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Hello all- So glad I found this website--it's always less daunting to know you're 'not the only one' out there and can discuss what's going through your mind (which works overtime with big decisions like this) I meet my surgeon tomorrow morning with hubby and my sister to set a date. April 3 is being strongly considered, at my request and the surgeon's office OK, as my Easter week off will minimize the need for lots of sick time. My background is that I've always been the 'big one'. The youngest, yet largest sibling. The big, funny friend. The mom who can't jump into the mix for anything too physically demanding. The overweight bride. The airplane passenger they all dread sitting next to--and who prays that she won't have to ask for an extender. Ugh...I'm sick of all those labels. I'm ready to start fresh and get healthy. I have sleep apnea, take BP meds, have knee pain, back pain, and am on anti-depressant. I'd like to eliminate those eventually. I have finally decided that my love affair with food is not so 'lovely' and I want to see how the other half eats. I have a loving, (thin) husband who is very supportive but doens't really 'get it' the way we all do..he is very supportive of whatever I do though and I'm very thankful for that. I have to boys 7 and 10 years old who need a mom with more energy and confidence. I want to be able to set a good fitness example for them too (and maybe show up in some of their childhood photos..lol) I actually started this process, in Buffalo NY, in November 2010 with original intentions for surgery in early 2011. They'd put me on S. Beach diet as part of their pre-surgery requirements...I'd done very well on s. beach and the surgeon gave me the choice as he felt I was an excellent candidate but since I was having success did I want to try on my own? I did try on my own and eventually (again) failed at weight loss. So I"m back...but this time for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as I'd, over my year, heard several stories of how the lap-band required a great deal of maintenance and had some pitfalls along the way. Maybe it was meant to be that I waited as my insurance carrier, which covers the VSG now would not have last year. So, cross your finger and say your prayers for me that I get my surgery scheduled and I can join you all in the Quest for a new beginning. I'm ready. Nervous about surgery but definitely ready. Moreso than ever before. Thank you for any advice or support you can lend me. I've told a very select few people (a couple close co-workers, friends, and family) and plan to keep it to myself generally. Amy

Hi there, If not, I did find that the French give less information. There is a lot of good information on here and I have gone with some of it. I have now lost 16 kilos and feeling great. Chiche is an amazing doctor, I chose the French private clinique to not have to deal with a long delay on repayment for the AHP surgery. I just saw him for my post op. He encouraged me to do the mini bypass or even the bypass, but I chose the sleeve. I would rather get my Vitamins from my food. Many people have success with this. He said was I sure because he feels there are less success rates with this. I just think the sleeve patients lose slower. I didnt want to risk dehyrdation and the bypass there are more risks. He really watches your pain management and the anesthesiologist at least at the private hospital were always there too. Who is yours? I have a hard time finding the shake Protein I want and I need to find another one. Isopure protein is not easy to find, but maybe at a fitness store in Paris. I need to drink these and more Water. The French encourage you to learn to eat real food rather than too many supplemental forms of food. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have. I'm an American here in Paris too and married to a French national. I work at a university in Paris. Cheers, Jodi

Don't have a clue! I'm new at this too, but good luck in April. I got mine in November and am very glad I did.

My name is Cindy. I am going to be 55 in August. I have battled weight all of my life. I have to do something as I can't live the rest of my life gaining weight. I've done all the fad diets, weight watchers and have lost weight but can't keep it off. I have probably lost and gained over 1000 pounds in my life time. My insurance won't cover the surgery. Self pay around here is about $22,000. My daughter had the bypass a few years ago. I went to meetings and have watched her so i know what I am up against. I have told my 2 kids and they were skeptical at first, but my one daughter is getting married the end of August and wants to help me pick out a dress I have been researching, reading, looking at youtube videos for a few months now. I chose Dr Kelly at the Florence Hospital. I liked his credentials and the hospital, the number of surgeries performed and success rate. . This morning I took copies of all the paper work and credentials etc to my pcp. He is a big health nut. He organized a program for our town to lose weight and a walking program too. He looked over all of my paperwork and had a few questions. I told him my husband is on board and when I quit smoking he smoked elsewhere till he quit himself. This will be good for him also. He is very supportive. The doc said to go for it. That the benefits outway the risks and wants to see me 1 month post op. I'm so happy for this. He wasn't skeptical at all. I sent in my paperwork this morning. I really don't see any problems and hope to schedule real soon. I was nervous at first, but am so excited...especially since I have all those blessings.

