Tomo

Exactly. You posted what I was thinking.

I have had both sleeve and then a bypass revision. I had to get revised because of GERD due to the sleeve. If you've had any type of gerd in the past, go bypass instead and save yourself years of pain and suffering.

Both are life changing as in you lose weight, and it stops you from binging, but other than that, once you are are completely healed, I don't really see it being any different than living as a thin person. You still have to watch your weight, watch the things that you eat for health purposes. Be aware that one can eat around the sleeve. You can't eat around the bypass though. I think the only thing that is different than life pre-surgeries is that I have to use a daily multivitamin patch (so I don't have to deal with a lot of pills). I added one chewable adek after I had the bypass.

If I had to do it over again I would skip the sleeve. At the time, I was afraid of the bypass. I got severe gerd from the sleeve but please know that not everybody gets gerd from the sleeve. Now I realize that having a bypass was absolutely nothing for me to be afraid of. It's been a problem/side affect-free experience. It resolved all my problems I had with my sleeve.

I have had both sleeve and then a bypass revision. I had to get revised because of GERD due to the sleeve. If you've had any type of gerd in the past, go bypass instead and save yourself years of pain and suffering.

Both are life changing as in you lose weight, and it stops you from binging, but other than that, once you are are completely healed, I don't really see it being any different than living as a thin person. You still have to watch your weight, watch the things that you eat for health purposes. Be aware that one can eat around the sleeve. You can't eat around the bypass though. I think the only thing that is different than life pre-surgeries is that I have to use a daily multivitamin patch (so I don't have to deal with a lot of pills). I added one chewable adek after I had the bypass.

If I had to do it over again I would skip the sleeve. At the time, I was afraid of the bypass. I got severe gerd from the sleeve but please know that not everybody gets gerd from the sleeve. Now I realize that having a bypass was absolutely nothing for me to be afraid of. It's been a problem/side affect-free experience. It resolved all my problems I had with my sleeve.

Learning to eat slowly can be challenging. Over time you can speed up again or find you’re subconsciously timing your bites with whoever you’re eating with. I found putting my cutlery down & sitting back from the table helped. I still take a long time to eat - 30-45 mins to eat a meal though it used to be longer - up to an hour. The slowing your eating is also to ensure you haven’t eaten too much before you recognise your full signal. This signal can take 20+ minutes to kick in so if you eat quickly you can eat more than you actually need & are then are over full. I often have a very slow full message which is also why I eat slowly.
I also can’t drink more than two mouthfuls at a time. I was having trouble swallowing a med for my Meniere’s vertigo one day. It starts to dissolve when it gets moist & even just putting it in your mouth it will stick. Took a 4th swallow to get it down & then I swear within seconds up all the Water came … & the med.

I finished my schooling and am officially working in my chosen field as a medical assistant!!! I got my certification and I'm working in a critical care pulmonary office. I'm absolutely LOVING it!! And even though I can look at myself and see the weight loss, and I can see my diabetes and blood pressure are normal now, I still have a hard time believing I'm physically able to do my job and do it well. Yet here I am....doing the d@mn thing!!!
I have a CT with contrast on the 29th because my bariatric surgeon thinks I have a distal hernia (if you look at my stomach in my pic, you can see that area poking out a little). And I have my complete hysterectomy scheduled for March 6th. If the CT confirms the distal hernia, that will also require a surgery, but I have no idea when that will happen. I'm hoping before the hysterectomy because the hernia repair can be done laparoscopically (I think) but I have to have an abdominal hysterectomy because the fibroids are way too big to come out laparoscopically and I have to have EVERYTHING removed because I tested positive for the BRCA cancer gene (will need all of my breast tissue removed at a later date, but my insurance will cover reconstructive breast surgery, so YAY for a free boob job).
This last 50 pounds still won't leave me, and it's absolutely driving me crazy. No matter what I do, I can't get it to go. I'm hoping the hysterectomy will help a little because the fibroids are so big, they're making my uterus the size of a 16 week pregnant uterus. They also said the hysterectomy should help somewhat with my PCOS, since that's likely what's preventing that last 50 pounds from coming off. So here's hoping this is end of my weight issues and the last of my surgeries!!!

