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surgery at approx 12:30 pm November 3rd surgery ended approx 1:45 pm November 3rd discharged from hospital 11:00 am November 4th. I walked out of hospital from my room (by choice) and to the car- sore. exhausted, loopy a little still. incision areas are very visibly bruised today. largest (2.5 inch approx ) is only incision area I can “feel” overall better than i expected

Over a year post-op. I did get my sweet tolerance back, but it's very touchy. Doesn't take much at all to make me feel sick. I prefer "barely sweet" to "proper sweet", and sugar-free to both of those. Still detest protein shakes though - never got that back. Cannot eat coconut-based dairy alternatives post-bypass. Coconut milk/cream is just waaaaaay too rich for me now. Makes me ill. No dumping. I'm pretty careful with the foods that can typically cause it. Occasional mild foamies. If I eat or drink too much I get very burpy and uncomfortable.

i am three days away from my 2 month gastric bypass post-op and oh boy has it been a journey! 9/7 - laparoscopic gastric bypass (general anesthesia; overnight in hospital) 9/15 - began vomiting and couldn't progress eating 10/4 - endoscopy (general anesthesia) 10/12 - laparoscopic surgery to revise scar tissue build up (general anesthesia; overnight in hospital) 10/17 - occasional vomiting again 10/27 - upper GI to look for strictures or blockages 11/1 - endoscopy #2; balloon used to open up stricture (general anesthesia) 11/2 - CT scan to make sure all is good to go as of today, it looks like i'm finally in the clear and should be able move my food progression forward to soft foods.

I had my Bypass back in February and have been losong weight extremely slowly if any, I've only lost about 30 pounds in 8 months. I have felt almost no restrictions, I am being disciplined and not eating anything I shouldn't, eating portioned meals although sometimes its difficult to know since I dont feel any restrictions. I work out 6 times a week for over 50 mins and drink plenry of water...what can I do? Sent from my SM-S908U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone, Here's an overview of my history: 2004 Lap band 2007 port repair 2012 band removal 2012 gastric bypass roux en y 2017 gastric bypass revision Planned adding a minimiser ring Dec 2022 Has anyone had a surgery just to add the minimiser ring? After bypass revision? What were your results? I'm booked with Anthony Clough. Appreciate any insight into pre op prep, cost and considerations. Thanks y'all.

Hi everyone, Here's an overview of my history: 2004 Lap band 2007 port repair 2012 band removal 2012 gastric bypass roux en y 2017 gastric bypass revision Planned adding a minimiser ring Dec 2022 Has anyone had a surgery just to add the minimiser ring? After bypass revision? What were your results? I'm booked with Anthony Clough. Appreciate any insight into pre op prep, cost and considerations. Thanks y'all.

The mini bypass has been kicking around for a long time - it was around the periphery of bariatrics some twenty years ago when my wife and I first started looking into WLS, and it's still there today, not having achieved mainstream status (and many, if not most, US insurance companies still don't cover it.) in the meantime, the BPD/DS, VSG and now the SIPS/SADI have gone mainstream, gaining acceptance by the ASMBS and insurance industry. It would pay to understand why that is. When I last looked into these things, 2-3 years ago, ASMBS was fairly positive about the SIPS/SADI, but they didn't yet have the data to recommend it; they apparently do now. I would suggest looking through their site to see if they have any current opinion on the MGB and why it doesn't get on their recommended list. Amongst the MX surgeons, the MGB seems to mostly be sold as a cheaper alternative to the RNY rather than a technically better one. Classically, bile reflux is one of the problems with these simplified, single anastomosis procedures. There are claims that some techniques have been developed to mitigate that problem, but I don't know how much of that is real progress and how much is marketing. The MGB does seem to be more mainstream in other countries, so there may be something to the claims of improvement, and it simply lost its best opportunity to be sold to the US industry and authorities. Given that, I would be apprehensive about getting it done while living here in the states, if for no other reason than long term support - how many US doctors, bariatric or otherwise, understand it, and how to treat you in the years ahead should there be a problem. It's something like owning a French car here in the States - parts and service are a problem. My wife has a DS, which has something of that issue, despite being mainstream and approved, as it is still something of a niche procedure, with few surgeons understanding it. It, however, has the redeeming value of having demonstrably better performance - both initial loss and most particularly regain resistance; the MGB doesn't, as it's not markedly different than the RNY or VSG in performance. Have you had your GERD evaluated as to its cause? A hiatal hernia or shape issue can usually be corrected while still maintaining the sleeve, though some surgeons may not be well practiced at that and would simply revise to a bypass to correct it (the old "VSG + GERD=you need an RNY" thing rather than fixing the basic problem - it might need an revision, or it might not.) In correcting regain, these revisions seem to be only moderately successful - count on maybe twenty pounds or so - about what one would expect from the intense dieting required around surgery time, and one can expect similar results from a hiatal hernia repair. Basically, you have already learned how to eat around a small stomach, so shrinking it further with a revision doesn't yield nearly as good a result as your virgin procedure. Some do show remarkable improvement, but they seem mostly to be those who take the regain seriously and swear to "not let that happen again" and really buckle down and get with the program. One can almost consider the revision to be a placebo. If I were looking to seriously tackle a regain problem, I would lean more toward the BPD/DS as that more directly addresses the metabolic problem, though not the GERD as it retains the sleeve - that would remain an issue as to whether the sleeve itself is the cause of it and that can be corrected.

