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I began the WLS process 16 months ago at 292lbs. I lost 50 lbs during the 6 month wait for surgery by following a 1100 kcal/day whole-foods plant based lifestyle (which I'd already been following for over 6 years), and exercising at least 150 minutes per week (beginning with daily yoga and simply walking as far as I could each day, slowly working up to 10,000 steps/day and adding weight training, cycling, hill hiking, and indoor rowing). After surgery, I reached my goal weight in 7 months, and am continuing to lose rapidly without the slow-down that is commonly experienced at the 6 month mark. Currently, I have lost not only 100% of my EBW, but 58% of my entire body weight. I now expect to reach the weight I was in high school, 112-114 lbs, and to maintain long-term in the 115-120lb range. The rapid loss window after surgery is finite: only about 6 months. How much weight one loses in those 6 months is primarily determined by genes, but all gene expression is dependent upon environmental variables, so I did everything I possibly could to maximize loss during that time. For me that meant: protein first veggies second; eating only nutrient-dense whole, clean, plant-based foods (meaning no processed or packaged foods, no animal products, no nutrient-poor foods); staying hydrated; waiting 30 mins before and 45 mins after drinking to eat; consuming no more than 600-800 kcal/day; practicing portion control; being mindful while eating and chewing food extremely well before swallowing; no snacking or grazing or emotional eating; weighing and tracking all food; taking all of the required vitamin and mineral supplements; weighing myself daily; using a fitness tracker and logging all exercise; exercising upwards of 15 hours per week (because I really enjoy it; I never had to force myself); meditation; taking good care of my emotional and mental health, and sleeping 8 hours minimum per night. I still do every single one of these things, except now I eat more (not too much, but enough to healthfully support my activity levels) and exercise more (upwards of 25 hours per week training for eventual distance cycling and triathlon events, as well as many other sports including weight training and squash especially). Though it's all just my regular, everyday, normal life now, I'm still only 8.5 months out from surgery, so it’s all relatively effortless. I'm fully committed to doing all of these things for the rest of my life, however. I will *never* forget how disabled I was -- how limited I was, and how limited my life was -- because of morbid obesity. Edited to add: According to several bariatric experts that I've spoken with, the "honeymoon stage" basically ends when people resume some or all of their old habits: making poor food choices, eating too much, not exercising, and not following evidence-based best practices for long-term weight loss and maintenance (based on observing 5 and 10 year outcomes for hundreds of thousands of bariatric patients). Obesity is a disease and WLS is a treatment, not a cure. If you have heart disease and undergo a triple bypass but start eating burgers and fries again 6 months after surgery, you’re still going to die of heart disease because you’re not addressing the underlying cause of disease unless you change your diet and lifestyle. 50%-60% average weight loss after VSG is just that, an average. So if you don't want to end up with average results over either the short or long term, then definitely do not do what the average person does. Use the first year after surgery to entrench yourself in an entirely new way of eating and moving your body (including weight bearing exercises to build muscle), regularly examining what's working and what isn't, and adjusting or pivoting as needed over time to continue seeing the desired results.

DS is a fairly complicated surgery, so I'm not sure I'd want a rookie doing it. you didn't mention RNY (gastric bypass), but that's another option. If you have trouble with GERD, that's the surgery that's usually recommended. RNY often improves - if not outright cures - GERD. The sleeve CAN make it worse. Not always - and not even in most patients -- but in a significant minority. if you don't have issues with GERD, then it comes down to personal preference. They're both good surgeries, and I've seen many examples of success on here with both. And of course, people have failed at both, too. If you are a very committed patient, you can succeed with either one.

only about 30% of bypassers dump, and it can be controlled by limiting - or avoiding - sugar. I've never dumped, and most of us haven't. And there's nothing I can't eat.

I think there’s a misconception that the sleeve and bypass or DS give wildly different weight loss outcomes. I think my surgeon said it’s only about a 5% difference. I know plenty of people who have lost over 100 lbs with the sleeve. Anecdotally, I started at 288 with a goal of 160. I’m 35 lbs down at 4 weeks.

Do you struggle with reflux currently? If so bypass might be a better option. I had mild reflux so I decided to go with the sleeve. Zero reflux since I had it done a month ago. Dumping was a consideration for me too. I personally wanted to live my life having a slice of cake on my birthday or a cookie with my kids from time to time. Some people feel like they need the strictness of bypass that will never allow them to eat certain foods again. Malabsorption was a factor for me as well. FWIW, obviously I don’t know your friend, but I’d guess it wasn’t the sleeve that failed her. Slider foods, grazing all day, heavy carbs, etc. will definitely stall your progress and cause regain. My head hunger is for sure still there. It’s a lot of work! (I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m judgmental of her. I get it.)

