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I had RNY in 2002. Old school style. And I fought for my life in 2015.. I'm pretty stable right now but hate what I've done to myself and hate being sick all the time. I'm still fighting to get about 20lbs off of regain while fighting malnutrition arms deficiencies. I get sick all the time after eating or if I don't or can't eat. I'd love to make internet friends with someone who understands too. Sorry I have never posted on a blog before and hit something that made this post before i was done..I had gastric bypass rouxny in 2001. I was 260 at a height of 5'4". I had 3 young children and was ashamed to go most places they wanted to go..camping, amusement parks, flying etc due to my being obese and having the comorbidities that go with it such as ankle, knee, joint pain from the weight my legs were carrying and shoulder/neck pain from the set of boobs I was carrying. I went in to see the surgeon in November 2000. I weighed 240 and didnt have the BMI i should have to qualify for bypass surgery to be covered by my insurance. The doc said "you came at a great time! It's the holidays go home eat whatever you want and come back to see me after the first of the year" So I did and I gained the 10 pounds i needed plus another 10 pounds. I was qualified for surgery. I had to pass a basic psychological exam which I told the truth at(i was doing it to enjoy having fun with my kids and get healthy not for vanity)Do you know back then they didnt tell you that you needed to drink protein shakes or take supplements the rest of your life. I know you are not believing me right now but its true. Thats why I would like to talk to anyone who had the same surgery same year I did. I adjusted to my new life of eating 2 oz of baby food, had the diararrhea all the time when i ate something i wasnt suppose to. All the normal things they still can not change. Gastric bypass is not a "cheaters program" it is a lifestyle adjustment not only for you but for your family also. I had just lost my way I expressed my emotions all my life at 33. I felt like I lost my best friend. I didnt know how to replace it so i ended up with alchohol addiction for 5 straight years of my kids most precious lives that I had this surgery to enjoy with. Totally f****d up I know. Then I became addicted to pain killers..then some street drugs..you see where all this is going right? I was the perfect goal weight of 140 why wasnt I happy and enjoying my family? Fast forward from 2002(it took me a year to lose the weight and have abdominal plasty) to 2016. My kids are grown now and my husband took a job over 12 hours away from my family and the only "real live" friends I knew. Something broke in me that I started exhibiting physically. From April -August just 5 months I was down to 93 pounds hadnt eaten by mouth in 5 months because I was now consitpated instead of diararrhea and when i couldnt put anything more down I stopped eating. For 2 years i was labeled as "failure to thrive". Any specialist be gastroenterologist to neurologists to psychiatrists could not figure out what was wrong with me. I literally had every test done possible in those 2 years. Finally I was sent to a gastric bypass surgeon who said "this is why they dont do those surgeries anymore" Well hello did someone notify me a patient who had been through it that progress had been made and things were totally different now? ABSOLUTELY NOT. to be continued...

Hi..my name is Glenda J Pierce and I just found this forum by searching things they dont tell you about gastric bypass. This is my story and I am wondering if anyone who had gastric bypass when it was in early stages of RNY in 2001has experienced any of the same issues and are afraid to talk about it because you are ashamed. I was for 15 years until it started making me sick..I came near death in april 2016. First let me preface this by fianlly getting sent to a Gastric Bypass Surgeon who literally said to me"this is why they dont do those kind of surgeries anymore".

I'm still 2-4 months away from meet gastric bypass dr im ready for this to be over so I can have my surgery I'm down 20 pounds on my own but I still need to loss a lot more weight any tips for after surgery is it really painful Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I just hate that it’s one or the other and there is no middle ground. My rhum has no concerns with me having a revision to bypass so I do not understand why the BS does. My rhum and I have even discussed possible meds after the transition.

I LOVED potato chips before surgery and would eat a bag in one sitting. I bought my first (post-bypass) bag last week since I am trying to eat more calories as to not lose more weight (I have a lot of healthier high calorie foods too). I ate some chips. They tasted good. I had some the next day…not tasting as good. The rest of the bag is sitting on the counter and will probably get thrown out. I would rather have a big scoop of peanut butter for the extra calories 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️😬

I have found myself in the same situation. I had the gastric sleeve in 2013. My weight loss was 95 lbs. but over the past 4 years I have regained 30lbs. Now I have an 5 cm sliding hernia severe acid reflux stage 4 esophagitis. I have had 3 endoscopes to dilate the stricture. 4 biopsies if my esophagus and stomach to test for Barrets syndrome. A couple of weeks ago I met with the Bariatric Surgeon from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Arizona . My only option is a gastric bypass. This bypasses the acid producing part of the stomach. Sure fix …along with a hernia repair. So now I will be restarting starting this journey again with my remaing 55 lb goal. Taking nutrition and counseling through zoom. Its a bit scary but Ive walked this path before. So positive thinking! The Dr says there is enough stomach to make the pouch so it will be almost like resetting the time clock. But we all know this is all risky when messing with our bodies. If I had to reset and knowing what I know now… I think I would have gone with the bypass which is the tried and proven method of surgical weight loss.

