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Same boat here but with a twist - I'm going solo to Mexico for my surgery. I was going to stay here and use the doctor who did my band years ago, but switched (and it actually wasn't all about the $). Anyway . . . . this doctor keeps his revision patients for an additional 4 nights locally with daily visits which is a bit of a relief as there's actually more care given! But, once I get home I'm totally solo. My house looks like I'm a hoarder with all the Protein drinks, Vitamin waters, etc. I've only got really one friend locally who will pop in if I need her. One of my friends out of state was with me for my band surgery and stayed with me for several days after (that was outpatient). I actually could have done that one solo as well, except for driving myself home of course. We almost could use our own forum --- Solo Surgeries or some other cutsie sounding group name.

I purchased Bypass surgery for Dummies and in it it listed some books. I purchased one "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" author Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray. This book is very informational, looks like some very good recipes also has the nutritional information for each serving. Found these at Amazon.com.

Quoted Betterthe Bean Just curious.....which doctor said this? You've stated so many times how bariatric surgeons in this country don't know anything, so how could the surgeon who doled out this little gem about hypoglycemia 30 years post op be trusted to know anything at all? Perhaps he's just as ignorant as the rest of the bariatric surgeons we used. After all, where are his YouTube videos backing up his claims? Hello...ButtertheBean, If you read my posts carefully I've NEVER said ALL US Bariatric surgeons don't know anything, I said to always question surgeons and get second opinions if necessary and ALWAYS be proactive with your own health. Regarding Hypoglycemia - Yes my older sister had stomach stapling surgery over 30 years ago when she was 24 years old, (similar to the Sleeve) and she has had part of her stomach removed as well she she developed ulcers from the stomach staples years ago. She's had those hypoglycemia attacks for many years, but not to the extreme as she is having them now. I've seen how she has lived with this surgery over the years and she's had many stomach problems and pain, however she's never had a problem so severe that required hospitalization, she did have to get her gall bladder removed years ago also. Now she has started to get scared for her life because the attacks are more frequent (daily) and it is causing her to be disabled, she gets really hot, dizzy and her blood pressure drops to almost fainting, a few weeks ago at the casino she fell over people and could not make it to the ladies room, they had to call the paramedics, long term Hypoglycemia can be deadly. She has been to several specialists and they got no answers, only to tell her to keep a strict diet, and she can't eat many carbs without feeling sick, and now have to keep candy and crackers with her at all times, to combat the severity of the attacks, this is when the Bariactric surgeon told her that this can happen with any stomach stapling surgery such as VBG, Sleeve, RNY or DS since the stapled small stomach causing rapid emptying of the stomach that can create these bad side effects, but in many they can get chronic and debilitating over the years. Many Sleeved friends of mine complain of (dumping like syndrome) which is probably Hypoglycemic as well. There are clinical trials right now being done on Bypass and Sleeve patients for long term Hypoglycemia Here are links to some of the studies. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01581801 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22773085 The primary aim of the present study is to conduct a 1-year randomized trial to compare the incidence of hypoglycemia after RYGB or SG. Condition Intervention Obesity With Complications Morbid Obesity Reactive Hypoglycemia Bariatric Surgery Procedure: Gastric Bypass Procedure: Sleeve Gastrectomy Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Open Label Primary Purpose: Treatment Official Title: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL STUDY COMPARING THE EFFECT OF ROUX-en-Y GASTRIC BYPASS AND SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY ON REACTIVE HYPOGLYCEMIA Resource links provided by NLM: MedlinePlus related topics: Diabetes Medicines Hypoglycemia Obesity Weight Loss Surgery U.S. FDA Resources Further study details as provided by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart: Primary Outcome Measures: incidence reactive hypoglycemia [ Time Frame: up to 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]The Primary Endpoint of the study is the incidence reactive hypoglycemia within 1 year after the bariatric surgery. Secondary Outcome Measures: insulin resistance [ Time Frame: 0,1,3,6,9, and 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ] Changes at 1 year of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion measured after an OGTT. Changes at 1 year of body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference, body composition, lipid profile and cardiovascular system abnormalities. the incidence of severe hypoglycemia or related symptoms (shakiness, sweating, dizziness or light-headedness, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, confusion, syncope, epilepsy, seizures) within 5 years after the operation. Estimated Enrollment: 50 Study Start Date: October 2012 Estimated Study Completion Date: December 2014 Estimated Primary Completion Date: August 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) Arms Assigned Interventions Gastric Bypass25 subjects obese subjects with complications or morbidly obese subjects will be assigned randomly to this arm to undergo gastric bypassProcedure: Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass This laparoscopic operation includes the division of the stomach in two parts. A proximal, smaller pouch (20-25 cc volume), is connected to the rest of the gastrointestinal tract through a gastro-jejunal anastomosis, whereas the distal gastric pouch is left behind but excluded from the transit of food. An entero-entero anastomosis, with a Roux-en-Y type of reconstruction, allows the bile and pancreatic juices to mix with the nutrients at about 100-150 cm from the gastro-jejunal connection. Sleeve Gastrectomy25 subjects obese subjects with complications or morbidly obese subjects will be assigned randomly to this arm to undergo sleeve gastrectomyProcedure: Sleeve GastrectomySleeve gastrectomy Laparoscopic SG involves a longitudinal resection of the stomach on the greater curvature from the antrum starting opposite of the nerve of Latarjet up to the angle of His The final gastric volume is about 100 mL.

