Coexister

I went to my Bariatric doctor a couple of months ago as I had been suffering some weight regain and I was worried about the direction my body was going after having had the sleeve Dec 2018 and then Roux Y Bypass Oct 2020. She put me on Metformin and Phentermine to help counteract the effects of some of my other medication and menopause. I too had been experiencing the worst smelling stools imaginable and felt that I could never travel. The Metformin had the best side effect and turned that around for me and for the first time since having the surgeries, I had normal smelling stools! Game changer!! I have no blood sugar issues and am only taking the Metformin 500 mg twice a day for weight management reasons but it is controlling the smell of my stools! So I had to share as I had too like the rest of you been suffering since 2018 with the same issues up until a couple of months ago....

I am post op bypass 13 months ( surgery was 10/07/2020) ) and am I now drinking alcohol every night . I have gained back a few pounds Like 8 and am scared to death. I feel like I am heading back toward terrible habits and need to regain back control now. I am working with a Psychologist that's not very good for PTSD issues and major depressive disorder. I have got control of that but I have now a new problem= alcohol! A year ago, I would never think of drinking on a week night or much at all but now it's become my new addiction and it leads to me over eating and then the dreaded weight gain. I have now drank every night for the past two months and I can't seem too let it go. This had never been me before as my family is filled with alcoholics and I could never understand it and now I do? It kills pain and drowns out so much. It definitely affects me differently after surgery and takes very little to have any affect at all. I am drunk or affected at sip 3. It is such a great escapism and good lord with Covid and the way of the world all I want to do is escape in a legal way and alcohol is legal. I am on disability and have a lot of pain issues and the doctors and psych's try to say its a lot mental / PTSD/ Stress related but they haven't lived in my body. I have had over 15 surgeries and have had many scars and all kinds of mesh - They don't live this body and don't feel my pain. They tell me I need to learn to live with it. Well hell , I am doing the best I can and alcohol does a great job of dimming that. But I know I need to find a better answer and am looking to my community as I know I can't be alone in my pain or journey. My New Year's resolution is to get back to that person that doesn't drink in response to pain. That learns to deal with it. That get's her weight under control in the meantime. Sending out an SOS to my community and asking for good advice or just shared empathy to know I am not the only one and that we do not travel on this journey alone.

I am post op bypass 13 months ( surgery was 10/07/2020) ) and am I now drinking alcohol every night . I have gained back a few pounds Like 8 and am scared to death. I feel like I am heading back toward terrible habits and need to regain back control now. I am working with a Psychologist that's not very good for PTSD issues and major depressive disorder. I have got control of that but I have now a new problem= alcohol! A year ago, I would never think of drinking on a week night or much at all but now it's become my new addiction and it leads to me over eating and then the dreaded weight gain. I have now drank every night for the past two months and I can't seem too let it go. This had never been me before as my family is filled with alcoholics and I could never understand it and now I do? It kills pain and drowns out so much. It definitely affects me differently after surgery and takes very little to have any affect at all. I am drunk or affected at sip 3. It is such a great escapism and good lord with Covid and the way of the world all I want to do is escape in a legal way and alcohol is legal. I am on disability and have a lot of pain issues and the doctors and psych's try to say its a lot mental / PTSD/ Stress related but they haven't lived in my body. I have had over 15 surgeries and have had many scars and all kinds of mesh - They don't live this body and don't feel my pain. They tell me I need to learn to live with it. Well hell , I am doing the best I can and alcohol does a great job of dimming that. But I know I need to find a better answer and am looking to my community as I know I can't be alone in my pain or journey. My New Year's resolution is to get back to that person that doesn't drink in response to pain. That learns to deal with it. That get's her weight under control in the meantime. Sending out an SOS to my community and asking for good advice or just shared empathy to know I am not the only one and that we do not travel on this journey alone.

I haven't reached goal weight either and had some gain - 6lbs. But not giving up and getting back on the wagon and going to get it right Still happy where I am as same clothes fit with the small gain. I know I can do this and am going to work hard to get it together.

How are you doing now that is has been over a week?

Hi there, Wondering how you are feeling now that it has been almost a month? I hope your pain has subsided and you have improved? Pain is different for everyone and managed differently depending on the cause. Would love to hear back and see how things turned out for you? I had two bariatric surgeries and the pain was different for each one. The first one the pain was mostly gas related and relieved mostly by getting up and walking around and getting the gas moving and then constipation was also and issue for me and I has to take Milk of Magnesium to get things moving as well as Miralax to keep things soft and easily moving while on the pain medications. So by the time I got to the 2nd surgery and had a revision, I made sure to take Miralax from the get go to make sure I did not get constipated in the first place as this was the worst pain for me in surgery 1 . However after surgery 2 day 3, I did end up in extreme pain that I could find no relief from and had to go to the emergency room and it turned out that my colon was froze (Paralytic ileus) and that had to give me medication to get my colon moving so pain can be for many reasons. So if your pain is persistent seek help as many things can could be going on after surgery that may require medical intervention. With the 2nd surgery they only gave me Tylenol 2 and so it was the most painful 2 weeks I can remember post-op healing and I have had 15 surgeries but I made it through and it has all been worth it. Ice packs were my best friends.

