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I had VSG July 2020 (at age 68). so that puts me at about 2 1/2 years out. I started at 200#. My goal was about 139, but I have been stabilized at 144 for over a year. In fairness to the program/procedure, I haven’t exercised as much as I should have. I can eat whatever I want, no intolerances, but I try to eat protein/ veggies /fruit/ whole grains. I don’t care for carbonated beverages , so no worries there. I limit myself to eating 4 times/day. No grazing. Maybe about 4-5 ounces of wine at dinner a couple times a week. Blood pressure improved. A little loose skin, but I probably won’t have surgery. Absolutely no regrets or complications!

If you had VSG 2+ years would you please share your updates? Did you hit your goal? Did you stall at any point and what did you do to get past it? Gain any weight back? Loose skin? Improvements in comorbidities like diabetes or sleep apnea? Regrets? Complications? Tips? Outside of carbonated beverages anything you can't eat or tolerate now? What's life like for you now? I would love to hear your successes and struggles!

I am almost 74. I had a lapband done in 2009 and did well, but had complications and they took all the saline out in 2012, and finally had the band taken out and getting ready to have the sleeve done sometimes in the last week in March.I remember everything about things to do to prepare and have most of everything ready for the 2 weeks liquid diet before surgery as well for the first 2 weeks post surgery.How soon will I be able to take regular medications post surgery? Has anyone tried baby food during the purée stage?

Yes like everyone said this is more so about your liver. It helps the surgeon do the job much easier, less risks of complications. Also, use this liquid diet to learn more disciplinary habits you can use for your post op diet!

62, and scheduled for my sleeve Feb 23. I did the lap band in 2007 and it was life changing. I reached my goal weight. Then had all the complications and had to have it removed. I was told I wouldn't be a candidate for the sleeve even as I gained some weight back after the removal as I was too close to my goal weight. Now here I am 40 lbs. heavier than when I initially had the band.

My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, so I am self pay. It is scheduled for Feb 23 at an Outpatient facility, and they are telling me no overnight stay is required. (If needed, overnight care is available). So far everything I've read states at least one night in the hospital. I'm a little concerned with cost cutting measures for self pay. We have a hotel booked a few miles from the surgery center in case of any complications (and for my husband in case I do stay overnight) as we are about 2 hours away. Mount Sinai Surgery Center in Tarzana CA. Anyone with experience there or going home same day? I also have 2 complications, Moderate sleep apnea, and likely a lot of scar tissue from a previous lap band. Not that I want to stay overnight, but I would prefer to be mentally prepared!

Hello...I had gastric bypass surgery in October of 2012. Biggest mistake of my life. I got to my goal weight in 2014. I felt pretty good. All of a sudden I started waking up several times a night with severe panic attacks (I had been suffering from this prior to surgery). I was on the right meds for this and they were manageable. All of a sudden they came back with vengeance. I asked my med doc what was happening and she said she didn't know how to help me. Yes, a med provider said she couldn't help me and that the meds I were on were working before. So this shocked me and I was on the search for another doctor. Was having a real difficult time finding someone to help me. I finally found one and what a strange person he was. He was arguing with my primary doc about what meds I should be on. It went on too long. My attacks got more intense during the night. Then they began during the day. It was nonstop anxiety with depression. I joined a CBT program because I became suicidal. The psychiatrist with the program noticed right away that I had had gastric bypass. He knew immediately what was happening. My meds weren't absorbing. He put me on a liquid medication. One that made me gain weight in the first place (ugh). It took a while for the liquid med to work so I was suffering badly. It was hard handing on. CBT program was done and I had to check myself in for my depression and anxiety. They wanted to send me to the CBT program. I was like...I just finished it! Went home to suffer some more. I was losing more weight because everytime I ate, my anxiety got worse. Never will understand that and no one can explain that to me to this day. I would start shaking after I ate and anxiety is got very strong. It still happens. Months later I had a heart attack. 3 stents. I couldn't believe all this was happening. I finally found a great med provider and therapist. On a different liquid medication but my health has worsen. I have IBS so badly, lost a lot of hair. I'm taking my vitamins and protein but still losing hair. My mental state is worse then it ever was. I was handing and living with my mental health before surgery and now worse then ever. I had this surgery because I was 80 pds overweight. I had had my 1st heart attack before surgery and my primary doc said I should have the surgery. Worse decision of my life. Sorry for long story but I just want to know if anyone is having these same complications. I went back to my gastric surgeon and she said Gastric bypass doesn't affect your meds and because I had gained 8 pds back, she rudely said..."well you're absorbing something" and looked me up and down. At that point I was done with her. This has been a nightmare

I did have to get a tooth pulled after WLS, but I had gone over a year between appointments due to the pandemic so I don't necessarily blame the WLS and its complications. I had "full mouth rehabilitation" in 2008 resulting in reshaping my bite with crowns on all of my teeth. Over the years I've had to replace a few crowns or have had some root canals and subsequent implants. Yes, crowns are expensive. Implants are even more expensive, and you do need good bone structure. I have five implants now. I can't tell the difference between the implants and my natural teeth. I don't regret the expense even though I had to budget and save for each procedure. My health and smile are worth the expense.