Hello all! I am new to this community! I had my first appointment with my surgeon today, and I love him, he's really great. We talked a lot about different surgeries but I'm still really undecided and I'm finding myself obsessing about it even though I have several months to decide. So if anyone wants to weigh in (haha, no pun untended) please do. I'm in my early 30's, female, BMI of 44. SW is 255, GW is 125-135. I'm 5'4. I think that's all the applicable information. Anyways, I have a good friend who has similar stats but is slightly older then me. She had the sleeve and stalled out at 6 months after only a 30lb loss and started regaining. She ended up getting the Duodenal switch which has since worked fabulously for her. She has met her goal and is maintaining. My surgeon has never performed a DS but is not against it. I do not mind being a pioneer patient and I definitely trust his experience. He is not really swaying me in either direction because he wants me to make my own decision. He says the majority of his patients get the sleeve and tend to do really well with it, and the weight loss center has a really nice aftercare program. It is pretty important to me to hit my goal. I have another friend who counted calories to lose about 100lbs and has now regained it all plus some. Over being skinny, I want to be healthy, but I also want to feel comfortable in my own body, have the self-confidence to be seen in public again, etc. I'm sure a lot of you know where I'm coming from here. I also really don't want to have to come back and pay for a revision. I have kids and I have a lot of things I could be spending those thousands on instead of a second surgery. So I'm sitting here bouncing back and forth between not losing all the weight I need to with the sleeve and being worried about the harsh side effects of the switch as well as having concern for the severe malabsorption as I age into my twilight years. But then again I won't live to see old age if I don't get a minimum of 100lbs off. Help. Please. And yes I Know the surgery is a tool and should work if I use it well, and I plan to, but..I don't know. Just help please.

That's a great point about changing course and avoiding future medical issues. I got a revision to SADI DS in May. At the beginning of the year I had to get a MRI for hip problems. I also had serious high blood pressure. My family has a history of diabetes and with my morbid obesity I'm sure I would have developed diabetes if I made no changes. So far this year I've lost 82 lbs. I have almost no issues with my hip now. I've reduced my blood pressure medicine from 20 mg to 2.5 mg. My last two weeks' readings have been perfect.

Hi all, So I've decided to have gastric bypass after lap band removal, but now the question is do I get the Mini or the RNY? I already regret getting the lapband in the first place and feel that I could have saved myself money and another surgery had I just bit the bullet the first time. I don't want o go half way again? Has anyone regretted the MGB and revised to RNY? Reflux was a major issue with my lapband. Also, I am presently between 195-200 lbs (lost 60 with lapband and regained 30) what kind on weigh loss would I expect with MGB and RNY? Any advice, thoughts, would help.

Hello guys I am back home and post surgery! I had my a lap band revision to gastric bypass on June 29. No visitors allowed but at least my surgery did not get cancelled. The first night was a drugged haze. I don’t remember much. The second day was awful. I could not take any pills or keep any water down. I kept throwing up or dry heaving. So, the doc kept me in the hospital a second night. The third day was good very little throwing up and i was really able to walk around the hospital floor a lot. I even did some work on the computer in the lounge which was awesome. The pain was pretty bad the first day post surgery. But by second day it was very mild. Today is my third post surgery and I feel no pain just a little discomfort when I bend down, twist or cough. Once home yesterday I started having some sore throat and coughing I remember feeling that in other surgeries so I think it is just from the anesthesia but if it does not improve I’ll contact my doctor. My only issue now is managing my type 1 diabetes. I have an insulin pump and all of my doses need to change and now I am having a few lows. But I keep my glucose tablets near and take one when I get below 70. I still have not had a bowel movement but I am hoping today will be the day.

I started with a gastric sleeve surgery done in July 2019 weighing just shy of 350lbs. I had a lot of issues and tough recovery and it required a revision to a gastric bypass at the end of February 2020. I do not own a scale in my home as I would obsess over the number and with the whole Covid situation I was not going to in person dr appointments but today finally I was able to go and I weighed in at 187lbs!!!! That number seems crazy to me. I was over 200 at the age of 12 and I’m now 46. I want to laugh and cry at the same time. This last year was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever been through and I am not back to being 100% healthy yet but I am so excited to finally be under the 200lb mark.

I’m 26 Years Old and 4 Months Out From Gastric Bypass Almost 100lbs Down And 6Weeks Pregnant I’m In Shock Because I NEVER Thought I could Get Pregnant after Years Of Trying And No Success I stopped trying then told myself After Surgery I’m Going To Wait 2years so I Can Get Down To My Goal Weight And Enjoy Being Small Then Start Back Trying NOW BOOM PREGNANT 😫🤦🏽‍♀️ Will I Be Ok Will I Still Lose Weight I’m About 280lbs And My Goal Weight Is Between 140-150lbs 😫😫😫😫😫😫 I’m Also Worried About Nutrition And Any Other Complications For Me And Baby Getting Pregnant So soon I’m So Scared 😥 CLEARLY THIS SURGERY REVERSED MY INFERTILITY ISSUE 😰 AND NO MY SURGEON OR DOCTOR DONT KNOW YET I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY 😰

I had a sleeve in July 2019 got incredibly sick after the surgery. Developed awful reflux developed a hernia from vomiting literally lost my mind from a lack of protein after all the vommitting couldn’t walk ended up in a rehab hospital still couldn’t keep any food down as a life saving measure they converted my sleeve to a bypass in February 2020 and fixed the hernia at the same time. Since the conversion thank god my memory is slowly coming back and my strength is also slowly returning. On the plus side I am doing much better with being able to eat and haven’t vomited except 2xs since the revision With all that being said due to all my issues I had no insurance requirements that I had to meet. The drs just scheduled the surgery I arrived had the surgery and repair and then was hospitalized for 3 days afterward to ensure everything worked the way it was supposed to.

