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My Dear Bari Brothers and Sisters, You may have noticed that I too have been missing from the Scene for a while. Not for lack of love for you all. Following my honeymoon of no work, I had to go back and as you may know a grueling international travel schedule followed. An as exciting and glamorous as going to places like France and England may sound, it does take it’s toll, and has been so tough for me to resist the endless temptations along the way, not to mention the drag on my noon existent time. And since I work with computers, when I fly home, I usually go dark and stay away from electronics, as my 6 and 8 year old miss me and I want to spend every spare moment with them. To add to that, we have all been severely debilitated by a series of illnesses. My daughter had Coxsackie Virus, My son had stomach Flu, I tested postive for Strep and then the bugs started to cross pollinate so we all suffered greatly with a bouquet of bugs Then of course the Holidays were upon us and...yeah, we had to get our act together and travel to family etc, so I have been go to GO, and all those things I put on hold while I had and recovered from Surgery, well they all caught up with me. From a weight perspective I really don’t know how I’m doing :\. And here is why: Pre- Surgery Weight 271, Surgery Day August 22nd 2018 257, current weight 226 So Weight loss since Surgery (approx 3 months ago is 31lb and total loss is 45. Not monumental like some, but then again, this is my 2nd revision, I had band to Sleeve to this so like when I had the Sleeve, at the 3 month mark I had lost on 15 more lb than I have now :(. I’ve lost enough to be able to feel better and have several non scale victories...not ashamed to take pics with kids, easier fit in airplane seats, more energy, feel better about myself, my cloths are fitting great, more optimistic about the future, did not feel such dread going to see family on Thanksgiving, etc On my trips, where I have had hotels with kitchenettes, I’ve avoided eating out all together, doing fabulously grocery shopping, walking min 10K steps a a day and loosing weight. When I travel and there is no fridge or kitchen in the hotel, its much harder. An unlimited food budget coupled with crazy irresistible deliciousness makes it tough tough TOUGH to resist. In my last trip to France, various cheeses, and even Breads found their way into my world. Nothing near the copious previous quantities but enough to make me uncomfortable emotionally. The crazy part is my pouch did not resist at all. Very scary, as one with multiple surgeries I am crippled with the fear that this shall fail too. Which brings me to my next point. Following my stricture release a month ago, I no longer throw up, a good thing you might say BUT, I also seem to have lost my restriction!!!!! I mean, I don’t know where and HOW I am able to put away what I do :(((((((. Beyond sad and bewildered. Another problem is that my bloodwork revealed that my Anemia was worse...so on the 16th of Nov, I went in for an Iron Infusion. Now I had that last year with my Sleeve and I had a series of Iron infusions...7 in total 3 weeks apart and I left each infusion RAVENOUS and stayed that way. Gaining tons of weight before each next one. Well this time seems no different in that I am RAVANOUS ALL THE TIME, since I got it over a week ago. That coupled with the seeming loss of restriction is desasterous. I’m snacking on crackers and nuts and I know that stuff adds up. Last night I did a test to see when I will get full. Tried eating what would normally be considered healthy ways to fill yourself. Removed my Vegan restrictions and had at least 5 strips of deli roast beef...not full, a cup of leftover Green Bean casserole...than a big cup of chicken tortilla soup...nada...a big bowl of Green Beans, Brussel Sprouts and curried chickpeas followed....and 30mins later I was in a grazing mood again, grabbing Oat Crackers covered with no sugar chocolate and chia seeds...and guys...yeah, not a peak from my pouch and somehow I never got to a full or satiated feeling. Too depressed to even call doc about it. What can they do? I’m just 3 m out, this has GOT to work for me, and I’m like if at 3 months I’m able to devour all that...what hope is there at a year or two. Been down this road too many times. Trying hard not to be depressed...I gave up my Wellbutrin on Surgery day and have been doing great, but this...food preoccupation and seeming return of hunger plus lack of restriction has got me seriously in a funk. So for those suffering from too much restriction, I repeat, relish it..it does NOT last! This coming from me who was throwing up at a sip of water and now just 3 short months latter, I’m like praying for restriction. Frustrating does not begin to cover it...I just don’t know what to do. It’s also the week before my period when I’m usually most carb needy, so that is probably playing in too....idk, any thoughts? So yeah...here is where i find myself. About to go walking, it’s cold but I’ll brave it, if for nothing else, than to increase my Serotonin naturally (and catch up on my work calls as I do). And that’s what’s up with ellie123. Hope you all had an awesome thanksgiving, miss you all and hope everyone is doing great.