Agree that the liquid diet is not for weight loss but for safety. That thought alone allowed me to do it, I did not want any complications or worse to be opened up and closed back up because of the liver size, I saw some videos on YouTube that made it easier to stick it through. I was allowed a lean dinner, maybe they can let you have that?

Generally, the pre-op diet isn't about weight (although it can be if you have surgery or insurance requirements to meet). But more frequently, its to reduce the size of your liver to make it safe for the surgeon to do the surgery. Obesity OFTEN enlarges your liver which can get in the way of WLS and can pose a risk of complications, so the pre-op diet helps to shrink your liver and open up space for the surgeon to operate safely. My suggestion would be to do exactly what they tell you to. ONE - its for your safety and, TWO - having the knowledge that YOU DID IT will absolutely help you stick it out when it gets harder post-op. And it gets much, much harder. You'll want to start getting into the mindset that there are simply non-negotiables post-op and that doing what you need to now will set you up for success long term and help you commit to those changes.

Hi All I was recently sleeves on 1/26/23. I was very excited and anxious for the procedure to jump start my progress. Fast fwd since surgery I have been having a hard time. When I graduated to semi soft foods It been rough. I haven't been able to keep anything down. It's been so bad that I was informed that it would be best that I go back to the previous stage of liquids only. I'm starting to feel down about getting the procedure. I been vomiting, having heart burn, discomfort trying to drink water, stomach pains, unsuccessful attempts to belch. I've been so frustrated trying to explain this to my Dr. She look at my like i'm crazy and it's hard telling someone the complications I'm having who have never experienced it. Have anyone else had this issue? Like water hurt when I drink it.. it's like so rough when trying to go down like i feel pain while it's traveling and when it finally settle. I'm going crazy please help. My Dr said she will order a upper GI so we will see. I feel like I may have dumping syndrome- although I haven't eaten anything sugary or with fat. I was told dumping syndrome mostly only occur with bypass patients. As in I shouldn't be having that issue but I feel like I do. If i try something as simple as yogurt it come right up like fast within a few minutes and I experience all the issues notes above. I be bent over trying to deal with the pain when this is happening. Any suggestions, tips or advice is welcomed.

I have to have a revision due to sleeve complications (insane gerd causing high doses of PPI which have cased a ton of polyps all through my stomach, which make the gerd worse, which caused gastritis and esophagitis). I love my sleeve and am really sad to need a revision. I have to have half the polyps removed on the 17th, then the other half on March 10th. We're looking at a revision to bypass probably in May, which is ironic because that's my 1 year surgiversary for my sleeve lol The main things I experience is nausea after I eat anything, sharp stabbing pains in my abdomen that cause me to lose my breath and not be able to do anything but lay on the bed and cry, burning and churning in my stomach and up my esophagus, burning in my throat that sometimes makes my throat scratchy and my voice hoarse, spasming in my esophagus causing my throat to close and food to get stuck. I cannot WAIT to get better. Honestly. I love my sleeve, but this is too much. I just want to feel better. I didn't want the bypass because I don't want to deal with possible strictures, dumping syndrome, and I have 2 extended release meds that I can't stop taking (can't be broken or crushed) that will be an issue with the bypass. I never had any gerd or reflux issues, so all these problems came as a shock to me. I'm also really nervous this time around (I wasn't at all with the sleeve).

First, let me start by saying I now have to have a revision due to sleeve complications (insane gerd causing high doses of PPI which have cased a ton of polyps all through my stomach, which make the gerd worse, which caused gastritis and esophagitis). I love my sleeve and am really sad to need a revision. I have to have half the polyps removed on the 17th, then the other half on March 10th. We're looking at a revision to bypass probably in May, which is ironic because that's my 1 year surgiversary for my sleeve lol My ring size is now a 7 1/2 and my clothing size is an 18/20. My surgeon told me to expect to lose maybe another 60-65 pounds with the bypass (it'll be slower and not as much weight lost since it's a revision) but I'm ok with that. If I can lose another 15 pounds by surgery day, then the bypass will get me to goal within another year. I'm ok with it taking 2 years to hit goal, given all these stupid complications. My main thing right now is to feel better. I have to really watch how much I work out and what kinds I do because that can set things off. I watch my diet like a hawk. I still end up in pain sometimes, or sick to my stomach, or any number of things. But the revision will take care of that and then I can just get on with the business of living again. The main things I experience is nausea after I eat anything, sharp stabbing pains in my abdomen that cause me to lose my breath and not be able to do anything but lay on the bed and cry, burning and churning in my stomach and up my esophagus, burning in my throat that sometimes makes my throat scratchy and my voice hoarse, spasming in my esophagus causing my throat to close and food to get stuck. I cannot WAIT to get better. Honestly. I love my sleeve, but this is too much. I just want to feel better.