Sorry I can’t offer any help in regards to a revision to bypass & rheumatoid arthritis. I did find the article below about managing methotrexate side effects. (I was interested because I have a non bariatric friend who takes it for RA too.) May be worth another conversation with the bariatric surgeon in regards to the suggestion that taking folic acid can reduce side effects. Repairing your hernia may alleviate some of your reflux issues too. It’s unfortunate that while it’s helpful managing arthritic pain, methotrexate can also cause weight gain. ☹️ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/methotrexate-managing-side-effects

In 2012 I had the gastric sleeve procedure, it was very successful until several events in my life caused me to slip back into old habits. Adding to that, my surgeon closed his practice and I had no one to follow up with locally. The old habits and lack of Followup care led to the weight slowly creeping back on. Since my sleeve procedure I’ve been diagnosed with RA which I have under control for about the past year or more. Earlier this year I began experiencing severe acid reflux and my PCP suggested I see the new BS who had just come to town. The BS advised me (after scoping me) that I have a hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired. He also recommended that I have a revision to the bypass. Fast forward three months and several pre-op tests later and I receive a call from the doctors nurse telling me that the doctor has decided it’s best not to do the conversion to bypass because I have arthritis and take methotrexate. She goes in to explain, the doctor thinks the risk of ulcers from medication and the possibility of slow healing outweigh the possible benefits. I am a 38 year old otherwise healthy female with her RA well controlled. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this before? Has anyone had the conversion to bypass who was diagnosed with RA before their conversion? I’m incredibly frustrated and not sure what do to from this point. Any advice you can share would be much appreciated.

If you had bypass, you may need to take a non-extended release version. You would need to take it a few times a day rather than once a day. Talk to the doctor prescribing yet, or have them talk to your surgery team. Good luck!

she's wrong. Of course some people have complications - you can have complications from any surgery, not just bariatric surgery. People have died from tonsillectomies, after all. But most bariatric patients don't have issues, and complications when they do occur are usually minor and "fixable". That's not to say no one ever has major complications, but they're really uncommon. And the mortality rate for gastric bypass is 0.3%. It's even less for sleeve. So you have at least a 99.7% chance of not dying. as far as untimely death, you're a lot more likely to have an untimely death from complications due to obesity than you are from bariatric surgery. yes you are on a very limited calorie diet for the first few months, but it's medically supervised and they do labs every few months during that first year, so they can catch things before they become problematic. Plus you're taking lots of supplements - protein, vitamins, minerals - to prevent major problems, too. I had follow ups and labs done every three months my first year. After that, you're eating more normally, so you really have to be closely monitored only during the first few months post-op. I think your friend is dealing with some very dated information - or complete misinformation.

Hi, I've recently gotten through The Big Book on the Gastric Bypass, and I felt pretty secure in my decision to go through with it (my first appointment with the surgeon is July 8th). But a friend went on a diatribe, and now looking for more information. A few of the things she said: -That people who've had weight loss surgery often have health problems because of the surgery (I know problems happen, but not at which percentages, etc) -That these health problems lead to untimely death, such as heart failure from the low calorie diet, and that these deaths are not reported as being connected to the WLS, so the number of deaths from WLS appear lower than they are -That the resulting reduced calorie intake is a starvation diet, and that's what leads to things like heart problems. The Big Book on the Gastric Bypass had SOME statistics, but I felt it really could have had a lot more in the way of hard numbers. I'm wondering if anyone can point me to some data that might shed light on these points. Thank you in advance for your help.

Good question, i'm looking at revision from sleeve to bypass due to severe reflux. I'm not looking to lose much weight. 20 lb might be nice, but all in all, this will be for the GERD. I've heard it doesn't not jump start. You might lose 15 - 25 lbs but nothing significant like we did after VSG surgery.

How does bypass compare to sleeve? Have you or are you learning what causes dumping? If I have revision surgery it will be due to severe GERD that has developed since sleeve surgery. I've been dealing with it for about seven years. I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible on RNY.

