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I was self pay at a surgical center and had to go to a hospital 10 hours later for another surgery because of internal bleeding(nicked artery), needed several transfusions and spent 3 days in the hospital plus had to have more blood and iron transfusions after leaving that hospital. I’m now stuck with over $175,000 in hospitals bills and more still coming. BCBS is denying the claim because they don’t cover bariatric surgery or complications. The hospital billed it as complications of lap band instead of complications of gastric sleeve. I’m told it doesn’t matter because they won’t pay either but what if I want to appeal it, shouldn’t it be billed correctly?

Please talk to a doctor ASAP. This is not normal and you could be having a serious complication. Now is not the time to be looking for advise on the internet.

I can't respond to the particular complications you have (only a doctor can) or how bypass might affect them (ditto), but major complications are pretty rare with bypass. The most common complication (and it's considered minor) is dumping, which 30% of patients get (I've never had it - and neither have a lot of others I know), but that can be controlled by not eating a ton of fat or sugar at one sitting, which none of us should be doing anyway. The next most common complication (also minor) is stricture, which is easily fixed by doing an upper endoscopy and using a balloon-like tool to stretch it out. This happens to about 5% of us, and as being the second most common complication, it gives you an idea how common complications are (I had a stricture, btw). You probably hear about them more because people are more likely to post or talk about them because they're looking for advice or support. People generally don't mention that things are going great unless someone specifically asks them how things are going. So it might appear that complications are more common than they actually are. Other than that stricture early on (and they happen very early on, if they're going to happen at all), I've had zero issues, and I had my surgery ten years ago. we were told that it was OK to take NSAIDs on a very limited and very occasional basis, but I haven't taken any since my surgery. I've taken Tylenol for any pain, and when I had hip replacement surgery two months ago, they found a non-NSAID alternative to aspirin for me since I had to be on some kind of blood thinning agent for six weeks. As far as your other prescriptions, it could be that there are non-extended release versions available - but again, a doctor would know that. Sounds like you'll be having a long conversation, and hopefully it'll provide some answers to make a decision. as far as having the surgery "late in life", there are many of us who had it in our 50s and 60s (I was 55 when I had mine), so you're definitely not an anomaly! I wish I would have had mine years earlier than I did. The thing probably saved my life (I weighed almost 400 lbs). I am grateful every day that I had it. good luck with your appts and decision.

actually, RNY CAN be reversed, but it's a complicated surgery and they only do it if someone has severe medical issues that can't be resolved any other way.

From ACS I understand it has more complications. SG also is the most convertible procedure if I ever needed a revision. I’m also concerned about too much malabsorption. I’ll talk with my surgeon, but if RYGB is my only option I’ll need to reassess my personal risks.

I took 3 weeks off work after my arm lift/mommy makeover surgery. I felt like I would have good to go back after 2. Barring any complications, you should be totally fine at 8 weeks. Your scars will still be prominent, but easily covered by clothes.

The system seems so complicated and expensive, and it's tough when you're doing everything right—staying healthy, following doctor recommendations—and still getting hit with high deductibles or surprise bills.

Yes! Yes! 100% yes I would have the surgery again. I personally know 4 people who’ve had surgery and know of several others who’ve had surgery (friends of friends, siblings of friends and relatives of in-laws). None of them have complications or have died. There have been a couple of people here who have had complications but they are few. The majority of people I’ve got to know through this forum are fine. And from what I can recall over the almost six years I’ve been here, their complications have been resolved through some sort of medical intervention. Of course there would be some who’ve had surgery who have passed away or have serious complications. There have been a couple on My 600lb Life who passed away. But what pre existing complications did they have? Was their death or the complication a direct result of the surgery or because of the pre existing condition? Carrying excess weight alone would have shortened their lifespan and led to many complications regardless of the surgery. The risks of the surgery alone are very low. I recall reading they are less than a tonsillectomy or appendectomy yet no one questions those surgeries. I wonder about those who share horror stories and what is the motivation behind spreading those stories. Are they jealous a friend or family had the surgery? Are they against a family member or friend having the surgery? Believe me people do react like this. There have been a number of people here sharing the negativity they they receive from people who supposedly love them & who at the best for them when they say they want to have the surgery or have had the surgery. I deliberately was selective in who I told for these very reasons. If you want to know the true stories from people who’ve actually had surgery you’re in the right place here. Also, I don’t believe insomnia is common. For many of us our sleeping improves. Before surgery I would average about 4 hours a night. I would often have nights where I didn’t sleep at all. Now I probably average 7.5 hours. I had 9 the other night and had a nap during the day. LOL! Many also throw away their CPAP machines because the quality of their sleep improves to such an extent they don’t need it with their weight loss. Hey @niecy. I wonder if your poop isn’t soft enough. Are you meeting your fluid goals? Have you tried a stool softener to see if that eases the discomfort? Have you spoken to your surgeon or doctor? Maybe a colonoscopy to rule out any blockages, tears, etc. would be beneficial? It is possible to be constipated & yet still poop regularly which I discovered 18 months ago. https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-be-constipated-and-still-poop

