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so i got my band put on august 08, and then went for my first adjustment and they thought a fistula happend, because it looked like the liquid was going around my band, so i go in for surgery to fix it in october 08 and they take the fucking thing out because it eroded through my stomac. i was in the hospital for 4 days, it was fucked up and my liver was also stuck to my stomac, so after 6 monts of thinking it over i decide to get my band back on. i got it put back on may 21 09, so im hoping this time it works, just be careful and be aware of the risks and if you really want it and if its worth it, now i have 10 scars on my stomac from having surgery 3 times, what my luck.

Hi there and Congratulations!!! It has been 2 weeks today since I have been banded! I am so happy. My recovery went very smoothly. I wrote every thing down day by day. Remember every DOCTOR recommends different protocols, this is just what I WENT THROUGH! Day 1: Tues Dec 4 Lots of discomfort and Pain. So tired and sleep, dozing in and out of sleep Tightness in stomach area while drinking, probably due to hernia repair. Walked every 90 minutes even though I didnt want to outside for short bouts. Slight ains in left shoulder area. used heating pad. pain subsided. Lots of internal gas ate Water and chicken broth Day 2: Wed Dec 5 Discomfort and pain. So tired and sleep, dozing in and out of sleep Tightness in stomach area while drinking Pains in left shoulder area. used heating pad. pain subsided. Lots of internal gas, very bloated. slept well. Walked about 6-7 times outside. Day3: Thurs Dec 6 Spreading out pain killers. Slight discomfort, bearable. only low gut. Tightness in stomach area while drinking. So tired and sleep, dozing in and out of sleep No more pain in shoulder area, lots of internal gas still. Walked several times outside. slept well. chicken broth and water Day 4 Fri Dec 7 Stopped pain killers, minimal discomfort. Started eating pureed cream of chicken heart healthy Soup, 3 oz and full. Day 5 Sat Dec 8 Had a BM. Internal gas much better today. last night slept slightly on my side, Went food shopping, got some fresh air. big hiccup and tightness in chest. Water very hard to get down at times....so slow and gives slight pains. Day 6 Sun Dec 9 Had a great night of sleep. Tightness in chest for about 30 minutes. (hernia repair) Went to birthday party today. Got nauseous as soon as I got there. It was hot out, omg so much food. I grabbed my drink and sipped. I eventually sat in my car, I didn't want to risk vomiting. Evening: Feeling better this evening. Still I feel an uneasiness Day 7 Mon Dec 10 Got very hot and sick today. little queasy. I have had the runs since early am. Still like a sticky feeling when I drink liquids, not Soups, just liquids, especially water. Day 8 Tues Dec 11 Feeling more energetic today. Soups fine, drinking water I would say slightly better. Lots of bathroom trips today . Runs. Saw doc today, he said two incisions are healing very well. He weighed me lost 19.5 including 5 day pre-op diet. He said keep up the great work! Gosh, I am feeling so happy! Day 9 Wed Dec 12 Feeling great today again, things are getting back to normal. I keep losing weight .5-1 a day. Bowels back to normal. Christmas party at work, had them puree soup for me. It was hard but I sat there and only ate soup!! Day 10 Thurs Dec 13 Moms birthday. My sister and I took her to a raw/vegan restaurant. I had soup, delicious. about 9 bites and I was full. Day 11 Fri Dec 14 Feeling great again, perhaps a little tired. I was allowed to start having mushy foods. Gosh tuna fish and cottage cheese never tasted to good!! Day 12 Sat Dec 15 I had two christmas parties today!! I got through them perfectly!! I ordered off the menu and ate very slowly and took 75% of it home! I am going to save 200 plus a week just in food!! As of today Dec 18 I am down 26 since Dec 1. Good luck!! (listen exactly to what your doctor tells you) This is what I had by my bedside: 1. Heating pad 2. anti-biotics 3. pain killer 4. gas x (never used it) 5. water to sip and ice chips 6. ipad GOOD LUCK, YOU ARE GOING TO DO AMAZING!!! THIS IS A NEW LIFE FOR YOU AND ALL OF US! Let us know after surgery how it is going!!

