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I am having gastric bypass surgery on July 28 and my extended family has been adamant that I should get the sleeve instead of the bypass. Seven of them group texted me last night about it. I felt like i was being attacked. They basically think that every horror story is going to happen to me. They act like I haven’t done an enormous amount of research on the subject (which i have of course) and don’t know the risks. Has anyone else dealt with this?

Hi, everyone, first of all, English is not my native language, so please, take it easy. I went through Gastric Bypass surgery on May 19th, it's been 45 days today, July 3rd. I found out that I had a stricture 10 days ago (anastomatic stenosis), the diameter of the stricture was 8mm and through endoscopy, the doctor could enlarge it to 12mm. But even after it, it was difficult to eat soft foods, so I was hospitalized once again and yesterday I had my stricture enlarged again, now to 15mm. The doctor told me to eat only pureed foods for 30 days until I get another endoscopy done and see if it's okay to eat solid foods again. So in the best scenario, according to the doctor, I would reintroduce solid foods only within 1 month and 1 week. It feels like an eternity, I crave to eat something else than creamy soups and fruit and protein shakes. I'm thinking about trying to introduce soft foods a little before that to know how it feels, like chicken soup, with soft potatoes and minced chicken. Would you do that too? Have you ever had a stricture? If so, how did you take care of it? I'm so worried and impatient about my case. Thank you!

Hey folks! Long time lurker around here as I was preparing to my surgery but todays the day i decided to sign up because I have a question and I was hoping some body experienced something similar. Today July 2nd is exactly one week post op for me. I had a revision Sleeve to Bypass on 6/25. Ive been on full liquids for a few days now having zero problems. My 1 week post op appointment with my surgeon was yesterday and he applauded me on how well I was doing. No nausea, able to take in over 70 grams of protein and 50+ ounces of fluid. He told me to give cream of wheat a try so tonight I decided to do just that. Well I finished the entire packet of Instant cream of wheat and have no full or uncomfortable feeling and I was curious was this normal? I was expecting to feel like I'm busting half way through. I know everyone is different but I fell like that's odd. That I shouldn't have been able to finish that. I remember when I had the sleeve back in 2016 when I moved to soft food I was full for the rest of the day after my first bite of tuna salad. Anyway thanks for reading. Hope everyone journey is going well! Chris

Not sure if you saw my update, but after speaking with my neurologist, I decided to go with the sleeve. She told me there is more of a risk of complications involving neuropathy with the bypass, and I don't want to risk that. From what I've seen, bypass is somewhat more effective for resolving metabolic issues than sleeve, but sleeve still has a very good showing in terms of that. Good luck, whatever you decide!

I'm sorry to hear you're still struggling a little. I hope your recovery continues speedily & that you feel better shortly. I had my bypass 2 days ago & am feeling pretty good, just a little sore & very tired from not sleeping at the hospital. Please just keep taking good care of yourself & resting as much as possible. And keep hydrated above all. Let us know how you're doing when you're up to it. You're in my thoughts & prayers for full healing & a wonderful, healthy, transformative year.🤗

I had the Gastric Bypass June 14th. I had a really rough time, still am a little...but still glad I got to get it done! How's everyone else doing? :)

My bypass on June 30th went very well & I returned home a day later. I'm catching up on sleep & doing my homework: staying hydrated, walking, doing the breathing exercises & getting in some protein. The staff at the hospital were wonderful, very reassuring & caring, & now that my gas pain is dissipating, I only have a little soreness in the the upper abdomen which is easily kept at bay with Tylenol. If you have an upcoming surgery, please know that it's been much easier than I anticipated. Blessings to you for a wonderful weekend & journey.

