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So far I haven't had a major issue with dumping. I'm only in week 3, but I've been trying lots of new foods and haven't had any major issues (ground beef didn't get along with my stomach though). From everyone I know who has had bypass, I've heard of no major issues with dumping syndrome. As long as you eat what you're supposed to, you will be fine. Dumping syndrome is typically from too much sugar. So when you get to a point that you can introduce sugary/unhealthy foods (if you avoid them all together kudos, but let's be honest, we're all human!) you just need to remember to only try a bite or two, and don't multiple new foods at once.

I was going to do the sleeve at first because it was less invasive but as you see here many people have revisions so since they are in there I felt I would just go all the way. I think also having the bypass part of it makes for maintaining easier as you will never have that length of intestine to absorb calories.

The main reason I chose bypass is the reflux issue, and because I personally felt that I needed both restriction and malabsorption to obtain the best result for me. I'm already on a heavy daily Vitamin regimen so I'm not overly concerned about staying on top of that.

I told my dr I wanted the sleeve and he said because of my reflux he recommends bypass. Why did you choose bypass over sleeve?

<TABLE class=border cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><COLGROUP><COL width="50%"><COL width="50%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>The Sapala-Wood Micropouch® Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> In the Sapala-Wood Micropouch® operation the very top of the stomach is completely divided. It is not stapled. This division results in the creation of a small “micropouch” completely separate from the lower part of the stomach. This Sapala-Wood Micropouch® is about the size of a grape (1-2 cc). The small intestine is divided into two ends. One end travels upward to be connected to the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®.The other end is attached downward to the side of the distal small intestine to complete the circuit. food travels down the esophagus, through the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®, to the intestine It bypasses the stomach. The bottom of the stomach no longer receives any food or liquids. But the stomach will still function because its nerve and blood supply are intact. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Our city of Corpus Christi has a pop. of about 300k and no surgeons perform WLS here. The closest is 1 1/2 hours away (which all of the group consisted of their patients). The practice does both lap and gastric bypass. The support group that I attended was small for a city our size, and maybe other banders have been disaapointed at the meetings, as I was last night. Hence no lapbanders. After 8 months of researching, I feel like I have the facts down. It is entirely a personal choice. I think that most folks, as previously stated, will never say they regret their choice. Now, I have (2) appointments w/lapband surgeons. I'll listen to their seminars and do a consult. June 17th, in Houston and July6th in Victoria, Tx. Wish me luck, Shawn

Hello. I am semi-new to the board. I have a seminar/consult with Dr. Spivak, in Houston on June 17th. I live in Corpus Christi, TX (approx. 4 hours from Houston). I went to my first "live" WLS support group meeting in Corpus tonight. Every person there had the gastric bypass. When I spoke that I was considering the lapband, a few ladies shook their heads negatively. They explained, after I spoke, that they had once considered it but the risk of slippage, etc and regaining the weight were too high. I didn't say much, due to the fact that I was a newcomer. After the meeting, I met with the psychologist (group leader) and he said that it was truly a personal decision (of course) and that the ladies were speaking because they felt, maybe 5 months on, that you will have most of the complications that you were going to have with the RNY. On the other hand, complications can still occur with the band due to erosion and slippage or blow to the stomach trauma....I really felt like an outcast at the support group. What's your take on this? Shawn

MANY overweight people have some sort of emotional issue, so there would be a drastic reduction in the amount of people getting weight loss surgery if they didn't operate on people who had emotional issues IMHO. I have had depression for years that has been treated fairly well over the past couple of years. However, since surgery things have gotten tougher for me. I think that I felt a major source of my depression was my weight- but lately it is seeming the other way around. Without the foods to dull the emotional pain I feel sometimes- it has been difficult. It hasnt' stopped me from losing weight though. Another thing is that I think my antidepresants aren't working as well. I attribute this to the major hormonal changes that are happening in my body as a result of the weight loss. I've got a doc appt to help me change things up a bit as far as my meds. Also, talking to my gorgeous, thin, 5-year-post-op-from-bypass neighbor, she attributes having kept off all that weight by having a great therapist who has helped her not turn to the food again when times got tough. I'm going to start seeing a therapist regularly now per her advise. Be honest with your dr.'s and have a plan of action to show them you are prepared for the issues that will come up- cause I'll be honest- This has been very hard for me emotionally despite the success I'm having. Good luck!!!

