Coexister

3 hours ago, SeattleLady said:

Hi
Are you lossing weight and did you set a weight-loss goal both times and do you use the same doctor? Thanks so much!

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Yes, I am losing weight and has a weight loss goal set for both times for the same goal and did use the same doctor as he was already familiar with my body. I have lost a total of 103 lbs and have 8lbs to go to reach my goal. My starting weight in 2018 was 256 and I am currently at 153 and am 5'5. 145 is my goal as I have a large bone frame and look perfect at 145. Previous to my revision I only got down to 173 so I have lost 20 lbs with this revision in all since Oct 7th.

Had a revision & second hiatal hernia repair done per GERD so bad damaging vocal chords and cancer risk. 10 weeks post op and very happy with results! No GERD , can eat things I wasn’t able to before . liquid goes down easier than it did with sleeve and I am losing more weight and am now closer to goal weight (8lbs to go) which I never was with sleeve. No complications. No more GERD or acid reflux, so happy and feeling 10xs better!

Following up to see how your weight loss is going? I am doing well. Weight loss is slow and I have seem to stall as I am close to goal. I am happy with results though. It is definitely different then the sleeve and I miss things about the sleeve as I don't feel the same fullness as I did with the sleeve. It hurts if I eat to much. I can now eat bread which I couldn't with the sleeve. A little, not a lot which I find funny. I tolerate different things than what I did with the sleeve. Are you finding the same as you explore different foods? Also, I am finding things tasting different. I tolerate liquids with no problem at all, almost too well. Definitely, tolerate liquids much better than I did with the sleeve and so I have to be very careful with this. So, I am curious how you have found your journey so far?

Following up to see how your weight loss is going? I am doing well. Weight loss is slow and I have seem to stall as I am close to goal. I am happy with results though. It is definitely different then the sleeve and I miss things about the sleeve as I don't feel the same fullness as I did with the sleeve. It hurts if I eat to much. I can now eat bread which I couldn't with the sleeve. A little, not a lot which I find funny. I tolerate different things than what I did with the sleeve. Are you finding the same as you explore different foods? Also, I am finding things tasting different. I tolerate liquids with no problem at all, almost too well. Definitely, tolerate liquids much better than I did with the sleeve and so I have to be very careful with this. So, I am curious how you have found your journey so far?

I wonder if your memory issues are due to any of the medications you may be on? I take Gabapentin and Topamax for chronic pain and these medications cause me memory issues. I too had a revision from the sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass due to acid reflux along with a second hiatal hernia repair. It was my 15th surgery. I had previous surgeries to remove gallbladder, appendix, 3 shoulder repairs, foot surgery, and on and on. But I blame my memory issues on the medications that they give me to control pain as I notice when they increase the amount the more issues I have. They don't like to prescribe opioids any longer and these had no issues on memory and now these alternative do and so we just have to live with the side effects and decide if we want to live with the pain or deal with the side effects. I am also on medication for depression and PTSD which contribute to the side effects as well. So, I would say to look at whatever medications you are on and discuss this with your doctor and decide if the side effects are worth it for you. I don't think it is a side effect of the surgery. And you are correct, this surgery and journey are not the easy way out. It takes hard work but it is definitely worth it! This group has been my greatest support and I have always been able to find support for whatever issue may arise. I am especially thankful for this group.

On 11/25/2020 at 8:00 PM, Tracyringo said:

Are you revising because of reflux, weight gain, or both?

I had revision due to bad reflux that was causing damage to my vocal chords but I also never reached my goal weight with the sleeve. I am hoping to reach 145 with this revision. I am currently at 154 and seem to be holding steady and am hoping for another drop. ; ) I was about 173 pre-surgery before the pre-op diet. I am now eating regular foods and am now realizing that there is a restriction and that if I do eat too much, it hurts really bad. I have had a few episodes with dumping however my body doesn't throw things up. I think it's because of the hiatal hernia repair with mesh that keeps foods from coming up. I wish I could throw up as it would be easier and provide relief at times but my body was always one that to hold things down and just make me suffer. So instead, I get the sweats and the pains and just suffer for a period of time. I am pretty much noticing that there is no indication of "about full" and that I am going to have to measure stuff and just stop before reaching the point the of no return. It seems to be all or nothing with this pouch. Once it realizes it is full, it's too late and I have overdone it. I probably need to learn to slow down even more and see if that works but I don't seem to get a signal to the brain that I am full? Maybe, I just never feel hungry and am just eating because I know I need too and so there is no signal because the head doesn't think it is hungry? I guess I need to take stock of what my body is feeling more and see where it goes. I am so terrified of drinking because it goes down so easy and I am always afraid that I am drinking too fast as being told that I could stretch my pouch by drinking to fast. So with that I am constantly trying to slow down my drinking and making sure I don't gulp down Water. My bowels are definitely acting different and I am hoping they level out at some point and they get easier as well as I am currently living on Miralax twice daily to keep things smooth, LOL. This is definitely a different journey then the sleeve. Seems the sleeve was easier?