Hey everyone! Gastric Bypass July 9th here. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday and they were extremely thorough! For those interested, I wanted to go over the details of what my process has looked like so far: - My insurance required an EKG, blood work, and gallbladder scan. So, during my pre-op, they redid all of those to compare the previous values with the most recent results. normal EKG, no high cholesterol, no high BP, no gallstones, normal thyroid levels, higher-ish estrogen, and borderline pre-diabetic which was NOT fun to hear but will hopefully be resolved with Bypass. - I spoke with the nurse and my (very handsome lol) surgeon, who re-reviewed all possible risks and complications. He explained how he would do the surgery (five incisions, robotic) and what to expect before and after. He also checked me for hernias, which I don't have. - Met with my dietician to re-review my pre-op diet and just to check in with me. She provided me with info on how to set up future appointments if needed as I transition through the phases. - The clinic gave me information on how to get my family member informed on what was happening. The hospital I am using has an app and the surgeon's team will text updates periodically. - I'm expected to be in-patient and will stay for one night unless I have complications. - They provided me with the sterile soap, Hibiclens and instructions on how to use it. bathe with half the bottle the night before, the other half the morning of (they gave me a sheet i have to mark down the date and time of the wash and turn it in the morning of). wash hair, no products, no contacts, no invisalign, clean sheets, clean pajamas. - the doctor gave me my prescriptions, which include: Gabapentin, acetominaphen, ondansetron for nausea, promethazine syrup, ursodial to prevent gallstones (thankfully i don't have any), and prilosec (OTC). - I had a chest xray and was asked if I had any implant anywhere (i don't.) all came back normal. - spoke with the anesthesiologist who weighed me, took my height, and explained the overall process to me. i've only been under once for a 70-minute MRI a few years ago but i know approximately what to expect. I will also be getting a 96-hour abdominal block to help with pain along with my (very strong) medication. - They provided me with information on what to eat and drink the night before (light breakfast, protein shake, clear liquids, and then four hours before the surgery, 16 oz of water), day of (clear liquids) four days after, two weeks after, (heavy liquids) one month after (maintenance phase). - set up a post-op appt 10 days later, and another one a month after surgery. - The morning of the surgery i arrive at 7:30 am, am checked in and put in pre-op, surgery should last two hours, one hour of recovery, and then moved to my private room where my sister will be waiting for me. no overnight guests because of COVID but this hospital has a designated bariatric surgery floor so all of the nurses are specialized in this, and even nicer, all of the equipment accommodate larger patients. so, large recliners, large beds, laaarge gowns, large chairs, sturdy IV machines, belly bands. very comfortable. - i'm planning on bringing an ipad, books, lip balm, lotions, warmer socks, grippy sandals, button down pajamas, a small pillow they recommended as a "splint" when i get in and out of bed, and toiletries. I feel pretty ready i suppose, but it doesn't feel quite real yet! crazy to believe that in a few months i'll be down a significant amount of weight (hopefully) and look slimmer. I am on my two-week pre-op diet which consists of two protein shakes and one light meal a day, with "free" snack foods including fat free cheese, lean meats, sugar free jello popsicles and pudding, high protein yogurts, and non-starchy veggies with light hummus or light ranch. hasn't been super easy but I'm trying my best. and LOTS of water. Let me know if you have questions, i'll be glad to answer them.

You may lose hair after a bypass but it will grow back. I’ve been using a biotic shampoo and taking biotic supplements. It couldn’t hurt!

My RnY was just scheduled for August 17th. When I started this process last September, I anticipated having surgery around May, and had a vacation to Japan booked for November, thinking that it would be 6 months out. I imagined that I'd be mostly adjusted and just eat tiny portions on the trip. Now, it's only a three month gap and I'm a little more nervous about whether this is a good idea. Has anyone gone on a big vacation so close to surgery? It would be difficult to delay this trip for a number of reasons that are too long to get into. Japan may not even be open for tourism by November and our initial plan was to rebook for Italy if that's the case, but I don't think Italian food would be any easier! My husband and I travel a lot in general so I know I need to figure this out at some point but is it too early?

I just got my date! August 9! Hoping insurance gives no issues. T.

