Search the Community

I had sleeve converted to bypass due to severe GERDS and H/h on 5.20. I spent weekend in hospital and wondering if anyone has struggled with a lot of pain on the right side. Weird I had pain in my back as well but the tenderness to stand up and sit down is hard. I can't lay in my bed yet, have to sleep elevated on my back due to the extreme tenderness on my side. Did anyone else struggle. I have 1 week follow up appt with doc Friday, but this pain is pretty rough. I am walking and have finally started passing gas but no BM yet. If you had pain, how long did it last? Sent from my SM-G996U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had the loop DS / SADI-S in November 2021 (~6 months ago). I have a 300cm common channel (the part of my intestine that can still digest food and absorb nutrients). Since my surgery date I have lost 82 lbs and am still losing about 6lbs a month. I had some complications post surgery that I've had to deal with. Turns out my gallbladder was bad going into the surgery but no one realized it (since I had sludge and not stones). So they didn't take my gallblader out during the surgery and had to go back in to remove it 3 months later. I really wish they had proactively removed it because I was sick for months waiting for the gallbladder surgery and recovering from a second surgery so soon sucked. I still have a hiatal hernia because for reasons, it didn't get repaired. Again, I'd totally recommend making sure that they fix EVERYTHING while they have you open... I also have bad liver function test results that I'm waiting to hear back on, so I can't really comment much on why it's off. I feel fine though. I take vitamins 6 times a day for the rest of my life: 3 calciums and 2 multi vitamins. So far my vitamin levels look good. I eat about 500 calories a day still at 6 months out because I'm not hungry still. I realize some programs want more calories, but my surgeon has stressed that I shouldn't eat unless actually hungry. I don't have problems with any foods really, and my digestion is just fine (though I guess more gassy than before). I had a lot of health problems before surgery, none of which were resolved by the weight loss (total: 133 lbs). My a1c is better, though I still spike super high (200-300) if I have carbs (or surgery!) and even a small amount elevates my blood sugar all day. In my opinion, my a1c looks good because I'm eating so few calories, and zero carbs. In reality I will have diabetes for life and will need to watch that. I am still on blood pressure medication, still have migraines, still have intercranial hypertension, still take statins for my cholesterol, still take heartburn medication, etc. I am off of my diabetes medication for the time being. I did the weight loss surgery to resolve my health problems. So far I am very happy with the results, mostly because it's nice to be able to move around without getting hot and tired, and have people see me as a person and not immediately judge me for my weight. But it hasn't really made me healthier yet. Maybe it will eventually but either way it feels worth it.

Sleeve recovery was easier for me. I was off 3 weeks only because I didn’t have confidence in my ability to meet my Fluid intake goals at a fast paced hospital job until week 4 started. For the bypass, I’m off 3 weeks because it’s needed. I’m still in pain. Bending hurts. Bowels aren’t regular yet. Fluid intake isn’t met yet. It definitely hurts worse and is taking way more of my energy. Weight loss so far is faster with my bypass. But I am currently in the famous week 3 stall. -25 since 5/6 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I did lose -110lbs with my sleeve so it can be done before GERD and regain. Keep up the research, I hope it helps you ❤️

@LookingForward22 Thank you! This is super helpful. Agreed you should be 100% comfortable with who is doing the surgery. If I move forward. My husband is super supportive and I'm hoping he hops on board if I make this decision and truthfully, he's really good about asking questions and observing where sometimes I am not... Not for lack of care, but sometimes I miss important things where he catches them haha. I think that'll be helpful when it comes to really digging into who we I'll be seeing and talking with. Happy to hear you are comfortable now with the new option and all the best! @The Greater Fool Thanks! this is very helpful. I read a bit on how some have been able to prove skin reconstruction can be proved as health required with some insurance but hadn't found too much on the more in-depth what insurances/proving other than back and rash issues. I read the tummy-tucks were more likely covered due to the back issues but not as much on other areas. Appreciate the additional info on this. @redhead_che Truthfully, I haven't looked into bypass too much but know someone going for sleeve and also read/head it was a shorter recovery, but as I said, I haven't looked/confirmed this yet since I'm still more in research mode haha. I appreciate the mention, though. I definitely am open to other options to move forward with a healthier lifestyle. Since you have had both, do you happen to have any feedback on recovery, and do you find now that bypass has been more effective in weight loss than the sleeve now? @LilaNicole20 In addition to my post above, definitely interested in your experience with bypass too with any recovery and after feelings. Will look into videos and posts with experiences as well to help educate myself on both. I currently only have a referral in somewhere as of late last week so waiting to schedule something and talk to a dr about options too but I want to kinda soak up info so I can prepare some questions when I can meet with someone. Thanks everyone!! ❤️

