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Topic: RE: Can't decide... Lap band or Bypass?? HELP!
Sadly the stats for the band are quite poor. Complications are very high. Revision is common.
I'd look at a sleeve if you are not a grazer and if you are a grazer DS.
On November 9, 2009 at 8:25 PM Pacific Time, calicrow wrote:
So I've been on this 3 month diet program my insurance requires and I have my last appointment tomorrow before I can schedule surgery. I went into this whole thing gung ho on getting a lap band but have been persuaded towards the bypass by my surgeons/dieticians/ and basically everyone out of Scottsdale bariatric. I'm still on the fence though. I am scarred about the extra skin thing and hear it is worse with the bypass. I want to lean towrds the band because I feel my problem is really a "lack of self-control" problem and feel it is just the right tool for me. But I do weigh 475 which is why I am being recomended the bypass over the band. I can't decide. Anyone that want's to share their experience on this matter would be greatly appreciated. PLease and thank you all in advance.Sadly the stats for the band are quite poor. Complications are very high. Revision is common.
I'd look at a sleeve if you are not a grazer and if you are a grazer DS.
Topic: RE: Can't decide... Lap band or Bypass?? HELP!
I'm looking at a possible revision now still the bypass scares me. I don't like the rearranging of the anatomy and all the problems with that. However the thing I want less is regaining the weight so...
I don't know if that made sense but I believe you could be succesful with the band but it will be more work and the statistics are better for the rny I believe. also there can be a lot of complications post band.
Curioius, where are you getting the idea that bands only have a 0.02% complication stat? It's MUCH higher than that, usually 1 in 4 have it removed in favor of another surgery type.
On November 11, 2009 at 7:43 PM Pacific Time, mars817 wrote:
I got a lapband in march of this year. If I could do it over I would do a sleeve honestly. I'm one of the .02% of people who are having complcations. Funny enough I befriended the girl who had surgery before me and she just had her band out last week due to similar complications. That being said I love my band and have lost 82lbs. However my weight loss has really slowed down and is getting much more difficult (i'm sure the problems and all the fills/unfills are not helping with this). The surgeon I'm seeing now (I've been through a whole bunch) won't even put a band in someone with a bmi over 50(mine was 53 before surgery) and doesn't feel the band is effective for the more massive weight loss. I'm tending to agree after a lot of research and support group meeting attendence. a lot of people seem to get stuck at 50-70lbs loss and stop there.I'm looking at a possible revision now still the bypass scares me. I don't like the rearranging of the anatomy and all the problems with that. However the thing I want less is regaining the weight so...
I don't know if that made sense but I believe you could be succesful with the band but it will be more work and the statistics are better for the rny I believe. also there can be a lot of complications post band.
Curioius, where are you getting the idea that bands only have a 0.02% complication stat? It's MUCH higher than that, usually 1 in 4 have it removed in favor of another surgery type.
Topic: RE: looking for people who have had weight loss surgery with phoenix health plan or bridgeway
I feel for you. A friend of mine has AHCCCS (I forget which plan) and she is in desperate need of a revision from band to bypass. She can't get into any WLS surgeon because they all have 2-3 year waiting lists. She has such severe reflux from banding that stomach acid has burned out her sinuses at night and this is causing chronic nosebleeds.
I would suggest contacting every single WLS surgeon in AZ and asking them if they accept AHCCCS and then ask which plan and if they have a waiting list.
On November 12, 2009 at 6:29 PM Pacific Time, azfrancine wrote:
I got a notice in the mail that my time has come to change plans if i wish to, ive been struggling to get a surgeon for about 4 years now, originaly on mercy care and apipa doors got closed on me many times with surgeons dropping insurances, now i am on bridgeway and last i heard bridgeway has no one in their network.. i was told to call diferent surgeons to ask if they will accept bridgeway. i have my choice now to go to phoenix health plan or stay with bridgeway. i really need some advice im at 480lbs now i need help with finding a dr and or wich insurance would best serve my needs i live about 100 miles from phoenix but any travel would be worth it in the end please advise thank you and if you have these insurances and have had wls any input would be awesome ty i have 20 days to change my insurance so time is essentualI feel for you. A friend of mine has AHCCCS (I forget which plan) and she is in desperate need of a revision from band to bypass. She can't get into any WLS surgeon because they all have 2-3 year waiting lists. She has such severe reflux from banding that stomach acid has burned out her sinuses at night and this is causing chronic nosebleeds.