I’m one week post op today and so tired of drinking. I can’t wait to chew on something again. I have my one week follow up tmrw morning With my surgeon and hoping he will put me on full liquids. I was actually hungry yesterday and tried some 1% milk with my protein powder instead of water and I got nauseated, fast heart rate, hot flashes and sweaty. It really scared me but I jumped in here and discovered I was having dumping syndrome symptoms. I loved milk prior to the sleeve and we’re not really supposed to have dumping syndrome like the bypass peeps, allegedly from what I’ve read on the net. So that kinda sucks.

I think that's completely untrue. The conventional wisdom is that, if you are a sweet eater, you should get bypass because you'll have dumping to keep you in line. I think that's dumb. :tongue_smilie: The thing is, only about half the people who get bypass dump. For some, the threat of dumping is enough and it keeps them in line. But not everyone is the same. For some people, they count on dumping and when it doesn't happen, they start cheating like crazy. Some people don't do well with negative reinforcement either. Also, as your question points out, what does it even mean to be a "sweet eater"? Most people either prefer crunchy/salty foods or sweet foods. Just because you prefer sweets to, say, chips, doesn't mean you will fail with every surgery except bypass. After all, fruits and vegetables are sweet! Many people report after WLS of any type that they have lost a lot of their tastes for sweet things anyway. For many, that's enough for sweets not to be a big problem for them. I think that bypass is something to be considered if you are the kind of person who binges on sweet junk food and you think that having the threat of dumping will keep you in line. Otherwise.... I have always been a big sweet eater and that was not me at all. Even pre-op, I could do things like have one piece of chocolate and be done. One piece didn't make me binge on sweets. I also don't do well with threats for motivation. I would definitely be the kind of person who would constantly flirt with disaster trying to eat something that was on the borderline of making me dump. So I found bypass to be completely unappealing and I have done quite well with my sleeve. I hardly eat sweets at all, but I can if I want to and that's important to me.

Most surgeons don't want to do the sleeve for people with significant GERD. If you have it, it get's worse. If you don't have it, you have a 10% chance of having it after surgery. Bypass seems to be the surgery of choice for GERD sufferers. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I am wondering if there are any fellow bandsters taking part in a 3 Day walk this year? I am doing Arizona November 14-16 and would love to start a thread about training for this event as a bandster. Anyone else?

Hello, I'm sorry to hear about the complications you've had following your bypass surgery. Now my curiosity is up concerning the hot flashes after surgery. I am getting hot flashes like crazy, but mostly at night when I'm sleeping. They are so annoying and uncomfortable. I am hot, so I kick the covers off, then I get cold... and it can just continue like that for hours, which is really tough because I'm losing sleep. Makes me feel like poop the next day. Anyway, I had my bypass revision around May 1st of this year. I guess the hot flashes started about 2 months ago. I am starting to wonder if I am perimenopausal, although I don't have any of the usual "symptoms" other than the hot flashes. I am 47 and had a hysterectomy 8 years ago, but my surgeon left my ovaries. Not much help to ya, but wanted to jump in on this topic since I'm experiencing something similar. I might dig around and find some of the posts/conversation on this topic. Wish you the best, get well soon and congratulations on your bypass surgery.

Not absurd at all, the lap band can be very dangerous if rules are not followed, some people vomit their food EVERY SINGLE DAY, never follow rules, drink alcohol daily, carbonated drinks, never follow up when they have problems, keep the band dangerously too tight, etc... Usually when the band erodes, some surgeons will revise the patient to the Sleeve, Bypass or DS, but usually NOT at the same time, sometimes some surgeons will remove most of the stomach after a bad erosion and create a Sleeve like stomach. However, no one really know why band erosion occur, some surgeons speculate it can be caused by several things below: 1. The LapBand around the stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall over time, and goes into the gastric lumen, as we have seen with other intrabdominal devices. 2.The stomach damage done during the LapBand procedure debilitates the layers of the stomach wall, resulting in erosion at a later time. 3.The sutures were placed too deep and trespassed all the wall layers of the stomach, causing micro perforations that generate leaking, infection and later erosion. 4.Events that happens inside the stomach, such as frequent vomiting, medications, ingestion of irritants as spicy or hot food, alcohol, etc. as well as a large adjustment to the band system, will produce an ulcer that penetrates toward the balloon of the band. http://arturorodriguezmd.com/lapband-erosion/

