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Had my EGD today. One of the nurses taking care of me said she had gastric bypass 10 years ago. She looked awesome. It was great to see someone with long-term success. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Banded in 2008, removed in September 2019. Bypass done January 8. 2020. Highest weight 260 (pre band), Lowest weight 190, weight at removal 225, weight at start of bypass procedure 228, current weight 202. It is slow, but it is moving!! Sent from my SM-G930R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had a revision last January. My weight now is lower than my lowest weight with my band and I achieved it fairly quickly. I started from a lower weight so yes I want losing a huge amount per month but I still got to my goal and beyond pretty quickly

I am scheduled for MGB surgery with Dr. Cazares at Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana on March 28th. This will be a revision from VSG in 2015. I am extremely nervous to say the least. Has anyone used the physician or facility and can provide some better insight. I don't want my nerves to talk me out of this, but want to know I'll be taken care of!

March 10th revision from vbg to rny for me. Best of luck to all!

I am having revision from lapband ( that slipped after 11 years and will be having gastric bypass paid by Medicare on March 26. Looking forward to starting my weight loss journey!

Thanks for the update on revision. I also had a lapband that slipped after 11 years and will be having gastric bypass on March 26 after having my lapband removed last November. Looking forward to restarting my weight loss journey again.

I'm sure you all have heard that when you get a revision that you will have more difficulty losing weight than with the first procedure. I'm here to give you hope! I had an eleven year old lap band slip, so I had it removed and had a RNY done. Today is my three month post-op anniversary, and I am down 40 pounds. More importantly I am only one pound heavier than the lowest weight I ever achieved after my lap band! So trust the process, hang in there and hopefully you will also show the naysayers that it is possible to get good results even after a revision. Please add your stories here to help encourage the people who need a revision and think it'll be a waste...thanks!

