Actual Sleeve Recovery Time-wkend walking job

[renniemommie]

I am debating the Sleeve verses the Band right now. The band seems a big hassle, but I and am not crazy about losing a portion of my stomach...
I am switching insurance end of Feb from Aetna to another, so it is a 3 mo diet plan, vs 6 mo. I am trying to get in under the wire with Aetna, which means surgery about 1st weekend of march.
I have a weekends only job thru second weekend of April (bar manager at a festival with 5 outlets over many acres). Long hours, much walking up huffy hills over and over during the course of the day and sometimes getting to one place to another fast (and some lifting). I really need the job. If I get the sleeve on a Monday, what will happen come Saturday (with either surgery)? I could see myself getting a helper that first weekend to help, that way their is less walking/hustling over the day. During the week, I can rest.

Will I be able to do this job if I get the sleeve? Will it only suck that one weekend?

Advice will help! Thanks!

[USAFWIFE]

Everyone's recovery is different, you will deal with exhaustion from lack of calories, and you'll need to focus on hydration for the first couple of weeks.

You would definitely need someone to help you unless you're one of the miraculous ones that swelling goes down super quick, and you'll be able to get in fluids without issue.

I've had the band, and now the sleeve. One thing I tell everyone is THINK TWICE, CUT ONCE. The band did irreversible, not repairable damage to my stomach, I lost more stomach tissue than the average sleevester, was it worth it, YES because I recovered, and survived, but my recovery was hell, and the band is to blame.

I have tons of research links, but for some reason they will copy and paste on this forum. If you'd like to contact me, feel free to contact me.

Here is some statistical information about the band, directly from the band makers

http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_abou...y_information/

Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function) occurred in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) occurred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery. In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications.
Adverse events that were considered to be non-serious, and which occurred in less than 1% of the patients, included: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), hiatal hernia (some stomach above the diaphragm), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), abdominal pain, hernia, incisional hernia, infection, redundant skin, dehydration, diarrhea (frequent semi-solid bowel movements), abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence (gas), dyspepsia (upset stomach), eructation (belching), cardiospasm (an obstruction of passage of food through the bottom of the esophagus), hematemsis (vomiting of blood), asthenia (fatigue), fever, chest pain, incision pain, contact dermatitis (rash), abnormal healing, edema (swelling), paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, prickly, or tingling), dysmenorrhea (difficult periods), hypochromic anemia (low oxygen carrying part of blood), band system leak, cholecystitis (gall stones), esophageal ulcer (sore), port displacement, port site pain, spleen injury, and wound infection. Be sure to ask your surgeon about these possible complications and any of these medical terms that you dont understand.
Back to Top What are the specific risks and possible complications?

Talk to your doctor about all of the following risks and complications:

* Ulceration
* Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue)
* Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation)
* Heartburn
* Gas bloat
* Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
* Dehydration
* Constipation
* Weight regain
* Death


Laparoscopic surgery has its own set of possible problems. They include:

* Spleen or liver damage (sometimes requiring spleen removal)
* Damage to major blood vessels
* Lung problems
* Thrombosis (blood clots)
* Rupture of the wound
* Perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery


Laparoscopic surgery is not always possible. The surgeon may need to switch to an "open" method due to some of the reasons mentioned here. This happened in about 5% of the cases in the U.S. Clinical Study.
There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the LAP-BAND� System:

* The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them.
* The band can slip
* There can be stomach slippage
* The stomach pouch can enlarge
* The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked
* The band can erode into the stomach


Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by:

* Food
* Swelling
* Improper placement of the band
* The band being over-inflated
* Band or stomach slippage
* Stomach pouch twisting
* Stomach pouch enlargement


There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by:

* Improper placement of the band
* The band being tightened too much
* Stoma obstruction
* Binge eating
* Excessive vomiting


Patients with a weaker esophagus may be more likely to have this problem. A weaker esophagus is one that is not good at pushing food through to your stomach. Tell your surgeon if you have difficulty swallowing. Then your surgeon can evaluate this.
Weight loss with the LAP-BAND� System is typically slower and more gradual than with some other weight loss surgeries. Tightening the band too fast or too much to try to speed up weight loss should be avoided. The stomach pouch and/or esophagus can become enlarged as a result. You need to learn how to use your band as a tool that can help you reduce the amount you eat.
Infection is possible. Also, the band can erode into the stomach. This can happen right after surgery or years later, although this rarely happens.
Complications can cause reduced weight loss. They can also cause weight gain. Other complications can result that require more surgery to remove, reposition, or replace the band.
Some patients have more nausea and vomiting than others. You should see your physician at once if vomiting persists.
Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of:

* Malnutrition
* Anemia
* Related complications


It is possible you may not lose much weight or any weight at all. You could also have complications related to obesity.
If any complications occur, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need to return to the hospital later. A number of less serious complications can also occur. These may have little effect on how long it takes you to recover from surgery.
If you have existing problems, such as diabetes, a large hiatal hernia (part of the stomach in the chest cavity), Barretts esophagus (severe, chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus), or emotional or psychological problems, you may have more complications. Your surgeon will consider how bad your symptoms are, and if you are a good candidate for the LAP-BAND� System surgery. You also have more risk of complications if you've had a surgery before in the same area. If the procedure is not done laparoscopically by an experienced surgeon, you may have more risk of complications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, should be used with caution.
Some people need folate and vitamin B12 supplements to maintain normal homocycteine levels. Elevated homocycteine levels can increase risks to your heart and the risk of spinal birth defects.
You can develop gallstones after a rapid weight loss. This can make it necessary to remove your gallbladder.
There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND� System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND� System may not be right for you.
Back to Top Removing the LAP-BAND� System

If the LAP-BAND� System has been placed laparoscopically, it may be possible to remove it the same way. This is an advantage of the LAP-BAND� System. However, an "open" procedure may be necessary to remove a band. In the U.S. Clinical Study, 60% of the bands that were removed were done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that after the band is removed, the stomach returns to essentially a normal state.
At this time, there are no known reasons to suggest that the band should be replaced or removed at some point unless a complication occurs or you do not lose weight. It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point. Removing the device requires a surgical procedure. That procedure will have all the related risks and possible complications that come with surgery. The risk of some complications, such as erosions and infection, increase with any added procedure.

