Search the Community

I had bypass I own and run my own daycare and went back to work after three days. And no complications. Dr said if I felt up to it I was fine just to watch when and if I lift. HW 289 CW 230 bypass 11/22/16

@@AGreenEyedWolf ..... I kept thinking things like, will I ever enjoy eating again? (Yes) Will I ever be able to have lunch out with friends again? (Yes) Will I be so miserable I regret the surgery? (Maybe but its worth the risk) Am I a failure because I have to resort to surgery to lose weight? (no - you are a sucess for doing something about it!!) How will my husband and son (and my pets) handle a couple days without me while I'm hospitalized? (They have a couple of days in the house breaking all the rules and having man to man time lol) Am I going to have complications? (Focus on being positive) Is this all worth it? (Yes) Do I really want to give up sweets, Snacks, steaks, sodas, etc... FOREVER?? (It will be a shock how your taste buds change after surgery and some of those mentioned might not interest you anymore. I have a new appreciation for good food and can't stand some of the junk I used to eat. Physically just cant eat it. Im 17 months now and if I am at a birthday party, I will have maybe a bite or two of the cake rather than wanting to eat the whole cake !) You got this!! Let us know how everything goes and Congratulations Kate

Just had my pre-op surgeon meeting... I've got 7 more days till surgery. I got here so apprehensive that I was almost in tears... I kept thinking things like, will I ever enjoy eating again? Will I ever be able to have lunch out with friends again? Will I be so miserable I regret the surgery? Am I a failure because I have to resort to surgery to lose weight? How will my husband and son (and my pets) handle a couple days without me while I'm hospitalized? Am I going to have complications? Is this all worth it? Do I really want to give up sweets, Snacks, steaks, sodas, etc... FOREVER?? After talking to my surgeon, nurse, and nutritionist... I do feel a little better... but I admit I'm struggling... anyone else having these feelings too? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Bring a heating pad for shoulder gas pain. And walk as soon as you get back to the room. I was sleeved 12/26 and had zero complications and am feeling great! Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ooh my, I'm so sorry you are going through this I've had mine for almost 10 yrs. Never had any complications, till some regurgitation a few months ago. I only got it if I ate anything after 7pm. Got all the liquid out and slowly adding it but in that process I've gained 15lbs. I can't even loose what I gained and have no issues now but want to do a revision :/

