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I am having the gastric bypass. Good luck on the 15th!! It will go by SO quickly!!

Hello everyone. I was wondering the same thing. I had my sleeve in 2016. I had issues with GERD from the beginning since I had heartburn from time to time before my surgery. I was 207 on day of and 147 at my lowest 11 months later, and I was skeletal! I did love being so lean yet I still had horrible acid. My surgeon had suggested I had the gastric bypass but I worried that as I aged I would waste away in my senior years. Then COVID hit. No gym, just hunkering down at home. I have gained 25 lbs during quarantine. I also had a baby in September. I’m 5’1 and hate the weight on me. And the GERD keeps me from sleeping. Would I be able to get a revision that Medicaid will cover? Also, my sleep apnea is back.

I had gastric bypass in November 2019.

I had bypass in 2008.

Absolutely no reason for apologies at all. I am glad to hear that you are doing betther. I am going for my bypass on Jan !2, and I am worried myself that they will not give strong enough pain medication, if needed. I don't understand that at all. That is what the medicine is made for? I just don't get it, but glad to hear from you. Sounds like you are doing great.

I hope your surgery went well and you were able to go ahead with it. Do update me here on how it went and how it's like for you now? i guess the first month we all struggle to get adjusted. Since i went for the sleeve and yourself the bypass do let me know how it's going. I think the journey is similar but perhaps the cons might be different. The sleeve worked out for me the best. I hope this year of keeping a diet will change my lifestyle for the best to not gain weight back. Im done being fat 😛 !

Hi I haven't been on one of these forums in a looong time. I had a sleeve done in 11/2010. It has gone well and MOST of the time I hovered between 185-210 (which was fine with me as I was nowhere near my high of 300). about 1.5 yrs ago I started having trouble keeping some foods down...I figured I was just eating too fast or too much. I was losing weight but not too fast. I had post-menopausal bleeding in 12/2019 so we did the whole cancer check thing (esp with the vomiting becoming more of an issue). Everything came out fine so I was referred to a GI who found a hernia. Had this repaired in 6/2020. Since then I have done well to keep anything but liquids down. I had an upper GI done and my stomach is the shape of a barbell. (1/3 normal sleeve, middle 1/3 severely narrowed, last 1/3 normal sleeve). Referred to another GI who did another EGD and colonoscopy and found I had almost a complete blockage in my stomach (11/2020) (he also got a good view of how I look like skin and bones without clothes which I think REALLY concerned him). He sent me straight to the ER to be admitted and I had surgery 2 days later which ended up being them taking the scar tissue that was wrapped around my stomach out. Still no improvement. My new GI had his nurse call me because he wanted to have an appointment (12/28) and see how I was doing post surgery (5 weeks out). He immediately ordered ANOTHER upper GI (12/30) which looked exactly like the one from October. We discussed going to a different surgeon and I picked a new bariatric surgeon (I tried a few but they wouldn't take me since they didn't do my original surgery in 2010 and the one who did is no longer in network). Once the surgeon saw my upper gi results he had his nurse move my appointment up a week. (1/5). My GI sent a message to the surgeon prior to my appointment so he had a heads up about me. First he wasn't happy I hadn't been referred earlier to him by my first GI. He said there is no fixing the middle part of my stomach and the only thing to do is revise to an RNY. He wants to do it as soon as ins approves. (Today I spoke with them and it is marked high priority and I should have an answer by tomorrow). I made sure they knew I could only keep liquids down and it had been thing way since June. I also mentioned I have gone from a size 14/16 in Dec 2019 to 4/6 now. (I just bought a size 4 straight skirt and it fits perfectly). I have a TON of loose skin but clothes hide it. In July I just bought a new bra 36 B now I am a 32A. The guy on the phone at Aetna took these notes to add to my file in addition to the ones my surgeon sent (the upper gi series, etc). Originally my file wasn't marked high priority until someone on the clinical team looked at it. SO, now you have my LOOONG backstory. I am kind of scared about the RNY. How is the recovery? This will be my 3rd surgery in 7 months. My body has not been getting the calories it needs for quite a while now (even protein shakes take a long time to get through). It's actually probably a miracle that I am still able to function as well as I have been at work. All of the covid changes have been kicking my rear but it has been a very productive year for me despite this whole mess. Thankfully I have an amazing admin assistant and colleagues who have been pitching in here and there to help when I absolutely needed it...but I am a workaholic so I have taken very little time off for recoveries. What can I expect of an RNY rather than the sleeve? Has anyone had any complications like this so far out from the original surgery? Obviously I am not doing this to lose weight...I am actually doing it to gain weight. This has really been crazy mentally after all those years worried about losing weight. sorry for the book. I would love input from anyone :)