Well... i would say no..... we are not allowed to lift heavy weights or do strenuous exercise for 12 weeks due to the risk of ripping apart your staples... so i would assume with high speed, velocity and pressure it would be riskier. Your wounds on the outside have not healed in 2 weeks... and it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to start to heal properly on the inside Wait... i just realised you are a bypass patient... not a sleeve... you have also had your intestines re routed and a pouch created.... that would be even longer!

Hi Everyone; I was banded this Tues.11/25 at The University of Massachusettes Hospital. I am somewhat uncomfortable & tired just as some of the others have posted. I have to say I am glad to have found this site, reading some of the posts has eased my mind and answered some of the questions I have been thinking of since the surgery. Someone had mentioned a group of November fellow banders, I'd like to find them, anyone know how I can get the link? I'm also interested in posting a timeticker & can't seem to figure it out:) Any info would be helpful:)

Hi, My best friend is having lap band in the next month. I am very excited for her and support her decision. Mainly for her health and to be healthy for her family & me of course...haha to live for a long time. I never gave it any thought but recently I have been noticing stories where people who have surgery lose their friends. My best friend also has fear of losing weight changing her. Now I am terrified to lose her, I would be devestated.... it has taken so long to find that special friendship. I love her so much. I wanted to know if anyone has had similiar fears or advice to help me through her transition. Please be honest. Thank you so much for your time!!!

I am 17 days post-op gastric bypass and gallbladder removal. I just ???? all by my self!!! Yaaaaay!!! It was all white. Should I worry?

Got my band in 2009. It never really worked kept getting unfilled because of issues finally it was discovered the band had dilated my esophagus so I was revised to the sleeve. The sleeve was great in the beginning then in month 3 bad reflux throwing up at night on three different meds for it. Got dilated four times had the bravo test and other so now I have to do bypass. I didn't choose bypass in the beginning because of the rearranging I am nervous and scared but I can't live like this with the reflux I also don't want to lose too much more weight. I went from a size 18 to a 10. I lost nearly 60 pounds and I work out so I've lost more inches. Anyone else in my boat any stories. To share. My surgery is in two weeks it's being done as medically necessary. I have blue cross federal basic

I would call your doc and tell him that you do NOT want the bypass, that you want the sleeve. It's worth the wait to get the approval for the sleeve. As for the differences, here is a link to a quick comparison of the 2 procedures: http://www.gastricsleeve.us/gastric-sleeve-vs-gastric-bypass.html

I want to tell everyone that I was approval for surgery...... The wrong one I wanted the sleeve but my Dr. Submitted the gastric bypass to the insurance . What should I do? Im so pissed right now I don't know if the insurance will approve the sleeve now it took three weeks to hear from them . Does anyone know the pros and cons of the gastric bypass and the sleeve ?