I'm having a revision with Dr. Garcia on March 8th. Can you help me with hospital post-op care. Do they use pressure stockings during surgery? Do they provide no-skid socks? Were you cold or hot? Do they staple or glue you? What was in the kit they give you while your there and while your leaving? Is there anything you recommend to make the visit go smoother, heating blanket or heating pad? Personal blanket or pillow? Oh ya, did you have a drain or catheter? How was your pain?

I had my surgery done at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr Bipan Chand. He was fantastic and the program was pretty good too. The nursing staff/hospital stay was a little iffy but still okay. I felt great after the surgery and returned (by my request) to work only 2 weeks later. I am now 10 weeks post op (55 lbs lighter) and feel fantastic! Most of my generic testiing that is required (ie blood test, nutrition, etc..) I was allowed to complete at my local family doctor (I live about 2 hours from Cleveland). Someone listed Dr. Meyer as a recommended surgeon... as I'm sure all surgeon and hospitals have their own horror stories, I work with a lady who had her gastric bypass done by Dr. Meyer and was on her death bed for a long time. The surgery was botched and she continues to have issue years later. Her body is now the body of an annorexic (spelling?). I'm not sure of the complete details of what actually happened but she is still not "out of the woods". Use your judgment on that but I thought I'd let you know my knowledge of that particular surgeon. Again, Dr. Chand was wonderful! I had no problems with any part of the surgery and highly recommend him. Good luck in your decision. It was well worth it for me!

Good for you! Hope that you are doing well with your surgery. It's amazing that you are able to eat 2 weeks post op and lots of luck with that. I have to wait a while for my revision surgery and I am petrified of having it. I just do not want to give up sugar in my coffee (because I am allergic to the artificial sweetners) and the eating and drinking. Hopefully, your acid reflux is now non existent from what I hear about this surgery! Best wishes to you always. Stephen

On the surface it may seem a Ford vs Chevy type debate. Dig in deeper with your surgeon and communicate with the folks here. I am very, very happy with my decision to go the sleeve route vs the bypass (which was my initial thought). I can continue taking NSAIDS as needed for my crappy knees. I drink coffee daily and enjoy it. I was worried that i'd not loose the same amount of weight because there was no dumping with the sleeve to keep me averse to future sweets. This has not been a problem whatsoever. I've lost my desire for such garbage and simply crave juicy cuts of meat, chicken and fish. When I say crave.....I mean seriously salivate and look forward to a fresh grilled chunk of salmon or chicken breast. Sleeve has been very easy to live with and is a tool I'll have for the rest of my life. No regrets.

Most doctors are moving away from bypass because sleeve produces nearly the same results but with less risks of complications. However, you need to decide what is right for you. I would research both and find out what would be best for me.

