Search the Community

I all I'm finding some comfort reading your stories. I am due for bypass surgery next week and am a little bit afraid. X

Hello everyone! I haven't been revised to RNY yet and I've stated so in an earlier response. I was banded b/c I was soooo afraid of having RNY. At that time I weighed 246. I have diabetes and it runs in my family. I am still a diabetic and after losing 44 lbs and regaining 15 lbs back, I now weigh 217. Afraid or not, I've started my RNY process. I should have done it before but hind sight is 20-20. I've had so many family members that were tragedies to this decease including my mother and a couple of siblings. How many of you have diabetes running in your family or a parent. I think that having RNY at 217 lbs is worth the chance of getting rid of diabetes.

For me it was not having to worry about significant vitamin deficiencies due to the malabsorption from the bypass.

Wow this is what I needed !!! I do t know anyone with sleeve or bypass and hearing first hand for actual sleevers is great . !!! My first initial visit the PA said I should get bypass so she threw me off. I'm going to stick to sleeve it's best for long term not just getting the weight off ... I wanna live healthy Thank you so much for your help .. And I'm going to write on my tummy with a sharpie SLEEVE . Lol

The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. Weight loss is achieved after surgery through volume control. You begin at 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per meal and gradually over the next year and a half increase the volume to 1 cup per meal. With this minuscule amount of food, it is next to impossible to meet your protein daily requirements by food alone, so therefore you need to rely on supplements such as Protein shakes. After surgery, the Weight Loss phase is very short. I transitioned into the Maintenance phase at around 7 months. So you need to adhere to the program requirements that you were given in order to maximize your weight loss.

I'm beyond excited that this just over somewhat.. It's never truly over .. The psych Eval went absolutely amazing ☺️ That's what I was most worried of.. I'm going the gastric sleeve.. But then again like I wanna know more about the bypass as well.. Let's see what my surgeon suggest. Super excited thank god I'll have my mom with me

Hey Jenny, I'm only 3 1/2 months out, but I'll let you know about my journey so far and hopefully that'll help some lol. I have always been a short and chubby guy, but made the decision in February that I wanted to change it. After talking to my coworkers who have had the surgery (one bypass and one sleeve), I decided to look into it and get a consult. My doctor suggested/approved me for the sleeve surgery. My date was set for July 2 and I all the other stuff (psych eval, bloodwork, etc.) were all done rather quickly and were no problem. I didn't have to do any pre-op diet or anything, but started to practice what they expect for afterwards (smaller meals, smaller bites, chewing 30 times, no drinking 30 min before or after, etc). I had my surgery early July 2 and it went well. I had the earliest appointment and my best friend drove me in and stayed with me. Basic pre-op stuff and then went in the room and woke up like 2 hours later in recovery (4 small incisions). They had me up and walking pretty much right after I had a room and they had me walk every hour or so and sip water. After a day, I was home and starting my journey. After surgery, you're just having fluids like water and a small amount of clear soups (you're honestly not all that hungry for a little bit). Then you're on the fuller liquids for a little while (make sure you get your protein shakes in you cuz it helps you heal better). Next, you can eat a little bit of food, but its mostly unbearable stuff lol. I got by this by having small low-sodium V8 cans as sort of a tomato soup...really enjoyed that. After that, you can finally incorporate normal food in which was nice. Eating is def different now, it needs to be slowed down and sometimes it sucks not being able to drink water with your dry chicken lol. I get by by having a good amount of 4 oz Veggie burgers with protein that my mom found on QVC. Haven't really had any stomach probs since either, which is really good considering life before surgery lol. 33 down now and people say they can see the difference.

My turn to "weigh in"! I'm 5'4" and had my surgery 12/29/08. I've had one complication (my surgeon had to move my port 4 weeks ago), but that has almost healed and despite that, I've lost 30 pounds! I'm thrilled with my success, but it hasn't been easy ... I follow the Protein and eating guidelines to a t and exercise 5-6 times a week. I say go with what your psychologist says! You might also ask why your surgeon thinks gastric bypass is better for you. Also, follow your "gut" ~ your 6th sense will usually guide you to the right decision. Hope this helps!