I had revision surgery October 7th and it took awhile before my hunger went away. I am now on soft foods and definitely do not feel the restrictions I did when I had the sleeve but I have also not eaten anywhere close to the amount I was eating pre-surgery. I am being cautious in my intake. Normally with sleeve I would feel some resistance with liquids but now they go down easier than ever which worries me. So I pray with regular food I will some kind of restrictions ?

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and have not felt any kind of restrictions as I did with my sleeve before being converted to Roux-en-Y along with a hiatal hernia repair. I am worried and especially now after seeing my operative report and knowing my Doctor only did a 30 ml pouch with a 150 cm Roux alimentary limb. This I understand is big and long for this surgery. Now I am scared I won’t lose that last bit of weight or maintain per not feeling any restrictions like I did with the sleeve. I am only on the soft foods /purée diet but with the sleeve I could feel restrictions with soft and liquids. Everything goes down like nothing. I have had no issues with dumping or nausea and can drink Water and liquids endlessly. The surgery has seemed to cure my heartburn but I don’t want to gain my weight back because of it. Anyone else on here with a 30 ml / 150 cm and similar situation that could share their experience or offer any reassurance?

I was so worried about this too as I can drink Water like there is no tomorrow and got scared when someone told me it could stretch my stomach. I did some research and found out otherwise and oh so relieved! They want you to go slow at first because it can cause pain and nausea and then you can slowly increase with comfort. Eventually you should be able to drink 8 ozs in 5 to 15 minutes (to my relief) according to this article: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/bariatrics/_documents/nutrition-hydration-nutrition-after-bariatrics-surgery.pdf . Here is another that says water will not stretch the pouch: https://primesurgicare.com/can-drinking-water-stretch-stomach-after-gastric-bypass/

23 hours ago, Darktowerdream said:

You are very early out and it's usually food intolerances that trigger this but since your gut is still adapting give it time before changing anything. Try chewable digestive enzymes. Garden of life makes great chewable digestive enzymes that are Whole Foods based but there are other brand said as well either from sites like or stores like Vitamin Shoppe (costs a bit more)

https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-chewyzymes-natural-berry-90-chewables

i only get this now when I have food intolerances or forget to take digestive enzymes with certain foods. Or just am generally feeling unwell. Give it time since your body is still recovering from the surgery. The digestive enzymes should be helpful and are great long term for anyone.

Oh my gosh! Thank you so so much for the link to the chewable enzymes! I was having a hard time finding a chewable and this is greatly appreciated and will be so helpful!

I’m glad someone has addressed this issue as I am 3 weeks post op RNY revision and having the worst smelling poo and farts of my life. The smell drifts through out the whole house and is quite embarrassing! Poopori and sprays don’t cover it. This with a liquid diet and now moving into soft purée only foods. Could it be intolerance to the bariatric Protein Powder I am using? But then it wouldn’t make sense as I didn’t have this problem during pre-op diet and drinking this powder with no fat milk. Gosh, I pray it’s something that passes but now that I read comments I see others suffering 5 & 6 months post op. Going to try digestive enzymes if I can find chewables? I already take Probiotics and eat yogurt. Anybody out there with any other ideas? Please help!

Had my surgery October 7th converted to bypass and hiatal hernia repair. Had someStill feeling pain and had some really rough nights. Last night was first night I slept through without any incidents. Turns out nurse in hospital told me wrong pills to crush and once I figured that out it made a huge difference. Loss of energy , sleeping a lot , walking a lot to move gas . Things are improving day by day. No issues with drinking Water or Protein Shakes.

I am so glad you asked this question because I am having the same problem! I am only 3 days post op and woke up to a soiled bed per watery diarrhea. Thank goodness for great mattress protector! This was my 15th surgery and normally after surgeries I am dealing with Constipation not watery diarrhea. So frustrating and I just want it to go away. Seems everything is just washing through.

Today, October 7th for me

I called my the wrong name in earlier post. I am being converted to a bypass on October 7th, 2020

My conversion to RNY is October 7th.

I too am scheduled for a revision to bypass on October 7, 2020 per issues with GERD. I gained 7 to 15 llbs (it goes up and down) but never did reach goal weight but have been ok with where I am at. My original surgery was done 12/26/2018 along with a hiatal hernia repair and I read above a mention of thrush, I had that with the VSG so I am wondering if I will have that issue once again with the bypass? My GERD got so bad that it is hurting my vocal chords and caused some bleeding and so I am ready to get the acid under control. Apparently my hiatal hernia repair came undone and so they will do another repair on this as well why doing the revision. I am a little nervous about it all and wondering if it will be harder? Wondering if I will go through that huge energy loss again or if will not be so bad since the body has been trough it once and the hormones don't have that big of a re-adjustment? This will be my 15th surgery and I just hope my body can handle it. I don't have any issues with dumping and can pretty much eat anything in very small portions and am wondering if that will change with revision? So I am back to this fabulous forum looking for answers.

