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This may help understand why fluids should be avoided when eating meals.... https://www.tristatebariatrics.org/blog-post/eating-and-drinking-after-weight-loss-surgery I find it easy to not drink for 30minutes after a meal since my ESG, I look at the time I finished eating and don't drink for 30 minutes. I assume this is more complicated in the post op stages with a lot more smaller meals thus eating more regularly. I guess its all in the sipping, carry a water bottle with you, sip away - a lot, stop drinking the required time before a meal and don't pick it up for 30 minutes. It may have been a little different for me, I have been use to sipping a lot and often (for a number of years) as a I have a autoimmune syndrome that results in no or very little salvia production. I know someone who takes very small sips when eating and she is doing fine, she is about six months out, she was given the okay to...but each surgeon seems to have their own guidelines and its best to follow your own surgeon's guidelines.

thanks for the question. i am 6 days post op and thinking of what you said has allowed me to kind of solidify in my mind that i feel i made the right choice. i can give you more than 5. 1. i felt that by pass was too invasive. 2. hospital stay and time out of work simply too long for my schedule (i have a 5 year old and work and have my own business) 3. while i want to lose weight, like the other poster, i don't want to lose it too quickly. gall stones is a concern after either procedure but it is my understanding that what really causes gallstones is rapid weight loss and the band loss is more gradual 4. being more gradual there is a better chance for my skin to pull tight rather than sag and i don't just want to be thin, i want my body to look healthy. 5. i didn't want to worry about mal absorption, thinning hair 6. once i heard about dumping syndrome i knew it wasn't for me. i don't think i can go the rest of my life without EVER having ANYTHING with sugar in it (i can't stand artificial sweetners) and the thought of dumping scared me. 7. yes with lap band there is PBing which i haven't experienced and i know how awful it is, but i felt that it might be the lesser of 2 evils (we'll see after my first experience with it) 8. bypassers lose more weight up front but then gain some back. i don't want to continue to yo-yo. 9. knowing that the band is reversable and adjustable. in case of serious illness and i need to focus on my nutritional intake saline can easily be let out to allow for more calorie consumption. 10. if i start gaining in the future i can always have the band tightened again for continued results 11. complication rate/infection rate is lower with band i think i could go on and come up with even more. i would join a bypass group and ask the same questions to them. i would be curious to hear their answers. i will tell you that my brother's girlfriend who is 27 and lost 115 lbs on the band told me some of the reasons she chose bypass over the band were that she didn't want to have to deal with such close monitoring required for fills (which is another thing i actually like. i like my surgeon to be involved as an additional support person for the rest of my weight loss journey) and she also had acid reflux which her dr. felt would be made worse with the band. please post again and let us know what/if you decide. good luck

I had my band installed in March of 2010. I had great success, and in the first year lost 100 pounds, and felt great. Over time of trying to get the fill in the band adjusted to be right, I gradually gained about 30 pounds. In August 2013, I had a slip, which caused my stoma to be completely closed, and even after removal of all the fluid, the stoma stayed closed. I ended up having my band unbuckled and my gall bladder removed. To say that I am disappointed with the Lap Band process is an understatement. In researching my options, I have found many long term complications with the Lap Band. I am now working my surgeon and insurance company to get revision to the VSG.

I'd suggest reading some of the threads on success stories, complications and other types of surgery. Also you can search threads - just type in a key word and you will find many postings

Hi Michelle and congratulations on getting your date. It must be exciting after waiting three years. What are you reading about that you find scary? Please don't be afraid to ask us questions. We are all here to support one another and help alleviate any fears you may have. Remember, when people are doing really well with their bands (which is the majority) and having no problems, they tend to not be on the board posting as much. But the band is really wonderful and most do not experience very many complications, especially if you remember to eat slow, chew well and be careful about your food choices.

The plication is not as reversible as it's marketed. Several plication patients are looking at revisions to the sleeve. There are a few patients who had severe complications that have shared on obesityhelp and personally, I would never consider the plication. Partial gastrectomies and complete gastrectomies have been performed since the 1800's for stomach cancer and ulcers. Many people live fully-functioning lives without part or all of their stomachs. Best wishes in your research.