I never see anyone as far out from revision as I am (5+ yrs) post here anymore. Where are all of our Vets? Go with a surgeon who does a lot of revisions if you can. They may have more experience with complicated anatomies. Good luck!

Did you have complications or something that caused you to have to stay three days?

Thank you 🙏🏻 my gastroenterology appointment is in three weeks so I am going to start there and I look forward to figuring it out because it’s not fun I have talked to a few doctors on the scope of my PCP…. One has seen complications/odd symptoms in long term gastric bypass patients. When I say complications, I mean digestive complications because there are plenty of people who don’t have enough nutrient, etc., and have issues that are beyond that. I pretty much covered all of those in my first 10 years when I really didn’t know how to take care of myself from a nutrient standpoint and vitamins. I do think it could be a parasite, or potentially a combo of diverticulitis and acid reflux. Most of the potential diagnoses have weight loss associated with them, and that is definitely not the case unfortunately lol. Yes, I would love to press the fix me button, but I know I have to do the work on this

TBH, I'm in a similar boat, I meet with the surgeon next week for my second meeting with them. We'll discuss surgery types. In my hometown all the hospitals only do two (SG and RYGB). So I don't really have a choice unless I got to hospitals out of state, and I'm concerned about getting medical care if I have complications and have to drive a 45 to an hour plus to get to the hospital, also the state south of me won't do telelhealth across the boarder, but they also don't have many in-person appointments because normal practice is telehealth. One hospital that does SG, RYGB, SADI-S, and BPD/DS basically said I was out of luck. My situation is a bit different because I am concerned about stomach cancer because it runs in my family. The idea of a remnant stomach freaks me out, at the same time my EGD found H. Pylori negative gastritis (antral and oxyntic mucosa with mild chronic inflammation). To be frank I didn't know how that impacted anything, and all the GI doc did was put me on a high does of a PPI. I don't have GERD, like most people I have heart burn from time to time and Pepcid complete works and i'm done. Surgery is hella scary, but these surgeries are amazingly safer than a lot of surgeries. I am more scared of the recovery and any complications, than dying from the surgery. At the same time, although I've fished my program's requirements save for the final exam I and waiting until this fall to have a procedure. If Tuesday I learn they was to do the RYGB I may very well back away and continue Zepbound. Not being able to scope my stomach is a fear of mine because the GI had no idea what as causing the gastritis and his report suggested that I was on my way to ulcers. So Joy. The human body is complicated. Take your time, it's your time, your life, your body. If you feel rushed tell them so, and if you're scared tell them so. It's okay to be scared, it's okay to be that annoying patient (I know I'm that patient) that asks questions and needs to feel settled. It's also okay to change your mind, and change you mind again. It's a big freaking deal. And living with obesity is also a big freaking deal. Only you can make the decision that's best for you right now. You'll be fabulous if you have the surgery, and you'll be fabulous if you defer.

For everyone that answered, would you have the surgery again knowing everything you know now? I’ve officially scared the living crap out of myself by browsing Reddit threads and coming across some that are pretty much all about friends and loved ones dying from bypass complications or extremely malnourished people with a poor quality of life post-surgery. 😭

I chose sleeve over bypass because at the time it was considered a safer profile surgery with the same effectiveness. I had other medical conditions I needed to focus on and could not risk dealing with complications. It still makes sense to that past nervous version of me. However this version of me (which needed to be revised from sleeve to bypass from complications from sleeve 🤣) would choose differently. All things considered, All things being equal and if I had to choose again I would pick bypass over sleeve (especially if I was a self pay patient or my insurance excluded revisions).

