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Let me start with saying the band is the MOST invasive surgery, not the least because the complication rate is so high (around 50%) that you could require more surgeries...that is my definition of pretty invasive. I can can post a link to a whole host of those studies if you would like, I had to have my band removed and revised to rny. I chose rny because it is the gold standard been around for decades and proven to work. Sleeve hasn't been around for 10 years yet, so after my mistake of using the band when it was still new...wasn't gonna do that again. Also I developed acid reflux from the band and I knew the sleeve could make it worse and rny often cures it. Also I liked the extra insurance with malabsorption...most sleevers don't dump, the majority of rnyers do with the rny. I liked that it was insurance should I make bad food choice. I don't ever plan have another bariatric surgery. Both sleeve and rny require additional Vitamins. I like the Patches..easy to use and don't know they are there. Having said all this the sleeve is getting close to the 10 year mark and looking like a good alternative to rny. It was my backup if the band had done too much damage and an rny couldn't be done.

I got my band in 10 1/2 years ago. I love my band...don't get me wrong, I have had plenty of struggles, some of them severe. But I have lost 134 pounds and have stayed withing 5 to 10 pounds of my current weight 142 for a few years. I have had my fill completely removed several times and the refilling process is almost always grueling. But then I get to my sweet spot and the weight comes off. That brings me to my current problem...about 2 1/2 months ago, I began to have serious reflux problems. You know what I mean...regurgitating acid through the night, cough, hoarse throat, nausea, etc. I did research on the proper GERD/reflux diet and made lifestyle changes, which I tracked. I have been on Dexilant--off and on--for 4 or 5 years. I finally went to my Gastrointestinal doc and she ordered and endoscopy and doubled my Dexilant dosage. Other than a small hyatal hernia, everything inside looked okay. So my doc scheduled a CT scan of my abdomen with and without contrast. They called me this morning to say It looks like my band has slipped and they wanted an Upper GI done. I called my bariatric surgeon's office and am waiting for them to call back to schedule. Needless to say, I am really freaked out! With this going on for almost 3 months, I am so worried about what may be going on and what damage might have occurred. I have put off dealing with this, and over the years, other physical problems related to my band, because I don't want them to take it out or unfill it. I still want to lose some more weight! On top of all that, my only daughter is getting married in 2 months! Does anyone have a story that will encourage me? I don't want a sleeve or other gastric surgery. Is it inevitable that the band will have to be removed? Help!!!!!

So, my surgery was approved, and I was scheduled to have my procedure on the 9th of April 2012. Well, yesterday I received a phone call stating that I'll have to bring $4500 in order to receive services. I was completely devastated. I literally cried myself to sleep. Throughout this entire process, the fact that I'd have to come out of pocket for anything but my remaining deductible ($1500) was never mentioned. I have United Healthcare, Choice Plus, and they've implemented a Bariatric Resource Service program that covers expenses associated with the surgery, yet I still have to come out of my pocket $3000 and it doesn't make sense why. I've tried calling for additional information, but my case manager and the representative at the surgeon's office didn't provide me with much insight. Is anyone else familiar with this plan, and how it operates? I felt so defeated yesterday, I was going to give up, but I can't, too much is riding on this surgery. Thanks for reading, Sandi

Hi, Everyone! I'm the database administrator for bariatric surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview in Baltimore. I'm also on the planning committee for the Baltimore 2007 Walk From Obesity. Walks are being held across the country this September and October -- if you're interested in walking or donating, please visit The Walk from Obesity and choose the link on the right hand side to find a walk in your area. If you're near Baltimore and you're interested in joining Hopkins, St. Agnes, Sinai, and St. Joe at the walk, I encourage you to register and attend! Several walking courses are planned for people of all walking abilities, and the course, which runs through the Camden Yards/Ravens Stadium area, is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. If you're not able to attend but you're interested in sponsoring me, you can do so here: Baltimore, MD - General Donation **All of the money raised by the walk goes to support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Action Coalition's obesity research, education, training, and prevention.** Thanks! Lisa

