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While I can't speak to pregnancy post WLS, other than I've heard that many women do it successfully with the support of their OB and bariatric team, I was an AMA (advanced maternal age) mom for both of my successful pregnancies. I was 38 when my youngest was born. To be honest, I was the poster child for why fat 'old' ladies shouldn't get pregnant. Both pregnancies brought on complications that were largely weight related. High blood pressure, gestational diabetes (heavily insulin dependant), etc. In my last pregnancy, I underwent a lot of extra testing and scans just to be sure that all was well with the wee boy. But even with those issues, both pregnancies turned out very well. Both of the wee-lings ended up in the NICU for a bit because of their blood sugars, my eldest for only a few hours, my youngest for a few days, but there have been no lasting health issues for them. Both pregnancies ended with C-sections... the second one was scheduled because it was less than 1.5 years after my first. Talk to your doctors... your pcp, your ob, and your bariatric team. Let them know what your plans are so that you all can be on the same page about your goals. I commend you for taking control of your health before moving forward with another potentially high risk pregnancy. Good luck to you for your surgery and growing your family!

Hi, how have you modified your diet? I would be so worried it would mess up my surgery or make it more complicated. My surgeon stressed how important it was to stick to it to make the liver smaller and make surgery easier, less risks and quicker recovery.

Trying to compare like that is very hard. I am sure there are an equal amount of side effects and benefits to both. This is why you have a surgeon to discuss it with that should be able to advise the best option for you. For the record most of the extra risk with the bypass is at the time of the op, it is a more complicated surgery than the sleeve so requires a more skilled, experienced surgeon. I had a revision from band to bypass in Jan and am very happy. I didn’t want a sleeve as i know so many people that have one and the majority seem to have either not had good loss or have major weight gain, I know this is also possible with bypass but I don’t know many people that have one. My surgeon also told me that with my history of reflux he wouldn’t consider sleeving me. At the end of the day the most important thing is the commitment of the patient. Realise the surgery is only a tool and that success requires hard work.

Most sleevers don't get GERD if they didn't have it before - it just seems that way because people don't really post the positive - you're FAR more likely to see a post about getting GERD than a post about not having a side effect/complication. According to some studies, about 9% of people who are sleeeved get GERD (the title in the link to this article is a bit misleading: https://www.mdedge.com/gihepnews/article/80250/gastroenterology/sleeve-gastrectomy-often-worsens-gerd) According to the article: "Most LSG patients [who had GERD before surgery] (84.1%) had persistent GERD symptoms after the procedure; only 15.9% reported resolution of symptoms. An additional 9.0% of LSG patients reported postoperative worsening of GERD symptoms. And 8.6% of patients who didn’t have GERD before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy developed the disorder afterward." So, if you don't have GERD now, this study would say you have an 8.6% chance of getting it afterwards. Most of the people I've met who have had the sleeve have no GERD (and one bypass patient I know does). And the few sleevers I know who do have GERD have it well under control with medicaiton. In the end, read the studies. Talk to your surgeon. Have you had an endoscopy - talk to your surgeon about the results and what s/he thinks it means for the likeliness of getting GERD. As to why - my understanding is that because you're stomach basically becomes a tube, the pressure in your stomach increases, which increases the chance of the acid being forced back into the esophagus. This is a really nerdy article, but Table 1 talks about why obese people in general have a higher incidence of GERD, why someone might newly get GERD after sleeve (de novo column), or why GERD might get better after sleeve ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579881/ NOTE going into the next paragraph - my experience is NOT typical. I know some on this board would prefer that people don't talk about their bad outcomes, but I feel like people should know that a small number of patients do get the. I'd also say that, for me, some presentations of GERD are not preferable to being overweight. Unfortunately, my surgeon gave me the 8.6% figure as ALL sleeve patients - he didn't give me the #s on people who had GERD before (I recognize I should have done more of my own research - I did some, but somehow didn't see the study linked to above). I had a bit of GERD that was very well controlled before surgery. I felt great for about 3 months post-surgery. Months 4-5 were so rough with GERD I could barely eat (I struggled to get 3-400 calories vs. eating about 700 in the few months after surgery) and struggled every waking moment not to throw up. It is better now (at 8 months), but I still have GERD and can tell you at any given time exactly where the acid is in my esophagus. I can tell you that at months 4-5, I would have 100% taken all the weight back to feel better. And even now I seriously regret the surgery and would trade the 125-ish lbs loss to feel like I did before surgery (edited to add - I also have other complications, so its not just the GERD that makes me regret this - but I likely would have had the other complications with RNY, too). But, for various personal reasons that really only apply to me, I wouldn't have had the RNY and still won't convert. So, I'm working on it in therapy because it is not mentally healthy to continually regret a decision I can't take back.