I'm a little confused....my Aetna plan covers Lap Band, no problem...they also cover RNY, but not both on the same patient. Obviously, I've decided to go with Lap Band...my confusion is this... Aetna will only cover ONE WLS surgery the life of the plan, no problem there...I understand that. However, today when I was speaking to a rep from Aetna I asked, "what if my band goes bad, or something happens to it? Will you guys pay to fix it?". Her answer was, that they will pay for any medical complications that arise from the WLS I choose. I'm confused....if my band goes bad, or if my port flips or, I spring a leak...are they going to pay for fixing/possibly replacing my band? Or will they just say "take it out" and that's it??? I don't get it, and she really didn't explain further.

She had lap band with him around 5 years ago. She had complications and had to have it out in December. I think she's going to have a revision and get the sleeve. I hope so. She lost a lot of weight but she didn't follow the rules.

I'm an insurance agent so I can only from my experience. When there is an exclusion in a policy such as bariatric surgery, any complications/problems associated with that said excluded service/surgery will be excluded as well. I know some people have had part of their hospital bills covered after a complication, but it all truly depends on how your own personal policy spells out exclusions, and how the hospital codes the bill to the insurance company.

You guys are AWESOME! You all made me laugh and cry at your responses. You also gave me great foresight as to dealing with head hunger vs. real hunger. I know it's been a topic but you all really got me thinking about it - the good and the bad - knowing full well that I'm up for a battle but that it will get better. Patience has never been one of my strong points so I guess this will be good practice for me in more ways than one...! I'm still concerned about potential complications. Any of you have anything happen that required a doctor's visit after surgery in Mexico? Tiff, I know you had a rough time at the beginning but were operated on in the U.S. to begin with. I'm sure you were glad you went that route at the time! How do you get care here if it becomes necessary - just head to the ER and let them figure it out? I pray that it doesn't come to that but I promised my husband and a very good doctor friend that I would try and find out more. I also have a local family practitioner that I should talk to but I'm scared he's going to make me feel bad. I would rather tell him afterwards but that's probably not smart... I did choose Aceves because of his sterling reputation and the fact that he works from a hospital. I think he's worth the extra couple of grand. No matter how hard I look, I can't find ANY dirt on him anywhere! Is anyone getting therapy or just dealing on your own? Maybe you had therapy for awhile at the beginning? Love to hear your thoughts there too. Anyway, you guys are the best; Tiff I was so proud of you getting the last laugh on Thanksgiving! These are the scenarios that worry me, however. That said, having been on a million diets in the past, it shouldn't be a big deal. Bonus; Tday is a long way from next Monday!! Stacy - yes, I do live in the Keys. Love it down here. Where are you having your surgery on the 25th?? Chancie, what a story and what incredible weight loss! Thanks for being there for me. All of you! thinoneday - thank you - demons indeed... Have a great week everyone and thanks again. Carol

from Aetna.com... Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) and Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB or Lap-Band): Aetna considers open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB, Lap-Band) medically necessary for members who meet the selection criteria for obesity surgery and who are at increased risk of adverse consequences of a RYGB due to the presence of any of the following comorbid medical conditions: 1. Hepatic cirrhosis with elevated liver function tests; or 2. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis); or 3. Radiation enteritis; or 4. Demonstrated complications from extensive adhesions involving the intestines from prior major abdominal surgery, multiple minor surgeries, or major trauma; or 5. Poorly controlled systemic disease (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Class IV) (see Appendix). This is as of December 2004. If these conditions are NOT met, Aetna does not routinely cover the procedure. Go to www.aetna.com, then click on doctors on the left, then Medical Policy Bulletins, the look up Obesity surgery. Good luck.