I'm on the fence. I think on the one hand that you shouldn't be on a cruise that soon post op in case of complications... but on the other hand, doing something like the cruise with so many great, not day-to-day "normal" things to do to take your mind of of your head hunger might be a good thing. I suggest asking your surgeon for his opinion :-) Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so my experience with sleeve is limited. My experience with dieting is not. I started young and was *never* able to lose more than a few pounds. The weight always came back and usually brought friends. The deck was kind of stacked against me - as it is for many. Severe food allergies (almost all veggies and some fruits) meant I was chronically malnourished. Severe hay fever limited those easy outdoor walks and bike rides. Skin allergies, eczema, and asthma meant even indoor exercise was challenging. As an adult I sought medical help, traditional and alternative, but I was already broken - overweight and clinically depressed with a trashed metabolism and busted joints. And my weight kept going up. Fortunately about 20 years ago (after wrecking my personal life, too) I ended up marrying one of my best friends. School, work, and two very difficult kids on the autism spectrum later, we've both put on far too much weight. Ten years of high stress and no sleep tend to do that even without help. I'd though about the band for years, but just didn't like the complications and my hands were full with therapy and homeschool. We tried to eat clean and healthy and be active, but at best we maintained. Two years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was officially too much. My kind-of-stable weight starting climbing; my blood pressure shot up; my blood sugar spiked; and my hormones went bonkers. I was 43 and my body had had all it could take. I had researched gastric sleeve off and on, but after spending time caring for him in the hospital and a year of watching him balk at all the doctors orders, I felt like Chrmow - why can't he just follow directions to care for himself? Followed by the awareness that I was doing the very same thing. I researched, prayed, and researched some more. My husband and I were both scared of complications, but math says the odds are no worse than a lot of other surgeries. And I had control over my own choices post-surgery and knew I could be compliant and follow directions, which can minimize post-op complications. Surgery is scary and I've had plenty of minor non-surgical complications, but have healed really well. And the amazing thing is, for the first time in my life, I longer feel like I'm starving to death. I still have to make good food choices and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 40 lbs since surgery and that really does help everything. The reduced weight on my joints means I'm able to do more physical therapy for my bad ankle and hip, for instance. The reduced stomach means I'm able to eat Protein and largely be done instead of looking for filler. The therapist sounds like a great plan, for both evaluating "food addiction" and for monitoring/getting a handle on depression. I seem to be one of the few people who hadn't had "buyer's remorse" after surgery, but a) I did intense research into all aspects of the surgery; I had already dealt with a lot of food-as-comfort issues; and c) I'm 45 and was ready to really change. I've eaten enough pizza, cake, and Cookies for a lifetime and am largely fine with never being able to eat those things again. I've seen people on forums who freak out when they realize they'll never being able to eat a whole pizza again for comfort. I've seen the people who "can't" do liquid post op diet and try to eat steak a week after surgery. And I've seen people who realize they can still eat a box of crackers, do so, and can't seem to stop. Don't worry about the actual surgery itself -- worry about whether or not you're truly willing to change your life. Because the last few months have been life changing for me, but even at this point, it's a lot of work. Having said that, my husband started doing Keto concurrent with my surgery, partially to support me and partially as his last ditch effort to not have to. He's lost as much weight as I have eating eggs, cheese, and grass fed meat - which was basically my pre-op liver shrink diet. Assuming you're medically capable, you can always try that first. The first week trying to get off sugar and carbs is really hard, but improves a lot after that. If you can handle that, it might help on its own. Or it might end up preparing you for surgical pre and post op diets. I know - really mouthy for a total noob . But my big regret is not finding a way to do this ten years ago, when my kids were still little. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi Walter, I haven't had my surgery yet, so you can take this with a grain of salt if you wish. The odds of you losing weight (and keeping it off) the so-called "natural" way is almost zero. A lot of people say you have a less than 5% chance of keeping the weight off non-surgically, but I've read other studies were the odds were worse than that - 0.015% for women, and for men it's closer to 0.001% (sorry, I can't find the study now, but I'll try to look for it). The human body, for whatever reason, will fight you tooth and nail to stay fat, if you are obese. The best book I've read so far about this is by Dr. Robert Lustig, called Fat Chance. If you prefer YouTube, my favourite videos about all things related to bariatric surgery are by Dr. Matthew Weiner. He explains things very well. You might also want to watch this HBO special, called The Weight of the Nation. If you want to see the effects of how bariatric surgery can help obese people, there's a great series out of the UK also on YouTube called Fat Doctor which focuses on real people struggling with obesity, and doesn't have the Jerry Springer-like feel of some of the U.S.-based shows. You say you are worried about the surgery, but honestly, for most people, the odds of anything happening to you are about the same as having gall bladder surgery or an appendectomy. And those are pretty routine surgeries. But remember - if you stay the weight that you are, any surgery will be a risk, as it is for all people who struggle with obesity. You listed quite a number of conditions that you suffer from -- two questions to ask yourself is, 1) do you want to keep suffering from them and know that they will only get worse with time? and 2) what odds are better for you, in terms of being around for your family - staying morbidly obese, or having the surgery and be given a real chance to not only lose weight, but to keep it off? Sorry to be blunt, but there it is. Is this a big decision? Of course it is. Could there be complications? Yes, but that's true of any surgery. However, I think most people who have had the surgery will say it was the best decision they ever made, and that they wish they had done it sooner. For whatever reason, sleeve or bypass (not lapband, which few surgeons do anymore do to low success rates and other problems) "resets" the body in many ways - within 24 hours to a few weeks to a few months after surgery, people may no longer be diabetic, get off high blood pressure or cholesterol meds, have no hunger to fight against (some forever, but most regain some sort of hunger pangs within a year and a half of surgery), and there can be major changes to your metabolism. Your taste buds will probably change, and you may find that certain foods that you used to like will no longer appeal to you after you've had surgery. Of course, there can be some negative side effects too, like food restrictions and gerd and dumping syndrome, needing gall bladder surgery, some depression (immediately after surgery, but I haven't come across any long-term stats about that), and sometimes addiction transfer (for example, changing your food addiction to something like alcohol addiction). I would really recommend to write down a list of all your concerns and talk about them with your surgeon. Finding a therapist would probably also help. I don't know where you are (I'm assuming the U.S.) so if you have insurance I'm sure you'll have to jump through a few hoops in order to qualify for the surgery, but that can be a good thing, as it gives you time to deal with your fears/concerns before having the surgery. Whenever I get worried about anything, my motto is: think of the solution, not the problem. I find it really helps to get my mind out of the self-defeating loop that will make the problem seem bigger than it is. In this case, I think educating yourself about the surgery, about anesthesia, etc. will help you feel better (or not) about having the surgery done. Good luck.