I got my date for July 30th, on Thursday. However broke my foot yesterday (Friday),I meet with orthopedic specialist next Tuesday. I'm praying for no issues with my foot complicating my date. Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Also, no complications at all. I am thrilled with the results and how fast everything went. I self paid due to my insurance excluding WLS. Even if they covered it, I would have had to stay in Tampa Bay and pay 7500!

This is another of those "it's anybody's guess" things. There is a different Blue Cross organization for each state, and they will all vary on their coverage details depending upon local market conditions and state laws. Then there is a difference between individual plans, ObamaCare plans and employer provided plans - all of which can vary depending upon what options the employer chooses to buy. Some plans don't cover WLS at all (even if they did in the past) while others limit the benefit to only one WLS per lifetime. Muddying the waters further, if the revision you seek is due to complications of a previously covered surgery, then it is not a WLS procedure but is treating that complication (it sounds like it to me, but it isn't my decision.) There should be policy bulletin for your BC policy online that spells out what applies to your policy - what they cover or exclude as relates to WLS. You can call their number, but don't take their answer as the last word, as the customer service reps have been known to be wrong. When you find a surgeon to handle your case, their insurance coordinator should be able to tell you exactly what your policy covers, as it is their job to know the lingo and understand all of that fine print. I understand that some surgeons are averse to working on other surgeon's patients (fixing others' mistakes...) but that is not an exclusive thing. One of the docs that I associate with (he runs out support group now) does a fair number of RNY to DS conversions, which as he doesn't ordinarily do RNYs, means that he is fixing other's mistakes (as well as fixing wonky sleeves that others have left behind) so they are out there - you just have to look. Thinking about that a bit more, if a surgeon doesn't want to revise other's patients, then he is either making a lot of mistakes himself that need revising, or he isn't very experienced in doing revisions, so you are better off searching for someone else. Good luck,,,,

At least 3-4 weeks. Its not the pain management its the exhaustion, weakness, and if your only tolerating 250 calories a day how can you possibly have good mental function. 1 gm of Protein equals 4 calories, so even if your up to 40gms of Protein that's only 160 calories. Plus if your working the demands of the day your not concentrating of getting in fluids and Protein. Job performance can not be good when your mentally sluggish. You need to conserve the Protein intake for wound healing in the beginning . I had a few small complications and actually DR. wanted me out for 6 weeks but went back at 4.5 weeks. Good Luck

Totally agree with Armoma45. Given the large number of people having various bariatric procedures these days, the number of those with any major complications is actually quite low. Granted, there are known cases of inexperienced surgeons doing botched operations but that's why you do your research on your surgical team beforehand. As for having a good support system, it's always better when you do but single folks like myself, with kids all grown and out on their own, we can usually manage on our own. Having kids, especially babies, I would imagine would be quite difficult with no help. It's definitely something you need to consider. You won't want to be picking them up and down for at least a week but more like two. Though it is a laparoscopic procedure, they're still cutting through your abdominal muscles for the 4-5 incisions and those will be hurting and need time to heal. Then there's the gas pain to deal with, although chasing after rugrats that gas should pass fairly quickly. 😄 I don't say all this to scare you into changing your mind, just giving the reality of it. I hope you can find someone to help with the kids for a couple weeks. Also, I saw you ask about stairs....they won't be a problem, if anything they'll probably be good for you. The biggest issue for the first week or two is sitting up in bed or other things that cause you to use your abdominal muscles. Good luck and wishing you all the best.

