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Hey there. I wanted to just see what other people's experiences were with their consultation, especially those with either eating disorders or other mental health diagnoses. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have been on meds for about 2.5 months. My mental state has improved a lot and I have more cognitive ability to make good choices for myself. When I went in for my consultation for gastric bypass, I was incredibly candid with my doctor. I told him about how I've lost 70 lbs in the past by fasting and extreme workouts but sadly I gained it all back plus some because of the binge restricr cycle. I went on to talk about my rocky relationship with food and he stopped me short and asked me "has anyone ever told you that you have an eating disorder?" He then said that people with eating disorders can't have weight loss surgery and that I'd need to work out my problems before getting surgery. He's giving me 14 weeks to get my sh*t together so to speak but ultimately said it's up to me to get to a place where I've mended this relationship with food. I'll be on their diet plan during this period (have already started making conscious efforts and studying BED recovery on my own). So my question is this: when I told him about my struggles with my mental health and eating patterns he seemed to make it a point that if you have those issues, you don't qualify. While I understand that having untreated symptoms means you can't get surgery, I can't understand what being in control means if you have to still meet the BMI requirements? Besides wanting him to truly understand my history with food, don't most people going for weight loss surgery have moderate to severe disordered eating or mental health problems? Is he just testing me to see if I can show him I've worked on my problems? Or is it really that weird and rare that someone with mental health problems and a history with binge and restrict is going for a weight loss consultation? I thought thats what it's about? I know you stay on their diet plan and get used to that as kind of your new life but I can't understand what's "in control" enough to show the doctor I'm ready but still obese? If anyone wants to give me some advice and share their experiences telling their doc about their eating behavior and mental health struggles , I'm all ears. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm really working on self compassion and not trying to beat myself up. He made me feel that I'm not mentally healthy enough to even get help when I have been feeling stronger than ever with my new medication. Any insight and experience appreciated! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

This was the best thing I've read today. I'll be having my revision from sleeve to bypass in a few weeks. I hope that I can have a similar story.

I'm scheduled for my revision in August. Wishing you all the best of luck and success in both physical and mental wellbeing!

Most doctors won't do lap band anymore because the results aren't very good - most people don't lose too much weight and many people have a lot of complications. A lot of people end up having to have them removed and getting it revised to sleeve or bypass. Is there a reason you really want lap band rather than sleeve or bypass?

I had GERD before my VSG surgery in 2014, and it only got worse over the next six years. Nothing helped, including PPI's. Fast forward to 2020. After a bunch of diagnostic tests to verify my GERD/Gastritis/Esophagitis, I had bypass surgery October 2020. I haven't had GERD since. I'm off all acid reflux medications. I've lost 56 lbs. since surgery and feel better than I felt in my 40's (I'm 64). I've got a ton of energy, walk 5 miles five days/week and do aquatic fitness classes 5 day/week. I'm loving my new, healthier self and so glad I made the decision to get the surgery. Yes, it is a life-long decision and I've forever changed how I can eat and process food, but so worth it! Needless to say, I would recommend the revision to anyone with severe GERD.

Hello and welcome. The thread you have found is quite old, more than 10 years old, it is unlikely that any of those who posted in the thread are still around. Is lap band still popular in Italy? It's popularity has substantially reduced in some countries due to various medical issues some people have experienced with bands. Peope are having the bands removed and are having gastric bypasses or sleeves. Not everyone has issues, but it is something you may want to consider and you may want to ask the doctor how many of his patients have had the band removed in recent years and/or patients success rate in achieving weight loss long term. I don't know your current BMI, but have you considered a surgical option instead of a band?

It has been a long time since I posted on this forum. I was sleeved in October 2018 and immediately began suffering from reflux/GERD (which I did not have prior to sleeve). Fast-forward 2 1/2 years later, loads of PPI's, EGD's, barium swallows, scans, scopes and referrals, I was finally advised by a surgeon that my best option is to have revision of the sleeve to the bypass. I have a mid grade hiatal hernia and severe GERD. It's gratifying to finally get some answers and while I am looking forward to some relief, I am a bit anxious about the surgery. I relocated from Houston to Dallas, TX in May. I consulted with a new bariatric surgeon on May 26th. Once the ball got rolling, everything went pretty quickly. After thoroughly reviewing my previous surgery and medical records along with additional testing, she determined that in addition to the hernia and GERD, my original pouch from the VSG wasn't as small as it should have been! That explains why I had such slow and minimal weight loss. I lost about 40lbs total, and have regained 20lbs back since COVID. Has anyone had revision from VSG to RNY with hiatal hernia repair due to GERD? If so, has your GERD improved and how has the weight loss been?

