AmusedMuse

@@James Marusek,
Thank you for telling me about Muscle Milk. I tried it this morning and it went in very smooth - no nausea (I still get slight nausea frequently when I eat even a bite of something) and tasted ok (a bit sweet for my liking). I then had plenty of energy for my morning. This is a great recommendation!

@@AmusedMuse,
Glad to hear you reached out to your surgeon. Sounds like he is supportive.
I understand the craving for Water you expressed in a post to Djmohr. I have similar cravings. Pre-surgery I could down a 16oz bottle of Water in no time. Now I have to remind myself not to drink too much at one time, or suffer the consequences! Dehydration can cause serious health issues so i work hard at drinking enough.
I can also relate to the exhaustion. I am 7 weeks out and I'm just now starting to regain some energy. Unfortunately, I am my own worst enemy on the energy front. I just spent hours washing floors and it wiped me out.
While the weight loss may be slow I have definitely noticed significant changes in my body (good changes). You're right, we WLL get there. The words "slow and steady wins the race" have become my mantra!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

To be honest, I did have regrets the first few months. I was pretty sick (turned out to be a stricture) and while I felt better after they fixed that, I was fairly nauseated for 6 months. (Zofran was my friend.) The Constipation is still a struggle at almost 14 months post-op. There were times (maybe still are) when I worry what it will be like when I am 80 and still trying to make sure I am getting my Protein first, but when I expressed that to my counselor she said "you likely wouldn't have made it to 80 in your prior state of health". True. Hadn't thought of it that way. Anyway, at 150 pounds down now, I am SO glad I did it and only wish I had done it sooner.

Not a sleeve girl but I originally wanted one. I ended up with bypass because I had severe gerd and it was a better option for me personally.
No regret ever, not for one second. I have a whole new life where food does not revolve around it. Don't get me wrong, I love food. I choose to really savor every morsel and I don't eat crap anymore because it actually tastes gross.
pizza, oh yes. I do eat a lovely thin crust piece of pizza about once a month and I love that I can and I love that I am satisfied with that one piece.
No regrets other than regretting I did not do it sooner. Live is full again!

There is a huge difference in what doctors recommend. My surgeon was a top European specialist who trains many American docs. Did y'all realize there are many US docs who fly to Europe for bypass procedure training? He also spends one week per month in the Middle East, doing surgeries for the wealthy there. He commented to me that all his Middle Eastern patients want the sleeve and he tries to talk them out of it for a number of reasons (I wasn't paying a lot of attention to them because I never considered the sleeve). In my case, and there are multiple general ways of performing RNY surgery, I essentially have a sleeve but the bulk of my stomach is sutured closed and food passes through a small sleeve. You say you love the simplicity of the sleeve but in most cases the RNY is more simple.
As for your question about why someone would have this reversed, there are multiple reasons. My neighbor had been obese for years and after a broken bone and hospitalization suddenly developed malabsorbtion syndrome in which food just passed through him without being absorbed. In short order he became scarily malnourished and emaciated. I have known folks with cancer who have also gone through serious weight loss, and a couple of people I know were told by their docs at the time of diagnosis to gain weight and stop trying to take it off. These were people who were already obese.
I have the RNY, my stomach is just smaller than it was before, and my doc said drinking is fine. Only 6 weeks out and I've been indulging in a couple of drinks per week for 3 weeks now. It is inaccurate to generalize that RNY patients can't drink.
Yes, I have a lot of dumping 6 weeks out, but I think my situation is unique. First, since I am a 'low BMI' patient, my surgeon removed almost no intestine, less than 2 inches. There is likely no correlation between the amount of intestine removed and dumping in my case. For years I had bad stomach pain, at times so awful that I was incapacitated. After 3 years of trying to find a solution I found an expert who solved my problem. In short, the source of my pain was that my intestines are sluggish and don't work well, and my stomach was contracting harder and harder to push food through, I suspect that my frequent dumping is caused by my stomach still contracting super hard - it's been doing that for years so I doubt it will change very quickly. Also (apologies if this is TMI), for years I had pellet BMs and frequent Constipation, and suddenly post surgery my BMs are soft and normal. I am so happy about that and about not having to daily think about pills or supplements.
There is no single 'best surgery' or guaranteed avoidance of particular issues which should make the selection of surgery simple or generic. Do good research of RECENT studies. Look for a doc who does a LOT of GBs and listen to his/her advice.

