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What procedure did you chose and why did you chose it over the other options? I chose gastric bypass. After researching the 3 main types of WLS and consulting with my surgeon, we agreed that it would be best given the amount of weight I needed to lose and my lifestyle and diet at the time of the consultation etc. What was the general reaction from family and friends? Initially my parents were apprehensive about it. I took my mom with me to my first appt and I explained the procedure and the pros and cons to my dad. They came around and are two of my biggest cheerleaders. My boyfriend was supportive from the start and he is in the pre-op phases of WLS himself. All of my friends have been supportive and excited for me. Surprisingly a lot of them already knew someone that had WLS. Most of them gave that attempt at flattery "Wow really you're not even that big!" which I know is mostly their way of playing nice but nobody was against it or tried to talk me out of it. Everybody who knows about it has been nothing but supportive and excited to watch my journey. What was the biggest surprise during the process? How relaxed I was going into surgery. How minimally uncomfortable and in pain I was after. How long was your recovery? I took 3 weeks off from work but truthfully I could have gone back after two. But I was very fatigued during those first few weeks and having difficulty with getting in my liquids and with some foods. I didn't want to be sick at work. How fast did you lose the weight? I've lost 66 lbs so far. I lost 30ish in my preop and the rest since surgery 8 weeks ago. I'm averaging about 3 lbs a week, sometimes more. How has your life changed since having the procedure? I no longer need to shop in specialty stores for clothes. I enjoy exercise more. I'm more confident. I'm happier. I dont wake up with back and knee pain. I don't huff and puff on a walk or hike like I used to. I'm appreciative of little victories, like touching my toes or being able to cross my legs comfortably. I no longer feel trapped in my body or enslaved to food. My social life has slowed down unfortunately. A lot of my friends are foodies and love to go out and eat and drink and party and I can't eat the way I used to with them, and though alcohol isn't prohibited, it's not recommended since gastric bypass patients have increased absorbtion of the alcohol and because it's mostly empty carbs/sugars, i choose not to drink. To be honest, I'm a little afraid to. Would you do it again? In a heartbeat! Any regrets? Only that I didn't explore this sooner. Or visit the world famous San Diego Donut Bar What should I be aware of? Just because your body restricts your food intake doesn't mean your brain will follow it. You will still want foods. Things will trigger you. You'll test the waters. Know what affects you. If you're choosing RNY, know what makes you dump. Know what you're "i'm completely full can't eat another bite" feeling is. That one extra little bite can be the difference between your meal being done and your meal being spit back up and wasted. Don't compare your progress to others. Some people seem to lose 10 lbs overnight. Some people go over a year and don't hit their goal. Your journey is your journey, don't try to put yourself next to others. What, if any, foods do you miss that you can no longer have? Regular sushi rolls (with rice, sauces etc). It sometimes is hard to find a place that can do riceless rolls without having to show them a picture or without being charged extra.