I had gastric bypass on 5/7/2021. I began my weight loss journey in August 2020 when I attended my hospital’s bariatric seminar. My insurance required 6 months of diet before surgery approval. My fist dietitian appoint was mid-October 2020. Prior to this appointment I had very little motivation to lose weight. I was 280+ pounds (5’ 7.5”) and depressed. My ankles swelled every day, I had trouble moving, none of my clothes fit well and my wedding rings didn’t fit at all. I had gone off the rails. Between October and March 21’ I managed to lose 45 pounds. I attribute my success to my husband also taking charge of his health and being a great partner. My packet was submitted in March and approved 1 week later. My surgery was scheduled 7 weeks form the approval to my disappointment. It was a long 7 weeks! I didn’t gain or lose weight during my wait. I was officially 237 at my pre-op appointment. I managed to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery on the liver shrink diet. I was 227 the morning of surgery The surgery went fine. I had some nausea and dry heaving the first few hours. I was able to get water down but not much else. The drain really caused me trouble so it was removed 12 hours later. I ended up only staying 1 night in the hospital because I was determined to get released early. I walked all the time and really kept my RN on his toes. Thankfully the doctor agreed with me that I would recover better at home. The next evening I was discharged and could sleep in my own bed. I followed the diet exactly for nearly 8 weeks. I went on a cruise with my family and 95% ate to plan. I would have a taste of dessert but let me tell you I sure paid for it. Dumping is real and it affects me. I seem to dump if I eat too fast, too much, or an item too high in sugar (hello chai tea!). I learned many lessons that week I’m thankful for. The surgery did exactly what I needed it to do- deter me. I have had trouble with constipation. I am taking 3 colace per day and benefiber each morning. Seems to help but my body likes to hold onto waste. I might go back to miralax to help move things along. I’ve always had trouble in this area but now it’s more consistent. On Saturday I hit “onederland” and weighed 199. I never thought I would get here. I weigh myself each day and I am fluctuating between 198 and 199 this week. I have a heck of a lot more energy than I did a month ago. I am moving my body every day and using my elliptical at least 3 times a week. I have changed sizes! Last summer I wore a 20 and now I need a 12. It blows my mind. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I can see the change but I don’t believe it’s me. People I haven’t seen in a year take a look at me and their mouth drops and tell me they didn’t recognize me or make a comment like “omg you have lost so much weight!” In a way it feels good to be validated but at the same time I hate the attention. Honestly if I didn’t lose another pound I would be happy. I am under 200 and I feel/look great! I can move without pain and I have energy. Heck I mowed the yard today! I’ve had some negative comments too- mostly from my parents- “you’re starving yourself, don’t loose too much weight, and I think you’ve lost enough” It’s painful so I don’t speak with them much. I feel my weight loss has been slow but I remind myself how far I’ve come. 80+ pound weight loss is nothing to bat at! I’m doing a great job! I hope to be better and update this thread monthly! Thanks for reading.

I am not sure when my revision will be done (November or December). I saw my former doctor 1x after surgery. He really disappointed me! Today, I plan to attend all after care appointments. I plan to remain in counseling for the next year. I am ready for individual responsees after my weight-loss. Its a real time of mental growth. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had a gastric bypass 10 plus years ago and had a DS on June 3rd of last year and now if I eat or drink a protein shake, not all at once, I can eat alot more. My surgeon said he made my pouch the size of a golf ball, but it is way larger than that now I think. So would I need to go back into surgery for a pouch reconstruction or could I do something else. I can't go back to my first surgeon, because my husband is a truck driver and we up and moved states. I know bad idea, but I was happy I could take care of myself. So any ideas?

I have bipolar disorder and the surgeon has said I should have no problem with any of my medications after sleeve. He said it would be harder to absorb the medication if I had bypass, but the second opinion I got thought I'd be fine with either operation. The only other thing is that sometimes extended release medications don't work as well with bypass, but I don't know about sleeve.

If you haven’t had surgery yet, I recommend the bypass. Sleeve seems to give a lot of us GERD. I’m revising from a sleeve to a bypass now because of GERD. Give it some thought.

Hello All, I’m have a revision from Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass on August 16… I’m nervous and excited at the same time. How are you all feeling? I had the Gastric Sleeve 9/2015 SW 347 LW 239. Now I’m having a revision due to GERD and regain. CW 299… the first time around I didn’t follow-up with my doctor after having complications with GERD early on. I’m so looking forward to doing things the right way this time! Who’s having their revision in August? Also, what are some mistakes you all made that you plan to do differently this time?

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New here. I was scheduled for sleeve on the 27th but my pre surgery endoscopy found changes confirmed as Barrett's esophagus. Sooooo I am now gastric bypass, fingers crossed that the VA blanket approval will be applied to my original date of surgery.

Thank you, just had my meeting with my surgeon and will not perform a sleeve on someone with confirmed Barrett's so it will be modified to bypass. Fingers crossed that I can keep my same surgery date.

