JohnGraySmiley

On 01/13/2023 at 19:17, Merri Beth said:

I had the gastric sleeve on Nov. 29th. I am doing well except the Constipation is horrible! I take colace twice a day and today is day 4 with no bowel movement (sorry for the TMI). I am wondering what others use to help with this? I am feeling so bloated. I have milk of magnesia, and some generic laxative pills i got from CVS pharmacy, also have Miralax in the house. I am not sure what I can take. I called the Dr office but with it being Friday late in the day the MA said she would call me after she gets an answer, which may not be until Monday. I don't think I can go that long without this making me sick. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I drink at least 80 oz of Water a day so its not that. Thank you all in advance.

I had the sleeve in 2016 & take 2 Dulcolax every other day. High Protein diet & Iron in my Vitamins. 🤭 Not sure if your can swallow the tiny tablets just yet, but it’s a gentle laxative.

On 01/13/2023 at 05:48, Kris Poole said:

So has anyone but me been through this? I have been completely gung ho about this surgery and how it may be my best chance at having help in getting my weight off. It's been months of dietary classes, psych evaluations, and 3 hour drives for doctor appointments all leading up to surgery 2/14/23 and now I am completely freaking out trying to figure out if I am doing the right thing. This is all for my 5 year so he can have a mom that is more active with him but I am honestly scared. I am scared I will screw it up somehow. Not entirely sure how to explain it but I guess I am worried about it working/ me not allowing it to work with my willpower. Just scared... Anybody else go through this so close to surgery?

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I was nervous as well before my vsg. You’ll be well. Stay calm & look how far you’ve already come. 🥰

On 01/13/2023 at 13:17, TheRevisionedVagabond said:

Oh my goodness... thank you so so much. Really. 🖤 I wish you nothing but the best and beyond for your DS!! If you don't mind me asking, why did you choose that instead of a full on bypass? Also, is a DS the same thing as a mini gastric bypass?

Hey! No problem. You’re more than welcome. Thanks for your well wishes. 🤗

No question is bad, ask away. That’s why we’re here. Support. 🙏🏾

I chose the DS because the sleeve & DS were once one procedure & in some cases, they still are. I figured there’s more “practice” with this one. 😀

Also, my therapist had the full DS switch procedure done & she randomly shared while I was in therapy one night discussing some of my challenges with weight. She’s done well & hers was several years ago.

Lastly, I trust my surgeon’s statistics. He performed my sleeve. He’s the head of the bariatric program at the healthcare system he works for. He also teaches there, so his advice helped after he shared what I should expect from bypass or switch. I still have a lot of restriction from my sleeve, so he won’t do anything to my stomach this time around.

I’m not sure if this is what some may call a “mini bypass”. Don’t think I’ve heard that term before.

I lost 90 lbs from 2016 - 2017 following my sleeve. He told me to expect to lose 50-60lbs with this surgery. In 2016 I asked him how the sleeve would effect my weight insecurities, & if weight would still be an issue. He was very honest and said, “you’ll always have a goal to lose 10 more lbs.”

On 10/08/2020 at 10:53, GottaBeBlair said:

I just had the sleeve to ds revision a week ago and it was amazingly better than my original sleeve recovery. All major pain was gone in about 3 days and I was going for walks day 5. I think it’s a case by case thing. I do have to sleep propped up by pillows but it’s because of this darn acid reflux. That’s probably the worst part but totally manageable with Pepcid. Good luck guys!

Thanks for sharing. I was in a lot of pain after my sleeve. Pain that induced vomiting in the hospital and caused me to stay a day longer. Hoping the DS surgery is a lot less painful and healing is easy.

On 11/13/2022 at 11:07, Scorpio_Qveen_21 said:

Hi everyone! I’m new here & wanted to see if anyone shares a surgery date with me.

This upcoming Friday, November 18th, I’ll be having my sleeve to DS surgery & I’m so darn excited! I’ve been waiting almost 4 years for this surgery. I started in 2019 then Covid hit. Then life hit & everything was basically put on pause. I started the process again last year, but I was working so much that I didn’t take the time out to do what needed to be done for the surgery. Then I got Covid & lost 12lbs in a week. But, the weight came back once I was able to eat & taste good again. Lol…. So now, here I am with a surgery date. I think excited is an understatement! I only lost 30lbs with the sleeve. My weight the day of surgery was 266 (September 30, 2015). In 2016, my PCP put me on Adipex & Topomax. I got down to 210, but I started having issues with my stomach & couldn't tolerate them anyone so I stopped taking them. I’m currently at 232lbs & my surgeon (Dr Smith in Celebration, FL) said that I’ll probably get down to around 170- 180. I asked if it’s possible to get to 160- 165 & he said “It’s very possible”. I’ve prepared myself mentally as much as one could & I'm ready to get this weight off. I know the weight loss will be slower & it will take some time to get these 60lbs off, but I’m more determined than ever to do this! I’m already committed to taking numerous pills a day (meds & vitamins) & will also have to start doing some type of cardio, which is something I didn’t do with the sleeve.

