Search the Community

Ok so I typed up a big long response, then hit some keyboard combo and there it all went bye-bye. I'll try again, a little shorter. To answer your question re: removal, it was a piece of cake. The worst part of it for me was the sore throat from the tubation & such... easily a few times worse than strep. And it lasted like 4 days. But that's not the surgery, that's ancillary. As for the surgery itself, a little sore where the port had been put in (they really want to make sure those things don't move around), but I expected that. I also ended up with an infected incision - but again, that's ancillary. Overall I would rate it just slightly more painful than having the band put in, which was EASY. There were no specific dietary requirements after that. My restriction stuck around for about 2 weeks, but only in terms of not feeling hungry & getting full quickly. Starting the day of, I could eat what I wanted when I wanted. And after a few years of living with a slipped band, I can't begin to describe how awesome it was to be able to drink in the morning if I was thirsty. As for 1 vs. 2 surgeries, my thoughts/experiences below. I'm not factoring in $ since I was covered under insurance, and the $ is all you. Just my thoughts... The risk of complication for a well-healed stomach going into a sleeve is just slightly higher than a "virgin" stomach. The risk of complication for a back-to-back procedure sky rockets to about 30%. I have the exact stats at home, but it's right around there. My surgeon requires 2 months between procedures. That's the timeframe at which he thinks there's the best blanace between risk mitigation and more negative things like weight gain. By "well healed" above, I mean 2 months between. Most leaks that aren't detected at the time of surgery are "hidden" by swelling. The swelling can artificially close gaps that wouldn't otherwise be closed. So as the swelling goes down, a leak can occur. The less swollen you are, the better. You're going to be swollen either way, but you're going to be more swolen if you've just had your band removed a few minutes ago. So it is directly tied to risks. Scar tissue cen truly be a factor. In back-to-back procedures, I'd think there always has to be give & take between scar tissue/adhesions, and sleeve. My sleeve was my 4th abdominal lap and I knew I had pretty major scar tissue. For one, I could see/feel it from the outside. For two, it actally caused be discomfort if I put pressure on my abdomen in the wrong way (like when I would read a book in bed and try to rest it on my stomach). My surgeon removed a _lot_ of tissue, and spent a little more than double his average surgery time doing it. All in all, I'm now glad I had to wait. My 2 months turned into more like 7 because of insurance. But although I initially wanted a back to back procedure, after reading up on the risk rates, seeing what I was like with scar tissue, etc. I'm truly very glad I had some down time in between. I had my band for about 6 years. The length of time you and I have had our bands (yours way longer than mine, but we're both well above the average band lifespan) plays a roll too. The longer it's in, the more adhesions, etc. can form. It makes sense that your surgeon is now indicating a 2nd procedure might be a good idea. All that said, there are lots of people here who had back to back procedures, and are doing just fine.

I hope that they are able to do it in one surgery with no complications. I know that dealing with two surgeries would be stressful AND very expensive. Hopefully the damage won't be very extensive. As for the recovery after the band removal, I don't know. I have known only a couple of people that had their bands out without getting a revision, but they didn't really talk about anything special as far as the diet. I'm sorry that I couldn't help with that part. Good luck and many prayers for you with your surgery.

I was banded this morning!!! Everything went great the dr said he did repair a small hernia (never knew I had one) other than that no complications!! Had my surgery at 9:15 and got to come home around 2:30. All in all I'm doing well, there's a faint pain on my left side but other than that in doing wonderful!! I'll talk to you all later!!

Did your surgeon give you a meal plan? 13 days out from RNY I was still on full liquids. I started puréed foods in week 4 and remained on puréed foods until week 8. Every surgeon is different, but I would be very concerned that you are pushing too much into your new pouch before it has a chance to heal in the hopes of feeling full. You should not feel hunger at this point at all. You could literally survive for several weeks on nothing but liquids. I know that probably isn't what you want to hear but it is the truth. If your doctor gave you a food plan you must follow it, if he/she didn't. Call them immediately and get one. I would hate to see you have a serious complication because you are pushing too far too fast. Oh, and you do need Protein. Applesauce is not worthless but must be eaten with the right other foods. My puréed diet included a balanced approach which actually included applesauce. Your doctor needs to provide you with specific instructions. Call them a sap.

don't ignore what your gut is telling you. I did and it caused some complications. if a band is to tight the food starts to go back up the esophagus causing spasms and pain. if you are pb'ing frequently you may cause your band to slip. so please call your doctor.

Everyone loses as different rates...stick to plan and we all pretty much end up at the same place in the end (barring any complications) P.S. I lost 11 lbs in my liquid pre-op diet (which was for 2 weeks). I ended up losing more than 1/2 my total body weight.

