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I did tons of research before surgery, but decided against DS for the same reasons I decided against gastric bypass: malabsorption. Both DS and GB require that you monitor your vitamin levels super closely for life, even more closely that we should do with our sleeves. The other issue for me was dumping syndrome. I had IBS pre-op and wanted to avoid making that worse if possible. I've been lucky that I haven't had any episodes of that since surgery, so I made the right choice for me.

I had GERD before surgery, but took zantac everyday and had no issues with heartburn or reflux. After my surgery, my dr put me on pepcid 2x daily and starting about a week after surgery, I had RAGING heartburn everyday, all day. I kept a bottle of Maalox in my hand constantly and I'd drink a bottle a week. I called my dr's office several times and they kept trying to give me "tips" to fix it but I finally just said the Pepcid by itself is NOT working. I was totally freaking out thinking I'd have to go the bypass route eventually, but my dr had me add 1 Prilosec a day and I'm not even kidding a little - the FIRST morning I took it (which was yesterday) I had ZERO heartburn...nothing, all day! I haven't had any today either. It's the answer to a prayer!! I was miserable for 3 and 1/2 weeks, felt like I took a 2nd job as a fire-swallower. But now - oh the relief And there are PLENTY of other things they can try as well before you would have to go so drastic as do to a total bypass. So don't sweat it right now, and know that if you do get heartburn afterwards, it most likely can be handled with meds. If one doesn't work - there are plenty more to try! Good luck!

First of all, I awoke last night with a full blown panic attack about this LB! I had dreams of going to "gatherings" with my sister Jane, and came to find out we were the "guests of honor." Everyone there had been banded and wanted to sing the praises of banding to us... It was ok until we wanted to leave.... and they wouldn't let us! It was a big struggle... I ended up staying home from work all day -- just too worn out from my night! I went to my 4-hour Team appt. Two others showed up - all of us were interested in Lap Banding... We met with a nurse practioner, signed some forms, found out about the cost of surgery... detailed break down... Dr Sunby came in to talk to us, and seemed "friendly" enough. Shirley Shelly: From there I met with a dietician. She asked me to explain the lap band as I understood it... and the food routine. I did very well. :car: She did contradict what Dr. S said... water up to meal, nothing for 2 hrs after. (He said 30 min before and after).... hm... She also stressed that I will never be allowed to eat anything other than three meals a day. Very adamant about that... hm... We talked about my chem panel, and what supplements I should be on... suggested if I feel I need a medicine to help with hunger during the 2 weeks prior to surgery, to see Dr. Becx at Fish Hatchery. He's an endrocronologist. I am pre-diabetic... : ( Hopefully that will straighten out with diet. Dr. Scott Bohon: Next I met with a psychiatrist. I liked him a lot. I did break down a little bit when I talked about Dick's depression and his suicidal thoughts. He was pleased to hear that he's working with Dr. Ishii. I talked to him about my panic attacks... and said they are triggered by breathing problems (root canal was the 1st... last night was in part due to the cold I have, and "stuffy" breathing/coughing... Then to a computer True/False questionaires... 700+ questions on one test... @200 on the other. The psychologist said I did just fine... no red flags. She said she could tell I'm on the shy side... The team will meet on Monday to discuss the three of us... so I guess I'm on the track for now - will see what happens next. Misc. things I found out: keep options open to gastric bypass band is a tool (I knew that) the work is up to me... surgery just puts the tool there only THREE meals a day - NO SNACKS! lots of support groups available my time w/WW was not all for nothing... it proved I could stick with a program (loyalty)... i could die in surgery (psych) breakdown of costs i need to contact Aetna, and get a printout of their requirements and give them to Theresa protein is most important because it's one nutrient the body can't manufacture on it's own no fruits or veggies will be off limits (unlike Atkins) with the exception of stringy things like Celery exercise is key - make it a priority (PAC, here I come)!

I had my band for 4 years after having issues and problems( toxic silicone syndrome) my doctor suggested I remove it and revise to gastric sleeve. The day of surgery I backed out on the sleeve because it's irreversible and I was afraid I would have the same symptoms of the band. I removed the band 3 weeks ago and can't eat much I have been in liquids and mostly protein diet. I keep getting stuck with regular food. I lost around 13 pounds. But I have been so depressed and been having panic attacks with anxiety attacks. Don't know why this is happening it just comes on uncontrollably. My body is reacting so weird. Had this happened to anyone? If so, please give me insight will it go away or what's causing this?

