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Hi Jennifer! Another New Jerseyan here. We have a lot in common, you and I: two small daughters (mine are 7 and 5), over 300 lbs to start, and a lifetime of obesity behind us. I can completely relate to your fears. Banding was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Bypass was out of the question from the start, because with two small kids I just wasn't able to accept the risk. Being out of commission for even a few days wasn't something I wanted to do, and most of the bypassers I've met -- even the highly successful ones -- seem to have been hospitalized more than once. I heard too many stories about complications to consider it even for a moment. Banding is WAY safer, and effective enough to make me healthier, which was all that I was after. Even at 340 lbs I wasn't sick, just fat, and I didn't need to lose weight overnight. I wanted to lose it safely, sanely, and get permanent control over it so it wouldn't come back. The band is delivering in spades. One of the greatest things about banding vs. bypass, to my mind, is that banding doesn't require us to make complete lifestyle and diet changes literally overnight the way bypass does. We have time to ride the learning curve of increasing restriction, time to get used to the idea that 1/3 of our usual intake really is enough to sustain and even satisfy us. It's a concept that takes some getting used to, and the band gives us time to do that. Who is your doctor? Please feel free to contact me by e-mail or PM if you want to talk about anything specific. Welcome to LBT!!!

I wish I had the magical words for you to inspire you to greatness here. I can tell you my story, which I think is different from where you are. But I think it's good for you to know where we all come from and that we DO understand your struggles. I never considered bypass. I just refused to have my insides re-routed. So when I found the lap band I KNEW it was for me and spent nearly a year researching it to make sure that I was willing to make the necessary changes to help this wonderful little tool help me. I was scared to death to fail, yet again but this time would be surgical intervention. Once I got approved and knew that I was heading for surgery, I went into overdrive. Something I called training mode. I actually started eating the diet that I thought bandsters were supposed to eat post op so that I could prove to myself I could do it. I actually lost 19 lbs doing that and was so inspired that even the liquid pre-op diet didn't phase me other than I felt like I was starving. I was determined. As the others have said, the pre-op diet is recommended for a reason. I would recommend to you that you follow it to the best of your abilities. Get your mind in the right place and know that you're doing this for you and for your children so that they have a mom that will be there for them. A mom that can keep up with them. Post operatively the band does help, but I've also seen bandsters on this very board complaining that they feel like they're starving very shortly post op and before their first fill. This CAN lead to eating things they shouldn't. So, once again you must be determined and get yourself on the right path. As far as exercise, my doctor recommended exercise from the get go BUT that was one area that I failed miserably. Other than sporadically riding my bicycle I didn't exercise regularly until I had lost over 70 lbs. I think I would have lost more, faster if I had but that's in the past and I can only look to the future. You absolutely need to start off slow (even if it's just walking the perimeter of your yard) and find an exercise that YOU can enjoy and are willing to do on a regular basis.

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 had my sleeve April 17, 2014 and for the past year my reflux has grown increasingly worse. I have tried numerous medications which helped some but not near enough.do not eat for hours before bed and I also sleep with the head of the bed raised. This has not helped either. The middle of the night seems to be the absolute worse for me. I wake out of sleep coughing and chocking and ultimately vomiting. This happens nearly every night now. I went for my 1 year follow-up on Wednesday, 7/15/2015 and my surgeon has agreed that it is time to move forward with the Bypass. I am so excited and scared all at the same time. I am not very patient and I just really want to know if the insurance is going to approve it. Knowing that relief is in sight is wonderful but I am going to be so upset if it does not get approved. I have tried not to think about it but it is hard not to.

I can understand you concern with the Barrett's Esophagus. I was worried that I would have damage as well. I hope you can come to a quick solution. I am currently working on meeting all the insurance requirements. My best guess is that I will have surgery in late Sept, early October. I actually lived abroad for my first surgery. My surgery team was great. Follow-up care great. For me, I think bypass would have been the best option initially. Are you nervous about having the bypass? There are several posts about people revising due to GERD and/or Barrett's. What insurance due u have?

Hi Mike! Congratulations on getting your date. I am 16 months post-op from Gastric Bypass, and so happy I made the decision to do the surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Best of luck to you!

