Search the Community

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.

Im having Bypass on the 19th, i start my pro-op diet next week on the 5th, super excited!!!

Did they already do an upper GI and EGD test? My doctor waned to do the sleeve then said no because of reflux had to go bypass Munky

Hi everyone. Just a post to share my story. I was banded in 2008 and have had a love/hate relationship with this band ever since. It took a year and a half, and a dozen fills to get it right. I did lose just over 50 lbs and have kept it off. But my eating for the last few years seems terrible to me. So many healthy foods I can't tolerate. Eating out is miserable. Travel is the pits. The fickleness of this band boggles the mind! Sometimes I can eat my portion fine, the rest of the time I'm stuck and vomiting on two bites. The constant tightness in my chest and pressure when I eat. And don't get me started on the heartburn! I never had it pre band. and it has been constant these last 5 years. I am so grateful for these years of weight loss, but I am so ready to try the sleeve. We took a family trip to Disney in April and I ended up in the bathroom vomiting at almost every meal. I think our flight went up to a very high altitude, and the band was mad at me for the whole trip. I knew I had been having more vomiting episodes, but this just made it very clear in my mind that I needed to do something. When I got home I immediately went to my hospital website to see if they are doing sleeve now, they are, and I made an appointment that day. I was very interested in the sleeve back in 2008, but it was not performed at my hospital then, and no insurance coverage either. I did spend some time considering having the band removed and not doing another surgery. When the band was put in I was told it was for life, now it's a very different story. Based on that I can't help thinking that 5 years from now there may be a different story with the sleeve too. But in the end, I can't go back to 255 (at only 5'2"), and I'm pretty sure that is what would happen. So far I have met with my surgeons assistant who recommended me for revision. The psychiatrist and the nutritionist. I now have an appointment on July 18 with my surgeon. I am thinking there are tests he will want to do. And I am nervous about getting insurance approval. But one step at a time. I am hoping to have the revision in the next few months. We'll see. LapBandTalk and this site have been so amazingly helpful through all these years. It's been great to be able to read all the stories of other people going through this revision process. So a big thanks to all of you!!

The mantra about protein first is less about cutting carbs, and more about making sure that your limited intake ability is stacked towards the protein you are going to need for the mass revisions and healing that your body is about to go through. You, in fact, need little in the way of complex carbs. The repair of surgery, the destruction of fat, the conversion of some of you fast twitch muscles to slow twitch, etc., is going to leave you with a need for protein. Lots and lots of it. I'm no expert, but my understanding is that there is an element of stacking the right combinations when it comes to heart disease. When you eat a protein rich diet, you are less likely to have problems when you have less carbs. I have heard it said that bread is like sandpaper in your vascular system, scraping along and allowing plaques to adhere. Meatless proteins can be had. My favorite is nutritional yeast. It makes salad taste like bread. It's got some nice iron and B vitamins, too. Also, low fat meat proteins are easily obtained as well. Not all calories are creates equal in the body. Healthy carbs... I hate that term. The evidence seems so very strong out there that grains of all stripes would be best if left OUT of the human diet. Fruits are better. Nuts are better. Eggs are better. All are better when we go against the grain.

I'm really struggling (pre-op) to comply with the prescribed low carb high protein diet I've been given and am concerned about how I will do this long term. I have cut out all desserts, rice, pasta, but still am struggling. I do not eat a lot of proteins so am used to having a lot of beans. I have a history of kidney infections and stones so am worried about having so much protein. My oncologist's office told me to keep animal protein's to 14 oz per week to prevent cancer. I have always heard high fat diets cause heart disease and that vegetables, fruits and fiber are healthy. So all this seems counterintuitive. I know if I go with the gastric bypass proteins and fats are not absorbed as well so can understand having more of them and eating protein first but just can't get my head around why it is necessary or desirable to limit healthy carbs. Is it the calories or fear they set up cravings? I haven't been able to get a clear explanation from my center's nut.

I had my sleeve done the end of August. It was a band to sleeve revision. I lost 30 lbs the first month but NOTHING since. Haven't gained...but haven't lost either. My protein intake is bad...I feel as if I have no restriction and I'm always exhausted. Im taking vitamins..iron and calcium. I walk but other than that not much else. I'm very discouraged and am embarrassed to go to my two month post op visit because I feel like a total failure. Am I the only one in this sinking boat?? Sent from my SM-G900W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

You and I have the exact same scenario. I am happy to hear recovery is easier. I have seen posts from someone with bypass that they have a drain. Did you?

