animallover1247

I've heard that test is HORRIBLE! However, be thankful that you had it done. I'm seven weeks post op and having severe acid reflux 24/7. Yes 24/7. It never stops. Just Water and food hitting my stomach accelerates the burning.I wish my GERD would have been further assessed before surgery. If it comes back you need to have the bypass, I would suggest that is what you need to do (even though you may not really want to). You don't want to be dealing with this and regretting your surgery.

Those who don't want help simply can't be helped....
I was the same...
Didn't want help...
Certainly didn't NEED it...
As it turned out, I sorted myself out...
I hope he does too..

Do you have pets?????
Go to the nearest pet store......hoist up two of their largest bags of dog food and walk around the store with it.
There ya go.
That's 100lbs on hoof.
Feels damn good to get rid of it.
You'll never want it back....PROMISE !!!!

Dayum.....
That didn't take long to escalate.
So here's the deal, @@BSanchez2016 .....I'm a big dude, too. I'm not as big of dude now, though....thanks to the magical powers of my new sleeve and simply following my doctor's gameplan.
I can happily say that my junk not only remained intact, but it's benefitted from the weight loss, too.
Is it any bigger ? I simply don't have those stats to compare........and old Dub ain't posting any pics of his junk on the web.....so you'll simply have to take my word for it.
Is it any bigger? In my estimation, yes...it is. The base pad of fat that you mentioned has diminished in size. This translated to more usable wood.
Is it any better? Again, in my estimation, yes....it is. My vascularity is at a whole new level now. Blood flow throughout the body is amazingly improved. All over the body. My rooster will crow at the drop of a hat......a slight breeze and it's cockadoodle do. It's like being 21 again.
I'm a simple dude, too. I'm all about the simple pleasures in life. I can't accurately rank the benefits in order of importance.....but I can tell you without hesitation that being 100% satisfied with my junk and knowing that the rooster will crow and stand up proud and loud......yeah man, it may not be my number one benefit.......but it is close to top of the list.

Weight loss benefits take time. sleep apnea can still kill you at your current weight. It's not about wanting money, it's about not taking unnecessary risk.
I lost someone close to me that was in the process of losing weight and stopped using her CPAP. She was only in her forties, and she died of sleep apnea. Don't roll the dice. Just keep patient and stay the course.

Sorry to be indelicate but is there any chance you are constipated? People can hold onto 5 -10 lbs of poop easily, and if you aren't going regularly, it will show up on the scale as a gain.

DivaSoBlessed
When you call the insurance make sure you document what day and time you called and the reps name you spoke with. If they don't volunteer their name, ask for it.
Yes, it sounds like they just need more information. Don't freak out.

It's very frustrating though, isn't it?? Eating nothing practically and exercising more than ever! Thanks for your response!

At 3 weeks out you totally can be experimenting with different acid blockers. Prilosec 40mg twice a day for 6 months is standard in my surgeons practice. However, some people do better on Protonix twice a day. There is another one as well. They all act a little differently. So don't settle!

Oceangilrpc
The booklet my surgeon gave me stated bypass has a 95% cure rate for GERD/acid reflux. I don't know if that is correct but that's what it said....

Amelie2016 -
I have been researching this myself and today I found these questions and answers. Unfortunately, according to this, bariatric patients do not qualify for this procedure.I am only 3 weeks out and having the worse GERD of my entire life and it is not being controlled with medication.
This is from Massachusetts General Hospital
Frequently asked questions: LINX® system
Q: What is the LINX® Reflux Management System?
A: The LINX® Reflux Management System is an FDA-approved device implanted laparoscopically. The system relies upon a flexible Bracelet of magnetic titanium beads that, when placed around the esophagus, supports a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that opens and closes to allow food to enter and stay in the stomach by restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
Q: What are the risks associated with the LINX® procedure?
A: All surgical procedures have risks, such as the risks associated with anesthesia, risk of bleeding and risk of infection. These risks are small. The most common side effects of the LINX® system are difficulty swallowing, post-operative pain and temporary bloating of the stomach. In the long run, many surgeons have concern that the device might erode into the esophagus and need to be removed. This has not been observed in the clinical trials to date.
: How soon after the procedure can I eat?
A: You should be able to eat soft foods with 48 hours of surgery.
Q: How soon after the procedure can I resume normal physical activities?
A: Routine daily activities can begin within a few days of surgery when pain medicine is no longer required. Activities such as sit-ups or weight lifting, which require use of the abdominal muscles, should be deferred for three to six weeks.
Q: Will I have to take acid suppression medication after the procedure?
A: Based on the clinical trials performed prior to FDA approval of the device, only 10% of LINX® patients required daily medication at one- and two-year follow-up.
Q: Is there any risk the device will be too tight and cause food to get stuck?
A: Yes; about 3% of patients that have had the device implanted had this problem and required removal of the device.
Q: After the device is placed, is there any risk of infection?
A: There is always a small risk of infection whenever a foreign object is placed in the body, whether it is LINX®, a pacemaker or an artificial joint. There is not enough data at this time to calculate the percent risk of infection, but the early data suggests it is quite small.
Q: Will the device ever have to be removed?
A: The intent is for this device to be permanent. But, since there is no 10-year follow-up data available yet, we cannot be sure.
: Is there any chance the LINX® system won’t work as well if I gain a lot of weight after the procedure?
A: The LINX® system works by creating a pressure of approximately 25 mm at the gastroesophageal junction (the place where the esophagus and stomach meet). Weight gain increases the pressure inside the abdomen, so it is possible that significant weight gain can create more pressure than the LINX® valve can counteract, leading to the return of reflux symptoms.
Q: Will my insurance company pay for LINX®?
A: Nearly all insurance companies pay for antireflux surgery. Since the LINX® procedure is a new form of antireflux surgery, insurers are learning about the procedure. We are working closely with them to obtain pre-authorization for these procedures on a case-by-case basis.
Q: If my insurance won't pay for it, how much would the procedure cost?
A: Please contact the Mass General Billing Office at 617-726-4098 or at cs.mgh@partners.org for more information.
Q: I have heard that because I had bariatric surgery, I am not a candidate for LINX®. Is it possible this will change and I could be eligible for the system in the future?
A: The LINX® system is not approved for use in patients who have had prior bariatric or esophageal surgery.
Q: If the LINX® device needs to be removed or isn't effective, can I have a standard Nissen fundoplication (NF)?
A: Patients often mention that an NF was suggested to them in the past, or they were considering it when they found out about LINX®. As the screening tests are the same for both procedures, NF may still be considered, providing testing doesn't exclude you. If you cannot or choose not to have LINX®, NF may still be an option.

