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Hi, I am a newbie here. I finally agreed with my endocronologist to have a lapband. He had been suggesting gastric bypass for a couple of years, but I was afraid. I have been dieting and exercising since I was 13yrs old, with varying degrees of success. I am 54 yrs old, female, BMI 49.9 with co-morbidities, diabetes, hypertension, GERD and hip/knee joint pain. I am an ICU RN working 12 hr shifts, feeling exhausted. I was told with my HgA1C 9.9 and BMI that I have approximately 10 yrs to live. I am scheduled for the seminar 7/17 in Pittsburgh, Pa with Dr Joseph Colleti. I have a million questions. How long will I be off work or restricted with lifting? How long will it take to get the ball rolling? TIA for sharing information. SweetSmile

Hi! I'm Stephanie. I originally posted in the wrong section, so forgive me. I have been banded for 5 years! I have been noted as being one of the success stories for my area. I lost a total of 137 pounds with hard work and then assistance of my band! After losing the weight, I had 10 pounds of excess skin removed and I was ready to move on with my life! My surgeon that removed the skin told me that in some band patients, as the swelling from my skin removal subsided, my band could potentially tighten. Did it ever! I got down to 147 pounds and eventually had trouble drinking Water (all of a sudden one morning). I went and talked with my lap band doc and he decided to take all of my Fluid out. He scheduled an upper GI and I was unable to have my X-ray done because I found that I was pregnant. I told myself, "you know what to do, so just take care of you and baby." To my dismay, I miscarried at about 10 weeks. Since then, I emotionally ate because I was sad. One morning, I looked in the mirror (after gaining 36 pounds) and realized, "this is how you got as big as you were, get it together." So, I started working with a nutritionist and a trainer 3 months ago. In that time, despite my hard work, I have only managed to lose 4 pounds. Weightloss is good, though! I was tired all of the time and never had energy. I am also hypothyroid diagnosed. I met with an endocrinologist at the beginning of the week to have a complete blood panel and talk about my struggles. He told me with a smirk that patients with hypothyroid only can be purely successful with the assistance of WLS. Then proceeds to tell me that my surgeon no longer offers banding. That my doctor saw that the failure rate was far too high. He's strictly sleeve and bypass now. I suggests converting my band to sleeve since I ran into so many complications. So, I contacted my band surgeon's office to tell all of this to. An upper GI has been ordered and I have an appointment with my band doctor next week. I was told he only converts band patients to sleeve if they meet certain requirements. What I'm wondering now is if I actually weigh enough to qualify. SW: 268 GW: 145 CW: 179 Has anyone else gone through any of these struggles or have similar personal experiences? I know that I'll officially know next week during my doctor's visit if I qualify but I worry and stress over things like this ahead of time. Any kind words, similar stories or advice would be much obliged. I'm feeling like a failure at this point and need some friends. Thanks for reading, Stephanie Memphis, TN

I am sorry to hear you had to pay for everything yourself. I have looked into bypass multiple times over the years. I will tell you my doctor made all the difference and the support groups he offers. Listening to others who don't regret anything really made me finally take the next step. I am 8 days post op no real pain other then minor I was surprised the little pain I felt. I did get thrush but am being treated and am feeling much better. I have be dealing with hunger but the intake helps and I lost 15 pounds week 1. I hope you become more comfortable with your choice! Best wishes

Keep in mind, everyone gets cold feet the last few weeks, so what you are feeling is normal nerves. BUT there are people that get the surgery and regret it long term, so use this time to weigh all your options. Option 1. Get the surgery as planned. 2. If you are a candidate, go with a sleeve instead.. fewer complications (but if they do happen, they'll be just as expensive as the bypass ones). 3. Cancel the surgery, with the understanding that you may reschedule when you are comfortable. 4. Reschedule the surgery for January. 5. Have the surgery in Mexico, and that would leave quite a bit of money in your bank account to help with any complications. (I went to Mexico with Dr. Illan, and have no problem recommending that option to others. It was a very good experience.. and Dr. Illan is willing to help with any future issues, you just have to be able to fly down for the care). Complications from surgery would be expensive, but so are complications from morbid obesity. Diet and exercise programs are a bargain, so if you haven't tried them, that may be a great thing to do if you choose options 3 or 4.

I seem not to be able to stand or tolerate any meats. How normal is that? Will I regain taste or ability to tolerate? Tx julie oh I had gastric bypass

I'm 32 and had gastric bypass 2/16/17 and am down 90 lbs. I'm looking for someone around my age that would like to text or Facebook to keep each other on track.