I just want to echo this post! I went with the bypass the first time for the same reasons. Also, I had researched the number one regret/complaint about the sleeve (or something like that - before finding this forum) and the [loud] answer seemed to be that they wished they had just gone with the bypass. I also had heartburn pretty bad (which fortified consensus with my doctor). I didn't want to have to wish I had had the big dog (RNY) so I just waited a few more months and had the bypass when a slot opened up.

I use to intermittent fast, the first time I lost a significant amount of weight I did OMAD but it lead to binge eating after a while and was hard to maintain. It helps now with the bypass that I don't feel hunger as intensely and can't physically binge anyway. I usually just do a shake and coffee. Sometimes though it's awkward, I've bee invited to brunch/breakfast and can't eat but usually I just get an egg a la carte and push it around to keep up appearances. I've never heard of the fluid thing but it would explain the extreme discomfort in the morning and virtually nothing in the afternoon lol. I will ask my doc. I'm personally not concerned. I don't mind not eating breakfast and have never been a breakfast person. I was just curious if this is a normal part of wls, i.e., restrictions going strong in the morning. Interesting perspectives tho! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

As noted, the patches seem to work OK for some, and not at all for others. I would stick with the pills for now, as much of a bother as it may seem. You probably won't need to be taking all that many for long - many programs overkill on their supplement recommendations for the sleeve, based upon their bypass experience, which is fussier in that regard. It usually isn't a big deal, as subsequent lab tests show what you really need, and you can probably stop taking many of them - most of us with a sleeve don't need to supplement as much as those with a bypass (but there's usually something that we need, so we need to find out what that is.) The problem with starting the patches now, is that when you start getting lab results back in a few months showing that you are fine,, that's great - but how do you know whether it is the patches that your are using doing the job, or that you don't need them at all? So, I would stick it out with the pills for a while to find out what you really need and get your labs stable on them, then try the patch(es) if the pills are still too much of a bother.

I officially hit 2 months post-op Saturday. Just a few fun shares. I have lost 48 lbs since surgery!!! (84 total) I had to move my the seat up in my truck. My knees do not grind as I walk up steps anymore. My blood pressure is on the LOW side of perfect. All of my clothes are too big, way too big. My shoes are loose/roomier. I am so amazed at how quickly our bodies change. But, what amazes me the most is how we (at least me) don't even notice as it slowly changes for the worse but EVERY SINGLE TINY thing stands out when it is changing for the better. I had 2 cookouts this weekend and it didn't even phase me. At my family cookout, I made avocado salad (avocado, peppers, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, lime juice, garlic) I ate this and grilled chicken breast with regular BBQ sauce on it. (Everyone there knew I had bypass, the only question I got was "What can you eat now" I said, anything, my SIL said ok cool. At my friends cookout, I ate 2 deviled eggs and 2 of the tiny party size meatballs. Then I picked some cucumber out of the pasta salad. (No one knew I had bypass, no one questioned my tiny plate of food) I was satisfied at both and had no urge to munch. I have zero complaints, zero regrets.

I'm a firm believer in celebrate yourself on this journey. You should take the word only out of your mind unless it's I only weigh this much. I feel like people on a weight loss journey "only" is just another four letter cuss word. I had issues with food and water also. The puree time sucked for me mostly because I found out that texture maters to me it felt like I was on the liquid diet forever. As with the water I had issues with making me nauseous also. I did some research and found that putting some flavoring in it could help but since I couldn't stand them anymore I tried every bottle water until I found one that didn't sit heavy on my stomach and didn't make me nauseous. Smart water was the one for me. It does get better. I'm almost 6 months out from bypass surgery and although I can still only drink smart water eating is better. Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

Just curious, is there a reason you have landed on the sleeve vs bypass? Bypass does tend to lead to higher weight loss in more obese folks if folks follow their diet plans. I’ve had both now (sleeve to bypass) and wish I would have just done the bypass. But that’s just me! When I did the sleeve I was 225lbs so sleeve made sense, wish I would have given bypass another research though anyway. I ended up in the smaller percent of folks that get GERD and regain after sleeve. So bypass I went.