I have a question. I had the bypass surgery on 7/26/18. I have been so tired almost everyday since my surgery. I do not wake up tired but usually after I have been up for 5-6 hours I get really grouchy and tired. My hubby thinks I’m just “Hangry” since I can’t eat whatever I want. Maybe that’s part of it too but I do find myself tired a lot.

Wow, have you gone meatless too?? I am a Sleeve to RNY revision. I've always LOVED meat and milk products and eggs and butter etc etc. All 40 years of my life I have never gone without it! And I ate it with my band, and with my Sleeve. So here's how the Vegan happened. My doc had me on clear liquids for 3 weeks with no diary...then told me to add back in eggs, and grounded meat. And I LOVE yogurt, milk, cream, Cheese OMG, on my last trip from France I had a WHOLE suitecase Packed with cheese from Hard to downright Stinky! I'm a certified Cheesaholic! But, I survived the 3 weeks without it, and without much veggies, fruits etc. But I was tired, and felt malnutritioned and unhealthy and constipated etc. Which is kinda to be expected. But seeing as this is not my first rodeo, I wanted to listen to my body more and not repeat the same mistakes. So...I started to educate myslef of nutrition nightly to see how best I can support my body through the healing process and nourish it while loosing weight. One profound influence was watching the documentary "What the Health" on Netflix (I so recommend you watch that!). So I replaced my morning Egg (s) with my Green Smoothie (which seamlessly incorporates my 1 a day Bariatric Vitamin chew from ProCar Bariatric health and the rest was history. Like right now, post my dinner, I'm not just feeling full, I'm feeling Satisfied and harmonious. Hard to explain but there is a difference. Like I said, I know it's not for everyone, but I'm super excited about the results, not just in the scales, so if anyone is cooking a vegetable or even a meat, I would love to be inspired. Because that said, it's not like I'll never touch another chicken or egg again, just for now, I'm doing so well without, trying not to tinker with the formula. Veggie or not, we need to learn how to cook again and enjoy a positive relationship with food again, but with Bariatric friendly healthy food, so we don't feel deprived and one fine day when we can eat more, start slipping into old habits. So were you Veterinarian before or thinking of becoming? Would love to hear more about your veggie meals. I try to post mine

My gastric bypass was the same day as your surgery. Today was my first day back to work and I only lasted 4 hours. Tomorrow I'm shooting for 5-6 hours. This morning by the time I showered, got dressed and got inside my car I was already exhausted. It will take some time before we feel normal again. My doctor threatened to keep me out of work another week if I didn't do better at getting all my protein in. Boy is it hard but I'm trying. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

I had bypass on May 29th. Close to a month out. Still following diet plan, only 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of food at each meal. I've advanced to soft foods so I can have string cheese and triscuits (only 2-3) now. Looking forward to having that soon!

I had my revision to bypass on 6/26, and I was so proud of how well I rocked it. I was zooming those halls and drinking like a champ. My drain couldn’t come out, as it was draining too much. A home nurse came out twice and still had to leave the drain in. I started having awful pain on Sunday and finally went to ER yesterday. The drain was kept in too long and got an infection. The pain radiates up to my chest and collarbone so I am kind of miserable. I keep getting small fevers but am hopeful the antibiotics kick in soon. I want to go back to zooming around!

I had by bypass August 6, 2018 and have been doing great. I am starting to volunteer at the zoo were I live and I have so much more energy. I can actually put my shoes and socks on without almost passing out. I have wanted to be able to sit with my legs crossed for about 25 years and now I sit with them crossed all the time. I wish I could get to the gym more though to firm up all the saggy spots. I had my official 6 month follow up on Valentines day and was so happy with my progress. I am wishing good luck to everyone Pre surgery stats Weight 231 BMI 40.6 Chest 45" Waist 43.5" Hips 47.5" Clothes sizes Pants 22 Shirts 2x 6 Month Stats Weight 155 BMI 28 Chest 41.5" Waist 37.5" Hips 41" Clothes sizes Pants 10 Slim Shirts Medium Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m drinking a lot though! Just wondering how soon I will be able to shed that. Like how long it took others to shed hospital fluid and begin to see results post bypass. It is So discouraging doing clear liquids with no results yet.

