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Congratulations! And I see that you are only a couple of pounds from your goal weight, which is wonderful. That's quite an achievement in only nine months! I was 59 when I had my bypass, and I haven't felt this good in decades. As you say, it's never too late!

Hey. I’m 33. I didn’t have the sleeve but had the bypass and can give you what I know so far from it. I had surgery on 2/19/20. They went in and found some kind of rare hernia that they said could be very fatal if it had not been found so they had to do a lot work to that area. My doctor said that my recovery would be a little worse than normal because of it. I don’t take to anesthesia very well. As soon as I woke up, I was definitely in pain and let them know. I guess they fixed it cause I passed back out right away. This happened pretty much the rest of that first day of surgery. I would wake up in pain, they would give me more meds in my IV, and I would go right back out. I didn’t get up to walk until the next day. I wasn’t able to do much at a time but I did what I could. I had to stay 3 nights in the hospital. I had a very hard time getting my liquids in and I still do to this day. Once I got home, I stopped taking pain meds and felt decent. I was definitely sore but it was very doable. I was not able to start eating soft foods until week 4. Until then, I was having a really hard time getting in my protein and I felt really tired and week most of the day. By week 6, I was doing much better. Today, I feel great! I’ve lost 55 pounds and I am feeling it! I can’t answer your questions on the loose skin as I’m not to that point yet but I honestly don’t care. I do plan on getting a tummy tuck done and maybe a couple other things once I get to where I need to be but I really think I would rather deal with the loose skin than being morbidly obese and at a BMI of 50!!! I’m able to play more with my children and actually keep up with them! My husband and I are able to do “more” if you can get my meaning. Life is just so much better and I still have a significant amount of weight to lose! Good luck with your surgery.

Several of the things that happened for me after bypass - GERD is gone. I had developed Barretts esophagitis with a precancerous Barretts polyp. All that is resolved now. (Polyp was removed of course), but all evidence of Barretts has now vanished. With the GERD gone, my asthma is also gone. I had no idea of the relationship between obesity and asthma. And my sleep apnea is gone - no more Cpap needed. Prior to surgery I was taking Aleve twice a day for arthritic pain. I already had gotten one knee replacement and the other was in pretty bad shape, as well. I did not know a day without pain. Since bypass, I have not used any NSAIDS and I have NO PAIN. My knees, back, and hips do not hurt. Unbelievable. Adipose tissue releases all kinds of inflammatory cytokines and I was surprised at how quickly the inflammation and pain resolved. I was able to greatly increase my exercise and finished a triathlon just 8 months after surgery and a 50 mile bike race a month later. No NSAIDS needed! I am presently training for a 100 mile bike race, another tri, and a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon. More energy that I know what to do with. As far as malabsorption goes, I do have fat malabsorption. It just goes right on through. My vitamin levels are fine except for vitamin D, so I am on extra doses to keep that up. From what I have read, the lower parts of the small intestine will eventually start taking on a more absorptive role, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out for me in the future. Complications for me included some blood clots in my legs a week after surgery, even though I was walking within hours of surgery and was doing 10,000 steps by the end of the first week. It's just something that can happen with any surgery, especially in an obese patient. I also developed an ulcer about 6 months out. Both conditions easily treatable and resolved with medication. I hope this offers some light on your specific concerns. I think the biggest thing is to have a positive mind set and realize that this surgery offers you a whole new life if you are willing to seize it. There will be ups and downs, and you have to focus on the ups and learn from the downs.