I WOULD wait.. But the reason I say that is because IF God forbid you have any complications like I did you'd end up not being able to go on your cruise.. Just a thought.. I had my surgery the 22nd of November.. Ended up having to be opened up.. The 2 weeks after being released from the hospital ended up back in with infection.. Got released 4 days latet with a wound vac.. Thats finally off but I still have 2 wounds that have to be packed every day and new dressings.. Anyways.. Wish you the best whichever you chose! Munky

I'll take a contrary position. From my experience, you will probably feel pretty good 8 weeks out, but will have extreme dietary restrictions which could be very difficult to deal with in a captive environment. In addition, there is a very slight chance you could have complications emerge at around that time (e.g. - stricture) and medical care could be dicey depending on where you are. While I am extremely happy with my RNY and would do it again in a heartbeat, in your situation, I would consider postponing the surgery. If you can move it to July from April, what's 3 more months really? Then you can focus on you and your recovery. I took my first extended trip out of the country to an all inclusive about 10 months post-op, and frankly I'm glad I waited that long. Any trip I was taking 8 weeks post-op (frankly even up to about 5-6 months post-op) I was bringing a LOT of my own supplies - Protein drinks, cottage cheese, etc. Now that I'm a year post-op I can usually make so with whatever is available. I may throw some Protein Bars in my bag for emergency use, but other than that I can pretty much roll with it.

That's great! Can't wait to see at least 10 drop ????... But I am honestly nervous now. I've been watching "my 600 pound life" on TLC and it gets me anxious I have been watching that too and the ones that get me are the ones that don't do anything with it! I was so nervous and my surgery date got changed a lot! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Yes! I thought of changing it honestly... But I want to get it over and start my journey. The 2nd episode scared the hell out of me... When one of the twins almost died ????I watched that one too! And it made me cry! But I think as long as your Dr knows you well enough everything should go good. I have a whole bunch of tests done because I have a lot of heart problems. Everything went quick with no problems at all. I healed great. I have been able to eat alright. I didn't use any pain meds at all or anything. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Wow! That's good. I cried as well... But I want to be like you were with very minimal pain. I have this huge fear of what can go wrong... I'm so glad you had no complications ????????I have a stupid high pain tolerance. I had a c section almost 6 years ago and didn't have any pain meds with that either. I also read a lot of books before getting sleeved. So it helped calm my nerves a little bit Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App WOW C-SEC?! You beat me! For my C-section 7 yrs ago I still recall that pain of getting out the bed for the first time...... Took my breath away painful as hell! I had my son natural with no pain meds & I was ready to kill my fiance ???? but I think I'll want some meds kids drive me crazy!Lol yeah my son was so worried about me after surgery and now that I am able to eat he has to make sure that I am able to eat all my food lol. He is so funny Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

That's great! Can't wait to see at least 10 drop ????... But I am honestly nervous now. I've been watching "my 600 pound life" on TLC and it gets me anxious I have been watching that too and the ones that get me are the ones that don't do anything with it! I was so nervous and my surgery date got changed a lot! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Yes! I thought of changing it honestly... But I want to get it over and start my journey. The 2nd episode scared the hell out of me... When one of the twins almost died ????I watched that one too! And it made me cry! But I think as long as your Dr knows you well enough everything should go good. I have a whole bunch of tests done because I have a lot of heart problems. Everything went quick with no problems at all. I healed great. I have been able to eat alright. I didn't use any pain meds at all or anything. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Wow! That's good. I cried as well... But I want to be like you were with very minimal pain. I have this huge fear of what can go wrong... I'm so glad you had no complications ????????I have a stupid high pain tolerance. I had a c section almost 6 years ago and didn't have any pain meds with that either. I also read a lot of books before getting sleeved. So it helped calm my nerves a little bit Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App WOW C-SEC?! You beat me! For my C-section 7 yrs ago I still recall that pain of getting out the bed for the first time...... Took my breath away painful as hell! I had my son natural with no pain meds & I was ready to kill my fiance ???? but I think I'll want some meds kids drive me crazy!

That's great! Can't wait to see at least 10 drop ????... But I am honestly nervous now. I've been watching "my 600 pound life" on TLC and it gets me anxious I have been watching that too and the ones that get me are the ones that don't do anything with it! I was so nervous and my surgery date got changed a lot! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Yes! I thought of changing it honestly... But I want to get it over and start my journey. The 2nd episode scared the hell out of me... When one of the twins almost died ????I watched that one too! And it made me cry! But I think as long as your Dr knows you well enough everything should go good. I have a whole bunch of tests done because I have a lot of heart problems. Everything went quick with no problems at all. I healed great. I have been able to eat alright. I didn't use any pain meds at all or anything. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Wow! That's good. I cried as well... But I want to be like you were with very minimal pain. I have this huge fear of what can go wrong... I'm so glad you had no complications ????????I have a stupid high pain tolerance. I had a c section almost 6 years ago and didn't have any pain meds with that either. I also read a lot of books before getting sleeved. So it helped calm my nerves a little bit Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

That's great! Can't wait to see at least 10 drop ????... But I am honestly nervous now. I've been watching "my 600 pound life" on TLC and it gets me anxious I have been watching that too and the ones that get me are the ones that don't do anything with it! I was so nervous and my surgery date got changed a lot! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Yes! I thought of changing it honestly... But I want to get it over and start my journey. The 2nd episode scared the hell out of me... When one of the twins almost died ????I watched that one too! And it made me cry! But I think as long as your Dr knows you well enough everything should go good. I have a whole bunch of tests done because I have a lot of heart problems. Everything went quick with no problems at all. I healed great. I have been able to eat alright. I didn't use any pain meds at all or anything. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App Wow! That's good. I cried as well... But I want to be like you were with very minimal pain. I have this huge fear of what can go wrong... I'm so glad you had no complications ????????