I had started this post and abandoned it out of, I don’t know, fear? Of putting it out there? Or maybe just knowing it is too long and wordy. And I thought should I try again? I came back to try again and to my surprise it was still there. So I will bore anyone whom decides to read it to tears. And add in some new information. My surgery was April 29th 2019, I also had my gallbladder removed due to chronic inflammation. I guess nothing was quite normal due to lifelong chronic illness. I had two other pelvic surgeries before and after my RNY. It’s likely my surgery and subsequent pneumonia shortly after ended up revealing a existing condition that was slowly but steadily getting worse. My chronic conditions muddies the waters when it comes to any possible issues with my RNY. I had an early one year follow up at Cleveland Clinic, at nine months. There are four follow up appointments but they got smashed closer together due to some issues along the way. It’s confusing sometimes and exhausting. I’m working hard at it, I am grateful for the tool this offered me that I would not have had otherwise to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. Even though recovery was complicated and revealed a lot of issues and some things have gotten worse along the way. On my second follow up the doctor wanted a Upper GI fluoroscopy and endoscopy for stricture, it was severe stricture so I doubt one dilation was enough. And didn’t abate the symptoms. By the third follow up I was needing to deal with my gastroenterologist wanting to do a colonoscopy that was postponed from before my surgery. It had been scheduled but then my gastric bypass surgery ended up scheduled first. My bariatric surgeon said that my gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since I was having the colonoscopy. I won’t repeat the story. But I was pissed since it was never discussed that he would do a dilation. Only check the status of the stricture and ulcers. If possible dilation were on the table it should have been discussed. I followed up with the gastroenterologist physician assistant. She glazed over all the problems with the procedure. Downplayed my symptoms like dark sticky stool (sorry tmi) which indicates blood. And other issues. And continued pain. I brought up sharp stabbing pain and spasms in my chest on the left side under my rib area, and some crushing pain, was suggested to see a cardiologist even though she didn’t think it was anything to worry about (still waiting to get an appointment) I do need to do this no matter what due to other issues anyway. she stopped the proton pump inhibitor medication since according to the dr. there were no ulcers and it contradicts my medication for muscle spasms (makes it not work) and I need that. Just carafate as needed. at this early one year appointment he called me a star patient (no one has ever said that about me before) and was surprised at how much weight I’d lost in nine months. He asked if I was still losing and how fast. I still need to lose a few lbs for my height he seemed to imply I should stop. (Was he concerned? I couldn’t tell, I can’t read people) But yet I never got to see my nutritionist even though I was supposed to. The appointment was muddled and confused even though I gave him my written notes with questions he didn’t answer some of them. And I was too exhausted from the long wait (my surgeon wasn’t available to see me personally) I brought up the endoscopy, the pain. That I cannot take proton pump inhibitors. Discussed concerns about the remnant stomach. My history of ulcers in that portion of stomach and small intestine. He referred me to see another gastroenterologist in the hospital and then have a different kind of test/ procedure called a double balloon enteroscopy. Has anyone here had a procedure like this? I’m a little upset that they expect me to see the new doctor first before they will schedule the enteroscopy leaving me in pain. And it’s very difficult to travel to the clinic . i wanted to discuss another issue and get referral for a neurologist in Cleveland clinic but he didn’t acknowledge that at all. i asked the nurse and asked him about referral for plastic surgery for skin removal and any possible coverage if there are skin issues involved. They implied that my insurance would cover it in Florida due to skin issues. well I did find out that A. I’d have to go through the process of seeing another gastroenterologist prior to having this double balloon enteroscopy. It’s hard traveling to Cleveland Clinic. And B. They lied about the plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. They accept no insurance at all. My thighs are so bad that just trying to shave my legs and I have to catch 22 if I don’t it’s irritates my skin. But I shaved my legs and my thighs especially the one leg was downright bloody. The skin is just so horrendous. has anyone used BariatricPal MX Hospital and used their financing? I am getting close to goal (the doctor thinks I’m at goal probably) and want to start looking into the possibility of thigh skin removal, tummy tuck at the least ... I’m grateful to finally have lost weight but being bony as heck in some areas and all the loose skin and chub in some areas especially where my skin is bloody raw just doesn’t feel good at all. And I wonder if the tummy tuck would help my core strength whereas I cannot strengthen it through exercise? (Due to my chronic illness) on a side note. Someone important to my mother went to see my surgeon regarding gastric bypass surgery. My surgeon is such a great guy. So I referred her boyfriend to him he needs to lose weight for knee replacement surgery and his health. I just worry her boyfriend will not be serious about it. It upsets me when people have the opportunity and choice to get healthy and they make the choice not to do it. He has diabetes, high blood pressure and needs knee replacement surgery. He could be healthy if he made the choice to do it. I have never had the choice. Even surgery can’t fix me. It helped give me a tool to fight my weight but can’t cure lifelong chronic illness and disability. He tends to question and judge what I eat or don’t eat or what I do. But my situation is very different than the norm. I want to be supportive but I see him making terrible food choices and not being willing to change even small habits. Like eating a lot of bad carbs. I’ve been there myself in the past. So,I, not judgmental. A sugar carb addict will find lots of reasons to justify what they eat. But also needs to admit the addiction and break free of it. I just wonder, Do I try to help, or do I step aside and not get involved? I just went to my pcp for throat pain and need thyroid ultrasound and tests. And at some point need to address some issues. Like inability to drink without dysphasia of liquids. I know it’s neurological but have no diagnosis. My pcp thinks even with a diagnosis nothing can be done. But as it gets worse I can barely drink enough water ... ive rambled enough and I’m hoping my long message is not a mistake. If you have read this far. Thank you. Any opinion/advice on the skin removal surgery is appreciated (Mexico) as well as the double balloon enteroscopy.

Dr. George Zorn III, MD at Scripps in San Diego is phenomenal! He’s been doing the Gastric Bypass surgery for over 20yrs, and has been doing the Sleeve since it was introduced. His knowledge on both surgeries is top notch. I had my surgery on 9/16/2020, and can’t say enough great things about him. If you’re in the area, I completely recommend checking him out. Visit the link to below to read more information on him, as well as see his ratings! https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5717-george-zorn?tab=overview

I have friends who have had the Sleeve and they have been very successful. One friend who had the bypass had lost 100 lbs. but did not maintain due to lack of motivation and stopped going to the gym. I know I had done it before without surgery but I also realize that I'm a little older at this point. I thought it would be silly for me at this point to consider surgery but I need to do something to improve my health. Does anyone recommend a specific diet at this time? Has anyone started a bariatric surgery diet before their actual surgery and how long before?

