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I didn't know we could get dumping with the sleeve! I thought it was just too much sugar with bypass patients. Good to know.

Today is my first Thanksgiving since being "sleeved" on April 30th. My journey in pre-op began November 1st, 2013 and since then I have lost 140 lbs!!!! I am 22 pounds to goal, and I feel fantastic!! This journey has come with some sacrifices. It is not a quick fix, however, it is a wonderful tool, if you use it correctly! I exercise 5 days a week or more, I eat clean, avoid all carbs and sugars, and live on Protein, veggies, and a tiny bite of fruit now and then. I weigh and log everything that I possibly can on My Fitness Pal and I am sticking to an 800 calorie diet until I reach goal. I am bummed at times that I can't eat some of the yummy foods my family and others are eating, but I am in such a different mindset now that I get over it within minutes and I just keep on doing my thing. For those of you considering this surgery, I say DO IT, but keep in mind that it's not a quick fix and it won't make you "skinny" if you aren't willing to do the work. Yes, you can eat whatever you want in small amounts and lose weight initially, but from what I hear, keeping it off is the hard part. If you don't change/break those bad habits now how will you keep the weight off? That's been the struggle for us all along, right?? Just some "food for thought" on this food-laden day. Happy Thanksgiving, all! Stay healthy and eat healthy today (and a bit of exercise won't hurt, either). Your body will be thankful!

Jade, There is no easy solution. It's a misperception to believe wls does the job for you. No matter what surgery you get, you will have to abide by the rules 100% to reap the benefits. Revisions are great when you are suffering true complications and one surgery is not working out for you. But I know my doc wouldn't qualify someone who just doesn't want to put the work in. They'll predict it'll be the same scenario under another procedure which requires just as much diligence and compliance. Getting wls and getting results takes dedication and work. The difference between pre and post op is that these procedures can help you with things like hunger management, portion control which in the long run will be critical for maintenance. Also, counting calories and understanding how much you are putting into your body allows you to get an understanding of what it means to be on target or to overindulge. It took me years of counting to finally get to a place that I can estimate with accuracy and no longer count. But the reality is, if I consume more than my allotment, I will stall or gain. Weight loss has a very simple formula that cannot by bypassed- weight loss= calories consumed - calories burned. You either workout or you limit intake. No wls changes that.

I agree Danna, less stress time but still scarey... something I am going to do in the future... but here it is !! Anna confirmed the date today so it's for sure !! :clap2::clap2: Thursday, 1 November... no wonder I couldn't sleep last night !! :faint::faint: Thanks Leeanne, this is a good place to come. :eek:

It has been awhile since my first post months ago. I started this process in June and after a bunch of crap from the insurance BCBS of GA I am finally approved. It took 2 and a half months from the day my paperwork was sent in for me to get the call this morning saying I am approved. WOW!!! I had just about given up hope. I just wanted to share my exciting news!!! Will probably be getting banded on November 3rd. So woo hoo!!! Thanks for letter me share.:biggrin::eek:

Well I wish you lots of luck. Your story is very touching and I hope your life only gets better from now on. I started at 419 I dunno what it's life to be larger than that. I have a horrible time now. Today at my weigh in I was below the 400 mark hit 398.5 was estactic started crying tears of joy. I can't WAIT until I am banded in November. Wishing you sooooo much luck.

Hi Jamie Is your appointment so that you can discuss getting the sleeve rather than the Bypass? If so, I know you'll love your sleeve. I was a little apprehensive when getting mine since I'd already gone through WLS before with my band. I was worried it wouldn't work for me like my band didn't work for me. So far it has proven me sooo wrong! I love my sleeve!!!!