They said I'd be ok,they told me I could eat anything in moderation. They told me my overall health would improve. What they didnt tell me was the horror stories of what it would be like if things went wrong.. My story started 3yrs ago when i agreed to the bypass.I wanted the band but was told they wouldn't do it because i wouldnt loose weight fast enough. So I agreed to the bypass,hernia repair,and a gallbladder removed.My life changed that day, but not for the better. Oh their was weight loss,over 200lbs, and yes my blood sugar was under control. Sleep Apnea....no effect. Since the surgery its been problem after problem.unable to eat most things,bowel movements are impossible without laxatives. Teeth falling apart due to vitamin deficiency.Mental health?? what health, Be sure to find out what you can,ask questions do believe doctors know whats best for you,they dont tell you the rest of the stories,only the successes.

I am still preop but was wondering what people's limits are for sugar grams. How much are you able to tolerate after gastric bypass? Wondering if it is totally up to the person or there is a general rule. Thanks.

Hello fellow bandsters, I have been off the boards for a while, been so busy with work, but hope to be back as a regular now, I need you guys and have missed you all. Latest on me. I had my revision surgery on February 26th,2005 yeehaw!:banana and have lost a grand total of 138.5 pounds to date. I am scheduled for my first adjustment or "fill" on April 26th. I realize that is way later than normal for a first adjustment but my surgeon felt like we needed to wait a while and allow my stomach swelling to go completely down and for me to get healed up after the second band placement. I am so exctied to say the insurance did pay for the second band and Praise the Lord for that! (happy dance in progress):banana:banana:banana:banana:banana I have been kinda bummed out lately though cause I need my adjustment as I am back on regular food and I am able to eat way more than I should. Have to keep telling myself to eat the bandster way when you are SATISFIED, not necessarily FULL!!! I just have to make a conscious effort to watch it and that is why I have not lost any more. I also have got to get going on the exercise and Water intake again too. I feel like a failure as I have not been being very good lately in my snacking etc. I am sharing with you my goals now I need to lose 80 more pounds and here is what I plan to do to make it happen: 1. Be on this board daily as I need the support DAILY!!! 2. Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. 3. Exercise 30 minutes (at least) every day. 4. STOP SNACKING BETWEEN MEALS!!! (those one or two bites of sugar free candy and sugar free icecream and sugarfree Cookies make a difference!!!) 5. Last and most importantly PRAY for guidance from above. Please pray with me as I start the second part of my journey. I need your support. You guys are great thanks so much for letting me vent.

Hello to all, I would like to know what made you decide the lap band was a better choice for you? I am in the process of trying to figure out if i want the Bypass or the Band. Also i have been reading about the pre and post op diets. I have to loose 20 lbs before i can even get a surgery date. Did anyone else have to do this and if so suggestions on geting the weight off quickly please. Thanks for you help, Tracie in Indiana

So I just sent in my health report in today. When I was 12 yrs old, they discovered I was born with my pancreas wrapped around my stomach/ : google annular pancreas . I am now 51 and Dr.Valensuela said it would be considered a "revision" due to possible scar tissue . So, it would be another $1000.00 has anyone else had anything similar ? Crap, it wasn't weight loss surgery and I have never had problems since. I don't know who to try next, I really can't go above $5,000. Help, I wanted this done in July on my vacation. Thank you for your responses.

Hi everybody! I am due to have the sleeve in 2 weeks, i had the band for 6 years, removed 1 year ago.. gained most back. I am curious to hear from people who have had band to sleeve revision. If you were to compare... what would you say are the differences... in relation to eating, hair loss, skin etc. Reason i ask... i was successful with the band... minimal hair loss and no loose skin, im curious to know if ill have the same result this time around. I hope that made sense. .. sorry my brain is fried today... 1st day of optihell lol