hi there and welcome! I will do my best to answer your questions. What procedure did you chose and why did you chose it over the other options? I chose Gastric Bypass RNY. I went this route because I suffered from reflux/Gerd and I was told RNY was my best chance of resolving this issues where the lap band and the sleeve could make it worse. I am 7.5 months post op and down 99lbs and have not had a single episode of reflux. My type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and stage 3 kidney disease are all in remission as well. What was the general reaction from family and friends? My family and friends have all been very supportive. I have told everyone that asks that I have had WLS but I make sure to explain the hard work it takes to lose the weight. What was the biggest surprise during the process? This was easy. I was surprised that I have not had a single complication. I am one of those people that if there is a risk no matter how small I always fit into that group of people. I have had NO complications. No dumping syndrome and I can eat whatever I want just in very tiny portions. How long was your recovery? I had surgery on Monday evening, came home from the hospital Wednesday morning and was done taking any pain medication by Thursday night. I felt pretty weak for that first month post surgery but nothing I could not handle. I learned very quickly that the most important thing was to stay very hydrated, it made that weak feeling disappear. At 6 weeks I went to Vegas for 10 days and felt fantastic! How fast did you lose the weight? In the beginning the weight comes off very rapidly, as you start reintroducing regular foods into your diet the loss will slow down. I average about 2.5 lbs per week. Of course there are stalls to contend with. I define a stall as NO weight loss for more than 10 days. It happened for me around week 4 the first time. It lasted 3 weeks. I have had several stalls since but if you stick to the plan, they will resolve. How has your life changed since having the procedure? My life has changed so drastically that sometimes I cannot believe it. First I actually enjoy eating good quality Protein and vegetables. I don't like junk any more, it does nothing for me. That is a massive change. I can literally run up the stairs, walk for miles, sit cross legged on the floor, keep up with my family and most important my grand children. I exercise every other day for an hour a day. I fit in an airplane seat with no extender. I can shop in regular stores. All my comorbitities are gone which U.S. The reason I did this in the first place. Would you do it again? There is no question that I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. Any regrets? The only regret I have is not doing it 15 years ago before I did so much damage to my spine. I have severe arthritis and dusk degeneration that has caused spinal stenosis in my cervical spine. I am awaiting approval from my insurance to undergo a 3 level cervical spinal fusion. I have already had my lumbar fused in 2001. I am not looking forward to it but there is too much pressure on my spinal cord so I need to get it fixed. What should I be aware of? Be very aware of your part. I believe I had no complications because I follow the rules for the most part. Especially in the early months allowing your tummy time to heal. I gave seen a lot of people jump into some foods too fast and they cause themselves problems. What, if any, foods do you miss that you can no longer have? For me there is no such thing as foods I cannot have. There are a couple foods that make me uncomfortable and no longer satisfy me. eggs are too heavy for me. That would be the only good that I have given up that I wish I could eat more of. I keep trying though. Bread has been one food that makes me uncomfortable and if I eat it, I don't stay full for long. I choose not to eat it because of the way it makes me feel. Hopefully I answered your questions. Feel free to reach out if you have others. Good luck to you!

I'm hoping someone can help me out with some suggestions please. I had a gastric bypass 14 weeks ago which didn't go to plan and I had to have emergency surgery to repair my insides. I was left with a drain in for 6 week, which left me having to take antibiotics because it was leaking infection. Once the drain was removed I thought great I can start my new life. Unfortunately it hasn't turned out that way, as soon as I start to eat I feel sick, I go through the motions but nothing comes out this lasts between 5 minutes and 5 hours, I have even got anti sickness tablets which haven't helped I feel and look like an old woman even though I'm only 52 because of this. I hate looking in the mirror because a gray faced woman looks back, I feel weary and very ill because of it. It doesn't matter what I eat because I get the same reaction every time. I've been so poorly my mum has stayed with me for 12 weeks. I haven't had any follow up letters from my surgeon yet so I don't know who to talk to because my own doctor isn't clued up on it so doesn't know what to advise. Thank you to anyone that reads this post and I hope someone can give me some advice on what to do next. Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using BariatricPal mobile app

A search of the internet shows that others reported problems with balance after RNY surgery. There are probably several potential causes. For example a Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause dizziness. Some people experience reactive hypoglycemia after surgery and this can lead to dizziness. Also if you were diabetic prior to surgery and are still taking some blood sugar medicines, your dosage may need to be adjusted. Normally at the 1 year mark they have you undergo blood work. This allows them to fine tweak your Vitamins. Make sure when the time comes that you undergo this. Here is some discussion about this topic. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/lightheaded-and-dizzy-after-gastric-bypass-surgery.html

I can't. Tell since my port revision surgery yet. When my port flipped it was sticking out sideways and looked like a hernia. So I had to have a revision and I think it's above my belly button. Not sure though.

