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Okay... had a talk with my husband and he is dead set against this whole gastric sleeve mess, as he calls it. It's so frustrating to me because I feel like I have to go in alone. He is not traveling with me to have it because he says he can't get off of work but I really believe it's because he doesn't want me to have it. He says I'm not really big ( 5'6 starting weight 242 is not a small girl) . He says I can lose weight because I have been able to do so with but visits but as I told him I have lost weight plenty of times in the past but it comes back. He feels if I go to gym and workout like crazy. He just doesn't get it and is really making me feel bad about my decisions. I had a friend that died from gastric bypass complications maybe 4 years after she had it. Her liver started to fail and it was due to complication of the bypass. I tell him that I am not having same procedure but he doesn't get it. I have lost weight during nut visits . He is making me feel like I want this surgery for vain reasons and I don't know if it's insecurity rearing it's ugly Head or what. But it hurts that he is not supporting me in this journey. Makes me feel really alone. I want to be healthy and look and feel my best. I'm 38 with a lot of life to live and I want to enjoy the rest of it .... it sucks not having your spouse or partner on board.

I'm getting LapBand on March 30th and I'm totally nervous. Are there any complications any of you have experienced that I should know about? I'm worried how I will feel after surgery, any advice?

I do regret how my body is acting now, didn't plan to have a PICC LINE and on Total ParenteI Nutrition 12 hours a day, but that is far from permanent. I am still a lot smaller than I was a year ago, lost somewhere between 50-60 pounds since my RnY 4 months ago, and never will I be ungrateful for the surgery and surgeon that made it som I am so much happier than I was before it happened. I just had a rare complication to it all, but between my 2 surgeons and myself, we are a team to get me better and I believe it will be happening, just a bump on my road to health.

I was banded on 8/13/07 and then re-banded on 8/17/07 due to slippage and herniation. I didn't have any complications after that except starting my fills later than most people do. Since about the end of this September (2008) I've been experiencing some vomiting after eating. This was attributed (by my dietitian and surgeon) to not chewing well enough and eating too fast. I took the advice to chew better and slow down. The vomiting was almost instant and the relief was as well. I'm sure that some of you know that feeling of relief when the food isn't stuck anymore. This past week, I had a BAD experience with lunch and was vomiting for almost an hour after only eating a couple of bites of my lunch. It hurt-I had pains in my stomach that I had never had before and I've never vomited more than once after eating a meal and this time it was 3 times. In between vomiting, I had these awful sharp pains that traveled from my stomach up my esophagus and then nothing happened, and I would get another one that started in my stomach and traveled up. I had never experienced this much pain from vomiting before. I was scared, because of my complications so early on-that I decided to contact my surgeon's office. They again said it was from not chewing well enough and/or eating too fast. (This was food that I had tolerated before and not had any problems before that day) They told me to do Clear liquids the rest of the day and if I couldn't keep anything else down or got the sharp pains in my stomach again, that I would need to go to the Emergency room of the hospital that she is in-which is 2 hours from where I live. Luckily, I was able to keep some Soup down for dinner and avoided exercising for the night, just to let my body settle down. The soup made me sick to my stomach, but I think my stomach was just sensitive from the vomiting earlier that day. So needless to say, I didn't have to make the 2 hour trip to the ER. Well, this past weekend, it happened again. I had dinner on Saturday night (leftovers from dinner on Friday night, that I had tolerated fine on Friday night) and this time I had the same thing happen- I felt sick for about 10 minutes before I finally threw it up, then still felt like I needed to vomit again. This time I vomited twice, and it hurt again. The pains in my stomach weren't nearly as bad as they had been during the week when I got sick, but I still felt like it hurt more than it should have. Now I am having pain/discomfort/pressure in my port area. Sometimes I experience discomfort just because it's there and sometimes it's when I'm exercising. I had a fill on 10/14/08 and now have 2.5ccs in a 4cc band. So I am a little over half full. I still don't feel like I am all that restricted, although I have lost quite a bit of weight since surgery (although I am discouraged by losing weight slowly and wish I could lose more) The prospect of needing an "unfill" has come up, but I feel like it's counterproductive to my weight loss. I have to drive 2 hours for everything and I don't want to drive up there again to get Fluid taken out of my band- it's discouraging to think that might be a possibility. Soooo, basically- I am kind of worried because I'm afraid that my band might slip again, or might be slipping, or eroding-or some other BAD thing. I don't think my surgeon would do another band on me, and the idea of having to have surgery again is UNTHINKABLE! I had such a hard time having it twice in one week, I don't think I could do it again. Has ANYONE out there experienced anything like this? To be vomiting at this stage in the game is frustrating because you think it's something would deal with in the beginning-not over a year out. And does anyone know if a band will slip suddenly, or can is slowly slip until it's completely slipped? I know what signs to look for-because I had a slip before and it was absolutely awful. It was right after surgery, so I thought the pain and stuff was normal, until I started to vomit blood-that's when I knew something was wrong. I haven't vomited blood this time, but I'm just paranoid about this. Does anyone have anything for me? Trying to be patient and positive about this...