My co-worker used Dr. Barker ( 2/10/14 surgery date)... I had the same surgery date... but used Dr. Alexander. If your surgery is going to be done at Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas... I can tell you that the facility is state of the art and the staff was EXCEPTIONAL! Every one was very professional and took their job very seriously. From the cleaning staff to the surgeons that assisted Dr. Alexander with my surgery. If you are having your surgery done there... you will be in great hands ( in my opinion). My co-worker was/is very satisfied with Dr. Barker and has since referred a few other co-workers to him as well. I went with Dr. Alexander because he specializes in revisions ( i had gastric bypass revised to gastric sleeve).

I'm down a total of 36 lbs, which is fantastic. I started this journey at 310, and I'm now at my lowest point in about 10 years (I think I was around 270 after I gave birth to my youngest. I could be wrong though...it was a while ago) I am slightly irritated that I'm still so swollen that my clothes are not reflecting the loss, and I am frustrated that I can't do much walking because my stomach HURTS (I hit 3300 steps yesterday, which was an accomplishment. Pre-surgery, I was doing 10k steps). I know that I need to give my body time to heal, but I am ready to start MOVING! Last night was a bad night. I was told that "This time last week you still had your whole stomach. I am sad for your missing stomach" and "God gave you a stomach because he wants you to eat." To say I saw red would be an understatement. After the pain I've gone through in the past week, to say things like that just irritate the everloving fuck out of me. And I'm agnostic bordering toward atheism, so saying God did anything is guaranteed to get me to turn a mute ear. By that same token, God gave me a gall bladder for whatever reason (it's been gone 9 years), a thyroid gland (partially gone for 6 years) and reproductive organs (non-functional for 10 years due to surgical intervention). Just because some Big Invisible Friend allegedly gave me something doesn't mean that it works. And when you have something that isn't working as intended, you fix it. My stomach wasn't working as intended, for whatever reason. I had no shut-off, and whether that was physical (I couldn't read hunger cues) or mental (because food=comfort). So I fixed it...with the aid of a surgeon. He and I decided together which surgery would be best for the amount I have to lose, for my general health and for a lot of other little reasons that go into making this kind of momentous decision (I didn't just close my eyes and point to a chart for which surgery I wanted. I thoroughly discussed the options and chose the one that was best suited for my situation) So in closing, don't bother with the pity for my missing stomach. If you want to feel anything for me, feel happy that I took control of my life for a change. Feel happy that I can walk up and down the stairs as intended, without heaving for air at the top or limping up them one step at a time (that is my NSV for today...walking up and down the stairs without pausing and without painfully pulling myself up one step at a time) Be glad that I took this step before my health deteriorated to the point where I would need my hips and knees replaced (my knees...oh my knees...they feel completely different with just this small amount lost. I am SO looking forward to walking longer distances and eventually starting the C25K.)

Guys, I have been coming here since I was sleeved in May 0f this year (2015). Lately when I have reached out for help, advice or with questions I have basically gotten the attitude of "best wishes..." I am not here for well wishes, I am here fr support, help and feedback. I am so frustrated that this will be my last post if no one reaches back. Things are dire. I was sleeved as I stated in May of 2015, I have had the usual trial and error and a lot of bumps. I just had my gallbladder out 2 days ago and then yesterday my Aunt passed unexpectedly. She was the last connection that I had to my mother that I lost way too soon in my younger years. I have awful reflux and am having an endoscopy on 10/18. I am dealing with a gut on fire, post op pain and extreme greif. I don't know what to do with myself. I cant go to the gym, I can't binge eat and I can't drink. I have had friends over and gotten out of the house and gone for a car ride. No ease in my pain and suffering. I have written in my journal, meditated, knitted and had people over, Someone PLEASE HELP ME. What am I missing? I am having so much trouble coping, and what does anyone recommend what to try next?

