Finding My Feet

Hi Lessismore,
RNY was never even a consideration for me tbh as my surgeon prefers the MGB. Once I started researching it (see first post for my disappointment that sleeve wasn’t recommended!) I totally understood what the surgeon had said about the single reconnection. Post surgery, I am aware that I have a larger pouch as predicted by the surgeon, because of scar tissue, because I can eat more than you’d expect with the sleeve. So really my choice was between the sleeve and the MGB. But I am losing really well and really, really pleased I made this decision.

I’m keeping a diary which I will stick on here shortly as I think a lot of us get on so well we don’t frequent the site that often. I really needed to read more but couldn’t find it. It’ll probably be the end of the week before I get a chance to post it all though.
FMF xx

Yes, If I miss a dose of Omeprazole I know about it. This is the one downside for me. MarinaGirl, with RNY, do you need to take PPIs every day?

Hi Lessismore,
RNY was never even a consideration for me tbh as my surgeon prefers the MGB. Once I started researching it (see first post for my disappointment that sleeve wasn’t recommended!) I totally understood what the surgeon had said about the single reconnection. Post surgery, I am aware that I have a larger pouch as predicted by the surgeon, because of scar tissue, because I can eat more than you’d expect with the sleeve. So really my choice was between the sleeve and the MGB. But I am losing really well and really, really pleased I made this decision.

I’m keeping a diary which I will stick on here shortly as I think a lot of us get on so well we don’t frequent the site that often. I really needed to read more but couldn’t find it. It’ll probably be the end of the week before I get a chance to post it all though.
FMF xx

Good luck with your journey Aussie Liz, I think the decision making part is the hardest bit xx

Hi Aussie Liz!

I’m really good thanks. Surgery went well. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of pain tbh. I’m day 9 now so still early days but already this “feels” better than the band did. Not having a dead stop when I swallow is good but will take some getting used to.

I’m properly excited for the future now. That’s a feeling I can get easily used to

Are you planning an MGB then?

Thank you BostonWLKC
I will take all the reasurance i can get! I do think having had one experience and things not working out how you thought they would makes for a very nervous second time round.

I’m still reading everything I can get my hands on. I wish there was more chat from MGBers. I guess people are out there getting on with life which is a good sign.

Hello everyone
Long story short, I’m scheduled for surgery in a little over 3 weeks and I’m terrified!
I had a band way back in 2007 which I did OK with, if you call throwing up almost daily in order to lose weight OK! The early months were great, I didn’t feel hungry, I coped really well with all the liquid stages every time the band was tightened and aside from the port discomfort which seems pretty constant, it worked how I expected it to. My issues came when I tried to eat solid food. I think the big downfall for me with the band was the pure unpredictability of how your stomach will react on any given day. Hormone fluctuations and stress and because it’s a day with an S in it, all made for a pretty difficult to gauge what I could or couldn’t eat. I ended up fully emptied for the last few years and still once experience a blockage which had me unable to swallow anything for days (and that is really scary!), not using it as a tool anymore, living on slider foods, drinking with food in order to avoid the pain and ultimately gaining back weight. In short, I was miserable. I had it taken out 4 years ago and I have now regained every sodding pound I lost before. Gah!
I had spent a year or so convinced the sleeve would be right for me, kicking myself for not having gone that way in the first place. I convinced myself that that would have been like the band but with less of that nasty, sore blockage. It would be the tiny tummy I think I need to have in order to be the skinny minx I am in my head. So I headed off to the big smoke to see the big man to talk about the sleeve and was slightly miffed when he told me I was wrong. He said the pouch they’d have to potentially give me would be too big because of potential scar tissue from the band. “But it’s been out for 4 years!” I protested, but he continued with all the reasons MGB was a better idea and he convinced me he is right. So, after a brief rethink on everything and some gathering of funds, I’m booked. And terrified. Did I mention I was terrified?!
I’m finding chat about living with the MGB a bit short on the ground. I think I have read everything I can find! What I’d like to know for you lovely lot, what do you know now you wished you’d known before? What is the reality of living with the MGB? What can you eat and what can you absolutely never in a million years even consider eating? I have millions of unanswered questions so please forgive my constant chatter. I’ll try not to be too irritating

Hi Aussie Liz!

I’m really good thanks. Surgery went well. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of pain tbh. I’m day 9 now so still early days but already this “feels” better than the band did. Not having a dead stop when I swallow is good but will take some getting used to.

I’m properly excited for the future now. That’s a feeling I can get easily used to

Are you planning an MGB then?

Licensed psychologist, Dr. Colleen Long has worked in the field of bariatrics for 10 years and discusses the ins and outs of the pre-op psychological evaluation to put anyone getting ready to go through the process at ease.


Every time I sit down with someone to do their VSG and Bypass psych pre-op evaluation- they are understandably nervous and on edge. My first question is: "Has anyone explained to you the reason for why you need a psychological evaluation?" and there answer is always, "no, I have no idea why I am here."
I explain to them the reasons are threefold: 1) to make sure they understand the risks, benefits, and outcomes of the surgery, 2) to understand any psychological/behavioral ties to food that would benefit from behavioral recommendations/modification, and 3) to help the surgeon understand one's personality as it relates to a healthcare context, to better inform treatment.
1) Most people have been able to go over the risks, benefits, and outcomes with their medical team, but if not- I make sure last minute questions are addressed before they proceed.
2) During the evaluation- we talk about the patient's unique eating behaviors and how to modify them to help with maximum weight loss after the surgery. For instance, last week- I met with a guy who said he normally has a bowl of Cereal at night in front of the TV and it provides him with a sense of "contentment." We talked about other ideas to create that same sense of contentment without sabotaging his weight loss surgery outcome, such as reaching out for support, taking a hot bath, listening to music, meditating, journaling, and/or creating a self-care ritual each night before bed.
3) The results of psychological testing provide me with really strong insight into each person's psyche as it relates to a medical setting. For instance, some results will say- " this person is uncomfortable talking about health care issues with strangers and may require more prompting than the average patient," or " this patient is likely to look compliant by being overly agreeable, but has a tendency to venture out on their own, and therefore frequent follow up is recommended," or " this person is uncomfortable in the patient role and will become increasingly agitated in the event of long-term health issues."
The 3rd piece of this evaluation is of concern to some, but for the most part- it is meant to help better inform their treatment plan. If a surgeon understands that a patient is more apt to look compliant but "go rogue," they are probably going to incorporate more frequent follow up to make sure that person has the best chance of success.
In the end- a psychologist's goal is not to be a hurdle in a patient's weight loss journey, but a catalyst.

Good luck with your journey Aussie Liz, I think the decision making part is the hardest bit xx

Hi Aussie Liz!

I’m really good thanks. Surgery went well. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of pain tbh. I’m day 9 now so still early days but already this “feels” better than the band did. Not having a dead stop when I swallow is good but will take some getting used to.

I’m properly excited for the future now. That’s a feeling I can get easily used to

Are you planning an MGB then?

Congratulations! I'm glad yout feeling good!
I had my bypass on the 19th and I'm currently in the hospital but will be getting out sometime this morning. I have to say it wasn't nearly as bad as I though it would be.. Not a lot of pain and I'm keeping everything down. So hopefully it stays that way!

Screw him.
Get the surgery.
Lose the weight.
Divorce him.
Marry a male underwear model.

Thank you BostonWLKC
I will take all the reasurance i can get! I do think having had one experience and things not working out how you thought they would makes for a very nervous second time round.

I’m still reading everything I can get my hands on. I wish there was more chat from MGBers. I guess people are out there getting on with life which is a good sign.