[renniemommie]

I just found out that the insurance we are switching over to does NOT pay for WLS. (and has a HIGH deductible, more than we spend a year, .)
So it sort of now or never

Still wanting to figure out how I can do this job right after. I don't want to preform so poorly that they don't hire be back next year, cause then I'd have been better to pay OOP! If one weekend I slug around with a friend doing all my real work I think by weekend two I will be Ok?

[swimhard4]

Hi, I have Aetna insurance and they were great! Dont put it off just because of your job. No you probably should not work that soon after surgery but it is possible. I LOVE Christmas and all the food and deserts but I did the surgery right before knowing I would have to sacrafice so many activitys at Christmas. Was it worth it Heck Yes!

[renniemommie]

My job is a annual temp job for those 8 weeks. I have no "real" job right now. It is only on the weekend, but it is 12 hours of standing, walking, some resting a day, Downhill is easy, uphill is the hard one. I can have a friend help me that first weekend, maybe the second, (I'd have to share my pay with her) so I can slowly drag myself around. My timing is just great..

If it came down to it, I'd get the Lap just to keep the job. Course, with all the Lap issues I might end up spending as much as i'd earn fixing it.

Thanks!

[swimhard4]

The recovery will probably be the same! I know alot of folks that had the band that are changing over to the sleeve!

[gyrl2gyrl1]

The recovery time varies but I do not believe by having the surgery on Monday by Saturday you will be physical able to function appropriately at your job. I had the sleeve on 12/29/10 and as of today I am still in some pain. I took two weeks off of work and I have a sit down job. Your body doesnt feel the same anymore. Whatever you decide take it slow. Dont over push yourself because you may cause you more harm. GOOD LUCK

[nmeyerad]

Hi - I agree with the group on this one - I think less than a week it would be really hard to back to that kind of physical labor - even standing that long on just liquids and then even trying to get all your liquids in to stay hydrated over 12 hours seems almost impossible. I am a college prof. now and I had my sleeve on 12-29 too and I am worried about standing and teaching a class even tho I have had great success with my recovery. I was in the bar business for 25 years and I know the kind of work you are talking about and I would think you would be risking a lot of complications and damage to yourself to try to go back to doing that in such a short period of time.... good luck and remember this is a major change to your entire body even if the recovery goes smoothly.
nancy

[renniemommie]

An update: Still don't know what to do. LOL! Talked to Dr. today. He said take off 2 weekends of the job and I'd be OK (in theory, barring issues), yada, yada. He was happier when he realized I only did it weekends. He suggested getting it done ASAP (after mid-Feb 90 day diet is up), then I could use the last few weeks of my insurance and consider to pay for one month Cobra to take care of the majority of the complication window. He did say with the Band, one weekend. I am convinced the Band is quite Evil, although I am tempted by the some people it works for. I told my Dr. (Ganta) that I felt the Band was Too Much Drama. He thought that over and said it was a good way of putting it.
But, I really can not take off 2 weeks from this job. Remember, I have a cozy trailer backstage. I think show at start of day (first weekend) and make a quick middle of day walk around and show my face end day-first weekend. Then I've 'shown my face" gotten my friend to do my work for me and HID in the trailer. Second weekend, same thing, just more showing face. I can't afford to wait till the festival is over, as Cobra would kill me-defeats the whole insurance paying thing! nmeyerad is a prof and former bar manager. I am a teacher and F&B person converted to weekend festival management. I will let the forum know, which surgery I decided and how it goes-cause I hate when they all drop off!

[MoreFitDiane]

Good luck to you Colette! I work in event management myself, trade shows and corporate events/meetings mostly. About 60% of the time I sit in front of my computer, but about 40% of the time I am on the road, travelling and working at show sites. I know how grueling the long days and time on your feet can become. If you're pretty healthy overall, your recovery from surgery should go fairly well. If you're just doing a walk-around a couple of times a day, you will probably be fine. Walking is good for us and our recovery! Just remember don't lift anything heavy, don't spend too much time on your feet, and get plenty of liquids and plenty of protein.

[BigPapa]

Is a golf cart or golf cart rental out of the question?

[renniemommie]

Oh yeah, no Golf Carts or anything fun like that. It is a Renaissance Festival. There were no golf carts in 1089 (or blackberries or walkie talkies-which I do have) LOL~!

[swimhard4]

That was a good idea! Too bad it would not work
Remember walking is always good!!

[BigPapa]

I find the humor in that...I bet they didn't have Budweiser either....Oh well lol

[CtryGodess]

Maybe not but they had some yummy Ale, Cider, and Mead!!
I'm working a Renaissance Festival about a month after my surgery too. So, we'll see how that works out for us! Drink your water, rest when you can, and listen to your body!