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It appears that you had a lap band and are currently trying to obtain a revision to RNY gastric bypass. What happens to several individuals with lap band is a serious complication where the band erodes into the stomach. This is a dangerous condition and causes several individuals to transition to gastric bypass to correct the problem. I am over 3 1/2 years post-op RNY gastric bypass. One of the interesting things that happened to me was that after surgery I completely lost my hunger. When hunger is not constantly, continually gnawing at my bones, I found that it was not difficult to drop the weight. The experience after surgery was not akin to dieting. It was a totally different experience. Many people experience this effect (but not all). Generally you will not notice this effect take hold until you transition from the puree to solid stage of the program. Generally pre-op, the insurance requirement is to show that you are trying very hard to lose weight through diet and exercise. So make sure you document your attempts such as giving up soda, walking each day. Document your diet through a journal to track your food intake. Attend bariatric surgery support group meetings. And let nature take its course.

The outpatient thing would scare me too! I had the gastric sleeve, had a complication (twisted stomach) and ended up in the hospital for six nights! I can not imagine if I had gone home with a twisted stomach and did not have immediate medical care! I have lost 70 pounds with just the sleeve since 12/09/16 and have not experienced some of the issues you get with the malabsorption surgeries such as hair loss and dumping syndrome. I think everyone should decide for themselves what is best long term as you can not change your insides back later! Good luck!

Actually, it's possible anytime. It gets rarer overtime. But I don't know why folks are told that these complications can't happen anytime. Alternatively it can be that your body is reacting to the new antiacid meds Hope you find your answer and cure

First off, during the first two months post surgery, your stonach is still healing. Please be sure to follow the prescribed diet. Secondly, never weigh yourself the first month. Your body is in chaos and weight is a non-issue. Thirdly, many of those with 30lb losses in any month are either very high bmi, or had complications. The average first month loss is 15lbs, and 10lbs thereafter. Normal for you might be higher or lower. Stick to your plan, and you'll do well!

In addition to what my doctor provided me, I found a few websites with information. They are both really low but the sleeve is looking to be lower but there isn't as much data either. Here are a few examples: https://asmbs.org/resources/studies-weigh-in-on-safety-and-effectiveness-of-newer-bariatric-and-metabolic-surgery-procedure http://www.obesitycoverage.com/uncomplicating-gastric-sleeve-complications/

People respond differently. I saw a guy get released from surgery, walk over to the buffet at the hotel, and eat bacon & eggs. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. He ended up in severe distress. Your stomach has to have time to heal. Eating foods too soon could cause complications...food particles getting stuck around the staples, infection, or even a leak or rupture. Please follow your doctor's guidelines.

Following this topic. I have kept an empty band for a couple of years now and now have to either get it out or revised. (My band was emptied due to its interference with the vagus nerve which was provoking atrial fibrillation.) I just saw my surgeon yesterday who has given me three choices: accept my weight where it is, diet the rest of the weigh off, or mini gastric bypass. She is not pro-sleeve for my situation, as she views the sleeve as the next "lapband" in that she has more and more sleeve patients gaining back their weight and doesn't think the longterm weight maintenance is proving to be the case with restrictive methods such as lapbands and sleeves. She has floated the idea of a mini-gastric bypass as her best recommendation for my situation. I'm researching this but I doubt I will do it. The potential complications from the malabsorptive WLS are rather scary to me. Enough that I will probably just go back to Weight Watchers and grit my teeth to get the rest of my weight off.

Hi...my surgery isn't till August and was wondering what people's experience has been who have had this procedure done 5 years or longer. Have you had any regrets or complications? What has been your most positive experience and negative experience? Do you have any regrets?

I finally won my appeal and will be getting my revision on Tuesday the 7th. I had the sleeve in 01/13 with minimal success and immediate post-op and even during surgery I had complications. My recovery wasn't like others, I couldn't get up, needed help, walking short steps killed me and I couldn't sleep properly for over a month. To be fair, I've been sick since I was 8yo and am the queen of complications (I've had 3 in the last few months). Any thoughts on what to expect for the revision? How much different will it be? I was all in until class tonight and my brain started tweaking. I know I'll be fine, I know it's a necessity and I know I'll go through with it but I'm not sure if there's anything new to expect. Thanks in advance! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So the total cost will likely depend on your experience. They likely cant tell you with 100% certainty. Will you stay one night? Have complications and need more care? Tataworld 605. The 1700 is likely your insurance max out of pocket cost. That includes the deductible of 250 and the 20% coinsurance. If that is your max out of pocket, you will pay no more. You may pay less, but not more.