Thank you for the information. You have given me much food for thought. My surgeon does offer the duodenal switch and it was what I was considering in the first place. In my initial consultation with my doctor, he said he was fine with it but felt it may be a little too drastic for me and that a sleeve or bypass might fit better for me (which with my high BMI, I don't understand). I have made an appointment with my surgeon to talk about the switch and the sleeve and the ulcer issue. Thanks again for the great info!

They certainly do perform RNY gastric bypasses now. It's still the gold standard. Some doctors talk their patients into the sleeve because it's easier for the surgeon, not necessarily better for the patient. I had RNY in 1990. Back then RNY surgery involved stapling between pouch and stomach, not separation. It was open surgery and I was in the hospital for 7 days. I had no pre-op or post-op nutritional guidance. I was handed a 1-page low-cal diet and told not to throw up. Two follow visits post-surgery were to check the incision and I was then left to my own devices. I learned on my own to take vitamin and mineral supplements; no one told me. I lost about 75 lbs from a high weight of 319, stopped losing after about six months, but kept the weight off for about five years before starting to gain it all back again. For the past 20 years, I've yoyo-ed with countless diets and food plans but always return to that same high setpoint. I'm now 73 years old and am going to give it another shot. My knees and hips are shot, I've got a pacemaker, and I figure I'll die within a few years if I can't lose all this excess weight. I first learned about revision surgery about a year ago, just before COVID hit. This spring I followed up with a hospital bariatric clinic about 2 hours from my home. I've been on a liver-reducing diet for three months. I had a barium swallow a couple of weeks ago that revealed that the staples had given way and there was a fistula between the pouch and stomach, which explains why I stopped losing weight from the RNY. I had an endoscopy today and had a conversation with the surgeon who told me that the leak occurred because of peristalsis of my stomach, not (as I thought) because I ruined it due to up-chucking too often. The new surgical methods are much improved and there is extensive pre-op and post-op guidance and follow-up. I will have my psych evaluation in two weeks. I'm within 2 pounds of my prescribed pre-op diet, but don't have a surgery date yet for the revision. I do not want to fail again, so I will probably seek therapy for food addiction even if it is not recommended during the psych evalutation.

I’m getting gastric bypass . My doctor just filled out my clearance form and turned it in today. My insurance is Cigna and from my research they’re pretty fast 😬 so I’m thinking August

This isn't my clinc's plan, but it's solid advice from a solid authority. Mayo Clinic is one of the best hospitals in the US. This is just an overview, but it's got some of the specifics you're looking for. (I know it's for bypass, not sleeve....but right after surgery, the advice is virtually identical) https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gastric-bypass-surgery/in-depth/gastric-bypass-diet/art-20048472

Hi em, such an exciting time! What guidelines have Ramsay Health given you? I had my bypass on 15th June, did a 10 day pre-op diet. Spire Healthcare gave me 2 options, one was loads of milk, yogurt, fruit and a serving of home made vegetable soup and the other was more food based. I mostly stuck to the milk one, but had a bit of fish with veg instead of the soup some days.. I think the constant chugging of milk stopped me feeling hungry, protein is pretty fab for that. Have you met with your dietitian to discuss it? I kept myself busy and distracted during that time doing a deep clean of the house and getting everything ready for when I would be feeling delicate after surgery, and I am so glad I did!

