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Showing results for 'Complications'.
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Anyone have a slipped or eroded but was still able to keep food down?
Sojourner replied to Msb2you's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My bariatric surgeon was convinced that my band had slipped, so much so that last week he ordered, and I completed a repeat of the upper GI study I completed in June in a different state with a different surgeon (I have moved since my band was placed). The results showed a perfectly placed band...again. But I appreciated his wanting to be through with his medical opinion. My symptoms are only present at night after I am asleep, and otherwise I am able to eat without any adverse events. My surgeon discussed with me that even with slipped band, some patients are able to eat normally with few complications. With the symptoms I presented with he told me he would be surprised if my band had not slipped. I feel fortunate that it was still in place, otherwise he would have removed it. It will be best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I am not a physician, and only am able to share my own experiences! -
Did anyone here sheat on the pre op liquid diet?
SarahS replied to warrior68's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I did not have a liquid pre-op diet. They just wanted me to do a reduced calorie diet to "shrink" my liver. They didn't even suggest high protein, low carbs, they never have even for post-op. He said my liver looked fine during surgery and I was 356 pounds at surgery date. i had no complications during surgery, very little bleeding and didn't need a drain! But, I think I was pretty healthy going in to surgery even with such a high weight. I didn't really stick with any diet pre-op but I did try to cut a few things out and not eat as much. I am sure I was consuming 5-6000 calories before my surgery on a typical day. I did eat Taco Bell and McDonalds a few days before surgery. I just felt like I needed to enjoy those things one more time since I was never going to eat them again. Probably a bad idea and irrational thinking, but luckily my surgery went fine and I healed fine and I have had to complications. -
If you have a ton of money... you should fly to mexico when you need a fill...or unfill... I say a ton of money cuz you should be prepared to have many fills and unfills in case you have some problems..... If you cant get to mexico often... you need to find a fill doctor close to you... for some its hard.. I am lucky, mine lives an hour away and is always open and is cheap and open to anyone and just the BEST imaginable possibility for me! I also am lucky cuz I have the best doctor who trusts and listens and respects me... and cares.. Everything I have needed from him, I have been taken care of... as long as I told him what I needed and why and it make medical sense, lol... I have had alot of minor complications consistantly through the year... if I didnt have my fill doctor as well as my primary care doctor there for me, IT WOULD be VERY VERY BAD! I got lucky cuz I went into this whole thing very illprepared and ignorant.
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They found the same things on my upper endoscopy- a hiatal hernia and stomach inflammation which they biopsied. It didn't change anything with my surgery except that he fixed the hernia. I am happy with no complications five weeks out. Good luck! Amanda
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Comparing band to sleeve? I'm worried.
WASaBubbleButt replied to brittu's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was gun shy about another WLS as well. I was really scared that a sleeve would just make my problems permanent but it didn't, it fixed everything. Life can be so miserable with a band and you just get to the point that you can't trust another WLS. I know exactly how you feel. You don't want to live life like this anymore but you don't want to gain weight either. It's a hard decision to make. I doubt that he's never had a sleeve complication, it's leaks. He's never had a leak with a sleeve. He's probably had some other types of complications. -
Comparing band to sleeve? I'm worried.
