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You've made great progress to lose that much in 8 months, but now you are in maintenance rather than a stall. To get things moving again you probably need to drop your intake by 500 calories or so per day to get things moving again, and probably somewhat more than that to take it all the way to your goal (your current stability/maintenance point will drop somewhat as you lose - takes less energy to move 180 lb around than 240). Fiddling around with carbs or salt can help break a stall that is created by Water retention issues and may help cravings if those are your particular weak points, but won't overcome a lack of caloric deficit. Revising to an RNY might help you as you will be starting from scratch again with the stomach restriction and the malabsorption does tend to give a bit of an extra kick to the weightloss, tho that is a temporary effect that lasts a year or two and then you are back to a similar metabolic state as you are in now with the sleeve. That along with its tendency toward reactive hypoglycemia leading to inter-meal hunger often drives regain in bypass patients. Overall, the bypass is very similar in performance to the sleeve, though that temporary malabsorptive kicker might be enough to get you over the hump and into a lower stability point, though you do have to consider the cost of doing so (not just financial, but the different drawbacks and limitations that one gets by moving to the different WLS.) So, look carefully at what your diet is now and where you can make adjustments before leaping to a revision. Also, if you decide that you are stuck enough to consider revision to complete the job, you should also have the DS on your radar as a more powerful tool than either the sleeve or the bypass. It has a somewhat different set of tradeoffs (though not markedly different than the bypass,) but it should be looked into before a revision rather than discovering later that you need a second revision (have seen a couple band - bypass - DS revisions go through our support group in the past couple years.) Good luck on getting things back on track,

Hi, I'm having my surgery on the 24th as well. I'm in my preop diet stage. Have you tried many liquids or have you just stuck with the Protein shakes and Water? Sent from my SPH-L720 using the BariatricPal App I start my pre op Monday and I'm allowed 3-4 Protein Shakes a day, pkus no fat broths, sugar free popsicles and Jello tea drinks. I plan on utilizing everything except jello. I'm insulin dependent diabetics so they are concerned about hypo attacks but we have a plan in place.

This may be a silly question---if your TSH is WNL, but your T3 or T4 is high(toward hypo range) other than raising Synthroid, what can the doc give you? This is me.

Give it time. It took me about 3 weeks with the gel, and then it wore off because it's a temporary solution to a life long problem, and I was given a vial of Test. cyp and the doors of heaven were opened! If you guys aren't getting pinned for T, and using the gel, I'd recommend talking to your doctor about injections instead. It's a more stable delivery platform and it's easier to manage doses to make sure you're not on a roller coaster ride of T. Plus, why get on T therapy if you're gonna have to worry about your wife getting a mustache because you got sweaty bumping uglies and it reactivated the gel.

Yikes. That sounds terrible. I don't currently experience either hypo nor hyper glycemic issues. I have a friend who had roux-en-y surgery and she is having terrible light headedness from low blood sugar. Her doc wants her to refocus on eating plenty of Protein and eating it first (going back to her early ways again now that she is several years post surgery). He is hopeful that it will "fix" her. I have seen a big drop in my blood glucose. I was running about 99 for fasting glucose prior to surgery. I now run about 84 not even fasting. I am surprised by the "improvement" as my doc said he doesn't see improvements to "normal fasting blood sugars. I wonder if I may start having hypoglycemic issues with time. Hang in there. I am sure there will be a fix. Do you qualify for Obamacare health insurance? I'd love to see you get good care for your medical issues.

Just tried the calcium chewable from Bariatric Advantage today. It was raspberry flavored - SO YUMMY!!! It looked like a Starburst and tasted like one too!! I really like the liquid stuff I have now (Reviva) but these might be great to have for traveling or times when I have to leave home before I can take the first dose of Calcium. I take thyroid medicine (hypo) and can't take the Calcium for 2 hours after....so these might be good for my morning dose and I could stick with the liquid for my evening dose.

To the OP: I think you've got your research straight and your head on straight about this. I would not have chosen the bypass route for myself. I started at 235 pounds and am 5'5". Didn't want or need lifelong malabsorption, anemia, potential reactive hypoglycemia, or more potential complications. Go for the sleeve. Only one little caveat -- is everyone but you in your neighborhood getting a bypass because the local surgeon has a lot more bypass surgery experience and not so much sleeve experience? If that's the case, I'd be a little nervous. What you want is a surgeon who has beaucoups experience and success doing the surgery YOU will have. Just a thought.