Hey all! Just wanted to share my experience so far... I was down 55 lbs when I weighed myself at exactly 7 weeks post-op!! I have severe PCOS so I was afraid my weight loss would not be as efficient as I wanted. I have had zero complications, and no more cholesterol/blood pressure/sugar/period issues! Not only that but I feel that this journey helped me open up a little and actually share myself with others and accept help from people. My life has significantly improved and I am so happy I decided to go through with this. The only weird thing is, I don't actually "see" a difference, though my friends/family swear there's been a drastic change. I'm still experiencing some depression from the "grieving phase" of missing food as comfort, but now that I'm actually opening up to people, I find that I'm not so emotionally vacant anymore. Thank you everyone who helped answer my questions along the way, wish you all the best of luck with your journey!

Not a lot will change to be honest. You'll just need a 200-300 more calories, more carbs, if you still have weight to lose you might not gain a lot. You know all about the baby stuff so just good follow up care. If you've read any of my pregnancy updates over the last 9 months, you know that VSG has not complicated my pregnancy in the least. There's plenty of WLS patients who conceive before the "recommended" time frame, and even some surgeons are loosening the restriction on band and VSG patients because honestly, there's very little issues with pregnancy with the non-malabsorptive procedures. You'll be great, the baby will be fab. Just get your calorie/protein/carb goal from your doctor and adjust your intake accordingly. I can't remember, but I don't think you were a super low carber so you might not have to change much. The biggest challenge is the water/clear Fluid intake increase to over 100oz per day.

Hi Cheri, Your post brings back memories. I was very afraid to have Band to RnY revision before I had it done. Your story is a bit different than mine in that you are only 60 lbs from goal. I was much heavier, which is why it was probably an easier decision for me. That being said, my experience with RnY has been so much better than it ever was with the band. It's hard to believe that a procedure that is so much more invasive has had WAY less complications than the lapband. I am 6 months post op and have had ZERO complications. My 6 month bloodwork just came back and everything is in the normal range. I no longer take Prilosec or Get "stuck". I no longer cough at night and am able to sleep through till morning. The best part...I can actually eat healthy! Vegetables, Steak, chicken, Fruit, etc all go down. I don't need sour cream or condiments to get em down! Here's the deal. In my opinion, the lapband is a quick and simple surgery with a ton of bad side effects and post op complications. RnY is a more complicated surgery, but after the initial healing period (2-4 weeks), things get WAY easier. One word of caution...RnY still requires a ton of effort to lose weight. It is much easier to eat with RnY than the lapband. Like the lapband, gaining weight is possible if you eat the wrong things. The difference with RnY is that healthy foods actually go down (after a few months of healing).

What are you revising to? With only 50-60 # to lose I'd encourage a sleeve over RNY, depending if your band didnt; leave to much damage behind. No you won't be able to drink 96oz daily straight out of surgery-- but eventually you will be able to. You build up to it. Be aware of the risk of complications so you'll know what to look for.

Got the answer today from my insurance company. If there are complications with my band that deem my revision surgically or medically necessary, there will be no waiting period. Otherwise, 6 months Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I am having my lapband removed, had lost 30 lbs but gained it back, The lapband really never worked, I lost most of the weight through starving my self and drinking shakes. I have done a lot of research and the mgb seems like the best approach since it is reversible, which is very important to me and has great results with the least complication rates. If you had the mini gastric bypass, what was your experience after surgery? got sick? recovery length? how long after the surgery where you able to go to work? how much can you consume (portion size) 3 month,6 month and 1-2 years post op.? Are there any foods you can't eat? Did you lose more weight then you intended or resulted in under weight? what is your height, start weigh and end weight? Your responses will be appreciated. Thanks