Hi, I'm a Newby just found the forum, I'm so shocked. I had my gastric bypass last Wednesday and have only lost 2lb. I'm currently 262lb. I lost quite a bit on the pre opp diet went from 281 to 264. (In 2 weeks). So was surprised at the low weight loss this week. I've been really good with my protein and haven't had over 800 calories a day. I just don't understand it. Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Omg me too. My doctor recommend me to have the sleeve she said gastric bypass has many complications and it is an invasive surgery but my endocrinologist said that bypass will be a better option for my metabolic issues... And here I am undecided on which surgery I should get. She wants me to watch some gastric bypass surgery videos to get my surgery date.... Sent from my LM-K920 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm the old lady of the group. I had roux n y long limb bypass in 1997. My original weight was 306 and my lowest weight has been 136. I have regained and lost many times in the years that followed. I currently weigh 159 and my goal is 150..I find I lose weight quickly if I follow the surgeons diet guidelines. Twice I have gained to over 200 pounds and had to put the work in to lose it. I get lazy and decide to eat what I want with the exception of high fat and high sugar foods which gives me dumping syndrome. My first suggestion is too start with seeking your physician's advice. They are the experts. I understand what you mean about support. Only my children and siblings know that I ever had the surgery so it's difficult to really get support and understanding. Most people think the surgery is the easy way out because they just don't know how hard it is. Every support group I've even participated in have been more geared to people and immediate post op support. I definitely understand how gut wrenching the regain is especially when the surgery is so hard in the first place. I'm very open to share my experience and current struggles with you. We seem to be in the same mind space. Good fortune. To you.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. If they won't do a bypass, the other options would be to just repair the hiatal hernia and see if that alone will stop the reflux, or to get a Linx device put on your sleeve: https://www.jnjmedicaldevices.com/en-US/campaign/LINX-GERD-relief If you feel like you're not totally convinced you want to get the bypass then I would talk to the surgeon about those other options. Just doing nothing isn't an option, since bad reflux is such a miserable problem to deal with and can be so dangerous.

Hello, baripals! I'm a 56-year-old woman with a BMI of 50 & I'm having my RNY gastric bypass tomorrow, JUNE 30TH. Eek! I am so, SO excited. I'm 5'4" & currently weigh 275.5lbs but my start weight before the pre-op liquid diet was 290lbs. While I have severe sleep apnea & a family history of ovarian cancer, I do not have high blood pressure nor diabetes. My only medication is for recurring major episodes of depression & dysthymia following a childhood & adolescence of psychological & sexual abuse. I have always used food to stuff down negative emotions & stresses & have been learning, through therapy, to find other means to express myself & vent my feelings. I'm really looking forward to changing my lifestyle & getting fit & healthy for myself & my family (hubby & two sons, 21 & 19, & future daughter-in-law, 21). If you'd like to connect with me (& I'd certainly like that), you can find all of my socials pinned in the banner of my YouTube channel & find my email on the channel's About page. I wish everyone success with their surgeries & new lives. Blessings to you all for great health & happiness!

Hello, baripals! I'm a 56-year-old woman with a BMI of 50 & I'm having my RNY gastric bypass tomorrow. Eek! I am so, SO excited. I'm 5'4" & currently weigh 275.5lbs but my start weight before the pre-op liquid diet was 290lbs. While I have severe sleep apnea & a family history of ovarian cancer, I do not have high blood pressure nor diabetes. My only medication is for recurring major episodes of depression & dysthymia following a childhood & adolescence of psychological & sexual abuse. I have always used food to stuff down negative emotions & stresses & have been learning, through therapy, to find other means to express myself & vent my feelings. I'm really looking forward to changing my lifestyle & getting fit & healthy for myself & my family (hubby & two sons, 21 & 19, & future daughter-in-law, 21). If you'd like to connect with me (& I'd certainly like that), you can find all of my socials pinned in the banner of my YouTube channel & find my email on the channel's About page. I wish everyone success with their surgeries & new lives. Blessings to you all for great health & happiness!

July 13th surgery. I am having a revision from sleeve to bypass for GERD. I don't have to do a two week diet just a 3 day liquid one. I have my pre op visit tomorrow

Good evening everyone I’m new to the group. Im from NC and I’m having the gastric sleeve procedure 8/6/21. I’ve been in this process since 2017 and hit an obstacle when I found out I had sarcoidosis in 2018. That ultimately lead to me being on prednisone for about 2 years….and I gained a lot of weight which put my journey on hold. I found a new surgeon who actually listened to me and assessed my situation he agreed to do a stage procedure (gastric then bypass). I’m so ready for this I’ve been praying about it for years and in and out of depression behind weight and just life in general. I’m 32 years old no kids. I’m ready to live my life and not let my weight determine my day. Any tips pre-op would be helpful. I welcome suggestions.