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I don't know much, but a friend of mine had bypass awhile ago and is currently undergoing chemo.

I started my research in June and had to attend a mandatory info session that didn't take place until August -- a meeting with the program coordinator, nutritionist, psych eval, then finally the surgeon. Then one more meeting with the nutritionist to go over pre-op diet and I had my surgery in November. Will be different for every program but that may give you an idea. I felt very impatient but ultimately I think the extra time was good for me to read every post here, do some therapy, step up my exercise, etc. Good luck to you!

Yay! I had my psych exam this morning and everything is great there as I knew it would be. I have my nutrition class on May 8th and exercise class on June 12th. Then June 12th is preparing for surgery class / Pre-Op education then surgery. I'm so excited and getting closer to my Gastric Bypass surgery.

It is a struggle to not gain during pre op. My body doesn't know how to maintain. It's always either gaining or losing. I went to the surgeon on July 8th, and when I met with my PCP on July 26th I had gained two pounds. I meet with the surgeon again on August 26th, and I am working hard to lose those two pounds I gained. Hopefully I can blame it on water weight or PMS if they mention it. It's making me nervous knowing I can't gain anything until November. If I didn't have an issue with gaining weight, I wouldn't need this surgery! Ugh.

I am on my 3rd diet appointment. I have to go in November for class to learn how to properly eat and then last diet appointment in December. I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I am still scared about getting approved. I guess we will out in December. Praying for the best! Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

Ten more days before I have my revision from band to bypass. hopefully it goes by fast!

After years of research and finally making up my mind to make the choice to improve my quality of life. I am starting to feel this will NEVER happen..and I am bombed about it. I have been waiting for this surgery for years now. I did my research and decided on which I wanted and I made up my mind do have gastric bypass. At the time the insurance I had did not cover bariatric surgery. I swicted jobs a few years later and FINALLY the ins co I had would cover... I made up my mind to have surgery! I called my insurance company to see what was necessary I was told that my plan did NOT require the supervised weight loss. My surgeon's office was told them same thing. In January 2015 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, so of course wls was put on the back burner. I am over that and all healed up so I go back to my weight loss journey. I get to one of my last appts last week (Nutrition) and was advised that I my insurance requires me to be on a 6 mo medically supervised weight loss plan...WHAT?!!!!! I know that a lot of people have to do this so when I 1st called my insurance company to see what was necessary I specifically asked that question and I was told that my plan did NOT require the supervised weight loss. My surgeon's office was told them same thing. I really wanted to get this done this year because I have met my annual deductible and the surgery would be covered by my insurance co 100%. ..a 6 month diet plan means I wont be done until December. Which will probably push my approval (surgery) into 2016..I can not afford to pay the high deductibles and fees. I am sooo disappointed and hurt. I was really beginning to accept this was going to happen...I am crushed...devastated!! I just want off this ride. Hopefully something can be worked out somehow...but if not...I am afraid that the "life" I have now is what is as good as it is going to get. has this happened to ANYONE else or does anyone know about how long the approval process takes???

I have a question about the consequences of long-term low caloric intake. Obviously surgery works because of the drastic reduction in calories, so your body is able to burn its own fat stores for energy. But if you ever done research about low calorie living I'm sure you've heard that if you eat too few calories your body into sort of a "starvation mode" which slows your metabolism--sort of like your body going into self protection...which is precisely why all good diet programs suggest that you actually eat frequent but small meals during the day--obviously closely monitoring calories, carbs, etc. so I guess my question is how do post bypass patients continue living on such reduced calories? As adults we are not designed to live on less than 1000 cal a day over the long term, right? I don't know why but I've been just thinking about this a lot...

I know I havent been posting that much lately but I have been feeling some kind of something for a few weeks now but it seems in the past week since I have been dealing with a Sinus infection and ear infection It is worst. I have taken NSAIDS as my gyobyn said it was ok, and today I got a shot of steriods with a prescription of Prednisone to start in the morning. I have taken Advil this past year, and just this week been taking a nasal decongestant and Mucinex for cold and flu. Ok so now to what I have been feeling. I get a pain in my pouch at least once a week, I mean bad pain that I usually go all day with. Eating and drinking does not make it better, but then I go to bed wake up and its gone. Now the past week, and definately today, I am getting a burning pain every time I eat or drink, and when I drink, It feels like my pouch is filling up like a balloon and is going to pop. I have been getting a tiny bit nauseous starting today when eating or drinking, and real burpy and my stomach acid in my stomach is like non stop almost. I have also noticed a change in my bowel movements. Sorry TMI!! but i was going regular regular sometimes 2-3 times a day, but the past week or so I have noticed not so much and each time they are getting harder and darker and darker. In which I had noticed I have been having trouble losing weight since June. I havent lost one single pound i have actually gained. I weighed 180 June 1st and today I weigh 185-187. I am one year post op gastric bypass 10.29.12 and had gallbladder removal 12.29.12, and a complete hysterectomy 05.02.13. Any ideas would be nice. Rhonda

Can't recommend Dr Weiner highly enough,I have learned so much from his videos. I'm pre surgery but feel confident about the gastric bypass,I know the weight will come back unless I learn to eat differently. There really is no magic pill. I've also got his book "A Pound of Cure"

Has anyone ever gotten Gastric bypass surgery or any other WLS with a40% or less working heart I need some info having surgery tomorrow

My name is Sam. I'm 30 yrs old. I recently have become sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm fat. I don't care to sugar coat it. That's how I got this way. Pun intended. I will tell you I'm scared of surgery. I will also tell you I've done many things I've been scared of. I am so on the fence about bypass and sleeve. Originally I thought I wanted to lap band. That turned out to be very wrong. So my surgeon is really pro patient choice with in reason. And I am stuck... so I'm really curious how did you make your decision? What's your experience?

