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Hi dream, best of luck. i chose band for same reason. I liked that is was reversible in case of complications. I didnt like the idea of cutting away anything. You will do great. And if you have any questions or concerns we are here for you.

Hi Lady, I just had my 2nd fill last week and I'm stll not feeling any restrictions either... I mainly just STOP eating after it looks like I've had about 4-6 oz of food in fear of complications, but I am no where near full. I have 4cc's now so I'm thinking that maybe I'll start to feel restriction after another fill... I had my wls on june 21st and I've lost about 25lbs but must of it is from pre op and post op diet so I'm a little discouraged.

I found out about a year ago that I have one (1) mutation of factor five leiden in my blood after suffering from a superficial blood clot in my left calf, at the time I was smoking about a pack a day and on the birth control pill Yasmin. Anyone been banded with the condition?? Any complications?? Thanks

OK, first of all...breathe! This is not the end of your life as you know it, just a change. Yes it is a major change, yes it will be very different, but the foods you love are not leaving the planet. They really aren't. So...let that sink in firstly then we can talk about the emotional aspects of eating. I honestly didn't think I was an emotional eater. I didn't think food was that important to me but after surgery during week 2 of liquids I had a couple of melt downs just because I couldn't eat the food i wanted to eat right that minute...I stayed true to my diet but had actual tears over the foods I couldn't eat right then...which I later gave myself a mental smackdown for but I have to own those feelings. After particularly stressful events I would eat more than I should for dinner, not always unhealthy stuff, just way more of it than I should. I am an emotional eater. I am watching for triggers now and distracting myself but like you before, food was the center of my life. I still have to plan my meals in order to stick to my healthy plan, not planning for me is planning to fail so I have to do it and stick to it and then I am fine...gives me that control. One thing I do want to address however that I wish someone would have told me before the band is that the band will not make you eat less. You have to choose to eat less. You have to measure it out and know you are not getting seconds. You have to do that. The band will make it so that your appetit is surpressed for a longer period of time than it would hav been before when you eat 4 oz of meat and 6 oz of veggies. That's all. It's not about restricting what you can and can't eat, it won't stop you from eating until you are in pain, and if you can't get that under control before surgery you are looking at slips and erosion complications that can be very serious. I would honestly try really hard to measure out your portions and be done...not as small as you will post band...but practice limiting yourself right now. Distract yourself when you feel the emotional hunger come on, try to recognize what those triggers might be for you, at the very least journal everything you are eating now so you can be truly honest with yourself about what your current habits are, and what things will need to change. I beleive the band was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I am seeing a lot of success and it is a lot easier to just eat my one yogurt for Breakfast and be done but it does nothing for me when I have an emotional attack that makes me want to eat. I have to wrangle that stray thought in myself and battle with that. The band can't help me with that. chocolate will go down just fine, as will other snack foods that I just have to choose not to eat. There are still daily and hourly choices invlolved with being successful. I wish you every bit of luck and happiness on your journey. It is worth the effort I can promise you that, but it's really all up to you. The band is just a tool that dims the appetite, that is all. Just know that going in and put your expectations in the right place and you will do great!

Hello everyone, I posted this in another forum and didn't get any responses..so I hope its ok that I post it here too! I'm super new to this website, and started this process about a month ago. It's really great to know that there are other SSF'ers out there that are doing well! I've been going through the process pretty fast..and am meeting with Dr. Alami in a few weeks. I've noticed that a lot of you guys had him! I was wondering what your experience was like with him..? Did you guys ask him how many surgeries he has done and what his complication rate is? I know I can ask him when I meet with him..but the more info I can get..the less anxiety I will have! Also, I've lost 15 lbs since orientation (about 3 weeks ago) and was told to lose around 20. If i do..do you think he will schedule a surgery day right away? What was your experience? Thank you so much in advance!!