I am hoping ins approves the revision from sleeve to bypass. I have severe GERD and also a hiatal hernia. When I had the endoscopy done in Nov 2019 there was also a stricture and ulcer. The prescription PPI worked until it didn't, he upped it to twice a day and it worked until 3 months ago. Now I'm back to needing Tums as well as the prescription almost daily. I like your post. I only have a regain of 35 lbs, so losing that would just be the icing on the cake. If I can get rid of the reflux I'll be so happy. I can't imagine doing this for the rest of my life! Tell me, what things can you eat that you couldn't after sleeve surgery and what about dumping. The bariatric surgeon I met with last week said they consider it a good side effect to help patients know what to be careful of or avoid altogether. Good luck!!!

I am 3 months post Bypass. My periods are all out of whack [emoji854] Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Just thought I'd post about how this process has gone for me over the past "almost" year as today I crossed a big milestone (at least big to me). 198.8 - which when I think about it - I haven't been this weight since 2007 when I was doing weight watchers and had lost 40lbs. I think back over this past year it's still a little surreal. At this time last year, I was finishing up my insurance pre-reqs of meeting with a nutritionist and therapist for 6 months. I had already started to transition my diet to two protein shakes for breakfast and lunch to prep for my pre-surgical diet. I was nervous, scared and not 100% sure that I wanted to go through with bypass but also beginning to realize that I couldn't lose the weight on my own or I would have already. My surgery was at the end of August and the two weeks of fluids before hand was really hard, but honestly - I was really proud of myself for doing it and grinding through what I couldn't imagine doing before. Those two weeks, to me, helped to set me up for what I could expect after surgery. The day of surgery I almost told my husband to drive me back home. It was my first time anywhere since COVID hit and that alone was kind of terrifying to me. I remember being wheeled back to surgery and the anesthesiologist talking to me and asking me if I was excited. My response, "No. I'm terrified." But he gave my hand a squeeze and kept reassuring me that it was going to be ok and the team was great. Once I got in the surgical room it seemed to have the same kind of vibe - the team was more excited for me than I was. I just don't think I could get my head wrapped around this procedure working. That I would lose weight and that my life would change. I think it all still felt very unreal - even as they put me to sleep. Recovery - overall wasn't the most awful thing but it wasn't great. I ended up in the ER a couple days later due to dehydration. What helped me the most was an abdominal binder that they gave me when I left the hospital. I left this on for about three weeks until things stopped feeling like they were shifting or pulling. While the pain wasn't too unbearable, the reality that drinking, eating and for a short time peeing was a chore. Trying to get enough fluids was hard. Drinking the amount of protein I needed to afterwards was impossible for me. I had to measure out 3oz and a time and set timers throughout the day to help me remember no to drink water for a half hour before and a half hour after. Once I started solid foods it was also difficult for me. Trying to figure out what I was ok to eat (that didn't completely turn my stomach) and learning that crab, tuna, salmon would be my go to food for awhile. Adding in cheeses, eventually chicken and turkey on top of the protein shakes I was still doing. After three months things started to get a little easier for me, my check up with the Nutritionist went well although she wanted me to get my calories way up. So I started to incorporate things with more fat into my diet. Nuts, peanut butter, avocado were just a few things that I started to try. I think it was around this point where I realized, ok... this is starting to work. I was seeing weight come off and while food was a struggle I was walking around the block and having an easier time of it. My breathing was easier, sitting on the couch was easier, my back was hurting less, my clothes were starting to fit better. As time went on I continued to add things to my diet, fruit, veggies, and eventually some carbs. Were there things that did not agree with me, absolutely, but I learned from trying them and adjusted my diet. I waited to buy clothes until about two months ago. I had to go into the store to try on pants because I had no idea what size I was. I fit into a 16 and 14... which blew my mind. At my highest I was a size 24 and even that was tight. I've since ordered a bunch of new things which also helps me to see the difference in weight. Things I still struggle with - drinking enough water. Losing hair - I still have a good amount but had a 2 month stint where I lost a lot. I still am freaking out when I see more than 10 hairs coming out on the brush but I have a ton of new baby hair growing back in. Making sure I'm focusing on eating enough protein and not drinking with meals. Going to the bathroom - it's either all or nothing for me. 😂 I usually weigh in after I go though - seems like a solid strategy in my mind. The things that worked for me: ProCare Health Bariatric multivitamins with Iron (1/day). Their sea salt caramel calcium chews (2.5/day). Biotin gummies - no idea if they helped but considering that I didn't lose soooo much hair I'm just going to keep taking them. And if you're still with me - A big thanks to everyone who posted on here before my surgery. I was definitely a lurker but your stories helped to prepare me and give me confidence as I went through this myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now on to celebrate being in ONDERLAND again and I'd still like to lose another 30-40lbs - which I know the surgery won't get me there for the full amount (at least from my doctor's perspective) but I'm going to keep working at it and chipping away to see where I end up.