Some folks in chat have asked me about the vitamins, shakes and suppliments I take. I wanted to post the website. Bariatric Advantage - Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins, Proteins, and Help for Gastric Bypass, Distal, Lap Band, Realize, Stomaphyx and Duodenal Switch Surgery Patients

Tiffykins - thanks for your reply. THe surgeon I'm using in Arizona (Scottsdale) has an excelletn reputation - I just need to find out how many sleeves she has done. Yes you are correct $25K is ALOT ALOT of money but my quality of life should also improve ALOT - that's the way I look at it. One reason I go back and forth on the sleeve vs. bypass is the data they have on the bypass is significant but not as much on the sleeve - but the sleeve sure seems to have a lot of positive going on for it. I meet with my surgeon next week and hopefully I can find out how many sleeves she has done and what her recommendation is for me. Thanks again for yoru reply - the support on this site is fantastic.

The following bariatric surgical procedures are considered medically necessary for Members who meet the associated criteria: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y; gastrojejunal anastomosis) Vertical banded gastroplasty (gastric banding; gastric stapling) Biliopancreatic bypass (Scopinaro procedure) Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch Gastric sleeve procedure (also known as laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) when done alone and not a part of the full operation to complete a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS or DS) Medical Necessity Criteria The Member must meet the criteria of either A or B: Class II obesity (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation, in the presence of one or more of the following comorbidities: Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina pectoris or coronary artery bypass) Life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems (e.g., severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy) [*]Class III obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 40 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation. New CPT CODE: 43775 - Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (ie, sleeve gastrectomy)

So depressed.................... I'm almost at goal and I find out I have a slipped band. It's going to cost me $3500+ to get re-banded. I'm still paying off the last surgery. F&*K. !!! I have gained back 12 pounds so far. I just feel like dying. Really. I can eat anything and its the holidays. I'm trying to diet like crazy, but still don't know how! I am great on the lap band diet... but I'm just missing the band! I am totally deflated and depressed. I'm trying to drink coffee to poop, thinking about going on Whale Watchers again, liquid diet, shit, I don't know what to do! My insurance doesn't kick in till Jan and I have to wait for insurance approval after that. Oh yeah, and my tax return so I can pay my co-pay. Damn. This totally sucks ass. Is there a possibility I don't have a slipped band? I wish. My new doc, Dr. Billy says he wants to put the 10cc band in me, its designed differently and has a much better rate of succes (as far as slippage) ~ I am just going to die if I gain back one more pound. My lowest was 152. I am 168 today. Yesterday I was 166, and I'm trying to stay between 160-165 before surgery. I am struggling seriously and I don't know what to do. My best friend had bypass a year after I had my surgery. WE are at the same weight now. She is going to pass me up... she's doing well with the bypass, except she can't eat much at all. I'm thinking about doing bypass instead. The results are much better I think. I don't know. Any advice for a depressed chick who's gaining weight????? Dana

I would really like to chat with some people who had the mini gastric bypass surgery. And especially if you've had a sleeve first. Please I need information about this and opinions. Thank you so much Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, I had to do a milk and yogurt diet for 10 days prior to my band op and again for my revision. I found that the best way for me to cope with it was to have a complete blow-out the night before of my favourite takeaway and then I was sorted and my head was in the right place to get on with the pre-op! I had milk for Breakfast, milk for lunch and milk for tea. I didn't have much yogurt as I can't stand the taste or consistency but I did have the odd oxo cube to satisfy my cravings for savoury. I heated the milk up, whisked it like mad and had it with coffee as a Cappuccino, I drank whenever I felt hungry or had a craving, I let my family prepare their own meals and went upstairs whilst they ate and did everything I could to keep occupied and not thinking about food. I was also mindful of the fact that my liver needed to shrink for the op and that my surgeon would know if I hadn't stuck to the diet and would possibly cancel as a result. I kept this in mind all the time that by doing this it would make the op easier and safer to perform. It's not easy but just keep thinking about why you want this op and that you are going to succeed. You can have a moan on here anytime you want and we will all support you! Good luck!

I've never had this problem -- it's only for bypass patients.

If you are interested in participating in a focus group regarding WLS(band or bypass), call Rose at the Murray Hill Center in Los Angeles, near Culver City. Each group is 3 hours and pays $150. They are scheduling for 12 noon and 4pm based on your answers. I am in the 12 pm group. 310-923-9625 Ask for Rose or tell them you are calling about the bariatric study. I don't have any more info that what I have posted. Melissa

anyone have a lap band over a gastric bypass..how are you doing?

