Berry78

Woo hoo!

I think what it boils down to is this: This is a risky surgery. Obesity is also risky. It is up to the individual to decide which risk they are willing to live with.... or whether they should just exercise more and eat less, and not endure either. There are criteria for those that get the procedure. High BMI, comorbidities, previous attempts at weight loss. Surgery truly is designed to be a last resort. I have told my family members, "I would rather die young (38) while trying to better myself, then to continue on the same course, ending up like those around me (strokes, diabetes, etc)." They are aware of the risks, and are afraid, but they won't stand in my way either. After all, what if everything goes great, and I get my life back? Do they really want to stop that from happening? We do need to hear the voices of those that suffer and die. But, mostly those voices ARE heard through statistics and forums such as this. Mr. Divine, I believe you are suffering from survivor's guilt. You are healthy and well, but the plight of those that weren't so lucky is resting heavily upon you. Perhaps speaking with a counselor can help you work through these difficult feelings. I wish you well in your journey.

If you already have reflux, please do strongly consider the bypass. I don't have reflux now, so am just concerned about developing it. Something I came across... about 50-70 percent of bariatric patients have reflux going into surgery. If sleeves outnumber bypasses, then there are a lot of patients potentially getting the wrong procedure done (with respect to this one issue). Might explain the number of revisions we are hearing about. But, the bypass is more invasive, with more other types of complications. It makes for a hard choice!

I'm in Western MD.

I have experienced this mortal terror twice. My Mom died of a blood clot. Her doctor said it was superficial, nothing to worry about. Take an aspirin and see me in the morning. Clot broke loose and killed her before morning. 2 years later I was giving birth to my son. Right after he was born I had some red, tender veins in my leg. The hospital checked me for clots. They told me it was something that sounded like clots, and the nurse said not to rub it because they could break off. I FLIPPED OUT! I was gonna die, leaving my newborn baby. I lived in mortal fear for several days until I went to my OB, and they explained that I didn't have clots, it was just inflamed veins, and they kept me on heparin to make sure I wouldn't get them. The 2nd time, I was on the phone with my brother, he was coughing, and I was coughing. A week later, he was dead from blood clots in the lungs. I was still coughing, so before climbing on the plane (he got the clots from flying) to go to the funeral, I went to the ER to get checked out to make sure I was ok. My cough was just a cold, but having the doctor tell me that really helped. Mortal Terror is the WORST. Try to figure out what you need to hear or experience to put your mind at ease. (Obviously talking to doctors helps me ).

I initially was completely pro sleeve, but I am considering bypass due to potential GERD.

No one can imagine how hard a journey will be until they live it. And the journey is different for each of us. You are going to do great in your journey, even if it does have some rough Patches. [Hugs]

Yes, you need sleep to heal.

Yay! Glad you will have a group to talk to! And, of course, goes without saying, you are NOT beyond help at all! This, too shall pass. Do you remember a time several years ago when you were really angry? Just furious? Are you still AS angry now? (If yes, then choose a different time!) Hopefully you don't even remember what it was about. Time really can make things look and feel different. Right NOW the initial excitement and healing phase of the surgery has passed, but your body and mind have truly just begun the work of the beginning of the rest of your life. The fat is being broken down, releasing tons of stored hormones and chemicals. The scale might slow down as the body adjusts, and your mind is under a huge strain. Those videos of Mama shows this. At 6 weeks she is angry, rather than anxious, so it may be easier to recognise how her fears seem a bit "bigger" than they need to be. By 32 weeks, she is no longer angry or fearful, and you can see her calmness. Her body and mind had the time to get used to her baby tummy. Even though time will help, you need something to help you through this NOW. Thus meds and counseling.

I am actually watching youtube videos by MadeUpMama as we speak. Watch her 6 week post op video, then her 32 week video. Maybe it will help... (they are long, but you will get the gist after just a few minutes so don't have to watch the whole things)...

You had me scared there! Ok, glad it was just brash typing. Tell ya what, while you are waiting, go to your local health food store and ask for some homeopathic anxiety stuff. It might help I had BAD post partum depression, and took Depressaquel for it. Helped loads! Might be hard to find, but there are others... Good luck! You can do this!

Please go to your local ER and ask for some help!

[Hugs] it will get better! Don't forget, exercise can be as simple as going for a little walk Baby steps to go with your baby tummy...

Hormone dumping and the elevated adrenaline type fat burning hormones are playing a number on you. You could ask the doc for something that will help with anxiety and sleep, or there are some homeopathic remedies that can help. Be sure to get plenty of exercise during the day. That will help put those hormones to good use. Hope you feel better!

Health problems can often crop up post surgery that do need emergency evaluation and intervention. Because the pain starts in her back and not just around the incision, and it is getting worse (after 18 days), it is worthwhile to play it safe. Kidney infections are no joke, in case that is what it is... Snugelkin.. how are you feeling?

I know it's hard, but maybe it just needs more time.. [Hugs]

Oops.. Ok, take a breath. Everything will be fine! Get an appointment with an OBGYN soon, and they will help you have a healthy pregnancy. You can wait to tell your husband until the pregnancy is confirmed by the doctor if you want. I know I couldn't keep such a thing on the hush hush...

Lol! If it makes you feel better, I read an account of someone that was like 5-10 years out and is maintaining because she weighed everyday. She had a range to stay within, and changed things up if she went over or under the range by a pound. But, I'm sure that worked for her because she looked at the scale with her head, not heart. (So when seeing a higher #, it is... ok I need to do xyz! rather than see the #, and start seeing herself as a failure).

Thanks for the article, definitely good to know!

Shicks, you need after care. With your surgeon's office or your family doctor can order bloodwork that checks for vitamin levels. That bloodwork will show what you are low in and what you need to supplement with. Talk to a doc!

Woo hoo! Congrats

I agree that vomiting every day is not a normal, expected consequence of the surgery. It is either due to a complication or behavioral. (A little at first should be expected though). The idea of reversing a bypass really shouldn't play a large roll in the decision. Reversals almost never happen. Ultimately, it is your body, your decision. Do make sure your decision is FOR YOU, rather than AGAINST THEM.

Yeah, they need a boot, alright! Thanks, I'll be talking to them and see what we can come up with...

Tell us about your food and exercise habits..