Hmmm... every study I've seen does demonstrates that the band is safer than the sleeve. It is less effective however and more likely to lead to minor complications that may require additional surgery. But definitely fewer deaths - at least in the short term (longterm, more bandsters may die of obesity-related conditions than sleevers due to lower effectiveness). Just did a quick search and came across this sample data: http://asmbs.org/resources/studies-weigh-in-on-safety-and-effectiveness-of-newer-bariatric-and-metabolic-surgery-procedure From this article: In one study, Stanford University researchers analyzed safety data from nearly 270,000 metabolic and bariatric surgeries performed between 2007 and 2010. Nearly 16,000 of the procedures were sleeve gastrectomies, which had a 30-day serious complication rate of less than one percent (0.96%), compared to a rate of 1.25 percent for gastric bypass and one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) for gastric banding. The 30-day mortality rate for sleeve gastrectomy was 0.08 percent, while the rate for gastric bypass was 0.14 percent and 0.03 percent for gastric banding. These mortality and complication rates are lower than those typically associated with gallbladder or hip replacement surgery.

Here is the email I sent out following my surgery to family and friends. Well I finally was released from the hospital on Sunday, Sept 14. I had some issues swallowing the liquid vicodin (way too sweet and thick). I had to wait to come home until I could swallow pills since the liquid wasn't hitting me very well. First of all I have to say that the staff at Blodgett Hospital (in Grand Rapids) on the Bariatric Floor and Dr.'s Foote and Kemmeter (from MMPC Weight Loss Specialists) were awesome!!! The staff on the 4C were amazing. They were helpful in any way they could. They were encouraging and never once made you feel like you were taking the easy way out. Requests for assistance were promptly responded to. I saw Dr. Foote and Kemmeter in the hospital as well and they were also great for support and answering questions. While Dr. Foote was my surgeon, Dr. Kemmeter ended up in the OR with him as well because of some minor issues that came up. The morning of the surgery was a little tense, but I think I was just anxious about getting shots and the full meaning of this surgery. I broke down a little bit in "pre-op" holding because the woman next to me had her blood thinner shot before I did and completely freaked out over it!! Like screaming in agony freaked out...needless to say when the nurse arrived to give me my shot, I was very nervous and broke out in tears. Needles freak me out and after having two kids, I have gotten use to shots, but after hearing her response, I was not looking forward to that particular shot. The nurse was very reassuring and informed that it was a small sting and the sting continued for a slight time after the shot. I calmed down enough and she gave me the shot. I had to stop myself from laughing too loud, because it was a piece of cake. Thankfully it didn't hurt because I had to have the shot twice a day while I was in the hospital. The anestigiolost came in and asked a few questions and then got me ready to take back to the OR about 10:05. My surgery was scheduled for 10:15. I vaguely remember giving Tim and my mom a kiss and then the trip back to OR starting. I don't know if anything else was said, but my doctor's office gives a med in the IV that causes you to "forget" what happens going into OR. I woke up in the recovery room around 4 pm. I dont remember much about that, except that it sounded like they were trying very hard wake me up. They also kept saying "everything is fine..." and I heard a few murmurings about how "she has been through a lot, but she is doing well." They took me up to my room and I talked briefly with Tim and my mom. Tim stayed for a while, but my mom had to leave to go get my kids some dinner. Tim told me a little bit about the surgery including the fact that I ended up with a "Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy" instead of a Duodenal Switch. I knew this was a possibility and I was okay with that. I took my first walk around the floor around 8:30 and then repeated it every 4 hours. The nursing staff did a great job of trying to time their vital checks so they were right before my walking time. The next morning Dr. Foote came in and explained a little bit more about what happened. It appears that I did need to have my gallbladder out. It was in bad shape and he felt that it would help with my recovery. Then they did the sleeve portion of the surgery, which involved removing a portion of my stomach. They also removed my appendix which is sometimes done in preparation for the Duodenal Switch. After removing the appendix, Dr. Foote noticed that I had something that is sometimes referred to as a "2nd appendix". It really isn't an appendix, but it needed to be removed. After doing this, he measured my intestines to make sure there was enough to perform the "switch". He was a little concerned about the intestines being too tight. While doing the measurements, he found a small mass on the outside of my upper intestine and the bottom of my stomach. At this point, I believe he called Dr. Kemmeter in to the OR for a second opinion. Because of the location of the mass and not knowing the nature, they determined that completing the Switch would not be in my best interest. If I had already had the switch done and then the mass needed to be removed, it may have caused some issues. They decided to just complete the first portion and give me the sleeve only. Because of all of the things they ended up doing, I did end up with a small drain in while I was at the hospital. They did do a biopsy of the mass and sent it to pathology to be tested. On Friday morning, Dr. Foote informed that the mass was benign. He still wants me to see a specialist to monitor it, but he felt confident that it would not need to be removed. I did great with getting around at the hospital. By sunday morning, I really felt like by the time I got home, I would be able to do without the pain meds. However, when they removed the drain tube, I realized that the pain meds would def be a necessity. Unfortunately I have to take 2 to lay down, but when I take 2, I have a harder time sleeping.