Thanks so much slikchick...this is what I was hoping to hear!!!! I have never been truly FULL with the band except for duiring about a week after a fill, and due to all the complications I have had with my port I have had many fills. The feeling that I get for that week after is what I expected the band to feel like all the time. During that time when I do feel that I can easily reject all foods that I shouldn't have as I do feel satisfied and genuinely NOT HUNGRY and that is what I thought the band would be like having MOST OF THE TIME.....instead I am constantly fighting hunger especially later in the day when my band loosens up and I can eat as much as I want and whatever I want and am not satisfied without eating large amounts. I lost a lot of weight with the band in the first 2 years, about 45kg (100 pounds) and then was so hungry I couldn't help myself like before I had the band. My hunger was increasing all the time and it was so hard. My portion sizes are my biggest downfall, not the crappy foods but the amount of food and the constant hunger. I want it to get back to feeling full and most importantly satisfied after a meal and to stop feeling hungry all the time. I think that the sleeve will be the right thing for me and hopefully will do what I thought the band was supposed to do all the time. If that happens and I can get that satisfied feeling, it will make eating smaller amounts a whole lot easier for me!!!!

Your right Sleeve master......there are a few negative comments which doesnt help when you are trying your best to do the right thing. Its not like you can undo it if you make the wrong choice. I was hoping to compare the 2 with people who have had the band before or know of people who have had the band before to see what it will be like with the sleeve. I trust my surgeon and he says it is the best thing for me so I do believe that. I have struggled with the band and its problems for 4 years and also never feeling satisfied with what I was eating (or very rarely was i satisfied) I was told that by removing the hormone that creates the hunger sensation it will make it a lot easier for me which I am looking forward to. If anyone thinks that I think that I am taking the easy way out then they dont know what I have been through....in and out of hospital for constant revisions not to mention the discomfort with the band. I know I can't live with the band but I know I can't live without some form of restriction......that was proven when they let my band out for 6 months and I gained a stack of weight as my hunger was out of control. The more I research the more I know that I have to get the sleeve.....I just want to know what to expect when I have it done. I didn't know about all the things getting stuck etc before I got the band (something I wish I had have known before hand) and also how hard it would be to eat a good variety of foods and healthy foods. I hope the sleeve is different, I just don't know anyone with the sleeve that I can ask about it. Junior Guru that is what I hope will happen with me Garliegirl my surgeon told me that they will keep me is hospital for 5 days and if a leak was to happen it would happen in the first few days and they would be monitoring me closely to fix the problem IF it happened......he also said if it doesn't leak at the start it will NEVER leak. That put my mind at rest. He also said that they trialed doing band to sleeve revision surgery in one operation for 6 months and they have decided that it is more successful and less complications letting the stomach heal in between taking the band out and then doing the sleeve. I have also heard from people that it can be more successful but every surgeon has different ideas so its best to check with yours. I have been very happy with the group that I go through even with all of my problems with my body rejecting the foreign body of the band The other thing that i loved the sound of is that there is no dumping syndrome as there is with bypass......I love the sound of the sleeve and not to have this stupid port in me anymore. Its under my bra line (as they were running out of new places to put each new port) and so uncomfortable!!!!

Some doctors are very lax, some are strict. Mine is pretty strict; 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks puree/mushy, 2 weeks soft food. Only at 6 weeks does the plan allow me to try out things to see what I tolerate. I'm on week 3, the first 2 weeks were really tough, but the mushy puree stuff isn't bad at all. I'm in the same boat as you where I feel like I could tolerate pretty much anything, but if sticking to the plan gives me a lower probability of future problems then I will do it. Plus the restricted diet has helped to jump start my weight loss. Its all about percentages I suppose, letting your stomach do very little work and sit still while it heals allows the band to stay in place better long term, which lowers the probabilty of slips and other complications.

I'm in the middle of pre-opt testing for VSG and im doing some research on the vagus nerve. For about 10 years I've had this weird thing happen to me from time to time. At times I can be walking fast or lifting something or just plan eating something and I feel this weird fluttering around my cheat and stomach. Sometimes it feels like something smacks into my esophagus and at the same time my heart beat changes and this happens so quick, like less then a Minute. Sometimes it leaves me out of breath , short of breath, at times I think it's it may be taquicardia. It's scary. When it happens I have to move around or drink water to feel better. At times I'm short of breath and after that have a BM and it feels like it was gas and I have to pass. The fluttering Also happens around or before my period. So I don't know if its a change in hormone levels, weight, or heart problem. I weigh 318 pounds and have a "small" hiatal hernia(don't know if its gotten bigger) also I have sever GERD. I'm looking into VSG because I'm not ok with RNY and all the complications . I was researching and started reading about the vagus nerve and the symptoms all sound suspect but then again they all mimic the same symptoms, GERD , hiatal hernia Etc. has anyone gone through this and had VSG ? Can anyone give me advice on what to do about getting tested (what kind of test to ask for) and or of its ok to have the VSG with vagus nerve disorder? Thanks