I would suggest contacting every single WLS surgeon in AZ and asking them if they accept AHCCCS and then ask which plan and if they have a waiting list.
Topic: RE: I wish ER docs were WLS savvy
When I got to the ER, the doc there wanted me to drink this cup of straight orange juice. I refused because I knew what it woud do to me and I told him. I tried explaining that my dumps result on a low blood sugar which, if I can drink water or a protein shake, I could get it back up naturally within 1/2 hour. He told me he'd worked with plenty of RNY patients and he'd never heard of this. He didn't argue with me but I found out later that he ordered an IV with sugar water to raise my blood sugar. They never did give me any water to drink because I had hit my head and were worried about a concussion.
Anyway, about 1/4 of the way through the IV, my blood sugar came up to 86 and they were happy. The xrays said no broken bones and the CT scan said no concussion. I didn't need stitches in the gash by my eye because it wasn't deep enough (thank goodness). They bandaged me up and sent me home. They did ask if I wanted any Tylenol for my huge headache but I figured I could without their $50 Tylenol and I'd take my $.10 acetomenaphin when I got home.
I just wish the ER docs would get a clue on what to give or what not to give RNY patients. He could have caused a big problem with me drinking that orange juice had I not known what that much sugar would do to me. I'd have been on the heart floor with them thinking I was having a heart attack instead of a major league dump.
They don't know anything about bands either. One more reason I'm glad I revised to a sleeve.
On November 15, 2009 at 9:59 AM Pacific Time, Ann M. wrote:
After stumbling over a speed hump in a parking lot yesterday and flying about 15 feet landing on my head and knee, the EMS and ambulance came and said I needed to be checked out at the hospital. They took my blood sugar while I was still on the ground and it was at 52. I told them I was probably dumping since I had eaten 1/2 of a pumpkin muffin (yeah, I know) and the stress of the fall was working against me. They made me suck on some tube of glucose stuff (I checked and it had less than 15 grams of sugar) on the way to the ER.When I got to the ER, the doc there wanted me to drink this cup of straight orange juice. I refused because I knew what it woud do to me and I told him. I tried explaining that my dumps result on a low blood sugar which, if I can drink water or a protein shake, I could get it back up naturally within 1/2 hour. He told me he'd worked with plenty of RNY patients and he'd never heard of this. He didn't argue with me but I found out later that he ordered an IV with sugar water to raise my blood sugar. They never did give me any water to drink because I had hit my head and were worried about a concussion.
Anyway, about 1/4 of the way through the IV, my blood sugar came up to 86 and they were happy. The xrays said no broken bones and the CT scan said no concussion. I didn't need stitches in the gash by my eye because it wasn't deep enough (thank goodness). They bandaged me up and sent me home. They did ask if I wanted any Tylenol for my huge headache but I figured I could without their $50 Tylenol and I'd take my $.10 acetomenaphin when I got home.
I just wish the ER docs would get a clue on what to give or what not to give RNY patients. He could have caused a big problem with me drinking that orange juice had I not known what that much sugar would do to me. I'd have been on the heart floor with them thinking I was having a heart attack instead of a major league dump.
They don't know anything about bands either. One more reason I'm glad I revised to a sleeve.
Topic: RE: Gas Pain & Possible Heartburn..HELP!!
I had my RNY 06/18/07 and have lost over 150lbs and have not had any issues. Now, me and my BF are trying to have a little one.