brittu replied to brittu's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was thinking about a leak or infection that's not detected during the initial hospital stay. Or some other related stomach complication like cancer or reflux - anything that the insurance company could claim was related to the partial gastrectomy and therefore not covered. Usually I have the will to fight. But I just want the band out. I called Dr. Cirangle's business office today to find out what my portion of the cost of revision would be if the lap band removal was covered. I think that'll determine a lot about what I'm willing to wait for vs. what I'm willing to pay for. I'm at the point where $11k feels easier to come by that creating more paperwork and wading through two more rounds of appeal... Especially since I have confidence in Dr. Aceves and also feel better knowing that I'd be under care for 3 days after surgery and not just sent home asap. Even though I'm only 25 pounds away from the BMI requirement I just can't gain that weight again. It's not worth the money. I had to fight a bit to get the lap band covered the first time around with a different insurer, they didn't agree that my comorbidities justified the band. So my BMI went up from 35 to 38 while I battled it out. It was so demoralizing and it seemed so stupid - the general implied advice that if I just gained more weight my surgery would be covered without question. I definitely appreciate everyone's input. The sleeve seems like exactly what I hoped the band would be. I'm just more cautious this time around. And scared I guess that even if the VSG feels better what if it doesn't help me lose more weight. I wish this all wasn't so hard! Thanks, Britt -
I know all the infomercials and seminars make it seem like the band is a piece of cake with little or no complications or downsides. I've done lots of research and know that's not true, it's not all roses and sunshine, but would love to hear from the experienced bandsters here. What do you wish someone had told you BEFORE you had the band put in?
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Mental Anguish over Decision
melclark2 replied to Worrier No. 1's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I too felt like it was almost like reading my own post, I was banded in 2008, went from HW of 318, down to lowest of 199, then up to 217ish before having band removed last summer cause of the complications of it slipping. I am so excited to being close to gastric bypass surgery in the next couple months. My hip and back pain got really really bad over the winter. Starting to move again in last few months but looking forward to moving even more. -
I've been doing yoga for years and have just begun to get into some serious poses and wonder how and if the band will affect my flow. My Yoga instructor suggested I should be concerned once Im banded if I were to do any inversions or complicated poses because she said your organs shift in some positions. So Im wondering would the band prevent me from getting really seriously into Yoga? When I asked my Dr. he said he didnt know. Does anyone here have a serious commited daily practice? and has the band had any ill effects on thier flow? Do they feel limited in any ways by the band? Any advice or opinions greatly appreciated as well as if anyone is interested I'd love to have this be an ongoing thread about Yoga and aspirring yogis. Namaste
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What questions do I ask surgeon pre-surgery?
elcee replied to Bebrie's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
i grilled my surgeon. He said no-one had ever asked him so many questions before. I can't remember everything I asked but some of the things included. How long would I be off work. How long before I could drive. What kind of band. Why he would use that kind of band. Likelihood of complications. Risk of contracting MRSA When I would get my first fill etc etc. -
Decisions, Decisions!!! Which doctor?
Tiffykins replied to Krista2653's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I honestly have never heard, met, talked to, read about anyone having a remotely bad experience with Dr. Aceves. Nothing negative pops into my head about Dr. Alvarez either. I can share my opinion with you. I was a revision patient, I have some medical issues that can cause complications outside of the actual surgery, I researched Mexico and US surgeons, and at the end of the day, Dr. Aceves would have been my surgeon if insurance would not have come through on my revision, and if I needed to travel outside the US. It was a comfort level thing for me. All the research led me to him, his staff, the facilities he operates out of, the sheer number of successful revisions he'd performed, plus additional years of surgical experience that he has under his belt, all contributed to my choice. I had some stateside surgeons picked out as well that are located in Texas because that is where my family lives. The aftercare that is available to you with Dr. Aceves via email and phone was big contributing factor to making him my choice for MX surgeons. Plus, the 3 months f/u labs and upper gi that he offers and recommends gave me another level of comfort with him. I mean seriously, how many MX surgeons offer aftercare at all? Not many. Just my 2cents. -
scared of change
tony031469 replied to healthierlife's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Best decision I ever made! I'm 5 months out and have had no complications or regrets and lost 106 pounds. You definitely need to be prepared. The 6 month program I was in before the surgery really helped me understand exactly what I was getting myself into. You'll be fine. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App -
New To The Forum, About 5 Months To Surgery
Lissa replied to New_Hope's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
New_Hope, Everyone knows a "friend of a friend" who had some kind of WLS and failed at it. I actually met the "friend of a friend" last week that I was told about. She looks really good, but, when we chatted, I found out that she had GB, so she didn't fail at the sleeve. There is a ton of info right here for you to see the real life stories and experiences of other sleevers. I think having my sleeve was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I feel like a whole new person, and I've lost nearly one whole person already, at 4.5 months out! Don't let the horror stories freak you out. There IS a risk of complications with any surgery, including VSG. Do your research and be sure that you know what to expect afterwards. Good luck!! -
This is not the 1st surgery I have had with complications so that wasn't anything I couldn't adapt to other than not being told what was going on for 3 days until my surgeon come back at the first of the week after my 2nd surgery. I have had gallbladder surgery and 3 hernia surgeries and my 2nd hernia surgery is where I had all the complications such as infection (packing for 5 weeks 2 times a day, wound vacuum for 6 weeks and out of work for 3 weeks). This is not my first rodeo but it definitely sucks.....