Just a reminder that the WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) Support Group at Memorial Herrman is meeting THIS Wednesday. This is for BOTH bypass and Lap-Band patients. Last meeting there were more band patients than RNY, so don't feel like you can't come! I am planning to attend! Here are the details: WLS Support Group Memorial Hermann-Woodlands 9250 Pinecroft Drive 1st Floor, Conference Room

Anyone else out there have permanent equipment in their body? Screws, rods, etc? I had bypass 1/27 and with preop diet and surgery I’ve lost 31# since Dec 26. This morning I woke up and the titanium rod I have in my back was sore- much like when I first got it. It’s been sore all day! I’m going to mention it at my 1 week check up Tues but I thought I’d ask here if anyone has had similar pain. It’s almost like it’s moved and scar tissue hasn’t formed around it ... anyway, just checking....

I went from 246 to 239 during the 6 month nutrition counseling. Was 239 on the day of my bypass. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Keke, welcome to VST!! Dr. Aceves did my revision in Sept of 2010. He is excellent, professional, his hospital and staff are top notch and very attentive, and his technique is absolutely amazing!!! I've had nothing but success with my sleeve where I had none with my band. I was very nervous and even skeptical going in, but I didn't have a choice. I needed to do something. My first choice was Dr. Cirangle w/ LapSF. Unfortunately I couldn't gather enough funds to use his services and my insurance was not helpful with my revision what so ever. So, I chose the next best option in my area. Just so happened he is in Mexicali!! I was going to go to a very reputable Dr. for what I could afford. I don't regret my decision AT ALL! Good luck to you in your decision.

Hi to all Revision people! Just wondering how many of you had to do a barium swallow and endoscopy before/during their VSG revision? Thanks, Dottie

I found out I was pregnant in Nov. 2013, after being banded Feb. 2013, so I was only 8 months post-op. I notified my surgeon immediately, and they told me I should be fine unless I was having a lot of morning sickness, then I would possibly need a partial unfill. During my first OB appointment, when I told her I was banded, she immediately recommended that I get 1/2 fluid removed, which I did (it was about 3ccs removed). I had lost 85 lbs in the 8 months before I became pregnant, and now I'm 14 weeks along and have gained 15 lbs even though I am sick ALL THE TIME. I am not upset in the least about gaining weight. I feel as though I look funny, because I still have a lot of loose, flabby skin on my stomach, and I am bummed that it will probably hide my baby bump. But I know my baby's in there, somersaulting around like the best of them! I am hoping to have a natural birth, but I read a lot of pregnant women who have had WLS end up having c-sections, but I hope that's mostly people who have had the more invasive surgeries like gastric bypass. I wish you the best with your pregnancy!

After being banded with plication in August 2012, I have been having quite a bit of pain for the last three months. I went to my surgeon who acted like he doesn't want to bother with me. Just real rude and acted like my pain was no big deal. So I saw another surgeon who was kind enough to take me on. My body is rejecting the lapband. It seems it doesn't like having a foreign object in it. So my band is going to be removed and I will be revised to the sleeve all in one surgery. I have lost weight with the band but my body doesn't like it.

It's good you found a revision doctor who can do the removal/revision/plication take down at once. Recovery is a bit more difficult and longer than implanting your band, but once you are there, the aftercare is minimal. Just want to warn you that I know several whose tests showed the band placement was fine and once they got into surgery, they found the bands had eroded, adhered to other organs, etc. barium swallows, even endoscopy showing a healthy stomach can be a false negative for slips and partial erosion. They just can't tell for sure, until you're opened up. Best wishes for a quick surgery and speedy recovery.