I've lost much more than expected, but it has not been fast weight loss. A couple pounds a month for the past 6 months (more in the beginning months after surgery). My surgeon was very please with my overall weight loss when I saw him at 8 months post-op. The revision has been very, very different from sleeve surgery. I'm hoping that the slower weight loss will result in long term success.

Hi NorthernMaine, I hope you get more information to help figure out which surgery is best for you. If you don't find anyone in this forum (July surgery/sleeve) that has experience with this, you may want to post this in the Bypass Forum or General Forum also, that way more people might view it & be able to share if they had a similar experience. 😊 Good luck with you surgery!

Hey all, This is my first time posting. Its just my husband that knows about my surgery but I wanna share it with you all because today I've reached my target weight[emoji1][emoji126] Im 7 months post op. I'm 5ft1 and weighted 15 stone before gastric bypass surgery and now today I've reached the 9 stone mark. Getting surgery was the best decision I could of ever made but the hardest thing I've ever done also. I travelled to nord bariatric clinic from Ireland to Lithuania in Dec 2020 solo. I was scared, ashamed nervous and so so miserable. I missed my kids and my husband so much for the time I was away it was scary being alone doing this but I knew I had to do this for me and for them. The first few months are a learning curve post op but honestly things get easier and you adjust. I still enjoy nice food and drink but know my limit. Having surgery has allowed me to feel like me again I feel the head demons are gone and I just feel free. Here are some before and after photos . Best of luck everyone with your journey. Its so worth it Sent from my SM-G781B using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello all, so I have my surgery set for July 27, sleeve. I had my endoscopy last week and my surgeon found what he suspected was Barrett's esophagus signs, and biopsy confirmed his suspicion. He mentioned on his post procedure visit that I should really consider bypass. Does anyone here who has had the sleeve also have a Barrett's Esoph diagnosis? Is Barrett's a firm contraindication for a sleeve? I have a tele visit tomorrow where I feel he will highly recommend the bypass. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you all!

I am having this revision soon. My surgeon calls it a long limb gastric bypass, but it’s the same as distal as they are bypassing more of the small intestine to allow greater malabsorption. I just found out on Friday, that he wants to take my gall bladder out now due to a stone. He said he’d rather do it now than after the revision to prevent gall bladder issues down the line.

8 months- checking in today at 192.8 lbs, for total weight lost of 146.2 lbs. I have 27.8 lbs left to go to get to goal. My weight loss is slowing down but it’s still going. I know that as I get closer to a regular body weight the weight loss is going to get slower and more difficult but I do miss the days of regular 3-5 lb drops every week. July 5 represented one year of concerted weight loss effort for me. On that day in 2020 I started a low carb low calorie diet that was supposed to last for two weeks- I needed to drop weight for my first in person weigh in at the Bariatric clinic and I was terrified I was going to be disqualified due to gaining weight during my 6 month program. I squeaked under the line, and when I got home I just decided to keep it up a little longer to help with weight loss prior to surgery. I ended up keeping it up a whole year! So I have two anniversaries in my head, July 5 and November 10, diet date and surgery date. I’ve been doing good on exercise, and I’m trying to focus better on making sure I keep my diet in check. I’ve gotten lackadaisical about tracking food and I need to work on that because I can’t rely on portion control forever. I also need to focus more on getting sleep- I know that impacts weight loss and I’m terrible about staying up late after the kids are asleep to read books. I remember some celebrity had a big awards show and said something like “I want to thank myself, for all the hard work I put in, for the sacrifices I made, etc” and everyone laughing. But you know what, I would like to thank myself. For starting a diet 12 months ago and sticking with it though the hard parts. For getting a surgery that terrified me but still jumping through all the hoops and getting it done. For drinking tomato soup for thanksgiving and giving up the candy and snack food that got me to 339 lbs. 😀 If anyone is reading this and has 150+ lbs to lose, it’s possible. It’s possible with a sleeve, or a bypass, or whatever surgery you get. Surgery doesn’t do the work for you, but it helps so much. Next month I will be in the 180s and getting closer to a normal BMI. I’m committing this month to tracking each day, exercising 3-5 times a week, and going to bed earlier. August here we come!

Hi, I just wanted to find someone who has had gastric bypass and has had the weight off for a long time, and is doing well on their journey. I need some inspiration and help to keep me going. I need preferably a walking buddy and a person who had gastric bypass for a long time to go grocery shopping. If anyone is interested please let me know. I don't have much support but myself and the pandemic has made it hard for me to cope and I don't want to go back to being big again.

Got home from the hospital this afternoon - stayed 2 days. Not gonna lie, still feel pretty rough. Surgery apparently went fine, did the bypass and fixed a hernia. The stay in the hospital wasn't great. My IV infiltrated twice so my right arm is blown up like a balloon. I'm up 12 pounds from all the fluid in me. Sporting my stylish compression stockings for the next 2 weeks. Looking forward to getting through Sunday when I can finally have some soup. Still no regrets. Sent from my LM-Q730 using BariatricPal mobile app