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I had the bypass and I do feel hungry lots of times. Even after surgery I was hungry a lot! I never had any growling or gurgling so I don't know about that but I know I was hungry. I know some people say they lost their appetite after surgery but I can't help but wonder if they really did or if they just always had a smaller appetite than others. Anyway, good luck!

September 9th here for gastric bypass!! Hoping everyone has a safe surgery and fast recovery 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Hi @SassyTwin I am very new to all of this as I had a sleeve done on Aug 12th and an emergency bypass done a week later, so I hadn't read much on the bypass as that isn't what I went in for lol So, even though it had to be done nobody filled me in on the differences or the info I needed regarding the bypass. So you may well know most of these but I will share my questions and ponderings with you anyway. Take extra sleepwear/underwear just in case you end up in there longer than anticipated. Take basic toiletries Take some feminine hygiene products just in case, the sudden change in hormones from surgery and drastic weight loss so quickly caused a release of oestrogen from the fat cells which meant I needed some products, even though I am perimenopausal with a coil and haven't needed any for a while! (that was a shocker!) I wish I had taken a good body lotion in with me as I became very dry all over, my skin looked like it had aged 10 years everywhere I wish I had taken my own v-shaped pillow in as I found the hospital pillows really thin and pointless. (I got it in there in the end!) If you are on medication before you go in, find out about getting all of them in liquid form if possible. Take a heat pack and an instant ice pack or 2 You will be uncomfortable lying on your back if you are usually a side sleeper, so be mentally prepared Have a good protein powder ready at home that is a small scoop (genepro) rather than the one I currently have which is a large scoop and froths up too much. Have a good supply of savoury high protein soups ready at home because those of us with a Bypass don't seem to be able to tolerate the sweet one's post-op. Learn what you can about dumping syndrome so you can try and prevent it happening to you Learn what you can about being lactose intolerant post-op too, I didn't know this was a thing with bypass Read read read what you can on here, so much fantastic info, advice and support GOOD LUCK

That sounds like a tough four weeks of camp! I have never gotten into exercising and now that my weight is leveling off I'm very discouraged. I've tried gym memberships many times and have lost a lot of money. If I enjoyed it and maintained it, I doubt I would have gotten as heavy as I was. I still have no interest. I've gained two pounds from my lowest weight and feel as if the scale is set and I now I need to work really, really hard to maintain the weight I am at now (even though I was hoping to be a size 8, not 12). I have to be honest with myself: I'm not going to be able to keep it off with exercise. 😞 Maybe someday as you all inspire me. I'm sure Gladiator classes would kill me too. Good luck to you! Last night I had dinner with a friend who is about 8 years older than me and she is considering botox. I know I look older since the weight loss and have been wondering about going down that road. Has anyone done it? What do you think about it? I have so many other areas I also want to work on, like a breast reduction. I swear the girls are just flapping into each other now and it's ugly and uncomfortable. The extra tummy skin is yech, but tolerable with shapewear. Sorry for the complaining. I do feel blessed to have been able to lose 60 lbs since surgery, but am at a scary point. I have done too much googling about people who have gained some or all of their weight back since gastric bypass. To be honest, I didn't even think gaining all the weight back was doable! What about the lack of absorbing calories? Can I really stretch out that egg-shaped stomach so much? It's daunting. The surgery was tough, the mental prep was tough....where is the good news about people who have kept it all off? I need to start reading success stories!

Hello! Let me introduce myself. I am a mother and wife living in the Metro Detroit area. I have struggled with my weight for the majority of my life. I have had difficulty losing more than 30 pounds and maintaining the loss. Both my mother and sister have had gastric bypass surgery and have had great success. I joined this community to connect with others who will, or have been, through gastric bypass surgery. I just had my consent appointment and am waiting on final insurance approval before I receive my surgery date which is anticipated to be at the of October. If you have any tips or hints you wish you had heard before surgery I'd love to hear them!