I asked my Weightloss Center and they only support vitamins that are sold by the WLC. It's a horrible place to go and I do not recommend them to anyone. Anyway, I bought Bariatric Fusion Tropical Fruit Bariatric Multivitamin Soft Chews for Post Bariatric Surgery Patients Including Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, 60 Count, 1 Month Supply and I asked my WLC dietician and she was upset that I did not want to take the Celebrate MC r18 that they sold. I explained that the chewable they sell makes me sick and I cannot even force myself to eat them without getting ill. She said "fine" then told me that I could take the ones I bought but didn't tell me how many I needed to take or if the recommand two chewable a day were fine. Anyone know if two chewables a day are fine? I'm not sure if it's natural and I never noticed, but today I was able to see my hair start shedding and I had my surgery 3 months ago today. I haven't noticed this in the past.

HI everyone. I had a Lap band to a Mini Bypass revision on July 5th. So far. I have lost 23 pounds, but somehow I keep feeling that it should be a bit more. after some difficulty in the first two months with my eating. With a lot of food rejection, I now feel that I can eat quite well. I can eat a small size of fish, or one whole very well cooked and soft chicken thigh. I avoid carbohydrates to maybe one dry diet cracker in the morning with cottage and s bit at lunch (at the most have half a potato or a spoonful of carrots or zucchini with the protein) and concentrate on the protein. I walk a lot on my job (I am a tour guide) sometimes for two whole hours.. I try to drink enough ( I usually mix water with sugarless ice tea powder, as flavoured water goes down easier for me ) I completely avoid sweets, pasta, bread, and eat very little fruit. Also I am not experiencing any cravings really, and because I am eating protein 3 times a day I think that I am getting enough protein and still the weight loss seems to stall. Or am I being unrealistic?? Or maybe I am doing something wrong? Last week. I was at 24 pounds less, this week it came back to 23., I am starting to feel frustrated with this up and down effect!! I would really appreciate some feedback from those of you who went through this before, and how you managed to overcome this! For the record, as this might be an important detail, I am 61. Thanks a lot for taking the time to read and answer. All the best to everyone. Sent from my D6603 using BariatricPal mobile app Sent from my D6603 using BariatricPal mobile app

Gastric bypass on 22nd, good luck Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi guys! As I am preparing for my band to bypass revision, my doctor made it crystal clear I have to stop smoking. I have been smoking for about 5 years, which is terrible for me to even say, and I know I have to. if it came down to it I know I could just torture myself and do it cold turkey, but I am asking for advice or things that people have done that has helped them. I am considering the nicorette gum but again just asking for advice! Thank you!

I am in the same situation. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism. I weigh 319. My doctors all said bypass would be better for me because of my problems. I too would also like to hear from women who had bypass who have the same problems. CW: 319 SD:May 2017 GW: 128

Had my RNY bypass yesterday. I am waiting to check out and go home. I feeling great, no sickness as of yet. I got a lot of pain in mid section but its liveable.

I had all my pre-testing done Friday afternoon and was running a low grade fever. I'm recovering from a bout with bronchitis and not completely over it evidently. My PCP put me on 2 different inhalers. Her comment when she came back in the room after checking my chest x-rays was..."Well, there's good news and bad news...the good news is, it's not pneumonia, the bad news is, if your not significantly better by Monday, you need to contact your surgeon :phanvan. Anyway, that's where I am today, and kinda bummed out. However, I know it's definetly for the best as far as my health, don't want to take any chances! UPDATE: Surgery Rescheduled for DEC 20! 11:00 a.m. Have found another lap band patient and 2 rny bypass patients at my Church!!!! Back on the liquids and down to 234!....Thanks for all y'alls kind words and encouragement By the way, on a scale of 1 to 10, how BAD is the pain after surgery?.. such a wimp here, I'm all for the miracles of medication....

