Smanky

I had a "virgin" bypass, but I imagine pain is about the same for revisions and that is - it's all across the board. Some people have very little pain (or none at all), others have a lot - but it seems the majority are on the "no or little pain" end of the continuum. I didn't have any pain at all and at first wondered if they even did the surgery! I really didn't have much in the way of gas pain, either. The only discomfort I had was getting in and out of bed. I was fine if I was lying in bed - and fine once I got up - but the transition from one to the other was tricky - I felt like I'd done 1000 crunches. But...it only lasted a few days, as I recall.
even if you're one of the people who has pain with the surgery, they'll send you home with something for it. Just take it when you're supposed to to keep ahead of the pain. It'll probably only last three or four days.
as far as what life is like, pretty much the same as sleeve. My clinic had everyone on the same food and Vitamin regimen, regardless of surgery. The only difference is that if you slack off on your supplements, the consequences will be greater with bypass when they were with sleeve. Otherwise, from what i've heard from others who've had revisions, it's not that much different.

Something that recently hit me: I am noticeably smaller than my partner. I'm not the big woman with a skinny guy anymore, I'm officially the little spoon. It's such uncharted territory, and I love that I'm getting to experience it!

I just dealt with this with a irl friend. They were so excited to talk to a surgeon about surgery, got the booklet w the pre-op & post op diet & immediately said 'never mind' - he thought it was just magically going to work on its own.
He said had thought surgery would magically stop him from eating every 30mins & I told him you can do that w the surgery too. So I agree with this. The "tool" thing is important for people to realize it's not the magic spell they think it is.

Around October last year I fractured my tibial plateau badly, along with damage to my ACL, PCL and meniscus and was bed-ridden in a locked leg brace for seven weeks. I was over a year post-op at the time, so weight loss was way slower and the chances of me snacking over my calorie limit was high, particularly with the boredom of forced bed rest. Still dropped two kilograms over that time, despite thinking that I was for sure going to put a bit back on. At ten weeks, your surgery will still be at its strongest, so if you stick to the plan you'll be fine. Sore, but fine.
(I also broke a rib just before Christmas. I'm apparently collecting broken bones now 🙃)

The BMI is a flawed guide, with "guide" being the operative word. I'm *JUST* in the "normal BMI" range now, and I'm a US6-8/AU10-12, at 5 foot 7 inches. My collarbone, neck tendons, chest bones all stick out, I can see my ribs, my muscles and tendons in my arms etc. I can even see my hip bones through the loose skin. I look skinny - I know I do, because I get a shock every time I see my full-body reflection, and I've been called skinny by others. But my BMI and the Hip/Waist ratio markers all suggest I'm not. My Hip/Waist ratio tells me I'm still quite overweight! It really doesn't take body shape into account as I've never had an hourglass figure - I joke that I'm shaped like a plank with tits. Straight up and down.
So don't take the BMI to heart, and I think it would be a good idea to tell this doctor your history. Some doctors don't think beyond their charts, unfortunately.

You're looking absolutely fantastic. Well done!

As others have mentioned, the sleeve is cheaper and also a quicker surgery to do versus the RNY. The Mini Bypass (Omega Loop) that I got is also a quicker surgery to perform since there's one less intestinal join, but with similar benefits to the RNY. I had originally wanted the sleeve, but because of my pre-existing GERD, my surgeon advised me away from the sleeve and recommended the bypass instead. I am very happy with the choice and the results, and only regret not doing this sooner.
Recovery for the mini bypass was a few weeks, but I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time, so I had a double whammy of pain. First two weeks were pretty rough. But honestly, recovery was pretty smooth all things considered!
The main downside of the bypass is the lifelong supplements, but it's a part of my routine and as much as I dislike having to take a handful of pills every evening, it's only a small inconvenience.

I can't believe it has been a year already since I had my surgery. Time really flies. This past year was filled with lots of major milestones, NSVs and overall positive things. I decided to write this post to hopefully inspire others who are on the fence or those who are already on their weight loss journey.

I had my surgery (MGB) in Egypt on 30 January 2022. My sister had hers earlier that month and it didn't take her long to convince me to do it as well. I flew to Egypt on 28th, admitted to hospital on 29th and had the surgery 30th morning. I stayed in the hospital for two days and rested for a week in Cairo before flying back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The whole process went smooth and the recovery was quick with no major issues. Just a bit of discomfort which is normal for any surgery. I was not given any specific diet to follow except for some guidelines - one week of Clear Liquids, 1 week of pureed food followed by gradual introduction of solid food in week 3.
I will start with the positives and the current stats. The negatives / issues are listed below

My starting weight was 149 kg. I was 85 kg yesterday. That means I’ve lost a total of 64 kg or 43% of my starting weight. I still have like 15 kg to go. The weight loss was quick at first then started to become slower but I’m more than happy with where I’m at right now.

