Do I make the cut?

[Matt Z 4,139]

14 hours ago, taylor2021 said:

Hi Matt! I appreciate your input and will definitely reconsider all of my options. That said, you mentioned you just had your band removed. I wanted to ask about your experience with the band if you don't mind. The cost, recovery time, how comfortable it was, and the results you got from it and what ultimately made you remove it and go with another option. Thank you!

Hey Taylor (don't worry about not taking my advise, I wont' get offended and call you out for making your own decisions.)

I hit 370 sometime in 2010 and decided to do something about it. I chose the band, the sleeve wasn't fully approved yet, and the bypass scared me. The idea of it being permanent changes to my anatomy bothered me. I wanted something that could be removed at a future date. So, I went with the band.

Nov 2011, I had the band installed. Surgery wasn't that big of a deal, I was kept overnight because I have sleep apnea. Pain was moderate but tolerable. After what was covered by insurance, I was out of pocket somewhere around the 5k mark. I took 2 months out of work, mainly because I had to drive to and from Boston, and travel times were minimum 1 hour, upwards of 4 hours, so I wanted to be 100% healed before doing all that driving. I followed all the instructions I was given, got my fills and adjustments as required, and ultimately lost 70 lbs within a year or so. (combined with the pre-op diet etc).

I'd get stuck on things maybe once or twice a week. Leafy greens and other fibrous veggies that didn't chew down to "baby food" were uncomfortable enough where I started to avoid them. I got stuck on lean meats, etc. So I got frustrated that, the healthy foods I was supposed to be eating, caused issues thanks to the band.

I gained a bit back, then fought to lose it again, this happened a few times. I never could break that 300 mark, no matter what I did. The band was easily eaten around, things I shouldn't be eating... were the things that didn't cause issues. I became depressed, I felt like a failure, the band was reported to have all these amazing benefits... and I wasn't seeing them, I stopped checking in with my surgeon unless I needed some adjustments due to illness or getting stuck badly enough where my stomach swelled up. I was still way too overweight, wasn't eating as well as I should be, I just wasn't happy with how things were not living up to the bands reported outcomes. After almost 7 years with the band, I finally dragged myself back into my surgeons office, defeated, and I confessed to my surgeon that I was a failure. Boy was I surprised when she told me that my outcomes and dealings were typical, and that it wasn't me that was the problem, it was the band. She went out to tell me that 2 of the major manufacturers have stopped making bands and replacement parts for them. We discussed our options for revision, I was set on the sleeve. My surgeon said she refuses to do band to sleeve revisions because the staple line for the sleeve runs right across the band area, and that scar tissue build up at the band site increases the chances for staple line failure. She advised that others in the same practice would do the sleeve revision, but she won't because of the added complication rates. I trust my surgeon, and I really wanted her to do the revision because she installed the band in the first place. So, I pondered for a bit and finally decided that the bypass, as scary as it sounded, was my best option. Restriction only didn't work for me with the band, why would I think that restriction only with the sleeve would be any different. I needed the malabsorption to ensure that I would lose the weight I needed to.

March 2nd I started my pre-op diet, March 21st I was revised to the bypass and I'm down almost 60 lbs since March 2nd. I truly wish I went bypass from the get go. The revision surgery was not uneventful. What should have taken 2 hours, took 6+. My band, even though all scans, imaging, scoping showed nothing wrong, the band was 100% completely encapsulated in scar tissue and took my surgical team more than 3 times longer to remove. I'm not even sure what would have happened if I left it in place.

Hopefully that answers some of your questions, if you have more, please feel free to shoot me a message.

[Rainbows&Unicorns 8]

Hi Taylor, I just had my lap band surgery 3 days ago. I will be 43 next week. I had a lower BMI of 30.5. I’m self pay and used a doctor in the US. He did recommend the sleeve, as it’s more common now. At this time I didn’t think that was the right decision for me; however, I know it has worked for many people. When I was younger exercise and eating right kept the weight off, but when I hit my mid 30’s that no longer worked. No matter what I did I continued to gain weight. I’ve been to many specialist to find out what was causing me to gain weight to no avail. I hope with the lap band tool, seeing the doctor regularly and following the program it will work for me. I know some people will disagree with my decision, but I feel like this was the best option for me after trying so many different things. I wish you the best of luck!

[taylor2021 23]

On 6/29/2018 at 4:18 AM, Matt Z said:

Hey Taylor (don't worry about not taking my advise, I wont' get offended and call you out for making your own decisions.)