I’m looking forward to being able to share my “success” story with all of you! ☺️

Our stories are very similar. I was sleeved in 2016 and similar weight. Lost 90 lbs, my surgeon wanted me to lose 100. Had 2 additional babies 2 & 3years later, then covid. I’ve been offered Topomax & Lomaira after starting a weight loss program, but not very effective. I lost 15 lbs at the most. I have a date 6 weeks out for DS revision with my same surgeon.

How has healing been the last 2 months, and have you seen progress?

How long was your hospital stay?

I totally understand. Just got my date for Duodenal Switch, after having sleeve surgery 7 years ago. There’s a different type of nervousness, however, you will be well. Praying for safe travels, a safe surgery, safe recovery🥰

On 09/05/2020 at 11:00, SaRose said:

It went well for the most part, I am happy with the results, though I didn't realize they would have to move my belly button to make it look more normal because of the removal of access skin. I will say that there was a concern during my hospital stay as I continued to lose a lot of blood, and there was discussion of a blood transfusion, however after the third day, my hemoglobin stabilized and so there was no need for a transfusion luckily. I had some lightheaded/near fainting moments within a week of the surgery, but nothing after that, and I've always suffered from lightheadedness due to low blood pressure. The drains were uncomfortable, but not as bad as I thought. One was removed three weeks after surgery, and the other about 4 weeks after.

A few things I wish I knew prior-

Showering on my own was impossible, as I couldn't get my arms above my head for about a week post-op.

I don't know why, but even now, 9 months later, I still have some pain when wearing pants the fit around my abdomen (such as jeans, or a belt) but it has lessened over time so I'm hoping it'll take care of its self with time.

Definitely identify some loose fitting clothing while you have the drains in, so you can be comfortable and if needed you can go out in public.

I hope all this info helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Update: During my pre-op appt my surgeon decided it would be best for me have a Tummy Tuck or liposuction to get all of my target areas. So I went with abdominal liposuction and bilateral flanks. Surgery was 2 days ago. That only included 6 incisions vs. hip-bone to hip-bone.

It was an overnight stay. Pretty painful. Surgery date was 10/1. I’m wrapped in tons of bandages so I can’t see the outcome just yet.

He removed 3750 ccs of fat. Praying I love the outcome.

On 09/20/2019 at 08:50, SaRose said:

Hi everyone !

Has anyone had an abdominal panniculectomy after WLS? I scheduled mine for December but wondering what recovery looks like and how it compares to the pain/recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery. Any thoughts/input would be appreciated!



Thanks,



Sarah

How did it go? I’m scheduled for panniculectomy on October 1. Really nervous about the pain & afraid I’ll look weirder.

On 01/09/2019 at 18:06, Emerito.h305 said:

Hi my name is Emerito I had gastric sleeve surgery May 2016. I weighed 320 pounds and dropped down to 175 pounds. I currently with 215 now and have decided to go on herbal life to shed at least 25 pounds. Can anyone give me advice if herbal life is ok for me and if so wondering how long would it take to drop these 25 pounds. Sucks that I’ve gained 25 pounds but I let go of myself for a bit and want to get back into shape!!!!!!

Hi! I was sleeved in May 2016 also...was at a happy weight, had a sweet baby girl 7 months ago and currently dealing with about 15-20lbs of weight I have to re-lose. So...how did Herbal Life work for you? I started the shake plan yesterday which is very similar to my pre-op diet. How much weight have you lost if you have tried it?

On 04/01/2019 at 20:59, mickey1314 said:

Congrats ! Do you still have restriction as before baby girl ? How you are eating ! I’m terrified. Lost 100 lbs, 20 months post op sleeve and just found out pregnant.

Yes! Still have restriction. Everything went back to normal after I had her. Appetite and all. I still have 15lbs to re-lose...I’m here to talk ANYTIME you have anxiety about regain...I’m still dealing with it. You’ll do well!...and most importantly....Congratulations!!!!!!😍🥰🙌🏽🙏🏽

Grace is a healthy 12lbs 6oz! Doing very well! 🤗😍

On 09/03/2018 at 10:21, Frustr8 said:

And a FYI. followup pertaining one of the above posters.