I had a baby the first year of my Master's degree. This Doctoral degree and a bypassed will be easier [emoji41]! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

1. Personal goal-lose the last 10 lbs 2. Bypass in July of 2018 (lost 128 pounds) 3. Current weight 160 lbs 4. Advanced squat 5. My jiggly legs because they remind me how far I have come

I knew I needed the bypass due to GERD. My surgeon talked about how this surgery has been around for decades and is even used as a surgery to treat GERD not just weight loss. Yes the side effects and risks are higher but I didn’t want to mess with the risk of a second surgery. Just know that vitamins are lifelong and make sure you do the labs to check your levels. My MD and nutritionist both said a lot of long term issues are preventable so if you follow the vitamin guidelines your risks are even lower.

Sept 17 here for bypass. Good luck everyone and godspeed.

I could've written exactly what you did. I was also set on the sleeve because I was scared of the malnutrition risks with the bypass, but like you, due to GERD I didn't know I had, the bypass was the best option. He also said that later on down the road I'd probably need the sleeve converted to a bypass and since another surgery was not what I wanted I went along with the bypass. In the end I know it's the right decision but since I'm only four days post op right now I'm not yet convinced LOL!

I had a sleeve and then, 8 months later, had to revise to RnY due to GERD. Believe me, you're better off doing the surgery just once.

Awesome thank you all! Feeling good about the bypass now!!!!

I, too, chose Bypass because of GERD, and I'm glad I did. Taking the vitamins is no big deal. I take a chewable multi vitamin in the am and pm, 3 chewable calcium citrate chews a day, and a vitamin B-12 under my tongue. Easy peasy. Not something to prevent me from having bypass!! Yes, the surgery may be "more complicated" but it is called the "gold standard" for a reason, and has been done for a long time. Good luck!

Hello! How exciting to be in the home stretch! I had gastric bypass, but only had an IV and they crushed up a cocktail of meds for me to swallow with water before hand. It was neurontin for nerve pain, a PPI, anti nausea meds, etc. I did not have any injections before surgery, but did have injections of blood thinners after surgery. NO big deal. I did not have a drain. The post-surgery period was fine. I was given anti-nausea meds and pain meds with regularity, and never felt nauseous. The pain was very manageable with the meds. Get up out of bed and walk, walk, walk, and take little sips of the beverage they give you to drink, and you'll be fine. Good luck, you've got this!

Hi, and welcome! I'm not from Oregon, but have had gastric bypass in March 2019, and had hypertension, diabetes, type 2, arthritis in knees, generally felt lousy everywhere. Now, I'm off my diabetes meds and it's gone! Off my high blood pressure meds! Knees don't hurt, and generally feel great! Best decision I ever made health wise. I had a BMI of over 40, and now I'm in the "overweight" category, on my way to normal. Read everything you can, and ask questions. Good luck with your journey!

I pressed for bypass since I had acid reflux. Thankfully, that is gone now. I am very glad I had the bypass.

Is best to go with bypass as there are so many ppl being revised to it from sleeve anyways for numerous reasons. One post I seen this lady had to be revised only weeks after sleeve. Yes the bypass is a little more complex but It is better for long term success !

I think you'd have to take vitamins with the sleeve as well. I might be wrong but that's what I've always heard. I started off wanting the bypass. I knew it was more complex but to me surgery is surgery so if i'm already going to have one it might as well be the one I felt was right for me. I still stand with my decision to have the bypass so no regrets here! I too was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the vitamins. I never could before. But I think just knowing how serious this is and that I HAD to take them made me stay on top of them. I also downloaded an app called Medisafe and it's honestly so great it always reminds me when to take them so I never forget! Good luck! ❤️

Hi Folks, I've been on these forums for a few months with the intent to have the sleeve procedure. I just went through all the pre-req scans, appointments, counseling sessions. etc...I'm so ready for the surgery but am dealing with some insurance drama (other thread..) but......starting this thread because my doctor called me the other day to discuss my upper GI and said I had GERD ( I never knew at 48 years of age I had that and acid reflux..who knew??) and also pointed out that people with my bmi have better results with the bypass. Soooooooo.....Now, I feel like I should get the bypass. My only hesitation before was that it's a bit more complex and frankly, I'm lazy when it comes to vitamins. I'll just have to be extra diligent. Anyone else here like me starting the journey to get the sleeve and switch??