I'm a little different because I had the bypass (8.5 years ago), but I started out at almost 400 lbs, so weight-wise, we were in similar starting positions. The first year seems like a huge life change, but sitting here years out, the only thing that's different is that I average about 1600 calories a day rather than 3000+. When I go out to eat, I eat maybe half the entree and take the rest home in a to-go box (or sometimes I'll get something like an appetizer or Soup rather than an entree if I'm not that hungry). Other than that...??? Oh - I take Vitamins regularly now. But other than that, not that much different. But again, the first year or so - yes. But you'll be doing quite a bit of prep work before that. For example, my insurance required me to do a six-month diet with a registered dietitian, and she kind of eased me into the type of diet I'd be following after surgery. She had me eating 2300 kcal/cay (which now would seem like a ton - like Thanksgiving day - but at the time seemed like a diet - although enough calories to be at least tolerable). She also had me gradually decrease my carb intake and increase my Protein intake. I focused on healthy foods (although I ate a pretty healthy diet even BEFORE surgery, I just ate way too much). She had me start taking a Multivitamin every day and getting some exercise about 3x a week. My surgeon also didn't want us drinking caffeinated beverages for the first six months after surgery (although some surgeons are fine with caffeine), so she also had me gradually decrease my caffeine intake. So basically, I was as prepared as I could be before they rolled me into surgery.
I don't have PCOS and have never had a hysterectomy, so I can't address that, but I know WLS patients who've had both. Hopefully someone will respond to you on that.

some person on this site or a similar one (this was several years ago - I've been hanging out here for a. long time!) said that when he felt hungry, he'd ask himself if eating some chicken breast would do it for him. If yes, he was hungry. If no, then it was likely just head hunger or a craving.

There are some people who continue to feel hunger after the surgery. Be careful you’re not confusing real hunger & head hunger. Real hunger feels different. I feel like something is wrong & restless. I never want a specific food, favour or texture. And there is a reason why I feel hungry - like I haven’t eaten for a few hours. It does take time to work out your cues for real hunger.
The other issue to consider is you’re still healing. Someone recently posted their surgeon said it can take 8 weeks or more to fully heal internally after a sleeve. This includes your nerves which were cut which is why our messages for hunger, satiety, etc, aren’t accurately felt, or in the case if your restriction not felt at all during this recovery period. It’s why we have to be careful of how much we eat & drink. I always say all because you can doesn’t mean you should. You may be able to eat a portion larger than you’ve been told or drink more but the signals telling you stop or warning you of danger aren’t working properly. Go slowly making small changes. Best not to push to see how much you think you can do.
There’s lots of little things to learn about post surgery, consider & most importantly learn about yourself. But you’ll get there.
All the best with your recovery.

THIS^^^^^^

Foamies can be unpleasant if you eat too fast or too much or something that is too dry or too coarse. I find it can happen if it’s something my tummy decides it doesn’t like (like it recently decided it didn’t like eggs anymore though I’d been eating them without issue for 4 years).
But I wonder if it may be dumping because of the nausea & tiredness which you don’t get with the foamies. While generally caused by fats & sugars, other things can set it off too like starch heavy foods & even dairy in some.
But yes certainly needs a visit with your surgeon to see what’s going on.

You need to go back to your team and get them to work it out. You should not be ill every time you eat. You will feel tired and yucky. You are getting no nutrients. I hope you get the answers you need
What foods do you eat ? Are you sick if you have liquids ? Are your foods dry ? You are a little late for a stricture so that can not be the problem.
I occasionally vomit [ the foamies] because of over eating or drinking too quickly after food. I still take anti nausea and Gerd medication.