Hi everyone, I've been lurking for a few weeks, but this is my first time posting. I had gastric sleeve last year, January 5, 2022, knowing there was a possibility I may have to eventually convert. I really wish I would have just done bypass initially, but I was so worried about complications and was having a hiatal hernia repair at the same time as surgery and I guess I just hoped that would take care of my reflux issue, which wasn't severe at that point. I started out with a BMI of 35, lost 50 pounds and now have a BMI of 28. I probably should have lost more, but doctor feels the reflux I have played a part in that. I am absolutely terrified of this surgery, which is the reason I didn't have it to begin with obviously. I am also having a gallbladder removal (full of tiny stones), but I never would have known that if not for the ultrasound. My doctor feels it's wise to take it out at the same time as bypass as he says if I need it out in the future it could turn into a 5 hour surgery as it is more difficult to access the gallbladder after gastric bypass. Also having a second hiatal hernia repair since it recurred, albeit small now. I feel like these things are going to make my recovery so much more difficult. Has anyone had all three of these things done at the same time as their revision and if so, how was your recovery? Thanks in advance!!

I got sleeved on my 50th birthday! I'm 11 months post-op and at goal. Everything worked well for me, no complications and the weight came off quickly. I have lost 99% of my excess weight... normal BMI, diabetes in remission, sleep apnea gone, tons of energy, and I look so much better. It's never too late!

I had my surgery in Monterrey almost five years ago with Dr. Francisco Barrera Rodriguez. He is with the Monterrey Gastro & Bariatric Group. My experience with them was awesome. They provide all instructions ahead of time such as itinerary, preop and postop info. I had surgery on Thursday afternoon and was discharged on Saturday at noon. They answered all my questions even the stupid ones. They don't rush you through anything and they run all the preliminary testing in house (EKG, blood tests, nutritional eval). I am not sure if any of their process has changed, but that was my experience at that time. Oh and they assign a nutritionist and office personnel who are available throughout the process. One thing I did do was stay in Monterrey for a few days just in case I had any complications. The drive from Texas was about 6 hours so not too bad. If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them.

Yes, it is a rather hyper-focused situation for meeeee.. never had this before. I kinda like living [emoji1787] so I guess that's why. Yeah I had never thought of looking into complications of obesity oddly enough but I went now either or that'll make me panic hahaha [emoji38] but no you're right. It all makes total sense. With anxiety, I just think of the worst and believe that'll happen. I am putting all that energy into regime and routine though and thank you for comforting me with hard truth. It did make me smile and more relaxed. [emoji3590] 🫂 *~☆AnxiousMommy☆~*

mortality rate on gastric bypass is 0.3%, and it's even lower on sleeve (can't remember the percentage on sleeve other than it's lower). That means you have at least a 99.7% chance of making it through just fine. Those are better odds than hip replacement surgeries. major complications are pretty rare. The most common complication with bypass is a stricture (also known as a stenosis), which happens to about 5% of bypass patients. That's a very minor issue and is easily "fixable". I had two of them - one at four weeks out and the second at eight weeks out. They just do an upper endoscopy and stretch it out. Easy peasy. You're right in that complications, if you do have them, will usually crop up during the first three months after surgery (strictures do - they're extremely rare after that), but that doesn't mean you're at any great risk. It just means they usually show up early, if they show up at all. Lots of people on here have never had any complications at all. And again, the vast majority are minor and can be fixed. After the first three months, you're pretty much home free (that's not to say that complications will never show up after the first three months, but they're very rare after that). quit reading the horror stories. I read those too and they scared the crap out of me, so I made myself quit reading them. I've been on this board for eight years, and most of us have no complications at all or very minor ones that can be fixed. you are at much greater risk by staying obese than you are having the surgery.

The truth is that you are many times more likely to die of complications related to obesity, than you are from anything related to the surgery. In addition, WLS surgery actually has a much lower complication rate than a lot of other common surgeries like knee surgery. While nothing's guaranteed, as long as you follow your surgeon's instructions like quitting smoking (if you smoke), following your pre-op diet (assuming you have one), following your discharge and post-op instructions, it's really unlikely you'll have any issues whatsoever. The complication rate is a lot higher for older patients (70+), smokers, and those with severe pre-op conditions like undiagnosed heart disease.