I think you're seeing/hearing a lot of outdated information or reading about very rare complications. Complications aren't much more common than they are with sleeve (in other words, they're not very common) and malabsorption-related issues are really rare as long as you keep on top of your vitamins. You have to take vitamins with the sleeve, too (my surgeon has both types of patients on the same vitamin regimen), so there's really no difference there, other than not taking them is more of a problem with bypass patients than it is with sleeve patients. The ASBMS (American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons) as well as many surgeons now recommend that sleeve patients avoid NSAIDs as well (and there aren't many medications that bypass patients can't take - really just NSAIDs and extended release versions of drugs. There are other drugs that may require an adjustment of dosage, but none that I can think of that are "banned" for us) Malnutrition issues are pretty rare with bypass unless you're not taking vitamins, as I mentioned above. just like with sleeve patients, the vast majority of us have had no complications or only minor ones that are easily "fixable". You can read horror stories about both surgeries - and yes, there are people who have had major complications with both surgeries. But you can have major complications after a tonsillectomy - or a wisdom tooth extraction. But how often does that happen? Same with weight loss surgeries. I've had no issues (I had bypass because I had GERD prior to surgery - and sleeve can make that worse (doesn't happen with everyone, but it IS a risk of the sleeve)). I've been very happy with it and would have it again in a heartbeat. I am 60 years old.

Hey there! I had gastric sleeve surgery on 1/31/2020 and here's my story. I attended the free 12 week orientation classes June 2019 thru Sept 2019 at Kaiser. My insurance paid for everything and I had no issues getting approved. My only out of pocket expense was a $100 co-pay for the hospital stay. Wonderful insurance, I know. Luckily, I had no medical issues making me very low risk for the surgery. My surgeon recommended that I get the Bypass and I changed my mind on procedure the day of surgery and switched to the Sleeve. My reasoning is simple...I didn't want to reroute my intestines and I didn't want to chance vitamin deficiencies or dumping syndrome. I fasted on clear liquids the day prior to surgery and it was hell. I had an interview on fasting day and wanted so badly to stuff my face, being an emotional eater (i did get the job!). I went to bed super early the night before surgery because I had a massive headache and mood swings from fasting. My surgery was at 1pm and because of the fasting... I wish I scheduled a morning surgery. The nurse that prepped me for surgery was an idiot. Why on earth would I be able to pee for a pregnancy test after having no fluids since the day before?! I could barely pee and what I did pee didn't make it in the cup lol I got 2 tiny drops of pee in the cup and guess what? It was enough for the pregnancy test. The nurse stuck me 7 times looking for a vein. 7 times. Not just a poke either, like she was really digging. She tried my forearm, the top of my arm, and both hands before calling for help. I woke up in recovery in extreme pain, nausea and was thirsty. I said "I'm thirsty and my stomach hurts really bad" and the nurse said yeah you just had stomach surgery. I wanted to sock her in the face. They made me wait 6 hours for pain medication and water. The night nurses sucked and the day nurses were great. I used the call button every 1-2 hours for more pain meds which they could only give me every two hours. I called after 45 mins and said "did you give me a full or half dose?" lmao but I was serious. The built up gas hurt and my throat was sore. I tried really hard to push the gas out and ended up sharting in my bed. I walked often because I badly wanted to go home. Coming home was nice and I wasn't hungry but still thought about food a lot. I followed the rules and sipped my water and protein shakes and jello. I only took a week off from work because I wanted my routine back. The doctor told me it was too soon because of brain function is usually low this early on. He said "do you want to go back because you're bored or because it's a money thing" and I said "I'm bored as hell" and he said "then no, you can't go back yet." I didn't listen and have no regrets. I started taking the pill form of multivitamin early on because the the ones you eat made me gag. I slowly introduce foods as instructed and my staples are yogurt, protein shakes, salmon, cottage cheese, and veggies. I keep my meals simple. I had my 3 month check up today and I'm on track. I've lost 50 lbs total since surgery. I'm aware that weight loss with the sleeve is slower but I'm okay with it. Each week I can physically feel and see my body changing for the better. I exercise daily by walking 1-2 miles, I feel great, and I have more energy. This is the one and only time that I've had surgery. It was rough at times but overall a good experience. I am happy that I did it and have a long road ahead

I was rescheduled yesterday for May 11th. Revision Band to Bypass

Bypass was the best thing I ever did for myself - at age 63.