i did some additional digging, and asked 2 co workers for assistance in research.. Dr Mast specializes in breast reconstruction where as Dr Cheng specializes in all the contouring. I have decided to go with Dr. Cheng for the arm, thigh and tummy tuck. While i want the breast lift done, it is least of my priorities. I will decide down the road, and if i end up doing it, it will probably be Dr. Mast since that is his specialty unless Dr. Cheng and i come up with a different plan. there are 2 other reasons.. Dr Cheng is local, and part of the hospital where i attend support group meetings but did not have the surgery. According to the folks at the support group, if anything is done via their hospital then that automatically makes me part of their bariatric program instead of having to pay a 300 fee to get in, just to get further follow ups if needed. I do not foresee needing them as i will be a year out in 9 days and have not had any issues (knock on wood). but if the need arises, choosing Dr Cheng also provides me that benefit of seeing their bariatric drs, without having to foot an extra cost.

mlsf, Do you have some insurance coverage, just not for bariatric surgery? I will need to talk to the staff at my surgeons about this, since testing confirmed a hiatal hernia. My insurance does cover that, so in my case I thought it was good that it is billed as a separate surgery. Otherwise the 3500 extra that the surgeon changes to sew up the hernia would be out-of-pocket for me. (if included in the lap-band surgery)

Yes I have insurance, but does not cover Bariatric Surgery for my low BMI. It's not the fact that I had a hernia repair that I am upset about, It's the fact that they charged a complete surgery in the amount of $9,500 just for the Hernia in addition to the $15,000 lapband surgery.

Well before surgery It was Food, Food, got to find my food, got to eat quick before someone else finds it and takes it away! I am an "only,child" but I acted like I hadv6 starving little brothers. Could eat an entire Family-sized bag of Lays Barbeque Chips at one sitting, watching TV, and not even feel like I had eaten. Now, if I feel hungry and that seldom happens, I heat,up,a 1/4 cup,of something, maybe I finish it, but usually don't. Very cautious what I eat, had too much emesis time. I still rely,on soups , broths, protein shakes, stir protein powder, beneficent or Miralax into everything I can for enrichment, Precious pouch, my bossy co-pilot,,, now through. my life, does not trust,protein sources, refuses to consider,meat, cottage cheese, Greek Yogurt, although,i,may try that again, been a month since last attempt. And what she doesn't care for just spews forth. And I dont,vomit like I did when I was "intact", now it sounds more like a cat with a large hairball. Some people say, that their full signal is hiccups, not me, for me it's Emesis coming within 15-20 minutes. Often you can find me curled into a semi-fetal ball over a wastebasket or Washburn. The blessing, if there is one? Good stays down such a short time, it is undigested and has no objectionable odor. Oh,i do manage to,ingest my vitamins, minerals and Zofran still,drink,out of my 2 ounce cuppies, a couple times when I tried to free-style with a normal juice glass? Up she comes because even fluid can choke me . And I was not a habitual vomiter prior to surgery, oh,if I bent at the waist, I could reflexively urp up but I thought my cardiac valve between my esophagus and stomach was weak from GERD. v So I am praying my blood vitamin levels are good, haven't been checked since late Feb/early March, had to,have an Iron INFUSION then. Should be about due for a repeat, but,nobody has ordered one, not my,PCP , not my Bariatric clinic, if the last N.P . is any indication, they are not overly worried or caring for me. Now I had always had an excellent relationship but the last time I spoke to one, she accused me of being a malingerer or Munchausen syndrome, I called only because I had been sick for 18 hours, having trouble even keeping fluids down. And my personality is not bulimic or even similar. Not scheduled for a clinic visit until August, having feeling this person just don't care. Meanwhile I am still losing 3-5 pounds a week,rare for 9 months out, but I guess I can accept,it. Do I grieve food? Not a bit, few times I come close, I just say That Was A Past Life, nothing significant now!. But perhaps I am an outlier, an exception to the Average person. I don't read the threads with pictures of "Look What I Just made and Ate", part of me,just can't relate to,it, the rest a little jealous that they can handle all that! My emotions were pretty settled, resigned to That's the Way,its got to be. Even close to happy, until that little bundle of Nurse-flesh unloaded on me, oh I do remember her name, if she crosses my,path in August, she will regret it, it will be Her Turn to Cry! I might try to forgive, but I do not forget and I am a natural red-head, and the Celtic were warriors, something she may not have taken,into account! But anything I can help with, I will be honored to do so.

