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Hi, I just joined the group. My daughter suggested it as she herself is a successful 5 year RNY bypass patient. From watching her I kind of know pretty much what to expect. The good and the bad. I am 57 years old and a single parent. As for myself, I didn't really start to have a weight problem until after having kids. Through the years the weight slowly piled on. On top of that I developed type 2 insulin dependent diabetes in my late 30's. My youngest was born after I became diabetic. I also have several other chronic conditions as well. The last 3 years I have been in and out of the hospital with septicemia, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, diabetic foot ulcers, two partial toe amputations on both feet and diabetic ketoacidosis. It has roughly been every 4-6 months that I've been in the hospital for at least 1 1/2 to 2 weeks followed by 4-6 weeks of IV meds via PICC line plus home nurse visits, OT and PT visits. It's only been the last 5 months that my blood sugars have really been under control and that my feet have been healed. I was finally able to go and see the bariatric surgeon and start the process to finally reach the goal of having RNY gastric bypass surgery. I received my surgery date approximately 3 weeks ago. I am now on the last day and a half of my liquid diet before surgery. the Protein powder that my daughter gave me is disgusting (she just laughed and told me to get used to it. HA) and is difficult for me to choke down. I need to try different brands to find one that is more palatable for me. My biggest problem is that I have healthy (I am a good cook, like to cook and like to eat and enjoy food) eating habits. It's just that my portions are way too big compounded by the last 3 years of not being able to walk as the wound care doctors wanted me off my foot as much as possible. So, I became more sedentary. And, voila! I gained weight and couldn't lose it. So here I am and the big day is almost here. My daughter will be taking me to the hospital and staying with me. My son-in-law will come to the hospital after the kids go to school. He's staying home with the kids while my daughter stays with me for a week. My oldest son will be coming also to the hospital. My youngest son isn't (both of my sons are autistc) sure yet. My neighbor will cook and watch over my sons for me until I come home. Now that I've introduced myself, I'd love to hear from others. I am extremely excited and a little nervous. But it won't be long. Monday morning at 5:30am. I've also been thinking about the walking and eating. Anyone else having surgery on the 1st? Anyone willing to be buddies with me?

As for sleeve vs bypass.. they are both good, effective procedures. With preexisting GERD, bypass may be a better idea, unless doc thinks the hiatal hernia repair will solve it. So far I'm happy with my sleeve.

I of course agree not enough research exists out there LONG TERM to back up the use of the vitamin patches. A four month post-bypass lab draw is not enough time to say they are working. I had read about a clinical trial on these patches I think in 2016 or the very beginning of 2017 and there is no published data from that I have been able to find. So that can tell you how long testing needs to be done for. It is much easier to prevent a deficiency than correct one, so keep that in mind. We all wish there was an easier way but why is there no long term vet than can speak to the efficacy of these patches? Likely because they don’t use them and right now, there is a reason for that.

Congratulations! I am scheduled for my revision on Dec 7th. I've had so many issues with my band that I almost asked for a refund. Lol. Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted.

I'm just starting the process of trying to get my band revised to the sleeve, about how long did it take for you to get your revision approved? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Dec ,1st I get this hateful band our of me at last! Sent from my SM-G550T1 using the BariatricPal App

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 5 years ago. It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. Here is a link to my experiences with the surgery. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

Thank you I do still have some pain on my right side which my surgeon's PA said is where the largest incision is and where I had adhesions and scar tissue from my sleeve. She told me it would take longer to heal because they stitched it very tight to prevent abdominal hernias. It is mostly ok but I still get pain bending there so inflammation is possible. Menstrual cycle it's hard to say. I am 40 so could be in perimenopause but I have a Mirena IUD which mostly stops my periods. I drink mostly Gatorade zero, powerade zero and propel because that's what has tasted the best since revision and miralax mixes well. I do ok on hydration getting 40-50 oz a day. My gastroenterologist has me do two caps of miralax to prevent constipation and it is working. I do feel like #4 is what makes most sense. I think I dropped water weight rapidly due to the shock of surgery and bounced back up. As long as I don't keep gaining weight I'm fine here. My weight would fluctuate pre revision between 142-145.