I don't know how many are "many" (there is something called "adverse selection" that is common in online forums, where negatives outnumber positives because everyone with a complaint will post about it, but those with nothing to complain about are largely silent, so things tend to seem worse than they are,) but it does happen for a few reasons. The sleeve is predisposed do reflux problems due to its geometry and physiology. The volume of the stomach is reduced much more than the acid producing potential, so it takes a while for the body to adapt, and sometimes it doesn't. Also, the sleeve is considered to be a "high pressure" system in that the stomach is often closed off by the pyloric valve at the bottom, so excess gas, fluids or solids have no place to go other than back up; the bypass is a "low pressure" system as there is no pyloric valve in the system, so excess gas can vent down into the intestines. In contrast, the RNY due to its geometry and physiology is predisposed to dumping, marginal ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia and bile reflux. With either procedure, this does not mean that everyone will experience these problems, just that this is the natural result of the anatomical changes that have been made. Another compounding factor with the sleeve is the relative experience level of the profession - in the US, the sleeve has been routinely approved by insurance for about the past 6-8 years, while the bypass has been routine for around 40 years. This means that there has been some revisions needed due to inexperience in some of those early sleeves - the surgeons may have been well experienced doing bypasses and bands, but a new procedure, even a straightforward one such as the sleeve, brings along its own subtleties and nuances that take practice to master. Resultant shaping issues can promote or exacerbate the reflux problem. In the US, most bariatric surgeons are now far enough up the learning curve that most are now making routinely making functionally competent sleeves (one should always seek out a surgeon who has several hundred of whatever procedure one is interested in under his belt.) However, now the problem is, as it has been since early on, is that many are not very experienced in correcting any problems that may crop up with a sleeve, so the natural inclination is to stick within their comfort zone and revise to a bypass when a problem occurs, rather than correct the sleeve. So yes, the OP is correct in some respects that there are some unnecessary revisions being done, though not necessarily just for the sake of charging for two procedures. As time marches on and the industry gets more experience with sleeves, I would expect that the revision rate will decline as both the sleeves will be made better overall, and the surgeons learn how to repair them when necessary rather than revise them, much as the bypass has matured over time and some of its predisposed problems are less common as they have learned how to mitigate them to the extent they can (bile reflux isn't too common anymore as they have worked out techniques to minimize its occurrence, for instance.) Another factor that may skew the impressions some is that the bypass is a difficult procedure to revise - it is something of a dead end surgically speaking. If poor weight loss performance or regain is experienced, there is little point in reversing it and revising it to a sleeve as they are both so similar in performance that there isn't much to be gained. There are minor tweaks that are offered - tightening of the stoma or intalling a band over the bypass - but overall results are generally pretty poor. Revising it to a DS, which can offer improved weight loss and regain resistance, as well as diabetes remission, is a very complex procedure that only a handful of surgeons are capable of performing. So, we don't see a lot of bypasses revised for that reason, though sometimes they are reversed if there are significant complications that can't otherwise be resolved, though that isn't a trivial option, either.

I haven't experienced this, but it might be caused by blood sugar levels changing too much after eating. Reactive hypoglycemia I think it's called. You can feel poorly physically but I'd imagine it would also make you feel bad emotionally as well if it's happening frequently. Might want to get your hormone and other blood levels checked to make sure there's not a physical/chemical reason for the sadness.

hi everyone my neurosurgeon just informed me that i have too bad disks ontop of the 4 i have fised now and if he fuses them the next two may go bad so he opted not too touch me but did make a suggestion too maybe look into lapband surgery so i did some research last week and made my choice too go too the seminar this week aug 5th cause with my bad mack and multiple health issues. sleep apnia, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure my weight (305) and i also have gout so he figures that this surgery may be of great help too my well being im a little nervouse i have read a bunch of the inputs on this site and like what i read im just worried he won't do it cause i have hypo thyroidism will i still loose weight i hope i have a new home here its a pleasure being here

I am a strong STRONG proponent for following the pre and post op diets scrupulously. Having said that, the post fill diet? It's to allow your stomach to go back to normal if you're one of those who swells when filled, etc. And as you get closer to "tight", or the "green zone" or the "sweet spot", that swelling becomes more likely. In order to prevent vomiting that can exacerbate the swelling (a vicious cycle) and/or cause a slip, most docs have patients do a mini-liquid/mushie/reg food diet. In the early times before you're well restricted, if you aren't one who has a sensitive or reactive stomach, it's not so dire. And apparently, since you didn't feel any pain, you're one of those. Just realize that as you get closer to your green zone it will be more important that you "baby" your stomach a little after a fill. I'd chalk this up to experience, count it a lesson learned, and don't "cheat" next time.