i am booked for Aug 26 for Bipass. The doctors at my hospital dont give you a choice it's bypass or sleeve if they find complications when they get in there. I am soooo scared. I am very healthy other than being overweight. Worried i am gonna trade one problem for another. I am trying to focus on the after, but it's so hard not to worry. Having surgery at St joseph's hospital in hamilton, somebody pls talk to me

I picked the sleeve over bypass for several reasons, but only YOU can choose what's best for you. If I was diabetic, I would have had bypass. I am not. I wanted to live and eat as "normally" as possible and I was not interested in the possibility of "dumping". I wanted to be able to have a bite or tow of cake or a brownie here and there and I can do that with the sleeve. That said, rich ice cream (my favorite dessert in the world) makes me dump like a pansy biotch. Rich cream Soups do, too. ARGH. Malabsorbtion scared me. I suck at taking Vitamins and pills and I did not want to be on that regimen forever. I don't swallow pills. With bypass that's a must. With sleeve it's a YOU REALLY SHOULD DAMMIT but I don't. I didn't want my intestines re-routed. I don't have a logical reason for that, I just didn't. I loved the idea of my grehlin factory being shut down and it has been. Appetite suppressants have always worked well for me, now it's happening naturally. WIN!! The sleeve was my best option and my surgeon was behind it 100%. As active as I am, and as dedicated as I've proven to be, he agreed that the sleeve was my best bet. I am just over two years out and have been at goal for almost 16 months. I'm thrilled.I more than thrilled. I'm feaking ecstatic. I've had my share of complications but I don't regret a single moment. Not even for a second...

Marie Car I am not as close to surgery as you but I share your feelings exactly. I am so scared but I know I need to do this. I focus on the good everyone says but I feel like in petrefied. Gastric bypass seems so serious I don't know how I got like this. I feel like no one gets how afraid I really am. It's a lonely place to be I'm healthy as well but I do not want to wait till I'm not. We can be here for each other. Surgery sistas.hang in there

Hi Sarah, When I was in the process of pre-banding I found out my surgeon had only done 40 bands. I was definitely scared, but he had done thousands of laproscopic surgeries and tons of bypasses. Band placement is considered by some surgeons to be a "breeze" compared to most other laproscopic surgeries. I don't want to be cavalier about it, but I heard one person say her surgeon said that "placing a band is like clipping a toenail". I also heard from a few people on here who were their surgeon's first and they're doing great. As for me I'm about six and a half months out and knock wood, I seem to be doing fine. My doctor was also attended by a doctor who had placed over 100 bands so that made me feel better. I think sometimes the surgeon might even be more careful when they don't have as much experience. --Becky

Thank you! I am nervous about getting approved. My next appointment is a meeting along with others who are waiting for surgery and some post op people so we can get a little more insight. That is November 17th

Lap bypass is 100times harder than the lap-band. Risks are MUCH more prevalent. It may be purely that her patients need the more permanent surgery. I would not let that deter me. The more important question is how many lap-bands does she follow and how long has she been treating and following pts with lap-band? If its more than a year its more than your and my experience. If she has a good approachable bed side manner thats what counts- everyone has to start somewhere!! She could have lied to you but she was honest. Now you need to be honest with her. Tell her your concern if she is worth her salt she will discuss it with you and offer an expert in the field should one be needed.

Me again :/ Curious. I just came back from my work lunch break. I went to Panera bread and ate an entire sandwich, bag of chips and had small cup of Water. I wont be able to manage that after the bypass, correct? I have the sleeve at the moment and I want to make sure I will be able to stop when full.

Currently waiting for gastric bypass procedure , I have an appointment in September which will involve me having a comprehensive medical inc seeing the Anethetist , weigh myself meet the nurse , surgeon , blood tests and psychiatric evaluation . Does any one know roughly the time between going to this evaluation and the operation itself as still have not received a surgery date yet and thought there might be a time frame that can't be exceeded between the evaluation and actual surgery inc pre op diet . As circumstances and body may change ... A less complicated way of explaining what I mean is that all the results from the evaluation made on me could become invalid or wrong if operation is not preformed relatively soon after my medical ....?? Any one else know?

Heading in this morning for my bypass. The time has flown by since I started this process back in February. Good luck to all of my fellow Aug 10th surgery peeps and thanks to all on this site who have been so helpful and encouraging.

I do not know about the November Bandsters but the September Bandsters voted here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/september-group-name-poll-102389/ and Sexy Septembers won.

When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

I can tell you from my own experience that the hospital process was incredibly smooth. It was kind of like hanging out. Got a beeper when I checked in. Beeper went off, went to the pre-op room, met with one nurse to go over medical history again. Told her I am a tough person to get an IV going and she called a different IV nurse into the room. Changed into the hospital garb, and then talked to the bariatric coordinator (who had been sleeved herself), until the anesthesiologist came in and put me in happyland. Woke up 3 hours later and it was over. The first week was not a lot of fun...the first full day home was the worst as I now had to get my own fluids in. Only pain I had was at the large incision point, no nausea at all. After a week, pain virtually gone. Averaging about 5 lbs lost per week. You will do fine. Complications are extremely rare in this surgery. My surgeon has done thousands of these operations and has never had a leak. Worst case if you have a leak is they do a bypass...not the end of the world.

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie here. Hoping to make friends.just completed all my prerequisite for approval for my RNY gastric bypass. Just waiting to see if I'm approved.. please cross your fingers for me. I really want this .Covarrubia911@gmail.com