I hit 370 sometime in 2010 and decided to do something about it. I chose the band, the sleeve wasn't fully approved yet, and the bypass scared me. The idea of it being permanent changes to my anatomy bothered me. I wanted something that could be removed at a future date. So, I went with the band.

Nov 2011, I had the band installed. Surgery wasn't that big of a deal, I was kept overnight because I have sleep apnea. Pain was moderate but tolerable. After what was covered by insurance, I was out of pocket somewhere around the 5k mark. I took 2 months out of work, mainly because I had to drive to and from Boston, and travel times were minimum 1 hour, upwards of 4 hours, so I wanted to be 100% healed before doing all that driving. I followed all the instructions I was given, got my fills and adjustments as required, and ultimately lost 70 lbs within a year or so. (combined with the pre-op diet etc).

I'd get stuck on things maybe once or twice a week. Leafy greens and other fibrous veggies that didn't chew down to "baby food" were uncomfortable enough where I started to avoid them. I got stuck on lean meats, etc. So I got frustrated that, the healthy foods I was supposed to be eating, caused issues thanks to the band.

I gained a bit back, then fought to lose it again, this happened a few times. I never could break that 300 mark, no matter what I did. The band was easily eaten around, things I shouldn't be eating... were the things that didn't cause issues. I became depressed, I felt like a failure, the band was reported to have all these amazing benefits... and I wasn't seeing them, I stopped checking in with my surgeon unless I needed some adjustments due to illness or getting stuck badly enough where my stomach swelled up. I was still way too overweight, wasn't eating as well as I should be, I just wasn't happy with how things were not living up to the bands reported outcomes. After almost 7 years with the band, I finally dragged myself back into my surgeons office, defeated, and I confessed to my surgeon that I was a failure. Boy was I surprised when she told me that my outcomes and dealings were typical, and that it wasn't me that was the problem, it was the band. She went out to tell me that 2 of the major manufacturers have stopped making bands and replacement parts for them. We discussed our options for revision, I was set on the sleeve. My surgeon said she refuses to do band to sleeve revisions because the staple line for the sleeve runs right across the band area, and that scar tissue build up at the band site increases the chances for staple line failure. She advised that others in the same practice would do the sleeve revision, but she won't because of the added complication rates. I trust my surgeon, and I really wanted her to do the revision because she installed the band in the first place. So, I pondered for a bit and finally decided that the bypass, as scary as it sounded, was my best option. Restriction only didn't work for me with the band, why would I think that restriction only with the sleeve would be any different. I needed the malabsorption to ensure that I would lose the weight I needed to.

March 2nd I started my pre-op diet, March 21st I was revised to the bypass and I'm down almost 60 lbs since March 2nd. I truly wish I went bypass from the get go. The revision surgery was not uneventful. What should have taken 2 hours, took 6+. My band, even though all scans, imaging, scoping showed nothing wrong, the band was 100% completely encapsulated in scar tissue and took my surgical team more than 3 times longer to remove. I'm not even sure what would have happened if I left it in place.

Hopefully that answers some of your questions, if you have more, please feel free to shoot me a message.

Wow! Thats quite the journey. I'm starting to receive more of the same comments like yours stating the band isn't the way to go. I'm definitely considering all options across the board. I know for someone to just look at things on the surface and see that because my BMI isn't so high I should just try to lose the weight.

(trust me I have, weight loss camps and the whole 9)

However, I'm considering WLS for a number of reasons mainly my health. I don't know if you're familiar with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome but the symptoms in fact ALL of the symptoms Suck for a lack of a better word. The biggest for me being infertility. I haven't been able to ovulate in over 10 years and after doing research I found women with pcos who had WLS pretty much ovulated a month after surgery and were successful in becoming mothers to healthy babies. I really want to become a mother soon. PCOS causes a hormone imbalance making losing weight incredibly difficult. My testosterone count is 3 times the normal amount it should be for a woman so I've been on a rollercoaster for a while. I really appreciate you sharing your story with me and I think you're incredibly brave to make the decision to have WLS twice. I can't imagine how scary that must've been for you. I'm happy that you've been successful in losing more weight by switching to the sleeve. I wish you more success in your future.

Thanks again (:

P.S. Thanks for being supportive of me making my own decisions as some people on here get upset lol you're awesome.

-Taylor

Edited June 30, 2018 by taylor2021
P.S.