As anyone after having bypass had a baby that could not have one before the bypass. I have not had my bypass at this time. And I want to now can you have a baby after having the bypass easy to have a baby and is the baby health and safe. Sent from my iPod touch using RNYTalk

When you take your vitamins or meds, you can take them with fluids. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery and as a result I take quite a few vitamins each day. Sleeve patients take much fewer. It is important to put a 2 hour separation between the vitamins that contain iron and those that contain calcium. So in my case I found that what works best for me is to take the iron supplements just before bedtime. I put my vitamins in a weekly pill container. I have one container for the morning and one for the night. And I use a very small glass bowl for my calcium supplements. I put my calciums in the bowl in the morning and take them throughout the day. If I am up and about I put my calciums in a ziplock bag and carry them with me. After surgery I lost my ability to swallow large pills and as a result I had to split them or crush them in order to take them. That condition was temporary and lasted around 2 months and then I was able to swallow them again. The Citricals were the worse.

I'm three years out and prior to surgery, I had a BMI of 50. My surgeon recommended the sleeve because I was still young-ish then, e.g. early 30s and nutrient absorption is pretty important. My surgeon felt that the calcium/vitamin D malabsorption may lead to bone density issues later on in life (and after obesity, people generally don't have great bone density and are prone to fractures). Most of bariatric surgery is relatively new, so there aren't a ton of long term studies, so my surgeon is just guessing. And most people on the bypass seem to be pretty good about taking their vitamins (which is something you should do with the sleeve anyway). A couple of months after my sleeve I was diagnosed with a range of painful, chronic autoimmune diseases and I'm very thankful that I went with the sleeve because of the issues with drug absorption with the bypass (I have to take a ton of oral medications). Of course, I did not deal with GERD, which means that the bypass is right for many people. With the sleeve, I was able to take my BMI from 50 to 25. Due to aforementioned illnesses and medications, I did deal with some regain, which I am slowly working on. At the moment, my BMI is about 29. I have never felt like the sleeve wouldn't be enough to help me achieve success. All that to say, you can definitely have success with the sleeve or the bypass. As commented by others, a lot of it is going to come down to what your level of commitment, and your ability to change your lifestyle and deal with psychological issues. And you have to educate yourself. You can't drink a diet of only protein shakes forever. At some point, you have to learn how to eat real food in the real world, go to work, socialise and interact with food, people and life. If you haven't dealt with your "issues", you will have regain with either surgery. It can be a tough decision, but I honestly feel that you can find success with either surgery.

I got Friday August 3rd for my gastric bypass surgery and I was told to wait 18-24 months.

I agree with the person that said to ask for a referral to have your anatomy looked at. If there is something wrong, that can likely be fixed. I'm Kaiser NorCal, and they generally do not do revisions due to lack of weight loss or regain. Get checked out, but don't count on it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm sure I'll be an anxiety-ridden mess once this settles in and hits me, but right now I am so excited. I finally have my surgery date (revision) set for May 22nd! I start my pre-op diet this weekend (basically, as soon as I get to the grocery store). I was actually hoping to be doing all liquids (I find it easier than having to navigate the weird world of food), but I'm doing two shakes, one Protein bar, and one "sensible meal" a day. Should be do-able. My schedule has suddenly become jam packed with support group meetings, pre-op testing at the hospital, a surgery education appointment, an appointment with my surgeon to discuss pre-op testing results, an IVC filter placement date and all the rest. I have the feeling I am going to be a very busy girl until surgery...ha!

I have mild reflux but im not sure if its significant. I take nexium in two week intervals when I feel it coming on strong. usually about every 3- 4 months I take a two week dose and it goes away for a long while. I have actually heard that a revision or a resleeve can make the reflux worse but I suppose it depends on whats wrong in the first place. I am hoping to get a doctor that notices the first surgery wasnt done properly and I get resleeved. Yes it is a revision but kaiser didnt have to pay for it the first time and this second time would to repair. But if the doctor doesnt find anything wrong with me then there may be no hope for insurance to cover it. emme.vee - I would live to take your info from the Santa Ana doctor as soon as I can figure out how to message you.. , Thanks so much