HOWEVER
,
Since night before last I have had sum very very bad gas pains. I am havin issues doing #2 and I am about frustrated. I bought sum Prilosec OTC, Chewable Rolaids (berry flavor), and some GasX (chewable).
So, I can feel the bubbles in my stomach but cannot do an official Bowel Movement
. And sometimes I get a little pressure in my chest.
Idk, just curious if anyone else has had these issues and if it is something for me to worry about. Is there a quicker fix to get rid of it. This is my first time w/this issue.
Rolaids are made from calcium carbonate. Same as TUMS. The probem with calcium carbonate is that it causes rebound acid. While it helps the immediate problem it actually causes more acid after it leaves your stomach.
Maybe try Gaviscon instead?
On November 16, 2009 at 4:41 PM Pacific Time, willsgnc wrote:
Hey BAF Fam. I had my RNY 06/18/07 and have lost over 150lbs and have not had any issues. Now, me and my BF are trying to have a little one.
HOWEVER
,Since night before last I have had sum very very bad gas pains. I am havin issues doing #2 and I am about frustrated. I bought sum Prilosec OTC, Chewable Rolaids (berry flavor), and some GasX (chewable).
So, I can feel the bubbles in my stomach but cannot do an official Bowel Movement
. And sometimes I get a little pressure in my chest. Idk, just curious if anyone else has had these issues and if it is something for me to worry about. Is there a quicker fix to get rid of it. This is my first time w/this issue.
Rolaids are made from calcium carbonate. Same as TUMS. The probem with calcium carbonate is that it causes rebound acid. While it helps the immediate problem it actually causes more acid after it leaves your stomach.
Maybe try Gaviscon instead?
Topic: RE: Planning BIG WLS event! Need volunteers
Let me know!!! Happy to do what I can!! Just email me any details... thanks so much Joyce!
DARCIE LEIGH EDELKRAUT
LAP RNY 12/2000 -- Pre-Op: 314 lbs BMI 44
Current: 125 lbs BMI 19
www.tempenewday.com LAP-BAND Program Specialist
Topic: RE: TEMPE SUPPORT GROUP
If they have that then they need to have their band evaluated - period.
I don't care if they have zero fluid in their band- it is too tight - or their band has slipped.
Reflux and night cough are NOT normal - and any respectable band surgeon will tell you that and will fix the problem asap.
Bands to not cause Barretts - that is congenital, and if someone told you otherwise they don't know what it is.
The band is a tool - if you have reflux, if you have night cough - there is an issue - and that needs to be evaluated period.
To your point- yes- if the band is too tight - too small a band is used, or the band slips- you will get reflux. If your surgeon does not understand that, and does not deal with it - there is no wonder they have problems.
Glad you were a model band patient - and did everything correct - but reflux with the band is a sign that there is something wrong and needs to be taken care of.
No, their bands are not too tight and they have not slipped. Three out of four of the people I mentioned above have no restriction whatsoever and can eat any quantity, the 4th has very minimal restriction. According to fluoro exams for three of them they have not slipped. The 4th is your patient and for financial reasons she's going to my surgeon in Mexicali for a fluoro exam and probably a revision to a sleeve.
Reflux, night cough, aspiration pneumonia are very common and a the main reason I see banded people revising to a more safe procedure. We've been doing a Phoenix bandster lunch for almost three years (although not lately, I've dropped the ball on it) and most have had or will have their bands removed in favor of a sleeve. One wants bypass.
You say banding is the safest. The actual surgery... this is true. But long term sleeves have farrrr fewer risks and complications. No slips, erosion, port infections, no follow up care is necessary, they are not forced to find a band surgeon should they move out of state as any doc can order annual labs. Weight loss is better, faster, and just plain easier. What is not safe is revision surgery. Revising from band to sleeve when the sleeve could have been done in the first place and SHOULD have been done from the start.
On November 17, 2009 at 5:17 AM Pacific Time, terrysimpson wrote:
That is absolutely NOT normal.If they have that then they need to have their band evaluated - period.