@@MsMiniMe,
That was helpful, thanks. I emailed my surgeon and he sent me a comforting response. He said all patients lose according to a percentage.
First 6 weeks loss is 20%
First 3 months loss is 30%
First year loss is 40% (if I remember correctly without looking at his email).
Mine seems to be a bit slower but I am exhausted and suffering through a Florida summer so taking things pretty easy (and have also hurt my foot so couch time is good right now).
We'll get there!

@@AmusedMuse I have had similar feelings since surgery, especially when read posts where people share that they are losing 30+ pounds a month. I am 7 weeks post-op an am losing about 3 pounds a week - no loss for weeks 6 to 7. I met with my surgeon last week and shared that while I was sticking strictly to the plan, I wasn't losing as rapidly as I thought I would. He explained that people starting at lower BMI would lose at a slower rate and that he thought I was doing great. I am glad that I had that discussion with him as it made losing no weight this past week much easier to handle!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I started out at 3 Protein shakes a day after surgery. As my meal volume increase, I concentrated on eating high Protein meals and as a result was able to reduce this down to 2 per day, then 1 per day and at a year and a half, to completely take myself off Protein Shakes. But in the beginning you need to supplement your protein, otherwise your body will pull stored protein from your muscles *such as your heart muscle", your hair (which will begin to fall out) and you will loose all your energy. And that is not good. I used Muscle Milk Light (vanilla Creme) powder blended with Water and a half a banana. I used a Ninja blender with a single serving cup to blend it. You do not have to like the Protein shake only tolerate it. There are many, many choices out there on Protein Shakes. I became lactose intolerant after surgery so I could not drink milk (which is a good source of protein), so I had to pick a type that was lactose free and blend it with Water. If you have other food allergies, you may have to select one based on your personal needs.
This article describes the approach I used after surgery. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

I am post RNY nearly two years and still cannot eat eggs without getting sick. It is the only thing that makes me sick.
Keep pushing the Protein and fluids with no sweeteners and you will continue to lose weight.
Drinking with your meals at all is a huge NO NO for RNY. If you drink you can push food through too quickly possibly causing a blockage and certainly flushing food before you even get the nutrients and causing you to be hungry. This is one of the most important rules and it really is for life.
You have to get a handle on that.
One way to do that is to ensure that you start your day well hydrated. I have learned to drink at least a 20 oz bottle of Water first thing in the morning. Then I wait, drink 1 Protein shake that gives me a 30gr boost of protein. Then I wait at least 30 minutes and drink another 20 to 40 ounces of Water. If I do that I find that I am not thirsty at all when I eat my meals. I wait at least 30 minutes before eating and in the beginning it is important that your protein is moist and my nut has always had me eating lots of veggies and fruit. She taught me that 2 bites of dense protein for every 1 bite of fruit and veggies. In the beginning I measured everything and I still track what I eat in my fitness pal. I have since learned to trust my tummy to tell me when I am full.
If you follow these simple rules, you will lose the weight.

You don't need to say anything other than "Thank you for noticing!". Your business is your business and your social worker's advice is spot on.

I would be frustrated too. The first few weeks are very challenging. I started my journey with a BMI of 46.8 at 5'2". At my 6 week meeting with surgeon my BMI is 36.9. At this BMI, he said he wouldn't have qualified me for surgery. I was given a goal of 60g of Protein a day (or do my best). I also was on pureed foods for first two weeks, NO scrambled eggs. I realize every Surgeon has their own program for patients to follow. I did not have a drain. I am 3 mos post RNY. Keep following the program and doing what Surgeon advises.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Zofran is my BFF! And I keep a tissue with a drop of peppermint essential oil on it handy...I find that "waving" it around helps the nausea pass more quickly and happen less frequently...hope you're doing better soon!
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You don't need to say anything other than "Thank you for noticing!". Your business is your business and your social worker's advice is spot on.

Thanks InnerSurferGirl. I'll try to keep things in perspective and drink Protein shakes. You are certainly right that I am still healing and I don't feel particularly good.