Do you guys eat the skin of the pickle? I had gastric bypass 10/7 I had a pickle the other day didn't chance the skin.

Since signing on for BP, I've occasionally mentioned in various places having strayed and wanting to get serious again. Finally, Step #1 for the second time.. Band surgery was October, 2009. My highest weight was 311. From about three weeks before surgery until mid-February, 2011, I lost 115 pounds. At 197, my goal of 145-150 was in sight. "Something," an event with emotional fallout, happened and that February, I stopped losing and soon began to gain. I went as high as 268 and mostly have hovered at 265-270. Twice in between I buckled down, lost about 25, only to regain them. All along I've wanted to get back to business. Just in the last couple of weeks, the feeling really set in. I made appointments for esophagram and to see the NP yesterday, ending a two year absence. Sure that I had great dilation (the band had been loosened twice before for that reason) and that the band was out of position, it was a thrill to find that I was wrong on both counts. I'd prepared myself to discuss revising to sleeve, but decided to give the band another shot. The NP agreed that it's worthwhile. The band had been rearing its head for several months, giving signals that I'd eaten enough. Other band signals and sensations that I vaguely recalled from the past were absent, so I had an adjustment, adding .5 cc for now, and already feel hints of the old effects. My next appointment is in August. We'll see what comes next at that time. How nice it will be if the band becomes a good partner again, "nice" being one hell of an understatement.

Hmmm he's talking of doing the sleeve then next year the bypass if that's what you want? Seems a bit of a red flag to me. I would get a second opinion.

I really love my Bari family here. Last night really sucked for me. I ended up riding my elliptical and watching tv til it watched me. Everything u guys said was dead spot on but I’ll tell u something. When I’m in the throws of that misery and it’s got a hold on me like a newborn in a blanket, to shift my thoughts as y’all suggested is close to impossible. Luckily It typically hits me hardest at night and I can simply go to bed and eventually to sleep. Interestingly enough, I dream of eating my favorite food. As a therapist myself, I know that to get thru it is to go thru it. There’s no testimony without test. I also know how this is actually my second chance at bat (I had gastric bypass in 2008). It’s these facts about my journey that tell my body (motor functions) and deep in my heart that cheating is not an option. My food addicted Mind (my brains pleasure center), on the other hand is what screams in agony. It’s sometimes physically draining for me. Luckily my education has taught me to understand this and that to let it out as I did in that post helps release a small bit of the stress. The rest, for me, is to vicariously live the lives or to become enthralled in the happening of television characters. Luckily it’s worst at night and this practice just seems to work out. I hope this post helps someone who’s thinking about cheating on this journey. The battle between the “to do or not to do” is real. Everyday, every minute we beat that urge is a strike of accomplishment. ANYBODY that says we took the easy way out can kiss your ass for me too BC at the end of the day, only we as individuals know and live with our demons and what it takes to beat them. One day at a time.

@DisplacedYankee Don’t get me wrong. I do the 2-3 shakes a day and there are times that I HAVE felt hungry. However, the different liquid options I mentioned are on a detailed meal plan that was given to me pre- and post op. By switching things up so far as other liquids I’m able to easoer the already difficult task of changing eating habits so abruptly after 47 years. Another difference between you and I is that I’m not a sleever. I have band over bypass. Perhaps aside of having different surgeons, the regimen for your procedure is quite different from mine.

Ok this is just MY opinion! Nothing against anyone that’s getting Bypass. But I just felt that the Sleeve was the less invasive procedure. Just make your stomach smaller...That sounded plain and simple to me. Again, nothing against Bypass! But I just felt bypass was a lot of re-direction / re-creation that I didn’t want my body to have. I have a Degree in Exercise Science, so I had to learn a lot about the human body. So I know a little bit about human body’s. No way am I saying I know as much as a doctor! But I just felt that the Sleeve was the simplest solution to my problem. Go in and make the stomach smaller and get out! Again! To anyone reading this! I’m not saying don’t get Bypass! And I’m not putting Bypass down in any way! I’m just saying this is the best procedure for me! Does any of that make sense? Lol! Sorry I get to rambling some times!