Well I had my band put in on Wednesday, Aug 8th. Its now Saturday, Aug 11th and I am doing okay. I came home on Thursday so today is my 2nd full day being home. I have noticed a significant decrease in the amount of pain I had originally. I feel like the more I get up and move around and push myself just a little more the better I feel. I would like to say I wasn't expecting some of the side affects though. Not sure if everyone else experienced these things or if I should be concerned but it seems like it should be normal. Basically I have been dealing with diarrhea like stools just shortly after I eat... I do believe that its called dumping syndrome and I am not sure if its like that because I am still in the all liquid diet or what but it hasn't been fun. I did realize that I had been drinking my Water at the same time as my Protein shake & Jello and I am hoping by stopping that it will help improve that. If not I am calling the office on Monday to make sure its not a complication. I will say over all though I feel pretty good and I am still happy with my decision! Sent from my DROID Pro using LapBandTalk

I had my VSG on 4/8/2013. I lost @50 pounds and gained back about 20. I have several underlying medical issues which complicate my exercise but overall I am usually good with my food intake. Over the last year, I have developed what I think is acid reflux. It is so bad that I can't lie down and my healthy eating is now becoming more bland carb-focused because that's what I tolerate best. Even drinking a protein shake can be bothersome. I have NEVER experienced this before, not during any of my 3 pregnancies or at my heaviest weight. I am miserable! I have tried over-the-counter acid reducers and eat tums like candy. I finally talked to my PCP about this yesterday, she is sending me to a GI doctor. She mentioned she wasn't sure what my anatomy would be like now. That caused me to wonder if I should actually see a bariatric surgeon? I of course started to google and found that this can happen even so long out of surgery and that sometimes revision can fix it. Honestly, I don't hate this idea as id like to lose more weight but more so I just want to feel better. My BMI is 32.1 and I have the same insurance as I did 9 years ago. I'm clearly jumping ahead of myself but was wondering if anyone has experience with anything like this?

Thank you for your responses and i can't believe the early discharges. I have a hospital stay of 2 nights so I am thankful for that just in case there might be complications. And i wish you good luck @@alycopp78 and hope you will be able to keep your liquids down.

Hi Due to some complications I have had to have 3cc removed from my band. This is the first time since being banded that I have experienced any complications. I have to admit I am having a little trouble dealing with it. I am really being tested now on how much I have actually learned about eating correctly. I have little or no restriction for the first time in over a year. I have to admit I am petrified that I am not up to the task, and that I will start to gain weight. I will eventually be able to start having fills again, but it will be a slow process. I am within 15 to 20 lbs of my goal weight. Any advise from anyone who has gone through something similar would be greatly appreciated. How do I stay on the right track?

Hi! I had my sleeve done 3/27 and initially lost 30 ponds in 4 weeks. YAY! Then I didn't lose anything and now I've gained a few pounds. It's possible that I'm PMS'ing but I'm SO sad/frustrated. I've been very vigilant w/what I'm eating and trying to exercise. I've had a few complications since the surgery including getting a kidney infection and getting put back into the hospital. I haven't been going to the bathroom which worries me. My dietician at my hospital is not very helpful and just wants me to see someone else. It's quite upsetting because I really want this to work. My drs are aware of all of this but man is is this frustrating. I did drink one day but only vodka/water and am freaked that I ruined this. I don't feel like I really know who to talk to about this with because I'm feeling like it's not working now w/the stall/weight gain SO early on. Help! Height: 5'10" Surgery Weight: 264 Current Weight: 237 Goal Weight: 160

I'm having a similar problem. Yesterday I had broth and half a Protein shake and 20 oz of Water...all day. I struggle to meet the required liquids OR protein and it's making me very worried because I don't want to end up with serious complications. I take the Vitamins daily with no problems. Drinking water made me really nauseous at first, so I switched to diet Snapple. It's been a struggle to just get the fluids down because I fill up after only three or four sips then have to wait 20 mins to try again. I finally hit 40 oz of water (out of the 48oz requirement) few days ago because I literally stayed in bed all day and obsessed about drinking, so I met the goal. Haven't had a full Premier shake yet. Been doing half the container and it holds 30 grams of protein. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and I'm bringing all this up with him. Any suggestions from the group would be welcomed! Thank you. :-)

Ohhh so sorry you're dealin wih this. I haven't had surgery yet but I do have experience with such complications from removing my gall bladder. Leaks- stents- MRSA- pancreatitis and a very long time in the hospital so I do feel for you. I'm familiar with having home health and pic lines etc and that was the pits!!! A second opinion isn't a bad idea if you honestly think your doc isn't competent enough. I feel, though, that this probabaly isn't the case and surely s/he must be consulting with others too? I would ask if you haven't already. It does seem long for you to be dealing with this. I'm sorry f this is a dumb question but did they go in and re staple/suture at all or are they addressing it by hoping it heals? Just wondering and if not- why would they not try that? Maybe they did. You will get better- what have they told you lately as prognosis and treatment planning?