Hopefully your life is more under control now so that you have time to commit to the bypass surgery otherwise If you face similar issues you may face the same challenges. But I only dump if I have something high sugar or fatty content which is obviously rarely. You need to learn to eat clean and healthy again.

Are you having bypass done

Hi! I had my lapband out in Aug 2019 and Gastric Bypass end of December. I hit a stall at 2 1/2 weeks that lasted 3 weeks. It's very common - search 3 week stall. Yours may have started a little later but don't worry. Keep following your plan and you'll be fine. (BTW - 30 lbs in 5 weeks is amazing!) Lori

I had my lapband removed Dec. 2019. Gastric bypass in May. I'm down almost 30 lbs. I feel like I've hit a plateau. Is this normal almost 5 weeks out? Also, premier protein drinks and eggs make me want to gag since surgery. I loved them before. I'm not getting enough calories in currently. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!

I'm scheduled to have gastric bypass on August 4th, and so I'm finishing the pre-op testing. My EKG came back abnormal. Possible left atrial enlargement, and borderline arrhythmia. They want me to go see my PCP to clear me for surgery, and my appointment with him is on Monday. But now I'm freaking out! Firstly, is there something wrong with my heart?? But mostly, is this going to tell me I can't have the surgery? I have been working towards it and looking forward to it for so long now. I mean, I think that he'll approve me, considering I don't have any history of heart problems... But I also don't know how he feels about bariatric surgery in general. I've just been going to the surgeon's office for all my tests an appointments because it's easier. Anyone have this problem in the past?

I’ve been post op a week now with bypass. I feel really good. Started in full liquids today and was too happy to eat some hot cereal!

if you're referring to the RNY, then malnutrition is rare as long as you keep on top of your supplements. the "bathroom thing after you eat" is uncommon with the RNY. The vast majority of us deal with the opposite problem - constipation. if you meant something like a SADI or DS (which is not the same as the RNY gastric bypass. SADI and DS are a sleeve stomach with a bypassed small intestine), then those things are more of an issue. But even with that, I think malnutrition is uncommon as long as you keep on top of your supplements. ADDENDUM: I just rechecked and you said gastric bypass (which is the RNY). So no, those things aren't common issues. You just have to be more diligent about taking your vitamins than you would be with the sleeve.

I think the OP meant a gastric bypass (RNY)

I had my sleeve surgery with hiatal hernia repair 12/17. I’ve lost around 40lbs since then. I’ve kind of just stalled for a couple months but that hasn’t bothered me much. Since mid March I’ve had some pretty severe reflux that’s caused worsening hiccups upon waking and throughout the day and chest pain when eating. Turns out have a new hiatal hernia, severe GERD and esophagitis. I talked with my surgeon today and he’s sending over the paperwork for insurance approval for the revision surgery. I knew it was a possibility to help with the GERD and I’ll actually be quite glad to rid myself of hiccups all the time.

A bypass such as a SADI would be a good choice. That's what I did. I haven't had any unexpected negative side effects post surgery. Another option to try is just to do the sleeve reset, a dietary change that may reduce the current size of your stomach.

Curious, how much weight did you lose from the revision? I'm going to have one, pending insurance approval. Thanks!

I am 36years old and after almost 7 years post-op from my sleeve surgery, I've gained ALL the weight back over the course of these years. I know..how? Well, I had two jobs and school and no time for "myself." Managing all three of these commitments, I also started by old eating habits in eating junk food and fast food since there was no time for cooking and meal-prepping. So after my first visit, I asked my doctor if it was possible to get a re-sleeve. He discouraged me and said he strongly recommends a revision to the gastric bypass. I am a little nervous since I've heard so many things from my friends about malnutrition, having to randomly use the bathroom any type you eat, and possible depression. Not sure if anyone here can help me in making this decision. I have a meeting with my doctor on July 7th and I want to be ready to tell him with confidence that I am ready to have a revision to the Gastric Bypass. Please tell me what should I be expecting, any concerns, any questions that I should raise?

Its weird because I didn't have any symptoms in the first couple of weeks if I remember correctly. It also could be a possibility that I was numb in there and just didn't feel it? I am starting to wonder if I have another hiatal hernia ? I go back Aug 10th and if I am still burning I am sure they will send me for a EGD. Most people don't have issues after the bypass but there are a few of us out here. You will be part of the 95% that don't have issues !! I will be excited to hear when you get your date.