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I read a similar post before my surgery and it helped me a lot! I am in the same boat as you, Jason - no complications, no problems eating, loving the transformation Much luck to you in the journey!

So sad. I know my eating habits did not allow my kids to always make the healthiest choices as easy as they should be. They are getting better though. The family needed major intervention. Sadly I have a feeling the boy will have complications as the family is not making follow up appointments.

@@MIMISAN There were a lot of other complications that brought me to this possible choice. I have chronic, advanced sleep apnea, and can't tolerate a CPAP at all. My blood pressure was dangerously high, and was not responding well to medication At 276.4, I was told by my Dr. that I was right at 100-105 lbs overweight. He was more worried about the sleeping and my BP.

From what I can tell the sips is a variation of the Duadenal switch which seems to maybe have less complications?? My surgeon wants me to have the DS. Don't know if he's certified for the sips. Not sure I want the DS due to the rate of postoperative complications. Idk.

Yesterday I found out that my sleeve surgery date is Friday, July 29, 2011.....only a week and a half away. I am so excited and SOO nervous!!! I am ready to be on the other side already. If only there were a way to go to sleep then wake up and it's over. OH WAIT......that's called surgery. Well I'll just say this....I'M READY! I'm most nervous about complications and the what-if's AND the cost of the what if's. I'm a cash patient so if ANYTHING happens as a result of the surgery, I'm up a creek....or might even be 6' under. See, my insurance won't cover the surgery or any medical complications resulting from the surgery. Well that stinks. Looks like my Dr better be on his game that day. No jacking around inside my belly mister! I hope I'm one of the 'good' statistics. I guess I should start praying now. I'm nervous about throwing up, being nauseous, not losing weight, hair falling out, saggy 'girls', mushy stomach....I could go on but I think you get the picture. I begin my pre-op diet this Friday, one week from my surgery. I've already warned folks that it would be best to not talk to me next week.....I might be SLIGHTLY on edge. Hey, it's fair to warn them. If they cross my threshold, whether at work or at home, it's at their own risk. Heck, they might even get eaten. I'm trying to decide what I want my 'last meal' to be - I love Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese.....do I need to go on? NO!!!!! That's why I got here! Oh well, whatever it is I KNOW it will be AWESOME! That leads me to where I am today.......WAITING!!! Excited and Nervous! I am so thankful that my family is supporting me. My confidence is growing with their words of encouragement. I must go for now...I just wanted to share my thoughts and feelings. Thanks in advance to all of you on this site. It has REALLY helped me - it helped with my decision, learning do's and don't's, what to take to the hospital, what to purchase for after the surgery, etc. I have been a reading-fool on this site. LOVE IT!

Me too! It was scheduled before I even thought of WLS. I breathed into a tube, was out within seconds, and then awake again before I knew it. No complications. I arrived at 9:00 am and left not more than 2 hours later. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine!

I agree. GERD is a potential side effect of the sleeve. It's a minority who get it, but a large enough minority that it's a known complication. Keep on top of it -- because MsMocie is correct - unmanaged GERD can lead to more serious problems down the road.

I didn't have it to begin with. I had a hole in my diaphragm and my stomach was slipping up into that hole and twisting cutting off all blood flow to my stomach. (Form of hiatial hernia). When my stomach would come back down it stretched more and more causing what appeared to be an extra stomach. My surgeon didn't know that until getting in there. He said he wanted to cut that part out but was afraid the insurance would see it as a partial bs and decline the claim so he used it as a wrap. My surgery was very complicated and took about 5 hrs to do.

I think you made a good choice! Don't do anything you are not emotionally, mentally, and physically ready for. I am also 265, but my BMI is 50. I thought I wanted Gastric Bypass about 10 years ago, but it didn't work out with insurance and I felt as though I just needed to give it go on my own as well. Now here we are ten years later and I still haven't been able to keep the weight off. Plus with gastric sleeve being less invasive and having less complications, i felt as though now was my time. I wish you well on your weight loss journey! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Try to get at least 600 calories for the above reason; you may have enough body "fat" to function, but you still need calories as well. I found in the beginning of I was running to short, I'ld just sip on a glass of skim milk at the end of the day or make another shake if I could stand the thought of it! It is important to get the minimum of calories in so that you have some energy to get through your day- you'll still lose! Just be sure to get vitamins, protein and fluids in each day to avoid any complications. On Feb. 11th I had my 4 month surger-versary and can tell you that some days I can eat more than 600 calories and on others, if I'm busy and not focusing on my meals, I'll eat a lot less. The hunger isn't there (at least not half as strong as it was pre-op) so the preoccupation with food lessons more and more. Feeling healthy, for me, is just as important as the scale moving lower and my clothes getting looser! So be sure to give your body all the fuel it needs to do what it needs to do; lose the extra weight and make you a healthier you! Good luck!