Hi Suez - welcome to the forums. I haven't been sleeved yet, so I'm not really qualified to answer your question. However, check out the complications forum http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/48-vsg-complications-support-group/ as I think you will find some of your answer there. There are a lot of people on here who are at every stage of the VSG journey. You will find a lot of support on here as well as answers to a lot of questions if you look around at each of the forums. For me so far, the hardest part of the pre-op diet has been the cravings. Today however is a new day and so far, no cravings - so hopefully I am past those for now.

I'm getting sleeved one day before you and I'm so certain that this is what I want to do! I have had a couple of doubters around me but nothing I couldn't handle. Sounds like you're doing this for all the right reasons. This forum has been so helpful in giving us a snapshot of what our life is likely going to be like after surgery. I'm happy to trade in my fat suit for daily Vitamins, skin sagging, hair loss, and other curveballs. Hope there won't be any serious complications of course. Good luck and soldier on!

My surgeon said that he would RATHER do RNY on a higher BMI, like 40+, but did not say anything regarding your question. The RNY scares me because of all the plumbing being rearranged. My BMI is around 36, and I liked the fact that the band is not a permanent change to my insides, and the surgery is less complicated. Now if my BMI were higher and my surgeon reccommended RNY, I suppose I would consider it. Since I'm at my highest weight now, I don't know how I would feel with a lot higher BMI

Did they send you the emmi support video to watch? It will tell you about the different surgeries and let you post questions that you would like to ask the doctor that why he can answer them when you go to see him. I ask things like..........How many surgeries he had done, what were the most complications people had that he had done the surgeries on. I ask about the current meds I was taking, does he use a drain...how long I would be in the hospital...about the pre op and post op diets. I believe there is a link on here that will give you questions also that you might not have thought of. Good luck, I am self pay also hoping to have my surgery in October. Keep us posted please.

Hi everyone, I was sleeved on 9/27. I'm new to your group. Here is a link to my 'story': http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/57089-my-sleeve-with-dr-lopez-in-tj-mi-doctor-booked-through-alighterme-and-complications/

I think you must remember that the thing is the journey. How well can you follow directions? This is like learning to ride a bike. You fall off and get back on. I don't quite get the 2 weeks of previous behavior? You need to figure out what that was about for you. Why did it take you so long to face it? It is time for a reset. Most of the complications appear to be related to not following the post op diet. Cheating here could be fatal.

I just wanted to share this in case this happened to anyone else or maybe I could help someone else. I had my band put in on 7/6/09 and I had no complications. I lost 40lbs. in about two or three months and everything seemed to be fine. I then noticed that I wasn't feeling restriction and so I would get my fills and I would feel restriction a week or so afterward but then I'd have virtually no restriction so I would get another fill. I kept doing this and talking to my doctor and getting more fills. I never had any problems like vomiting or productive burping and I could eat a normal size meal like I did prior to the surgery. I was very frustrated. My doctor didn't know why this was happening and decided to fill my band while sitting up and sipping cold Water and he filled it up until I said that the water wouldn't go down anymore and let out just a little. I have 7cc in my band now which i think is an 8cc band and he said that he's never put this much in a band but to call if any problems. I didn't have any problems and the same thing happened: It worked for about a week and then it was if I had no band. I tried to eat the small portions and very healthy and I did exercise but mostly cardio, no resistance training at the time. I gained 20lbs back though. I kind of just gave up on the band helping me much especially since I don't have insurance anymore. My husband and I started an exercise program that includes a lot of abdominal and core exercises and we've been doing this for over a month and now I have great restriction. I get very full on about 1/2 cup or a cup of food and I have to be very careful about how fast I eat or I will vomit. It's as if I just got the band a month ago because this is what was supposed to have happened earlier. My husband thinks it may be because my core/ab muscles are pushing in towards my stomach now. I'm not sure but I'm so glad it's finally working. I felt stupid for doing the surgery before this.