I'm 7.5 years out - bypass. Never dumped. I could eat a pint of ice cream and not dump (unfortunately...). Only affects about 30% of us, and for those who dump, they can control it by limiting how much sugar they eat at one sitting. never had issues with flatulence. I don't think that's too common - at any rate, I don't see a lot of posts on that. I would guess it's likely caused by eating certain carbs, though. If it happens to you, you'll probably figure out after awhile what it is that sets it off. I don't have issues with any of the "gummy" foods you mentioned, but I know some bypassers can only eat a limited amount of pasta, rice, etc. The only thing about them is that for some of us, those kinds of foods sort of sit in your stomach like a brick. They don't necessarily make people sick, but they just....sit there for a long time. Not sure if that's true for sleevers or not. I don't think you're going to find more lifestyle changes with bypass than you did with sleeve. Our clinic had everyone on the same regimen, regardless of surgery. The only thing is that with bypass, it's imperative to keep on top of your supplements because of the malabsorption factor. Slacking off on your vitamins has more consequences for bypassers than it does for sleevers. P.S. I spent two weeks in Italy in May. Had gelato every day and pizza probably five or six times. Never had issues. P.P.S. the only food that bothers my stomach is raw carrots. I find them very irritating. But I use that to my advantage. I'll start eating baby carrots when I feel a binge mood coming on. Usually they make me so uncomfortable that the last thing I want to do is eat anything else..

I think you're worrying too much about bypass issues. I never hear much about flatulence issues. I suppose some people have trouble with that, but I don't think it's super common. Same with dumping - happens to about 30% of bypassers, and if you're one who dumps, you can control it by limiting how much sugar you eat at one sitting (or fat - a minority of dumpers dump on fat). Nutritional deficiencies can be avoided if you keep on top of your supplements.

At my initial appointment with the surgeon I was 100% sleeve ready. We discussed my health, history, medications and personal goals. During which my severe GERD obviously came up. I was on 2 prescriptions and still always had TUMS on had. It was miserable and NOT controlled by the meds. This was a big concern for him (my surgeon) as sleeve patients already have a higher risk of developing GERD or is worsening. There was NO way I could deal with it getting worse. Honestly, I don't even know how it could. I was up a night vomiting fire, so bad my voice would be hoarse for the next few days. With that and the amount of weight I am aiming to loose he highly recommended bypass. I was scared, (to me) this was much more of a surgery. More risks, the whole vitamin thing.. etc. He said it was totally my choice, he would do either surgery but that was his recommendation. He provided some additional information and told me to think about it and next time we talk I could let him know. I read, and read, and read everything. Weighing the pros and cons. I decided that the GERD part alone was enough to make me move forward with bypass. Right away I stopped 1 of my GERD meds, I had to stay on the other one as directed by the surgeon to help heal and reduce the risk of ulcers. No issues with stopping 1 and didn't need TUMS. One the surgeon allowed me to stop the second medication (2 months post-op) I did. And still ALL GOOD! I am off all medications and have had NO sign of any acid reflux related problems! NO REGRETS! I don't know how to get you into the mindset, do research. Looking forward to the relief of GERD alone would get me there.

When I had my sleeve, I was excited for it. I wasn’t overjoyed - I’d rather have never been obese in the first place 😅 - but I wanted to have it, took it very seriously, made all sorts of commitments to myself that were destined to fail (I’ll never have a cookie again - yeah, sure buddy). I was in the right mindset to succeed. I’ve regained some weight, but what’s really motivating my revision is GERD. All I can think about is that I didn’t want a bypass the first time around for some specific reasons (dumping, flatulence, nutritional deficits). I’m not excited for this. I’m not eager to make certain lifestyle changes. In short, I’m not in the right mindset. Who else went through this? How did you prepare yourself?