I'm 3 days post op n no serious complications. Came home yesterday n only real complaint is back pain. Today walking around n sitting on my recliner to ease. So funny, on the day of surgery I almost walked out while getting prepped also. Lol

Wow great job!!!! That is amazing!!! Stories like yours give me hope! I have had my band for 9 years and I have been dealing with horrible acid reflux for the past two and a half years, and now I have found I have a small slip and it may need a revision. I'm so terrified of surgery, I'm so afraid I won't wake up or I'll have a horror story ( I read the complication forum first ????) like a leak or I won't be able to stop losing weight etc. I am glad I read your post! It has eased my mind a little in case I do have to have my band revised to the sleeve

So I'm about 1 week about of surgery, but while in the hospital there were complications so I needed another surgery, which required to be an open surgery. It's about from right below my breast bone to my belly button. For the past week I haven't been able to sleep at all because of the pain from my stomach, and thriving pain in my tail bone, and I can't sleep on my stomach. When will I be able to sleep on my side or stomach. I'm beginning to really get frustrated

Sherrie Jo, Almost the same thing happened to me. I was going to Mexico and then my insurance said they would pay 100% in the states. So I went to the states and put my money into a mutual fund. Save your money as the doctors in Mexico are making enough. I wish I could make 10k for 45 minutes work. I think if the surgeon is in the states with a reputable instituiton with the follow you would need then stick to the USA!!!! Otherwise you will have to find fills from someone not familiar with you. Stick to the local doctor and any possible complications can be addressed in your area.... peace

Trac75 Do you have medical insurance? If yes, that why you were not offered the bliss insurance. If you don't have medical insurance you may want to inquire about the bliss insurance. Your medical insurance will cover any surgery or procedure that is considered medically necessary. It has nothing to do with if your lap band was covered or not. There is no gray area if you have complications from your lap band. The lap band itself is a gray area, that's why there is criteria (because it can be considered for cosmetic reasons). If you have band erosion, slippage, etc., nothing about that is cosmetic. You may have to enlighten your doctor office on billing with the correct diagnosis and procedure code if you develop complications. The risk for complication is low with lap banding. Anything is possible (even for simple dental surgery) but try to stay positive.