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HELP! Will insurance cover ER trip?
FunnyDuddies replied to legallyKristin's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I know your unfill is scheduled for tomorrow, but would your surgeon see you today because of the complications?? I hope you are alright girl!!! I will be thinking about you a lot today. -
Complications...does it improve or am I alone?
gmac posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi, Excuse me but I am new to online forums. I'm sure over time my tech-savvy will improve. I am 4 weeks post sleeve. My first 2 weeks were awesome I thought "wow" then I've been really going backwards. I have celiac disease which flared a lactose intolerance, which has added to my woes. At about 2 weeks on a minced and mashed diet I started to vomit all solids. It didn't matter if I took nause medication (I take Nexium) up it would come. Landed in hospital for a night just after xmas for fluids and a scope - all was fine. Home sweet home for a few days and the vomiting started all over again. My doc is great but I think he's wondering what to do with me. Also every time I eat solids or even thick Soups I get moderate to severe stomach pain - like a spasm and in my stomach that radiated to a variety of places over my tummy. I have now been told this is not 'normal'. After I eat, the pain goes away generally within 5 to 10 minutes. I am keen to here if others have experienced a similar set of complications and how did you cope and DID IT PASS? Cheers, Gmac (I have not figured a signature out yet!):thumbup: -
Just starting on my journey
JennyNH replied to JennyNH's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
PHOENIX!!! OMG we are in the same boat here! My BMI and highest weight is 312, now 300. We have tried so many years to have a baby and i decided, even though i am 39, i would rather be a bit older and healthier than risk the complications from having a pregnancy at 300 lbs. Not to mention that most fertility specialist won't do IVF or at least you are limited as to what can be done if BMI is over 40. My husband and i are going through this process together as well. The plan is to do all the nutrition, PT and group sessions together and i will be first for surgery and once i heal, he will go as well. Its so nice to see that other couples are going through this together, it really works to be on the same page with everything. Good luck to you... and heres to our future baby bumps, and looking cute in maternity clothes! -
Removal Of X-Tra Stomach?
Wheetsin replied to ConnieSings's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That's really flawed logic. In all procedures other than AGB, something is removed. So replace "stomach" with excised anatomy of choice, or naturally occuring tissue connection of choice, and every single permanent WLS out there would be created equal (in terms of not getting rid of X because you might need X some day). No, this surgery cannot be reversed. But is I said above, AGB is the only truly reversible procedure that I'm aware of (using my own definition of reversal anyway, i.e. return you to your original state), and even it isn't completely reversible: you're always going to have adhesions and/or scar tissue, at the very least. It's a pretty common pre-op fear though. Something like, "What if I get cancer, and they'd be able to fix it IF I still had that part of my stomach that they could use to..." It's a comittment, for sure. And it's smart to question any comittment. The chances of needing the rexcised portion of the stomach down the road are... well, I dont' know the odds, but I'm reasonably confident they are N/A. I guess we'll see. RNY retains the stomach, but honestly - my severed stomach just sorta pinned over into my abdominal cavity, and sealed shut, creeps me out WAY more than "what if I need something in that 80% of my stomach some day..." RNY "reversals" (not per my definition, but per a functional definition) are possible, but success is never guaranteed. The stomach may or may not be viable. There's going to be a TON of scar tissue and stuff to deal with. It would probably be pretty hard to find a surgeon who would be willing to do it, and I imagine it would require a significant complication/reason. -
I started my pre op today.. my surgery is on the 25 with Dr. Almanza ..... I am super exited but at the same time I'm worried and scared.. I'm in my 'what if" mood.. I have read great stories and scary stories, Like every one else I'm scared of having complication. I am a self pay and have no insurance and I'm unemployed. I pray for me and others for God to take care of us and that everything comes out good. A speedy recovery for us . So we can keep enjoying what God gave us.. LIFe.. for us to keep enjoying life with our love ones.. God bless us sleevers ..!!!