I like the full version better. With the app, things like status updates, etc don't show. This is what new content looks like for me. Lap Band Talk Forums → New content New content Explore content from the community By content type Forums Members Blogs Photos Events Articles Downloads By time period Content I have not read New since my last visit Past 24 hours Past week Past 2 weeks Past month Past 6 months Past year Other Just items I follow Items I participated in Items I started Filter by forum Forums 6yrs Banded - Chest Pain in Lap Band Complications Started by Annette_33815, May 19, 2013 12 replies 343 views Annette_33815 55 minutes ago Can you start over? in Lap Band Complications Started by tw1968, Yesterday, 5:05 PM 11 replies 164 views kll724 Today, 3:32 AM Lower Back Pain in Lap Band Complications Started by battleofthebands, May 28, 2013 3 replies 89 views I love lucy lover May 28, 2013 Persistent pouch dilation in Lap Band Complications Started by Jellyfish, May 25, 2013 3 replies 196 views Jellyfish May 27, 2013 My experience is valid! in Lap Band Complications Started by MsMaui, May 24, 2013 rude, disrespect 14 replies 554 views lellow May 26, 2013 stuck and miserable in Lap Band Complications Started by thinkingaboutit77, May 24, 2013 4 replies 191 views thinkingaboutit77 May 25, 2013 Port Infection Slideshow (Not For The Feint Hearted) in Lap Band Complications Started by SeanM, Jun 23, 2012 video, port infection and 2 more... 12 replies 1,187 views SeanM May 25, 2013 Port Replacement in Lap Band Complications Started by cntrydeeregal06, Apr 28, 2013 port, leaking, replacement, pain 6 replies 276 views cntrydeeregal06 May 24, 2013 Port removal tomorrow due to infection. Will I still hav... in Lap Band Complications Started by mileend, Apr 4, 2013 14 replies 519 views CHEZNOEL May 24, 2013 Lap Band Talk Forums → New content Forum guidelines, rules and policies

Hi - I am part of your gang and had to make sure this procedure would not stress my system. I have not had any issues, just make sure you drink as often post surgery as possible. I'm prone to kidney stones also. Just watch protien and calcium intake. Most importantly stay hydrated. Post surgery this was a big deal. We must be vigilant about proper Fluid intake or complications can occur. That preop diet is torture, but you can survive. I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

had gastric bypass DS loop and my gallbladder removed on March 11th 2019. Since then I have gone from 297.7 down to 242. Total of 55.7 lbs. in 3 months and 13 days. But I’m the last 39 days I have only lost 10 lbs. is this a plateau? Is this still good since I have not gained any weight back? I’m feeling better in the last 2 weeks FINALLY.... I had surgery complications and medication changes and problems that caused extra pain and some minor depression, so recovery took longer than “usual” patients. I think? I don’t know how long other people take to get out and about, start regularly exercising (just walking and some 2 pound weights) But the slow down in weight loss worries me. Also, I have a HUGE fear of stretching my stomach back out. Every time I eat I get scared my stomach is stretching at the staples. I would love some feedback of your experiences, ideas, your suggestions, possibly re-assurance that I’m doing ok?? Also, I love to eat fruit, and I try to limit myself to 2 a day, but I worry about sugars... what do you all do? Thanks! Claire

Has anyone heard from number 54 on the list. 54. Jsd2 – very sick also had blood clots, heart palpitations (VS Talk) She had one of the most serious cases of complications that I have ever heard of. I hope she is ok.

Thanks, the doctor thinks the bypass would be the best because of insulin resistence and reflux. insurance approved for RNY, but i am scared, have trouble getting fluid in, most days around 70 oz. i have read the complications and sucess stories, just scared of complications, am 205 and want to get to 145 but cant do it without help, love this group fou info.

i have a few issues with me i have a horseshoe kidney. high cholesterol on the good note never got on meds for it. have fat deposits in my liver. 274 lbs at .my highest had 3 kids 1 natural birth 24 hours had 2 csections 1 complication at end of 3rd pregnancy i got cellulitis. tryed to get the surgery for 6 yrs family.said disrespectful hateful things got scared stayed away . my father died i was fully in depression hard core for 3 yrs straight woke up finally got to knowing my kids after i didnt even know myself. since then had surgery . no complications thank goodnesss... have any questions hit me up? Sent from my SM-S120VL using BariatricPal mobile app