Hi everyone, I am new here, i have posted on another site frequently, but they don't seem to have an app... Anyhow, i am 2.5 yrs post op, lost all my weight, no problems or complications, so yay! That's great and i have been very happy. My husband and i decided to have a baby back in April, and I had no trouble getting pregnant. I am currently 7 mos pregnant. I am getting worried though, at this point i am ahead of schedule, already gained 30 pounds. I can honestly say i have been eating as i should, only a few craving caves here and there. Did anyone else exparience this and bounceback ok after having the baby? Also, i have no idea how many calories i should be eating at this point... I am going to see a dieticien soon, but in the meantime, i am trying to keep track and be really careful. Any help is appreciated. Lil Moon

I had my psych eval last Nov. and I am having surgery Monday. But I had some complications that took a while to resolve.

You do not need to lie to the pscyh. Just be honest and you will be fine. I do not think this is that unusual and a lot of us experience this. I am kind of the same way, I certainly saw myself in my mind much much thinner than I was and so when I looked in the mirror it made me sad. I do not think it is denial just the way it is. It is not a mental illness of any definition, I know I dragged out my DSM-IV-TR to verify this. I told my psych that I wanted to look in the mirror and have what I see match how I felt about myself inside. I also said I wanted to be healthy and be there for my family and I knew this was not a quick fix and shared what I knew about the side effects and long term effect and the expectations I had. I passed with no problem. Generally the psych is not trying to fail you, they are sincerely trying to make sure you do not have other serious mental illness that would be adversely affected by GBS like bi-polar or major depression and if so to make sure you are taking the necessary precautions and under the care of a professional. Also they want to make sure you won't commit suicide after due to mental issues not discovered and that you have realistic expectations of the surgery. Some psych evals require a test and some do not. Mine was just an hour interview and it was no big deal. Be honest and open and if you have explored this thouroughly and know yourself and about the surgery then you will have no problem passing. reading through this board will inform you greatly on complications etc, plus do more research on it if you have not done so already and you'll do fine. Remember many many people a day pass their psych evals so they can not be that hard. Do not stress! By the way I am a mental health therapist, I just am not a psychologist and have not done these evals, just speaking from personal experience here. Hope this helps at all.

ShantelleElaine: I think you've made your point that the complications were solely from your lap band surgery... But be honest with yourself, if someone came to you and said your story to you - would you have still gone in to have surgery? You have to admit that you probably would. You even said that you were pro band and didn't ever think that any of this would happen to you. Nobody does. That's the risk. any complication from any surgery can happen and we all know that going in. Again I say so sorry for all that's happened to you

No I can never get another surgery. Any surgery i have to be in ICU on iv blood thinners before and after and closely monitored. The blood clots and thinners complicate everything clear down to birth control and even taking a simple ibuprofen. It all sucks. My family would disown me if I had another WLS. I wasn't "that" obese, I didn't have any of the norm medical issues that you get approved for, I have a connective tissue hypermobility disorder, and more weight on the spine more pain. I guess that's why I was approved. They thought the traditional way I've always lost weight before was the way to go again. I had lost tons of weight before several times but always gained it back, that's why I wanted the lifetime change with the band. To answer your question no i wouldn't have died from the amount of obesity, I basically just wanted to be thinner. It wasn't a life or death obesity situation to answer your question. I should have known.. i have the worst luck ever but I took a chance that didn't work out as planned. It's a constant battle for me every day when i think of the last 2+ years and everything I've been through..thanks all for the well wishes.

I was The BIGGEST advocate for Lap band surgery you'd ever find until I had all my complications! Trust me.. i fought to the very very end that it had nothing to do with the surgery but it just did.. sorry.