I didn’t follow a strict diet but rather reduced my food intake and ate healthier. I always start with my Proteins vegetables and end with carbs. It helps that I cook myself so I know what goes into my food and can control the portions. I now enjoy food better than before because I really take my time to eat. There are some foods that I can’t tolerate like Pasta, scrambled eggs etc. Not sure why but I’m not too concerned by that.

Here are some of the major achievements and NSVs I’ve experienced the past year (a part from the weight loss):

I went from size 52” pant to size 34-36 inches pants depending on the cutting. Here is a comparison between the pants I wore on surgery day and the current ones.


Custom-made shirt on surgery day vs the one I wore yesterday (Size M)


Here is me in December 2021 and yesterday morning (left to right)


I got myself a mountain bike when I went below 100 Kg and that helped a lot. I try to go on a ride around the town whenever time and weather allow. I’m planning to do this more often after the rainy season. I feel more fit and energetic overall.

I was able to join my family in a lot of fun activities which was impossible last year. I took the kids to the Water park last weekend and we all had a great time. My son told me that he is so happy I could go on the water slide with him and that made the whole journey worth it.

I’m planning to join the gym and start rebuilding muscles and tone my body. I’ve some loose skin here and there but it doesn’t bother me. I might end up having it removed but it is too early to decide now.

There were also some negatives (as with everything in life) which I consider to be minor :

- The 6 months blood work showed that I had Vitamin B12 and D deficiency. The doctor asked me to take high doses of Vitamin D and daily Vitamin B12 tabs which I’ve been doing over the last 6 months. I’m planning to redo the test soon.

- I struggled with heartburn and indigestion early on but I learned how to control it. I don’t add a lot of spices to my food now and will stop eating if I feel any discomfort. I still get it every now and then but OTC heartburn medicines really help.

- Loose skin specially on my arms and thighs (but that was expected)
Overall I’m very happy with my decision and what I’ve achieved over the past year. I’m really looking forward to this coming year.

I don't mean to be judgmental about this because I went through it, myself. I first heard of weight loss surgery when I was in college, and I had already struggled with my weight and countless diets over the years. Gastric bypass sounded like an absolute miracle -- something that would just magically prevent me from overeating! I went to an informational seminar and a consultation with a surgeon, but when I started learning about how much work it would be, I thought, "If I had that much willpower, I wouldn't need the surgery!" I read people's personal experiences with WLS and was very turned off by how much their surgery affected their lives, because I wanted something that wouldn't require me to devote my whole life to weight loss. I backed out and it took me another 15 years before I was ready to put in the effort of the lifestyle changes. I'm very grateful to have the "tool" of weight loss surgery, but it required (and continues to require) a lot of work on my part.

Well, if the term "lifestyle changes" doesn't get rid of them (which is my goal -- I do not wish to discuss my body, my weight, or my diet with anyone other than medical professionals, and I consider it rude for people to ask about these personal topics in public, so I just want them to drop it without having to be rude myself and say, "None of your business"), I sometimes mention specific lifestyle changes, all of which are true. I work out daily, track my food intake, avoid sugar and fried foods, eat more vegetables, find healthy recipes to cook, and use online grocery shopping to avoid temptation. These are actual lifestyle changes that I have made and use along with the tool of my surgery, and I know that if I fall off the wagon of all these lifestyle changes, I can easily regain a lot of the weight. I WISH the surgery worked like magic and I didn't have to make permanent lifestyle changes.

I'm thankfully pretty shielded from this most of the time, since I'm self-employed and work from home. I imagine if you work in an office or on-site, then the comments would happen. I had my first a week or so ago, when visiting a friend and she quietly said I looked skinny and asked if I was well. She hasn't seen me in a while, so I guess there is a noticeable weight drop and I KNOW my collar bones and neck sinews stick out prominently now. It still triggered a weird body dysmorphic patch in me, and thankfully my partner put my mind at ease. In her defense, she was coming from a place of care, and she has suffered from restrictive eating disorders in the past so I know she was just seeing my jutting bones and making unconscious connections to her own past.
My real test will be Xmas and going interstate to see the family and in-laws for the first time in about half a year. I am a good size and a half smaller since they last saw me.
All that said, anyone calling out to a stranger OR an acquaintance with the word "fat" needs a kick between the legs. Inexcusably rude, fundamentally unfunny.