And my point is until you are able to get in all of your Protein and fluids, then the numbers on the scale mean NOTHING. Seriously, stay off the scale, eat Protein, and drink fluids.
All of the carbs you are eating are going to restore what was depleted from your liver. You NEED protein to heal and to lose weight.
Healing is your primary goal, or should be, right now. The weight loss will come.

The three most important daily requirements after RNY gastric bypass surgery is to meet your Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting stored fat into the energy that drives your body.
Generally when patients are in the hospital for surgery, they gain weight because they fill your body with fluids. So you must first lose that weight before you see any major loss. Also during the first few weeks after surgery, your body is in a major heal mode.
Weight loss after surgery is achieved through meal volume control, not necessarily through limiting your calories. So follow the requirements of the program for the meal volume. It should be about 2 ounces per meal in the beginning, which is incredibly small. Therefore you will need to supplement this with a Protein supplement such as several Protein shakes per day.
So meet your daily requirements for protein, fluids and Vitamins, walk 30 minutes per day (or equivalent exercise) and stick to the program requirements for meal volume and then let the magic happen.

You don't need to say anything other than "Thank you for noticing!". Your business is your business and your social worker's advice is spot on.

Awesome! Congratulations and keep going!

I would have bought a ticket to see that!

I've got to have a rant- sorry guys but there you have it.
I have noticed that there are so many people starting threads/posting on this site recently with questions for other members. However, they are normally questions that they should be asking their surgical team as they are the people who are qualified to answer. They will be in charge of care so ultimately it's their necks on the line if anything goes tits-up. It's them who will have to deal with any lawsuit that ensues due to anything that might go wrong.
For every bit of surgery I've had (and believe me as an old hoofer there have been plenty of orthopaedic bits of mending and replacing on my knackered carcass) I did as I was told by my surgical team.
If they had asked me to whistle Dixie whilst standing on my head farting the National Anthem and air dancing the Marseillaise I would have done it. Apart from my VSG all my surgeries were paid for by the National Health Service (NHS) and that included my hip replacement. I did as I was told pre-surgery and then post surgery. I read all the info and watched the DVDs that I was given. I had to give myself the anti-blood clotting jabs every morning and wear those REVOLTING AND UNCOMFORTABLE anti-thrombosis socks for WEEKS after my hip replacement but I'd been told to do it so I did it!!!!!
After my VSG (which was self pay as our NHS here in the UK do very few) I stuck like glue to all the info that I was given. Any questions I had I knew that I could call or email my team for their help and advice.
It appears that there are a lots of newbies (and sometimes more experienced WLS patients) who really don't want to adhere to instructions that they have been given. They post on this site in the hope that they can find someone who will give them the answer that they WANT. Not the answer that they NEED! My answer to those people - JFDI. Just as you're told by the professionals who are in charge of your care.
Maybe Alex you should start a forum with the title 'Half-arsed Questions from Those Too Lazy and Arrogant to Listen to Their Surgical Team'.
Rant over. Happy Monday. It's pissing with rain in the UK so could start a rant about British summertime but.........................!

My name's Cheyenne, I am 22 and I had gastric bypass surgery on September 2nd of last year and it was the best thing to ever happen to me.
As a child, I struggled with anxiety, depression and stress as well as surfing from all from all three eating disorders and schizophrenia.
By the age of 20, I was 338+ pounds, diabetic, suffered from acid reflux, fibromyalgia, had breathing problems and had a really bad and heavy irregular period.
I knew I had to make a change, I knew that if I didn't do something, I'd die and never get to make my life dreams a reality so, after doing some serious research, I signed up for gastric bypass with Dr.Daniel Cronk of Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
It took a year to get it done with all the medicaid and rejection but, finally, on September 2nd, 2015 at 1:30, I went in as 311 pounds for surgery and so far I have lost 58 pounds and I am set for 125 pounds.
I'd never thought I'd see myself here, I never thought I'd be alive at this point in my life. Its truly amazing.

