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I have been researching gastric bypass since November 2016. My surgery is less than 2 months from now. I was somewhat familiar with it before then but not fully educated on it. What I am learning as time goes by is that reading posts on this site,viewing youtube videos plus the research I do on my own & taking notes is so beneficial. The more information I surround myself with and comprehending that information makes me feel more secure with my decision to have the surgery. Learning the possible outcomes whether it be a complication a rare complication and or what is normal gives me a sense of awareness that will help if I encounter anything post op and or during recovery period. The more you know and understand gastric bypass and your responsibilites the better your results. This surgery is not for those who refuse to follow their doctor's instructions. My doctor stated to me that he puts safety on the top of his list with his patients. That stuck to me and I appreciate him for saying that. So, that means the patient also needs to put safety on top especially during the healing process. The whole purpose of the body needing time to heal properly and fully is that we have to follow the instructions given to us because it was designed for us so we can be successful in healing and then progressing on to the next step. I dont want to disappoint my surgeon and I definitely do not want to disappoint myself. This is about choice. This road is a journey that takes time and patience.

Hi! I just had a revision and hernia repair on the 2nd. The scale is showing I gained 6 pounds from the morning of surgery. How long does it take for all the fluid to get out of you?

I had surgery in Juarez Mexico with Dr. Rodriguez. Abiyoyo dieted over the last 8 years. I am a u.s. Navy disabled veteran that suffered military trauma and a physical injury and then I had 2 kids and under 2 years in 2013 and 14. My starting weight was 240 and I am still healing from surgery it's only been a couple of days I had the gastric bypass and I'm doing very well with recovery I was discharged the next day and sent home because I asked to go home. I am looking forward to this journey. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using the BariatricPal App

The first doctor I went to told me not to get the lapband because someone as big as me could not lose the kind of weight that I needed to loose (200 lbs exactly). He said the LB was for someone needing to lose 40 or 50 lbs. I was so discouraged - I really didn't want to do gastric bypass because the band just seemed so right for me. He discouraged me so much that I didn't pursue the lapband for another 18 months. I am so glad to read about you all doing so well. It reaffirms that I can do it. Imagine if I had done this 18 months ago? I'd be on here with you all writing my success story! 7 weeks banded 25 lbs lost! I'm on my way. Stay tuned - Success Story, June 2010?

Does anyone have UHC Tricare? I'm got my Lap Band out last month and am going through the step for gastric bypass. I've heard conflicting information on how long I need to be on a weightless plan before I can be submitted for insurance approval. Is it 3 months or 6 months?

fatality rates on these surgeries are extremely low. 0.3% for gastric bypass, even lower for sleeve. That means you have a 99.7% (or greater) chance of making it through. The techniques have improved so much over the last few years and they do so many of them now that they've pretty much become routine surgeries. People have died having their tonsils taken out. But seriously - what are the odds of that happening? Same with bariatric surgery. It's not the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago. I would not worry about dying on the operating table *at all*. You're much more likely to die from an obesity-related condition than you are from the surgery. In fact, doing it could save (and extend) your life!

I'm a year out and when I try to stop my Rx Protonix, I wake up with reflux. Plan on taking it forever. I had it before my sleeve (had a slipped band) but my dr assumed that when he took my band out, my reflux would go away. No such luck. Had I known this, I might've chosen bypass. But it's a small pill just once a day. No biggie! Good luck!

First time posting here- Had my revision from lap band to RNY yesterday. It’s not as bad as I had built up in my head. Took a while for anesthesia to wear off. I had ice chips first, then water, and a sugar free popsicle last night. Everything is going down ok. The gas pain is the worst part but it’s tolerable. Walking helps. Hoping to go home today. The hospital bed is uncomfortable and people come in and out of my room constantly, so I’m looking forward to a good night sleep. The actual incision sites are not very painful. Feels like I did a bunch of sit ups. Peeing feels a little weird. Who knew we used so many abdominal muscles to pee. I also have cotton mouth, which I’m hoping gets better. Here’s to a new me for the new year.

You didn't fail and shouldn't feel bad about what's happened, the procedure failed you and not the other way around. :-) I've had a rough experience with the sleeve, started out @ 347, was down to 331 the day of surgery and couldn't get under 314 for months. Even now I can't manage to break 300 and it's been almost 6 months since surgery. I didn't tell anyone I was having WLS except my daughter and a very few close friends- 2. Even so, I've been embarressed by the miserable failure I feel my surgery has been and wish nobody knew. Who wants to have weight loss surgery and still be fat?! lol Because of complications with the sleeve, it has been recommended to me to have gastric bypass as a second step or even duodenal switch. My head is still swimming and I haven't made a decision but I can tell you this much- if I decided to go through another procedure, I wouldn't tell anyone. When you feel like a failure the first time after all the hard work, positivity and high expectations, it can make you super wary to talk about it the second time. Good for you for making the right decision for you and taking control back of your weight loss journey!