I had surgery on 10/25. Everything went great. Went home the same day. First day I was only able to take a few sips and I was full. Second day...I was able to drink more. On the 3 rd day I am starving and I can drink as much as I want . I am scared that I am stretching my pouch out. Any advice how much is the ideal amount of fluids I shwould be drinking at a time..I am on all clears until Friday

He briefly looked at the incisions at week two and said fine to swim. I'm really thinking it was too soon. I used to do a mile well under 19 minutes but these days it's more like 30. I've been swimming 60/70 minutes straight no beaks. Plus I walk my dog a lot. I have an appt in the am but I'm pretty sure if I go he'll say it's fine and I'll have wasted my time. I'll decide in the am.

drink hot tea also sip on hot and move when i got the baND 10 YEARS AGO, It was suppose to be one day i stayed to nights because the gas pain was debilitating too. i walked around the hallways around the nurses stages around the whole damn floor i told the doctor on call that i am not leaving and going home with this pain, he wrote me a prescription i dont remember what it was but that allowed me to stay another night while continuing to walk sip on hot Water and taking whatever it was he gave me . the gas popped i literally felt it and heard it around the 100 on that second night . i went to sleep like a baby and went home the next day. Call your doctor and complain maybe he will call in a prescription for you to the pharmacy. good luck it will get better .... i dread going through this again for the sleeve on May 24th but i know it will be worth it.

There are so many things that I am looking forward to! 1 -Weighing less than my husband! 2 -Feeling good about myself in a pair of shorts 3 - Buying jeans in a size 10.... I am aiming for that one to happen by summer! My journey begins January 6th!

I too am a patient of Dr. Elli. My surgery date is 7/10 at UIC. The last two weeks I've really been trying to stay strict with the exercise. I guess it has become somewhat of a routine now... now if only I can stop the empty calories. I wish the junk didn't taste so darn good!

Just curious if anyone has had a significant rise in their Total Bilirubin and Vitamin B12 levels post op. My Bili is always on the high end of normal, or BARELY above normal. I was once told that I might have some sort of benign liver disease (I was 19 at the time - I am now 47), but no other doc was ever concerned as the rest of my liver function tests are usually normal. And while the only time I have ever had (knowingly) a Vitamin B12 level was pre-op... it WAS normal. When I got home from the hospital, I noticed online that my Bilirubin was much higher than my normal while I was in the hospital. I just assumed that it was due to injury/irritation of liver or gallbladder during surgery and hoped it would come down by my next set of post-op labs. Well, I was supposed to do my 3 month labs 2 weeks prior to my 3 month appointment. Because I was going back to work, I decided to get it done 2 weeks earlier. They are posted on my physician portal and they have me a little alarmed. Most are OK, with a few out of the ordinaries. But my Total Bilirubin is 1.9 which is a little HIGHER than it was in the hospital, but also my Vitamin B12 level is greater than 2000. Of course, you look these up online and the possibilities of what is causing this is pretty scary... so I don't want to jump to those conclusions. But I can't find enough research regarding this phenomenon with WLS. I had the sleeve. I know my liver was fatty according to my surgical notes. I know I am losing weight rapidly so that can cause issues. But, has anyone else go through this? If so, what was the cause? And did it resolve on its own? Or did it resolve at all? Kind of anxious, but my appoint with the doc isn't until December. Struggling with deciding if I should wait and see if the doc calls me when he sees the results, making an appointment for sooner, or just waiting until the next appointment. Worried, but also know I was fine before surgery, so maybe I am still just recovering? Or maybe it is my gallbladder acting up without too many symptoms yet... or maybe it IS a liver disease. Not ready to think Cancer yet, but don't want to "wait and see" too long either. Ugh. Anyhow... I doubt the doc has seen my results yet.

The key for me wad less invasive, I already have other medical devices implants and didn't want the band. My surgery date is Oct 19 and I can't wait. What ever you decide best of luck. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

Hello. I am 16 months post-op and 9 weeks pregnant. I refused to take the sugar drink that the doctors usually test you for gestational diabetes (GD) as was instructed by my surgeon. Now the doctors are having me take my blood twice a day for a week now, a week at 24 weeks and a week at 30 weeks. I have to take my blood when I am fasting for 8-10 hours and then again 2 hours after my biggest meal. I am having a problem with my sugar levels when I take my blood during the fasting part. The doc wants my sugar levels to be under 95 and so far I have tested over 95 everyday with the exception of one day where it was 88. When I test myself 2 hours after my biggest meal I always come in under the 125 that the doc wants me to be under. Has anyone else come across this issue with being over the target numbers? Has anyone else had or have GD? I'd love to hear about someone else's situation. ~Thanks!