I have BCBS PPO and while the appointments for the monthly visits with the dietician for the 6 month supervised weight management is covered, the surgery is not covered. Because of the codes they used for the surgery. “surgery CPT codes of 43775 (sleeve gastrectomy), 43645 (sleeve gastric bypass), and 43644 (roux en y) would not be covered if billed with the diagnoses of E66.9 (obesity), E66.01 (morbid obesity), or any BMI Z codes. The representative did say the surgeries would be covered if filed with other diagnosis codes, but we specialize in obesity and morbid obesity and would only file these codes.” Should I find another doctor? My comorbidities are GERD, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol

Thats the great thing with Kaiser, they have everything under your MRN. I am in a similar situation, husband on unemployment due to covid and now we are on medicaid too, I have gotten the sleeve, but starting process for revision. When you select Kaiser as your MCO, call them or go online and select your primary that you already had, (you might have to get an updated referral) then schedule the appointments with a rep and it wouldnt even be any sort of issue, usually they dont see the part of your file with eligibility/insurance status, but either way, it shouldnt change anything. You will more then likely go to Holy Cross Hospital for your surgery since your in VA. I am in Baltimore and they sent me there.

The first few weeks are difficult. Re the feeling cold and also hot - I have this too. I think it might be down to the hormone changes generated by the bypass surgery. As long as you don't have a fever maybe just see how it goes. I felt sick for some time after surgery and was taking anti-nausea medication. It went after a few weeks. Good luck with it, but if you're worried definitely check in with your doctor.

We are all so different and you should try not to compare yourself to others. In saying that, I also had my bypass on 7 December. Day of surgery I was 229 and I have lost 15 of those now. Keep up the good work!

Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. It's totally understandable to get off track when you are grieving, but good for you for committing to getting back on track and reaching your goal. You have done great! You look so skinny. From that picture, you don't even look like you have 20 pounds to lose! Have you tried chelated iron? It is supposed to be better absorbed by gastric bypass patients, and also easier on the stomach and not cause constipation. I had iron deficiency before surgery, but I've been taking 36 mg of chelated iron per day (plus a multivitamin with 45 mg of ferrous fumarate) and my latest labs were great. This is the chelated iron I take: https://amazon.com/Nutricost-Chelated-Iron-Ferrochel-Capsules/dp/B0792MCYGW

I too was so shocked by the lack of signal recognition from my brain. (3 weeks post-op gastric bypass) I still do not know when I am hungry. I have had to read "symptoms", like feeling more easily agitated, or suddenly wanting to sit down and rest, sometimes more "pain" in stomach...nothing severe just discomfort like gas..but not. It is so odd to not have ones brain recognize something that it has been doing for 45 years hahaha. For me it is enjoyable to get some reprieve from fighting hunger pangs, and just looking at getting my protein and nutrients as a function...not an addiction to eat or graze. The full signal doesn't really make sense to me yet either...so I just eat super slow, and keep it between a 1/4 and 1/2 cup at max depending on what it is. Found that the longer I wait and distract myself between bites/drinks I can actually forget about that I was eating or drinking. I will suddenly realize oh yeah I was eating...but at that point I wrap it up and weight until the next meal...probably wasn't "hungry" for it anyway.