Hi there! I was banded in December 2016, and so far so good! (84 lbs down to date) I did not go the route of protein powders, and instead relied on Premier Protein shakes (from Costco). They are 30 gm of protein in each shake and taste pretty good compared to some of the others I tried. During the soft food phase, I ate lots of beans (refried, etc...) as the taste of "pureed meat" was less than satisfying. They were soft, filling and provided a decent amount of protein. (Note: I understand that some banders do/did not tolerate beans well, but I was just fine.) I can't stress enough how important a good vitamin regimen is. I didn't do well with that piece when I started out and started to have some significant hair loss. Everything's good now that I'm taking the right vitamins (a bariatric supplement regimen recommended by my doctor and dietician), but the first time I showered and had a fist full of hair fall out I was horrified! The biggest tip I can give you is to make sure that you remember that the band is a tool and not a miracle worker. Use this first year with the band to reevaluate your relationship with food and what you want to put in your body going forward. Eventually, you'll get to the point where you can eat just about anything again - prepare yourself for that! I consistently remind myself that I eat for nutrition, and to make sure that I'm putting the best things into my body that I can. Good luck!!!

That's great! I just saw Dr. Patrick Chiasson @ Northwest. His name was given to me by a few people on Bariatric Pal.

I'm doing my surgery at one hospital, which requires bloodwork, endoscopy, psych assessment, nutritionist visits, and six months of visits. Because it's not super-convenient for me to get to, I decided to do my endoscopy with a doctor that is in the hospital's network, but closer to where I live. She was really surprised that I didn't need a sleep study, pulmonologist clearance, stress test, and cardiology clearance (and, oddly, repeatedly asked ME why all of this wasn't required, even though I am definitely not the one deciding on what the program's requirements are or knowing what their rationale is?). I imagine, they'll do whatever clearance they need at the pre-op testing once the surgery date is set, like I've had done for other surgeries. But I'm curious if others have had to do sleep studies, go see a pulmonologist, and a cardiologist, prior to the hospital's regular pre-op testing? She did tell me, after questioning why I was having the surgery because my BMI is borderine (I have other health issues) that I would have to have the endoscopy at the hospital (a different one from where I'm having the surgery) instead of as an outpatient because I'm "pre-bariatric," though someone else I know who saw a different doctor with similar BMI within the same network who was not "pre-bariatric" was able to get it done in the their outpatient center. She told me it was a liability issue. Have others found the same?

Hi, I am also 47 and had my band surgery August 26, 2010. Although I am also new also I would be happy to answer any questions about my recent experience. I had the same experience only in reverse. My husband and children were very supportive and still are. I am kind of an open book so when I said I was taking off work to have bariatric surgery I felt like people were judging me. Some even starting telling me horror stories. Since I started this I have lost 37 lbs. I have had one fill 4 weeks after surgery. I found it a little hard to adjust to the fill so I cancelled my second appointment. Now I realize that was a mistake. I will have the another fill on November 30. After 2 1/2 months I can tell you that I believe this was definately the right choice for me. I have found it is hard to find someone to talk to about this, I guess it is like anything else you dont know if you haven't been through it.