Yeah, I've received quite a few comments like "you look so thin you look like a cancer patient" and "you should gain some weight because you will look much younger". I usually reply with "well, I'm the healthiest I've ever been. So given the choice between transitory looks vs great blood tests and regular blood pressure... Etc. I chose life." It goes in one ear and out the other ear and accompanied with a scowl lol, but I say it for myself.

Original VSG WLS 11/7/2017 (revised to RNY 2019)
Height 5’3”-5’4”
starting BMI 43-44
current BMI 25-26
Measurements July 2017 (before WLS)
Hips 51
Thighs 31
Lower abdomen 53
Mid abdomen 49
Under bust 43
Full bust 50
Over bust 46
Arm 16
Measurements Jan 2021 (before plastics)
Hips 43
Thighs 25
Lower abdomen 38
Mid abdomen 34
Under bust 31
Full bust 38
Over bust 36
Arm 11
At this point I barely remember what life was like preop unless I look at photos.
However, I vividly remember immediately post op. The constant monitoring of every aspect of life to make sure I got it all right. Not going to lie, I don’t miss that- it could be exhausting at times (but ultimately worth it!).
I have relaxed into a routine that works really well for me and nothing feels restrictive. I’m very happy I chose this path.❤️

Nothing like a back handed compliment. And sometimes mothers can be the best at them. 🙄🙂
I’ve had people who comment about my loss even 4+yrs out - congratulatory & also you’ve lost enough/too much. And I’ve had people who’ve not said a word. I was at church & the minister asked, with great concern, if I was okay. Pretty obvious she feared I had some terrible disease. I said I was well & all was good.

Dr. John Morton, Division Chief of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, discusses if the new injectable weight-loss drugs are having an impact on people choosing bariatric surgery.
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/yale-doctor-discusses-differences-between-bariatric-surgery-and-weight-loss-drugs/3145715/?amp=1

I had raging GERD pre-surgery, and while the GERD has pretty much gone post-op, I'm so prone to developing ulcers that I'm still on 40mg of Pantoprazole almost two years out. The plan was for me to wean off Pantoprazole, but when I do, I get a fresh ulcer. I have a pooling of bile in the bottom of what's left of my stomach, which I suspect is at least contributing to it (and I still get "gallstone attacks" despite no longer having a gallbladder). Unfortunately, it's not a sure thing that a bypass will cure GERD, which sucks.
100% feel for you. It's just relentless complications. Hope your surgeon has some idea.

yes - ferritin is the amount of stored Iron you have in your system. 7 is crazy low. You're probably in infusion territory, but I'm not a medical professional. Your doctor will know what to do...

Great advice above. I had a sleeve so my experience might be different from yours OP. My full on hunger returned about 7 or 8 months out. Sorry yours has come back so soon - it is sooo variable.
I have religiously stuck to the Protein first mantra ever since. I find if I eat an ounce or two of deli meat, yes it might be more calorific than veg or fruit, but it kept me full for MUCH longer. Plus gets me to protein goal.
I say experiment and find what works for you. Absolutely echo what @Arabesque says about head vs real hunger - if you're craving something particular then it might be worth trying to distract yourself/defer eating. If you're properly hungry then go for a small amount of protein and re-evaluate half an hour later.

When my hunger came back I had to really focus on lower calorie foods so I ate baby carrots or broccoli for Snacks if I couldn't wait for my next meal. Carrots did not work for my stomach at 1st though so be careful with them if you haven't tried them yet. I also live on low fat string cheese and grapes. I try to stick to just 3 meals a day but I have never had a strong restriction. Many people eat 5 or 6 small meals if they can't eat very much at any one time. Just make sure to hit your Protein goals because that will help you feel fuller longer and drink enough Water too. My office recommends staying around 1000 calories at 4 months so I would eat more often if needed but just made sure I didn't eat too many calories. It was a very frustrating time to feel hungry but unable to actually eat very much. My hunger did settle back down again after a few months though so hopefully yours will too. Good luck!