I finally did it! Back on 19 May 2022 I had my revision surgery from Lapband to RNY Gastric Bypass. So as of today (23 May 2022) it's my 4th day Post Op. Fortunately for me personally I have been able to sip water and other free liquids (soups) etc without any nausea or vomiting. I just have to work toward, to eventually get all the daily protein and fliuds into my body per day - aim to have each meal "pack a punch" nutritionally. I'm definitely adding my Tasteless Protein & Tasteless Fibre into my liquids, as I certainly do not want to experience any constipation. I know what that's like, from past experience many years ago. I'm not going to bother about jumping on any scales at least for a couple of weeks as I am bloated with all the swelling etc. I'm just focusing on "getting healthier" as my no.1 priority and let everything else fall in place (the "added bonus" as I call it). I was on a 2 week pre-op diet, lost about 4 kilograms (approximately 8.8 pounds). Here's to the beginning of my NEW LIFE (and I turned 50 years old the day I was discharged from Hospital) . A Gift to myself, to have a healthier version of myself in my later years to come !!!

Hi Parisshel, it was very painful, scary and I'm just happy it's over and the band is gone and I'm still alive. The way he explained it is that when the lapband first came out, they made two different versions of it. One was made with hooks, where you can turn it easily to put it in and the theory was, if it had not slipped nor eroded, it would be just as easy to take it out. He said I did have the one with these "hooks" -- and I'm not quoting him on WHY it wound up having to be dug out - but I'm assuming because of the slippage that happened. Also, another possible contribution to this issue could be that I was not having it filled consistently because I felt it was already too restrictive and people were commenting on that I was losing too much weight. (I think some might have even questioned if I was "sick" with something). I filled it a few time in the 10 years I had it and towards the end had it loosened/filling taken out and then eventually, unfilled completely in Nov 2021--- and maybe that's when it really started to slip and all that happened to wind me up having it completely removed. My suggestion to anyone that has one -- is, even if you are not going in to get a fill - at least still visit with your doctor and drink the barium so they can check in on the band - ask about slippage, erosion, etc. At the beginning of the big "lap band surge" before they knew a lot of long term reactions --- the doctors and surgeons would say it is "VERY RARE" that it will slip or erode. Now, they are finding out -- it is MORE common than NOT for it to erode and/or slip. So, have it checked - mine was supposed to be checked every three months. But, because I wasn't interested in having it filled, I would not follow those standards. I had a very very reputable doctor too, so, it really was my fault for not having him check in on it time to time, regardless of fills. To address your last part, I am feeling a lot better, thank you! it has been two weeks and 2 days since the removal. I would say I was only "ok" after about a full week. I still have incision tape that needs to fall off, but all in all, worth it knowing now that it's out! I have to say, I have not gained any weight since the removal and do not see myself eating any more than I did with it in (but again, remember I wasn't filling it, and he it completely unfilled last November). Looking back, I think the one benefit I did gain from it - it gave a "kick start" on my weight loss but also forced me to realize and change my eating habits. !! Good luck with everything!

😊 Hello Friends! My Gastric Bypass surgery date is tentatively scheduled for July 18th, The last step is now waiting for my insurance approval.

You might try some simethicone. The trade name is Gas-X. That's why the surgeon's medical assistant recommended to me 3 weeks or so of my gastric bypass. She said the pain was probably retained gas. You can buy Gas-X anywhere. There are less expensive generic brands, too.

I have a runny nose all the time. I never had that before my gastric bypass surgery. My surgeon said he hasn't heard that complaint before. I also sneeze repeatedly when I eat too much. He hasn't heard that complaint, either.

I had a vasovagal syncope episode last summer & broke my ankle on the way down! I was in the handicap stall in a bathroom at a restaurant so I’m lucky it was only my ankle. I could of hit my head on the toilet or the tile! My daughter has also had one & she has had a bypass also. But looking back I have had them before. I think it’s related to my iron & farrin being low. I do have a history of anemia. I have been working with a naturopath who has me taking RBC Support Iron Extra & Ferrofood instead of iron pills. You can buy them both on Amazon. I’m not as tired as I used to be & my blood work is looking better.