Had my mind made up that I wanted to get banded. I went to seminar last month and noticed that the surgeon was pushing the gastric bypass. He kept saying that banding is a thing of the past and I will only lose about half of the weight that I want to lose. He suggested over and over and over again that by pass was the way to go. I need everyones comments!!! I really dont want the bypass... too risky with my life and a huge nutrition factor involved with that. Has anyone else heard of this? I insisted on the banding and now am ready to move on to the next step, which I think is the phsych eval... shouldnt have any problems there. Ive been married for 21 years, if Im not crazy by now... I think I will be okay. lol

I am planning on having the gastric bypass. Going for my upper gi next Friday and I will schedule for surgery!!!!

I'm pre-op but I chose the sleeve because I am fearful that when I'm older I will have too big of a malabsorption issue and may have too much trouble getting nutrients in even though I know vitamins assist. Also I have ALL the plans in the world to be successful, however if I do develop diabetes, which run in my family, I want the option if bypass later.... (Though I probably still wouldn't due to the above mentioned reasons.)

Hello everyone! A little over two years ago a friend and I struggled to work out everyday. We pushed through and did it though. We were very diligent on what we ate and how much. However with fail we never lost the weight. We both struggled with weight all of our lives. One day I causally mentioned WLS to her. I told her it was something I was going to look into. Well soon after that I had some medical issues and I felt I could get the weight off myself so I didn't follow through with meeting with a surgeon. My friend did though and started her journey to a happier healthier life. Insurance approved her with a bmi over 40. She had comorbidities but didn't list them(I think). Well today she looks absolutely amazing. I am so proud of her. So with that said here I am. I have had chronic problems with gastric ulcers, gerd and joint problems. I met with my surgeon this past November. I did everything. Sleep study, psych, bloodwork, cardiologist, NUT. EVERYTHING! whew. Well my paperwork was turned into Tricare and they denied it. They said I didn't have any of the listed comorbidities. My bmi is 38.7. I have PCOS, endometriosis, arthritis, gastric ulcers, gerd and severe back pain. I have been seeing a orthopedic for years now for my back pain. So my coordinator filed a appeal but I told her regardless I was going to pay for it. My surgery is scheduled for February 25th!! I can't wait. I am hoping Tricare changes their minds but if not so help me I will have this done. I am ready to change my life for the best!

I chose the sleeve because I have watched a family friend who had bypass. He lost his weight quickly and was a real success story, but even ten years later if he eats anything with a signifigant amount of carbohydrates of sugars he is sick the remainder of the day with vomiting and diarehha. We recently went to the lake with him and we both ate a bit of everything. I spent the day swimming and he kept having to run to the port a potty. I feel like not being able to have a piece (all be it a small one) of wedding cake when I get married, or having mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving would have made me unsuccessful long term. That was 99% of my reasoning, a fully functioning stomach. In my opinion, and that is all it is, if the sleeve would not have been a possiblity for me I was willing to go without WLS because I wanted a higher quality of life than the other surgeries could offer. Keep doing lots of research and find what makes you the most comfortable. You can go on any message board and hear rave reviews about one surgery and horror stories about the others. Good luck! Anna

There are a lot of posts about the lapband vs the sleeve on the forum. I have not seen as many about the bypass but from my research one of the main reasons to go for the sleeve over the bypass is the malabsorption problems. With the sleeve you do not have the same problems because nothing is changed in regard to your natural progression for digestion. The stomach is just smaller. Make sure whatever your choose is the right thing for you. Do not let the insurance pressure you. There are some people that have gone self pay and went for the sleeve because of insurance lack of coverage. I hope this helps some. Take the time to research the best option for you.