Honestly, I never had any buyers remorse. I went in knowing I was having major surgery. Just because it is done laproscopic and had small incisions it is still MAJOR SURGERY and isn't going to be without some pain and exhaustion, even chances of complications. Its something I knew I had to get through but that I would get through it. The pain only lasted a couple days. The exhaustion was longer, maybe 2-3 weeks.

Last Wednesday was surgery and I just started feeling like this. Things like this typically dont happen. A few cases where people have minor complications but no biggie.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I really hope you feel better soon. What kind of complications do you have?- if you're comfortable talking about them.

About 1/8 of a cup of ground beef or scrambled egg. About 1/3 cup of Greek yogurt. I'm 3 months out, and have complications. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Red and orange are usually a “no-no” because if you vomit, or they’re observing your insides, they don’t want to be thinking it’s blood. Which is why, if you notice, hospitals usually only have green or yellow Jello. Even though they didn’t specify, I’d avoid red stuff anyway just to be nice and to avoid any possible/additional unnecessary testing/complications.

My stomach was stretched due to complications with the band. It's all about how you use your tool. Don't overeat and don't drink with your food and it won't stretch.

had gastric bypass DS loop and my gallbladder removed on March 11th 2019. Since then I have gone from 297.7 down to 242. Total of 55.7 lbs. in 3 months and 13 days. But I’m the last 39 days I have only lost 10 lbs. is this a plateau? Is this still good since I have not gained any weight back? I’m feeling better in the last 2 weeks FINALLY.... I had surgery complications and medication changes and problems that caused extra pain and some minor depression, so recovery took longer than “usual” patients. I think? I don’t know how long other people take to get out and about, start regularly exercising (just walking and some 2 pound weights) But the slow down in weight loss worries me. Also, I have a HUGE fear of stretching my stomach back out. Every time I eat I get scared my stomach is stretching at the staples. I would love some feedback of your experiences, ideas, your suggestions, possibly re-assurance that I’m doing ok?? Also, I love to eat fruit, and I try to limit myself to 2 a day, but I worry about sugars... what do you all do? Thanks! Claire

That there could be complications after surgery, such as scar tissue build up that’s prevents you from being able to hold down food and water.

55 year young here and getting my surgery august 2nd. I’ve got a lot of living to do, and i want 100 pounds off to prevent nasty health complications that are lurking: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc etc.

I'm sorry you are struggling. It sounds like you are pretty in touch with where everything is coming from...so I only want to address this: There are GREAT benefits to losing weight beyond the number on the scale. It WILL help physically (if not now, then definitely in the future--cuz realistically MO people do not die "perfectly healthy but MO". They die cuz of complications from MO in most cases) and it DOES help emotionally as well as spiritually. But the part I will address cuz I experienced it is the reduction (dramatic) in pain level from my weight of 287 and 325lbs compared to my pain level at 137lbs, right this minute. At 287 and 325lbs I was basically bed ridden. I had so much pain I could not stand for 10 minutes, could not walk for 5 minutes, had to change positions every 30 minutes to an hour. Couldn't sleep longer than an hour or two cuz of waking from pain. Couldn't clean myself (poopin) or shower without sitting down on a shower chair. I couldn't exercise or travel. I was a mass of degenerative disc and joint disease and so much more I won't bore you with. I got cortisone injections into my back and hips every 6-9 months and lived on daily pain meds (opiods) and drank to control the extra pain. I was a terrible hot mess. Every morning I woke in a 5-7 pain level and by evening every day I was at minimum an 8 1/2-10. I cried from the pain most days. Today at 137lbs I ran this morning for 35minutes strait without stopping at 3.5mph pace (slow but moving). It's a personal best. I wake in a 2-4 pain level and it stays pretty consistent. Some days it goes up to a 5, but that isn't every day. I sleep 3-6 hours at a stretch. I exercise every day (either walking, jogging, or core strengthening exercises). I am active, care for myself, the house, cook, and sleep. I don't sit down to shower. My balance is improving...I feel like I'm getting my life back. I don't drink for pain (and rarely drink now). I don't take any pain meds at all. Oh and I no longer cry daily from pain. I have such a great RD. She is part of my care team. I also have several psychs who are helping me. I just wish anyone who needed help could get the kind of help I've had cuz it's been phenomenal and a blessing.