Thank you to everyone that shared ideas and that shared your concerns. I am so grateful. This week has been so emotional, crazy, and just hard. After last Friday when I found out that surgery wasn't going to happen to for me on Monday which was my surgery date. I was crushed. I was just broken. I cheated all weekend and had pizza, burger and fries, and of course chocolate!!! Monday morning I showered before work and said to myself the money to pay down my deductible wasn't going to pay itself. I called to see if I could get back on the calendar for surgery on the last possible date Monday, June 27th. I did!!!! Then, I gathered a plan and spoke with friends, family and coworkers to see if I could get donations and/or loans. I sold some clothes and home goods that I haven't ever used. Long story short by mid week I knew that $2000 wasn't going to happen so I called my surgeon's office on Friday morning to see if I could pay half and work a payment plan for the other half later. The receptionist stated that she couldn't authorize it and there was no on in the office that could and that her supervisor was in NY. She said she would call and let me know but couldn't make any promises. I was a nervous wreck waiting...so she finally called around 1:30 and said yes!! They accepted!!!! My surgery will be Monday June 27th. I literally started shaking I was so happy. I had a friend drive me because I had to pay at the office because I had cash and it's about an hour away. I made it! I paid it! I'm so happy and excited!! It was meant to be!!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First off, I am considered a 'low BMI' patient and recall asking my doc over a decade ago about GB with insurance paying for it. She laughed and told me I'd qualify if I gained 40 pounds, kept it on for 2+ years while trying to lose weight, and developed co-morbidities. I was fairly trim until my 30s but have 2 problems contributing to consistent weight gain. First, I have really big boobs, and if that sounds silly try exercising with them. Second, I can eat the same amount as everyone around me but I gain weight while they lose or stay the same. I had anecdotally seen this for years when I discovered 'myfitnesspal' about 6 years ago and began tracking. I discovered I have to stay below 1000 calories per day not to gain weight, and drop to below 800 to lose. That is simply unsustainable. 5 years ago I went on phentermine and lost 35 pounds. While that was great, like most dieters I cannot sustain the weight loss. I stumble home exhausted, with no energy, and at night begin to crave food. That pretty much goes along with the research on those who have lost weight but not been able to keep it off; reduced metabolism by about 50% and the necessity to eat 500 fewer calories than a 'normal' weight person in order to sustain the weight loss. My weight has been climbing steadily for the past 3 years, and as I've gotten close to my highest weight my energy has returned and my weight leveled off. Still, though, I am frustrated at not being able to keep it off.
After reading the latest articles on the inability of 99% of weight losers to successfully keep weight off, I began to think about bariatric surgery. I was considering India for its low cost, but English friends told me a lot of Brits have serious problems with their surgeries there. I have a cousin in Belgium, though, an American who married a Belgian man, and she has glowing things to say about medicine in Belgium. In looking around I discovered Dr. Bruno Dillemans and the International Surgery Group ('ISG' based in Ireland) and contacted them. Dr. Dillemans reviewed my information online and suggested a standard Rouen Y gastric bypass. He told me that in his experience this is the gold standard and patients who demand other surgeries such as the sleeve, which many of his international patients request, end up coming back for the full bypass. He asked several questions via email and the ISG. For reasons of cost and convenience I elected to have my pre-op tests and consult done the morning of my surgery. I know some people have an aversion to this, but I did my research, knew my general health was quite good, and didn't see much reason to have a consult one day and operation the next, as my mind was made up.