I told my surgeon the first time I met him that I would not eat anything sugar-free or fat-free due to the processing and chemicals. He said he didn't care as long as I got my Protein in. I think a lot of the material we are given as sleeve patients was originally for bypass patients, since they suffer dumping. To answer your question about weight loss, I am losing steadily and do not seem to be suffering for my choice to not go sugar-free, low-fat, fat-free, etc. Even if this means I lose a little slower than others, who cares? I have to be comfortable with what I put in my body and I am not going the processed food route.

I was not a revision but had a BMI at 45 and am currently at 25.3. I have lost 133lbs so far and have 11 to go. I am very very strict about getting my Protein, Water and Vitamins in every day. I have been restricted from exercise since June due to 2 spine surgeries and that is not going to end anytime soon. My weight loss slowed way down but I am still losing around 8lbs per month. I track every single thing I put in my mouth and have had many many stalls the longest lasting 28 days. I have had several people tell me I was likely done losing and I tell them they are full of crap. I may lose more slowly but it is up to me to follow the plan, if I do I will continue to lose. I get between 900 and 1200 calories a day with 70 grams of protein. I try to keep my carb intake under 90grams and I get a minimum of 48 oz, of straight water and usually more like 60oz. It can be done but you must push yourself hard and really look at your activity. Even though I cannot exercise in a gym, I keep my arms moving even when I am sitting and I try to walk as much as I can.

They have me on a waitlist in case someone cancels their surgery. I told them to reschedule a hesitant pre-op bypass patient that needs more time to think it over so I can hurry up and enjoy a 3oz filet mignon like a normal person. LOL. Today I actually ate something! I've been around 100 cals a day the last few days, but today I had half a side caesar salad and half of a french onion soup from Outback. Not dead yet. So that's a plus. I've been really mulling over the whole "I made your stomach bigger" thing and it is really pissing me off. I just keep thinking about it and how he said it can make ulcers more common and how I dealt with one already and I just don't know why he would do that. I still have the appointment on Monday and I really cannot wait to talk to him about all of that.

cat and I are not the run-of-mill Bypassers. We are a special minority, something neither of us applied for or really desired! Our stories are still being written.📝

Hi Do your research and don't let anyone tell you what procedure not to get.I am a cancer survivor and chose the bypass....so so much for someone telling you not to get that procedure...Do your research.The sleeve is working nicely for a friend of mine.YOU make he decision because you have to live your life accordingly.

Welcome Grandma Jan and let us know if we can be of any help. I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. This article describes my experience after the surgery. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

Hi there! I’m in Providence wondering if there were any pre op WLS people here!

This morning I am blessed to get up and move around getting ready for my surgery. I have to be there my 6:30am, surgery starts at 9 am, so please pray for me. I will try to take some pictures during the day to share. Love all my bypass family.

Has your surgeon told you not to take NSAIDs? One of the reasons people choose the sleeve over the bypass is so they can continue to take them.

Dr Fernando Garcia is an amazingly skilled surgeon and performed my flawless revision in September 2012. He also operates out of MI Doctor Hospital and I paid $5500.00 for my revision and an endoscopy. You will not be disappointed if you go with him.

No fill, but not because of the blood thinner. He said I lost three pounds while sitting on my backside, doing nothing, not watching what I eat, etc. So now that I am released by the ortho to go back to work part-time, I am to get my act together, start walking again, and the lapband doc will see me in 6 weeks. If I don't lose, then he will give me a fill and just keep me at the office a little longer to make sure everything is okay. So, back on with my weight loss journey. He was right when he said I needed to get my head back on this weight loss journey. When the accident happened all my attention, concern, co-pays, etc. went to getting the use of my arm back. While I still have a way to go in that regard, I do have some use of the arm back and I just feel better in general. Off the pain meds, feeling more productive, just things looking a lot better than they have been. So, back to watching protein grams, veggies, a little fruit and whole grain and walking. The hardest part is drinking the water. Still getting in only about 1/2 what I should but will work on that. And a little extra incentive. The company I work for just hired a temp and she had gastric bypass 4 1/2 months ago and has lost 95 pounds! But she does not look healthy and I am not saying that to be negative about the bypass surgery. She is losing hair, she sleeps in her car over her lunch hour because she is so tired and her color is pale/ashen and comments about how everything she eats makes her nausceous. She is a wonderful lady and really is doing a great job temping. I asked what she normally eats in a day and she is lucky to get in 600 calories. So I am thankful for the band and just being able to eat what I am allowed to eat. I will lose slower, but for me this just confirms I made the right decision for myself.

