today and keep up the good work !!!!

I had my surgery at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the medical tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. Regarding complications, I met with my PCP beforehand and she was 100% supportive. I knew that if I had any issues post-op she would be my advocate. Additionally, US hospitals CANNOT legally refuse to treat you if you present to an ER, regardless of what caused the complications. Now, would a US bariatric surgeon agree to take you on for follow up once you've been stabilized? Maybe not. But that's why you should establish post-op care BEFORE you have surgery. Additionally the complication rate with bariatric surgeries is VERY low in general; these are long established surgeries with very good post-op outcomes. My PCP is also doing all of my labs, meds, etc. For travel, my surgeon recommends blood thinners for 7 days post-op. I also wore compression socks and a compression shirt for my flight home. I started walking as soon as I could post-op, which also helps. Blood clots are a risk with this surgery, whether stateside or abroad, and the travel aspect can increase that. So take your blood thinners and walk as much as you can. Money wasn't a huge factor, though it was a factor. I have very good insurance but after all the pre-op appointments, tests, scans, and everything else, we estimated our out of pocket would be in the $7,500 range. Out of pocket including spending money, an extra night in the hotel, and flights, I paid about $5,500 for surgery in Mx. It was also SIGNIFICANTLY faster. With the 6 month diet program and required insurance approvals, it would be about 9 months from first appt to surgery vs. less than 3 months from intake to surgery in Mx. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. For me personally, medical tourism was the right choice and I'm extremely happy with my decision. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions!

My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because, she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks

I realize this is a personal decision, I honestly do not know what route to go... I think BP better long term results, but it seems so drastic and I really worry about dumping syndrome and complications as well as my ability to really follow better eating habits.... I think having negative consequences of dumping might help with that, but wonder if I would decide to live with the pain just to satisfy my craving...... the sleeve seems like a more natural way to continue with life..... my doctor at first thought sleeve but the more we talk think the bypass offer me a little bit of extra help.... people use to die from this procedure and I realize that's not the case now but it scares the crap out of me... I know I want surgery I just don't know which 1 to choose... they're successes and failures with each I know it is my own choices.... socially I'd like to be able to drink a beer on occasion if I want to you know, I don't want to be on a date order something and take two bites eat like a bird either, but normal kids size person would be good I just don't know what to expect.... I have a friend who had bypass and she's great results but would have done sleeve but insurance would not pay for that, her mom had it also it is have the dumping effects but not as great results.... very stressful choice and it's a lot of money either way I go.....thx for thoughts between two surgeries

Hi all! I was banded back in May and am doing great! I'm just having some trouble with some carbs, i.e. baked goods, candy, etc... Once I start, I can't stop! I can go a good while without indulging, but once it happens, WHAM!! The tornado has struck!! The weird thing is, plain bread, rice, juice & sugary drink I'm ok with, and have no trouble having a bit or not having any! It's really weird! I'm afraid the lack of control might eventually lead to streching out the pouch/ causing complications if I'm not careful! Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice, insight or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hi hoping someone where can help. I just had my final meeting with my doctor and scheduled my revision RNY to DS. 2 years ago my insurance denied my revision so I am 100% self pay. I got all my payment information today and the woman at the doctor's office told me she would need to "run the insurance info through" for the hospital just so they have the denial info? huh? the LAST thing I want is for my insurance company to have any info on this surgery. I majorly understand the risks of any complications in the hospital and being responsible for the costs personally since I am paying for the initial surgery. I understand that risk and am willing to take it. I also understand that if I go home a few days or weeks later sometype of complication happens, that I should be able to run that through insurance and have it be covered (different medical coding). So with all this being said the LAST thing I want is for the insurance company to have any inkling of this surgery Has anyone ever had this experience? I am very concerned now that she said that this morning and I cannot think of anything else...any insight would be appreciated.

I am 6 weeks post sleeve. Today I had extensive hemroid surgery. My hope is that I will heal quickly and my body will get back to loosing weight. I am getting water and protein in. First 2 weeks post sleeve I lost 15 pounds. Past month I have lost 3-4 pounds. Does this seem low? Could constipation be contributing to slow lost? GVS 210 7/23/19 CW. 192 New_Me 2019

Hello Everyone I will be having my consultation on December 16th at SWLC in Mississauga.I am very excited for my new life and of course very scared,almost like I am loosing my best friend"FOOD"!! My problem is,I am leaving for vacation to Vegas in January 11th then Febuary 23rd I have business in Jamaica for one week.I would love to have this done before I go to Jamaica but I am so SCARED I might have complications in Jamaica!I am also scared of the weight I could gain on these trips.I am lost on what I should do??Should I be waiting till I get back from both trips or go for it now!! Also does anyone have some input on SWLC?? Thanks for any advice you might have to offer! Cathy

Three pounds is still 3 pounds, congratulations. I lost about 6 or 7 during my 2 week liver cleanse. The purpose of the cleanse is to shrink your liver so that they can put the band on without having complications.

Ok as of Monday Jan 11, 2010 I officially became a bandster :cursing:. I didnt have much pain, gas, or complications it was a success. But I do have one question did anyone experience the pressure in the chest area like somethings stuck there if so how long does it last because its so irritating. Other than that I feel great, now im on the big road to recovery and major weight loss:thumbup:.