My surgery was 3 days ago, June 21st - hard to believe it's been just about 70 hours! I checked in at 7:30 AM with clear and good instructions from ISG. First up was a series of 3 tests; bloodwork, lung xray, and EKG. As has been my experience in another European hospital the results were processed right away and the doctor had them by the time I met with him at noon. In my room as I waited for them to take me to surgery I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this to a perfectly healthy body?!" But I am a professor and researcher and have read all the literature and the reality is our chance of losing weight on our own is almost non-existent. Once one has gained weight the body will fight forever to return to that weight. We should tell every young person this basic fact and try to prevent them from gaining weight in the first place. When they came to roll me from my room to the surgical suite I said to the orderly, "oh now I am really nervous," and she smiled kindly and said, "Everyone is at this point, everyone, and some are quite terrified." That, plus the surgeon's record, were quite reassuring.
The process itself was smooth and I remember little. I was interested in the side by side metallic operating room doors which opened as people went in and out - I could see another laparoscopic operation going on in mine. I was in a little bay outside the operating room and the anesthesiologist and a tech went over everything thoroughly. Interestingly, on the ceiling was a security camera dome - apparently they film everything that's going on so can review the tapes if there is a future problem. The very kind tech held a mask near my face and asked me to breathe deeply. I recall going under and saying, "Here I go, I'll see you on the other side..." I recall only a bit of the recovery room and asking several times if I could turn on my side as it hurt to breathe, but they would not let me. Finally I was taken back to my room and the Dr. and his resident came to check on me. My drain was bleeding a lot and they examined it. Dr. Dillemans explained that he had stretched the incision with the equipment and the edge was bleeding so they would need to put 2 more stitches in, which they did. The Resident commented that I was the "Stoic American" and, thank heavens, told me that I could (finally) roll onto my right side, I slept most of the rest of that day. I recall asking if I could get up and walk to the bathroom but the nurses wouldn't let me, saying it was too soon after surgery (I think in the US they try to get you up asap, so this was different). I finally called for a bedpan and that nurse was a bit short with me - I asked her to close the window blinds and she said "we will do it when we come in to check you," and I realized they were in the middle of rounds so simply told her, "Thank you, but I have no way of knowing that" and she seemed a bit chagrined. I only called for a nurse one other time and both times the response was within 2 minutes.
Overall I am thus far happy that I went ahead with this. At least now I have 'a chance' where before I feeling pretty hopeless about sustaining weight loss. The Belgian hospital and procedures were stellar, super clean (they tested me for MERSA as well as 2 other common bacterial infections), cleaned my room 2x per day, were state of the art and efficient. I don't like nurses hovering around me and they didn't, but checked up on me every hour or so and came immediately when I called. Total cost of the medical portion was $9,981. Since I was already coming to Europe anyway there was no added expense other than the hotel, which I split with my cousin since she wanted to visit friends in Brugge.
I weighed today, expecting my weight would be the same since I don't feel any smaller and they stuffed me full of IV drugs, but I've already lost nearly 10 pounds. I recommend this to anyone going through the same struggles and frustration with weight. I'm happy to share info or insights with anyone thinking of this route.