I had my lap band removed in 2016 after having it nearly 8 years. I had no fill and could barely eat. It didn't slip but I had to have my esophagus dilated a couple of times. The Dr that removed it wanted to do a conversion to sleeve a few months after but I thought I could keep the weight off. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and another chronic pain illness about the same time so it seriously hampered my ability to be active. I put all my 94 lbs lost back on. I also had a lot of scar tissue from the band which caused narrowing at the GE junction and poor esophageal clearing. My Dr wasn't sure he'd be able to do the bypass so I went into surgery not knowing if I was going to wake up with a new stomach. He did get it done but said it was very challenging. I'm so thankful that he was able to give me the bypass. I'm sorry I waited so many years to do it. I was afraid of the bypass. I'm 11 days PO.

Interesting. During my initial visits with the surgeon when we discussed whether I should have the sleeve or bypass, he asked me if I had Gerd. I did not, but did have occassional heartburn. So, he ordered an endoscopy - the result of which cleared me for the sleeve. I started experiencing "gerd-like" symptoms on the 3rd or 4th day after surgery. I also have an adjustable bed and kept the head raised so that it was less painful getting in and out of bed. Pre-op it was always my habit to take my blood pressure and cholesterol meds at night just before going to bed and I continued this practice after surgery. So, it dawned on me that I should probably take them in the morning instead. But the first night without meds I STILL had reflux. So, the next night I made sure I had finished all of my protein requirements before 9pm and only sipped water until bedtime. MUCH better night last night. I think I read that the stomach is still secreting acids for larger amounts of food than I am consuming at this stage and there will be an adjustment. Hopefully the issue will correct itself as my stomach heals. At least that is my hope. In any case, I have my first follow up with the surgeon on Monday and I will discuss it with him.

I know this sounds odd. But at 260 I used the handicapped ladies restroom stall. Because I needed more space. Even though I'm very slow at losing weight. 55 pounds since November. But the happy part is comfortable in a regular bathroom stall. I know it doesn't sound like much but for me it is one more step Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm commenting to follow mostly, maybe I can get some answers too. I had surgery November 2021 and within days of surgery this started to happen to me too. I haven't actually hit the floor, but when I stand up (especially at the end of the day) I feel terribly lightheaded and my vision goes black. At its worst I lose feeling in my body too. My surgeon said it's absolutely not normal, go see your GP for blood work. It came back that my iron was low, so Doc put me on iron pills. It got marginally better with time but I can't say with any certainty that it's the iron pills that are helping, or if advancing my diet is. I'm up to 1000-1200 calories per day, 60g protein and this is still happening regularly.

I had gastric bypass in October 2021. I had a few episodes where I felt lightheaded. Until yesterday, I was able to recover and it would pass. Yesterday, I felt lightheaded and next thing I remember, I was on the floor. My son heard a something drop (turns out it was me). For clarification: I’m eating more than enough of the right foods and drinking plenty of water. I’m fine just wondering if anyone has experienced this.

Hello again all. I’m curious if any of you have been told about the risk of decreased serotonin as a result of the bypass. And that the risk of depression is high?

Those were the 2 I was on before surgery, my insurance covered both. (Cigna) Correct, if the meds work COMPLETELY then you are safe. No acid in your esophagus to damage it. They were not working good enough for me, I would wake up in the middle of the night literally puking acid which felt like fire. I couldn't do anything to stop it, no matter how many tums I ate I just had to wait it out till it went away. I would stand over the sink and just let acid drain out of my mouth burning every step of the way. it was horrible. Sometimes so bad, I would be hoarse for a few days after an episode. When I had my surgery they found some pretty severe damage to my esophagus and repaired it while they were in there. I am SO GRATEFUL that the bypass seems to have completely eliminated my acid problems. It really is miserable, especially when you had to as bad as I did. I feel for you and hope the meds work and you get relief!

Man, acid reflux /GERD is horrible. Especially if it gets bad. I had it so bad before surgery I was on 2 meds and eating tums daily. This is why I went with Bypass. So far 2 months post op I still have zero acid problems. It is my understanding a lot of people have to get a revision from sleeve to Bypass for GERD resolution. I hope they can control it with meds!

sounds like GERD. I had that before I had my bypass.