@@ConnieY welcome newbie here' my condensed version of my new life after WLS i had the sleeve done December 15, 2011 5 year surgiversary was last month very proud!! surgery and recovery were great, no problems no gas either - woo hoo i was hosptilized 6 weeks PO had to spend the night getting rehydrated i wasn't drink enough liquids/water enough not the greatest experience, but i learned not to do it again to be honest, some OP do have some complications you should be aware that all surgeries have possible reactions do alot of reading i reached GOAL one year P0 over the past 4 years - i have regained 6 lbs working on getting the # down i feel health and happiness life is good good luck kathy

If you've had the Bariatric Sleeve surgery YEARS AGO, please let me know how you are doing. Any complications? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I'm new to the forum... I've been doing research on the Gastric Sleeve then I decided that the bypass is the better option for me... I know my insurance will cover the procedure...and I also know there's several hoops I got to take before getting approved.I've done my research and already contacted the surgeon of my choice and got some information. I can't continue to be unhealthy anymore.To those of you that have gotten the bypass...Where did you have your procedure done? Any complications? How did your family & friends react? How are you dealing with the lifestyle changes? And what steps did have to take to get approved by your insurance .

I had my surgery 12/23 and I had absolutely no complications or pain. No gas pains even. I wondered if they even did the surgery - until I went to drink something and lo' and behold I knew. Everyone is different! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Be patient. I know it's difficult. I'm 11 weeks out and I've had nothing but complications. Systemic yeast infection a gastric ulcer, now I have become gluten intolerant. One bite of a flour product and I pay for it. Everyone's body reacts differently to the major trauma of surgery. Get lots of rest. Your body is still adjusting. Sent from my SGH-M919 using the BariatricPal App

I had the VSG with him in August of 2015 and had a very positive experience, no complications, and have exceeded my goals. Best wishes to you!

Because im pretty obesit my surgeon said i needed to do the sleeve first and then a year later do the rny just because it would be to complicated with my size right now BigBodyBombFace

No he doesn't have me on any plan..it seems as if im being brushed under the rug..because im having so much trouble..when i was well and had no complications he was all for it very active in my progress..now its not really any interactions when i see him and no i have rhe chewable B12s..i see alot about the Patches i might try them out..or see if my insurance can cover it..because they seem to be a little expensive. Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

Has anybody had a revision from sleeve to RnY? Why did you have it done? How far postop are you? Any complications? How much did you loose with the sleeve? How much have you lost since the revision? How do you feel now? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am wondering if anyone has any advice in terms of their macro targets once you have transitioned to maintenance. I have been gradually upping my calorie target (now at about 1600 calories), but I'm still losing weight at that level. I'm ok with that for a bit longer, but I am struggling with how best to change my macro targets as I increase my calories. I'm kind of wary to increase my Protein intact above 100-120 g per day, but I am a bit fearful that upping carb intake too much will set the stage for me falling back to bad habits. Any advice on how you approached this? I'm grateful for any advice. The dietitian that I have consulted (my surgeon does not have an in-house dietitian so we are referred to one for phone consult) with keeps recommending a max of 900 calories per day, but that seems like really bad advice for a 6'3" man doing a lot of cardio and weightlifting who is continuing to sometimes lose 4-5 lbs a week. To add to complications, my surgeon is currently under federal indictment, so I don't have a lot of great outlets for guidance at the moment.

I'm a newbie, just has my gastric sleeve on Monday, January 9th. Surgery has totally kicked my butt. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights due to complications with water intake. Now, that I'm home, I still struggle with water intake. I seem to handle the protein shake with no problems. However, no matter how small the sips, I feel a lot of pressure with water. Followed by burping. I've always been a big water drinker, so it's really frustrating me that I can't seem to tolerate water now. Is this normal, will this subside? Also, I'm having a lot of numbness in my lower extremities. The hospital discharge sheet listed this as a minor complication, However, it's alarming to me and I don't know how worried I should be about this. Overall, I feel a lot of weakness and like each of my limbs weigh 100 pounds each. I was sent home with oxygen, which I'm being told is normal. Are others experiencing any of these same things? Thank you.