Hi bartval30, It sounds like maybe you'd feel better if you put a pause on this whole surgery thing for a while, perhaps to give yourself a chance to see how much further you can go on your own. Kudos to you for losing as much as you have; that certainly shows a lot of tenacity and commitment on your part. Do you feel like you have a different relationship with food now? I lost 80 pounds preop and then with a lap band, but my fixation on food hadn't changed. Given that and lots of complications, I wound up gaining over 50 pounds back prior to my sleeve surgery. I'm only ten weeks out from surgery, but I attest that this has completely changed my life. I sometimes still deal with head hunger, but I'd say it's decreased by about 80-90%, which has been a huge relief. I understand your worry about losing hair and losing your nice boobs. I'm not at the hair loss stage yet and I worry about it a bit because my hair is thin, but my boobs are awful already (very big for my frame and droopy). I've needed a breast reduction for about 30 years, but I kept telling myself that I needed to reach XXX pounds first. I've started saving money and look forward to a breast reduction/ lifting/ reshaping and all that. I particularly wanted to respond to your concerns about depression. I've been depressed since childhood (was then dysthymic) and have been on antidpressants for 25+ years. You name it, I've been on it without much in the way of great results. I was super depressed when I had the surgery (was actually on a medical leave because of it and the surgeon questioned if we should wait for a while because she said patients tend to become iritable afterwards). I convinced her that I was ready to go for it and I'm glad I did because we wound up cutting my antidepressants way back and after the first month I started feeling great. I feel like the surgery has reset my personality or something. I don't quite know how to explain it and I'm sure the fact that I'm exercising daily is helping a lot. 25 years of therapy has also helped make me ready for this, I think. I just wanted to let you know that I, myself, felt some moodiness at first, but after just a short while I'm feeling very optimistic and have great energy. Life is good. Good luck in making this decision! Only you know what's best for you. :-)

Hello Sorry to hear you not feeling good. Please be strong and know this is a process. I also had many complications. Please please hang in there. If you want to talk, please let me know. You are not alone in this. You will get better. This is a process and everyone is different. I went through a year of hell and still go through something but it's getting better. You will also get better. Be positive! It's very important to speak positive even though it's not easy. Don't lose hope. You will get through this and don't be so hard n yourself. I know what you are going through. We all here to help you. Feel better. ????

MIralax is a miracle. I used Colace, one pill, when I was constipated a few weeks ago. I passed out in the middle of the night. Ends up it is a possible complication from using it. Had no idea. The pain and discomfort was so heinous, than that horrible feeling where I actually considered I might be dying and then I woke up on the ground. lol! So I'd just go with one cap-full of Miralax and forgo the insane midnight drama.

It comes down to personal choice. I can say this, as I used to be a post op surgical nurse. The majority..not all.. of my patients who had complications from gastric bypass were those who did not follow our orders to the letter. There is a method to our madness and a reason why you are sent home with strict instructions. By pass is truly a lifestyle change. I am 4 weeks post op and loving the decision I have made. With any surgery there is risk of complications. I made my choice based on how much weight I need to lose and which procedure would help me achieve that goal. Also there were so medical reasons. I too want to be here for my kids and I know I wouldn't be if I had continued down the path I was going. I wish you the best in making your decision. [emoji846]

My revision to Bypass is 3/28. I had a Vertical Gastric Banding done in 2000 and lost weight but have had tons of complications since and have gained some weight back due to complications etc. Upon losing the weight after VGB I had a 360 done in 2005 as well as a brachioplasty, thighplasty and breast lift. You can write me privately should I be able to answer some questions for you.

Ugh...I feel for you. I spent a few days in ICU due to some complications from surgery. Despite the bumpy start things have steadily improved. Hope it does the same for you! Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

I feel discouraged as well. My pre surgery weight was 217. SW 209. I'm almost 6 weeks out and am down to 190. I had complications in surgery so my dr says I'm probably a week behind. I lost one pound last week and zero this week. Any suggestions. I'm trying to increase water and protein. I get about 50 grams of protein a day. How many carbs are acceptable to keep losing

I had a really hard time trying to imagine being "full" on like 2 oz of a Protein drink after surgery. While it is different for everyone the days 1-3 can be pretty rough right after surgery. For myself I had absolutely no desire to eat anything. Hunger was non-existent and several weeks out that's still the case. What complicates matters is that every doctor is different when it comes to a post-op diet. For me personally the first few days were clear fluids only and my protein supplements. That was followed by 2 weeks of full liquids, then 2 weeks of soft foods/pureed stage. Last Wednesday was my 4 week follow-up visit and was cleared to eat about 90% of regular foods (some things like nuts, heavy meats like steak, etc. are still off limits). On average I'm only getting in about 500-600 calories a day, but it's all about your protein intake and I aim for 70g a day. It takes some time to realize that (eventually) 1/2 a cup of food is going to make you feel stuffed and that it make take you 20-30 minutes to get it all down. Honestly I think you'll adjust to it fairly quickly. It can seem daunting having to do this for a few weeks but after a lifetime of punishing my body I figured I owed it this...lol. I kind of freaked on the portion thing as well, but not having portion control is what got me overweight to begin with. I was never a candy/sugar junkie. I'd take an extra plate of Pasta over a candy bar any day of the week. That part is mental and it is something that you need to come to terms with. What helps me is that in time I'll be able to enjoy some foods that I used to but now I get to stretch it out for 2-3 meals. In the end I wouldn't stress to much about it. You just have to focus on getting your protein and fluids in after surgery. There will be times when you do have some food mourning, but you'll be so focused on following plan and healing that you won't be as preoccupied about it as you might think. Good luck!