Hi Guys, I'm the original poster and I have an update. i sooo appreciate everyones comments. You have helped me more than you know. I hear you about not bothering to appeal but my sense of justice is rearing it's head, lol. I'm so mad and am just going to give it one more shot. I called Aetna and found a special concierge associated associated with my company. I work for a company with 50,000 employees worldwide. They actually found the paperwork where they originally told me the "IOQ" was not required. They seem to want to help me to get this surgery. I also think they are embarassed I've already spend $4200 out of pocket just on my pre surgery stuff. I also wrote a firm e-mail to the business office about how shocking it is for them to give up on this so easily and dismiss me as a patient and how it's bad for business. I copied in my surgeon. The Surgeon, who is amazing, called me back right away and told me he he has been made aware and the hospital's office is doing everything they can. He said even if they end up not covering they will help me find another surgeon. He even took the time again to talk to me about the surgical options and thinks I'll have better results with bypass, due to finding out I have some GERD on the upper GI. Anyway....more to come. I feel like I made a little traction yesterday.

I'd like to add a thing here: how about "surprises"? New things I discovered and adjusted to. Surprises after the RNY gastric bypass: I used to hate bread, but now I not only can tolerate a mouthful of bread, I kind of like it, especially soft flaky croissants. I don't eat these often. I used to love potato. I don't anymore. I still enjoy pizza: beware pizza! Things about WL surgery I experienced and you might and might like: Pain in your knees, ankles, lower legs, back and feet may go away. Mine did and quickly, suddenly. I wasn't prepared for this. Took me by surprise. Your energy to do physical activities may increase and you'll find yourself spontaneously doing stuff you didn't before and might not be used to or psychologically ready for (like dating). My big surprises are I find myself just suddenly feeling "let's go for a bike ride" and off I go, on my pedals, unable to prevent it, lol! You suddenly "just want to walk there instead" and leave behind the car. "I'll take the stairs" not the elevator: your body reacts to challenges like a kid does -- watch and see, lemme take them stairs! Ha ha! Increased male eyeballs and attention: rather awesome but I'm still not used to it. Warning: it will not be just the eyeballs of guys you would want checking you out -- they all will and they all do! Be prepared! The way and position you sleep in might change. Your sleep habits might also change. Strangers might become much nicer to you, opening conversations with you in the store and such... Big surprise: your pouch will shrink. For me it was the fourth month. When it does, you may notice increasing nausea while eating amounts you previously could. Your surgeon might advise you to eat even less than you are eating, which already is not much, right? Listen to him or her; they know the right steps. When you suddenly cannot eat as much as you did yesterday and your surgeon says to suddenly eat less, the pouch is shrinking, and this is normal, I was told. (ymmv.) Nobody told me pre-surgery the pouch shrinks in order to spur subsequent weight loss phases in your first year. In my case at least, it does and did. Go with this process. It will help you lose even more weight! Forgive yourself for: Falling off the wagon and eating le bad thing. As long as you do not throw up or do not feel pain, and if your surgeon and/or regular doc say you're okay, you did not stretch the pouch or do a bad thing. If you stretch or tear the pouch, according to my doctor, you will know instantly because you will be subjected to the worst pain since you woke up from surgery. He said it's unmistakable and you will know. If you do not feel this horrible scream inducing ripping tearing pain you did not stretch beyond or tear your pouch. This is not license to eat poorly! Finally, unless I think of more to add, forgive yourself for stalls. Stalling is normal, it does not mean your surgery is failing, it just means your body is catching up. You're putting it through a lot, be kind and merciful. Give yourself patience. If you continue to drink water, eat as prescribed and exercise, one day you will just notice the stall has ended and you lost a little more weight. Trust The Process.