Abstract Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical technique that involves resection of a significant portion of the stomach by means of stapling the greater curvature. This procedure is rapidly gaining popularity and acceptance as a primary bariatric procedure with good results on weight loss. The other restrictive bariatric procedure is the adjustable gastric band. As the results on the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and the adjustable gastric band vary, there is still a gap that can be fulfilled by another procedure. The authors present an alternative procedure that is under investigation that can be as restrictive as sleeve gastrectomy with no staple line or prostheses. This procedure is called laparoscopic greater curvature plication, which is similar to vertical gastric banding, but without the need for gastric resection. The stomach is reduced by dissecting the greater omentum and short gastric vessels, as in vertical sleeve gastrectomy, then the greater curvature is invaginated using multiple rows of nonabsorbable suture over bougie to ensure a patent lumen. This article includes the background, method, initial results, and a brief discussion on this new procedure. Introduction Traditionally, the primary mechanisms through which bariatric surgery achieves its outcomes are believed to be the mechanical restriction of food intake, reduction in the absorption of ingested foods, or a combination of both.[1,2] Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) are restrictive approaches commonly used in bariatric practice.[5,6] Although these procedures have proven to be good therapeutic options for some patients, they are not without significant complications, such as erosion or slippage of the gastric band or gastric leaks in VSG.[3,4,7,13,14] Leaks in VSG pose a particularly difficult challenge when they occur near the angle of His, potentially generating severe clinical conditions that require reoperation and may even cause death.[4] Since 2006, the authors have been evaluating the safety and initial results of the laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP™), a restrictive bariatric surgical technique that has the potential to eliminate the complications associated with AGB and VSG by creating restriction without the use of an implant and without gastric resection and staple. Methods Using the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) inclusion criteria for bariatric surgery (patients with a body mass imdex >40kg/m[2] or BMI over 35kg/m[2] with at least one comorbidity), all patients underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation (endocrinologist, cardiologist, psychologist, and nutritionist), blood tests, abdominal ultrasonography, and upper endoscopy to establish baseline. The study design was a prospective, noncomparative case series that received approval from the local ethics committee with patients signing informed consent. From January 2007 to March 2010, 62 patients (44 female) were submitted to LGCP. Mean age was 33.5 years (ranging from 23 to 48 years) and mean BMI was 41kg/m2 (ranging from 35 to 46kg/m[2]). Technique Patients were placed under general anesthesia in supine positions. A Five-trocar port technique, similar to Nissen fundoplication, was used. Trocar placement was one 10mm trocar above and slightly to the right of the umbilicus for the 30-degree laparoscope; one 10mm trocar in the upper right quadrant (URQ); one 5mm trocar also in the URQ below the 10mm trocar at the axilary line; one 5mm trocar below the xiphoid appendices; and one 5mm trocar in the upper left quadrant (ULQ). The procedure began with angle of His dissection and removal of the fat pad, followed by careful dissection of the gastric greater curvature using the Harmonic™ scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio), opening the greater omentum at the transition between the gastric antrum and gastric body. Once access to the posterior wall was achieved, the greater curvature vessels were dissected distally up to the pylorus and proximally up to the angle of His. Posterior gastric adhesions were also dissected to allow optimal freedom for creating a greater curvature flap. Gastric plication created by imbrication of the greater curvature over a 32-Fr bougie applying a first row of extramucosal interrupted stitches of 2-0 Ethibond™ (Ethicon, Inc. Somerville, New Jersey) sutures. This row guided two subsequent rows created with extramucosal running suture lines of 2-0 Prolene™ (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, New Jersey). In the final aspect, the stomach was shaped like a sleeve gastrectomy but slightly larger. Leak tests were performed with methylene blue in all cases. No drains were left. Patients were discharged as soon as they accepted a liquid diet without vomiting. They also received a prescription of daily proton-pump inhibitor (PPI; single dose) for 60 days. Ondasentron and hyoscine (anti-spasmodic) were prescribed for seven days. The postoperative diet was a customized liquid diet for two weeks, with progressive return to solid foods in a stepwise fashion. Dietary restrictions were removed after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on patient adherence. Follow-up visits for the assessment of safety and weight loss were scheduled for 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in the postoperative period. Endoscopic evaluations were scheduled for 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results All procedures were performed