The only thing I'd be concerned about is that 50 lbs is not much to lose. I'd ask the surgeon to give you at least a 40f so you will have a better shot at being able to stop the weightloss after you hit50-60 lbs lost. If he gives you a 32, it might be a lot harder to stop the weightloss when you want to. That's just my opinion, and some people say bougie size has very little to do with it, but mine's a 40 and I've lost a lot of weight, never thrown up, never had problems with any food, etc. I love that I'm able to eat anything, just a lot less of it. I'm almost 5 months out and losing steadily. A good example of what I can eat is what I ate yesterday. 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 7 cashews and 10 frozen blueberries 2 string cheese 1/3 of a mango 2 ozs of rice/vermicelli/scrambled eggs/chicken breast 1/4 cup of greek yogurt 1/2 cup of endive/mashedpotatoes/bacon/nutmeg/vinegar mush with 1 cheese souffle (Admittedly this meal took me about an hour to eat but I knew I needed to try to get dinner in because I have a kidney infection so I had been sipping white beer and cranberry juice all day. Man it's hard to drink beer after VSG.) Then before bed I had 5 saltines with light gouda cheese. I thought after all that I'd show a gain on the scale (the beer and cranberry juice alone was 700 calories) but I actually lost another 2 lbs. I dunno, maybe bougie size doesn't matter that much, but I know I can eat enough healthy food with a 40f whereas some people I've read that have a 32 can't get in much more than 1/4-1/2 cup of food at a time. If I only had 50 lbs to lose, I'd be scared it wouldn't stop. I have a few friends that are 20-30 lbs below goal and try very hard to gain weight. We're all different, so it's hard to say, but I do know that a 40 allows me to get in proper nutrition (my 4/5 month bloodwork was excellent!) and still lose weight. Additionally, if for some reason a 40 is too big and you have trouble maintaining, you can have additional surgery to convert to a bypass or switch, but if you get a 32 and can't stop losing, what can you do? Nothing except get used to weighing 110 lbs. Just my opinion. I do think the sleeve is an AMAZING tool, but for someone who has only 50 lbs to lose, it's a risk that your body might get down way below goal before it matures/heals enough to allow you to stop.

Gas pain was more troublesome and uncomfortable than any other pain. Except, I was a revision from the band to the sleeve, and where my port for the band was placed was encased in scar tissues and a lot of adhesions had to be removed. There was a significant amount of incisional pain around my port site, but pain meds work great. Gas pains not so much fun. I had gas travel up to my collarbone area, and it just sat there causing lots of pressure. Walking helps tremendously, and others have said a heating paid helps as well. The CO2 gas they blow our tummies up with only escapes partially, the rest has to be walked or worn off. I had my gallbladder out about 6 weeks ago, and I had more discomfort from that surgery than I did my revision.

Hey Ladies! I didn't know it was just gastric bypass at Ames... after I tried working with a dr at Mcfarland that wasn't at all supportive of my decision and didn't wanna help me with my 6th month diet I called the surgery center at Mary Greenly and asked if they knew of any doctors that would be supportive and help me with my 6th month diet I found it in a dr at the Student Health Center. Anyways long story short I'm not waiting on approval after my 2nd submission because insurance company apparently needs a new pair of glasses :thumbup: I hope your surgery went well today keep us up to date that is so exciting! I've heard nothing but Raves for Dr. Glascock, and simply can't wait to have the surgery done. I don't blame you for not telling anyone I told a select few people but apparently I told one WRONG person and she has a really freaking big mouth but used the high school words "don't tell anyone but..." and thinks it's okay to say anything after that :party: needless to say she's not getting any updates! I hear you about people having heart attacks at a very young age some of my parents friend that I thought were way to young to have heart attacks that are pretty healthy people are having them it's just really strange. makes me wonder if there isn't a factor that I'm not seeing but obviously I haven't figured it out yet.... I called my ins. company today and so far they are still "working" on my case....cross your fingers for me ladies! I hope your surgery went off without a hitch and you are recovering well. bambam good luck with your journey keep me up to date! ~Now I have to go Read..... College is so much fun Night Ladies, Xgrl

Don't be alone. There are hundreds of us on here who have been where you are. I am not a band to sleeve revision, but I know what it's like to have no familial support. It sucks. But we're all here to have a natter with if you're feeling crappy or despondent. You never know, we may even be able to raise a smile or three. I know it's not nice to feel like an island - but you're not an island. You have us mad lot backing you up. Whether you like it or not x