I just checked and they cover Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, and Duodenal Switch.

I'm interested to know how this goes for you. I also have GERD with the sleeve & it is so much worse than just heartburn. I only had my sleeve done in November, but I'm already wondering if I'll have to do a revision to get rid of these awful symptoms. You're looking great ! I hope your new surgery is a success!

Hello all, I have been contemplating surgery for many years. Since I’m a 52 year old Hispanic divorcée I think I’m family’s ready to proceed. I had considered it before but due to finances I was unable to proceed. So my yo yo weight story is just too crazy. Although I have always had some extra pounds since childhood recently with more health issues and death of fam members I need to get control of this. I’m 5’5” with current weight of 264 lbs. and have been as high as 294. Over the last year I did loose 30 but have hit a plateau. No matter what I do I can’t get down to the 210 I weighed 8 years ago. My pre surgery consult was rescheduled (due to scheduler issue with providers staff) and now I’m really concerned. Is this a sign? I have read many threads and can see many wonderful success stories but still apprehensive. So currently I’m diabetic, hypertension, and anxiety/depression. Recently lost my system at age 54 due to diabetes and heart disease. My father and sister had quadrupled bypass but at this point my heart is good. Any advice is appreciated. Are there specific questions I should have for the surgeon? My appointment is March 19th. Geraldo

I chose the RNY bypass as the middle ground between all surgeries.. In almost 6 months I've gone from 322lbs to 180 lbs it's been amazing...

I chose the RNY bypass as the middle ground between all surgeries.. In almost 6 months I've gone from 322lbs to 180 lbs it's been amazing...

I'm sorry to hear about your cancer scare! Do the Bypass! If the doctor tells you it'll get rid of the issue altogether then go for it! I understand about being scared as I was scared of even doing weight loss surgery because I'd heard horror stories. But, I had also heard good things. Most people I know had Gastric Bypass and that was the one I was interested in, but my doctor told me I needed to DS or Loop DS for maximum weight loss so... I had the Loop DS despite the fact that the only two people I know who had it had issues. One had a malnutrition issue that nearly killed him, while the other was fine for a year going from 420 pounds to 190, but in the following year she lost another 100 pounds and was hospitalized because she was only 90 pounds and couldn't put the weight back on to be healthy. So yeah, I'm terrified that I'll end up with issues later on since both of theirs happened after the first year, but I'm trying not to think about it since I'm not even a month out since my surgery. I'll worry about it later. I wish you the best of luck!

Ok ...sooo interesting! Re-silver swabs ... how I found my surgeon was very prolific participant here on BP, and elsewhere who had multiple surgeries w my surgeon (and eventually soured, but it seems to be a complicated story). But she had wound healing issues in her armpit after an arm lift. He sent her silver swabs, but it seemed to exacerbate the problem. Which I think explains when I told my surgeon I was using silver gauze his initial reaction was negative. Yeah, my surgeon is completely fine with open wounds. Totally f'd with my mind as well! But I googled it, and it seems like even the nastiest wounds heal very well without much intervention, as long as their is no infection. My surgeon says I will mostly likely need some scar revision in a year, but can do that in office under local anesthesia. I'm working on trusting that 😂 Are you sure you can't go in the water? One of the thing my surgeon prescribd is hydro therapy, i.e sitting in my hot tub. I have used my hot tub more in the past month then I have all year. Re: Ambien ... It is amazing! I also usually wake up everyday on my own. For me usually between 5:30 to 7. I also don't set an alarm unless there is something I need to do, like get on a conference call, or catch a flight. I don't take it every night since my insomnia is different. I only take it if I wake up between 1-3 am and can't go back to sleep within a 1/2 hr or so. No hard time waking up at all. What really impressed me about it is one morning I woke up about 3, couldn't go back to sleep, and took an Ambien. I kept emailing while waiting to get sleepy, and east coast peeps started responding, called me, I started earnestly working etc. I was able to work through the sleepiness. I could have slept if things were calm, but I was able to push it aside as needed. It felt so different then narcotics, that give you that grogginess you can't shake. I have a face lift, and potential arm lift planned on 10 yrs or so. But I am seriously considering a butt implant for next December. As hard as this recovery has been at times, I feel like I need the butt implant to complete the hourglass figure I aspire to

I revised from sleeve to rny 3 months ago. I had hernia repair with mesh. So far I am down 42 pounds and very happy about it! Only less than 20 to goal and I have no doubt at all that I will get there.