laparoscopically without conversions. Mean operative time was 55 minutes (40–110 minutes). Mean hospital stay was 36 hours (24 to 96 hours). On average, patients returned to normal activities seven days (4–13 days) following surgery. Mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) was calculated to be 20 percent at one month, 32 percent at three months, 48 percent at six months, 60 percent at 12 months, 62 percent at 18 months, and 61 percent at 24 months. No intraoperative complications were documented. All patients had lost at least 10 percent of total body weight. In the first postoperative week, however, nausea, vomiting, and sialorrhea in occurred in 22, 14, and 33 percent of patients, respectively. In all cases, these symptoms were resolved within two weeks. There has been no record of weight regain in any patient to date. Postoperative upper endoscopy and radiologic evaluation were performed on 12 patients at one and six months and in seven patients at up to 12 months. Qualitatively, the upper endoscopies suggest that the initial greater curvature fold is smaller at six months when compared with the initial fold size at one month, but appears unchanged at 12 months. Mild esophagitis (Grade A of Los Angeles classification) occurred in four patients at one month postoperatively; these patients were symptomatic (nausea, vomiting, and sialorrhea) and were kept on PPI, following the standard protocol. The six-month endoscopic evaluation identified no lesions or symptoms. Lumen size appeared stable (e.g., no dilation) based on upper gastrointestinal (GI) radiologic series performed on these patients at one and six months Discussion Reducing stomach capacity to promote mechanical restriction to food intake is one of the traditionally accepted mechanisms used in bariatric procedures to promote weight loss. There are at least two surgical procedures that appear to rely on this principle in current clinical practice, AGB and VSG. AGB achieves around 50 percent EWL, but unsatisfactory weight loss occurs in more than 20 percent of patients with failure rate requiring surgical revision in up to 25 percent of patients.[7] VSG as a primary bariatric procedure shows medium-term results to be adequate (>60% EWL), with improvements in comorbidities.[4,14] These promising results are associated with some complications, however, such as esophagites, stenosis, fistulas, and gastric leaks near the angle of His. These leaks and fistulas are reported in nearly one percent of cases and can be very difficult to treat.[4,14] LGCP is notably similar to a VSG in that it generates a gastric tube and eliminates the greater curvature, but does so without gastric resection. Initial clinical reports by Talebpour and Amoli[10] and Sales[11] demonstrate satisfactory weight loss up to three years. Brethauer et al12 reported increased weight loss in patients receiving LGCP when compared to plication of the anterior surface. The present series, compared to findings reported in some series involving AGB, has the lowest early complication rates among all bariatric procedures. Even with no major complications to report in the present series, Talebpour and Amoli[10] report one case of a gastric leak associated with a more aggressive version of LGCP, which they attributed to excessive vomiting in the early postoperative period. Adverse events described by patients were minor, lasting up to two weeks. These events may be related to the restriction induced by the invagination of the greater curvature and/or edema caused by venous stasis. Qualitative endoscopic findings suggest that the greater curvature fold gets smaller. This may be related with the resolution of the initial edema, although the radiological findings did not reveal significant dilation of the LGCP at six months. The percent EWL achieved a satisfactory 61 percent at 24 months in eight patients, with all patients achieving at least a 10-percent loss of initial weight. This can be favorably compared with results from VSG. This series is limited by the low number of patients, the simple study design, lack of a control group, the noninclusion of patients with BMI >50kg/m[2], and the incomplete follow-up period. This limits the broader acceptance of these results. These limitations limit the broader acceptance of these results. In order to better study this procedure, an international multicentric trial with centers in the United States, Chez Repuplic, and Brazil was designed (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01077193). LGCP seems to be feasible, safe, and effective in the short term as a promising bariatric procedure on this initial series Acknowledgment Experimental evaluation was provided by Fusco et al8,9 that had published two articles about gastric plication on anterior wall and greater curvature of wistar rats achieving good results in weight loss analogy and significant better results of the greater curvature group. Recent clinical experience with variations of this technique has been described by few surgical groups. The authors’ initial experience was sent to the journal Obesity Surgery and was accepted for publication. More actualized data are described in this present paper. Original source can be fund here.

I had gallstones at the time of my surgery. I asked my doc how I can tell the difference between a gallbladder attack and possible RNY complications. He said gallbladder pain originates on the right side, and RNY pain is primarily on the left. Call your doctor's office. That's what they're there for. I hope you feel better!