Unfortunately, yes your hunger comes back as do all your cravings, old bad habits, etc.
it can be difficult at first to discern between real hunger & head hunger. Real hunger feels different. I feel restless as if something is wrong. There is always a logical reason I feel hungry (haven’t eaten, missed a meal, didn’t eat much,). If there isn’t a reason to feel hungry or if I crave a specific food, flavour or texture I know it’s head hunger.
Head hunger often passes real hunger doesn’t. If you are still producing too much stomach acid you may have hunger pangs. Hunger pangs & your tummy rumbling usually isn’t a sign of hunger as we were always told - it’s just either too much acid (try taking a ppi or antacid) or your digestive system working properly.
Distractions can help. Go for a walk, craft, read, clean out a cupboard or drawer, ring a friend, check this forum, play a game. Even set a time - I’ll have something to eat in half an hour & then chose a nutrient dense low calorie option. Sipping a warm drink can help too.
Many find counselling very helpful to understand your relationship with food & what drives you to eat (your cravings, emotions, habits, etc.). They’ll also help you work out ways to manage these when they feel like they’re taking over. You won’t stop the but you’ll better identify why you want to eat & work out ways to take away some of their power.

there are mixed feelings about pouch resets. Many say they don't really work, and also, they reinforce "diet mentality". Probably better to either wait it out, or else maybe drop your calories by 100 or so and beef up your activity. Arabesque is correct, those last few pounds are a BEAR to get off. I got to my goal, but it took me 20 months. After the one year mark, my loss slowed down to a crawl - there were months I only lost a pound or two. But I just kept at it. She's also right in that stalls are a part of weight loss. There were so many times during year 2 that I thought "well, this must be it...", and then a couple weeks later I'd drop another pound. Frustrating, yep - but that's the way weight loss works!

Firstly, stalls are a normal part of weight loss. Frustrating & stressful though they can be. While on average they last around 1-3 weeks they can last longer. It just depends upon how much time your body needs to reset itself (metabolic rate, digestive hormones, etc.) in response to your current needs at your lower weight. You just need to let your body taker the time it needs - don’t stress it more by making more changes.
Not everyone reaches their goal weight. The average weight loss is about 65% for sleeve & bypass of the weight you’re to lose to put you in a healthier range. So, if my maths is correct, you’ve exceeded that average so far - yay! Doesn’t matter what weight your surgeon wants you at, your body will greatly influence your final weight - your new set point. There are also lifestyle & personal preference choices to consider too - what weight are you happiest at & allows you to enjoy your life as you want without you having to restrict your choices to maintain your weight.
Our rate of loss slows as we get closer to our final weight. Sometimes it’s so slow it seems like we’re not really losing at all. And remember it doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach your stabilised weight - you’ll get there in the time that’s best for you.
Don’t give up yet. Stick to your plan. Stay off the scales for a week or two. You may be surprised when you eventually weigh yourself again.

Question: Did you have the required psychological evaluation before your surgery?

Legit or not, I wish you the best of luck. Whether it is trolling or real, both suggest that you need help.

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Yeah, I've received quite a few comments like "you look so thin you look like a cancer patient" and "you should gain some weight because you will look much younger". I usually reply with "well, I'm the healthiest I've ever been. So given the choice between transitory looks vs great blood tests and regular blood pressure... Etc. I chose life." It goes in one ear and out the other ear and accompanied with a scowl lol, but I say it for myself.

I usually don't use artificial sweeteners either, neither adding it nor in products. I absolutely second fruit as@Arabesque mentioned. There are so many delicious sweet fruit. Peaches, crispy grapes, strawberries and more. They are wonderful for upgrading any yogurt, cottage cheese, oats... etc. If you like honey, that's a very healthy way to sweeten things too.