I know 4 people I see almost daily who have had WLS within the past 3 years and I keep open communication with 3 others from my WLS support group from last year. The question of loose skin is a complex one, as someone already mentioned in a previous message there really is no consistent diagnosis, simply to many factors that are involved. So it’s nearly impossible to come up with a pre-surgery answer to the level of loose skin you may have to deal with, however you do have some options to consider when you do find yourself with that extra skin. Obviously, a man’s situation may be different then a woman’s when it comes to dealing with loose skin, also one’s financial resources will be a factor. If you think of it, you only have two options. You either deal with the loose skin and consider the weight loss a major positive over the negative of loose skin or you have it surgically removed. Here is a quick survey of the people I know and what they have done: Female - 46, lost 85 pounds, spent a boat load of money on plastic surgery. I must be honest and say it was money well spent, she looks fantastic, totally different person. Female - 62, lost over 175 pounds in 2 years, her plastic surgery to remove loose skin at the stomach level was deemed a medical necessity and was completed. However, the loose skin on her legs and arms was not and currently she is trying to save money for a future visit, she will be heading to Mexico to get it done I am told. Male – 55, lost 79 pounds year 1, gained back 45 pounds in year 2, struggling to get back on track, schedule to revise sleeve to bypass later this year, no loose skin issue currently. Male – 60, lost 103 pounds year 1, gained back only 20 in year 2, history of gaining and losing weight over the last 10 years, does not care about loose skin at the moment.

So, I had my revision on the 11th and I'm at my post op appointment. I just met with the dietician and she sure busted my bubble when she told me not to expect to lose the weight like I did before. I'm going to ask the doctor when he comes in but that was a very discouraging thing to hear. Has anyone else been told this?

Hey Girl! Delco in the house! Jefferson is a great hospital. I am sure you are in good hands. I went to Crozer Chester for my initial RNY. Dr. Katz was good doctor with a great bedside manner. But he is out in Reading now. For my revision to DS, I went to Dr Krecioch at Fitzgerald Mercy. He is a good surgeon but I had an unusual amount of pain post surgery and I felt he wanted to divorce himself from it which was not cool.

On March 26 I will be having gastric bypass surgery at 77 years young. Over 10 years ago had a lapband after having problems it was removed. Looking forward to my surgery! They told me a man of 79 had gastric bypass who turned 80 the month after and was doing a wonderful job.

Hi I am having my gastric bypass on March 26. Had a lapband almost 11 years ago and had to have it removed. On the 3rd have a two hour class, meet with the doctor and dietitian. I am getting excited!Marthalynn

I had my initial consultation for weight loss surgery last week and I think it went well! For some reason -- and it seems silly in hindsight -- I expected to have to explain myself and justify why I need this surgery, but that wasn't the case at all. I had filled out a bunch of paperwork and sent it in ahead of time, but they still had a few more forms for me to fill out. A nurse took my vitals and asked me about a few things on my paperwork, and then I met with the surgeon. I was undecided about which surgery to get, and the surgeon said he thinks gastric bypass would be best for me because I have a BMI on the high end. He wants me to lose at least 20 pounds before the surgery. He told me that my insurance provider recently reduced their requirements, and now they only require a 3-month supervised diet instead of 6 months. Finally, I met with a surgery coordinator, who went over all of the requirements I will have to complete before the surgery. She said they want a 5-year weight history and I explained that I don't have it because I went 7-8 years without going to a doctor, and she didn't seem too concerned and didn't think it would be an issue for my insurance. She sounded very confident that they will be able to get insurance approval. The next thing I have to do is an upper GI barium swallow test, which at first sounded like no big deal, but the more I look into it, the more I realize that it is a little scary. I've been reading about other people's weight loss surgeries and watching YouTube videos, and not many people have mentioned this part of it. Overall, I am feeling good about this. I have a long journey ahead of me, but I've taken the first step and it's starting to feel real now.