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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!

What I was reading was the bypass is a lot safer and a lot if people are having to cross over from lap band to RNY. I'm sure you won't have AS MANY complications tho.. if none at all. I would think having a foreign object in your body would cause issues alone. ~Leticia **HW: 259**PreOp: 216**SURG: 3/21/13 **Discharged @: 221**34 days post op. CW: 191.0 lbs. ---ONE-DERLAND ---

I have been banded for 5 weeks. Whenever I inhale deeply I swear I can feel where my band is. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. In the morning it feels the same way, kinda of tight, and as the day goes it loosens and I barely notice it's there. It really depends on the day. On my post op visit dr. didn't seem too concerned. It has gotten better over the last few weeks but it hasn't gone away. Does anyone else feel their band? I have no problems swallowing, nothing comes back up and I haven't had problems with any food. Minimal complications.... So far I have lost 20 lbs. and I feel fantastic. Going for a fill soon. I have lost most of my weight in my belly area and it seems like my port has shifted position. It hasn't flipped it just feels like it maybe shifted? I can still press on the site with my fingers and feel it. Am I just paranoid? Has one else had their port shift? Thank everyone!

You should try contacting your insurance company(s) directly to ask if post-op complications would be covered. I was assured they would when I contacted my insurance. The comparison they gave me was that it's like smoking. People choose to smoke and their insurance covers medical complications due to smoking. It's the same with people choosing to have elective surgery.

I had my lap band surgery last Wednesday (November 9). I had to spend the night in the hospital because I had a large hiatal hernia that had to be repaired. Two days after surgery, there was redness and pain at the site of my port. Back to clinic for strong antibiotics which are now causing diarrhea. I'm drinking lots of liquids and 3 Protein shakes a day (20g. each). Today is the first day I'm beginning to feel better. I go see my surgeon tomorrow morning to check the port site. If any of you are prayer warriors, I could use some prayer to heal this infection so they don't have to operate again. Although I've had complications, I am still glad I did this. I had great reservations the week before and almost canceled it. Now, I'm focusing on the long-term benefits and looking forward to a healthier me! Thanks for prayers.

Hi all, Im new around here and will be going to the Bariatric Orientation tonight so Im obviously just beginning with the journey. My question is, where can I find reliable statistics on the 3 main weightloss surgeries? I'm trying to read up on stats of complications, etc so I weight all the possibilities. Can you help? Thanks! Lori

I was self pay Memphis, TN as well. Approximately 15k for gastric sleeve at COE. Attended 2 classes, psych, blood work, and EGD which was done in April. I could have scheduled surgery within 2 weeks after initial visit but waited to celebrate my and significant other birthdays. I was concerned about complications but I prayed about it and left it in God's hands. So far I am 6 weeks and have been doing well.

You need to listen to what your doctor tells you. I found out at the support group meeting that patients done by the same doctor may have been given different instructions so at my first post-op appt. I asked him about it. First thing, he has changed some of his instructions from when he did a band lets say for example a year ago. Secondly, the instructions given pre-op are general instructions. These may change once the surgery is actually done. There may have been complications, something he found once he was in there, etc. Or you may be one of the lucky ones and everything go as he said about my surgery "about as perfect as I could have hoped for". Then things can change down the road like they have for me. Bummer! I was losing a significant amount of weight the first 3 months post op and now I swear I just lose and gain the same 2 pounds. Seems like I am stuck at this plateau. I go for another fill in a few weeks so I am hoping that it helps. But we all know this is a long journey, not a quick fix so I am being patient. If quicker was my only consideration I would have chosen bypass. I had many variables that made me decide on the band instead so I will take it slow and steady. Good luck and hang in there. You are doing super fantastic.