I don't know if the band is becoming a thing of the past or not. I only know one person whose been banded, which is my cousin and she has done wonderful with hers. It's been about a year since her surgery and she says that it's the best choice she's ever made. She's lost over 75lbs (over 100 if you count her pre-op diet). But she works at it, she has made the progress she has because she knows how to use her tool, and she works at it. I also know several people whose had the bypass (I don't personally know anyone whose had the sleeve..I may be the first in my group). Those who have had the bypass has also done amazing! You know the one thing I've learned since starting to research WLS and the different kinds of WLS is how it's a tool, it's not a fix. You have to work with it! Change your life style, make healthier choices, workout, get out there and move! You just can't sit back and do nothing, and expect long term, ever lasting results. Yes you may have results at first, but eventually things balance out and you can and WILL gain back weight if you don't WORK at it! I am so happy to know this, because probably like many people, and lord knows our society, I thought at one time that WLS was a cure, a fix, the easy way out. I know I know, but I've learned that..that is not the case and I'm thankful for that!

Did you all hear that Carnie Wilson is going to get the lap band??? She had gastric bypass years ago and lost a ton of weight, then got pregnant and has gained a lot back and now is going to have the lap band. I didn't know this was possible. I guess it will tighten her bypass?? interesting...http://omg.yahoo.com/news/carnie-wilson-undergoes-second-weight-loss-surgery-191200074.html

I need to laugh about the chocolate cake, I was at costco last weekend and passed by the cheesecake...we all know how great Costco Cheesecake is...lol. I ALMOST bought it but I am really watching my cholesterol for two years now and that would have caused me a triple bypass! Jackie, thank you for the kind words and you will be a good support system for your husband as you look fantastic!

OK my surgeon said he would not be repairing my hital hernia during the sleeve. He said its basically out of the way, where he will be working and that if I was having the gastric bypass he would do it. I'm fine with it :-)

If you had posted this during the beginning of the approval process, I would have told you to let those people have it. I've worked in the medical field and patients that can be pushed around are pushed around because a lot of people who work in medical offices, not the doctors, PA's or people with actual medical education, have a minimal education and are exceptionally lazy. If someone is rude to you, you call them out on it right that moment. If someone wants to push BS policies like these, you explain to them that your insurance does not require that procedure and if they are going to insist on following arbitrary rules that are not required, you will absolutely go elsewhere. You are not just the patient, you are the customer....if they don't treat you the way you deserve to be treated, you let them know you have no tolerance for it, and you walk away. I have a doctor (not my sleeve surgeon- he was a tool) that I love and who has largely very competent people. A few of his front desk girls though are complete idiots, so instead of dealing with them, I just ask to speak to someone who is competent or I tell them to have my doctor call me. If someone can't do their job, I will happily bypass them and let their boss know exactly why I didn't bother going through his little chain of dummies. That being said...you're so close to approval, let it go until after surgery. In the end you are getting what you want and after surgery you can write them a very long, detailed letter and potentially a review online that should allow them to revise their procedures and their behavior.

Sounds like time for a bypass!

Hey Favoredone: Welcome! I too didn't want to say anything to my family, because of the negativity, but what I did was, tell one at a time, and explained that I was not having the bypass (which they are negative of), and that I was having a new successful procedure that made your stomach smaller (no re-routing of the intestines), and that I was doing it; because of health issues that I have now, and could have in the future. They seemed to all be receptive, but it really didn't matter to me whether they were or not, because I am doing this for myself. My husband is supportive, but concerned. He is going to go to one of the seminars to get more info. to make him feel better about the procedure. I hope this helps.