I can tell based on your posts this is of great preoccupation. It might be beneficial to discuss these feelings with a therapist. Did/Do you have the same anxiety about the health risks associated with being overweight? Heart failure, blood clots among them as well. If you’re looking at the studies you’ve also surely seen the risk of complication is extremely low when looked at as a percentage of all patients who have weight loss surgery. Remember that the Quantitative data is much more reliable. Im sure your surgery center has given you specific care and nutritional instruction including daily active minutes, grams of Protein, Oz of Water. All those instructions are tailored specifically to help you avoid complications. Other than speaking with a therapist the other thing you can do is channel this anxious into following their nutritional and care instructions to the letter to set yourself up for greatest success. And do make sure your sleeping and not googling all night. Rest is essential to healing. It’s normal to have some anxiety but don’t let it consume you. 

Well I'm 4 days post op! Zero issues with hydration and protein. 80 0z liquids so far today and 65 grams of protein. Never had "sharp pain" but felt like I had an ab workout from hell that I'm still trying to get over the soreness lol. No nausea. No diarrhea. No leaks. No complications. Had surgery at 10 am the 1st and headed home around 9am the next morning. No issues with my chewable vitamins. No horror stories of gad pains from the lapo. Was belching day of surgery, passing gas by day 3, first BM day 4. Taking miralax each morning, mixed w Gatorade zero. Taking just Tylenol, still have two "pain pills" just in case. Drove my car today! No temp or taste issues. I feel super grateful my luck so far! Down 11.6 lbs but I'm assuming IV fluids weight is alot of that number. I have 6 incisions like the first photo. The bruised one is the one they place the stapler through. Sent from my SM-F721U using BariatricPal mobile app

This is a great point! I made sure to tell my surgeon during the initial consult exactly what I'm afraid of happening, or what I have read could happen. He was able to explain, in detail, how each complication can be dealth with. Basically, there's a workaround for any complication. That really sealed the deal for me, and I'm moving forward with a lot more confidence.

100% worth it to me. My bypass was so complication/side effect free, I would do it once a year if I had to. lol. I love it that much. I played the numbers game when I got apprehensive before surgery. wLS, 1 out of 1000 patients (0.13%) risk of death vs gallbladder removal 1 out of 200 vs daily common aspirin more than 3K deaths a year. The risk in flying, 1 in 1.2M vs driving, 1 in 5000. Everything has risks.

When I was considering weight loss surgery, I specifically looked for people who regretted it. I always like to be prepared, and for me, it was important to know the good, the bad, and the ugly. I had a hard time finding people who regretted their surgery; even people who suffered from serious complications often said that they would still do it again! I think it's important to go into surgery with your eyes open. It's not fun or easy. There are pros and cons and you have to evaluate for yourself if the surgery is worth it. For me, it was pretty clear cut, and yet still a tough decision. I started with a BMI over 60. My weight seriously hindered every aspect of my life. It was worth it for me to take a chance, even knowing all the negatives and risks, because it felt like my only chance to live. I lost more weight than I ever thought possible, but it's a struggle every day -- and yet nothing compared to how hard it was to live with morbid obesity.

It does get better. It's normal to have regrets at your current stage. I am one of the very rare bariatric surgery patients to have serious complications. However, after a challenging year, I've lost a total of 115 lbs and my life is totally normal. I eat regular food and have resumed all of my prior activities. A year ago I was in hospital due to peritonitis and sepsis arising out of bariatric revision surgery. I rued my decision to have RNY>RNY revision surgery. I spent 7 weeks in hospital with 3 endoscopy procedures and two open surgeries, followed by 3 weeks in a rehab facility before returning home. I had an open surgical wound for another 3 months, requiring daily dressing changes. I'm lucky to have survived at all, with organs and limbs intact. Because of the endoscopy procedures my pouch and anastomosis were stretched so I now have minimal physical restriction and will have to watch my diet and record my intake for the rest of my life. I accept that and hope to lose more, but will be content if I don't continue to lose. If you read the many stories on this site you will see that regrets pass and the vast majority of us are ultimately happy with our decisions to have surgery. Life does return to normal. You will be able to eat normal food. If you follow an appropriate food plan and learn how to eat differently during this period of restriction you will lose weight and keep it off. Since you have had such meager support, it's up to you to read and learn more about how to make a successful return to normal life minus the excess poundage. There are many excellent books available. You may be able to get some on Amazon.de or have them sent to you by someone in the US (or on Kindle in English). Here are a few of the books I recommend. There are many other excellent books and cookbooks to support you. You may ultimately still need breast reduction surgery, but you will be in better shape before you proceed with it. In the meantime, make the most of the tool you have been provided. Hang in there. Day by day, it will get better.