100% the word "pouch". It's up there with "moist" for me.
I won't use it. "Smaller stomach" or just plain old "stomach" work fine for me, since I still actually have one despite it's reduced size.
Everything else I'm completely neutral on.

the first two pics are head shots before surgery. The last three are me now.

I had my sleeve in May 2022 at age 62, so I am 8 mos post-op. Recovery was quick and fairly easy for me! Like others, wish I hadn't waited so long! I've stalled over the holidays and even gained a couple of pounds, but I am back on track now. My weight loss has slowed dramatically and my surgeon says I'll probably only lose another 20 lbs, but I'm good with that. I feel FANTASTIC! I've eliminated one of my BP meds and the other has been cut in half and some days I don't take it if my pressure is low. I do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days per week, alternating stationary bike and rowing machine. I think my Hair loss has finally slowed/stopped. My surgeon & internist are very pleased with my progress. I'm sure I could have lost more if I had eaten cleaner the past 8 mos, but I really have just been relying on Portion Control and eating pretty much what I want, but focusing on healthier options when available and keeping track of my Protein intake. Definitely consumed far too many sweets over the holidays. My husband and I are spending a week in a cabin in the woods near Fairbanks, Alaska in a couple of weeks and I'm excited to see how much easier the smaller me will fit in the seat for the long flight!

Yep. If the temperature drops below 25 Celsius, I'm looking for a jacket. Walked into a theatre for a show last night (it's mid Summer here) and the air-con temp took my breath away. Foolishly didn't think to bring a jacket. Thankfully a mate gave me a long sleeve shirt he'd brought as an extra layer or I'd have been miserable!

Yep. If the temperature drops below 25 Celsius, I'm looking for a jacket. Walked into a theatre for a show last night (it's mid Summer here) and the air-con temp took my breath away. Foolishly didn't think to bring a jacket. Thankfully a mate gave me a long sleeve shirt he'd brought as an extra layer or I'd have been miserable!

Have you ever been under anesthesia? If not, it's hard to say what your experience will be. Everyone reacts differently.
Typically, you'll be very groggy and sleepy. You'll probably be going in and out of consciousness. You abdomen will be sore, you'll probably be thirsty, and your throat might hurt. You'll have an IV and probably some special pressure devices on your legs. If you're prone to nausea, make sure you tell your team - they'll put a patch behind your ear. Vomiting after abdominal surgery is the last thing you want to do.
Your nurses will be trying to make you drink Water, as soon as you're alert enough. This was no problem for me, but for some people drinking hurts.

There are a lot of variables to consider. IMO, BMI is flawed....the formula is based on an average body composition. It does not take in consideration frame size, bone mass, muscle mass, large breasted vs small breasted (boobs are heavy!), body shape (ectomorph, mesomorph & endomorph). If you were overweight in your youth and/or the majority of your life, your bones had to accommodate more weight so therefore are most likely larger and heavier than someone who has been slim most of their lives.
Thirty years ago, the general rule for women was a baseline of 100 pounds for a 5 foot woman and 5 pounds for each additional inch. That is an average, but for me at 5'5", I am chubby at 125, where as; my daughter at 2 inches shorter, looks amazing at 135. Before the weight gain in 2012, my natural shape was hourglass (metomorph) with broad shoulders, heavy chested, small waist and slim legs on a small/medium frame. My daughter is rectangular (ectomorph) with broad shoulders, heavy chested, thick waisted, narrow hipped and thicker legs on a medium/large frame. My best weight is 112 to 117 but my daughter, even though she is 2 inches shorter, looks best at 132 to 138. "It really doesn't take body shape into account as I've never had an hourglass figure - I joke that I'm shaped like a plank with tits. Straight up and down." YES, YES, YES! The variations in the natural body composition of ectomorph, mesomorph or endomorph is not considered when computing BMI. An hourglass shape will carry more fat than a plank shape at the same weight!
Weight is a personal matter. You have to find where you are comfortable and a weight that can be easily maintained. Listen to your body and listen to your doctor but don't let others get into your head.

you're only six months out, so still in the "honeymoon" stage. Try to get back on track ASAP because it's never in your life going to be easier to lose weight than it is right now. I'd call your clinic for help - that's what they're there for! They may have you work with the dietitian or the psychologist (if they have one on staff - our clinic did...)