I haven't been here in a little bit but I have read through the comments to the original post. Nice to see everyone responding to the original post with personal experiences and advice. Of course it is always the best ideal to follow that of your qualified medical professionals who will come up with an agreed upon course of action bases upon your particular health issues and concerns. Each person should do what is in their best interest. I experienced some unfavorable results as a result of my gastric bypass surgery as did a few of my friends and family members. Not that it was anyones fault but as previously discussed here each person is an individual and results may vary. As I said, my diabetes isn't resolved but it is much improved I might be one of those people who won't see a resolution to my diabetes for a few years or not at all. If this is the case for you jesse, don't let people make you feel bad or imply that you aren't doing what you are supposed to as had been the case for me during my weight loss surgery journey. My A1C levels are very good since I have switched from using insulin in a needle to using the pump. Which has dramatically changed my life and my diabetes. Everyone is different. I eat very well and exercise regularly. I always did but diabetes is genetic in my family and after I had 4 children my weight and blood sugar levels just kept going up with each pregnancy. So, after 2 years of prequalifying medical screening for weightloss surgery and a bettery of doctors monitoring me, we went with RNY as the best option. My advice previously given here was based on my experience. I am in no way a medical professional and having had RNY surgery does not make me a qualified to giveany medical advice in this area. But, just be advised that there can be complications with ANY surgery. I just want to put out there that there can be some unpleasant results with RNY that you may not have with lapband. Then again you might have them anyway. Ultimately despite whatever advice you may receive from others your own feelings and the advice of your medical team should be primary in your decision as to which surgery you finally decide to have. In the end, my doctor said if he had anyway of knowing that I would have had these issues after surgery he would have recommended the gastric sleeve for me, but hindsight is always 20/20. LOL! Good luck and best wishes!!!

As I have posted last week, I do indeed have band slippage (by the way with no apparent symptoms except vomiting/spitting up nightly) and was able to eat normal, solid foods so I must say you can have slippage and still be able to eat and drink and food go down fine. Scary that there are no symptoms I know.... I am supposed to hear from my insurance today on approval for revision and surgery for fixing of the slipped band. Please pray they do cover. If so I am to be scheduled for surgery either tomorrow morning or Feb 14th. I will keep you posted. I have faith in God that he will help me on this... Thanks for your prayers and concerns....

I am 60 years old and weigh about 80 lbs more than I 2 ant to. I had trouble with my band sliding so we my do and I to have me do the bypass revision. I am doing good no problem getting enough protein or water, see the Dr Monday for 1 week check up. Little worried about hair loss. Anyone got ideas to prevent it

what could you be revised to? Have you tried the 5 day pouch test to get back on track?

Girl, this is (((AWESOME !!))) I made this for my hubby and I, and it was the best ever!! It takes the place of the biggest loser chili..I have not yet had gastric bypass surgery, but I would recommend this to anyone who's dieting! Sent from my ANDROID using RNYTalk

I have been around goal weight plus minus 5-10 lbs for some time. I got my band in 2008. Had issues with dilated pouch/esophagus. They remove my fill liquid for 4 months, I gain weight. They put it back in and it's twice as hard to get back down the 20, 30 lbs. I do it but without some liquid in my band, I'm like an alcoholic but with food. I know this. Food is my weak point, my comforter, my vice. I try not to gain weight during that phase but so far I have lost the battle. I'm at goal weight and now I hear I might have to have liquid removed yet again. I have the opportunity to change to the sleeve. One doctor says do the revision, another says I may go underweight. What would you do if the band served you so well for many many years?