I found out I've eroded (30%) and my bands coming out-I wondered if there is an US doc thats known for removels? What complications folks have had after erosion/removal-anything else you'd want to share-thanks

Just thought I'd share this so hopefully I can help others avoid complications. (Sorry for the graphics) Last Thursday I noticed a weird sensation vaginally as I used the restroom. When I proceeded to investigate I discovered my Mirena, was not were it should be it had fallen out of my uterus. So immediately I contacted my OB who says due to the fact that we have no idea when it moved, there is a large chance that I could be pregnant and not only that but I have lost 100lbs since my 11-13-12 surgery which would mean that birth-control might not work as well. Now if I would have had normal GB I don't think I would be as concerned as I am. But because I have had so many complications I am very worried. So for all you women who have mirena please be cautious I was I went a month ago to make sure it had not moved and I was assured it wasn't going anywhere. So if you feel something's off go with your instincts. P.s if any one can suggest a birth control we can absorb well please let me know THANK'S!!!

My mouth wants crackers with my soup,but my head reminds me that I can cause serious complications Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

There are less complications and easier recovery, Same results, cost less as well

It is always best to lose as much as you can. It makes your recovery much easier on you. Also, makes the surgery so much smoother for the surgeon. It shrinks your liver making it easier for the surgeon to work around. Any weight you can lose will only benefit you!! I lost almost 60lbs before my surgery and mine was successful and I have had no complications or troubles. I was able to go back to work in only 7 days and I feel great! My dr. said that he wished all of his paitents would follow his advice as I did! I also don't have very far to get to goal!! DOUBLE BONUS!! Do what you can to get some weight off before surgery. It will make your life easier afterwards Best of luck to you! Kelly

Oh my Gad many complications, I had just 7 month and I don feel good to, ihad complication in my surgery, but. The true sometime I feel sad I don't have the same energy when I have a lot a weigh the surgery its not easy. How you feel now? Hope you feel beter....

For me blue cross covered either the removal or the revision due to complications. But once removed you would be starting fresh and need to be approved for the procedure.that means going through all the steps. For my revision the only thing I needed to go through was a demonstrated complication. Nothing else mattered. No BMI or weight or comorbidities needed.

Hi Deborah, happy to here from you, omg you lose 45 plus. Congrats!!! How is your aunt and daughter doing? I am down 32 pounds and Iove my sleeve. No complications at all. Feeling good. I am just walking, but next week I want to start with weights. Keep in touch. Johanna

Well so you know, we are on the same page... I have been doing crazy research and Ofcourse being scared is natural ... It would be unnatural if you or we werent scared because it is a major sugery but one that most definitely will save our lives. I went to a vgs seminar and learned that obese people live forty years less than what our life expectancy normally would be and I just lost a friend who died last week diabetic, obese and a smoker. He was only 53 and although I was a little scared about the surgery, well I'm not now. The more research you do and the more informed you are the more confident you will be that this Is the right choice. Look I'm young but I'm diabetic and overweight. I feel like I'm super old and can't do half of what I used to do. It's a struggle just to do the basic things around he house. And before getting to his point in my life, I had a full time job and tons of energy. Obesity is a disease that needs to be treated with urgency and care if not we will face many horrible complications later in life and it's a sad slow death if we do nothing. So be positive, jump on the sleeve bandwagon and stay on this site. People here are highly armed and educated to fight this battle together! Nice meeting you and good luck partner!! Sent from my htc evo 3D using VST

Hi you must work with your surgeon and do whats best for you my surgeon would not even consider the band and very few doctors would or insurance covers it because of complications , I would think about what is best for you and how much weight you want to loose and the success rate of all. I had no complications and very little pain. I would research everything and work with my surgeon to make the best decision, you should ask your surgeon as well as yourself why he choose the bypass over the band. Good luck.

There will be a day when parents aren't always accepting and supportive. I finally told my parents about the VSG and the possibilities last week. They reacted in different ways. One reaction - Research and make sure you know what you're getting into. Well duh! Another reaction was that my mom sent an email on how to cheaply lose weight the "old fashion" way Another was unexpected - an email from my aunt telling me about all these people who she knows has died or major complications. The upside is that I've been able to see that my boyfriend is there for me and will be with me along the way, as he's always said he would.