Bypass was never an option for me. I'd choose DS over RNY if I was forced to make that decision. Luckily, VSG was an option for my revision, I had to fight for it, but I got it. I was never interested in a malabsorptive procedure especially RNY. I figured the 2 years of malabsorption of calories and fat was not a fair trade off for a lifetime of malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins. Considering RNY patients only malabsorb for 18-24 months, I figured what the heck am I going to do for the rest of my life if I rely on malabsorption to get me to goal? Plus, I had a pouch with the band. My body hated the pouch. It's not natural, it didn't work for my body, and I knew RNY would give me the same pouch/stoma combo. Add in that only 30% of RNY patients dump with sugar, it just wasn't appealing. I've watched friend after friend have multiple long term complications with RNY. I can't count how many of them are deficient on some vitamin, one friend is going in for her 4th surgery related to her 7 yr old RNY pouch. This time, her intestines are twisted, and obstructed, and she's malnourished to the point of her teeth falling out because she malabsorbs so much of the nutrients she eats. For me, I just didn't want to deal with the long term complications that I've witnessed with friends in real life. I love having a normal, full functioning stomach. If VSG would not have been an option for my revision, I would have had my band removed, and stayed fat. Many patients win appeals for VSG. Work with your surgeon, and if your surgeon won't work with you, find a surgeon that will give you the surgery you want. You have to live with the surgery type for the rest of your life, not the surgeon. Best wishes, and don't give up or give in on getting the sleeve if you truly believe it is the best option for your long term health, and life goals.

Congrats. I'm a band to bypass revision scheduled for March 21. It's nice to see you are doing well. I have the same issues with photos and look forward to lots more family photos with me actually in them.

Tired momma - I too lost my dad recently, November 28th. So I know the feelings that are hitting you. For me sometimes I would be ok then out of the blue a memory or thought would bring it to the forefront. Those times are tough but what I do sometimes is this. I get on my elliptical, tears streaming down my face and the whole time I am on the elliptical I say a mantra "dad, this is for you, I can't do it for me right now, but to honor you and to show you that I did not give up on our dreams". I just keep saying that over mad over the whole time. You are grieving. That is normal and healthy. Eating sweets and chips would have probably had your dad frowning at you. Let's make him smile!

I originally planned to go with the sleeve but was advised by several doctors the right surgery would be bypass for me. This is mostly because I had severe acid reflux, the sleeve can make this much worse and in some cases even can cause it if you never had it. The RNY bypass cures it. The other reason was I was a type 2 diabetic and bypass has been known to cure it. My blood sugars have been normal from the very first day of surgery and I have never even had a single episode of heartburn.

HI Ada, I am glad you only have to pay 40.00. I hope I will only have to pay my required 30.00 office visits. I am still not totally sure. I was a little bummed because I started the ball moving in November by having my bariatric coordinator appointment, also my blood work, chest x-ray, ekg, echocardiogram and stress test. Then, after I do that my employer sends a notice 2-1/2 weeks away from them changing all of our insurance. In this insurance, I went from not having a deductible to having a deductible, my copays going up, and not having to have a supervised diet to having to have one. So, I was upset when I found out I would have to do a 3 or 6-month diet, but actually since I have calmed down and thought about it, I am actually a little thankful because I figure this is going to benefit me in the long run by getting used to certain expectations. I hope you have a smooth supervised diet and you are approved without hesitancy. ) Good Luck!!! :thumbup:

Hi all I had a gastric bypass on 28th January 2012 I've lost 65lbs so far but feel totally miserable. Getting fed up of not being able to eat much expect crackerbreads without feeling sick . Feeling very low when I see everyone being able to go out for meals with there partners and enjoying life when I'm stuck in this life now I don't regret the surgery because the weight loss is fantastic, just feels that my life has come to a halt

I had Gastric bypass on March 9, 2006. Looking to get more inspiration for reaching goal.