I guess I never looked into the Sleeve vs Bypass for the amount of weight needed to lose. I didn’t know there was much a difference. My weight was at 475 lbs last week when I started my pre-op diet. With the results I got from the “Bod Pod” (Body Composition Assessment). I’d be happy with getting down to 275 lbs.

That is lucky. I've never had one before, my husband had 3 last year with his bypass surgery. It really hurt yesterday after they took it out, but I slept in bed last night and woke up feeling I could run a mile. Too bad I hate running, lol. I'm not sure how your c section was, but when I didn't walk, I got stiff. Same as with my wls. Sent from my Z983 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was pretty sure I wanted bypass then when I met with my psychiatrist and therapist, they both suggested the sleeve instead, saying it was "less radical" although it seems to me it's "more radical" because it permanently cuts out part of your stomach, but I listened to them and did the sleeve. No regrets. No complications, No problems.

Hi! I am in the same boat as you! I had surgery in August 2014, got to goal (8 pounds below at 142) and maintained 150-160 for 5 years. Then a neck injury, cancer diagnosis, and the year 2020 hit and I’m up to 188 at this point. It’s so damn depressing having to buy new clothes because nothing fits anymore. My doctor has put me on a BED medication called Vyvanse for the time being, and it’s really helped suppress my appetite. I’m back to exercising at least 3 days a week, and tracking what I eat. Trying to keep it protein and fiber rich foods. We will see. I feel like I’m back on the diet roller coaster/fat brain thinking from before. Seriously thinking about a revision to bypass since I have reflux anyway, but have been through so much medical crap, I don’t know if I want to deal with another surgery again. You’re not alone, friend!

Hello June surgery buddies! My gastric bypass is scheduled for June 18. I have my pre-op appointment for labs and to meet with the dietitian and psychologist on June 2 and I start the liquid diet on June 11. My surgeon has patients do a full liquid diet - just Clear Liquids and four Protein Shakes a day, so I’m a little worried about that but I figure I can do anything for one week. I’m so excited (and more than a little nervous!) now that I have dates for everything - it just makes it seem so real. Looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you!

My doctor said 4 weeks for bypass

That is very wrong. When you are self pay... You get the cost of the surgery. and for self pay patients. You need to pay before you even can schedule the surgery. i was self pay. I got my quote. I did gastric sleeve. For Bypass it was around $24K. and as for the pre op testing. Almost every surgeon has them. I had to do them. EKG, Xray, Blood work, Psyc Eval ect... All those things i had to pay additionally but it wasnt that expensive. Xray was 50 bucks... EKG was 60, psyc eval was $600. now i do have health insurance but they dont cover the surgery but it did cover some of the pre op testing. Because my EKG came back with issues i had to see a cardiologist and get a nuclear stress test done. Which cost me around $500 out of pocket after my insurance. So after i had surgery. I saw my hospital billed my insurance for $45K which they denied. After i found out i called the hospital and it was a mistake. But you should not be getting any kind of bills after the surgery if you are self pay and paid before surgery. Get a itemized bill and make sure you are getting the SELF PAY Rate... Because my gastric sleeve surgery self pay rate (Which i am posting a picture) which is in the $18K range... With insurance it would have been over $45K... Most hospitals have discounted self pay rates.

Aww!! Happy birthday to you fellow gemini!! My birthday was 5/22 and I was on my liquid pre op diet. It was one of the worst birthdays ever! I too am having a bit of buyers remorse. I originally wanted DS but my doctor said due to my severe anemia, this wouldn’t do me any good in the long run. I just want to learn this bypass because I feel like I went in and came out with the same stomach. Like nothing has changed. Only thing is, I cannot finish my water in a day but I can meet my protein reqs easy. I don’t drink a lot of milk products but with the shakes and the yogurts, I’m meeting it. I have also been teetering between 291 and 288 for a week. So I guess I’m in a very early stall.

I'm pretty sure it's more or bypass patients since they have such an absorption issue. Most places check your blood to see if you're healthy prior to donating so you should be good.

I went into my consult today fully convinced that bypass was what I wanted, and now I'm not sure. The nurse practitioner said that they do a lot more Sleeves than bypass and was really encouraging me to do the sleeve. I still think I will likely go with bypass, but it isn't quite as clear cut as I was thinking before today.

Good luck, Becky! Sorry bout your complications, but hope the bypass helps! Im really leaning bypass, myself.