Hi Mieko, I am about 5 days post op. I had a Mini Gastric Bypass. I have had 3 other surgeries prior to this one (c-section, gallbladder, ovarian cyst) so it wasn't my first rodeo... but I was still a bit nervous. For me, it mainly just felt really surreal. The great thing about anesthesia is that you close your eyes.. then you open them and it's done! There is no concept of time so it feels like it happens in a blink. Day 1: When they brought me back to my room I was suuuper groggy and tired for the rest of that day. I was still able to walk around and I didn't have any pain at all, really. I did have a LITTLE discomfort from gas bubbles but it was so minor and I just went hard on Gas-X strips to make sure it stayed that way. I walked a lot on the first day, it was easy to do and it felt nice to get out of my room. The first night was very hard to sleep. Not because of pain or anything.. but I would just randomly wake up every 45min or so. The IV was annoying and the drain made it uncomfortable to move certain ways. Day 2: All of the grogginess was gone, I felt alert and more like myself. I had to drink a lot of fluid on this day so the gas was a lot more uncomfortable and caused a little pain but it wasn't awful. Still did my walking and sipping etc. By that evening I had my leak test and they removed my drain and IV (honestly the IV was the worst part for me) and they let my husband and I walk around the mall for about an hour that was across the street. Walking in the mall was pretty difficult that day. It was easy to walk, but walking at a faster pace was nearly impossible. I took a lot of breaks. That night, they gave me a Valium and I slept like a baby. Day 3: Woke up early feeling fantastic and ready to head home. Used an abdominal binder to help with the bumps in the road along the 9+ hour drive home. IT WAS A LIFE SAVER. I highly recommend it for the first few days after you leave the hospital. I was in a little pain when I got home... probably from the long ride even though we stopped every hour or so. That night was awful. I couldn't get comfortable no matter how many pillows I wedged underneath myself. Day 4: I hardly got any sleep and woke up sore from all of the adjusting and readjusting all night. I was tired all day and just altogether not a happy camper. I didn't walk as much as I should have but still managed to drink what I was supposed to. Still wasn't hungry, didn't miss food. That night I took a suggestion to wedge pillows on either side of me to help prevent the urge to roll over.. it worked! I slept great. Day 5: OHHH what a difference one day and a good night's sleep can make. Day 5 was a breeze. Went shopping, did some light cleaning, cooked dinner for the family. I missed food quite a bit more this day. Not really cravings or hunger.. but it just felt wrong that I hadn't eaten anything in so long. I missed chewing I guess? lol I LOVE to smell food but I don't have much of a desire to eat it. Water went down so much smoother today and the protein drinks weren't as much of a chore. Slept fine, was even able to get rid of most of the pillows. Day 6: That's today! I woke up feeling fine. Drove today for the first time, no issues. Bumpy roads don't bother me anymore. Sick and tired of sweet stuff. Sweet protein drinks, sweet vitamins, sweet popsicles... I'm a bit grumpy today, woke up feeling like ''am I skinny yet?'' but I'm doing what I have to do and drinking down this protein and counting down the days to eating a real meal... to be continued... I had 0 complications and my hospital stay was 2 days. I don't regret the surgery because I know that in the long run all of this will be worth it. It isn't fun at first but I know it gets better. These feelings will never be as bad as how I feel being fat. A few things I wish I knew or I'm glad I knew: 1. SOME people have gas pain. SOME people have nausea. SOME people have acid reflux. Don't be afraid because of someone else's experience. We are all affected differently and there is no point in stressing about things until they happen. 2. DO NOT let people project their fears on to you. MANY MANY people will tell you not to do this or not to do that because *insert scary reason here*. For me, it was about which procedure I chose and where I chose to have it. There were fears about mal-absorption etc. I chose that procedure because it was the best fit FOR ME. I and SO GLAD I didn't let them talk me out of it. Another one was about the fact that I decided to have it done in Mexico. I had AMAZING care in Mexico and if I had to do it again, I'd go to the same place. Just trust yourself and the decisions you've made and the research you've put in. Don't let people's fears sway you. 3. Don't go crazy having all of the things you'll miss eating. It seems like a good idea.. and it probably wouldn't hurt to do it once or twice.. but don't go overboard. All the weight that you'll put on from doing that (even just 5lbs) will be weight you'll have to lose and you'll probably regret it. Having this surgery isn't the end of eating. There will be times where you can enjoy a cheat day. Now that this is the longest post ever I think I'm done. Sorry its so long lol

Find distractions! This soon post op you could really cause complications depending on what you ate. Head hunger is a bitch! Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

No I was originally sleeved but converted to RNY But if you have the sleeve (with no complications) it was originally created to be 1/2 of the DS (and I guess now SIPS) process. RNY Is the progression to control reflux (what I had) If I had weight regain (but no reflux) with my sleeve I would have seriously considered DS/SIPS Speak with your surgeon and they will conduct testing which will ultimately make the final recommendations. Good Luck 💙

hi i am a dr/gp in australia banded late january-vhappy with it overall-but thought i'd respond re your left shulder pain.i have also bn troubled by this and found it dffcult to access information on it.mine started within a few days of the surgery and initially i thought it was gas under the diaphragm irritating the phrenic nerve (which also innervates the shoulder area), a well known usually short term complication of any laparoscopic abdominal surgery.however it persisted,not every day,and typically peaking in the early eveningfor a few hours,not seemingly meal related.antiinflammatories and pain relievers gave a little relief only.lying on my right side with my arm above my head gave the most relief (but was a bit hard to manage on work days!).my surgeon thought it probably related to irritation from where the base of the band is tethered by a stitch to the left crus (a ligament/ttendon thing)of the diaphragm.he has been doing the surgeries for many yrs,does a lot,and has an excellent reputation.he said he's only had a few people over the years with this problem,and only one required repeat surgery to remove (or was it just adjust?)the band and her pain was quite severe and persisted all day for months.i hope this helps.if there is breathlessness or fever or your medical histtory is complex i'd see your dr and surgeon to rule out other causes eg cardiac,pleurisy,clots in lungs etc and probbly a ood idea anyway,but maybe your reason is the same as mine.good luck-i'd be keen to know how you get on.