Hey guys zoe here. I've just turned 21 an I'm from Mansfield, notts which is in the uk. I'm new to this rny talk but finding it really interesting. So I had my pre op on 20/8/13 and had my bypass on 25/8/13, I was discharged on 27/8/13, I was so glad because my 21st birthday was on the 29/8/13 lol I had my surgery at royal derby hospital which is in derby. The op went well. I did have some trouble the first night though because my pulse was between 130+160 instead of the normal rate so I had an emergency ECG, blood tests, urine tests. They all came back fine. The only thing that would bring my pulse down was my CPAP. I have obstructive sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with in in feb 2013, but they think I've had it years. My weight at my first seminar in sept 2012, I was 352lbs, pre op I was 326lbs and my last weigh in was Wednesday and I was. 302lbs, so I may pop on the scales later and check to see if I'm below 300lbs I'm still on the liquid diet, in that for 2weeks so that ends Sunday, then blended food for 1week then soft textured foods for another 1week then normal foods. I can start the gym after 6 weeks so I can't wait for that I've gone from a size 26 to a 22/24 so far. I've been to the shops with sales on a found a couple if items that's are size 16/18 to get into next, overall I would like to be a 10/12. All in all I'm getting on great I have Facebook if anybody would like to add me on there it's : zoe4queencity2921@live.com, just type that in the search bar and it will come up or just reply trough thread or send me a private message

Gastric bypass for me will be 6/16. I can't wait. You are both an encouragement. Thanks.

Hi, Apologies I am a complete newbie in terms of forums, blog sites etc. I posted the below as a reply initially as didn't know how to post, so please bear with me if you have already read it/responded to it. I've just been sleeved as well. Surgery was 23rd Feb 2010 so am now 11 days out. The surgeon said I should have 2-3 yoghurts and a good bit of Soup before they would let me out of hospital. They forgot this bit and let me out after 1 yoghurt, which took about an hour to eat. I am just able to sleep on my stomach now (as of last night), thankfully but not sleeping great anyway. Up til stupid oclock in the morning as just not tired. The acid reflux was horrendous at first and could not be controlled but now it has gone completely and it appears so has all the very uncomfortable gas. I am a little concerned as don't really know if i'm eating enough/too much. Not had any discomfort, should be on liquid for 14 days but was told to eat yoghurt, custard,jelly & Soups etc from day 1, but after 15 days of pre op liquids couldn't stomach any of these except the custard. I have been living on fruit juice and apple sauce with custard (without limit) and have had some ready brek for the last couple of days. I have never really had a "full" or heavy feeling. I am not making huge quantities but worried that this is not normal. I haven't felt hungry but do get an empty feeling. I am supposed to start mushies on Tuesday which I am pleased about as I think I am ready for some variety now. I am feeling a bit worried as I don't "feel" any different really. I did the first couple of days as it took about an hour to eat a yoghurt but now, no problem. I am also concerned that I lost 14lbs the first week after surgery and then...Nothing.Nada, Zilch. I have only been to the bathroom once since I had surgery as well (despite taking lactulose) Is this normal Further to this, I have to have DVT injections and I have been getting really cold since surgery, don't know if this is due to thinning of the blood or the reduction of the insulation. I was particularly cold today so opted for a nice hot bath this afternoon and when I got out and was drying myself off I went all light headed and the room started spinning. I had to go and lie down on the bed for about 10 minutes cos thought I was going to pass out. Loving this site been on here all day, it's very inspiring and we have nothing like this in the UK. I was told that I am the first to have a sleeve at the hospital I went to they only really do bands and bypasses. I did actually explain to one of the nurses what I was having done and why because she had never heard of it. Not very encouraging I have to say, however the surgeon I had is the best in the country thankfully.

Shout gun answer to sweet tooth is bypass bc......your and my worst enemy doughnuts chocolate etc etc won't allow you bc of dumping syndrome. Look into it. Okay now b4 you can make plan to follow through you must know "LIFESTYLE CHANGE" your eating will never be the same if you want to success and not regain. You have to be mentally strong and ready bc we all think we ready until at the time of suffering health problems and then we fail. That is my biggest fear and you see time and again some don't want to exercise or like me filling my stomach pass full stretching my tummy or whatever. So be sure and b ready and do for you. K Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

If you can beleive it, I'm a different boat. I had the gastric bypass 10 years ago and have gained back all but 30 pounds. I will be having a lapband placed over my gastric pouch on 6/29. My advice, whatever you choose, just treat your WLS tool well, and it will do the same to you. I wish I had done it right the first time around, but will now take care of this new tool and investment :thumbup: