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Bypass tomorrow 11/18. On a clear liquid diet for 2 days and ready for the surgery. Mostly excited but a little nervous about pain. 5:30am I’ll be getting prepped! 🎉

I'm miserable when it comes to eating.. Or should I say drinking broth... I took it upon my self to start on pureed foods a week early or else I would've died of starvation. However I'm doing pretty good.. I've started walking up to a mile and a half everyday. I had surgery on Nov. 3, 2020. Before surgery my weight was 245 now I'm 225... I'm sure I lost some weight pre-op due to the 2 week liquid diet. Anyway the Journey continues. Sent from my moto g fast using BariatricPal mobile app

I am having my lap-band removed and laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery on 8 December. I started my presurgery diet this past Sunday. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I will be in the hospital for 4 days. I have to report to the hospital the night before.

I was told to expect a two-night stay, and it turned out to be two nights and the entire next day. Stabilizing my electrolytes and heart rate took some extra time. I think the hospital where I was treated tells everyone at least 2 nights for bypass. But I’ve seen some people on here say that they stayed only one night.

I had my gastric bypass on 11/03. Although I don’t want to negate the advice to definitely walk after surgery, I think I’d advise listening to your body. I wasn’t able to walk after surgery because I got my period within an hour of waking up after. It was miserable because it was a particularly rough period, so I spent my entire hospital stay in bed and in pain. If you’re not able to walk after, it’s okay. The gas pain might hang around for a bit longer, but definitely don’t try movement too early if it makes you lightheaded or if it increases your heart rate rapidly (which happened with me). My other advice is to take fluids gradually once you’re allowed them. The hospital where I was treated had a fluids challenge that let me work up slowly from 1 oz of water over an hour to 4 oz of protein drink over an hour. It was hard for me not to treat that like a competition. There’s no competition. Find a good pace for yourself as you begin to self-hydrate. And something I learned on this discussion board: you will be heavier for the first several days home than you were when you went into surgery. This is just fluid weight from your IV in the hospital and isn’t real. So don’t weigh yourself for at least your first week home.

I had my gastric bypass on November 3. Best of luck to all of you who are coming up on your dates!

Sooooo I was called today and I was given my surgery date of 12/11/20. What are some tips? Things to expect, what to do and not to do?!?!?! I’m super excited.

Wow! That is amazing! I am having the lap band removed and then having the mini gastric bypass. I am running with your support and encouragement! 2 weeks in - how much have you lost already? I am going to make a daily journal of what I felt and how much I lost to help others!

If you haven't run into this in your research, I found this to be an interesting point/counterpoint discussion of the LINX (the "Yes" vote is linked at the bottom). http://agaperspectives.gastro.org/is-linx-the-way-to-go-for-gerd-surgery-no/#.X7K6SWhKiUk I also found another source that indicated that LINX was not appropriate for bariatric patients, but didn't explain why (possibly simply because that group didn't have much experience with bariatric patients?) The "No" vote above did lift out the prospect of erosion from the foreign body, and given the history of the lapband, that is probably a good point of caution. I would suggest getting a second (and possibly third) opinion on this. I am a fan of second opinions, particularly when it comes to revisions and complications, as both the causes and solutions are often more varied than the original surgery, and hence the opinions as to the best way to go often vary more widely - what one doc is comfortable doing to solve the problem may not be the ideal for you, while another doc may have different experiences that allows him to offer something better for your need. Or maybe not - but as patients it is hard for us to evaluate, but one solution may make more sense to us than another. I have found that with the sleeve, being a relatively new procedure to most of the bariatric world, the solutions to problems that may crop up are often limited - some docs are limited to simply revising to a bypass as they don't have much experience with anything else. Most bariatric surgeons here in the States are fairly well experienced with the sleeve by now (as opposed to 6-10 years ago) but may not yet have that much experience in correcting problems with them, which is why it can pay to seek out alternate opinions. Sometimes there are shape issues with the sleeve, stemming from either the original surgery or from subsequent evolutions, and surgeons can vary widely on their ability to address these. Some can do fundoplications to address the hiatal hernia, while others can't (there isn't that much fundus to plicate after our VSG.) I would suggest a second opinion from Dr. Ara Keshishian, who does a lot of complex revisions (people come from across the country to see him, particularly as he is one of the few who can do the RNY/DS revision) and if anyone can get things working better without a major revision or devices, it is him. If one can avoid an RNY or an implanted device, that would be ideal. Conveniently, he is right around the corner from you in the Glendale/Pasadena area. I do have a hiatal hernia, though a fundoplication is inappropriate for my case, and as GERD is mild and well controlled with moderate OTC meds, and EGD shows nothing exciting happening, it is a wait and see thing for me at this point. Hope yours comes out well, whatever path you take,

@Barbwired & @toytoy Our stories are so similar..... I to was banded 11/10/2009. Did great till 2017 when i was going through a divorce (25-26 years) and then i got a stomach virus and couldn't stop throwing up..... slipped band and ER removal 3/23/2017... Worse day EVER. I lost my beloved band Tina. At the time i lost her i had not gained any weight and was at my steady 143lbs. Because it was ER i was not giving the option to wait or revise. Looking back on it i wish i had been given the choice.... But because i didn't gain, my dr said i didn't weigh enough anyway. And that's what i heard from every dr after that. Fast forward a little... i started with a few lbs here and there and no matter what i did i could not get the scale to go back the other way. I was starting to get depressed and then the beginning of 2019 i started menopause (50). When May-June came around i was up to 173lbs. (30lbs). Planning a wedding for Sept and i was steady gaining..... so i upped my search and found a dr. here that agreed to do the revision. I really wanted the MGB, but he doesn't do that.... so the sleeve it was. It went quickly as i told the dr i wanted to go as fast a possible, all other appointments went... bam bam.. Done. He noted in my chart that i was a "revision" (2.5 years later) and what my BMI was back in 2009 was 44, how well i did and that in 2.5 years i had only gained 30lbs. Handed over 14k and was sleeved 8/28/19..... Married 9/26/19 20lbs lighter. As of today i'm at 120lbs and have been since Juneishhhh.... (-53lbs) Barb.. i'm the same way, i like the gym but i have to go straight from work, do not stop anywhere, do not pass GO... hehe.... if i do, i'll go home and that's where i stay. I have not exercised a day since Covid started. I did for the months of Aug-Jan...(crossfit). But nothing since. Honestly, the sleeve sx was one of the easiest i ever had.... sx on Wednesday and back to work on Monday he even fixed a HH. @toytoy Is there a reason they can't do the removal and revision at the same time? The weight loss has for me been pretty easy and no complications. No vomiting, no getting stuck, no fills... I went see the dr every 3 months and now i'm on maintenance and only have to go once a year (unless i have issues). Personally, i think us Band-members that did well with the band do well with the sleeve. I know the band taught me how to eat better and it has made a huge difference. People that didn't do well with the sleeve i see them having more of their same issues.

Hello, I just had a conversion from band to sleeve September 21st. I was banded in 2010 and loved it and did really well until a few years ago when the GERD became unbearable. They removed the fluid from my band first and I had to wait about 6 months to get the surgery and I gained 40 pounds, the result of no restriction and not being able to work out because my gym closed due to Covid. Yes, I know I could have worked out on my own but I'm not good at that at all LOL. I've been doing fitness boot camp for years and it's the only thing that works for me. I need a coach to crack the whip, otherwise I tend to just stay on the couch. The surgery was much easier than I thought it would be and GERD has not been a problem, but I am still on Omeprazole. It's too bad you can't have the revision all at once rather than having two surgeries, but it sounds like you're doing the right thing. I think this is pretty common now and most people do really well. My weight loss has been slow, partly because of my age (60) and because I still haven't been back to the gym, it's open again but I still don't think it's safe to go. Unfortunately for me if I don't work out every day I just don't lose weight. It's always been that way for me. I am glad I had the revision though and I'm trying to figure out a way to get my workouts in on my own. I'll get there! I wish you luck on your journey, I'm sure you'll do well and I'm sure you're making the right decision!

Has anybody had the LINX surgery after sleeve? I am 6 yrs post op sleeve. The last 2 months I have had GERD and PH of esophagus is too high. I also have a vital hernia. My Options is Repair Hernia, then LINX placement or Gastric Bypass. I need some help to decide.

I am going through the same thing. Wish I had some answers for you. After 2 bites, I get a pain that feels almost like the food is tearing into my stomach as it goes down. It makes me not want to eat at all. Sometimes it even does it with liquid! Btw my bypass surgery was 10/28/20

When I had my lap band surgery 12 years ago. I shared with everybody on social media, I told all my friends. And when the band failed multiple times I had to deal with my feelings about my own failures for everybody to see. In addition I was also struggling with my feelings about being a fat person no longer in a fat body and my own body image issues and self-esteem. This was also on display for everyone. When I decided to get a gastric bypass after the lap band failed three times, I chose to tell a very select few people. I haven’t even let anyone in my family other than my parents know. I didn’t tell any of my coworkers. I think it’s a personal choice. From my experience it’s really hard if your success and your expectations don’t meet everybody else’s. I hope that helps. Good luck on your journey❤️

Hi all, I'm about a month and a half from my bypass surgery and I'm struggling to be good on my food. My partner is an alcoholic and decided to go off his mental health meds a couple weeks ago without consulting his therapist or me. I've managed to get him to start them again a couple days ago, but it's been rough. Additionally, my special needs 6 year old has been home from his special needs "school"/ therapy center over insurance issues that won't resolve until at least the 30th. His being out of school coincided with my partner starting a new job, so suddenly he's not home with us and my son has been acting out a bit. To top it all off, my chronic pain has been flaring up and I have no medication to treat it. I use heating pads etc. but it's debilitating. My PC thinks it's fibromyalgia and I've been referred to a pain specialist but they won't be calling me to schedule for another 2 weeks. Meanwhile I can barely get out of bed and when I do it's excruciating. So my question is: what do you do for stress relief that doesn't involve exercise or alone time? I have a therapist I talk to once a week and I'm on mental health medication already.