Hello, I am 7 months post-op bypass. Really, everyone is different so I can only share my experience. Dumping is common in about 30% of bypass patients. There is risk of becoming lactose intolerant which is the most common intolerance. I tolerate everything, or at least I haven't had anything that I don't tolerate. I had a few hiccups very early out, for example I couldn't eat cold chicken (I think it was too dry) but I do now without issue. Otherwise I haven't ran into anything that I don't tolerate and LUCKILY I am just fine with all kinds of dairy. I was worried about that one because I just love all the dairy products. My team/ Dietician is very "balanced diet" they do not restrict any foods once you get back to your normal diet phase of the process. They stress that the point of the surgery is that you can learn to eat a well balanced diet so you do not "feel like you are on a diet forever". I love this strategy because I am and always have been against all the fad diets. Our bodies really do need everything, just at different levels. (I'm ranting, back to the point) Therefore we are allowed all foods, with the priority of proteins FIRST and then if we have room in out bellies and our plan for the day can go on to others. I eat carbs, fat, sugar..etc. Not in excess and in moderation and after or once I know for sure I will hit my protein goal. Some carbs like breads fill me up super fast so I limit them just because of that. I have had regular pasta, brown and white rice, breads, crackers all of which are fine but I have a little at a time. Again, mainly for filling up reasons. I eat regular sugar sweets without issue. Although, little bits at a time and not often so I may just not have hit my "maxed to the point of dumping yet" or I just may not be a dumper. I really don't know for sure and I don't intend to push myself to the point of trying to dump to find out. haha I do pay attention to the sugars so if I do dump I know at what point pushed me there. So far I have had a max of 15g ADDED sugars at a time. I do not have any issues with dumping from fats either. Or, again maybe just haven't hit the dumping point yet. I have had fried chicken breast once but pulled the skin off. I have had chicken tenders too with the breading. Maybe a few fries (5-6). I usually only eat these things in a pinch, usually out just because they are always so high in calories. I might be a special case, I have has a seamless recovery and transition back to "normal" eating. I am so grateful for that! Eating too much will kick my a*s but I learned from that quick and it only happened 2 times. Gas...yea... it sucks. I definitely have more gas. haha I do notice if I eat those "bad" foods as mentioned above that i have more gas. I hope I answered all your questions and this helped. Good luck on whatever you decide!

I had my bypass over 4 years ago. It really just depends on the day. One day I can eat candy corn & the next day it makes me sick. The only food that has given me any problem is almond milk. I have tried it 3 different times & it has made me sick. I do have problems if I eat too much. When I dump it’s throwing up or I don’t feel well for a couple hours. Just like pregnancy, everyone is different & my experience won’t be the same as anyone else’s.

Can folks tell me more about what they considered when deciding between a sleeve to mini-bypass versus sleeve to bypass? Why did you choose the mini? Thanks!

Hi all, I'm a sleeve patient needing to switch to a bypass due to GERD, and I'm hoping to hear from folks about foods they cannot eat because of their bypass. In particular: How tolerant are you of sweets/sugar? How do you do with "gummy" foods like pasta, rice, and bread? Are there other foods you find painful to eat? Separately, what is people's experience with side effects: Dumping syndrome Flatulence Others I should be aware of? For those who had there bypass 2+ years ago, do you become more tolerant of these foods and/or experience fewer side effects over time? For instance, I couldn't eat ground beef for the first year and a half after my sleeve; it hurt. Now I can. I ask because I've heard anecdotes about the severity of dumping syndrome (like, will I be able to have any sweets at all?) and that some people find pasta, rice, and bread painful to eat. I just got back from Italy; I like my sleeve because I can still eat my favorites like pasta and gelato but I can't go overboard. That's why I chose it over the bypass, and I did really well. Some weight regain, but I've kept off 70% of my initial weight loss. I'm 80% satisfied with my sleeve. Honestly, I'm a little scared of the lifestyle changes a bypass will entail. I made a lot of changes for my sleeve, but my understanding is the changes required of the bypass are more intense. I had a long time to prepare myself mentally for the sleeve versus just a few months for the bypass, and while I was so unhappy with my body pre-sleeve that I'd so almost anything, I'm not so unhappy today. If it weren't for my GERD, I'd likely get re-sleeved than convert to a bypass. Be honest, but, ya know, don't be afraid to say reassuring things 😅 Thanks so much!

I was hoping to get folks' opinion on the mini-bypass vs the bypass. Because I'm considering a revision, my thinking is I'd rather have the less dramatic revision. There are fewer adverse effects and nutritional requirements with the mini, and if in the future for some reason I need to convert to a full bypass, that option is on the table. On the other hand, I regret not going with the bypass 6 years ago. I didn't know how bad my GERD would get, but I also didn't think I'd regain as much weight as I did (40 pounds out of 140 lost). Who else has thought about these alternatives? What did you go with and why?