I found it to be EXACTLY like a job. First dates are interviews. Nothing more. I worked it for approximately 9 months like a job, (sometimes 2 meets per day) before I found one I wanted to spend more time with. I can count on one hand the number of second dates I had in that time and most of those did not turn into a third. Most of the time that was my choice, but occasionally it was theirs. Then, finally found someone fun, cleverly disguised as a responsible adult to long term date. It's been going on now for about 10 months now, exclusive but casual, (no talk of moving in or anything like that) which is good with me. My advice, whatever your relationship goals, when you are in the "interview" stage, "date like a man"... and by that I mean volume. Meet as many people as you can. try to have fun doing it. Try not to take anything personally at least until you find one you want to hang out with more than a couple times. You have to go through a lot of duds (or ones you just don't fit with) before you find a stud (who you DO fit with)!

Hi I'm new to the group, I'm not sure how this works, I have community health group insurance basically Medical and I went to my first seminar about 2 weeks ago and then the week after I had my first consult, I only met the nurse and that's the only person I talked too, I was told I had to lose 10% of my weight, and I need labs and to see the phsyc, I want to know if anyone had to do that too? And how was the process with Medical insurance, I guess I just want to know if this is actually happening. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Hey guys, I'm wondering what you are all eating now just a few months after surgery? I have a cruise planned about 10 weeks after my surgery and I'm wondering what I will have to eat? Please help! I'm so worried!

I was sleeved 10/14...I have stopped "tracking" everything I eat and am relying on my body to tell me what is right. Most of the time it is about 3-4 ounces at a time, sticking to only three meals daily with very very limited snacking (like usually 1-2 times a week...handful of crackers or a piece of fruit). I feel great diet wise and continue to lose steadily. My family is wondering if I am loosing too fast?? Typical day: glass of milk to start, Breakfast is usually either a 1/4 piece of toast or a couple crackers with a homemade dip (lots of Protein in it--usually yogurt based). Lunch: cold cuts with some cheese, piece of fruit. Supper: whatever my family is eating but in a much smaller portion. Tonight we had spaghetti. I don't do any juices (unless I have an occasional cocktail). Also haven't done much for Protein shakes...trying to get most of it through diet. My favorite food is still homemade dips in the morning! HW: 256 SW: 224 CW: 182

I'm scheduled for tomorrow 8/19/15 at 10:45am. I'm so nervous about everything tomorrow that I've cleaned my apartment twice. I'm so ready to get this over with but still scared at the same time.