I have two weeks of a liquid diet and then two weeks of pureed foods. I am starving ALL the time. I am miserable! I did not expect to be dealing with this hunger all the time. Today was the first day I did not get all of my Protein in. I could not take one more bite of greek yogurt or one more drink of a Protein shake, I was eating and drinking those things six months before surgery and I want to puke every time I have to consume them now. Once I am on food, I don't think I will ever eat or drink those same things again. I will find an alternative. I feel for you having to wait an entire month. It is very interesting how every doctor is different with their instructions.

I'd love to see any before and after pictures of people who have lost around 100lbs, give or take. I can't even picture myself down 100lbs. I could use the motivation as my surgery date approaches. Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone using BariatricPal

Hi animal lover,
I personally only experienced nausea in hospital after my surgery and thats it. I am 25 days out. I have experienced a bit of heartburn and an "uncomfortable" feeling when I have eaten something that doesnt agree with me or eaten more than I should have but not to the point of wanting to vomit.
Definately contact your surgeon.
Hope it resolves soon.

Sounds great. I don't have much support so any would be great. So glad you are not having nausea! Feel free to PM me anytime and I will do the same

Not every nausea medication works the same for everyone.
Contact your surgeon and let him/her know what's going on. I'm sure there will be something that will help you.
Feel better and keep posted on how you're feeling.
Prayers going up for you!

I was sleeved on 2.15, I had no nausea for almost two weeks and then Friday BAM! I am on Zofran but it doesn't help completely. I was having no problems getting my Protein and Water in and then BAM I want to puke every time I drink something. I am still on liquids for another 3 days.
Out of the many side effects I could have, this was one I didn't want. I am miserable. Can anyone shed some light as to how long I may have this or share your experience? Thanks

If you can use FLMA, yes, I'm pretty sure the above posts are correct. FMLA is a federal law, they can't deny you leave for a medical condition, whether it's an optional surgery or not.
The only issue you may run into is regarding your desire to not let your boss know WHY. I say this because on the FMLA forms, your doctors address, phone number, etc is required. If he is strictly a bariatric surgeon and you have nosy people in your office, it won't be hard to figure out.
Additionally some of the questions, depending on how the doctor's office fills them out, may give away your secret as well. You can let your surgeons office know to give the least information possible but there is a section on there that asks about symptoms, diagnosis, etc.
Because of the circumstances of your job situation, if you can use FMLA, that is what I would do. It cannot be denied. They will have to figure out how the work will get done on their own, not your worries. However, I don't know the rules if you would want to take vacation, pto, annual leave or whatever type of leave your company grants.

I am so sorry you are going through this. That sucks. But, let me get this straight...she gave negativity before you became overweight...then when you are overweight she wanted you to get the surgery...yet she still is not supportive when you do?
One the things I have found out in life is people suck and unfortunately, a lot of those people are relatives. Aside from not confiding in her, live on a need to know basis when it comes to your WLS journey. Ask her if she can't be supportive and positive about this then to keep her comments to herself. Another thing I have learned in life, is you can't expect change if you are not willing to do something about it. Tell her how you feel. If she still does it, shut her out of that part of your life.

Definitely sounds strange to me. It is well documented that sleeve has an increased likelihood of overproduction of acid. Some people do experience a lessening of their GERD with sleeve, but it seems that FAR MORE people experiencing a worsening or a new onset (for people who didn't have GERD pre-op). I didn't deal with GERD regularly pre-op (just occasional heart burn), but I have had to be on 20mg of omeprazole twice daily since I was sleeved 18 months ago. Every time I have tried to reduce my PPI, the reflux has been terrible.

I'm one week post op and have a desk/driving job and I'm taking off two weeks. There's no way I could go back right now. Since you have a physically demanding job, I agree with the prior posts, four weeks at a minimum but I would take 6 weeks to be sure.

I had a wicked sinus infection that turned into bronchitis the day my endoscopy was scheduled. I called the surgeon and he didn't see an issue with placing me under anesthesia to do the scope. As bad as I felt, I pushed through driving 3 hours one way and waiting on him for four hours. It wasn't easy but I was glad to get it done. I don't think he will care about your toe.

I personally think it is horrible for people to judge others when they have been in the same situation previously. There is a term for that and it is called HYPOCRITE.
I don't like someone judging me based on what I look like and I would not do it to someone else. Even watching "My 600 lb Life" I never wonder how someone could get that big because the fact is I could have been that very person.
Does that mean these people don't need some help? No, it doesn't but you help these people if they ask for help. I would never assume they want to change and impose myself upon them when they are not at the point of wanting to make a change. Also, I don't think one should assume when they see a obese/morbidly obese person they don't want to make a change. Maybe they really want to have surgery and their insurance doesn't cover it and they have no resources to self pay. Maybe they are a single parent who has no support/family to watch their kids while they do all the preop work and have the surgery. I could go on and on.....