I just talked to the psych Dr but when I look in my records he diagnosed me with reactive disorder when I've been diagnosed bipolar since I was 16 but whatever, it seemed easy enough.

The fact that the lymphs are high and not the neutrophils, usually means that it's not a bacterial infection. Lymphs tend to indicate viral, but that's just a generalization. The same thing with the C-Reactive Protein and the sed rate. Both of them mean that there is something inflammatory going on, but it's pretty minor, if you're only at the high end of normal. Many people who aren't sick are walking around with high C-reactive Proteins. The combination of results, I think, merits the trip to the hematologist. I still doubt that it will be anything at all, it all seems very non-specific. I hope you can schedule an appt. soon. I hate sitting around and waiting on these things. It just makes you crazy. Cindy

Good Morning...i can't wait to get started, i have done so much research that my brain is starting to feel fat...last thing I need is for something else on my body to feel fat...my story is this. I am 48, BMI 39.5, weight 225. I have not always been overweight, not until after my second child in 1980, reached 200lbs in 1990, joined WW Jan 1990 lost 62 pounds by Nov 1990 and became a lifetime member. I kept 50lbs off for 10 years, then my thyroid went hypo and I have never been the same, I have been on every kind of diet since then...yes even went back to WW countless times, I will loose some then gain it all back and then some. I made the decision to have the lapband procedure done after alot of prayer and study. This is not any easy decision, because I am self pay. I have already spent a huge amount of money on diets, now I'm going to spend another huge amount of money...ON THE LAST DIET I WILL EVER BE ON!!! Please, share any suggestions, tips, advice, and especially encouragements.

HI I been concerned about dilation because of what i have read. I think your mind can work overtime sometimes. I was a little hypo at the begining and being a newie i no expert. I be honest i am four weeks post-0p and i begining to worry at the amount i can eat?:hungry: now? So just be strong if there no pain there probably no problem, my nurse explained i no if there wa a problem. i be in pain? :biggrin1: Hugs Lana

I just love this thread! I am pre band and also have hypothyroidism. I have lost almost 40 lbs over the past year just trying to get approved for the band and it has been incredibly hard, but I haven't given up. I always come here and read all these posts from the "hypo bandster" and y'all keep me going! I just wanted to say THANK YOU ALL for sharing.

ive had problems with dizzyness and some tiredness. i dont think my problem is b/p related, but im not sure.( i dont drink enough water) i take olmetec for my hypertension. ive been on it now for the last four years.(olmesartan medoxomil tabs). about six months ago the dose was put up from 20 mgs to 40mgs. my average readings are systolic ... around 140. i used to be hypo... very low b/p. ( with constant fainting). Could you ask for another brand of meds?? most of them do have some sort of side effects. Perhaps this one doesnt suit you so well??

GOOOD morning everyone! David here with an update i guess now over 2 years post op! ! Pretty exciting things have went on and continue to go on in my life and i really appologize for the delays in posting. Let me first start off by saying you are all too kind with you posts here. It's wonderfull to know that this post has at least helped a few people. Let me give a little update and brief recap for those of you wondering. I had RNY done in Bismarck ND with the only complication being some post op gas pain even after walking my legs off! 3 days after surgery i was home and realized a few things. 1. I am glad i know enough medically to realize that 5 weeks post op when i stood and felt like i was going to pass out it was likely my BP meds continuing to drop my BP when it was not needed anymore. Check my BP and sure enough i went from a 150's bp down to 90's without medication. A quick conversation with my PCP (primary care provider) and i dc'd my blood pressure meds. A word on reactive hypoglycemia now since I am one of the lucky individuals that has this wonderfull little side effect. My pancrease works really well, that being said when i eat high carb foods it releases plenty of insulin but the food moves thru so quickly that TADA my blood glucose drops. Lowest i have been so far is 38. I can tell you, not a fun experience. That being said go back to square one if you find yourself struggling with this. I re-evaluate my food choices and find EVERY TIME that i am eatting things i know better than to eat. Ok so here is the update.. Starting Weight : 330lbs Pre op weight : 299lbs RNY: 7/24/2012 10/13/12 : 233lbs 3/22/15 - 179 lbs I currently work as a Flight Paramedic (something that has always been a dream but always too large) I am almost done with my nursing progam and am pretty much just lovin life! I still love to cook and bake I just do so in moderation. I will post a few pictures in a few minutes so yall can see the changes. You can be successful. You can make positive changes and be the you that you need to be. Please know that this surgery is a tool that when used correctly can have life changing, mind blowing effects. I can run up and down stairs, i can get on the ground with my patients and get back up without hurting. If you have questions ask away i will be checking back for a few days to answer any questions you have. Nothings off limits ask away =-)