Hello Band Buddies One of the Lapband sites I belong to “www.afterband.net” recently had a VERY inspirational message about eating after the lapband. This site has a lot of great information. Remember… if you have fallen off the “band-wagon” whether is been for a few days, weeks or even longer it’s NEVER too late to get back on track. Take the time to read this message… if may help you to take a step in the right direction to getting you back on the “band-wagon”. I love the last line in the message… "Then do it again tomorrow, for it is just the next today." I shared this article with my Lapband coffee Group members (I host 3 groups) and the response was amazing... so many people found the item inspirational. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs Eating After the Lapband - Today is Your Day Today is a new day. Today you have the power to create and inspire change in your relationship with food. Your lap band or gastric bypass surgery is only a tool in meeting your weight loss goals. The power to make it work is in your hands. Really, today is the only day you have such power. Yesterday is gone. Your power over yesterday and what you ate and how much you exercised (or didn’t) has disappeared. Any regrets about yesterday are a waste of your time and emotions. Really, today is the only day you have power over food. Tomorrow is just beyond your finger tips. It has yet to arrive. But you can make tomorrow better by what you do TODAY. So, what will you do about today? You’ve been given the power to free yourself from the bondage of food addictions. You have immeasurable strength today to work with your lap band and not against it. You didn’t go through the pain of weight loss surgery to suffer the denial of you goals. You are stronger than that. And there are plenty of WLS support groups on-line to inspire and help you focus the power within you. Will you throw your hands up in defeat today? No, you will not. Today you are not a victim or slapped down by the victim mentality. Today you have the power over food. Food’s power over you is diminished. Today, you are in control. You know what to do. You know what and how much you should eat. Your lap band surgeons or gastric bypass surgeons gave you nutrition plans and dietary advice or certainly should have. Most do. If you need to re-set the way you eat, you have strength to do that today. Today is the day to follow doctor’s orders. Today you’ve been blessed with tremendous power to eat the way you know you should. Use that power to enjoy and embrace the after lap band diet and meet your goals that much sooner. You can do it, you have a mighty power inside you, and you will use it. Then do it again tomorrow, for it is just the next today. Read More http://afterlapband.net/

I started my journey at 278 pounds which was my highest weight ever. I am not really sure exactly how I got there but it is what it is. I never really thought I was that big, I was just kind of in a huge denial of my actual self. I originally went to a seminar in July of 2006 to learn about the bypass. The nurse coordinator and my mother had worked together way back when so she has know me forever. I was convinced to come to the meeting when I saw how great she had looked and that she had a bypass in 1997. At that meeting I learned about the Lapband which I had never even heard of before. I got my info and thought about it but decided to try dieting one last time. I lost 30 pounds that I promtly regained. In Decmeber of 06 I gathered my doctors documentation and had my consult. I could have had my surgery in January but opted to wait until Feb. I had my UGI and psych eval done and I was ready to go. Day of surgery. I was scared out of my mind. I had never had surgery before and I could not get myself to calm down. I kissed my kids and held them tight. Once I went through preop and was lying on the bed I finally got some meds to calm down. I remember being pushed to the OR room and it felt like I was flying there. They transferred me to the bed and the next thing I remember was being pushed to my room leaving the postop area. I have been told that when I woke up in the OR I felt up and down my body and exclained "Holy shit, I am fucking alive" This whole past year has been the hardest journey of my life but the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have struggled with head hunger, emotional eating, plateaus, and frustrations, but it has taught me that I can survive. I have gained a new confidence about myself. I know I am worth more than i ever thought was possible. I know I can be a good wife and mother. I know that even if bad things happen, I can and will overcome them. With the loss of these 85 pounds I have gained a whole new sense of self. I always said that weight loss would never change me but it has. It has opened up a whole new world that I never really knew existed. It has challenged my thoughts of how my life was and showed me just what it could be. Instead of the facade I put on daily I have now gained the confidence to finally truely be myself. I can't wait to find what my second year of banding has in store for me.

Just make sure to do LOTS of research. This has to be a decision that fits you and your lifestyle. Now, having said that, this IS a vertical sleeve site, so you will likely get lots of Pro-sleeve responses. I know I am happy that I made that decision even though my insurance would have paid for the lapband AND bypass. I had to self-pay but it was worth every cent. Good luck with your decision.

Does anyone gag/throw up a little when they brush their teeth? I do every time and Im getting the bypass next week and Im scared. Any suggestions on how to stop this?

Hi, I'm Deborah and I'm addicted to food. My addiction has led me to obesity. I was an overweight newborn and an overweight child, and I'm an overweight adult. Sure my upbringing played a role, but I can't place the lion share of the blame on my family. I know that I overeat, I know that I shouldn't eat the things I do. I could probably write a terrible book on nutrition. I've starved on all the diets, choked down all the pills. Yet here I am. 261lbs. Enough is enough! I've started treatment at the Beaumont Weight Control Center in Michigan. I am strongly considering Gastric Bypass. I've already attended my first appoint. I have six months of mandatory treatment which I have no problem with. I need to take this time to prepare both physically in emotionally. I have so many plans and goals. I'll be using this blog to help me stay focused and motivated. This blog will discuss my personal feelings. Needless to say, idgaf if something offends (within the rules of the site of course), this is my "safe space". If you don't like to look to the upper left corner of your screen, there you will find the back button. I'm writing from the perspective of a 27 yeard old Black women, born and raised in the city of Detroit. I'm not the most articulate, or the highest educated, but I love to learn and to grow. I am however done growing sideways *smile*. Right now I'm spending my time reading this site. I have a PCP visit coming up, and my psych eval, NUT and exercise ed visit next week. When I post again I'm going to outline my health goals both short and long term. I'll also talk about how those visits went. Until then I'll hop around the forums, and start planning my heal vision board. More on that later. Until Thursday!