First off, I am considered a 'low BMI' patient and recall asking my doc over a decade ago about GB with insurance paying for it. She laughed and told me I'd qualify if I gained 40 pounds, kept it on for 2+ years while trying to lose weight, and developed co-morbidities. I was fairly trim until my 30s but have 2 problems contributing to consistent weight gain. First, I have really big boobs, and if that sounds silly try exercising with them. Second, I can eat the same amount as everyone around me but I gain weight while they lose or stay the same. I had anecdotally seen this for years when I discovered 'myfitnesspal' about 6 years ago and began tracking. I discovered I have to stay below 1000 calories per day not to gain weight, and drop to below 800 to lose. That is simply unsustainable. 5 years ago I went on phentermine and lost 35 pounds. While that was great, like most dieters I cannot sustain the weight loss. I stumble home exhausted, with no energy, and at night begin to crave food. That pretty much goes along with the research on those who have lost weight but not been able to keep it off; reduced metabolism by about 50% and the necessity to eat 500 fewer calories than a 'normal' weight person in order to sustain the weight loss. My weight has been climbing steadily for the past 3 years, and as I've gotten close to my highest weight my energy has returned and my weight leveled off. Still, though, I am frustrated at not being able to keep it off.
After reading the latest articles on the inability of 99% of weight losers to successfully keep weight off, I began to think about bariatric surgery. I was considering India for its low cost, but English friends told me a lot of Brits have serious problems with their surgeries there. I have a cousin in Belgium, though, an American who married a Belgian man, and she has glowing things to say about medicine in Belgium. In looking around I discovered Dr. Bruno Dillemans and the International Surgery Group ('ISG' based in Ireland) and contacted them. Dr. Dillemans reviewed my information online and suggested a standard Rouen Y gastric bypass. He told me that in his experience this is the gold standard and patients who demand other surgeries such as the sleeve, which many of his international patients request, end up coming back for the full bypass. He asked several questions via email and the ISG. For reasons of cost and convenience I elected to have my pre-op tests and consult done the morning of my surgery. I know some people have an aversion to this, but I did my research, knew my general health was quite good, and didn't see much reason to have a consult one day and operation the next, as my mind was made up.
My surgery was 3 days ago, June 21st - hard to believe it's been just about 70 hours! I checked in at 7:30 AM with clear and good instructions from ISG. First up was a series of 3 tests; bloodwork, lung xray, and EKG. As has been my experience in another European hospital the results were processed right away and the doctor had them by the time I met with him at noon. In my room as I waited for them to take me to surgery I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this to a perfectly healthy body?!" But I am a professor and researcher and have read all the literature and the reality is our chance of losing weight on our own is almost non-existent. Once one has gained weight the body will fight forever to return to that weight. We should tell every young person this basic fact and try to prevent them from gaining weight in the first place. When they came to roll me from my room to the surgical suite I said to the orderly, "oh now I am really nervous," and she smiled kindly and said, "Everyone is at this point, everyone, and some are quite terrified." That, plus the surgeon's record, were quite reassuring.
The process itself was smooth and I remember little. I was interested in the side by side metallic operating room doors which opened as people went in and out - I could see another laparoscopic operation going on in mine. I was in a little bay outside the operating room and the anesthesiologist and a tech went over everything thoroughly. Interestingly, on the ceiling was a security camera dome - apparently they film everything that's going on so can review the tapes if there is a future problem. The very kind tech held a mask near my face and asked me to breathe deeply. I recall going under and saying, "Here I go, I'll see you on the other side..." I recall only a bit of the recovery room and asking several times if I could turn on my side as it hurt to breathe, but they would not let me. Finally I was taken back to my room and the Dr. and his resident came to check on me. My drain was bleeding a lot and they examined it. Dr. Dillemans explained that he had stretched the incision with the equipment and the edge was bleeding so they would need to put 2 more stitches in, which they did. The Resident commented that I was the "Stoic American" and, thank heavens, told me that I could (finally) roll onto my right side, I slept most of the rest of that day. I recall asking if I could get up and walk to the bathroom but the nurses wouldn't let me, saying it was too soon after surgery (I think in the US they try to get you up asap, so this was different). I finally called for a bedpan and that nurse was a bit short with me - I asked her to close the window blinds and she said "we will do it when we come in to check you," and I realized they were in the middle of rounds so simply told her, "Thank you, but I have no way of knowing that" and she seemed a bit chagrined. I only called for a nurse one other time and both times the response was within 2 minutes.
Overall I am thus far happy that I went ahead with this. At least now I have 'a chance' where before I feeling pretty hopeless about sustaining weight loss. The Belgian hospital and procedures were stellar, super clean (they tested me for MERSA as well as 2 other common bacterial infections), cleaned my room 2x per day, were state of the art and efficient. I don't like nurses hovering around me and they didn't, but checked up on me every hour or so and came immediately when I called. Total cost of the medical portion was $9,981. Since I was already coming to Europe anyway there was no added expense other than the hotel, which I split with my cousin since she wanted to visit friends in Brugge.
I weighed today, expecting my weight would be the same since I don't feel any smaller and they stuffed me full of IV drugs, but I've already lost nearly 10 pounds. I recommend this to anyone going through the same struggles and frustration with weight. I'm happy to share info or insights with anyone thinking of this route.