okay... I know it seems like a weird thing to be happy about.... but I'm thrilled. I have been a painfully slow looser since surgery. The most I ever lost in a month was 10lbs (one memorable month). I work out 2x per day most days... yoga (harder and more intense than it sounds) and weights. I also hike and bike and almost never watch tv. I eat mostly Protein and my calories stay between 600-1100 per day. My loss has slowed to the point where I loose about 1/2 lb per week (some weeks its a whole lb!). I am .1 bmi points away from being "normal" still, and would like to loose 20 more lbs to end at a bmi of 21. I had come to accept that that might never happen, and that if it was going to happen in would take me 8 mos or so (to loose 20 lbs post gastric sleeve.... seriously!!!!). Its been depressing but I reached a place of acceptance. Got my 3 month labs done (I know I know... I'm 5 months post op) and everything looks fabulous... great Iron, b12, D etc. Only thing is I have hypothyroidism. We are going to check again in 1 month... but if its truly hypo... that exlains my slow loss, and if I get on some meds that last 20lbs will more than likely come right off. So.... I guess I'm excited about the news that my thyroid isnt functioning well. has anyone started thyroid medecine post op???? how did it affect your weight loss?

Had my surgery dec 16 and dropped the weight quite quick. I was 85kgs now 65kgs. With high BP and medicated with two lots of meds and hypothyroidism.. Off one lot of bp meds and halved the other bp med. hypo hasn't changed still on 200 micros a day Unfortunately I have developed reflux after the op which is ****...

I always have a 1/2 lara bar before workout and 1/2 after. Complex carbs make a complete Protein and so therefore will bring sugars back up. Don't do this starving thing too often because we are susceptible to reactive hypoglycemia.

I have hypo too- I have lost fairly steadily since being banded Nov. 2009. My levels have been where they should be. My doc. wants to keep an eye on it though- he said dosage is weight related.

Thyroid disorder bandsters- curious as to if you think your thyroid complications hold up your weightloss with the band? Whats your overall opinion-- on how you work through it? I have Graves, but am hypothyroid now, treated with sinthrod and my levels seem to be stable for a year + now. There were quite a few bumps along the way to get physically heaalthy from all that. It certainly encouraged me to get banded since no matter what I kept a slow gain.... I was banded in March 2010, and loose 4lbs a month. Lots and lots of exercise, a healthy diet and finally better restriction- as I am a pretty new bandster. What is your average weight loss? Heaviest weight 244, Surgery weight 221, now I'm hovering at 204. If I knew how to set up a poll, I'd do one. Is anyone having better success? Did your meds require a different dosage as you lost? Any success secrets out there?

I'm a newbie here on bandsters as my lapband surgery is scheduled for this Friday the 27th. However, I'm definitely not a Newbie to thyroid issues. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease in the late 90's and hypothyroid. In 2004 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I had my whole thyroid removed at that time and follow up with radioactive iodine treatments 2 yrs in a row and have been fine since then.I am now considered hyPERthyroid as I am on high doeses of synthroid. One would think" Hyper"thyroid would help me lose weight easily but it hasn't. It's nice to find a forum here where I can relate to with this problem and know that it's possible to lose the weight, maybe slower then those who are not hypo or hyperthyroid. :-)

I am hypo and was banded in feb 2010 and have lost only 26 pounds....its super frustrating because I work out and eat right for the most part and have decent restriction...i take 100 mcg of synthroid and just recently had my levels checked and they are fine...