Surgery 9/17 weight 204, size 16 Weight today 167 , size 10

I just posted this new weight loss surgery magazine article on the new Gastric Balloon: The gastric balloon is a newer approach to weight loss. It is an alternative to Weight Loss Surgery for obese patients whose BMI’s may be too low to qualify them for Weight Loss Surgery. It can also be an option for you if you do not want surgery because of its risks or because you want a completely irreversible treatment. How It Works The gastric balloon is placed in your stomach to partially fill it. This helps make you feel full so you are inclined to eat less and lose weight. The program depends on your readiness to make changes in your eating behaviors, and you are likely to be more successful if your doctor works closely with you during the time you have the balloon inflated to establish healthier nutritional habits. Like weight loss surgery, the gastric balloon is a tool for weight loss that depends on behavior change. Patients are supposed to have nutritional counseling and learn new eating habits during the months they have the balloon in place. Orbera also promotes establishing a sustainable exercise routine, managing your appetite, and learning how to keep yourself motivated. The Procedures for Implanting and Removing the Balloon It usually takes less than 30 minutes to get a gastric balloon implanted. The procedure is endoscopic, not surgical. You receive an anesthetic for your throat, and then swallow a deflated balloon attached to a catheter or small tube. The surgeon places the balloon using endoscopic instruments, such as a probe with a camera, and then inflates the catheter with saline solution or air. You can go home within hours after your balloon is filled. For 1 to 3 days, you follow a liquid or soft foods diet. You may have multiple balloons inserted over the course of your treatment. For example, Obalon’s 12-week program includes up to three balloons, each with a size of 250 cc (about 1 cup), for a possible total of 750 cc. Other company’s balloons may be larger, such as 400 cc. To remove the balloon, the surgeon gives you a sedative. The process takes only a few minutes, and you will be sedated for only about 30 minutes. Differences from Weight Loss Surgery In general, the gastric balloon is an obesity treatment designed for lower-BMI patients than weight loss surgery. In general, you are eligible for the gastric balloon starting at a BMI of 27. In contrast, health insurance plans that include weight loss surgery set eligibility for reimbursement at a BMI of 40, or a BMI of 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. A BMI of 27 is not even considered “obese,” but rather categorizes you as “overweight.” Unlike Weight Loss Surgery, the gastric balloon is not intended to be permanent. The Orbera intragastric balloon can be used for up to 6 months, while the ReShape Duo may be used for up to 12 months. Manufacturers of the gastric balloon claim it can help you lose about 10 to 15 kg (20 to 35 lbs), at the rate of about 1 kg (2 lbs) per week. In comparison, Weight Loss Surgery patients may lose about 80 to 100 lbs. (35 to 45 kg) in their first year after surgery, which is also a rate of about 1 kg/week. They have continued effects of the surgery (e.g., restriction from a smaller pouch/sleeve) after that time, since surgery is permanent. Effectiveness and Safety The gastric balloon can help you lose weight at a steady rate for the months or year you have it in place. It can also help encourage you to establish healthy eating patterns. Some research studies have also found reductions in visceral (or abdominal or belly) fat (that’s the unhealthiest kind of body fat). Patients who are most compliant and lose the most weight are also likely to see improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver. The gastric balloon has fewer risks than surgery. It can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nausea and vomiting are among the more common side effects. Pregnant women, individuals with psychological disorders, and individuals who are misusing drugs should not get a gastric balloon. A Few Different Versions Multiple companies make versions of the gastric balloon. For example, Apollo Endosurgery, makers of the lap-band, make the Orbera gastric balloon. Obalon sells its gastric balloon in Europe and Mexico. A smaller medical device manufacturing company, ReShape Medical, makes the Reshape Duo balloon, which was approved by the FDA yesterday!

I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm curious to know if he was part of the 2019 EVALI outbreak? The CDC has since confirmed that the majority of lung injuries and deaths were caused by users vaping illicit THC cartridges that were mixed with Vitamin E oil. I'm assuming there are still black-market cartridges being sold somewhere out there. I just had this conversation with a family member yesterday. Not to buy from an unknown source. Mine was purchased at a licensed dispensary in Denver.

My doc told me it isn't the risk of stretching the sleeve. It is the sugar and calories. Pepsi max or dr pepper 10 maybe?

Hi Im sooo happy found this topic!! I got my surgery 1 month ago, and after been vegetarian for most of my life, wanted to do the leap of faith and compassion and been a vegan... So since my surgery i have only had a vegan diet.... fruits, veggies and grains, legumes etc.. for the first 2 weeks i dropped 15 pounds, then i stall for 10 days and i noticed it was because i introduce more nuts and grains and avocado So for the last 5 days i been eating only vegetables, legumes ( chickpeas, green peas, black Beans etc) and fruits and i started loosing again yay!! 3 pounds less!!! And it makes sense to me now!! im doing a big effort to dropped the fat i have inside so i can not put extra fat in!! Soo only legumes, fruits and veggies has done the trick for me!! I also recommend listening to dr. Garth Davis interviews, or fb, he has been one of my inspirations, because he is a surgeon specialist in bariatric and he recommend a vegan diet from the beginning to his patients and he has tons of great testimonies and when he speaks about it is so informative and facts oriented. For the most part being a vegan in this new stage of my life has been wonderful, no nausea, no reflux or digestion problems AT ALL. everything goes down easily and i can get to enjoy fruits, veggies and legumes . Im learning while i go... but so far so good!! I want to know if there is someone else wanted to share their food blog and progress with me? i log using cronometer cuz allow me to see the nutrients in my food. It will be interesting see what works for other vegan so we can have a little comparison. hugs and lots of good vibes!!

I was banded on 11/10 at Day One by Dr. Ellie. Surgery was a lot quicker than I thought. I also had my hernia repaired so the healing is taking a little longer.