40 days to surgery.... and I've been keeping myself busy so that time doesn't stand still. Keeping up with caring for my skin, trying to improve it. My Clarisonic Mia came in and i've used it twice. pretty cool. Using my Ambi and Garnier lightening creme on the dark spot on my face. Not seeing much yet but it's been just a week, so I have a ways to go before I see something. My parents are coming to visit next month... they said they were coming, I just wasn't sure when or IF they were coming for sure. They will spend Christmas Eve and Day with me and then go spend time with my Aunt and the rest of the family. They live south of town, about 45 minutes from me. I didn't even have a bed for the guest room so I had to scramble to order something. I also ordered a table and some chairs since I didn't have that either. I'll be putting that together this week and finishing up the bedroom. That will be RIGHT AFTER surgery! My mom had Bypass in 2001 so she gets that I don't plan on being the life of the party. At least I will get to see them. I have no idea what to get to have here at the house... I won't be able to eat any of it. Is it bad that I am kind of relieved? I don't really like holiday food. I stuff myself with the few options that I like and then hate myself for it. This year I won't be able to do that. Anyway, on with the preparation...I tried the Celebrate NS vitamin powder you mix in with a drink........ewwwwwww. no. No way I am doing that twice a day. As far as I can tell, Dr Alvarez only requires his patients to take a multivitamin. I got some Wellesse liquid multi and also one with vitamin c and D vitamin, and also some liquid protein. I figure I'll take all of that that I can get and if I can add it to something else, that would be great. I ordered a couple of genie bras, an electric kettle (for making unjury protein soup) and a cup warmer to keep it warm since it gets cold so fast. I also ordered a warming pad... is that what you call it? I can't remember. I got one, anyway. I want to also get a binder because I heard that it helps, especially when on the plane. I am liquid dieting Sunday through Wednesday this week. Actually I started yesterday but I went to brunch first. Dinner was soup and later on I had an Atkins shake and I've been drinking my water. Thursday is our company Thanksgiving dinner and I want to have some of that but I will probably get back on mostly liquids. I still want to hit the 230's by the time I get on the plane. I will be on full liquids by December 10th.

4/18? A lady I know is getting banded that same day, I believe! I was just talking to her today and I think that is the date she told me. Oh yeah, the hospital, docs (six of them), staff, everyone was great. Sleeves are trickier procedures and you really want a great surgeon for that. I believe Dr. A has done just shy of 200 of them and he hasn't had a leak or major complication yet. I'm getting a revision surgery from band to sleeve and I'm going back to Dr. A for the revision. My insurance actually covers it in the US but I really don't care for the docs on my insurance. I'd rather pay out of pocket for it in Mexico. Revisions carry more risk than a sleeve without a previous band so I just want to feel good about my doc. Thus, I'm going back to Dr. Aceves. I believe Andrea is having her band the same day as you. You should meet up with her on Dr. Aceves message board and get to know her. You guys can sort of go through this together. Once you get out of the Phoenix area (traffic and all) it's about three hours to get there. There is a bit of as short cut to get to Mexicali from Phoenix. If you PM me your email address I'll send you the entire driving directions. It even tells you which lanes to drive in so you don't turn off on a "Y" street and end up somewhere else. ;o) Good luck to you!

You will love this site.... www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com she not only shares recipes, but pics of all her great creations...she's a bypass gal, but, we all related!!! Enjoy. :thumbup:

Hi. Thanks for replying so quickly. That's great that someone else is going that I can 'share' this experience with. Good luck to you also. When is your revision scheduled for? My email is Ducckee@cox.net. Thanks for your support. Wendy

This is the voice of your band! Funny this came up because a Bypass person recently told me that this is her getting full sign. I hadn't realized that it is sometimes mine, I got a fill in Dec. that has changed me greatly and my nose runs, If I don't notice, one or two more bites and I know I'm done. If I'm lucky I only have to walk around the house a couple of times to get a good burp for relief. And if by chance it is a cold or allergies mucus can make it harder to eat. Good luck.

@RSM all my docs had a list of my medicines pre-op i take a lot of pills AM then a lot more PM a couple of meds are "horse pills" absorption problems aren't applicable to the sleeve. (covering my assss to say usually not) but there shouldn't be a problem. malabsorption (msp) is usually referred to in gastric bypass surgery. good luck kathy

I don't think so. There is a doctor here in Beaufort that does it. I spoke to his nurse and she said he used to only do Gastric Bypass but he's starting to do Lap Bands also. He'll start in June. I'm hoping that I can get in with him because I wouldn't have to travel far from my home.