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I was banded on 2/22. For the last few days I have had a soreness at the bottom of my esopagus like it is irritated. Whenever I swallow anything it is painful as it passes this point and feel swollen. What are the s/s of erosion? I thought maybe liquids for a couple of days would help. BUT my other problem is that I am so hungry, too! I mean painful hunger pains and feeling like I would throw up from hunger. It's bad. The other day I couldn't eat fast enough (since I am now slow) to get rid of the hunger pain and someone actually had to go get me sugar and spoon! This week I haven't been very good, either. I am so stressed at work and last night I wished I didn't have the band so I could eat, eat, eat. I am scared of having complications since I was banded in Mexico and am basically on my own here. I can call the doc who does my fills - he has a lot fo experience and his scheduler has had a band for 10 years. What do you think?
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Well, I would love to be posting with excitement and enthusiasm. It is there, bubbling under the surface. It wants to come out. I just have to be careful. I have started so many many times before. I remember sitting in a weight watchers meeting in a basement of some office building, being led by a woman wearing a dress that looked like it went out of style 20 years before she lost the weight she was when it first fit her. I remember the sadness I felt being there and the desperation and sense of failure that must have driven us all to sit on these metal folding chairs in this basement, getting weighed and hoping some of the words the leader said or one of us said would be the thing that would make it happen and we could be thin and happy. So here I am again. 5 years post-op. I finally came to the band believing that my weight wasn't my fault and I didn't really need to have control. That my body's desire to be fat was genetic and biological (see all my fat relatives?) and really I had to admit that and to stop trying to diet to be thin. I lost about 65 lbs, mostly during the liquid diet stage and a few months post-op. But then I started some bad habits and also developed some complications and then got pregnant and then had really bad complications (throwing up bile every night in my sleep). So I got the band repositioned and thankfully have not suffered that symptom again. But I also have not gone back to the eating with the band that helped me lose weight. I still use food as my entertainment and comfort and choose a lot of sweet and carby food. So I gained about 20lbs back. I would need to lose 90lbs to get to my ultimate goal weight. Can I do that? I haven't weighed that little since I was 9 years old. To lose weight in a healthy way, I would need to seriously reduce my calorie intake and increase my exercise. To get the ball rolling, I am going to start a liquid diet. This will help me to reset the clock, take the focus away from food and give me time to plan menus.
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Removal Of X-Tra Stomach?
KS Fort Worth replied to ConnieSings's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've heard some stories of RNY being "taken down" (reversed) but only due to severe complications. I researched all three major procedures and for me, the risks of malabsorption were enough to steer me to the sleeve. If I had NO self-control, I might risk RNY or DS, but if I had no self-control those would ultimately fail as well. I've seen it with friends who've had RNY. I CAN lose weight, as I'm sure everybody on this forum can, but the sleeve will be the tool I need to help KEEP it off, while retaining the benefits of absorbing all my nutrients (just fewer of them!) I too thought about, "What if I really need the extra calories?" A) I seriously doubt I WILL, and it would be very easy to get in WAY too many calories with liquids or grazing. This surgery can ALSO be defeated by bad habits, but starvation is extremely unlikely. Best of luck on your journey. Whatever you decide, believe in yourself; that's the biggest key to success. -
Well...wednesday Is My Day!