If you've done your research then you probably know which one 'fits' you best. Good luck with the decision, I know the LB isn't for everyone. My reasons for the LB over RNY: - Safer surgery - Unfill at any point needed and Reversible if needed for other health reasons - Less complications (dumping, hair loss, etc.) - Slower weight loss (easier to explain when you're not 'telling' others, and easier to get proper nutrition) - Continued interaction/accountability to the surgeon (ie. I had to sign that I would continue seeing my surgeon for 5 yrs. post-op, he covers 6 fills as part of the package so it's not for more $, he wants you to be successful long-term) - Continued adjustments to stoma for life (RNY- can stretch the stoma, some need revision surgery) - I need portion control, not reactions to bad foods. I already know I can diet successfully so I'm not worried about counting calories etc. (I don't think I need the malabsorption). If you haven't found it yet, there's an RNY/Other surgery group on LBT HERE. You might want to ask the RNY'ers why they chose (there's a group there that went from Band to RNY). Good luck! -BG

I had the Plication done in September 2010. So far I have lost only 30lbs, I am going on January 6th to try to revise the plication to VSG. This is being done by Dr. Jose Rodrigues. I will go in 1 day early to get some test done in order to measure my stomach to see if the VSG can be done. Has anyone heard of the plication being revised to VSG. I am feeling a bit nervous as the date is getting closer. I look forward to your comments,

I can't say enough about Dr. Kelly and his staff! I am NurseMichele's sleeve sister! lol Everything she said about the staff, well I say it too. Dr. Kelly surprised us with operating on us the day we got there instead of the next day. We thought that was great so we didn't need to stress another day. Being a lapband revision I had a little tougher time than the other two (I was first also). It took 1.5 hours for me including the endoscopy I had to have before they started because of the lapband. They had a little problem with my stomach because of the lapband but they took care of it fine. I had a rough time coming out of the anastasia also and started to go into to shock but they brought me out quickly. My sister was there at that point and said she got worried because I was pastie white and shivering bad. She did a good job helping out when needed and I'm glad she was there right then. I had to have a drain tube for 2.5 days but that didn't bother me, I thought it would if I had to but it didn't. By day three I think I was caught up in heeling with the other two. Cece (Dr. Kelly's wife) and Omar, the coordinator, took us to Lucerna Hotel. Beautiful! And then they took us to lunch for a nice bowl of broth and then to the board walk on Tijuana beach and we all stuck our feet in the ocean. It wasn't that warm of a day though. A bad day on the beach is better than any good day at work though. Then they took us shopping and back to the hotel. We did a LOT of walking and all of us did good. The next day they gave us pedicures compliments of the Dr.! Cece gave us each a massage and plucked our eyebrows! lol My niece and I also chose to buy the manicure. Each day we felt a little better. I'm not hungry much at all and just been drinking broth, juice and water as told. I have a little pain in the area where my tube was but it might be a gas pain from being operated on. Scale of 1 to 10 it's only a 2-3 and it is very seldom....good! Tender where the incissions were is about all. We got home Friday night. The flight was 2.5 hours and then we drove 4 hours, a little tiring though but glad to be home. Today my niece and I went garage sale-ing and then to a Vintage Fair and walked around for 3 hours and then I visited my uncle for 1.5 hours and home to rest as I have to visit my aunt in another hour. I might go to bed a little earlier than my normal time. I do feel good though. I would truly recommend Dr. Kelly and his staff. The other doctors were very nice too and obviously competent since we are all doing good. Michele was so much fun to have around with my sister, niece and myself; we had a lot of fun together; she's a hoot! Nice to have a Sleeve Sister that you care about and want to keep in contact with. Good luck to you! We will all do good I'm sure. That's my update with no sugar coating on it. I will post my progress also. Good luck to all that have this done, I'm feeling it was a good choice for me.

I'm having revision from sleeve to MGB on 4/23 !! Terrified but also excited !

All of my surgeries from knee, lapband, revision, c-section required removal of all of my piercings regardless of location.