And now you are assuming because I'm male I don't have emotions? That I wasn't scared as hell going into things? that I didn't have some crazy depression because the rest of my family can eat all the foods I wish I could? That's I'm not effected by hunger? Seriously. The emotions you speak of... are not specific to one sex. I don't know of anyone that was given a pre-op diet that was informed as to how hard it would be... They didn't tell us before my lap-band back in 2011... they didn't tell use this time around when I was revised from Band to Bypass. I'm going bow out of this... I provided you with sound advice. It's up to you want you want to do with it. Good luck.

Not sure how different the sleeve surgery & bypass are. I had the bypass and was very sick for the 1st month. I couldn't eat, or drink anything without being nauseous. I had to go on a script of a nauseous patch. The 2nd month improved a little, every month after that has improved. I am now almost 6 months post op and doing very good. Keep in mind that everyone is different.

This is a pretty subjective area, *most* don't see any real losses in that area until much later down the road, belly fat seems to be the last to go for most people. I've still got a decent amount even after over 100 lbs since revision and 160 lbs lost since I started...

How did you decide? My doctor said I have no issues/conditions that would make him recommend one over the other and it’s completely up to me. I’m doing lots of research on both and am really unsure - thought I would ask here. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

My PCP was dead set against me having a bypass. The complications arent' worth the risk. When I went to see my surgeon (he does both procedures) he never once tried to change my mind. There was an article on the news here one night that stated they are finding more long term complications from the bypass that they never knew about. Some doctors are stopping the bypass and will only be doing the band in the future. I don't know how accurate that report was, but atleast with the band, I know I don't have to worry about future complications, atleas not anything that couldn't be fixed by easily reversing the procedure.

Here's a weird one. I often heard after getting WLS, that alcohol can be this really slippery slope and transfer addiction is real. It's funny because I was simultaneously worried and not worried at the same time because alcoholism runs in my family and I've seen it ugly, up close and personal which has made me incredibly reflective on my alcohol use, always checking it and monitoring to make sure it wasn't something I was doing out of habit and only in moderation. Basically, I've never been really into alcohol but don't get me wrong, I had my party days in college and I remember being able to drink soooooo much for a long time when I was partying with friends. Fast forward to today, I'm a year and like 5 months post op from bypass and I've found a couple things with alcohol and want to know if anyone is having the same experience: Getting drunk now is horrible, a surefire way straight to my head in the toilet, and not because I'm too drunk but because alcohol makes me incredibly nauseous if I have more than 2 drinks. I also don't drink sugary drinks either - I do usually a hard liquor like vodka and soda water. I find now though that I don't even feel drunk like I used to. I'm incredibly cognizant of everything, don't feel "silly" or "loose" like I used to, then I just get sleepy, and then I just hit a wall and get really nauseous and want to puke. If I have a drink then I eat later, like I've been in a situation where I am going to a dinner, have a cocktail like a couple hours before my meal, then I eat and the food makes me so nauseous and almost dumping. It could be that I'm just older now and drinking is different but I barely drink now since getting my bypass because it just makes me feel like crap. I don't miss it, I think drinking is really bad but I will admit it has taken a toll on my social life (but ultimately it's good to know who wants to actually be friends and who just wants a drinking buddy) But I've always heard that drinking can be a problem after, but now that I have had WLS, drinking is not fun like it used to be and I just don't want to do it at all. Anyone else experiences this? I think it's an interesting topic.