Having just completed my 3rd week post op I wanted to post an update in case it helps anyone with a late December surgery date still in that first week. I guess having read so many people saying minimal pain after Gastric Bypass, and felt recovered "pretty quickly"...left me with exaggerated expectations of my healing. I should have really asked a bit more of what is minimal pain mean, and what are the typical expectations days after surgery, a week after surgery...when do I not feel any pain? The first week was definitely rough, pain was moderate (to me), meaning I felt every movement I made and was uncomfortable in all but a few positions. Day 8 for me was finally a point where I felt I could get up and down without much discomfort, and walk around for longer period of times with pain being too much. I declared I finally started feeling human. Each day after that it gets....better. Not dramatically...just a longer slower upward trend than my patience and pain threshold was ready for. I had no obligations to be anywhere for 2 weeks - and WAS SO THANKFUL I did that. I am back at work week 3 but definitely not at 100%. And I just sit behind a desk. I would say for just doing computer work for 8-10 hours I am at 75% of where I was pre surgery. And very worn and more hurting at the end of the day. From a physical standpoint of any type of real movement ie Hiking, or long walks...I'd say I am 40-50% of where I was... So for anyone in those first 2 weeks wondering like I did why I am not up and feeling great....maybe this will be some type of encouragement. The key takeaway for me is...each day is an improvement...and taking time to heal is ok...it's not a race...a journey. Each body is different. I am thankful for no real complications, and am very pleased at the initial weight loss I have experienced since prepping for surgery, and over the past several weeks. That is also helping to motivate...and know each day is a healthier me as well. November 26th - 290 December 15 - 270 (Surgery) January 6th - 245 I would have NEVER believed that was possible. So thankful there is a tool that can help me get my health under control. Hope this helps someone out there struggling through pain...just rest, do the best you can each day to stay hydrated..and time WILL PASS..and you WILL feel better. Just takes time...

I had my gastric bypass done Oct 23rd. While in the hospital immediately following surgery I developed loose bowels. Still as of today Jan 5th I still have this issue. I constantly feel nauseous and get frequent urges to go, which I always end up going. I'm following all directions, and when I advised the doctors/PA/dietian, etc... They all say the nausea will go away. If I'd have known my body was going to react this way I would have definitely rethought about it. I'm now also dealing with my 2nd UTI in a month! I have another appointment scheduled on the 13th but I'm not feeling optimistic. Anyone else with these issues, if so any suggestions?

I don't have a revision of the Bypass but this Information fell into my hands a while ago : Consider researching and asking about other methou such as sclerotherapy of the stoma and plication of the stoma or pouch using Endoscopic Operating System (EOS USGI) Good Luck ♥️

I don't know about this particular surgery, but I know I've read mixed reviews of revisions like TORe, overstitch, etc. Some people don't lose much weight - but some do, but it's almost always slower than it was with the original surgery.

Is your surgeon doing a standard ESG (reducing the size of the stomach) or a TORe - Transoral outlet reduction? The facebook group ESG failures has a high number of Australian users, it seems that there is a higher rate of failure for the standard ESG in Australia, perhaps because ESG hasn't been in Australia as long as it has been in USA and some other countries, so the doctors (majority are not surgeons) are not as skilled/experienced as those doing ESG in other countries. There have been some very successful Australian ESGers but for some reason the facebook groups have gone quiet, perhaps new members have been reduced because it is not covered by medicare so not so many questions on the groups (there has been an application pending for it to be covered, but it seems to be in limbo at the moment) http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1555-public Standard ESG is not covered by medicare or private health insurance in Australia, you are probably looking at least being about $14k to $17k out of pocket. I looked at some of the outomes for TORe which is an ESG revision on bypass when the gastric outlet is reduced by endscopic stitching. There seems to be a better success rate for that (none of the studies I read were for Australia). It doesn't like like this is covered by medicare or private health insurance either. Some questions to be asked of your doctor - how many ESGs have then done? Or TORe if that is what is intended for you? Success and failure rate? If a standard ESG if they have done less than 50 I would consider finding someone who has done at least 150/200 ESGs or more. There are some out there who have done at least 250 or 300. In general, weight loss from an ESG is typically lower the surgical options. https://www.facebook.com/groups/238431870408750