I don't know anything about revisions after bypass, but just wanted to welcome you to the site!

Hi All, I am knew to this site. Back in 2001 i had gastric bypass. I lost 140 lbs but thru the years i slowly gain the weight back. Now 13 years later I am back up to my original pre surgery weight. I am know looking into have a WLS revision. I have gone for my first visit with Dr. Nusbaum. He as well as his staff were amazing. He has given me two options to consider before he does my EGD to see what he is working with. So my two choices are Lap Band or Plication. I heard many things about Lap Band. My question is has anyone had a Plication surgery? How are you feeling post surgery. What are the weight loss outcomes compared to doing the Lap Band? Trying to get informed before I sit down with my doctor again. I have my EGD on January 14, 2015

A good reference for anyone looking into the DS (or any WLS for that matter, as the DS should at least be on everyone's radar along with the other mainline procedures) is http://www.dsfacts.com/ My wife had a DS around nine years ago (and I'm three years out on a VSG.) What is the protocol to get to surgery? It should be the same as any other WLS, though you do have to find a DS qualified surgeon as it is a more technically challenging procedure than most other WLS, so many surgeons don't find it worthwhile for them to develop the requisite skills (but that also means that most of your experienced DS surgeons tend to come from the top of the class!) Go to a surgeon's seminar and become familiar with them and what they need to get the ball rolling; some insurance may require a PCP referral, so it pays to be knowledgeable about the procedure so that one can educate their PCP on it. Pre-op and post-op diets/experiences (I know this will be different for all depending on doc) As you note, there can be wide variation between docs' programs. Our doc doesn't do any pre-op diets other than the semi-usual day before bowel cleansing diet (similar to what's done before a colonoscopy.) Post op, progression is more rapid than many docs prescribe, with liquids, purees and soft Proteins like cheeses, yogurt and many seafoods for the first month and most everything else after that. How long is the surgery? IIRC, typically 2-4 hours, though can be longer depending upon complications that the patient may bring to the table (extreme obesity, adhesions from prior surgeries, etc.) How long were you in the hospital? 3-4 days would be typical. How was your recovery? How long before back to work? IIRC, my wife took a month off, but she always milks these things - some may take longer while others may be able to get back to it sooner, depending upon the work. Are there foods you can/cannot eat? She became lactose intolerant, which is not unusual, and that has become worse over time - lactaid tablets with dairy don't do quite the job anymore. She has also become gluten sensitive, which may or may not have anything to do with the DS. Side effects from surgery? Similar to the RNY in that one needs to keep up on supplements and follow up labs, though the profile is somewhat different. Gas and stool can be rather aromatic at times as one would expect from incomplete digestion, though most work out what foods trigger problems so they can be avoided, and Probiotics can also be useful in helping the system adapt to its new reality. Why did you chose this surgery? Of the procedures readily performed at the time, neither the bands or bypass offered sufficient weightloss performance relative to their complications and side effects. The DS (and VSG) allows use of NSAID pain relievers which are a giant no-no with the bypass. The DS offers better regain resistance than any of the other mainstream WLS procedures, along with a generally more normal diet long term than most (no place for things to get stuck like there is in the bypass.)