Slimmap, according to my doctor, it's the weather around here, and they seriously think that's what starting causing it. The barometric pressure in the air, as it drops, it can cause the band to restrict. After getting more fills, then having too much -- as the yo-yo started, I realized that I wasn't stopping eating at a 1/2 cup. If it was there, I was eating it whether I felt full or not (I usually did feel full). So I was overfilling the pouch and that can cause it to stretch out and ultimately cause a slip, where it's wanting to basically "spill over" and lay over the band. Just before my revision surgery, I knew something was wrong. I found myself drinking a lot of cold Water to see if I could feel it going through. When it was normal, I can feel cold going through the band. For the longest time, I couldn't feel that. When I went in and they checked it under flouroscopy, it was not only stretched, but had started to go over the band -- so since it wasn't "straight", things were just barely dripping through. That's when the dr. said it was time to do a revision and basically start over. But I know now, that this is my last chance for this -- for several reasons. One, is we no longer have the insurance we had when I got it in the beginning and had revision surgery in April. My husband changed jobs and we can't afford their insurance, plus from what I understand, insurance companies won't pick you up and cover previous lapband procedures. Also, I know that the stretching was MY fault. I allowed myself to go back to bad habits instead of babying my band and treating it right. I know my biggest issue is overeating -- when I feel full, if I still have food on my plate, I want to eat it regardless. So that's why I've joined OA to help get a grip on that -- it's basically a disease and I have to learn how to control it. So if you don't think it's the weather where you are affecting the band, could it possibly be bad eating habits? That's why a lot of us are overweight to begin with and were able to get the band. If your band feels fine for a while, then it's suddenly giving you the restriction problems, then there's got to be another factor that influencing it and causing the restriction -- i.e. weather (you may have developed a sensitivity to it) or even hormones, that time of the month, stress, etc. Start a journal and see if you notice if things are happening around the time you start having the trouble. It's worth a shot. I had my fill Saturday. I'd gained 10 lbs. since April and I'm almost within 30 lbs. of where I started when I first had the band. So I'm ready to do things right and figure out why I don't want to stop eating, why I depend on food so much, etc. I've done everything to a "T" since Saturday like they told me. I've been cranky and testy and I know that is why -- it's hard to give up a vice you've depended on for so long. But I have to realize that I only need food to sustain my body -- not for anything else. That's a tough lesson and it'll be a life-long lesson. I wish I could give you more answers -- just realize you have to figure out what the outside factors are that can cause your band to tighten up one day, when it was fine before. This is a foreign object placed inside our bodies, and since everyone is different, it could be anything causing your sudden restrictions. When it happens, go to clear, warm liquids for a couple of days and see if that helps. Also, as I mentioned before, try journaling and see if you notice any patterns, etc. Good luck, sweetie and let me know if I can do anything else for you!

I can't imagine going for the band after being sleeved, and I'm suffering with the "overconsumption" issue you mention - I've heard too much skepticism from patients and doctors alike about the long-term effectiveness of the band. Better to get the sleeve revised. But based on what you lost, are you sure your sleeve isn't ok as it is now? I don't feel the same restrictions as others either, but I've lost 41 lbs in 4 weeks - my POV is that my calories, despite being higher than most, are way under where they would be on a normal diet, and as long as I am losing weight the surgery is effective.