Hello, I had severe gerd due to hiatel hernia (stomach was 4 inches into chest cavity), and stomach polups. I hd no other choice but to have bypass. I don’t have Gerd anymore, but occasionally I feel a burning in my stomach when I need to eat. I hate this surgery!! I’m miserable and nauseous all the time and I feel very sad I can’t enjoy food anymore. it’s quite depressing.

There seems to be a high rate of failure for ESG in Australia vs USA (perhaps because its a newer technique here and doctors have yet to fully develop the skills/experience), note though that most of the people in the facebook group below had an ESG as a first weight loss procedure so the outcome for a revision ESG following a bypass may well be different for those in Australia. https://www.facebook.com/groups/238431870408750 (ESG failure group). Seems your surgeon is considering a standard ESG rather than the bypass revision called a TORe (Transoral Outlet Revision). TORe seems to be a successful revision for bypasses. ESG in Australia is not covered by medicare (hence private health insurance too) and can be a costly exercise for a day procedure. If you go ahead with the ESG ask the doctor how many they have done and the success rate of their patients. If the doctor has done less than 100 I'd go elsewhere - there are some who have done over 250 so the more experienced the better.

If you're looking at revision options, my surgeon is discussing a non-surgical option with me of an ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) which is where they go in via your esophagus and stitch the pouch to be smaller again from the inside. There are no incisions and it's done quite quickly. I have a consultation with my surgeon next week to get more information but it looks like a good option with some success. Edited for spelling

Hi all, I had the RNY (revised from gastric band) 7 years ago and had amazing success. I got to my goal weight in 5 months and kept the weight off for over 5 years. In the last 18 months, I've had some medical issues that have resulted in me regaining almost all of the weight. Now that I have resolved those issues, I am maintaining my weight, but finding it impossible to lose again like I did before. There has definitely been some stretching of my pouch, which my surgeon has confirmed. So I guess my question is, has anyone out there had the Edoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty done? I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to discuss non-surgical options and I think this will be one of them. All of the research I've done shows it's a great option for regain after bariatric surgery but I'd love to hear from someone who has had it done. If you have had it, how did you recover? Did you lose as much weight as you did with your initial surgery? Did you keep it off? What was the post op diet like? Any and all feedback and comments welcome! P.S: I'm in Melbourne, Australia

I had GERD before I had surgery, which is why I went with the bypass. It went completely away for two or three years. Now I get heartburn occasionally. I wouldn't call it GERD, like I had before - but I occasionally get minor heartburn like you do. Over the counter stuff will usually do the trick. I was having issues with high calcium levels so my endocrinologist told me not to take Tums anymore (and to cut back on the calcium citrate that I was taking because of my bariatric status), so now I take another tablet that's magnesium-based instead. One or two of those will usually do the trick.

I had gastric bypass 5/14/20 and have lost 118 pounds....everything has been going great...but in the last few weeks I’ve started getting what feels like heartburn randomly....I’ll take some calcium chews or I’ll eat and it will go away....I’m scheduled to see my doctor soon but I’m just curious if anyone else has experienced this after having the bypass? If so what did your doctor say or do to treat it?

Hello. I am new to this app. I am having surgery on 1/15. I had lost over 150 pounds. But last year I had a hernia and since then my stomach has not digested properly. The doctor diagnosed gastric paresis. Makes little since to me since that is associated with blood sugar issues and my blood sugar has been normal and well controlled for years. At any rate, the surgeon advised to correct the issue would be a bypass surgery. I have done my research and completed the requirements. So here I am a week or so away from the surgery. I would love to connect with others for support and questions. Just reading your post this far has really encouraged me to know that I am not alone.