I was 65 when I had mine done in Nov and Michigan would not cover the sleeve. Would have covered the gastric bypass but I wouldn't have that done. So.., I was self pay.

several years ago when bypass and the band were my only options, I decided against WLS surgery altogether. The band was a no go for me because I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object in my body. Late last year when I learned about the sleeve, I knew it was right for me. Especially since it addresses the issue of grehlin (the hunger hormone) whereas I don't think the band does. Once I made up my mind, I found VST. There's an entire gang of folks here that are band-to-sleeve revisions. And holy moly some of the complications people have had from the band are enough to convince me I made the right choice!

I spent the better part of the weekend crying about the turn of events in my WLS saga. I talked to my DH about it (more than he wanted to hear I'm sure! ) He said that we could take a loan through one of his retirement savings accounts so I can still follow my dream :wub: I've always known that I'm a lucky girl to have trapped a good man like him! :tt2: I love him more & more every day. He knows the score with obesity. His dad has type 2. His mom had bypass surgery about 5 years ago. He saw her struggle for so many years, being beaten down by military doctors & the insurance company every step of the way. We've struggled together with our weight over the years. We're like that cartoon couple you see in the Slimquick commercials. :frown: I told him that I feel like being able to have WLS would be like a new beginning for our whole family (all 3 of us!) Y'know how the mom/wife is kind of like the glue of a family, well I know that if I could finally get my weight under control it would have a huge, positive impact on all of us. I could finally set a good example for my child - so that he can grow up with a healthier relationship with food than my DH and I did. We'll be able to "go" and "do" together. I know for sure that I've held them back from doing things recently. It wasn't with malice - I just don't want to go out walking in our neighborhood and risk more people seeing me & how huge I am. (Not to mention that I might make it one whole house away before I start huffing & puffing.) I've had people yell disparaging remarks at me when I was outdoors on more than one occasion. I know that I'm not the first & unfortunately won't be the last, but I didn't deserve it (nobody does) and I don't want to deal with it again. Today I had the pleasure of calling up Pacific Surgical to schedule a consultation. Yay! I spoke with Michelle. I remember her from the seminar I attended a while back. So much of what she said about her experience still rings in my ears. She was so nice! The way she treated me was the polar opposite of the way Karen did. Amazing how when you're a self-pay patient things can happen sooo quickly! I was able to get a consult scheduled for next Monday! Michelle said that it would be possible to have surgery as soon as May 11th! I think we're still going to shoot for a surgery date towards the end of July. My DH said that since we just paid off the last loan through his retirement plan, we need to wait 2 months to apply for another. He'll be back from his partial-deployment in time to help me with a summer surgery. I'll find out the nitty gritty when I go for my consult, but I believe that all I have to do for Dr. Neal is a nutrition consult, and I assume pre-op bloodwork. I'd imagine there's some sort of pre-op diet. Pre-op as in a week or two before surgery - not Dr. Oh's type of pre-op diet. Oy vey! He wanted a 10% weight loss in the months leading up to your procedure & two weeks of clear liquids prior to surgery. Not to mention that Dr. Oh had a huge list of other pre-op things that had to be done. Speaking of that, I need to call and cancel my endoscopy & follow-up. I really hate that we'll have to pay $ every month for the next few years, but... I have a feeling the return-on-investment will be priceless! :ohmy: I'm actually kind of relieved now. If I can have surgery w/ Dr. Neal, I don't have to make that arduous trip over to Federal Way, cow-tow to Dr. Oh & his excessive pre-op testing, and worry about coordinating all the babysitting I'll need to cover those appointments. When I tried to picture myself going through surgery & whatnot w/ Dr. Oh I couldn't quite "see" it; it didn't feel like that was the place I needed to be. I haven't had my consult w/ Dr. Neal yet (just the seminar), but already I feel that this is where I need to be. I'm feeling much better 'bout everything now!

Hello- I will TRY to make this short: I had vsg June 2016-I initially went from 229 to 160ish then got pregnant a year later. 3-4 months postpartum I was at 143 (I tend to loose weight during my pregnancies and loose after) but that only lasted a few months. Fast forward to today, I am at 185!!! I am only about 45 lbs from starting weight....that's scares me, I don't feel well physically...emotional, as I am back to carrying all of this weight around. I had an appt with my surgeon almost 2 months ago and I explained to her and the nurse that I am always hungry. I STILL focus on protein,....my diet is mainly protein but I also make sure I get my veggies in. I was referred to the nutritionist I saw before my surgery. I am puzzled by that because my issues are not what I eat, ive gathered the info I need prior to my surgery. Prior to surgery I had NO comorbidities. Now, I am on medication for blood pressure, and my recent blood test show that my cholesterol is high...first time ever....this is not how this experience was supposed to pan out. The point of my post is, I've done research and want to know if I would be a good candidate for a revision. The revision I am looking at is sleeve to Duodenal switch which I know was originally a part of the sleeve procedure. Just wondering for those of you who have had revision, how exactly did the conversation with your Dr start. Did you have to ask about it or did the Dr tell you it was an option? I have an appt coming up on 11/11. When i made the appt I asked if I could possibly have a scan to see if the size in my stomach have even changed. I was told most like they would not do a scan because YES the stomach does naturally increase in size about 2 yrs after vsg. Now what??