I haven't been on VST much the past few months, I moved most of my activity over to MyFitnessPal. However, today is my one year "Surgiversary" and I have so much to be thankful for. I lost 81 pounds, from 274 to 192, and still losing (verrrry slowly now). I went from sizes 22/24/2X to 8/10/M, bra size from 42DD to 36C/D(treated myself to a fitting today, yay!). I lost a full shoe size. I lost high blood pressure, hypothyroid, plantar fasciitis, and Vitamin D deficiency. I lost pain in my hips when laying in bed. I lost being out of breath constantly and being drenched in sweat with the slightest exertion. I lost excruciating back pain that left me with a possible permanent limp. I gained strength and stamina (from working out at a gym). I gained the ability to push myself through first Water aerobics, then elliptical, then strength training, then spinning, Pilates and yoga. I gained (most of) my self confidence back. I gained more energy than I've had in my entire life - and I'm almost 43! I gained the ability to buy clothes from any store I want. I gained the joy of not being too embarrassed to have my photo taken. I was very lucky and have had zero complications. I've never gotten sick. I credit this to following doctor's orders! I'd still like to lose another 10-20 pounds, but it's ok if I don't. I have some jiggly skin and cellulite, but nothing I can't live with. I couldn't care less about plastic surgery. If hubby doesn't care, then I don't either. I did lose some hair but not too bad. I seem to break out with acne a lot more. So, that's me in a nutshell. My hubby and I are celebrating with a little champagne tonight, and tomorrow I'll be back at the gym for spinning and yoga, and recording all my food on MFP. VST was an amazing lifeline for me pre and post surgery and I'll always be grateful to all of you for your support, honesty and assistance. Onward and upward!

The Boy didn't want me to have surgery, either. He was concerned about complications, death, and convinced that I could lose weight on my own. Ultimately, though, he knew that it was my body and my life and he's been very supportive. I asked him if he'd ever worried that I would lose all of my weight and leave him; he said that he is concerned about it now but the thought hadn't occurred to him before :thumbup: I'm really sorry that your husband isn't being supportive. As others have said, I think that reassurance is the best medicine for the problem. Good luck :biggrin:

If I misunderstood your post, then my apologies. My surgeon is one who has us back on solids 2 weeks after surgery when I checked his stats (deaths, after surgery complications, etc.) and also has a very high success rate re: slippage, etc. .

I reside near Seattle, WA and would love to attend a lap band convention in Las Vegas. I think Las Vegas is a great spot. Vegas is offering terriffic deals for travel. I would be interested in forums regarding diet, cosmetic surgery options, and excercise. I have been banded almost 2 years and did things pretty much on my own post op based on everyhthing I could read or learn. I was self pay and went to Mexico. Just four days ago I went into surgery again for a bad slip. I had complications after the first surgery and had a second the very next day (nothing would go through my band due to scar tissue). I was now rebanded by a Dr. near Seattle, WA. My insurance paid for the proceedure (thank goodness). Speaking of, that could be another good topic for discussion...Banding in mexico vs. the US. There are deffinately pros and cons. Hope this helps and keep us posted. I would deffinately love to be involved. Thanks, Lisa

I was 327 when I was banded. The reasons why I chose the band were: 1. It's reversible. 2. I have control. My band can be adjusted, and I won't have to just simply "deal" with just a smaller stomach. 3. Bypass patients will gain weight back. 4. I know a couple of people who had the bypass and they don't look too good. They look saggy. They lose weight too fast and they look saggy and sick. 5. I don't have nutritional deficiencies. 6. Lap Band patients don't have dumping syndrome (google it if you don't know what it is) 7. Surgery is minimally invasive. I have all of my organs and nothing had to be "rerouted." 8. If bypass patients want to make "adjustments" they have to have another surgery. I.e. doctors have to go in and restaple their stomach. 9. I'm sure the ladies that I know that had the bypass are not just losing fat - they are losing muscle. 10. Bypass has a higher risk of complications. Here's another list: Compare LAP-BAND® to Other Weight Loss Options | LAP-BAND®

Slimin... You hit the nail right on the head... This surgery is not an instant fix... But a tool to assist in getting you to a healthier you. That's what the Psych wants to hear. Mine asked why is I feel I need the surgery.. I straight up told him.. My father died of heart disease, my mother died because of complications with high blood pressure and simply put.. I want to be around for my children. It's not as intimidating as people think.. Just needs to know if you are being rational about it all.

Most people know very quickly, but the most common things I see involve throwing up bile early post op and symptoms of infection (high fever, extreme pain in the affected area), but I've also read that people have had leaks discovered they didn't know they had. There are also a couple of sleevers here who had abcesses, etc. The most important thing is to follow your doctor's plan and to not be afraid to call the doctor if you have unexpected symptoms. The risk is low, unless you're the one with the complication. Good luck!