I had surgery on Tuesday the 19th in Las Vegas and had to stay in town for 2 days after surgery just in case since my town has no bariatric Dr's. for the first 2 days after surgery everything I drank be~it Water, crystal light beef broth I threw it all up Wednesday I only threw up 5 times but yesterday I threw up about 30. went and saw my surgeon and he told me it was mostly from anxiety which make sense It is very hard for me to have people do things for me and it was horrible staying in the hotel room and ive been feeling bad. My surgeon told us to throw out everything I know and just use anything I can keep down for the moment. We are home now and I feel better havent thrown up at all. My hubby and daughter went out and bought me some SF Popsicles, SF Snapple tea, and poweraide. I have tried the popsicles and snapple and been doing ok. tonight he made me some chicken Soup and strained out the noodles and it felt awesome. Then I made a cup of warm orange constant comment tea and it felt good too. My ? for you all did you have better luck with warm things or cool things? I normally like everything cold but would love to hear from you all and hear your suggestions. Please any help would be awesome. Thank you in advance :} Katrina

Could it be the acid from the OJ? Can you have a banana instead? I ask only cause I want to know what other options I or others may have when we get to your stage of the "renewal"

While you are waiting and hanging out here for support, you can initiate the following steps that most of our plans have us do for our pre-op preparations. Drink no calories. Drink Water until your eyeballs float - 64 - 80+ ounces per day. Don't eat anything made in a factory. You can do this by shopping the perimeter of the supermarket and avoid the aisle unless you need a spice or paper towels...that kind of stuff. Eat at least 60 ounces of Protein per day, and at any meal, eat your protein first - then veg - then fruit. Dessert should be something like an apple, not apple pie with two scoops of ice cream. Avoid sugar, grease, and salt as much as possible. Eating clean will help you discover the real taste of natural food. If it weren't for sugar, grease and salt, McDonald's would have no business. When I gave up candy bars and started eating dark chocolate, I realized that it wasn't the chocolate I missed - it was the sugar. Try to wean yourself off of soda and diet soda. Most bariatric plans discourage soda pop and anything with bubble post-op. Reduce starchy carbs like bread, flour, sugar, rice, noodle, biscuits, white potatoes, macaroni, spaghetti etc. So what is left to eat? meat, eggs, cheese, Beans, Peanut Butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, and fresh fruits and non-starchy veggies. You can adjust your current recipes to reduce carbs. The World According to Eggface is a good place to start. We have a forum here for recipes. Also, Sparkpeople.com and Myfitnesspal.com. Many of us use Myfitnesspal.com for logging our food every day. It is really an eye-opener if you are honest with yourself about what you eat. Weigh and measure your food to acurately acknowledge your actual portion size. There is a scientific principle that says, "You cannot control that which you do not measure." Exercise where you can. Move your body every day. Don't become part of the sofa. I have 35 exercise DVDs of all kinds and variety from bedfast exercises to chair exercises, to Zumba, Hip-Hop Abs, Pussycat Dolls, Bollywood, Salsa, Strength Training and Toning, etc..... and ridiculously enough, my favorite is still Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies. If you can't afford videos, crank up some loud music and dance like nobody is watching, or take wal There are also a TON of Youtube videos with exercises you can follow. Now is a good time to make regular visits to a physician so that your weight can be monitored. Many plans require several months of medical diet supervision as a pre-requisite for approval. My plan was two years. You may also have to provide a list of all the different diets that have failed you. I wish you best and hope that you can have your surgery with an uncomplicated recovery. Good luck, and visit us often. And just so you know, opinions and tact will vary here.

Hello! I am a fourth year psychology student doing my thesis on bariatric surgery success and I need some more participants! Thank you to all who have participated so far - we have most of our data, but need a few more people who have had counselling after surgery. Results will be posted here as soon as we have all our results! The survey is totally anonymous and there are only about 20 questions, so it doesn't take long. Please help us make a difference!! Ashley Ristanto James Cook University Cairns, Australia. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PP2CLF9

All these ideas are good. But wow, I buy Bariatric Advantage meal replacements in a bag and only pay $60 a bag. I order it straight from them. I generally add frozen blueberries and cinnamon and it comes out like a brilliant blue cinnamon streusel ice cream. I guess I will get tired of it but haven't yet. It is still pricey but I figure it really isn't bad, with the things I add it works out to about $2 a serving, which is a meal. I use the greek yogurts as they have so much protein, but I love yogurt and the Greek is so much more 'yogurty'. You could add one to your shake mixes to change the flavor some. I started doing that because I tried to go vegetarian and my hair started falling out.