I posted this on another thread: I originally wanted the sleeve but ended up deciding on RNY on my surgeon's advice. It was only my 3rd surgery ever in my lifetime. If your surgeon is experienced then you should have nothing to worry about. Mine was a part of a "Bariatric Center of Excellence" and had done this operation for over 10 years. I don't recall seeing that the complications percentages from RNY were that much higher than Sleeve - maybe 1 %. The first couple days are rough but things get better exponentially each day after that. I am so glad I had this surgery. Really wished I had had it 10 years ago. My blood sugar is back to normal from being borderline diabetic. My knees and back feel so much better. I can walk faster, touch my toes, and generally just do everything so much easier than before.

I originally wanted the sleeve but ended up deciding on RNY on my surgeon's advice. It was only my 3rd surgery ever in my lifetime. If you surgeon is experienced then you should have nothing to worry about. Mine was a part of a "Bariatric Center of Excellence" and had done this operation for over 10 years. I don't recall seeing that the complications percentages from RNY were that much higher than Sleeve - maybe 1 %. The first couple days are rough but things get better exponentially each day after that. I am so glad I had this surgery. Really wished I had had it 10 years ago. My blood sugar is back to normal from being borderline diabetic. My knees and back feel so much better. I can walk faster, touch my toes, and generally just do everything so much easier than before.

I was up front and honest with my boss. He knew I was struggling with some other health issues related to me being overweight so it didn't make me hesitant to tell him. I felt it better he know about it so that if there were any complications or adjustments I needed to make at work after surgery he'd be prepared for it.

Hello im in the process of getting surgery, i really wanted a gastric Sleeve but my surgeon doesn't think is the best for me as i have really bad GERD, i know is a drastic lifestyle change but i have tried so many diets, weight loss program, supervised,gym, etc... i feel like this is my last option to lose the weight. I have two children one is 6 my little girl is 4 and i just feel they need to have their mom healthy to enjoy life with them, right now im always in pain, migraines, back pain, joints, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, pre diabetes, pseudo-tumor cerebri, is so many that i feel if i don't get the surgery and don't lose the weight i wont be around to see my kids grow up but at the same time im scared of RNY because i know how risky this surgery is and complications that can come with it. I heard there is a chance your body can reject the surgery? Did any of you had these feelings if so what helped overcome it? Thank you in advance Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 53 and I was sleeved 2.15.2017. I have lost 18lbs so far. I feel great and have had no complications. I wish I had done this sooner!

with the bypass you may have more food restrictions (sometimes only for the first while but sometimes for life), but other than that I think the recovery is much the same, provided you don't have any complications. it's a more involved operation with more steps, but I don't think your recovery as a patient differs all that much? from everything i've seen, rny people follow the same diet progression as sleevers and have to take the same amount of time off work on average. I think they do spent a couple more days in hospital at the beginning, though. you will not lose "too much" weight with either surgery, not unless something has gone wrong. your body loses the weight it has to lose, then gains a little to find its new set point. I "only" have around 50-60lbs to lose and my doctor considered the RNY just as good a choice for me as the sleeve from that standpoint, so I'd say 100lbs would also be fine. the # amount of weight lost by procedure depends on the starting weight and bmi of the patient. it's not a matter of "every bypass patient loses 150lbs and every sleeve patient loses 100lbs no matter their starting weight". the 400lb person loses more in numbers than the 200lb person, but the percentages of excess weight may work out to be very similar. the average seems to be that bypass patients lose about 10% more weight overall than sleevers, and they lose it faster after their operation. we don't know yet longterm how the permanent weight loss and chances of regain are with the sleeve vs the bypass. the main things are that the sleeve has the risk of making gerd much worse, and the rny has the risk of dumping and malabsorption of Vitamins. neither one will starve you until you are a skeleton when it's working correctly and you are following dr's orders and taking good care of yourself. the rates of complications are pretty comparable, although I think you are right that the RNY is slightly riskier on account of it being the more complex procedure. what I would do is write a list of pros and cons for both operations, and also write a list of questions for your surgeon (the "what is the downtime for each procedure" one is a really good one!) your surgeon will be able to look at the whole picture of your situation and your health and your goals and be able to advise you on what procedure will be right for you... and also take into account your opinion on the matter, too! but ultimately, both operations will get you where you want to be. my personal advice to you is that you really need to think long term. will having a shorter downtime with the sleeve be worth it if it means a lifetime of depending on heartburn medication or needing to have a revision? what is the most important thing to you? because that's where the true answer lies: in your own priorities and your surgeon's medical knowledge.

Bypass is considered the "gold standard" of WLS. people statistically lose more weight at a faster rate. They are also more successful at keeping their weight off (don't jump on me for saying that, because it's statistically correct). The downfall is the malabsorption. You MUST be vigilant about taking Vitamins for the rest of your life, even more so than the sleeve. There is also statistically a higher chance of complications than the sleeve, although still low. Your surgeon is correct, if you suffer from GERD or heartburn, the sleeve may make it even worse. The bypass will usually cure it. Neither one is magic. Both are amazing tools you will use to help you get to where you want to be health and fitness wise. Neither one will help you get up and move more or choose what you decide put into your mouth. That will be up to you