My sleeve was done 8/1/14. I had my hernia and esophagus repaired 12/2019. Bypass was the best option. However, not covered by my insurance. I knew this after months of appeals. Now, my surgeons and other doctors would like me have bypass. However, at this point I am not sure that is my best option. My sleeve is "perfect." I just don't want to have more complications. I just want to get healthier and lose more weight. That is happening because I can again barely eat. So, I am going to wait. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

While I was at a support group for bandsters last night in NJ I mentioned a cookbook for weight loss surgery patients. Here is the information for all who want it. title: Eating well after Weight Loss Surgery, Over 140 Delicious Low Fat, High Protein recipes to enjoy the weeks months and years after surgery. Author: Patt Levine. this book is great because it tells you what and how much you should eat from each recipe whether you have the band, bypass or the switch surgerys. It also advised you of what portion is approiate for people who have not had the any weight loss surgery so it make sit easy to cook one meal for the whole family. An added bonus it lets you know which recipes can be pureed for that oh so wonderful mushies stage we all got to go through right after surgery.

I had to start with a fix to my esophagus and repair a hernia. Now it's my turn to make this work. Before, the foods I was supposed to eat created acid. So I ate the food that didn't create pain. I gain 40 pounds. Now, moving forward with my new revised tool. Highest weight presleeve: 281 by the time I had courage to get on the scale. recorded weight before sleeve: 281 Weight before this procedure: 231 Goal weight: 159 to 161 New year and new plan. Goals set and this time I have help. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

My nurse/nutritionist said that this is due to the alkaline in the Water. She suggests adding lemon to change the pH or drinking Crystal Light until you can stomach it. Fyi, she is a bypass patient. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

Great! Hoping I find that "green zone" too after 2/29/16 Just scheduled my surgery for revision from band to sleeve. At the very least I won't have to feel this dang port in my ribs anymore.

I’m 16 months post revision for GERD and 2years out from VSG. First symptoms 9 days ago, tested positive on the 20th. Even while moving less and eating more calories I’ve managed to somehow lose weight. Symptoms include- extreme fatigue, sinus congestion, migraine, dry cough, diarrhea, and some body aches. Edited to add- you’re right on track for a stall as well being almost 6months out. That might be part of it along with the inflammation that Covid causes.

Remember, your nerve endings have been affected during the surgery so they may not be as sensitive & able to register you’re full yet. Also did they remove anymore of your tummy during this surgery? If your tummy is about the same size it was before the revision, I would expect you would still be able to consume a similar portion size as you did before. The main purpose of the post surgery diet is to not damage or strain your healing digestive system. Hope you continue to recover well.

A commited woman, a strong woman & being a pretty woman also can't hurt Congratulations on a beautiful revision of you!👍😛.

I think the reason the band was focused on is because they lowered the BMI to enable smaller people to get the procedure. So many people see it as "less invasive" because that is how it's described and advertised. They aren't on these boards seeing how many problems and revisions that we see. I don't understand why this info isn't coming out in studies anywhere. I have relatives that suggested I do it rather than the sleeve due to it's "safety".

I had lap band surgery in May 2017. I have a full band, no restriction, and have lost no weight since the procedure. I switched to a new doctor who seems to think the band has slipped and we have discussed revision to the bypass or sleeve. I am just wondering if I will have to go through the 6 months of nutritional visits, psych exam, etc...again since I just completed all of those requirements about a year ago. I just hate the idea of starting over with all of that. I have Molina Medicaid in Ohio. Any input would be appreciated!. Thanks! Sent from my Pixel XL using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 8 days out and had 2 pureed scrambled eggs, no problem. But trying to remind myself that the nerves involved in my gastric bypass and not sending me the right signals for awhile. I was surprised that I could eat two eggs as well, but my keep it to one until I have more healing time under my belt (no pun intended!

I'm still on the mush stage so I eat Oatmeal, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs sugar free instant breakfast or applesauce Lunch I eat soups, sugarfree jello or pudding and i drink Adkins shakes Dinner Again soup I'm a big soup lover so thats no problem having it all the time, sweet potatoes mashed potatoes, chili tuna w/ lots of lo fat mayo or egg saled again w/ lo fat mayo and once in a while small amount of mac and cheese. Hope this helps I was Banded Mar 14 2007 and have lost 25 lbs already which is fabulous for me, when and where were you banded? There is a thread in here that talks about a cook book just for gastic bypass people, I forgot what its called but it is in the thread for foods. I have found that thread very help for ideas and recipes. Check it out. Don't get discouraged Also addicted to sugar free popsicles Best of Luck Mattie