I don't care if they have zero fluid in their band- it is too tight - or their band has slipped.
Reflux and night cough are NOT normal - and any respectable band surgeon will tell you that and will fix the problem asap.
Bands to not cause Barretts - that is congenital, and if someone told you otherwise they don't know what it is.
The band is a tool - if you have reflux, if you have night cough - there is an issue - and that needs to be evaluated period.
To your point- yes- if the band is too tight - too small a band is used, or the band slips- you will get reflux. If your surgeon does not understand that, and does not deal with it - there is no wonder they have problems.
Glad you were a model band patient - and did everything correct - but reflux with the band is a sign that there is something wrong and needs to be taken care of.
No, their bands are not too tight and they have not slipped. Three out of four of the people I mentioned above have no restriction whatsoever and can eat any quantity, the 4th has very minimal restriction. According to fluoro exams for three of them they have not slipped. The 4th is your patient and for financial reasons she's going to my surgeon in Mexicali for a fluoro exam and probably a revision to a sleeve.
Reflux, night cough, aspiration pneumonia are very common and a the main reason I see banded people revising to a more safe procedure. We've been doing a Phoenix bandster lunch for almost three years (although not lately, I've dropped the ball on it) and most have had or will have their bands removed in favor of a sleeve. One wants bypass.
You say banding is the safest. The actual surgery... this is true. But long term sleeves have farrrr fewer risks and complications. No slips, erosion, port infections, no follow up care is necessary, they are not forced to find a band surgeon should they move out of state as any doc can order annual labs. Weight loss is better, faster, and just plain easier. What is not safe is revision surgery. Revising from band to sleeve when the sleeve could have been done in the first place and SHOULD have been done from the start.
Topic: RE: Happy Thanksgivings everyone
Wow Gayle! You look fabulous!
Thanks for the Holiday wishes and back attcha!!! ...... Will you be ready to get out of your chilly weather around Feb 13th? O.H. isn't coming to our neck of the woods in 2010 so we're going to throw our own BIG BASH!!!! "Lovin our Life on the lighter side..." We're going to keep the price point as low as possible to remove financial barriers and include all! ... It would be so fun to have you join us again?
"No Stress" for the Holiday's means better food choices for most of us....so I join you in wishing all a stress free holiday! We all have soooooo much to be grateful for!!!
In regard to my WLS, I am thankful for:
BONES!! LOL! I love feeling them protrude even if the butt bones are painful!!! Collar bones rock!
Joyce
Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
On November 17, 2009 at 6:50 PM Pacific Time, huskerfan85 wrote:
Just wanted to give a shout out to all my Arizona Friends. I hope everyone has a stress free holiday!! GayleThanks for the Holiday wishes and back attcha!!! ...... Will you be ready to get out of your chilly weather around Feb 13th? O.H. isn't coming to our neck of the woods in 2010 so we're going to throw our own BIG BASH!!!! "Lovin our Life on the lighter side..." We're going to keep the price point as low as possible to remove financial barriers and include all! ... It would be so fun to have you join us again?
"No Stress" for the Holiday's means better food choices for most of us....so I join you in wishing all a stress free holiday! We all have soooooo much to be grateful for!!!
In regard to my WLS, I am thankful for:
BONES!! LOL! I love feeling them protrude even if the butt bones are painful!!! Collar bones rock!
Joyce Rny 2/11/03-> ERny 12/26/07-> Duodenal Switch 5/12/2010
www.dsfacts.com , www.dssurgery.com , & www.duodenalswitch.com
Topic: RE: Happy Thanksgivings everyone
Thank you, hope you also have a stress free holiday. You look wonderful in your picture. Keep up the great work. Debbie
Topic: Happy Thanksgivings everyone
Just wanted to give a shout out to all my Arizona Friends. I hope everyone has a stress free holiday!! Gayle
Gayle 6'2"
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