Gastric Bypass (with Hernia Repair, and Gallbladder Removal) on 10/2. I still have tummy pain but besides the 2 bouts (tears) I’ve had, it’s going pretty well. On 10/15, my doctor will let me know if I can have puréed food and I’m really looking forward to it!!

I just had a revision 7 weeks ago I lost 22 lbs but now I am at a stall I've been like this for three weeks I don't understand why because I'm watching my carbs Sent from my LM-Q730 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi! I just had a revision and hernia repair on the 2nd. The scale is showing I gained 6 pounds from the morning of surgery. How long does it take for all the fluid to get out of you?

In a psych eval, they're looking for issues that can cause the person to fail. Some people get these WLS thinking that this is going to cure his/her eating problems forever where as we all know, it's just a tool to help us achieve a healthier life style. Some people, and a lot of us have done this, is to eat to self soothe. It's the same as self medicating with drugs. food helps us feel numb. The psych evaluation tells you where the person is and if he/she has the ability to process and/or learn new coping skills. Here is what I found on the web: WHY DO I NEED A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY? There are actually two reasons for the evaluation. The first is that it is a requirement based on guidelines established by the National Institute of Health for all patients before bariatric surgery can be offered. The second reason is that surgeons as well as the insurance companies also require it to ensure your health and safety. Weight Loss Surgery is a life altering procedure. As with any major surgery, weight loss surgery can have complications including death, and in the case of the gastric bypass procedure, it is irreversible. For these reasons, the decision to go forward with surgery should not be taken lightly. An evaluation ensures that you are: 1. able to make such a decision 2. understand the consequences of your decision 3. have no underlying psychological conditions that would prohibit you from adhering to the life changes that are required following surgery.

It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one struggling with this. I remember thinking selfish things when my mom lost so much weight from gastric bypass. She had been 300+ for over 20 years and when she started losing it was like she became a different person than how she was my whole life. I remember one particular time she was losing quite well and I was in one of my gaining times feeling really down on myself and she said to me "ha ha ha I'm nearly to what u weigh". Looking back I know she had just met a goal in her own mind of weighing what I did but in my mind I felt her accomplishment was my failure. I felt horrible that day an Thot to myself " yeah we'll we cant all go spend 20 grand and have surgery some of actually have to work". I know now and even knew then that she was having to work hard. I was just hurt and jealous because as i was getting fatter she was getting slimmer Here I am now the one wanting to have surgery. I only hope she can support me. The last time I was on a losing streak she was clear to let me know how I was not doing the healthy thing by bouncing back n forth all the time. It was like she had lost and become the "thinner" one and she didn't want me taking it from her. I want to stop the jealousy cycle and just be happy for both of us to be healthier and live longer. I just struggle with guilt for thinking wrong before

I might be the only person that struggles with guilt but I've been thinking about this. I've only just had my first NUT visit sao im just getting started, but I haven't told anyone I'm even considering it except my husband and one really close friend who is also considering it. I've already decided to only tell my mom and dad before surgery (which I'm nervous bout becAuse they'll think I shouldn't. My mom had bypass but she was much heavier than I am). Anyway sorry to ramble but i am nervous about who to tell at work because i have to tell my boss something and after the surgery I am nervous about ppl asking. I would like to say I'm on a very strict dr supervised diet and leave it at that but I will feel guilty like I am lying. Technically it wouldn't be a lie but still deceiving. Anyone struggle with guilt like that or am I being my usual over analytical self?

I don't regret this surgery at all! I'm even glad I didn't do it sooner! My options would have been gastric bypass or the band....boo! Plus now they have figured out that the sleeve needs to be smaller than what they did 5 yrs ago. Also, with all my attempts at dieting over the years, I've learned to make good food choices. Timing was perfect!

I had my gastric bypass on Aug 21st and am feeling awful. I can't get in all of the liquids, Protein, or vitamins! I am ALWAYS tired and am now wondering what did I do to myself? Has anyone else felt this way? Please help me. SD:8/21/13

My heart completely breaks for you all of you really going through what she's going through. There's not one person who's had the gastric bypass that will tell you this is not normal. I am almost 6 months out and down 100 pounds and I still cannot say I have no regrets. But what I can say is I was taking 11 pills a day and now I take none. I can say that I dropped eight sizes and I can walk anywhere and I can fit in a booth and my health has drastically improved. I know it's hard right now but you have to focus on the reason why you had surgery. Instead of focusing on how you feel right this very second because I tell you the truth three months from now you will feel differently. And you think three months is going to take forever I tell you the truth when I say that I feel like I just had my surgery this morning and I'm already six months out that's how fast time flies. Continue to vent continue to acknowledge what ever you're feeling when you're feeling it that's healthy that's what this forum is for. But I promise that this is temporary you will get through this.