It' will be close to a year in a few weeks. I've not had the weight loss results as most have reported here. I'm seeing >100 lbs being reported by a lot of my peers. I' not even close to 100 lbs, but on the healthcare front I've remained off my insulin, no longer sleep with my CPAP and have managed to stay relatively free of bing eating. I'm very disappointed in that I've not maintained an excercise regimen that would be considered a "Life Style Change." I did have some good starts and stops and right now I'm decidedly at STOP. I just don't have the motivation stay on an exercise regimen. I always end up hurting myself in some way, then that give me clearance to give up. In Oct 2012 I was in the hospital with stroke like symptoms, literally paralyzed on my left side. They r/o a stroke and after 2 days of tests, released me to neurologist for f/up care with dx of hemiplegic migraine. Code word for I don't know WTH is wrong, but she has had migraines in the past, so let's roll with it. I was on restrictions for about 2 month while they tried to figure out what's wrong. All my feeling returned before discharge, but I had total numbness in the last 3 fingers on my left hand. After testing for everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to pinched nerves in my arm and shoulder, the prize-winner neurologist came back with I can give you some cream that may work, I can send you to therapy with sometimes helps, or it may just fix itself on it's on........BUT I see you've not had a sleep study in a while and your plan will bay for it, so let me set you up for a new one. OK. Dr. Neuro's office begins calling me weekly to setup this darn sleep study....I finally told them to NEVER call me again. I still have trouble typeing and my left hand it still giving me problem. I'm hoping I'm not a stroke risk, but the PCP says get going with the excecise again. In February I start back walking. Doing good. Sporadic, but I'm getting it in at least 2-3 times a week. Weight going down, have to finally buy some new clothes because my black leggings are falling off an my colorful fat girl "pop of color" tops are looking like flour sacks on me 'cause they're too big. I have a chronic pain in my left foot and ask for an x-ray, my PCP says there's nothing remarkable but I may have small bone spurs that will just be a chronic issue for me. SUX. I start feeling a little soreness in my left leg, it evolves into a limp, but I'm thinking it's just me getting back on the track and I ben-gay it up and bear down. I'm down to 1-2 times a week, but I'm keeping it moving. Garage sale Saturday, I'm digging for treasures and a radiating pain hits my left leg. I can't walk. I yell. The ppl help me to my car and my mom starts freaking me out telling me it's probably a blood clot and I'm going to die if I don't get to an ER soon (She has a flare for the dramatic). I go to the ER and they r/o a blood clot, discharge to my PCP for follow-up the next day. PCP rotates my leg and refers me to an Ortho Surgeon the next day stating he thinks I'm going to need surgery. Now I"m on crutches. Ortho assesses and no surgery. Just 1 week of total bed rest. I have a grade 2 calf muscle strain! I'm off my feet for a week and come back, it's healing, but still not out of the weeds for abt 6 weeks so take it easy but do what you can.....To me that translates into DO NOTHING, and I've been faithful to that regimen for about 2 months now. WTH? Really Elle? You going to cop out like that? Why YES I AM. Disappointed in myself, but yes. I did that. Now I'm at the year mark and reflecting. I want to hit the century mark. I'm wanting a 1XX versus a 2XX at my weigh in. I hope to reach the 100s in about 6-8 months. Kick-off date is July 1,2013. Please pray for me that I can keep this new goal in sight. I do have concerns that I may have a hernia or something because I feel I am able to eat more than I should in one sitting. As long as I don't drink anything while eating I'm fine. I've drank alcohol sparingly w/o any trouble. I don't do well with chicken or ground beef. Bread and butter is my weakness, but I can only eat a little bit of it at a setting. I have been bad and do drink from straws on occasion. My new guilty pleasure is McCafe Hazlenut Lattes and Caramel Frappes. I also enjoy the egg white delight breakfast combo. I can eat the hashbrown and mcmuffin in one sitting (I just throw away one of egg mcmuffin slices). I can honestly say the term "use VSG as a tool" not a solution is a great message. You will not drop an insane amount of weight just from having this procedure. You have to work at it and change. My health is better and I will praise this procedure to the mountain tops, but you must be willing to put in the work to get the pounds off. My mother recently had the procedure and is doing well. She was not nearly as obese as me, so I'm excited to see if a little competiton will help boost me on the walking track. Her start weight is my current weight! So we're even in getting out of the gate. My mom had a lot more stuff broken in her health wise so I"m elated that she finally did the procedure. My marriage is struggling at the moment. Not heading for divorce or anything, just facing some challenges with a blended family. We're working through it, but I'm feeling my old urges and our lack of intimacy isn't helping things at all. I hate being mad all the time. Work is sucking as well. I don't know if I should move on or stay with them. My company has great benefits but I'm working 16-20 hour days and not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. It's shockingly overwhelming. Any way in closing. 1 year has been faced with several set-backs, but I'm optimistic that I can refocus and get back on track. Besides my husband and kids, the VSG decision remains one of the best decisions I've made in life. I think I bought myself more years on this earth by just choosing to not die of morbid obesity complications. This board has been most helpful in letting me know I'm not alone and others are in the struggle with me and offering support. Thank you all

I did the sleep study as part of the process as well, and discovered I have severe sleep apnea. I believe it really helped my approval - I was a slam dunk on the approval process and had it in less than a week. My surgeon was also very adamant that he wanted me using the cpap machine before and after the surgery to prevent complications and to help me rest better for a better recovery. You DEFINITELY should get the study done before submitting to insurance.

I understand the urge to eat off of plan, but please don't do that. Strawberries have seeds. Even if it was mush, those seeds can lodge in your staple line. The post-op stages are designed so that you can get in enough nutrition while you. are healing from major surgery. It may not be fun but it is for your benefit: to heal successfully without major complications. As my NUT reminded us, it is only temporary. We can do anything for a short time. Please have patience and follow your program and it will be over sooner than if you do something to cause complications. Just focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein and following your program. You can do it!