First off, I am considered a 'low BMI' patient and recall asking my doc over a decade ago about GB with insurance paying for it. She laughed and told me I'd qualify if I gained 40 pounds, kept it on for 2+ years while trying to lose weight, and developed co-morbidities. I was fairly trim until my 30s but have 2 problems contributing to consistent weight gain. First, I have really big boobs, and if that sounds silly try exercising with them. Second, I can eat the same amount as everyone around me but I gain weight while they lose or stay the same. I had anecdotally seen this for years when I discovered 'myfitnesspal' about 6 years ago and began tracking. I discovered I have to stay below 1000 calories per day not to gain weight, and drop to below 800 to lose. That is simply unsustainable. 5 years ago I went on phentermine and lost 35 pounds. While that was great, like most dieters I cannot sustain the weight loss. I stumble home exhausted, with no energy, and at night begin to crave food. That pretty much goes along with the research on those who have lost weight but not been able to keep it off; reduced metabolism by about 50% and the necessity to eat 500 fewer calories than a 'normal' weight person in order to sustain the weight loss. My weight has been climbing steadily for the past 3 years, and as I've gotten close to my highest weight my energy has returned and my weight leveled off. Still, though, I am frustrated at not being able to keep it off.
After reading the latest articles on the inability of 99% of weight losers to successfully keep weight off, I began to think about bariatric surgery. I was considering India for its low cost, but English friends told me a lot of Brits have serious problems with their surgeries there. I have a cousin in Belgium, though, an American who married a Belgian man, and she has glowing things to say about medicine in Belgium. In looking around I discovered Dr. Bruno Dillemans and the International Surgery Group ('ISG' based in Ireland) and contacted them. Dr. Dillemans reviewed my information online and suggested a standard Rouen Y gastric bypass. He told me that in his experience this is the gold standard and patients who demand other surgeries such as the sleeve, which many of his international patients request, end up coming back for the full bypass. He asked several questions via email and the ISG. For reasons of cost and convenience I elected to have my pre-op tests and consult done the morning of my surgery. I know some people have an aversion to this, but I did my research, knew my general health was quite good, and didn't see much reason to have a consult one day and operation the next, as my mind was made up.
My surgery was 3 days ago, June 21st - hard to believe it's been just about 70 hours! I checked in at 7:30 AM with clear and good instructions from ISG. First up was a series of 3 tests; bloodwork, lung xray, and EKG. As has been my experience in another European hospital the results were processed right away and the doctor had them by the time I met with him at noon. In my room as I waited for them to take me to surgery I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this to a perfectly healthy body?!" But I am a professor and researcher and have read all the literature and the reality is our chance of losing weight on our own is almost non-existent. Once one has gained weight the body will fight forever to return to that weight. We should tell every young person this basic fact and try to prevent them from gaining weight in the first place. When they came to roll me from my room to the surgical suite I said to the orderly, "oh now I am really nervous," and she smiled kindly and said, "Everyone is at this point, everyone, and some are quite terrified." That, plus the surgeon's record, were quite reassuring.
The process itself was smooth and I remember little. I was interested in the side by side metallic operating room doors which opened as people went in and out - I could see another laparoscopic operation going on in mine. I was in a little bay outside the operating room and the anesthesiologist and a tech went over everything thoroughly. Interestingly, on the ceiling was a security camera dome - apparently they film everything that's going on so can review the tapes if there is a future problem. The very kind tech held a mask near my face and asked me to breathe deeply. I recall going under and saying, "Here I go, I'll see you on the other side..." I recall only a bit of the recovery room and asking several times if I could turn on my side as it hurt to breathe, but they would not let me. Finally I was taken back to my room and the Dr. and his resident came to check on me. My drain was bleeding a lot and they examined it. Dr. Dillemans explained that he had stretched the incision with the equipment and the edge was bleeding so they would need to put 2 more stitches in, which they did. The Resident commented that I was the "Stoic American" and, thank heavens, told me that I could (finally) roll onto my right side, I slept most of the rest of that day. I recall asking if I could get up and walk to the bathroom but the nurses wouldn't let me, saying it was too soon after surgery (I think in the US they try to get you up asap, so this was different). I finally called for a bedpan and that nurse was a bit short with me - I asked her to close the window blinds and she said "we will do it when we come in to check you," and I realized they were in the middle of rounds so simply told her, "Thank you, but I have no way of knowing that" and she seemed a bit chagrined. I only called for a nurse one other time and both times the response was within 2 minutes.
Overall I am thus far happy that I went ahead with this. At least now I have 'a chance' where before I feeling pretty hopeless about sustaining weight loss. The Belgian hospital and procedures were stellar, super clean (they tested me for MERSA as well as 2 other common bacterial infections), cleaned my room 2x per day, were state of the art and efficient. I don't like nurses hovering around me and they didn't, but checked up on me every hour or so and came immediately when I called. Total cost of the medical portion was $9,981. Since I was already coming to Europe anyway there was no added expense other than the hotel, which I split with my cousin since she wanted to visit friends in Brugge.
I weighed today, expecting my weight would be the same since I don't feel any smaller and they stuffed me full of IV drugs, but I've already lost nearly 10 pounds. I recommend this to anyone going through the same struggles and frustration with weight. I'm happy to share info or insights with anyone thinking of this route.