Frustr8: Awww....thank you! A life enrollment in the Bananarama Club...I love that! Definitely a 'committed' woman...;) You are such a kind and caring person!! You know, when I read that the pre-op diet could be hard, it is easy not to really pay a ton of attention until you find yourself doing it! LOL..... I pray for no complications for any of us, for no issues after surgery that make things harder....for the post surgery weeks 1-4 or for some 1-8...to be as easy as possible. Although we are all also aware of the things/challenges that can happen, that possibly will happen..and I pray for the fortitude to get though it all. I also need to find July Sleevers thread!

Alvinchicago joined on the 28 May, posted on 28 May and hasn't been back since. A one post wonder or perhaps a troll or flame baiter. Regardless, there will be be people who regret their surgery for various reasons...some perhaps related to the type of WLS procedure, others related to complications or others related to their lack of ability to change their behaviours. That said in this age of the internet; even if your surgeon or program' or surgery overseas where there isn't a pre or post op procedure doesn't provide such programs; there is absolutely no reason anyone should be unprepared as to what happens pre-op, during the surgery or post-op, the information is out there, many doctors show their programs online, there are online forums, there are facebook groups, there are local support groups, the list goes on. Don't rely on someone else to spoon feed you the information you need to know, be accountable to yourself, be proactive, take responsibility.

You're doing fabulously, Recidivist! And like you say, men do tend to lose weight a lot quicker than us ladies do... (all you have to do is look at The Biggest Loser to see that!) And to be honest, I think you 'earned' your quick loss with the complications you suffered early on! You had a real rough run of it for a while there, so it's so nice to hear you're doing so fabulously now! ❤️ My dietitian doesn't like the idea of Keto. *sigh* I'm not sure what to do about it. Since cutting out carbs I've dropped quite quickly -- about 5 kilos in the past two weeks -- and I just feel more satiated going for higher-fat options (and a lot less hungry now I've cut out carbs almost entirely). We're quite spoiled here in NZ with our meat choices. The last two Sundays I've roasted a full leg of lamb, spiked with rosemary and garlic. I eat hardly any of it, but my husband and I munch on it throughout the week. It's delicious! Especially cutting off and eating the salty, fatty bits straight from the oven... nom! Hehe. All of our meat here is also grass fed, which is a big bonus. It still boggles me that you'd feed a cow anything other than grass... you don't even have to leave our biggest city, Auckland, to see moomoos snacking on grass! Yesterday hubster and I grabbed a couple of coffees and watched the planes come in to Auckland airport next to a small herd.

Friday I had a 5 hour Vertical thigh lift - My third round of major PS following WLS. Before and after this procedure I have used lymphatic massage techniques. It is a game changer! Still feel lousy but this is the least amount of post surgical misery I have experienced. It is early though and this procedure has high complication rates. For more info on lymphatic draining, swelling, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-perform-lymphatic-drainage-massage. Ask your PS. May not be the only factor but wish I knew about it for previous procedures.

Hi all, I am new also. I did not come to this decision lightly but finally get that it’s my best hope at a second chance to do things right. I have many complicated health issues and although I am not expecting a cure all, I am hoping for a longer, better living lifestyle. I will be having a sleeve, no surgery date yet as I had not made a decision when I left the consult. This, for me, is a medically necessary procedure so I have to approach things a little differently. I joined a FB support group which helped inspire me and my decision. I also have great support from family and friends behind me. I wish everyone the best on their journey and hope that I can contribute in some way and do not appear needy. Thank you!

Day 2 for me, too. Still on 4 shakes a day due to a complication. I'm 3 months out. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app