Hi, my name is Jennifer Gilligan and I had my gastric sleeve back on November 14, 2014. I have had no complication to date and have lost a total of 120lbs to date!!! My goal weight is 135, so I have about 11 more pounds to lose! When I am at my goal weight for 6 months my insurance said they will pay for me to have the excess slin roved!! I can not wait for that to happen!!! I started my journey last Feb at a whopping 275 lbs at 5'4", I was totally round! It hard getting use to my new body!! The only problem I am having is losing my hair, even though I am talking 10,000 micrograms of Biotin everyday along with my vitamins!!! I use to have . Beautiful thick hair that people would die for, now I look like I'm going thru chemo!!! Anyway, if anyone needs to talk Im a good listener, just message me!!!

I have Regence Blueshield of Idaho insurance and they specifically exclude any treatment or surgery related to weight loss, including complications that arise from any such treatments. (Despite paying over $3500 in premiums to them every year....F.....ers!) anyways, I've researched several other insurance companies in Idaho and they are all the same (ditto to previous exclamation). Does anyone have individual insurance in Idaho that has had bariatric surgery covered? I'm going to self pay for the surgery itself because I'm not about to kiss their as....es and jump though all their hoops, but I was hoping to have coverage for any post op complications that may arise. Thanks!

I'm pre-op and still not 100% about actually getting the surgery. This post might be a mess. 1.My dietician is saying because I am young (26) I should get the sleeve because there are less complications but I already have heartburn. I did a barium swallow and she says I don't have reflux but do have a small hernia. 2.Another is not eating and drinking at the same time is SO difficult. And I'm worried that I'll regain from it being able to do it. 3.My SO isn't too thrilled about it because he's worried about complications and that I won't be good at post-op lifestyle changes and that's a little discouraging. I'm hardly taking his opinion into consideration though. 4.And lastly, does anyone post-op have something similar to dumping? Diarrhea, runny stools, frequent bathroom trips etc? Sent from my SM-S515DL using BariatricPal mobile app

My surgery is in Tuesday. There are quite a few women who have been very successful at my old job (on COBRA) so I'm still covered. My sister had the sleeve not too long ago and from what my mom says she doesn't sound like she has lost weight and may need surgery for scarring. She's been having issues with it. She lives in the Middle East. My doctor does less lap band now than the other procedures but is well known for all of these surgeries, so I'm not worried about that. He still is going to do the lap band for me, he says less are asking for the lap band. Just getting nervous about the negative things I see out there about complications. Oh and my mom had a gastric bypass years ago and now has osteoporosis since she doesn't absorb Calcium. I've got a small area of osteopenia of my lower spine which I'm taking calcium supplements and picked up upper body weights. I broke my knee 3 years ago and had to stop Impact exercise which stimulates bone growth. I swim, ride my bike a few miles and go to the gym. I just need not to be hungry. I've been eating less theses past few months also. Anyway. Just nervous. I'll do anything not to throw up that's the worst thing in the world for me. I know I can follow the instructions on how to eat what to eat and exercise. I'm a RN also.

Post op is harder. Because preop is your choice to make and has no restriction to deviate. So difficulty itself isn't an issue. Post op is when you feel yourself has changed and you need to adapt safely to this not create any complication but also to provide yourself with bare minimum of nutrients and Vitamin to keep functioning well. So it is a lot of hard work afterwards. Ups and downs mainly up is what we hope for. But no one said it will be easy. I'm day 2 post op. Getting discharged today. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, Fredric, I am complicated! Add Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to the mix, and... What a mess! This is why it's been so hard to get any weight off. Thank you, Sharpie, for your words of experience regarding diabetes. Unfortunately, my primary care doctor is out for a month due to her own illness. I will get her back in the loop before I have any surgery. I have appointments on 3/11 and 3/20 for all the tests and meetings with psych and nutrition, ect. I'll also be going to Joslin Diabetes Hospital for a consult. Fingers crossed! Thanks again!