Yup. Your last line is ON POINT. Every surgeon is different. These are great general guidelines, but they are not "THE RULE". I am allowed gum/straws/alcohol. Six months was the rule by my doctor, I was given clearance at three. I had a catheter as does everyone else in our practice. No complications. 60% is the worldwide average MAYBE, but of all the sleeved people I know, ALL have exceeded 60% weight loss. I think that's an extremely low estimate. Everyone I know hit their goal, or are within 10 pounds of it. I know you said it, and I agree with you. Everyone's surgeon is different. Follow your team. After all, you entrusted them with your life.

I have to be at the hospital in 3 hours. I am nervous and excited. I am scared of complications the most. Pain I can tolerate but if something happens like having to be repeatedly stretched is my biggest fear. I just don't want any post op complication, dehydration, needing to be stretched, diarrhea. I hope I am sble to be home for Christmas. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Today is May 7th, 2009. I have my surgery scheduled for May 26th. I am excited and I am nervous. I didn't think I would be nervous. I must do this. I am morbidly obese (eww, that sounds so damn ugly). Because of this obesity I now have issues with high blood pressure, high cholesteral, apnea, and I'm sure the list goes on. I want to be healthy. I am 52 years old. Only in the last year, maybe closer to 2 years now, have I felt 'old.' Of course, this is the time period I gained over 100 lbs. I have liquid dieted in the past. I know what my weight should be. I could get there, I just couldn't stay there. And I'm not talking about an unreasonable weight. I am talking about a weight where I am strong, attractive and healthy! I want that back. I want to be strong and healthy! "Attractive" just seems to come along with that naturally (for anybody, not just me). I'm determined to get it back. I realize this lap band procedure is a tool to help me attain my dreams. It's cool to have dreams at age 52. (That, my friends, was a sidebar). So why am I so nervous? I am afraid of anesthesia for one thing. I understand the complications from anesthesia rise exponentially for seriously overweight people. Also, I am having self-doubts. What if this doesn't work for me? What if I can't play by the rules? Will I hurt myself, will I kill myself? I guess I should lighten up on this one, because I am definitely going to kill myself if I DON'T do this surgery or something equally as drastic. Maybe I don't like telling people my business. At work I have told only my boss and said I am having surgery because of back issues. I justify this as a white lie, because my back hurts most days, but that's due to the 'morbidly obese' thang..... What if he finds out the truth? Will I lose credibility with him? He is a young man, in his early thirties, single, meterosexual (don't ask me, that's how the others describe him)...how could he possibly understand this? And finally, I am concerned about success. Yes, you read that correctly....success. Will I be conceited? Will I become less tolerant of people? Will I turn the other way when I see a 'morbidly obese' person, as most people turn away from me now? God, if you read blogs, please excuse the poor grammar and the lame attempts at humor, and simply bless me and bless the hands of my surgeon. I have a full life ahead of me. Even if I am 52! I want to have legs like Tina Turner! I want to show my grandchildren (another prayer for another day, since I don't have any right now) how to plant vegetables and help them grow and harvest them. I want to marry my boyfriend and have people think I am an attractive 'mature' bride. I want to hold and be held for an entire rainy day. So, there you have it...the Ramblings of the (soon-to-be-formerly) Morbidly Obese Really Mary.

i have done so much research on this surgery i realize that things could happen as like with any surgery or illnes your absolutely right i have decided to get the surgery done! i am waiting on approval from my primary doctor i need a psych exam and im ready to go! i talked to my dr about these complications and theres only about a 1% chance of these things going wrong and i guess it really depends on having a good surgeon who knows what he's doing so do your reasearch on your doc too find out his success rates with all complications! good luck to all who are in the process like i am good luck to those already scheduled for surgery and good luck and success with those who are already banded ! GOD BLESS!!!!:kiss2:

Just had surgery on 1/7/15. Everything is fine except I've been experiencing some wicked muscle cramping in my right upper obliques. It started the day after surgery. I assume it was dehydration but I'm now wondering if my muscles got pulled from being inflated during surgery. Anyone else with this possible complication? I can't sit for over an hour and walking for more than 10 minutes aggravates it as well. Only thing that settles it is lying flat on my back on my memory foam mattress.

Thank you all for your advice! We do have good hospitals here at home but none that deal with bariatric patients so they might not be as familiar with any complications that arise?

any WLS will have successes and failures due to patient compliance or possible other complications for best results with any WLS, if we do as our dr advises (and nutritionists) the results can be whatever the person wants.........and if a person stops giving a damn, not changing what they eat or exercising, they end up bitter and pissing and moaning about it didnt work.. any WLS can and does work and any WLS can also not work..