Jenah, I've been living in "fear" since 4 days before surgery. I cried and stressed daily. It was AWFUL. I called to cancel the day before and then felt I had to let someone know how I felt so I went to the hospital. I tried "canceling" at each step of check-in. I'm sure the doctors and residents thought I was a mess. I cried and cried and just went through the motions. My fears have not ended. Now I fear complications! I know it's useless, as I'm beyond the point of no return but everything has been easier than I imagined even after terrible nausea and dry heaves! My dad kept saying, "do you even remember what you've put yourself through and why you are here? Stay focused on your goals and put it in God's hands." I'm doing well but still have fears... Be strong. You can always message me and you can cry and b***h and moan and ill TOTALLY understand. Sometimes I feel bad because I wonder what people on this site think of all my fears??? But I'm on the other side now and you will be too! :-)

Since you mentioned you've posted several times about already having a "stall", I will respond with a excerpt from an article written on Bariatriceating.com because it may be of interest to you: Your internal surgical wounds must heal – this is no time to go to the mall, out to dinner, visiting friends and on vacation. Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid & soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. NO alcohol for a year… NON-negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough Water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan. I personally like their no-nonsence approach to this life altering surgery we've all had. Also, yes to wait staff looking strangely at us but it won't last long. I found it harder for them when I wouldn't want to order anything to drink since we can't drink while eating. Now I tell them, "No thank you, I don't drink when eating". I've been asked "why?" many times. I then tell them how no one should because it doesn't allow your food to be properly digested when liquid is present. 95% of them tell me they're going to try it. I wish you nothing but success

To answer your question about funny stares, the answer is yes. Get used to it. Keep in mind food servers mostly want to make sure you are satisfied with your meal. The best thing you can do is tell them to bring a to go box when they bring your food because you will be taking most of it home. In terms of eating out at this point, if you feel up to it and it makes you feel better go for it. You are a grown up and know what the rules are in terms of what you can or should not do. You decide whether or not you will be successful and you decide whether or not you will have complications from doing what you are not supposed to. At 3.5 weeks I was barely able to get down 2 tablespoons of puréed food. I certainly was not in a position to to drink wine nor eat and drink at the same which is one of the rules. I wish you the best of luck and hope all goes well in the future.

That pre-op liquid diet is a killer. It is very very tough, both physically and emotionally. Headaches, hunger, crankiness, crying. Your body will adapt in a few days. and I promise that you won't feel like this once you are post-op. This is just the painful kick start to your journey. Staying positive is really important. Drink a lot of water to flush the toxins out, and have a lot of broth so that you feel like you sat down to a meal. Please follow your surgeon's instructions. My surgeon told me after my surgery that he could tell I followed instructions and that his job is so much easier when patients follow the pre-op instructions. (and making our surgeon's job easier means less risks and complications for us). Please think of it this way... these are pre-operative instructions from your surgeon and must be followed to the letter to reduce your risk of complications and improve your surgical outcome. It is not the same as cheating on a diet or ignoring your nutritionist's advice, which will just slow your weight loss. Hang in there. it won't always be this hard

I'm not a person to take risks and all I'm saying is, really; for me, going to Mexico is too risky. And expensive, out of pocket which is not an option for me right now. I'm half Hispanic/native American, I'm afraid they wouldn't let me leave. LOL And I'd get picked on for not speaking spanish. (no, i'm not illegal) But anyways, I was just stating an opinion. There's so many loops that we have to get thru for the insurance and surgeon and I don't mind them because I know I'll be ready. For example, Kaiser requires a full psych evaluation and group/individual sessions. I like that. Being able to vent to a psych who specializes in bariatric patients and has probably seen it all, is very comforting to me. CUZ I'm scared! I want to do it but I'm so scared about the surgical complications, not being able to stay away from my old eating habits, or gaining it back. There's a whole team I'm accountable to; dieticion, nutritionist, a nurse who calls me periodically to check in, the pshychologist and the surgeon. I was born with no thyroid so having this team, for me, is what I feel I need. I'm sure it's not everyone's preference. I was dead set against this surgery til a few months ago. Actually, I was set against the gastric bypass but then they told me about the sleeve and I jumped on board. I've watched so many youtube videos of people who have had the courage to do this and they inspired me. As for the money, I know they all make a mint, here and all over the world.