You are doing great and are right on track. As long as the scale is not moving upward and staying upward as you will have fluctuations and it's mostly staying or moving downward then you are on track and things are as they should be. I had numerous surgeries after my bariatric surgeries ( I had sleeve October 2018) that limited me from exercising and still managed to lose the weight. My biggest one was a foot surgery that kept me from walking as I always tried to at least walk 30 minutes minimum and I still lost or manage to not gain. The mental game is the hardest in this and this forum is the best place when you are feeling down and feeling beat as we are all here for you and you are not alone!

Also to add I had to pay for sleeve out of my pocket but the insurance covered my bypass because of the acid reflux issues and it was a “medical need”.

I have had both Gastric sleeve 10/25/2018 and then later converted to a Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass with a hiatal hernia repair on 10/07/2020 per acid reflux issues so bad that it was damaging my throat My highest weight was 270 and with the sleeve I only managed to get down to 170. With the bypass I am currently at 150lbs. I feel so much better! The bypass took care of all the reflux issues and I have no issues with eating anything. I have less issues with food now then I did with the sleeve and I feel so much healthier. I have no dumping issues and can drink with no problems. I felt more restrictions honestly with the sleeve as everything hurt more. The extra weight loss is just a bonus!

Wishing you all the best! Please continue to let us know about your journey. This group here is the best for advice and information along the way. We will pray for great results for you.

Also my insurance did cover me the 2nd time around per GERD issues. I had to pay 1st time.

Recovery was so much easier for me after bypass. My energy level was much higher then it had been with the sleeve. I didn’t get all the mood or hormone fluctuations and so that was easier! I knew what to expect and that things would pass. It was so much better.

Best thing is no more GERD/ Acid Reflux! Worst thing is I can't think of is the wrinkles in my face from all the weight loss. I have no issues personally with dumping and can eat anything without any issues except ice cream. I can only eat a very little amount of ice cream (candies too) or I will pay a price with stomach/colon pains and uncomfortable heart rates but I never throw up and I think that may be because of a hiatal hernia repair that my body just won't throw up even when I want it too. I am almost 8 months post op and have lost 21 lbs more with the roux en x bypass and after a couple of months stall and just now starting weight training in a gym am starting to see the scale moving once again. I am only 4lbs from my goal. I am sure my lose skin weighs about this, LOL... But I am happy just not having the GERD or Acid reflux and so it has all been very worth it!

I had a revision from sleeve to a bypass and a hiatal hernia repair at the same time and so "yes" they repair hernia's at the same time. In fact I had the initial hernia repair while having the sleeve which failed and had to be repaired during the bypass - doing great after bypass. I lost more weight after the bypass as the body doesn't absorb as much and it is definitely a different "feel" than the sleeve was. The restriction is completely different for me. Foods again changed in flavor and things I liked after the sleeve, I no longer like after bypass. I am not one on those that throw up from overeating and am able to tolerate everything and so I have to be careful and "watch what I eat". The experience is different for everyone. If I eat too much it is more painful then it was with the sleeve and I don't know if it is because of the hernia repair that I can't throw up but it hurts extremely hard. Recovery seemed easier and maybe it's because I had been through it before? Fluids are much easier for me to drink. I too have an anxiety disorder and no the surgery does not fix that. I work with a psychologist continuously on my issues for the anxiety along with other issues I am dealing with and so yes you will need to continue therapy. Good luck in your journey. You got this!

I have been listening to podcast by Corinne - Losing 100 pounds as she talks about the emotional side of losing weight and how weight loss and keeping it all is a matter of fixing our emotions and fixing the head work. She is amazing! She says it like it is such as don't eat your feelings because feelings aren't hungry and don't need to be fed. You can listen to her podcast for free here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/losing-100-pounds-with-corinne/id1233384453 or check out her No BS weightloss program website here : https://www.phit-n-phat.com/

I have been stalled for a couple of months but have kind of fallen off the wagon as far as food choices and know what I need to do. Up my protein and lower my carbs. I do track my food, maintain minimum of 64 ozs of water and continue to at minimum walk 30 minutes daily. My weight goes up and down 3 lbs from 150 to 153 and my goal is 145. I think my excess skin probably weighs a few lbs. I am one of those that can eat anything and not dump. I don't feel much restriction and am jealous of those that do. I had more when I had the sleeve and so I have to be very, very careful. I am happy that I had the revision as it did successfully get rid of the GERD and heartburn. I did lose and am maintaining a lower weight than I had on the sleeve. With the sleeve I stalled and maintained around 170 whereas with the Roux en x bypass I am maintaining around 150 so I am grateful there. I keep thinking, I should go back to the liver diet and try and lose those last pounds that way? That maybe that would kick start my system?