I would check with your surgeons office about it, as you have the tests and data that is required - if a bariatric surgeon doesn't know how to interpret an endoscopy, then he shouldn't be in bariatrics! Mostly, they are looking for a CYA from another doctor before they proceed, but if the report is clean and there is nothing to worry about, then it should be OK. The important thing is to know what is going on inside as that can influence what procedure is done or how to go about it, which is what the report would tell him. To be somewhat fair, the gastro doesn't necessarily know what the surgeon may want as a clearance in this case - that is often an interpretation on the surgeon's part - and not just a "yes/no" thing from the gastro. One surgeon I know prefers to do some of these things himself rather than depend upon a gastroenterologist report (particularly when he is doing a revision) as he knows better than the gastro what he is looking for. A cardiac or pulmonary clearance, which are also common, are more of a yes/no thing ensuring that there are no big showstoppers that will cause grief under anesthesia, but an endoscopy or upper GI gives the surgeon information that is useful for planning his operation, so should be something that he can handle.

Well, pain is very individual, and some people LOVE to talk about their pain way long after it is over. I have had bone fractures and other surgeries that were much more painful than gastric bypass. There is medication to help you. Childbirth is painful, too, but you soon forget the pain when you are holding a new life. Surgery gives you a new life and you soon put any pain/discomfort behind you. I was getting cold feet before surgery and told my PCP that maybe I should just try it on my own ....... again. She said the best words ever, "If you could have done it on your own, you would have by now." So true.

March 12th is the day! Having bypass and removing lap band. Its so surreal. Glad to hear of and see others feelings about their surgery.

I have been banded for over 7 years at this point. It seems that things change so much with the band. At least with mine. MOMENT OF TRUTH! I am not the poster child for lap band. I have lost and gained at least a bazillion pounds in that time. I was 210 at my lowest. I stay round 275 these days. Well it's time to kick it into gear, one last chance before searching out info for a revision. For sure I am the tightest in the morning. If I drink a cup of coffee or tea, I loosen up enough to take my pills. After that I can barley get anything through. Lately I have been sipping Water or SF lemonade letting the sip go all the way. Sometimes I time myself and only take a sip if the time is an even number. lunch has been small lately, but for years I'd fight and fight to get anything down. Usually regurgitating several times a meal. sometimes end up vomiting. By dinner I am able to eat a half a side of beef... My life is in no way a regular life. I drive truck and start between 3-4am, work way too many hours, eat on the go, get little sleep, and the stress level is out of sight due to the cargo I carry. I'm getting pretty tired of not being my ideal weight, so here we go again. I'm not sure if I'm asking a question here, or if I just curious of what others deal with. Feel free to tell me how your band acts from day to day. Thanks for taking the time to read this post!

Unfortunately, Medicare covered my surgery so I had to go to a Center of Excellence, which is 3 hrs away. Now that I'm out of pocket, I inquired at the local center. They will accept me for $1100 + $300 for each fill/unfill. I pay $160 to my dr. can't afford the $1100 to transfer. Wish I could. And I really like my dr. He really is a good dr even tho he's very consertative when it comes to a slipped band. This is the reason why I haven't moved closer. Plus, if I do have to have a revision, Medicare will cover it and I'll have to go to my current dr anyway. Marci

I've read all the posts on this topic, but haven't quite made the decision yet for myself. My surgery date in in 3 weeks and so far only my husband and his parents know. I have had drama with my family in the past and so I don't know how they will accept my decision... even though both my parents have had gastric bypass. I don't think I will tell my friends because I feel they will judge me. I am unsure if I should tell my coworkers. I am a nurse, so they will all notice I am out on medical leave for weeks. I have considered telling them I am getting gallbladder surgery, but I hate lying and am terrible at it. I just don't know if I am confortable dealing with all their opinions (especially being in a female profession). I am confident in my decision, but I do not deal well with people's criticism. This is probably the thing that is stressing me out the most at this point... any advice?

bypass as sleeve? What do you mean?