What r u guys eating? How has it been getting fluids in? Has anyone cheat? Sent from my iPhone using VST

Find a surgeon you like and trust. Then discuss the options. I walked into the office 100% sleeve. 2 months later I walked out of the hospital with the bypass. My surgeon was great explaining the pros/cons with both. For me the main issues with reflux/gerd. If you have it prior to WLS, the sleeve is not a good option unless you plan on taking medicine forever. That was a big factor in my decision. The other factor was freedom. I got obese from eating crap. The sleeve does not restrict you from eating crap. It only restricts you from eating as much food. So that pumpkin pie that is calling my name would certainly be consumed had I had the sleeve. But at 6 months post-op bypass, no way. Yesterday I decided I was going to eat like a "normal" person. I had 2 pieces of sesame chicken, a chicken wing, 4 fresh tortilla chips and cheese queso dip. Stupid idea and I paid the price. I had a big episode of dumping and threw up foamies 4 times over the next hour. My bypass keeps me in check. I have only dumped 4 times in 6+ months because I make good choices. My last issue for ditching the sleeve idea was strictly a mind thing. In the end I got too wrapped up in the what if game in my own mind. When I sleeve is done they remove your left over stomach. Gone. Out of the there. So what if something happens? I know that doesn't even cross people's mind but for me it was too much.

I to am not sure which procedure to have. I had my mind set on sleeve but just found out from my Dr today that with will likely not elevate my heartburn/GERD. I'm very concerned with the malabsorption and the bypass. From what I have heard that is what causes the hair loss and makes you look older. I know I shouldn't be concerned with the cosmetic aspect, but I'm doing this not only to be healthier but to feel better about myself as well. Any advice is appreciated!

I had the lap band and then a revision to bypass. The band was hell on earth. Bypass has been such a blessing. Barely eat a thing and the weight just falls off. It is almost effortless. However, I am having some problems with malabsorption of my bipolar meds. So if you need lifelong meds unrelated to obesity, that is something to consider. People ask what my goal weight is and I say, I'm not sure. I guess whenever the weight loss stops. If I was happy with my weight now, hypothetically, and didn't want to lose more weight, I'd still lose it anyway bc I have no control over the weight loss. I'm at 176 now and it is still coming off 15 lbs a month effortlessly. I'm actually hoping the weight loss slows down some as I get smaller. Btw. I have no dumping. Perhaps if I ate cake or icecream or something it would happen. But, the only sweets I even care about now are hard ginger candy (3 before bed) and sugar free Popsicles. I can easily turn down cakes, cookies, and other sweets.

Surgery is scary! Even for those of us who've been under a few times, and it's especially harrowing when it's the first time. I'm a pretty tough customer, but when I went in for a knee reconstruction about 25 years ago, you betcha I cried on the gurney waiting to be wheeled into the theatre! I'd never felt so vulnerable in my life. But you are taken care of by a team of professionals who are all there to keep you safe and ease you through. I'll agree with everyone else about the lap-band. The bypass sounds intimidating (I had planned on the sleeve and was talked out of it because I had pre-existing GERD), I had to sit back and consider logically how it was the best option for me. Now that I'm on the other side I'm so glad I got the bypass and I wish I'd done it sooner. You've got some time, so take it slow, acclimate yourself to the idea, and focus on why you're doing it and the pros. And most of all remember you're not alone - this is a well-trodden path!

Hello all! I'm a newbie to the boards, I just signed up tonight. My journey from initial consultation to surgery has been a short one, so I haven't had much time to prepare! My best friend had rny in November, and after watching her lose nearly 100 pounds in 9 months, I decided that I no longer wanted to sit on the sidelines as she shrank... I wanted in too! It's incredible to watch her journey as she is rediscovering herself and her body. I began the process of researching hospitals and bariatric centers and found an incredible center and surgeon on my first search. My initial consultation was on 8/12 and I walked out with a surgery date of 9/24. So far I have met with the dietician, passed the psych evaluation, and completed a fitness evaluation. All of my bloodwork has been done, my initial EKG reading was normal, had my chest x-ray done, and the only thing left to do other than check-in at the hospital on 9/24 is my Pre-Op Class and Support Group, which is tonight! I am SO excited to finally be doing something to put my health as the top priority in my life, I let it fall by the wayside for too many years and wish I hadn't waited this long... but I have to start somewhere and that somewhere is here. I look forward to sharing my journey with everyone and hearing all of your stories. Any advice is appreciated and questions are welcome!!