I’m just over a year out from bypass surgery and I feel stronger and more alive than I have in years! My BMI is down to 26 from a high of 47. I’ve taken my vitamins as directed along with following my surgeon’s program and all my recent labs came back great. My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. Before I sound too much like a commercial for bypass, I have to say that there were times when it was HARD but any struggle that I’ve had so far is still definitely worth it to me. Talk to your surgeon and the doctor who takes care of your facial nerve pain about alternatives to using Motrin as that will no longer be an option after bypass. Best of luck to you as you make your decision!

Are there many BYPASS success stories? Smooth sailing?? I came to my surgeon-of-choice after 1 year of research (and setting money aside for out of pocket) asking for a SLEEVE. The surgeon agreed this would be the right procedure for me. However, after he performed my EGD, and discovered a Hiatal Hernia, he decided the Bypass was best for me. I left my appt that day saying I just wasn't sure I could move ahead. My extensive research was on the sleeve. I felt ready for that. Of course I've come across a lot of info on the Bypass. But the mal-absorption scares me. At 5' 5" and 215 I'm not morbidly obese. I understand there are risks with both surgeries. I understand, for many, the risks are worth the possible complications. Particularly those with serious co-morbities. I don't have any but I was moving ahead with the SLEEVE to prevent them. But the malnutrition that is common with the BYPASS... it worries me. I know taking vitamins helps. But it isn't the same as the absorption of healthy foods and medications. I've read many stories about people being lethargic, weak, always feeling sick to their stomachs, barely able to eat years later. My job requires me to be at the top of my game. I can take a months off but then I need to be back to full energy and a clear head. And what if you end up with a non-related serious illness that requires medication? What if you can't absorb that medication? Also, I suffer from nerve pain in the left side of my face and take motrin several days a week to relieve the pain. No more every day pain reliever? REALLY? (not sure I've ever used tylenol for pain). It just seems like those with a BYPASS have a much lower chance of long-term health than the sleeve. Thank you for letting me throw up my concerns. I'd love to hear some "had no problem" stories. Are they common?

May 6th scheduled today! Revision band to sleeve.

I completely understand your frustration. However, I can tell you from personal experience that this is real and the area you were in, may not have Covid-19 patients. My best friend is a nurse and we talk daily about this pandemic and how scary it is. Now I can say, the hospital where I’m scheduled for my bypass was quiet and dead at my last appointment a few weeks ago. But when my husband severed his finger about three weeks ago, there were constant Covid-19 patients arriving at the ER. It was unreal. But again, I understand. My surgery would’ve been this past Monday, April 27th and now I’m still scheduled for May 15th, but I’m in TN where they’ve decided to reopen the economy, and our numbers are shooting up as more testing becomes available. I just want to have this surgery and be happy. I’m two, almost three years into my journey due to insurance changes, and the practice switching over where I lost my advocate. Just stick in there and keep your fingers crossed. And feel free to contact me directly if you just want to vent. I’m really struggling right now not to eat everything in sight, and I’m supposed to start the liver shrink diet AGAIN, tomorrow. Don’t give up, just keep checking in and hopefully people will continue to social distance long enough for us to make our surgery dates!

Here is my plan as I start this journey. I am enrolled in a 90 Day program to acquire insurance approval for the gastric bypass surgery. During this time I have to prepare mentally and physically to accept and adhere to a 600 calorie diet after surgery, learn to excercise regularly, stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol. All of which are very positive life changes that I am ready to welcome. I don't expect it to be easy, in fact I try not to think about how hard it is really going to be. Here is a short summary of how I envision the process. Starting this week I am adhering to a strict 1500 calorie diet, June 1st it will reduce to a 1200 calorie diet, July 1st to a 900 calorie diet. Right now I do not see how this will be possible but that is the plan to be ready for a 600 calorie diet by August 1st. Bad habits to correct are smoking and drinking. I plan to stop drinking as quickly as possible so I can focus on stop smoking. I plan to begin the stop smoking process on June 1st by stopping the drinking first I will eliminate one of the motivators to smoke prior to starting this process. I hope to be smoke free before July 1st. This will give me a month to really focus on being prepared mentally and physically for the surgery. I would appreciate any ideas, thoughts, concerns, or suggestions to my plan that could help me be successful. Thank you! "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead

I had my surgery in February, so I'm not that far behind. I'm not gonna lie. The first week is awful. I remember texting my family telling them I had "buyer's remorse," and that I thought I made a really bad decision. I seriously thought I'd made a big mistake. Much of it was getting the anesthesia and pain meds out of my body, which took about 4 -5 days. But it gets A LOT better, I promise. After about a week or two, I felt pretty good, still sore, but not so miserable. And now, about 8 weeks out, I feel great. I lost a good amount of weight, am back to eating normal texture food, and exercising without restriction. 8 weeks may seem like a long time, but it goes by before you know it. I feel 100% myself, now--but that first week or so...UGH! Have patience, follow your doctor's advice and don't worry. You're body just underwent some major internal revisions and it will take some time to get used to it. Most people I know were in the hospital for two nights following surgery, so if you got out after one, your doctor must be happy with how your are doing, even if you don't feel so great. In the meantime, take small, frequent sips of Gatorade or Pedialite, or try a sugar-free ice pops (they were my salvation!). Watch some Netflex, read a good book, and allow yourself to heal. You will get there

I'm like NovaLuna--I was so happy about getting my slipped lap band revised to RNY that I would talk to anyone that was willing to listen!😁 Now that it's five months out I'm a bit more private about it. If anyone asks I tell them, but most don't.

I’m having so many mixed thoughts swirling around my head. I hesitate to post this today. I am grateful for having gastric bypass to have the tool to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to disability (post exertional malaise) and I was at the point it was all or nothing. All my fight was getting me nowhere fast. I know I’ve come a long way, I’ve also paid a hefty price physically and am still dealing with many health challenges. But I also know my body could not carry the burden of all that weight. And I will do everything in my power to maintain the weight loss. i reached goal Sometime last month. I overshot it a little. Although based on my height of 5’ I’m within my goal range. I haven’t been actively trying to lose for a few weeks. I raised my calories somewhat but not drastically. I started out at 208lbs with a BMI of 40.6 and today am 102.4 and a BMI of 20. its Funny though, I write my weight on a calendar daily, and write Daily log of my weight, meals, calories and protein to Track and plan what I will eat the best I can based on what’s available in the fridge, freezer, pantry. I haven’t given solid thought to my progress, I’ve just taken it one moment at a time. My weight fluctuates slightly and that’s ok. Other things weigh on my mind though. I hesitate to call it a celebration when even my birthday this month went unmentioned and Covid-19 will be around for the foreseeable future. It’s not impacted my odd daily routines of living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I’m homebound much of the time as is. It’s risky going to get groceries but a necessity. But It’s had more of an impact on healthcare. i Had an early one year follow up with my surgeon February 11 and discussed continuing severe pain and spasms in left side under ribs along with other symptoms along with my history of ulcers in the remnant stomach and small intestine, they said I needed a double balloon enteroscopy. But I had to see a different doctor for the test. I couldn’t get an appointment until March 12 to see that doctor, I asked if they could schedule the test since it takes a while but no I had to wait to see the doctor first, who of course ordered the test. Which was then scheduled for April 27. And what happened, of course no one called until the last minute and it was then canceled indefinitely. And I’m left in pain, I sent them a message and they tell me I could go to the ER to be evaluated. First of all how is that a good idea? And evaluated for what? That’s why I saw the doctor and he ordered the test (actually both doctors did) I’m at a loss as to what to do and meanwhile I’m just trying to move ahead. i don’t even want to discuss this. I’ve other health issues that I’ve been waiting months to deal with. My doctor gives me attitude. Even things are obviously a problem. I saw my general doctor February after waiting a few weeks. I had sudden severe pain just lightly touching the front of my throat. I had a thyroid ultrasound. I also saw an endocrinologist. I was supposed to go to the hospital for further tests. But this was cancelled indefinitely. I’ve also been having nosebleeds and I don’t know why ... but it’s all been put on hold and none of the doctors care to follow up. I have been making plans about having skin removal surgery. Since it’s the only thing I can manage to do right now. The excess sagging skin is very problematic especially my thighs. A thigh lift, and Having a Belt lipectomy/Butterfly lift to remove excess skin might also help benefit strengthening my core which I can’t do with exercise. I’ve been working on this with Hospital BC that is part of BariatricPal and they are so helpful in the process. I’m trying to think of it as a vacation in Mexico with benefits. I’ll need financing of course. I’m far away from rich. It’s a goal to have a body I haven’t as long as I can remember. I haven’t been this weight as long as I can remember either. I could never reach this goal on my own before even as hard as I tried with strict low carb and calorie counting. I only managed 124lbs and it didn’t stay there long. So taking that last step of getting rid of ugly sagging, rashy problematic skin feels like part of the journey to finish. A crazy thing in times like these. I’ll be pinching pennies as hard as I can. But part of me is determined. And also ... trying to ignore the rest. I had wanted to deal with the other health issues first but looks like that won’t happen so I’m going to try to roll with it and see what happens. maybe it’s dumb for me to write this. I don’t know anymore. I’m exhausted. But I think that I want others to know that if I can do this with my chronic illness and disability And despite how hard it has been for me ... that others can succeed and reach their weight loss goal.