You need to do as your pcp says and eat. First find things to drink, you sound as if you are dehydrated. Water and milk and thinned Protein drinks are safe starting options. Have you tried protein water? Have you tried broth? Find the temperature you can tolerate. I managed Hot Drinks better than icy cold.
You need to eat and the calorie content will not matter for a couple of weeks. Once you get some calories in you will start to feel better. To start you eating again, can I suggest yogurts, high protein tinned or homemade Soups [blitz it if you need to] mashed potato and gravy, Custard, instant porridge. and soft baked crustless quiche or cheese souffle. Aim to eat [ or drink your food ] a good amount of foods every 2 or 3 hours. Eat whatever you can, its critical to you getting and feeling better
Lack of protein will make you weak. Lack of liquid makes your throat slimy. You feel nausea because you may not be drinking enough. Getting hot or in my case shivery cold is because we have overeaten. Getting the foamies [spitting out foam] is because you have put too much in your new stomach in one go. Eat or drink smaller sips until you get a hang of your limits.
Lastly, have you been tested for a stricture? because I had similar problems until about 10 months out because they found my internal stitch line was still swollen. I just had to do the best I could until it settled. You should be getting more help from your team than you are, when did you last speak to them?

Bypassed at 51. Wish I'd done it a decade ago!

Coconut milk/cream is the main enduring one for me. Still way too rich and makes me feel nauseous.

I struggle to call this a "victory", because I consider it a negative (Non-Scale-Negative? Non-Scale-Oops?), but I've lost all buoyancy. Was at my sister's Xmas day, and I haven't been swimming in a year. Blobbing around like a human pool float was always my jam. Nope. Not anymore! Welcome to sink-like-a-stone-town! I was treading Water in the deep end like a wind-up bath toy, mildly horrified at how hard I had to work to stay afloat.
Thus ends my confidence in the water. I may well be the adult with the pool wings next time I go to the beach. And if I do, I intend to make that fashion accessory work.
Bonus Non-Scale-Negative: I was so cold in that water my nephew remarked that my back was covered in gooseflesh. I lasted maybe five minutes before I had to get out and get warm. In Summer. In Queensland Australia. 🤦‍♀️

only about 30% of bypass patients dump - and it can be controlled by limiting the amount of sugar or fat you eat at one sitting (which we should be doing anyway, to be honest...). I had my bypass 7.5 years ago and have never dumped - and I know lots of other bypassers who aren't dumpers, either.
meds might have to be adjusted due to the malabsorption, but they're used to having to do this. Bypass has been around for a long time.
GERD can get worse with sleeve, but it's not inevitable. Some people don't experience this - and some even claim theirs got better. But the percentage of people whose GERD got worse was a little too high for me to take the risk, so I went with bypass. But others are willing to take the risk.
P.S. I've been very happy with my bypass and would make the same decision if I had to make it today.

Lifestyle issues: none. I went vegetarian back in 1989, and have been vegan for about 7 years now. Likewise my partner. I've always been a supplement taker, so I've never been anemic or had any issues (outside of eating too much junk food and carbs, of course, leading me here!). Post-op, my labs have been consistently good, so even with the malabsorbtion factor, I've been able to nourish myself well. The only thing any blood test has found was 8 weeks ago when I landed in hospital after a bike accident and the labs showed I was low in magnesium. So I've been taking a mag supplement since then which is fixing that.
Never a whisper of kidney stones.
It's tough recommending any Protein Drinks since I'm in Australia and we don't have access to the same brands as you guys over there. The best protein water I've found that's both tasty and not absolutely drowning in stevia is MyProtein's Clear Vegan Protein. I know you can get that one internationally. It's not as much protein per serve as a shake (it's 10g per serve), but since I have to drink a couple of litres of water a day anyway, getting 3 of those in means I've got over half my daily minimum protein intake plus water, so I love the double-up. Other vegan protein waters with higher protein counts that I've tried have either been too cloyingly sweet or just straight up revolting. The MyProtein one is like drinking cordial. Minus the sugar. The Apple & Elderflower flavour is the bomb.
Also: vegan protein will absorb as well as non-vegan. I promise it's a myth that you can't get enough protein from plants. Plenty of vegan athletes and body builders can attest! 💪