@JohnGraySmiley. recently,became the proud and grateful mother of a beautiful baby girl Grace. Bariatric Surgery helped to make the mother healthier and this ensured an favorable childbirth outcome.

🤗🙏🏽💜

On 10/15/2018 at 15:28, Frustr8 said:

And how big is Grace getting to now?, Gosh she will be 2 months old this weekend. Hope you are both doing fine!

Grace’s 2 month check-up is Monday....will give you an update. Lost 21 pounds of the 36 gained during pregnancy...so we are both doing well. She feels like a solid 12 lbs but I may be wrong..we’ll see! 🤗

Thanks a million! :)

Delivered a healthy baby girl named Grace on Tuesday! 8/21/18! 6lbs 10oz!!! Mom and baby healthy! 😍💜💝

On 07/17/2018 at 05:44, Frustr8 said:

Keep on taking care of our little God-Bahy- you Are a success and 70,iwill make a wonderful Mommy.😝👶

I am taking great care of this sweet baby. She is measuring two weeks ahead...so she may come a tad early🤗....still managing and tracking my eating on MFP. Only back up about 14-15 lbs since pregnancy and I’m 8.5 months. I’ll be grateful and do my best to stay on track and get rid of excess weight ASAP!!! 🙏🏽

Yes! I had way more pain than expected. Had to stay in the hospital an extra day. Took pain meds about 1 week. Felt well enough to go back to work by week 2, but I was still weak and took it easy. I’m two years post-op.

On 06/21/2018 at 14:11, xx_Momo_xx said:

I will and as long as she is good that’s all that matters right !

You are correct! 😉

On 06/21/2018 at 14:25, Frustr8 said:

Since your pen name,ends in Smiley and the happiness,her impending birth,brings would you please consider the names Joy or Delight for her? I do have a friend with the second name, knowing and relating with her has been just that!

Her name is Grace!!! 😍....Close enough right!!!

On 06/21/2018 at 08:46, xx_Momo_xx said:

Congrats 🎉

I hate to admit this but my main goal for weight loss surgery was to get pregnant. I know that I’m suppose to wait at least 18months but if it happens before I would be on top of the moon. My husband and I have been trying for about 10 years now and nothing is working! I’m hoping this weight loss surgery gets me to where I need to be and I can start sharing my stories here too.

Good luck with the new baby Hunny !!!

Thank you sooo much. I’m typically constantly worried about my intake since I lost 90 lbs before this pregnancy! But she is healthy and so am I! Please keep me updated on how things are going for you and your husband! 🤗

On 06/11/2018 at 10:49, Frustr8 said:

So happy JGS with all this good news. Soon you will be posting us a beautiful birth announcement. A baby is testimony that the world could and should go on.👶

Thank you!!!!💜 You are awesome!!!!! 🤗

Update: Third trimester!!! So far so good!!! Baby is healthy! Mom is healthy!!!

Due to my being a Bariatric patient the glucose testing has been altered. Testing glucose levels 4 times a day, first fasting and 2 hours after every meal for 7 Days. So far so good. Ready to ride this last stretch out with minimal weight gain and a happy and healthy mom and new baby girl💜💕💞🙏🏽 Total wt gain thus far=10-14lbs. 😔

Thank you both. [emoji7] 21 weeks tomorrow and I believe 5lbs so far. Hugs and kisses...Healthy baby, healthy mommy and easy Labor and Delivery[emoji6][emoji847]

I’m about 3 weeks shy of my 2-year surgiversary. My husband and I are expecting our 2nd child, 1st one after WLS. My surgeon’s goal weight loss was 100 lbs. I lost 90 lbs prior to this pregnancy. I still track my daily intake on MFP and make support group meeting when possible. Prior to this pregnancy I consumed about 150 less calories/day. My OB/GYN says she thinks I can make it through this pregnancy with only a 10lb weight gain. Unfortunately, any amount of weight gain terrifies me. At 18 weeks visit I was up 3 lbs . Baby is healthy, we are expecting a girl & hoping I can make it with very little weight gain and reach goal weight ASAP after our baby girl is born.

I was at the same place as you . I had my son 5/1- I gained a whopping 1lb while pregnant( lost 15). I got pregnant weighing 149-150, I weigh 131 now

Tell me more about your diet! Currently 6 weeks...want baby to get adequate nutrition without weight gain! 1 lb!