Hi Everyone I was banded in 2009 I started having serious stomach problems, Severe GERD and gaining weight back. My doctor removed all fluid out of my band. I’m looking to get a revision to the sleeve. I start my nutrition appointments tomorrow and have a pyshch evaluation next Monday. They plan to remove the band in January hoping to move through the six months and become sleeved. Excited to begin this journey.

As we all know, Bariatric surgery is a tool. We are still responsible for nutrition, diet & exercise. I had a friend who went thru a gastric bypass. She thought she could eat the same amount of calories at her former weight & continue at her reduced weight. I can understand that; your brain has not caught up to the change. What helps me is a strong support system, I need accountability. Post-Op support is critical for long term success. It is as vital as the surgery being performed. Bariatric surgery is very emotional, support is key. Ensure you have an exemplary health team, to guide you. This includes a therapist to understand your specific behavior & relationship with food, and a nutritionist. There is so much going on, biologically, emotionally & mentally. In time, fitness\exercise will become part of your regime. You do not need to join a gym or lift weights, or walk on a treadmill. Exercise can be walking, it can be gardening. So long as activity is a daily occurrence. The Health Team will guide you thru something which is new for you. Ultimately, developing new eating habits to last a lifetime. This is important to ensure your success. Change in regards to behavior does not happen in weeks or months, it takes time. Be patient with yourself. Usually, in 6-8 weeks you can resume a normal diet, it depends on the directives of your Surgeon. Each person is different. For me, I plan my meals, consume nutrient dense foods, protein in every meal, I exercise. Speak w/your Surgeon, nutritionist to understand the plan for you. You will get to where you need to be -

I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing discomfort and discontent. You have been referred to another Surgeon? That is a priority so you can now address & reconcile the acid reflux and move on with your revision. Typically, a revision is not as complicated as the original surgery. It should alleviate your acid reflux and improve weightloss. Sometimes the stomach can expand...I realize you know all this. Your trepidation is reasonable & understandable, especially when the Dr. you developed a trusting relationship has moved. Have you met the new Surgeon? Do not allow fear to create anxiety. Evidentially, you are incredibly strong, in every way....emotionally & mentally your are formidable. Has your Dr recommended any medication for the reflux? I do not know anything about your history, I joined today. But I am here, happy to help & always listen...

Congratulations! I had a bypass on November 5th. I was worried about pain and what recovery would be like. I spent two nights in the hospital and had plenty of pain meds while there. I also took pain meds when I got home but not nearly as many. Get up and walk more than they tell you to. It can be exhausting at first but it really does help with gas pains you may have. Follow your surgeons advice, ask lots of questions if things are not clear. I am 10 days out and get tired but my husband and I hung new blinds a few days ago so I figure I am not doing too bad at this point. Good luck tomorrow!

That’s scary af! I need revision because of acid reflux but crap, not sure about that now

I had my sleeve done September 2016. I lost 145lbs. I now weigh 165lbs & my acid reflux has not gotten any better. I know I need a revision but I’m scared & my doctor moved away😭

Hello I had my gastric bypass on Sept 23 and received the exact same requirement and it is a struggle. I normally do a shake for breakfast about 25gram, one throughout the day at 25 gram and a yogurt of about 15 grams and heavy protein rich meats. I also eat every 2 hours and throw in a sugarfree apple sauce. Good luck

I had my surgery on 11/9. It was supposed to be a bypass but a lower hernia and scar tissue in my abdomen caused it to become a sleeve. Which is fine, but it wasn’t what I expected. I also had another hernia, hiatal, that he repaired. My doctor is hoping with that repair my horrible indigestion will be long gone and the sleeve will be a good fit, but if not he has already said he would revise it If I got the other hernia repaired first. My doctor is great, I’m not upset with him, but somehow having the plan changed makes me feel like I’m behind. I lost 20 pounds over 2 weeks on the pre-op diet, but when I finally weighed myself today, well I’m at the same weight I was when I went I for surgery on Monday. I’m sure things will get moving along, I’m following the diet, Protein, and Fluid recommendations religiously, but I just feel a little deflated and defeated this evening. I know those feelings will pass, but I just needed to put into words that I’m just not feeling on point yet.

Are you getting in all your fluids? The main thing I was told was getting your 64 oz of fluids is the most important thing. Headaches and nausea can definitely be from dehydration. I was too full to get all my protein in the first few days and they said that was ok. Just focus on fluids. I had a bypass on 11/5. Hope this helps

Hello, I'm a newbie here and I'm currently awaiting a decision from Aetna for gastric bypass. My prior authorization was sent and received on 11/6/20. I called on Thursday morning out of curiosity to see if they had gotten it and they had. They said it can take up to 14 business days and most of the time it will take that time. From what I've been reading a lot of people seem to get their decision back pretty quickly. I'm getting nervous that they will deny it and that I'll have to fight with insurance. I can't think of a reason they would deny it as I met all the requirements, my BMI is 62.3, I have severe sleep apnea, high cholesterol, PCOS, arthritis, and insulin resistance, My question is did anyone else's take this long to come back? Did you end up getting approved or denied? if they denied you why did they state they denied you? I'm going stir crazy with this one. I need this surgery so badly. 😓