I agree it seemed less invasive and more straightforward my doctor also said the risk for complications is higher in bypass then with sleeve also my aunt had gastric bypass about 10 years ago and has been really sick also I didn't like the malabsorption Factor the dumping syndrome and the fact that it seemed like I would have to watch what I ate even more closely with gastric bypass like what if I'm at a new restaurant and it has something my new couch wouldn't agree with dumping syndrome byterrified me and the thought of my intestines being rearranged I didn't like that I am higher BMI patient BMI 52 but I love to workout so I don't see this being an issue but that is what led me to my decision.

As you wrote your note, you're actually asking two questions: Does the band work? and Does the band work and remain viable for the long haul. You're going to hear the good, the bad and the neutral in response to both questions. In answer to the first, the band works if the owner works it, as "they" say in the street. It will not work for losing weight f not considered and used as an aid, a partner, so to speak. It usually takes a few adjustments to get it set as an optimal aid. Because it's fickle, adjustments to loosen or tighten may be needed from time to time; there's no way to predict. Then there are the band owners whose bands are just right for them out of the gate. Second question: The band isn't perfect and many have revised to other surgeries. They include those who had legitimate cause and I have no doubt that others just didn't work their bands or abused them. With a band, as with any of the bariatric procedures, regain is always a possibility. Maintenance for the long term is the individual's responsibility and demands vigilance. One downside with the band is that it requires pretty much life-long attention, e.g., annual esophagrams (a.k.a. barium swallows) to be sure it's in place and that liquids and food continue to move from mouth to stomach as they should. Slips are always a possibility; some can be avoided (by not gorging and/or eating too quickly and the like) and some not (perhaps a wrenching movement, which doesn't mean, by the way, giving up ice-climbing or whatever dare-devilry is your passion, which reminds me: No need to give up sex, either). One band star is @@Alex Brecher who founded BP. He had surgery about 14 years ago and has maintained his boyish figure since reaching his goal as far as I know. He's not your deciding factor, of course, but, if he stops in, may be able to give you perspective that I can't. I'm one of those who was doing wonderfully, with goal in sight, but was thrown by a life event and regained most the the weight I'd lost. I'm back on track now. For a while I thought my band might have breathed it's last, but my July esophagram was good and the band is doing its thing. I must take care to pay attention to the signals it sends -- again, that personal responsibility thing. To make a long spiel longer, I'll end by suggesting that you read your replies and compose a list of specific questions to pose to people at the surgery practice you're considering. Also attend its support group to ask and listing to people face to face. This last is not to advise you to abandon BP. All the best.

Glad to hear your story. I am going to Mexico next month for my revision. I have not had the issues you had with your band, simply because about 4 years ago I had all the Fluid taken out. After fighting with fills, vomiting, etc. for 3 years, I just gave up. It sounds like you have been through hell. Hoping I don't have the thing embedded in my stomach. I have no pain or anything, so we'll see. Please keep updating your progress. I have a month to go, and am interested in your journey. I am taking a month off work (I'm self employed), so hoping that will be enough to heal before working again.

Went and purchased all my supplements and items in preparation for my surgery March 24th.. A little nervous, however I'm having my surgery done at the University of Iowa Hospital where the gastric bypass surgery was actually pioneered, so I feel I'm in excellent hands.

My surgeon told my pre op group about a gastric bypass patient that had just came out of surgery the day before. The hospital accidently got the lunch trays mixed up and this gastric bypass patient got hamburger and fries as his first meal right out of surgery. He was a quarter of the way through the meal before the nurse questioned it. The patient thought it was okay to eat since that is what the hospital served him. If you make a mistake, I think you should own up to it and not look elsewhere for validation.

Haven't been sleeved(sorry) but I do have GERD from Hades and a hiatal hernia. Looking forward to my RnY, have gone from the minor league to the Cadillac, Dexilant, so far it is keeping my gastritis tamed and Hector, my little baby ulcer asleep. Missed my dose one morning and HELLO. My gastric region woke up and I didn't have a fun day. Join me in bypass-ville and things will only get better![emoji13] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I never got dumping either and gerd is non-existent . A great tip is to put protein shake into your coffee as a creamer ! Ie caramel or vanilla - kills two birds Good luck! HW 242, SW 236- (Bypass 12/20/17) GW#1- 199 [emoji736] (2/11/18) GW#2- 180 CW 180 5’6”

I also have a six Diet Cokes a day habit, and I think that might be harder for me to quit than some of my favorite foods! I have gastric bypass in February 2019 and am hoping to taper off slowly until then.