First of all, good luck with your surgery and speedy recovery! Is your doctor negative on the fact that you are having the surgery in the first place or because you are going to Mexico for it? If he/she is negative on the surgery, maybe it's time to change your PCP. If it's because of you going to Mexico, that is probably just his/her perception of Mexico. There are a lot of folks in this forum that are negative on Mexico but positive of the procedure itself. I guess that is a difference of opinion. I would look at your policy or call them. There are some policies that will not cover any care relating to non emergency procedures done outside of the US. It would be worth looking into and knowing what the risks are with it. That being said, the overwhelming majority of people that have this procedure in the states or in Mexico don't have any complications and if they are they are minor. I think your Doctor just has an issue with Mexico.

It sounds like you've really got everything in hand already. You know exactly what to do and are doing it. Good for you! Don't beat yourself up for the periodic ups and downs. The occasional flutterings of doubts and fears. It's normal. And it's good that you are cognizant of the possible complications. You need to be. That's a healthy fear and its part of the process. Just keep plugging along as you have been, and you'll be fine!

I think a lot of the problem has to do with technology but with a different twist. We really don't have to think anymore. We have others that are assigned to do our thinking for us. Or technology thinks for us. Okay, I can't spell worth a damn, never have been able to do it. I can do complicated algebra equations in my head but I struggle to spell little words. I don't have to learn to spell, I can use spell checker. Ask a kid how to do an algebra problem and he HAS to pull out his calculator. He can't do it on paper but he can do it with technology. Our employers are telling us what to do and how to behave 40+ hours a week, our religious leaders are telling us who to vote for and half the time, people don't even realize that. Political leaders create laws for us to follow because we can't behave on our own, hair dryer manufacturers have to put warnings on their product not to use it in a shower. Heck, even Mickey D's has to tell you not to put hot coffee between your legs because people are so damn stupid they'll do it. They even do it WITH the warnings. We SHOULD be taking advantage of technology and increasing our knowledge and instead we depend on it to do our thinking. It's spooky.

I recently heard about Zonegran, a new drug that may help with weight loss. Here's an article about it and another drug called Axokine that makes it sound promising: http://webmd.lycos.com/content/article/63/71964.htm Now obviously, these weight loss drugs are still too new to be sure if they will be useful to MO patients. I'm surely glad I got the band! But such developments give me hope that in 5 or 10 years there may be some amazing advances in curing obesity without surgery. Perhaps something that will make it easier than it is with the band. If that is the case, I will be grateful that I chose the band instead of the RNY or DS. If some easier method of weight control comes along in a few years, I have the option to get unbanded and will be essentially back to normal. Reversing an RNY or DS is far, far more complicated and risky. So, it really makes me feel bad for all the young people out there who are going for the RNY. That is such a drastic, permanent choice to be making. The band makes sense as a first choice. The RNY and DS are only justified as last resorts, in my opinion.

hi heidisue tell them you get sick after an anaesthetic.. i did and they gave me something and i was fine! complications happen, but not to the majority of people. i'm having problems, but i know they will eventually subside. you'll probably have a good run with no problems. try to remain positive and stop reading about complications if it's upsetting you. you dont need to go in with a negative mindset. go in feeling positive that it's going to be a-ok. t

I finished all the paperwork, did the 6 month supervised diet, scheduled the surgery date (May 8) and now I wait for insurance to approve!! I have CoventryCares (Medicaid) in Pennsylvania and I've heard they take just a few days to approve. I am so very excited! After losing my job, I was in a position to qualify for Medicaid. This surgery is truly the silver lining I need. Not only will I be healthier, I will be visibly healthier and be able to present a professional appearance in the job market (right? That's how this works, right?). Anyway, my surgeon is Dr. Neale in Plains, PA (near Scranton/Wilkes-Barre). He seems very competent and has done over 125 surgeries with less than 1% complication rate (he was very honest about it). I am struggling with "food funerals" and the 2 week liquid diet really worries me. I did a trial run for three days, and it didn't seem too terrible. Plus following a liquid diet when I didn't need to made it much more difficult than when it's doctor ordered...I hope. I'm less worried about the surgery than about the possibility of loose skin. With really big thighs and a mom-of-2 belly flap, I hate that my thighs will probably have that icky loose skin that can't be covered by a one-piece bathing suit and I'll have to tuck in my belly like it's a dang dress-shirt. Never mind that, I know I'll have to roll up my boobs like a pair of socks before tucking them in my bra because those girls will be losing mass, too. TMI? Sorry. Fingers crossed the insurance company will approve it! All vanity aside, I'm really looking forward to being healthier.