I am 5'3 and weigh 200 pounds. I'd like to be around 140ish. Surgery November 23 with Dr. Fok in TJ, Mexico.

Hi everyone. My surgery is on 11/23 with Dr. Fok in TJ Mexico. I start my pre-op diet on November 14th. My pre-op diet consist of protein shakes and salads with a protein. I'm getting anxious as surgery gets closer. I just want to make sure I have everything I need when I return home.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of studies regarding this, but I found one that claimed the pharmacodynamics of dextromethorphan in bypass patients was not really any different from the general population. I think the moral of the story is don't take too much and don't take an ER version and you're probably fine.

I was actually approved for the sleeve but am switching to bypass. In my own research, and much reading of this forum, I just see too many people experiencing GERD after the sleeve. Sometimes it takes years to show up or it can happen right after surgery, but there are many, many revisions because of this. I just couldn't risk living with the kind of medication resistant GERD people describe for a couple of years then go through a revision. I see much more satisfaction from the bypass side. I realize there are people perfectly happy with their sleeve and I hope that continues for them. This is my best decision for myself. I would just encourage you to search the sleeve forum for GERD and also stroll though the revision forum to see why they changed. The kind of GERD we are talking about makes living difficult. If not for this one issue, I would go with the sleeve, though the bypass is still considered the gold standard. Good luck with your own decision. Your surgeon can help with this.

I’m having mine in November! Very nervous Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had a higher starting weight (My highest was 382 - down to 330 by the time I saw my surgeon) … I initially wanted sleeve because of many of the reasons you stated, but was prepared for my dr to recommend bypass because of my starting weight and reflux. After meeting with my surgeon I asked her opinion- based on my medical history and her experience of outcomes. I have IBS and for about 8 months prior to surgery was dealing with reflux. I also took a daily (2x a day) NSAID pre surgery that she advised that I stop until my post-op follow up, but that I could resume if needed after she saw me. I was really surprised when she told me she didn’t recommend bypass for me and why. She was a surgeon who had extensive experience with all of the surgery options, so I was confident she wasn’t steering me towards what she was comfortable with routinely doing. She actually recommended sleeve (with a hernia repair) and told me if I wanted a revision later - she’d recommend going with a duodenal switch. She mentioned to me that because of the extended length of the DS surgery time, she prefers to do that surgery in two stages. I was honest and told her the second phase of that surgery scared me a little. She was very understanding about that and told me that the sleeve and bypass had very similar outcomes in the 2 yr mark, reviewed the benefits and drawbacks of each and discussed with me that she has had quite a few patients have the sleeve (at my starting weight and higher) as the 1st phase who lost enough they decided not to go on to the DS, but knew it was an option if they wanted it. She was impressed with my weightloss up to that point and was confident with my history and medical conditions, I would be happy with the progress I would make with my surgery. I was 324 on the day of my surgery and at 10.5 weeks post op I’m down to 291. It’s definitely a slow progress, but I’ve had a few unrelated challenges in that time (being sick and dealing with issues from a car accident that occurred several years ago), but I’m headed in the right direction. At my followup she was very pleased with my progress and told me that she felt very good about the track I was on. I’m still very early in the process, but I’m glad I asked her what she recommended and why, based on her experience and my medical history. My husband and I were both comfortable with her explanations and very confident in our decisions because I felt like we had sound information to make a decision on. I’m hoping that I don’t decide to go in for a revision, that I can get down to a weight I’m comfortable with (I’m not sure what that number is yet, I’m hoping I know it when I feel it, lol), but if not - I know what my options are. Right now I’m still having some issues with being able to eat enough. I’m only able to eat very small amounts at a time, but other than that everything is going well. With the weight loss I’ve had - I have been able to stop my NSAID at this point. I had also stopped my PPI meds (but recently restarted it temporarily because a sinus infection stirred things up again… hoping to stop it as soon as that clears up). My IBS is still something I’m working with but so far it has been manageable. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I had sleeve because I was worried about medication absorption. Since then I have read about tons of bypasses who are on meds, even the psyc meds I worried about and they have had zero issues. I am a year and a half out and so far no gerd issues but I have not lost all I weight and I struggle with regain. In all fairness one of my meds does clearly state is causes weight gain and with the depression I don’t exercise like I should but I still can’t help but wonder if I would be in a different boat with bypass. Don’t get me wrong I don’t regret my choice. I am glad I chose something because they are both great surgeries that will get you down to a much more healthy weight. I just can’t help but wonder what if I had chosen bypass would I be sporting my skinny jeans right now.

Congratulations! I’m 16 weeks pregnant. Have only gained 5lbs so far - bypass was Mar 8 this year. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.