Had lap band surgery, 3 days later ended up with blood clots in my legs and both lungs which normally kills you... well I lived... after 4 months finally got the clots to dissolve after multi med changes blood thinners etc... lost 130 pounds with no fills was loving it.. til December 2014 couldn't swallow food water nothing, for 29 days total couldn't swallow anything severe dehydration malnutrition had to be fed by tubes and IVs.. multiple swallowing tests later found out the band caused esophageal dysmotility which is a common complication. Which is basically where the band won't allow any food of fluid to go down your esophagus. Had to have the band removed. Blood thinners for life for the blood clot risk. Still can't swallow like a normal person. Never be the same. Brain damage and nerve damage from lack of fluid, Lots of other crap. Just a nightmare.

Okay, I haven't even had surgery yet and I'm nervous about moving from the shake stage to soft foods! My surgeon has me on my pre-op diet for 2 more weeks after surgery (shakes and no-cal liquids) then moves me to soft foods. I'm already planning on full liquids/purees for 2 more weeks before I move to soft foods. I'm so worried about slippage by moving through the food stages too fast that I'm actually going AGAINST surgeon's orders with the full liquids/purees. I want to know that if someday, God forbid, I have a complication, it wasn't because of something I did. Just freaks me out!!! He also said 4-6 week lifting restriction of 10lbs. I put 6 weeks on the calendar. I don't want my port to flip!! I think I'm flipping out!! :thumbup:

Thanks for the reply. I saw a couple of other positive post today also of people doing well post op without complications. I am praying that will be me also.

Try to be relaxed is my advice. Remember you are the consumer since you are self pay. Then ask all the questions you can think of. How long is your hospital stay? How many surgeries has your surgeon done? What is the most common adverse outcome (complication)? How often does your surgeon see that outcome? Who else is on your "team"? What does post-surgery care look like? If you're going out of country, who will see you post-op in the US? Who can you call with questions or concerns throughout your process? Scour the threads here to see what people are most concerned about and have questions with, this forum is a great resource for you. Wishing you the best!

I haven't loss as much as I have expected pre-operatively. I only lost like 3 lbs and it has been hard to say no to foods that I feel I wont have for a long time. My doctor did not give me a specific amount to lose, but I am worried about complications. My surgery is on August 8th--thats just two days away. Any suggestions or thoughts? TIA

I posted this on another forum and felt it might be useful for other people to have a read of, if like me, you like your scientific facts. Maybe the below will provide a bit of clarity as to the 'nuts and bolts' of some of the bariatric procedures and their long-term (within the limitations of the data) efficacy. This first academic journal quoted was published in May 2013. So, it doesn't get more 'up to date' with regards to evaluating the comparative effectiveness in the three biggest weight loss procedures. I have only reproduced the abstract and have quoted the source below as the abstract covers the salient information we'd be interested in. The second section is all about the metrics, with a snapshot of all the procedures being evaluated in a tabulated form (the table was removed from the cutting and pasting process, so read left to right) and the risks associated with the operations. The primary and secondary sources are also cited. Better to make decisions based on rigorous scientific research, than hearsay and charasmatic sales pitches, I feel... Hope it helps. Article 1: Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), laparoscopic gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures. Background: Citing limitations of published studies, payers have been reluctant to provide routine coverage for SG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Methods: Using data from an externally audited, statewide clinical registry, we matched 2949 SG patients with equal numbers of RYGB and LAGB patients on 23 baseline characteristics. Outcomes assessed included complications occurring within 30 days, and weight loss, quality of life, and comorbidity remission at 1, 2, and 3 years after bariatric surgery. Results: Matching resulted in cohorts of SG, RYGB, and LAGB patients that were well balanced on baseline characteristics. Overall complication rates among patients undergoing SG (6.3%) were significantly lower than for RYGB (10.0%, P < 0.0001) but higher than for LAGB (2.4%, P < 0.0001). Serious complication rates were similar for SG (2.4%) and RYGB (2.5%, P = 0.736) but higher than for LAGB (1.0%, P < 0.0001). Excess body weight loss at 1 year was 13% lower for SG (60%) than for RYGB (69%, P < 0.0001), but was 77% higher for SG than for LAGB (34%, P < 0.0001). SG was similarly closer to RYGB than LAGB with regard to remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Conclusions: With better weight loss than LAGB and lower complication rates than RYGB, SG is a reasonable choice for the treatment of morbid obesity and should be covered by both public and private payers. SOURCE: Carlin A, Zeni T, Birkmeyer N, et al. The comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. Annals Of Surgery [serial online]. May 2013;257(5):791-797. Available from: MEDLINE with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Article 2: September 2012: Morbidity and mortality associated with LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB from the ACS-BSCN dataset LRYGB LSG LAGB 30-d mortality (%) 0.14 0.11 0.05 1-y mortality (%) 0.34 0.21 0.08 30-d morbidity (%) 5.91 5.61 1.44 30-d readmission (%) 6.47 5.40 1.71 30-d reoperation/intervention(%) 5.02 2.97 0.92 SOURCE: Data from Hutter MM, Schirmer BD, Jones DB, et al. First report from the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has morbidity and effectiveness positioned between the band and the bypass. Ann Surg 2011;254(3):410–20 [discussion: 420–2], in: Timothy D. J, Matthew M. H. Morbidity and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity. Advances In Surgery [serial online]. n.d.;46(Advances in Surgery):255-268. Available from: ScienceDirect, Ipswich, MA