I am three weeks out from surgery. And yes I can eat regular food without any problems and eat 1000 calories a day easily. A meal is 5 oz of Protein and a salad no problem. I do have a nutritionist but she's on vacation. I'm thinking I got a bigger stomach after the surgery. I have had zero problems with eating anything and I can chug a glass of Water easily too with no problems. I see my surgeon next week. I'm not eating crap food - I'm eating lean protein and veggies but I can still eat more than I should be able to at this point.I think MANY conversion folks feel that way. I know I did. This "I can only sip 2oz of water and I feel like I am drowning " never happened to me. There are as many after surgery diets as there are doctors. Everyone thinks their doc is the most right. But if none of them agree then my thought is there is no scientific answer and they are all GUESSING. SO, just be aware of that when people start judging you and what your doc has you doing. MOST people on here mean well, and they may come off as being harsh but they are providing helpful information along the way and they do care. Others are just food shaming and do nothing other than that...not actually offering any usefulness in their post. Ignore those ones and try not to let it get to you. Most docs do not have people on solids at 3 weeks but I have read the post diets from 3 different hospitals who do. So I am not totally suprised. That being said. It still hurts for me to eat meat. But that is me. If you are 3 weeks out and able to eat 1000 calories of solid food then you might benefit from a 5 day pouch test. You can look it up online but pretty much go back to liquids for a couple days, then mushies, softs, then regular food again. Some people say that helps them get some better restriction. Eating solids...and too much solid too soon and put stress on your staple line. I have also read that it can cause you to stretch out a but more...making it hard to fill up. I don't know how much of that is "bro science " and how much of that is proven science but it can't hurt to do a reset and see how you feel. Also, when you are eating normal food. Make sure you are not drinking with or too soon after. Conversion surgery people already seem to have their food make its way into the lower gi a little faster so don't speed that process up. Eat slow, BUT don't eat so slow that it takes you more than 20 min. I wad doing this very thing!!! I wad taking about 45 min to eat...and could eat a lot. But I sped up just a little bit and started stopping after 20 min and I am filling up on less calories. 1000 calories can add up fast. And really...in the long run....it is what we should eventually be eating. The idea that we live on 500 calories a day for ever is absurd. The point of this honeymoon phase is to help you lose weight WHILE retraining your system to eat healthy. NO ONE GETS FAT ON 1000 CALORIES A DAY OF VEGETABLES AND chicken....unless you are 2. So.... Hang in there. ..listen to your body....and just keep making good choices. Much love!!! Thanks! I saw my surgeon 2 days ago for my post-op follow up and he said he took off about 70% instead of the usual 80% because of the band. He didn't want leaks. He also said that 1,000 calories a day is fine and not to worry about what the NUT says. He said they are more used to dealing with straight sleevers and not revisions. He said revisions can sometimes eat more and I'm doing fine. He told me to just stick to Proteins and hit the goal and then fill in with the non-starchy veggies and not to worry about it. My surgeon's normal plan is for people to start solids between day 10 and day 14 depending on how they feel. Lean proteins and non-starchy veggies. He keeps reminding me every time I see him not to eat mashed potatoes. I hate, loathe and despise mashed potatoes. I told him I'd rather eat canned cat food - at least it has protein. Hahahahahha you go girl! I was eating similar to you...went to liquids 2 meals a day and just eggs for the 3rd meal. Now I am filling up on a lot less. Didn't even take 5 days. But I am losing again. Do what works for you...but if it stops working. ..try mixing it up a little. Remember. ..marathon...not a sprint.

I feel like I am the first Gastric Bypass failure. I lost weight before I could eat solid food and I have gained back 2 pounds since. I rarely feel full...I know I have to work at losing weight but I was hoping the sleeve would be a tool that helped. Honestly I sometimes think I am the placebo test patient, they removed my lapband but did they forget I wanted the sleeve when they were in there? Being able to eat as much as I did before ( and some days I do) makes me feel horrible. I know "hunger" is in my head but I was hoping the sleeve would make it easier for me to feel full. Every time I read that people can consume a cup of food at some meals ( like that is a lot) makes me nuts, I can easily eat 2 - 3 cups at a meal ( if not more!) Am I the ONLY one?

same amount of time. I had a drain in for 1 week and that was a bother but my pain level wasn't higher. I just remembered all the do's and don'ts of surgery and that helped. I had a uncomplicated recovery. I love not having the band anymore. the little pouch of gastric bypass works for me like crazy. i always had to work very hard with the band to get the full signal. you will love your bypass.

I had mine removed the same day as my bypass surgery