Why don't you have a reversal? They do them. And if your test results support what you say then your insurance should cover it. I'm so sorry you're suffering. But there is help. I'm reading more and more about the reversals since I am researching Bypass.

Thank you! I have looked into as much as I can without calling...checked my insurance packet and info on my portal and know that my insurance does cover it and the surgeon I'm going with is in network, but I haven't called for the details and requirements. I definitely need to get on that! There are definitely many that you listed that I haven't heard of before! ...and that's with what research I've done (which I thought was a lot, but apparently not, lol). I do know that the website of the surgeon I'm going with mostly gives general info about the lap band, gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. I personally know two of his patients and both had the sleeve gastrectomy. There have been a lot of things that I have been considering, but some that I hadn't thought of, like divorce. My husband knows and while he's not a fan of weight loss surgery as a general rule, he has seen all of the work in the healthy lifestyle I have been living with little results and is supportive of me in this because he understands the frustration and knows that this will be a tool for me. As of right now, I've only talked to a very select few...and probably more than I really want to know already, at least at this stage. I just don't want the static of everyone's opinions. I don't think I mind those closest to me knowing eventually, but not yet. We'll see. I'm sorry to hear about the divorce. I actually have some of his videos saved on my watch list! I will definitely be sure to get started on those! Thanks again for all of the wonderful info! I sincerely appreciate it!

I’m 36 (soon to be 37 on 5/5) 294lbs & having Bypass on 5/12/20 😁 Praying we all have safe & successful surgeries ❤️