Holla people of the banding! It is Day 4 post-op for me. In my previous entries, I used hours-no more, I shall use days from now on because 1. Adding 24 to everything gets on my nerves 2. I'm just not that good at math Today was a fabulous day for me, I took it easy yesterday after overdoing it on Day 2, so Day 3 I mainly rested, read, watched TV and thought how long is my stomach going to look so bloated? Isn't that an odd thing to ponder? I'm fat, but I don't want to look unnecessarily bloated! Pretty ridiculous, anyway that's how I felt. I have only taken 2 pain pills today, which is good because I was starting to fondly imagine them being M&M's. I continue to fall in love with my Crystal Light Lemonade and drink about 20-30 oz of protein today. I have yet to feel a hunger pain, or think about food in an unhealthy way, does no good so I will not waste my brain cells on disgusting greasy food that I no longer like, and Lord knows it doesn't like anybody! Today I woke up feeling 99% better. My pain is minimal and seems to be concentrated to lower left and lower right side of my abdomen. There are no sutures or bandages there, that's just where it hurts for me, again, this may be from the hernia repair I just don't know. The important part is that it is getting better and better every day. I went shopping at Old Navy today, we have an outlet close to my city. I purchased 4 or 5 pair of terry cloth shorts that have a drawstring and they are the shiznet, especially in this heat. I looked upon some bathing suits and told them I would definitely be seeing them next year, maybe every style! I came home and walked 1 mile and took a shower, I feel great! I still havent tried to put solid food in my mouth, I'm uncertain if my Dr put any restriction or not when he placed it, but the way I feel now, I don't need it yet. I want to thank everyone on this site, you guys are truly the only one's who understand, I thank you and am grateful for you everyday. Tomorrow is Day 5 and I'm excited about each and everyday that I'm alive. I'm also thankful I chose the band and not the bypass, it was the better decision for me. So here I am on Saturday night feeling anxious and happy about my future. I wonder when I can enjoy a glass of wine? I know they're empty calories but I still want a glass. I'm sure beer is out of the question, I don't like beer anyway. I will have Crystal Light Strawberry Kiwi and pretend, I'll put it in a wine glass! Lo & Behold!!!

Hi Mandy, welcome! 1. Is this surgery risky in any way? Every surgery has risks. Not sure what bariatric surgery you are contemplating (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass etc.) , but bariatric surgery in general is very safe and you will be put through a battery of tests to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. You have to also weigh the risks of surgery with all the health risks that come with morbid obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, etc, etc.). It was an easy decision for me. 2. How do you guys feel about the recovery and success rates? Recovery was easy, for me, everyone is different, but generally you feel pretty crappy at first but then there is marked improvement each day and people are often back at work in 2-3 weeks. Success can vary, the surgery is a tool to help you shed the weight, you have to put in the work to help create healthier habits for long term success. Often this requires work with a mental health professional to help uncover why we are abusing food. 3. If i already have some mental health and self esteem issues is this a good idea? Only a mental health professional can tell you for sure and you will have to be cleared by one to proceed to surgery. Many obese people suffer from low self esteem and depression, there isn't much joy in being overweight. 4. My doctor told me my stomach is the last to go when loosing weight. How do i go about looosing all the access fat is my stomach area? Everyone loses weight differently, that's really impossible to say. 5. How long does this process usually take? Im trying to go from 316 to 125. I don't want to kill your joy, but it's important to have realistic expectations, depending on the surgery the average bariatric patient loses between 60-70% of excess body weight. You have roughly 175 lb of excess body weight ( given a normal BMI of a 5'5" woman is ~150lb)... the average patient your size would lose 122 lb..that would put you around 200lb. This is the AVERAGE, so many people exceed this and many don't even lose this much... I have seen several people on this site shed 100lb in year.. the weight comes off faster at first and then slows down considerably. As others have said this is a big decision and not a magic bullet, you will have to be mentally prepared to make some life changes. There is a lot of great information on this site, i spent hours and hours reading through posts prior to my surgery. Make a list of questions to ask your dr and surgeon. Overall, you will find very few people here who regret having their surgery. Good luck to you!

Today is 100 days since surgery. I started before preop at 305 and I'm now at 240.6. I lost 23 on Preop (a full month of preop!) I've lost 41.4 in the past 100 days and I couldn't be happier! I am a Band to sleeve revision and have been unable to work out. I have yet to (knock on wood) stall it's slowed down the past two weeks but still moving!! I should be able to start the gym soon too!!. I'm only 2.2 from my New Years goal. I am so thankful for my sleeve. I wish I had gotten this 3 years ago instead of the crapband!! can not wait to see what the next 100 days brings (lol takes away really) The next 3 weeks are going to be challenging with family vising and holiday goodies but I'm in such a better place than I ever have been that I know that It won't break me! I'll try and post some pictures later on

Glad to hear everything went well. I am also having the sleeve done (revision from band) on June 26th. Good luck!

I’ve been an ibuprofen user my whole life. I had to switch after my bypass. I take the liquid Tylenol if something is really hurting, like cramps or a headache. It has been an adjustment for sure.

Hi everyone! I’m about a month away from my gastric bypass surgery and I have started to do some research on the vitamins and other medications I will be taking after surgery I’m regards to headaches and pain I usually take Advil, but due to the risk of ulcers after surgery I cannot take it anymore. I find Tylenol doesn’t work for me and I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what they use to manage headaches and pain that won’t do any harm. Thanks all!