I have had significant left side and shoulder pain since I got the Lap-Band placed, August 6, 2013. I know that it is due to the phrenic-vagus nerve being stimulated. This nerve has to do with breathing and eating as well as your eyes and sinuses. I had very significant pain there directly post-op, but I passed it off as gas pains. Since recovery, I have had pain there at almost all times. I have not been able to sleep on my left side for 11 months, making my right hip have joint problems (that's a whole other issue though). I am wanting to know if anyone has had experience with this? My surgeon is recommending a complete unfill, so I will have an inactive band, causing me nerve damage (I have 5cc in my 10cc band, no restriction). I understand that this pain can be common to have sporadically, but is usually not constant as it is with me. I have been in pain that is significant enough to keep me from going to work and school. Has anyone else had an experience with a complication like this? Or does anyone know of the complications that my band rubbing against a nerve could have long term? If so, what was done to treat this issue? I am only 18, so I was planning to have this band in for the long haul, not to have serious complications haha. Thanks!

You're not alone in feeling that way. I have gone through questioning every little thing, being almost TOO addicted to these boards. However, I recently posted a question that received three pages worth of responses. I simply asked, did anyone have a normal recovery? The responses were overwhelming. Several people smartly pointed out that not many post saying, "having a normal boring day feeling like myself!" when of course the bad stories stay in your brain. No one can answer for you whether it's right or not, but if you want additional perspective to balance out what really are the less common complication stories, I'd check out this thread: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/47767-anyone-have-a-relatively-easy-recovery-story/

I appreciate any advice that anyone has! I got my approval yesterday. If it was up to me, I would have this surgery tomorrow. I really want to get it behind me so I can focus on recovery and the rest of my life becoming healthy. My husband wants me to wait until after the holidays. We have friends and family coming out that we haven't seen in years and he is afraid that if I have surgery at the beginning of Dec. then while everyone is here, he thinks something will go wrong and then I will end up in the hospital and ruin the holidays. I know everyone is different. I know that recovery time is different for everyone and complications happen. I need some outside insight, I don't want to talk to my family, I am not telling anyone about my surgery yet. I haven't decided who I can count on and who I can't. Help, PLEASE!

Hi all-My name is Tad. In July, 2007, I had my lap band surgery. I have lost over 160 pounds! However, I have had some complications and will be having conversion surgery to a gastric sleeve January 23, 2012. Has any one in the forum had this conversion procedure? Tad

Guys was used as a general term. No need to complicate anything here but also not interested in chatting with any men. Thanks and best of luck to you.

My gf had the gby in 2007. I soon noticed that something more than her digestion had changed. She in a way became more "absent". Hard to explain but her personality changed: Not keen on life around her as before. Not as strong in her mind and will as before... In months things got worse. She started to loose focus; could stop in the middle of a conversation not remembering what we were talking about. Started to loose her way on familiar roads. Started to slip things out of her hand, while carrying it. After a year or so I noticed that her mathematic sense hat gone bad. Also her handwriting - which had earlier been one of the best - changed to "doctors writing", say hard to read at all. In 2010 she started to faint, or... In the middle of a conversation she could flip to absense. Like she wasn't there at all, and it could last for only seconds but also for minutes or even for hours. Sometimes she fell to the ground, other times she just sat down and stayed absent until the attac had gone. At this point I started to keep book on the "events". When did she drop Things? When did she have vision disturbances? When did she loose track on time? Also she developed sensory distrubances. She lost capability og figuring out weather something was warm or cold, humid or dry. Today my gf can't spell. She very often has a hard time remembering simple words and she can hardly finish a conversation about the weather. Often her vision is bad, like she turns blind on her left eye. Daily she has the shakes like an old drug adict. Minor events like loud noises makes her really scared and on top of it all: her hair and skin has turned 30 years older in those 7 years past surgery. - As you (hence my spelling) might have guessed, I'm from abroad. In europe NO ONE hardly ever discuss the late complications after gastric surgery. Possibly because of the big money involved (?) but I really would like to ask if anyone else has noticed neurologic changes after the surgery? It is a well known fact that gby can cause neutritional defiancies, and it's an other well known fact that just 20 days of Vitamin B defiancy can cause irreversible neurological defects. Still, it seems like it's the mistery of all times that gby could cause any symptomes like those of my girlfriends. . Most important might be to stress, that my gf has almost no feelenig of all those issues I mention above... Sure she agrees that her skin and hair has changed, and eventually she get frustrated that she can't find the Words in a conversation or her own way home after a short walk, but all in all she just doesn't remember, that she was ever any different! But how about you? Have any of you any experience of neurologic disabilities? Did someone near you change personality after surgery? . Please excuse for my bad spelling, but let me know, if any of you have any experience - and even better; if anyone knows how to stop Things from getting even worse. . . Kind regards Mogens