Thank you for the great information especially in these trying times!

With all this Covid19 going on is anyone else find they are having to fight off the temptation to want to eat more? I am doing my best to fight it and continue on my journey of loss but it sure calls my name. LOL! Hope you all are doing well?

I had a hiatal hernia along with the sleeve performed over a year ago, December 26, 2018. I recently lost my voice and coughed up some blood. I thought it was due to allergies and just happened to have an appointment with my ENT specialist for my semi annual ear check up as I have ongoing ear problems. I told him about my voice and coughing up blood and so he decided to scope my throat and put a tube down my nose into my throat to take a look. He said I had blood on the back of my tongue and on my vocal chords but that he could see no reason for it being there and that he believed it was acid backing up from my stomach and irritating my chords and throat causing my issues. He asked if I had been having heartburn and reflux issues and I told him I am not sure. It always hurts when I eat so I have just accepted that as the new normal. I told him maybe that's why my stomach has been hurting the past couple of months? However my regular doctor has been blowing that off and said she thought is was just due to PTSD and in my head? Anyways so my ENT wants to refer me to a GI doctor and told me to get back on Pantaprazole which I had taken pre-sleeve surgery for GERD because it was tearing up my throat at that time. This time for some reason I just didn't connect it as it doesn't feel the same and allergens have been high. However, I was awaken a few nights later about 3 in the morning with a feeling a choking and something rolling up my throat and I quickly swollen it back down. The scary part is that I have been on the pantaprazole for awhile. I had a very hard time falling back to sleep because it irritated everything in my throat and caused m coughing spasmns so I had to get up and use a netty pot to rinse my nasals, bush my teeth to get my back tooth from stopping to hurt because I think the acid had hurt this as well? Before bushing I chewed on some tums. The hardest part of all of this is that I haven't worked in over a year and I just can't afford to see the specialist or the dentist and can't afford all these appointments or needed test. I had three surgeries last year , shoulder, ventral hernia repair and am now recovering from a foot surgery. I do have the insurance but we have started over in out of pockets and deductibles. Is there anyway to beat this acid reflux without a doctor? should I just eat really tiny portions? Go all liquid? I am so so frustrated and scared. I mean this stuff had got my vocal chords all tore up and bleeding. I am losing my voice over it. Sorry this is so long. I just needed to vent. HELP.

Pictures are showing me exactly 1 year apart with the first one showing in the same clothes and the second on the left is my daughter letting me feel my granddaughter move in her belly and on the right is me exactly a year later. I am currently at a 2 month stall but no gain! I have been through two surgeries (Feb 2019 / shoulder repair & November 2019/Ventral hernia ) since my hiatal & sleeve surgery Dec 26, 2018. All of this has limited my physical abilities and so I am still proud of my progress and results and I know that it will eventually start coming off again if I stay the course. I just had a foot surgery Jan 31st that’s going to keep me from my daily walking for about 6 weeks or more but I will improvise somehow. Thank you all for sharing your stories and pictures as they keep us motivated. I am looking forward to New Year of 2020 of no more surgeries, healing and finally being able to be physically active in exercise, lose the last bit a weight and start fully living. Happy New Years to my fellow group!

I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning.

Sleeve Tips:

I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help!

1. Take preop photos... you'll want them!

2. Protein shakes...I used Isopure Protein Powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of Water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, GENEPRO is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add Creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly.
Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals!

3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient.

4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches.

5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces.

6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop.

7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful.

8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop.

9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore.

10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me.

11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose!

12. Dumping and The Foamies...
Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients.

13. Take your Vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent Vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with Iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed Multivitamin, in addition to Calcium with d3, and magnesium and B12.

14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia.

15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it.

16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it.

17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well.

18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders.

19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up.

20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry.

21. Abbreviations...
HW your highest weight
SW what you weighed on your surgery day
GW your goal weight
CW what you weigh currently
NSV non scale victory
Nut nutritionist
VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery)
RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass)
DS duodenal switch surgery

22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take Biotin supplements for it, I didn't.

23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol.

24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help!

25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, Smooth Move tea, or Miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal.

26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime!

I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

I have been in a stall for a couple of months myself and needed this message. Thank you!

On 10/1/2019 at 5:43 PM, Billy Bob said:

Can the surgeon repair an epigastric hernia at the same time as performing the VSG ?

Yes, they did mine at the same time.

Yes, they did mine at the same time.