[taylor2021 23]

5 hours ago, Rainbows&Unicorns said:

Hi Taylor, I just had my lap band surgery 3 days ago. I will be 43 next week. I had a lower BMI of 30.5. I’m self pay and used a doctor in the US. He did recommend the sleeve, as it’s more common now. At this time I didn’t think that was the right decision for me; however, I know it has worked for many people. When I was younger exercise and eating right kept the weight off, but when I hit my mid 30’s that no longer worked. No matter what I did I continued to gain weight. I’ve been to many specialist to find out what was causing me to gain weight to no avail. I hope with the lap band tool, seeing the doctor regularly and following the program it will work for me. I know some people will disagree with my decision, but I feel like this was the best option for me after trying so many different things. I wish you the best of luck!

Hey Rainbows and Unicorns! (I love your username lol ) Happy early birthday! I'm so excited to meet someone who had wls with their BMI in the 30's like mine. First off, congrats on your operation thats awesome that you did that for yourself, I'm hoping to be in the same boat soon! If you don't mind I'm going to pick your brain a little bit haha. How tall are you and what state did you have your surgery in? Also, how long did your operation last and how are you feeling pain wise now? Thanks :]

[taylor2021 23]

.

Edited June 30, 2018 by taylor2021

[taylor2021 23]

On 6/29/2018 at 2:52 AM, Awkward customer said:

Are you playing the clown? You asked for advice on a forum.

lol why are you so upset though and now name calling? I don't mind advice if you've seen the rest of the comments on here I've been very thankful to those sharing their opinions with me (because I did ask) but your delivery is rude and the other commenters have noticed, so i know its not just me! lol so maybe go work that out with yourself. Good luck to you Please stop talking to me now if you're going to be hostile. Thanks!

Edited June 30, 2018 by taylor2021

[newmebithebypass 713]

So if your willing to travel don’t know where you live but Johns Hopkins does a procedure called the epigastric sleeve it’s really new and they basically use surgical thread to sew your stomach into a sleeve it’s completely reversible and would be good for someone your BMI as it is less invasive

[taylor2021 23]

8 minutes ago, newmebithebypass said:

So if your willing to travel don’t know where you live but Johns Hopkins does a procedure called the epigastric sleeve it’s really new and they basically use surgical thread to sew your stomach into a sleeve it’s completely reversible and would be good for someone your BMI as it is less invasive

Wow! I had no idea that was even an option thank you! I will definitely be doing some research on this. I love the support on here people have been so helpful!

thanks again

-Taylor

[Awkward customer 5]

45 minutes ago, taylor2021 said:

lol why are you so upset though and now name calling? I don't mind advice if you've seen the rest of the comments on here I've been very thankful to those sharing their opinions with me (because I did ask) but your delivery is rude and the other commenters have noticed, so i know its not just me! lol so maybe go work that out with yourself. Good luck to you Please stop talking to me now if you're going to be hostile. Thanks!

Taylor, you are the one in the wrong here. I gave you well-intentioned advice. You refused to accept it, and each time laced your reply with snide and aggressive remarks.

Stop the aggression.

There are people with lowish BMis who get banded, and so you do qualify. But it is an absurd thing to do for someone not significantly overweight. You fail to distinguish between those who don't care about you and will just tell you what you want to hear, and me who will tell you the truth in a bid to help you more sincerely.

The likelihood is that in six months you will be posting here regretting your surgery. People like you are your own worst enemies.

Edited June 30, 2018 by Awkward customer
Corrected "here" to "hear"

[Gundy 139]

Hi Taylor,

You mentioned that diabetes runs in you family. Being pre-diabetic or glucose intolerant are considered a comorbidity by some insurance companies. Issues such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc are also comorbidities. Unfortunately, even with two comorbidities most insurance companies will only approve WLS with BMI of 35 or more. My comordities were described as mild on the insurance papers and my BMI was just over 35 at the start of the process.

In my limited opinion, it would be difficult for insurance to cover WLS with a starting BMI of just 31.

[Rainbows&Unicorns 8]

1 hour ago, taylor2021 said:

Hey Rainbows and Unicorns! (I love your username lol ) Happy early birthday! I'm so excited to meet someone who had wls with their BMI in the 30's like mine. First off, congrats on your operation thats awesome that you did that for yourself, I'm hoping to be in the same boat soon! If you don't mind I'm going to pick your brain a little bit haha. How tall are you and what state did you have your surgery in? Also, how long did your operation last and how are you feeling pain wise now? Thanks :]

Thanks for the early birthday wishes, Taylor😄. I live in Alabama and my doctor is Jay Long at http://www.bmisurgery.com/jay-c-long.html. He is a phenomenal doctor who listens to my concerns. He has been absolutely wonderful.