gettingsleevedintexas commented on thesleevedsinger's blog entry in thesleevedsinger's Blog
Good luck, hope you have a complication-free recovery! Get your fluids and protein in, walk lots and get your rest. My doctor has his patients start the multivitamin and Calcium Citrate after week one. I bought B-12 subliguals to add to his. I also bought premier protein drinks from Costco and Unjury Chicken Broth on-line, they give me all the protein I need during my "full liquids" period. Best wishes! -
Just need to vent.... I was having some complications after my last fill in September. I couldn't eat anything without throwing it up. I went back for 2 unfills and it never got better. And don't lecture me....but I let it go for about 4 months because I was losing weight. In those 4 months, I lost 25 pounds. Yes, it was because I couldn't keep anything down, but for a while I was okay with that. The worst parts were the acid reflux at night keeping me awake and my 2 year old son asking me if I needed to throw up during our meals. He didn't need to think of his mommy like that. So I finally confessed my sins to my surgeon and he did a complete unfill. He said my stomach and esophagus are swollen and irritated and they needed a break. In 6 weeks he will start sloooooowly filling me back up with only 1 cc at a time. When I first started this crazy ride, I was eating so well, getting all my lean Protein in, eating the right portions and Snacks. But over the past couple of months, I started back on my old habits: fast food, Cookies, chips, etc. I knew the food was going to come right back up, so what did it matter what I ate? So now that I don't have the tool of the band's restriction, I can eat whatever I want and however much I want. It's disgusting actually...I will wait til no one is in the kitchen and they're all occupied in their own rooms and I will just inhale whatever food I can find. If you were to video me during one of these episodes, I would deny that monster was me. I have already gained 7 pounds since my visit to the doctor last week. I don't want to undo all the good I've done over the past year. I've lost 70 pounds and don't want to go backwards! Encouraging words? Similar experiences?
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Hi friends, I was sleeved on Jan 11, 2012 and have lost 132lbs in total (including pre-op). Now, after almost 18 months, my breasts, arms, inner thighs and tummy are all saggy and droopy and need reconstructive surgery. I was planning to get the brachioplasty, thighplasty and breat lift (no implants) done at the same time. It was first scheduled for Feb of this year, and then a tummy tuck after a couple of months. But the surgeon's visit to India was postponed (he is of Indian-origin, living in USA now). He is visiting India only in June - so my surgery will be on 4th of June. I'm now seriously considering having the Tummy tuck done on the same day.I know this sounds crazy - but because the surgery was postponed a couple of times, I'm growing impatient and feel that getting it all done in one shot may be the best thing to do. The main reason I want to do this all at one time is so that the pain from the first surgery doesnt put me off from getting the second done. Does this make any sense? And I really really need all these procedures. The next reason is the lack of recovery time due to my work. I already had to take time off from work because of the VSG surgery, then some time off due to some minor complications in recovery. Now I'm taking a month off for the reconstructive surgery. My boss has been very understanding, but we are short staffed and I feel bad having to ask for another time off for tummy tuck. The next reason is that it may be months before my surgeon visits India again - I dont want to wait so long. I'm planning to get married this year and I dont want to have droopy tummy at that time So what I'm trying to ask is - has anyone been crazy/brave enough to get more than 2 or 3 procedures done at the same time? How was the pain? Any complications during surgery/recovery? I would love to hear all your feedbacks (including strong advises against any of the procedures based on your experiences). Thank you all in advance! _________________________________________________________________ EDIT: I forgot to add that my mom and sister will be with me for 2 weeks to take care of me. I know mobility is an issue when we do both arms and thighs at the same time (like pulling up the compression garments and everything) - so I'll stay in the hospital for the first week, and then my mom and sis will take care ofme at home.