LOL, I am an old timer, at least 3.5 years banded. I haven't had a fill in over a year and I have recently started having small bouts of ...hmmm, I'm hungry, that's odd, so I may need a tweaking as Dr. Terracina calls it. I so enjoy where I am now, that I'm going to resist on my own, but if I start to gain, I'll be making that dreaded fill appointment. Alisa, what size band do you have? I have a 4cc with a little over 2.5, so I've still got lots of room in mine, LOL. Also, who said you'd only eat 4oz, that sounds like someone who has gastric bypass. Sounds like you've got your head on straight now, as for telling others, I'd shout it from the mountain tops, I love my band and the new me! You can do it and anytime you need someone to lean on, let me know... Hugs!

I went to Dr. Oh's seminar the other night - and I was not impressed. He spent the least amount of time discussing the lap band procedure. He spent more time discussing gastric bypass - which I am not interested in. Well, during the discussion he said lapbands are not good for "sweet eaters" because you can't have sugar, milk, or alcohol for the rest of your life. I asked him afterwards if that is true - because to me it doesn't seem like a way to live the rest of your life. He said this is a last resort - and no sugar because then you will have cravings for it. He also said his patients have fills every month for the first year. One question asked by someone at the seminar was regarding the amount of food eatten at each meal - the doctor responded 1-2 ounces! This just doesn't seem reasonable to me.... that's nothing. I am not sure this is the right decision for me... I was so nervous/excited about the seminar and then came home feeling this may not be the best option for me. Also, I posted the above under another thread and heard from someone on this site..the same thing about Dr. Oh. I didn't even mention his name in my post - she asked if I was from WA state...when I told her yes, she asked if it was Dr. Oh. She said Dr. Srikanth was better - but she cannot have hers done for about year either - per her insurance. I was going to look into Dr. Srikanth - but have not called yet.... I wonder what is unethical about him.... curious. Still not sure if this is what I need to do for me..but, I am checkin it out.

I have a consultation with Dr. Geiss on 7/16 and am very excited/nervous. I've been lurking about on this board for weeks now, and it has been VERY helpful. I have an appointment with my PCP on Monday, and I know he'll be supportive and write any kind of letter I might need. I just turned 29 on 7/8, my BMI is 35.4, but I have severe degenerative disc disease, arthritis of my spine, bursitis in both hips, an ulcerative erosion in my stomach, and a strong family history of obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure - my mother actually had a gastric bypass. I wanted to see if anyone out there has Oxford Liberty and has used Dr. Geiss so I can get a better idea of what I'm in for. The more research I do into the lapband, the more I know I will benefit from it. Thanks for any help/advice!

Performed through a laparoscope, Gastric Plication is minimally invasive. The stomach is folded into itself, limiting the capacity of the stomach from about 50 ounces to 4 to 8 ounces. No cutting or stapling is performed so the risk of complications are obviously much smaller than traditional gastric bypass operations. Lap-band surgery is unique in that it requires implantation of the gastric band around the top of the stomach. The fill port is also implanted and attached to the Lap-band by a tube. Some patients have very low tolerance to these implants and the band must be removed when rejected by their body. A very few patients don't deal well with the fill procedure. To adjust the Lap-band saline solution is injected through the skin into the fill port. The Lap-band fill procedure is easily tolerated by most patients. But every once in while a patient has problems with the injection. Gastric plication only requires simple sutures (stitches) that are typically never rejected by the human body. It requires no maintenance (such as fills). The advantages of Gastric Plication over Lap-band and bypass surgeries: No foreign devices are implanted (the Lap-band is implanted along with its fill port and tubing). No adjustments are required (the Lap-band requires the injection or removal of saline solution to adjust it). food is far less likely to become stuck (food can more easily become stuck with the Lap-band). Gastric plication offers more restriction than Lap-band surgery. Reports on Gastric Plication surgery show 60-65% excess body weight loss in one year vs. 45-55% for Lap- band surgery (although individual results will vary, this is the average). No cutting of the stomach or the intestine (all gastric bypass surgeries include radical surgical reduction of the stomach and small intestine). Gastric Plication causes no nutritional deficiencies. Bypass surgery patients can suffer anemia, osteoporosis, Vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency because the small intestine is radically shortened. Few food restrictions compared to Gastric Bypass or Lap-band surgeries. Patients can eat most anything, because even though the stomach is drastically reduced in size, it is not surgically altered and functions normally. Gastric Plication can be reversed more easily than any other surgery. hope this helps

What staples did you have? Did you have an open procedure? My understanding is that with a lap revision there would not be staples? I am concerned with them getting this port out aka a tumor. Take care of your wound and follow the directions in its care!-wash hands and keep the dressing in place!!! (protein helps the body to heal..) Did you get another antibiotic???