I was in a similar situation with 12 years of no insurance. I spoke with the Bariatric coordinator and luckily with my surgeon/ insurance it wasn't an issue. (Horizon NJHealth)

That one phantom woman of whom you speak is not the measure of all things. Her statement indicates that she was expecting surgery to be a magical solution and had no intention of making changes. If you want to go through life expecting 100% guarantees, you'll squander your life. How tragic that would be. Forget about your mother's encounter and look within yourself. Bariatric surgery is not a cure; it is an aid. If you can find inside the desire to change your habits and take responsibility for your projects, you'll be fine.

if you're still seeing your bariatric team, I'd start there. Or if not, is it possible to see them again? Otherwise, if you're not still tracking your food intake, start there. Track for a couple of weeks to figure out what your average calorie intake is now. Then try cutting back by 100 calories or so for another couple of weeks. If that doesn't do the trick, cut back by another 100 calories. Rinse and repeat. Eventually you'll find the level where you'll start losing weight. also, start doing some of things we did that first year after surgery (NOT all the way back to shakes and purees - I mean how we ate after the first couple of months - focusing mostly on protein and non-starchy vegetables. Then if you have room, maybe a small serving of fruit or whole-grain carb). if you're having trouble with hunger while cutting back, add in more vegetables - I try to eat vegetables with every meal when I'm trying to lose (I don't always with breakfast, but I DO blend a cup of fresh spinach or kale in with my morning protein shake to make up for it). I also always keep raw veggies (with a dip made from plain Greek yogurt and ranch dressing mix), sugar free popsicles, and sugar free Jello around, too. Healthy fats like avocado and peanut butter or a handful of nuts can also help with the hunger - but just have a small portion of those since they're pretty high in calories. good luck with this. I know it's tough - I'm battling a 10-lb COVID gain right now and I know it isn't easy, but people do it... At least you're catching it at 40 lbs while it's still do-able oh btw - I know a lot of people who've regained who've had success with Weight Watchers, Keto, and/or intermittent fasting - so those might be options for you, too...

Hi, I'm Kim Gainey and I would love to start a Bariatric Pal support group for Anson and surrounding counties. I would like to share your weight loss adventure with you!

JUSTIFY ME ---to---> MOLLIFY ME---to---> ADVISE ME GENTLY---to---> GIVE ME **REAL** FEEDBACK---to---> KICK MY ASS IF NEED BE This would be a cool tool. But as co-laborers in helping one another succeed, you need a deep tool kit and have the discernment to know which tools to use and where to use them (almost always privately): For some, listening ears and a gentle word in the moment of weakness (Proverbs 25:11; 25:20). Others, a sharing in weakness, doubt and failure; and the hope of renewal (Proverbs 15:2; 19:11). Certain others, the hard face and stern challenge (Proverbs 27:17). Occasionally, reprimand or reproach (Proverbs 9:8,17:10). For each of these, your goal is restoration of the person and, as quickly as possible, a continuation of the work. However, when necessary, you must separate and terminate (Proverbs 14:7). These are tools of leadership and healing; like a doctor’s tools, they should be used for the good of the others always, the patient if possible and never for yourself. Never. I have reaped the bitter fruit of my own failure to heed this last point many times.

I had the same problem with an MRI machine. Two years ago I had a tumor in my middle finger and it developed an infection. They admitted me into the hospital for surgery. That morning they wanted to take me down for a presurgery MRI, but they said I was over the weight limit. I said "MY HAND???" It took them a while to figure that out. To make matters worse, the nurse wanted me to strip down to nothing but a hospital gown for the MRI, then ride like that in a wheelchair across the hospital, down the elevator, and to the imaging center. Again....it was just my hand. I said "Lady, what do you think that gown is gonna cover up? I'm 6'1", 400lbs. I could use it as a dew rag maybe. " Long story short. I wore my basketball shorts and tshirt, and they just stuck my arm into the machine and MRI'd the hand. 2 hours of fuss, and 10 minutes to do the dang MRI. Thank God the Bariatric unit at the hospital where I had my sleeve had gowns designed to fit big people. That thing was like a 4 man tent.