Hi, Neener! I am a 31 year old mommy of 3 boys (twins who are almost 7 and a 15 month old) and I also have an incredibly wonderful hubby! I was banded Aug. 5th and have lost 35 lbs so far and have had 2 fills. I'm scheduled for a 3rd full this Thursday. I have had no complications! I love it so far and feel great! Good luck to you!

Hey! I got my date too! June 17. It's a Wednesday, so barring complications, I should be out by Friday or Saturday. I'm a revision from band to RNY, doc says he does his in one shot most of the time. I hope I'm one of those times. Then I got hubby for the weekend, yeah! I CANT WAIT!!!!!!

I was banded may 2013. My first year went like textbook. i lost a total of 81 lbs and felt great. But than problems started and july of 2014 my band was emptied and stayed empty for a year. My surgeon didn't want to put any fill in do to the complications i had. We discussed revision and on july 31,2015 i was revised to a gastric bypass. Surgery was difficult due to adhesions and scar tissue. When the band was placed i had gone to surgery to have a bypass but that surgeon couldn't do it do to the scarring. When i was in the recovery room the first words out of my mouth were ,what type of surgery? if he couldnt do the bypass i signed papers for a sleeve. but he was successful. I was so happy. post surgery i have had no complications. Have lost 27 lbs in 26 days. and am doing well with my new way of eating.

If only the endocrinologist who monitors my thyroid were also affiliated with my health plan as a primary, I'd be thrilled. As he doesn't, I asked if he'd recommend someone. He erred in giving me four names, each of which looked good on paper. When I saw him again several weeks ago, I asked him to simplify the field and mentioned some of the qualities that I want in a PCP. He named one of the four, but I can't recall which. He hasn't responded to the email I sent the other day. It's one of two of the original four. Both meet my major concerns according to Yelp reviews by patients who give high ratings to their medical skills and attentiveness. Both are board-certified internists. One is also a board-certified geriatrician (gads) who, among other things, does EKG's in his office. The other is a board certified gastroenterologist. I have need for the basic EKG/heart-watch and I have some gastro issues for which I have seen a gastropod. I think I've gotten past my horror at the word "geriatrics." After all, I'm 67, past the pediatrician stage, and he's really an internist with some extra knowledge that I'm heading toward. The internist/geriatrician is 51; the internist/gastropod is 62. It is on my mind that I'd prefer someone less likely to retire during my reign as his patient. The gastro is said to have a good sense of humor. The geriatrician-with-EKG-machine has appeal for the machine as well as his age; the PCP I want to quit is also a Board-certified cardiologist. If I go with the gastropod, I'd stlll need a new cardio doctor. He also has knowledge that pertains to WLS. If I go with the geriatician, he'd refer me to one should there be need. Each has his pros in my estimation and I'm not sure that the cons and differences are especially significant. Shall I simply flip a coin? I hate that I'm making this so complicated for myself.