Your first step should be to your insurance co. Check to see if they even cover WLS. If they do ask, what are your requirements? Most go by what you weigh currently. After you find out you can move forward. Most start with your GP. I started with my GYN. I see your BMI is 53... "most" insurance require a Min of 35 with two comorbidies or a 40+ with no co's. I was the 40+ with no co's. 5'2" SW: 232. 2009 i had the LB and was the perfect bandmember till 2017 when my band slipped due to a virus... Till then i had zero problems and maintain my WL at 143#. As far as choosing a WLS, this is up to you and your WLSx.... He/she will help you make the best choice. There's a lot more than just bypass or sleeve. Gastric Sleeve, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - (VSG), Lap Band (yes they still do them), Gastric Bypass -(GB, RNY), Mini gastric bypas (MGB), Duodenal Switch (DS), Stomach Intestinal pylorus sparing (SIPS), Gastric sleeve with plication, Band with plication, Balloon .... and i'm sure some i don't know about. At this time... the VSG is the "sweetheart" of the WLS world right now. There are other things to consider when having WLS. The biggest one (i think) is what do you expect from WLS and what are you prepared to gain and lose from it.... Losses are always just weight. WLS community has a very high divorce rate. You sometimes lose family and friends too. You also have to be prepared for the questions on your health. When you start to lose where people notice, they will ask questions as to if your sick? how are you losing? ... you need to choose if you are going to tell anyone. If you do, don't expect those people to keep it a secret. At first, i only told my (now ex) husband, sons and a few very close friends.... Well that was just the amount for everyone to know... This time, VSG 8 months yesterday, only my now-husband knows. I didn't tell any family, friends or co-workers. I also suggest you go watch some Dr. V youtube videos... he is great and always 100% spot on. He curses but gets the point across. He has so many.....

re: sleeve vs bypass, see what your surgeon recommends. There are some health conditions that make one surgery more appropriate than the other (depending on what health condition you're talking about). If you don't have any health issues that would warrant one surgery over the other, then you'll have to just decide which one you're more comfortable with - and which you think would be a better "fit" for you. They're both good surgeries and there are people who've had great success with both.

I'm terrible at intros, and hope this is where I'm supposed to be doing that (I'm assuming so, since this is where the link in the email sent me 🤷‍♂️). I'm about to be 45, married mom of 2 boys, 1 daughter-in-law, 1 daughter-in-love and 6 grandbabies! I have always been a stout girl, but over the years the weight has piled on. Like many of you, I'm sure, I've tried everything! No matter how healthy I was eating and living, I would lose a bit of weight and then it would just stop and/or I would even gain. I'm so frustrated! I have decided to have wls, in hopes that I will actually see results from my hard work. Now, to choose: bypass or sleeve? ...and to get this ball rolling. While I wait for everything to open up normally after COVID, I'm researching like crazy. My very highest weight ever was around 370 lb. It took me 9 years losing a little here and a little there, but my CW is 298 (and that is up from my weight loss lowest). ...with that said, for my surgery stats, do I use my very highest ever of 370 or my current pre-surgery process weight of 298? Yes, I overthink things. It's a curse. Also, any tips as I start this process? What do you wish you'd known going into this journey? Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your input! ❤️

I had open Ruyen Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. I had no complications and I attest this to having it done by the open procedure.

I have been told that carbonated beverages to drink are bad because the carbonation bloats u and can stretch your stomach back out and the acid isn’t any gd for us either.. a friend of mine had gastric bypass as well and she said that when she was craving a pop she would swish and spit and not swallow.. lol never tried it personally but it worked for her. Hope this helps

I had gastric bypass, but I'm assuming the vitamin needs are the same. I tried several different ones until I found that the soft chews are the only ones that don't taste disgusting. I now use these from the Bariatric Pal store: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins/products/bariatric-advantage-multivitamin-chewy-bites-flavors I like the strawberry/watermelon flavor but haven't tried any of the others. You need to take two of them per day, but they can be at the same time. I chew two of them every morning just after I get up. I'm 14 months out from surgery, and all of my blood tests have been great in terms of vitamin levels. Good luck!

Ive spent forever getting ready for this. i get my final testing in June surgery tentatively scheduled for September.I have had extremely low platelets for 5 years. When i sought treatment i was only told don't worry you don't have cancer. my level is 109 you have to have 150000 to barely be "normal"I am in full blown panic now. Has ANYONE been in a similar situation?