This is an article from the Amerian Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf This is an article I found on another site: The VSG is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve, a newer type of WLS in which most (approximately 85%, depending on the surgeon and patient) of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a slender "sleeve" of stomach about the size of a Sharpie marker, with normal connections between esophagus and stomach and stomach and small intestine. At one time, it was performed most commonly as the easier, less-invasive first stage of a two-stage procedure (the second stage being a Duodenal Switch, for example) on super-super obese people (BMI above 60) who were not physically in good enough shape for a RNY. After losing the first 100 or more pounds post-VSG, the patients were then fit enough to go through the second surgery to lose the rest of their excess weight. Presently, it's also done as a stand-alone WLS procedure on people who have less weight to lose, and the surgeons are finding that many people with high BMIs like mine lose all the weight they need even without a second surgery. The sleeve, like a RNY pouch, cuts gherelin production (which suppresses physical sensations of hunger), but unlike the RNY pouch, it still produces stomach acids so that meds (including anti-inflammatories) can still be taken normally once the sleeve has healed post-op. The VSG procedure is strictly restrictive, like the LapBand, rather than restrictive and malabsorbtive, like RNY, so calories and nutrients are better absorbed during digestion. Nutritional supplements are still necessary, however - I have to take the same Multivitamins, Calcium, Iron, B12, etc. as RNY patients, although I could get my calcium as carbonate rather than citrate (I don't - I use the same calcium citrate products as everyone else here on TT). The surgery is irreversible, unlike the LapBand, but has a better weight loss rate than LapBand - more like RNY. Most insurance companies don't cover VSG yet because they still consider it "investigational", but it tends to have a lower complication rate because it's a simpler procedure and many WLS surgeons believe it will eventually be widely performed. Through my own research, I have found some information which would be helpful to those considering WLS. This is neither authored by nor endorsed by the owners of this forum but is simply the gathering in one place some useful information I personally have come across. Let's look at an overview of the major WLS options out there: http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-l...omparison.html http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html Restrictive versus Malabsorptive Surgery There are a number of weight loss surgery procedures available to treat obesity. Bariatric surgery has two primary approaches to achieve weight loss, and treatment typically emphasizes either the restrictive or malabsorptive approach or a combination of the two. Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery This type of bariatric surgery involves closing off parts of the stomach to make it smaller, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten. The LAP-BAND?, Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedures are restrictive types of bariatric surgery. LAP-BAND? Surgery The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure, more commonly known as LAP-BAND? surgery, is growing in popularity. This restrictive procedure involves using a Silastic? band to create a smaller stomach pouch, causing patients to become full after eating a minimal amount of food. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty weight loss surgery procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch by stapling off a section of the stomach, then using a band to restrict the passage of food out of the pouch. After stomach stapling, the patient is unable to consume large amounts of food in one sitting. Once the food leaves the pouch, it goes through the normal digestive tract. Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery This weight loss surgery approach entails altering the digestive system to decrease the body's ability to absorb calories. The Biliopancreatic Diversion and Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedures are malabsorptive types of bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) Biliopancreatic Diversion involves first creating a reduced stomach pouch and then diverting the digestive juices in the small intestine. The first part of the small intestine, where most of the calories are normally absorbed, is bypassed. That section, which contains the bile and pancreatic juices, is reattached to the small intestine much further down. There is a variation of this procedure called Biliopancreatic Diversion with "Duodenal Switch." This operation utilizes a larger stomach "sleeve" and leaves the beginning of the duodenum attached, but is otherwise very similar to standard BPD. Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E) This weight loss surgery procedure is a variation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass operation. It differs in that a somewhat larger stomach pouch is created, but a significantly longer section of the small intestine is bypassed. There is less emphasis on restricting food intake quantity and more on inhibiting the body's ability to absorb calories. The Combined Approach - Restrictive and Malabsorptive Surgery The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is a combination operation in which stomach restriction and a partial bypass of the small intestine work in tandem as one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This operation involves severely restricting the size of the stomach and altering the small intestine so that caloric absorption is inhibited. Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery There are also varying techniques that can be used during bariatric surgery procedures. The two techniques are laparoscopic and open bariatric surgery. Open Bariatric Surgery While laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed through several small incisions in the stomach area, open bariatric surgery requires one larger incision that begins directly below the patient's breastbone and ends just above the navel. While both the open and laparoscopic procedures produce similar long term results, open bariatric surgery is associated with a longer recovery period. Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery As opposed to "open" bariatric surgery, laparoscopic bariatric surgery involves making several small incisions and performing the operation by video camera. A laparoscope, the device used to capture the video, is inserted through an abdominal incision. This provides the bariatric surgeon a magnified view inside the abdomen, allowing the operation to be performed using special surgical instruments and a television monitor. The long-term results for laparoscopic bariatric surgery and gastric bypass surgery should be similar to those for open procedures. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach include less post-operative pain, a shorter recovery period, and less extensive scarring. The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by more and more surgeons worldwide. The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band? procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, Vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that ?stretches? the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ?first stage? of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient?s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ?stage? the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively ?downstages? a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the ?second stage? of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux?en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band?. Current, but limited, data for this ?two stage? approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band?and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band? patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band? group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band? but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn?s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ? patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn?s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Much of the above information was garnered from information from Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. The following links provide additional important information you may want to consider in your research: http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariat...ion_sleeve.pdf http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Me...eDietGuide.pdf http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery....astrectomy.pdf Happy Re-Birthday to Me - One Year Out, 244 Pounds Down Post-Op! Aviator's Log Book