I don't know if it makes a difference, but I had the bypass and found that my taste hadn't changed at all. I drink primarily Premier chocolate protein shakes. Cafe Latte is also good once you can do caffeine again. I do like the Bariatric Advantage protein powder they sell here in the store. I've only tried chocolate and strawberry but both taste good and don't upset my stomach.

I donate blood regularly, and was due at the beginning of May. I decided to wait for the time being and do what is best for my body. Surgery is scheduled for mid-July and I hope to be able to donate again around late October/November.

I have terrible Gerd. It’s. So. Bad. 😩 Originally I was going to have the nissen fundiplication surgery for Gerd but the surgeon talked to me at length about getting gastric bypass instead. I’m still pre op at this point, but my main motivator in this process has been to try and stop my severe Gerd. (Also I’m quite heavy.) I’ve heard from quite a few doctors at this point who recommended gastric bypass for greatly improving or curing Gerd. I’ve seen some people I follow on Instagram who have had sleeve surgeries revised to a bypass due to the Gerd the sleeve caused them. It’s definitely worth discussing with your doctor.

Hello, everyone, first of all I'd like to say I'm from Brazil, so please, if I make some mistakes, overlook them or you may correct me. I underwent gastric bypass surgery on May 19th this year, it's been only one month. I have no energy, no motivation, my mood is terrible. I start a (semi-)solid diet which includes ground meat, rice, bread, light cheese, but I don't want to eat any of these foods, actually, it's been 10 days since I've been ingesting barely anything. I don't feel like eating, I'm tired of eating what I don't want to eat. I'm craving pizza, burger, especially, chocolate, not lots of it, but I asked my nutritionist if I could eat one Lindt truffle, which weighs only 0.42 ounces, twice a week and she said no. I can only eat a healthy chocolate truffle that she prescribed me, which tastes awful. I don't feel like eating because everything I eat is not pleasant at all. I also need to have so much protein and protein shakes every day, I'm tired of the sweet taste of whey protein, protein yogurt, protein smoothies, fruit smoothies. I told my nutritionist that I can't eat anymore, but she insisted that I must eat, even though I keep skipping meals otherwise I will certainly throw up. I pretty much regret undergoing surgery, I felt pleased when I could eat, now I feel no pleasure. Even my antidepressants what I've been taking for years are not helping, not to mention that my psychiatrist has increased the dose of them. I feel more depressed than before surgery. I don't want to work, study, I just want to stay in bed all day long and skip meals. Does anyone have a testimonial to share? Does it get better? Will I ever be able to eat chocolate, burger, pizza again, just a little bit? Thank you.

I had my revision yesterday from lap band (2014) to mini gastric bypass....lots of trapped gas and pain still .....very uncomfortable!

I was told April .. then I was almost done with my liquid diet scheduled for June 3rd canceled.. Now we are doing a conference call on the 29 do discuss a whole change of plans from bypass to sleeve now wondering if I’m going to start everything all over when this was her doing... ugh

I have been stalled for about 6 weeks. So, from about the 5.5 month mark until almost 7 months out from bypass. I don't know what to do to break this stall and it's starting to feel like maybe this is just the end of the weight loss from surgery? I am down 73lbs which I know is a lot, but I still have a lot to go. At 5,2 I should be 110-130 and that's 80-100lbs away. Any suggestions? Encouragement? Also, I am loosing horrendous amounts of hair. Have been for almost 4 months! I thought that was supposed to end after 3 months or so of loosing hair.

My revision to bypass is July 13th

@catwoman7 I actually told my physician the same thing! I asked if he really did the surgery because I felt so good afterwards (aside from the stitch pulling pain now). @Lynnlovesthebeach I guess because I felt so horrible after the VSG and could barely keep anything down, I expected worse for the bypass. When seeing my new physician for the bypass he actually found that the VSG was not done correctly in the first place and that's probably why I had such trouble afterwards. @Creekimp13 I do see a therapist. I think I will always struggle with weight/eating issues regardless. Work in progress!