I’m 5’4 and weighed 178 prior to surgery. Dr. Long has me on 5 prescriptions right now for nausea, acid reflux, ulcers, blood clots and pain. I should finish all meds within the next 2 weeks. I am quite lucky and never had major surgery. I have not been nauseated and have no issues with the clear liquid diet (water, Crystal Light, broth and jello). I start the liquid diet tomorrow. The pain hasn’t been too bad either. I have my Fitbit and make sure I’m walking a little bit every hour and I think that has helped. When I start my liquid diet tomorrow and can go back to the Protein Shakes I plan on getting back on the tradmill and walk for 30 minutes a day. I have strictly followed all pre-op and post-op diets. Fingers crossed alll continues to go well. My first follow-up appointment is 7/12. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out. I will be happy to help.

The main reason I chose the lap band was because it was less invasive and not as permanent as the other surgeries. However, I think I would have chosen the other surgeries if my BMI was much higher. I did my research but was unaware of the new reversible sleeve at John Hopkins. That definitely sounds like another option you can research.

So far so good here😄

[taylor2021 23]

42 minutes ago, Awkward customer said:

Taylor, you are the one in the wrong here. I gave you well-intentioned advice. You refused to accept it, and each time laced your reply with snide and aggressive remarks.

Stop the aggression.

There are people with lowish BMis who get banded, and so you do qualify. But it is an absurd thing to do for someone not significantly overweight. You fail to distinguish between those who don't care about you and will just tell you what you want to hear, and me who will tell you the truth in a bid to help you more sincerely.

The likelihood is that in six months you will be posting here regretting your surgery. People like you are your own worst enemies.

lol you keep saying " I'm refusing to listen!" but i haven't made a decision yet. RELAX. If your intentions are good and your rudeness is just masked in passion for desperately not wanting me to make a mistake I APPRECIATE YOU. However, I don't appreciate being called names. You say " People like you are your own worst enemy" with all do respect YOU DON'T KNOW ME, or anything about me or my situation for that matter. All i know is that you've come across rude and again I'm not the only person here on this forum who's noticed. FYI The people on here haven't been TELLING ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR in fact some had the same opinion as you but were constructive and not rude about it. BTW the comment "The likelihood is that in six months you will be posting here regretting your surgery" is FALSE because again i haven't even made a decision to do anything yet! and I think it will take longer then six months.

If you meant well Thank you. Take care.

-Taylor

Edited June 30, 2018 by taylor2021

[Elle_Woods 36]

Honestly, I am very much in the same boat as you. I have a lower BMI (32), but have struggled with my weight for years and years. I went to a doctor in New York, and he used to do lap bands a lot but now pretty much only does sleeve for lower BMIs. I too was afraid no one in America would do the surgery but this is not the case, if you are self pay. Do your research, and find a surgeon you feel good about! In America or otherwise

[labwalker 1,177]

Having a band done in Mexico is sheer madness!! That is one reason bands get a worse reputation than they deserve. Band patients have to follow up with the doctor's office, even if it is yearly visits down the road. In the beginning it is crucial to do the follow visits.

[Awkward customer 5]

30 minutes ago, taylor2021 said:

lol you keep saying " I'm refusing to listen!" but i haven't made a decision yet. RELAX. If your intentions are good and your rudeness is just masked in passion for desperately not wanting me to make a mistake I APPRECIATE YOU. However, I don't appreciate being called names. You say " People like you are your own worst enemy" with all do respect YOU DON'T KNOW ME, or anything about me or my situation for that matter. All i know is that you've come across rude and again I'm not the only person here on this forum who's noticed. FYI The people on here haven't been TELLING ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR in fact some had the same opinion as you but were constructive and not rude about it. BTW the comment "The likelihood is that in six months you will be posting here regretting your surgery" is FALSE because again i haven't even made a decision to do anything yet! and I think it will take longer then six months.

If you meant well Thank you. Take care.

-Taylor

Please stop your accusations. You are the one in the wrong here. You are the one being rude. While it is true that I don't know you -- for which I am thankful -- one can form a view based on forum posts. If you ask a public question, you don't have the right to respond in a rude fashion when you don't like the advice. Please stop the aggression immediately.