I’m about 3wks post up- bypass. My Dr. put me out for a month! My surgery was 1/25, I can say I’m glad I listened to him. I definitely tire easily and learning my new stomach and limitations can definitely take some doing. I do some work from home so I’m not completely overwhelmed when I return. Good luck

I am not at all trying to scare anyone, I was told by my physician that they lost one patient to a leak, one out of more than 2100 since the bariactric center has been open. Not sure if it were a sleeve or bypass patient. She was 29 years old and had 5 children. She went home, had a undetected small leak , but apparently didn't return to the hospital until it was to late. They were able to fix the leak, but she never recovered. This is the reason they tell you if you suspect something is not right, call and question the nurse etc.

Funny you should ask because today I was realy hungry for the first time in a while. I only had yogurt for breakfast and around 3pm I could hear my stomache growling-I was really hungry. I remember thinking that is was weird because I usually don't get hungry. In the beginning stages (prior to a good fill) you may feel hungry more often and that is completely normal. Yes, you can eat around the band because ice cream, candy, etc. seem to go down real easy-but if you eat proetins first it will curb the urges. I saw a teacher I work with and I always thought she had surgery-she had lost a lot of weight-but I noticed that she is putting in back on. That's where having the option of getting a fill is awesome. People who get gastic bypass don't have that option at later stages, That's why I love the band-there is an adjustment option that other surgeries simply don' have.

Oh my gosh.. Sorry for all of the spelling errors in my response! I'm on my iPhone and can't see! Just to make a few corrections.... I meant to say gastric bypass seat and ca t be a frond we hang out with anymore!

Dec 28 2015.I had a revision from lapband to bypass with a hernia repaired .So it was more complex.

I just found this site. My Band was filled in November 2007 and I have lost about 50 lbs. However, I now find that I am at a plateau. Any help successful banders can give me as to how to "jump-start" my losing again would be very much appreciated. Hope to "talk" to you soon.

I had my RNY Gastric Bypass on November 14, 2016 and lost most of my weight in the first 9 months. I started this journey at a maximum weight of 360 pounds, and on my day of surgery, weighed 334 pounds and am down to 234 pounds. When I was released from the hospital after my Gastric Bypass, I wasn't sent home with instructions to stay on any PPIs or antacids, so since I was feeling great, I stopped taking my daily regimen of Pepcid. In February earlier this year (2017), I had a perforated intestine that nearly killed me (became septic) and was hospitalized for nearly a week after they repaired the hole in my intestines (near the pouch). I went through another treatment for H. Pylori and was on strong oral antibiotics for 6 weeks, and then have been continuing 20mg of Prilosec every day (have recently started weening myself off of it). In mid-April, I became severely constipated and impacted and was back in the hospital with a diagnosis of Prostatitis. Since then, I have suffered from chronic constipation and have had solid plateaus for several months at a time. I am posting my story because I am trying to see if anyone else out there has gone through anything similar, and I would like to understand if anyone lost more weight after their first surgical anniversary? I am having a Resting Metabolic Rate test tomorrow morning, so I am trying to figure out why I'm not losing more weight, but thought I would post and see if there is any hope. I am taking Probiotics (Culturelle), multi-vitamins, Calcium/D3 chews, and get all my Protein and Water in every day. I also exercise at least 2-3x per week. To get by, I wind up taking milk of magnesia roughly every other day...I only recently stopped taking Stool Softeners...I had been taking a Stool Softener (2x at night, every night for months). Ironically, I notice things move more easily on their own when I drink a glass of red wine after dinner, but don't want to depend on alcohol to help me go. So, I'm posting because of 2 things: the constipation and the amount of weight loss (the length of time, the plateaus, etc). I am hopeful that as I reduce the Prilosec that things will get better as my body starts producing more acid. Keeping my fingers crossed. Any thoughts?