This is something that has started today my skin feels like it is on fire. It is stinging and burning. If I move certain ways I get this pain in my one breast and in my back. I have talked to my brother in law who has gastric bypass and he said this is from my skin stretching from the weight loss and I will have to live with it for the rest of my life unless I have the skin removal surgery. I am wondering if anyone else if having these problems. At this point with this pain I am losing my mind and wondering what did I do?!? I can't even bend over without my breast feeling like it is going up in flames. I didn't know whether I would have the surgery to remove the skin but at this point I'm ready to do it now. I'm down 122 pounds and I'm 6 months out. How much longer do I have to wait to have the surgery with this pain?

I've done all my requirements for the bypass revision, due to hiatal hernia and problems with reflux my dr. says I need to get revised from the sleeve to bypass. Anyone else having trouble with insurance company getting this approved.? I'm really suffering over here and they just tell me my appeal is pending. Anyone know how I can push this forward? Help! Sent from my SM-J337P using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes that is prob my main concern too ! I finally gotten over my fear of being kidnapped by drug cartels or shot by random gunfire lol and I'm more comfortable with the flight though it's not my favorite thing to do but I'm still left worrying about 1) post op complications and 2) I worry it won't work for me since I'm a revision. I don't have anyone set up to follow up with at home so there is that as well. I know they do leak tests and I plan to do an excessive post op diet (with my sleeve I did 4 whole weeks of liquids!) to make sure I heal really well ! I'll prob do that again this time too just so I don't take any chances of eating too soon ! Other than that it's just really playing the odds ! Thankfully only a 1% chance of a leak are pretty good odds ! Lol

It has been kind of weird do not know how to say whether I am Happy about it yet kind oh worry and scare. I try to follow what I have been told to the T but it is kind of had to tell U the truth. Now is likeI have to learn a whole brand new life and I am all about that but I just still a little worry and scare of theunknown. I will be okay though after I learn more.

Hello, Dr. Bhoyrul is a great surgeon! He performed gastric bypass on my husband and lap band on myself. He is very quick when it comes to appointments, but he is great about answering phone calls if you have any problems or questions. The Hospital staff was amazing! My favorite nurse was Ofelia. As far as pain goes, it is somewhat painful for the first 3 to 4 days and then after that it's not bad at all. Are you staying overnight? I was required by my insurance to stay overnight. Make sure you take your pain meds every 4 hours and the pain isn't that bad. You'll be fine! Good Luck! If you want to chat or have any other questions you can email me at amandalynsmith@yahoo.com

I have researched and tried some of the samples of the Bariatric Vitamin formulas like Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. They both offer specific formulations of the Vitamins for people with bands. I have tried the samples specific for people with bands from Celebrate and so far the blackberry tasted pretty good but had an aftertaste, I have not yet tried the Cherry flavor but I am assuming they might have the same aftertaste. I tried the Calcet Creamy Bites which are the Calcium citrate chews. The lemon was ok, but the chocolate fudge was so yummy! From Bariatric Advantage, I have tried the grape flavor Multivitamin which was awesome!!, but it was not specific for people with bands, only for those with bypass and sleeves. I am waiting for some samples from them of the Vitaband. I have heard mixed reviews. I am currently taking the One a Day Adult gummy multivitamin pre-op and so far i have been very compliant with taking them because they taste so good. I also take 1500 of calcium citrate gummies by Caltrate however I might be switching to the Calcium Citrate chews by Bariatric Advantage, they offer chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and lemon flavor chews. Vitamin D tropical flavor liquid, tastes great! I will add Thiamine post op FYI: Important!! Most calcium chews that are chocolate are NOT calcium citrate. Those chews are actually calcium carbonate which is not recommended because it doesn't absorb well and it causes gas. Check the ingredients on the back of the bag, most will say calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate absorbs and breaks down very quickly in your body which is why it is recommended so keep an eye out for this. What does everyone else take?