I have no issues with dumping, none whatsoever and honestly jealous of those that do! I feel no restriction and have to be careful of what I eat more than I did with the sleeve. I am thankful for not having any more GERD and did lose a little more weight with my Roux-en-y gastric bypass but still have not reached my goal weight. I am close but stalled for the past two months and in fact have gained a couple of pounds and so 6 months later post revision surgery, I am worried, is my honeymoon over already? So now, I am thinking of going back to the liver diet to jump start my system as there is this issue of no restriction. I sometimes wonder did they really do a bypass? I do know that I have been snacking too much so will consciously stop this and get too moving more. I came back to read this forum for more inspiration as it usually is what I need to get moving back in the right direction again. I have no regrets because with the sleeve I stalled and stayed around 170lbs so I am making progress and I have no more heartburn or GERD or risk of throat cancer.

I eat a "kids" hamburger with one bun off and maybe a few fries and that is usually too much. I am 6 months post op Roux en Bypass. Honestly, most hamburgers do not taste as good as they did "pre-surgery" too me. My stomach does not like the taste of red meat as well and is very picky on where it "likes" these hamburgers from. Freddies that do steakburgers is one place it does like. The meat is shaven thin and falls apart easily. It does not like cheap hamburger.

Remember this is just "head hunger" speaking to you. You will be fine. This too shall pass. Walk, walk, walk and sip, sip that water as that is your fastest path to healing. Yes there is a light at the end of the tunnel and in a week you will feel so much better and it is all very well worth it. Let water be your new vice. You can have decaffeinated coffee- Maybe that would fill your craving and you could put some of your protein shake in for the creamer? Also, connect with as many Facebook groups that you can along with this one as they are very motivating and may help you stay on track. Good luck! You got this!

I had a lot of internal adhesions when they went in and did my bypass as it had been my 15th surgery but luckily they did not convert to open surgery. I heard it was close. It just meant a longer surgery for me. It also means a little more pain in recovery and little longer recovery but nothing that isn't manageable. If like mean you will also have a drain that you will go home with and have for a extended period compared to others, a nuisance but not bearable and then we have to be a little more careful about hernias and so I wore an abdominal binder longer then most as I had already had two previous repairs and didn't want this surgery cropping up another one. Overall, you will be fine and this surgery is so so worth it! It's nothing you can't handle. Just follow your doctor's order to a "T" and take care of yourself. We will pray for good results.

I am a little over 4 months out from my revision and close to goal. At first I was scared that the revision wasn't going to work because it didn't feel like I had the same restrictions as I did with the sleeve and I am able to eat things I couldn't with the sleeve> With the sleeve I felt more restriction but as I heal more I feel it more and things have been moving along great and I am pleased with my weight loss. It is slower as I am so close to goal (only about 4 more to go) and I had my revision per reflux. So happy to have the reflux and GERD cured and am having no problems whatsoever in that area. I am happy with my revision and growing to love it more every day! I still walk 30 minutes and log my food daily. I focus on maintaining water and protein levels as I notice this is what makes the scale move for me! Good luck! You are going to do great!

Most definitely feels much better not having the reflux! It's like being a new person. I do love that part!

I totally get you! I am 4 months out from a revision from sleeve to roux-Y-gastric bypass to address GERD /Heartburn/Reflux and ever since I have had the surgery I have had no restrictions once so ever. I can eat foods that I was not able to with the sleeve, I have no dumping issues, no problems once so ever with foods and I don't get the sensations of fullness that I got with the sleeve and it scares the crud out of me! I lost most of my weight with the sleeve and then more when I did the pre-op diet and then lost another 10 after surgery. I am currently stalled for the past 3 months but am only 9 lbs from goal weight. I fluctuate 9 lbs up and down depending on whether I have moved bowels or not, LOL - you guys get that. I track my foods and keep thinking I need to go back to the beginning and back to only eating around 800 or 600 calories if I want to lose that additional 9 lbs but I am having a tough time doing that. Probably if I go back to basics and do the pre op for two more weeks, I could achieve this but not sure I could maintain. It is just so frustrating to not have the restrictions. I am pleased that I am 16 lbs smaller on average then I was on the sleeve but I worry for how long will this last? And when I do eat instead of getting a warning that I am about full, I get a very sharp painful feel when I eat too much and I never know when that will be. But I definitely can eat more not that I am trying to overeat. I do try and control my amounts but at times find that I have eaten more than I planned and then I get mad at myself. I get jealous of the ones that talk about dumping and how their bodies reject things and wish mine did this as it seems like a great control and that their tool works better than mine? It amazes me when they talk about only being able to eat a couple of bites and being full as this seems so foreign to my body? So you are definitely not alone in this!