Hi! I am 51 years old, turning 52 in April. I had the duodenal switch loop surgery on 10/31/23 when I was 50.5 years old. Like many people, I regret having the WLS sooner. Even with the complications that happened post op. I am excited also because I am scheduled for excess skin removal in 3/17/25!

I had a sleeve in 2022 and had a revision to bypass in 2023 due to complications. I had little to no pain, I was up and moving around with ease, I've really had a great experience. And I've lost quite a bit of weight with the revision, even though that wasn't why I got the surgery to begin with. I have ZERO regrets.

^^yes!!!! Meal Prepping is really the key to success!!! It doesn't have to be a huge meal prep. I only meal prep my bfast and lunches. Then my snacks are super duper simple. Cheese and jerky, or a yogurt and berries, Even a protein shake with a cold brew. The simpler the better for me otherwise when I over complicate things I get annoyed and don't do it.

I had a failed lap band, and decided to get a gastric sleeve. I suffer from Cyclic vomiting Syndrome.It is an uncommon disorder, many doctors know little about it. There are 4 people on my CVS support group who had bariatric surgery and now their episodes are out of control. Two of them went from episodes once a month to daily, and are now in wheelchairs due to malnutrition.I asked my surgeon, but he didn't say there were increased complications with CVS and gastric surgery.I cannot find any info out there, but there aren't many of us CVSers who are obese. Does anyone know ANYTHING about this topic?

My boyfriend plays Tarkov and omg it seems so complicated! Definitely a tough one to get into, but rewarding as you say!

I was on tricare for a short time years ago but didn’t have it for my bariatric surgeries. But after dealing with the revision process with any insurance I I learned that them covering it for GERD would be far more likely than just for weight regain. GERD it would be repairing a complication or side effect of surgery instead of just doing another bariatric surgery. They consider that more of a medical necessity If that makes any sense.

I am...now. I had a sleeve in 2022 and had SO many complications and I was miserable. I had a revision to bypass in 2023 and honestly, it's been amazing. I 100% love that I had the revision. I recommend the bypass to everyone. It literally solved all my issues. And I'm so thankful that I got my life back. I take meds for severe anxiety, for MS, and for lupus. The only real issue with meds are extended release with the bypass. But if you can find a way around that then you'll be fine.

Me too!! So many here who've been before us will say that everything will be fine! It'snatural to be anxious or worried, But I know I am trying to keep on top of it, helps I have a work mate who had sleeve in Sept with the same surgeon as me, she's keeping me upbeat about it all It's a low complication surgery most of the time. I have had surgery before, so trying to focus on the positive!! Have you had surgery before?

I have recently received alarming reports from patients who have sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to a patient coordinator named Bill Yanez. He is now working once again as a coordinator for Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. Please exercise extreme caution when dealing with Dr. Jalil Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez. They have a history of financial misconduct, having embezzled significant sums of money from me during their tenure as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. Furthermore, I have personally experienced severe surgical complications under the care of Dr. Illan, who botched my surgery not once but twice. There are many reputable and trustworthy options for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Please do not risk your health and finances by entrusting them to a surgeon and coordinators with a track record of dishonesty and malpractice. If these individuals have victimized you, I urge you to report them to your local authorities and the FBI. Their actions are unethical and illegal, and they will face the consequences of their actions in due course. Stay safe, everyone. Let's look out for each other and ensure we all have access to safe, reliable, and ethical medical care.

My surgeon and I spoke about my other health diagnosis and food habits at length. I was very adamant about wanting to be able to eat a variety of foods after if possible. Since I didn’t have previous GERD issues, and based on my other health and meds requirements, she suggested the sleeve was the best option. I also in my research saw there were just a few less complications with it so I was comfortable with that.

Tough one. On one hand your body your choice, on the other hand no man is an island. If surgery goes well without complications, timing is a mild inconvenience. If complications happen you’ll want their support (physical and emotional) for the long haul and they’ll need time to prepare for major life changes. Also how does insurance factor into this? And what is your timeline? Are we talking surgery on Dec 1st or 20th?