Mine was pretty straight forward, we went over my EGD results and changed the plan for surgery. I originally wanted the sleeve because the whole re-routing of intestine thing but due to having some damage from acid reflux he said the bypass was better in my case. I had to sign a consent from him in his office that outlined all the risks and possible side effects. We also went through everything I'd need at home after the surgery and when I'd follow up with both him and the nutritionist. I also had to do a bunch of pre-op testing, I had to get a chest x-ray, an EKG, and a bunch of blood drawn. There were other things on the sheet I didn't have to do because they didn't pertain to me, such as a gallbladder ultrasound.

Hi all I had a VSG on 12th August and then developed a volvulus which they tried to fix endoscopically but it failed then ended up being given a bypass on the 21st. So I hadn't read as much about the bypass and all it involves because I had no idea I was going to end up with one The Bariatric nurse rang today and said I need to be on 80g protein a day instead of 60g as with the sleeve. So, my issue is that the protein shakes (slim fast etc) are making me feel really unwell an hour or so after having them and I am guessing it is the high carb count in them even though they are sugar-free. So I am trying to avoid them. Also Vomiting... WHERE HAS IT GONE!? Vomiting is pretty much just a burp and a tiny amount of bile!? I have whey Isolate unflavoured, which I am making up my protein milk with (and some dried skim milk powder) and adding it to some of my drinks too. I will go and read through this forum re: food etc but is anyone making their own fresh soup, adding protein and straining? Cheers

Thank you all Obviously tummy was tender but the bruising really does look worse than it felt My Bariatric nurse rang me today and informed me because my sleeve turned into a bypass the following week I have to 80g protein a day rather than the 60g. So I have my beef bone broth, tomato/chicken soup and fluids that I can add my protein powder to. I have noticed if I drink the pre-made protein shakes I feel really sick and horrible an hour or so later, I am guessing the carbs are too high and causing dumping syndrome....sigh Also, because my pain meds for my back were all messed up for the 2 weeks I was in hospital I was in agony with my back by week 2. Anyway 2 days ago I started having little back spasms and overnight they went crazy, had to get the Dr out to my home at 5am and am now on diazepam for 3-4 days until the spasms stop. I guess my back is not happy with being neglected lol I also better start reading some of the Bypass forum now instead of the sleeve forum, and people wonder why I am permanently confused

Hi all. I’ve been reading the posts for a couple weeks now and too scared to post. But decided to just get over it and reach out for some advice and help. My surgery is scheduled for October 14, 2019, after a full year of being in the Kaiser program. I am getting the bypass as the only option from Kaiser. I am currently 257 and started at 265. I was in a bariatric program before, made it to then end, and then they told me they missed an initial step of verifying my insurance and found my BMI was not high enough initially to qualify so I wasn’t able to get the surgery and was devastated. Since then (around 2014) I have been actively trying to get the surgery and am just now finally getting it. My mom had the surgery 12 years ago and has kept her weight off but had significant issues with iron deficiency that nearly killed her. My husband has also had the sleeve and is struggling three years post op because he has not made the changes and relies solely on the surgery. I am 27. I also have PCOS- enough of my background... My issue now is that I am getting cold feet. I guess I spent the last 5 years trying and trying to get the surgery and never really thought it was going to be reality for me. Now that it is, I am feeling scared. I’m mostly scared of the fact that I need to make the LIFELONG changes and if I could have done those on my own for all the years I’ve been trying I would have done it already. I don’t want to have a lifetime of sickness because I can’t commit to the changes I need to make to my diet to be successful. I have come a long way and am so much healthier thanks to the kaiser program but I still have issues with my diet. I’m also scared of the actual surgery and recovery. So I guess my question for you all is- if you were in my situation- which I assume many of you have been- what would you do? Do any of you regret the surgery? How has the adjustment been to the diet? Any of you had experiences of not making the changes with diet and struggle? I’d just like to hear any and all stories or feedback or advice to help me decide what to do