@@Ruth1ess What you are asking is if you can bio-hack your way to more weight loss. No one can give you an answer to that. The 60-70% is an average, It is a completely arbitrary number. Doctors use it because that is the average and its is a good number. Losing that amount of weight is life changing for obese people and can end a lot of medical problems. If you use a calculator like this http://www.obesitycoverage.com/weight-loss-surgeries/gastric-bypass/how-much-can-i-expect-to-lose This is what the calculator estimates I can lose at my starting weight This is what the calculator estimates I can lose from the weight I am at right now. I have lost 101 lbs in 6.5 months with the sleeve. The weight lost estimated from my start is 222. The weight lost estimate from where I am right now is 182. The start weights are 101 pounds apart but the end result is only a 40 pound difference. Is it worth it to wait and have to lose weight taking the chances on being hungry, to possible lose an little extra? It might be to you. The amount of weight you will be able to lose on your own before surgery is unlikely to be that much so the differences will be minor. I would have never lost 100lbs on my own. I would never lose more than 30-50 on my own and I always gained it back. I am only 6.5 months out and I have lost 101 lbs basically effortlessly. I haven't been hungry, and after the first 6 weeks I have had plenty of energy. I am more active, but I don't run. I walk, I do yoga, and I lift weights. I do things that don't stress my body and I am still losing at a fast pace. The way I am dropping weight right now 10-14lbs a month and it isn't slowing, as I lose more weight and am more active, it is coming off faster. I expect that I will blow right past that first lost estimate from my start of 365 to 222, I will probably be past 222 long before my one year anniversary. I expect to keep losing long after my 1 year anniversary just because I would have to be really dedicated to eating, basically eat all day to get above my resting metabolic rate. So try that calculator and see if you think the difference is worth waiting for. Just remember it is just an estimate and it is arbitrary.

For those who had bypass, how much time did you spend in the hospital?

My revision date is tentatively set for 12/5

Hello and welcome! Also -- congratulations!! How exciting it must be to be at that stage of seeing the weight peel off, and past the point of initial recovery, and past the point of choosing which surgery to get. I noticed that you chose to go with the sleeve as opposed to the Roux-y surgery. I think that's where I'm likely to begin, myself. I have bounced around, investigating what they call a SADI-s / Loop / SIPS surgery which has an extra component with the intestine beneath the sleeve, often done as a revision of the sleeve for those who regain weight or aren't satisfied with their results. It SEEMS to have fewer side effects than the Roux-y (full gastric) but I just don't know. I've also been given a fair amount of advice suggesting I try to find an expert to do the duodenal switch (DS) due to my BMI being in the high 50s/low 60s. I'm certainly willing to try to go that route but as someone else said -- there is usually a LOT of back and forth before committing to surgery and I'm almost 7 months into the program I'm at with my current surgeon. How long would it take me, realistically, to get this far again? WLS is such a difficult and scary commitment, and then getting on here BEFORE having a surgery has filled my brain with so many more complicated options. Its kind of hard for me to commit to big decisions and sometimes I wonder if learning more and more is making matters harder for me. I love to feel in control of what's happening with my body and try to inspect EVERY detail such as to avoid any regrets -- but sometimes staring at the water for too long makes one less likely to jump in, doesn't it? But you've DONE it! I think the sleeve is a great option and respect your choice, and am so happy that it has gone smoothly thus far. It could just be my perception, but most of the men I've seen post about their surgeries seem to indeed have a bit more gentle recovery, with fewer complications. I've seen a lot of folks caution me (this forum and others) about whether I'd be satisfied with the degree of weight loss if I were to go with a base sleeve, Roux-y, or SADI-s. This makes me really appreciate where you talked about that dark spiral and maxing out at 407. I say this as someone who feels like I understand pretty dang well what you're talking about because my max weight was 435! Being 'down' to 366 feels a heck of a lot better by comparison, and I got this far by myself, so maybe I don't need to be as concerned about satisfaction with the numbers as I do making sure I'm comfortable with the process of surgery to help me continue my weight loss journey. Please keep us in the loop as you continue on to your goal! Also - congratulations to the rest of you posting here who are inches from your goal weight or have already made it there!! No matter what surgery (or surgeries) helped you get there, you DID IT! Definitely an inspirational group of people here!

I was sleeved in 2019 and developed Gastroparesis. I went from 240 to 125 but the vomiting is relentless. Now I am scheduled for a complete bypass 4/24 in hopes that it will relieve the symptoms. Would love to hear if revision had helped anyone else with Gastroparesis. My upcoming surgery is not for weight loss and strictly to relieve the vomiting and reflux but a tiny part of me is scared that I’ll gain weight once I heal.

Even funnier are those by people who have. I do realize that when people research surgery, they may not research all the varieties (or even their own!!), so of course there may be misunderstandings, but when other WLS patients spout off "facts" about surgery with no real basis for their beliefs, I've got to laugh. It's been an epidemic around here lately, so let's see which "facts" we can debunk. **DISCLAIMER. I am NOT an expert on anyone but me. I had sleeve surgery. I am confident that I can not talk about bypass, bands, balloons, revisions, switches, etc. with any personal knowledge. This thread is for sh!ts and giggles only.** Sleeves do not "grow back". I know the whole stretching thing is debatable but I can say without a doubt, they don't grow. And yes, there is a difference. You cannot feel your staples through your skin. If you can, you've lost far too much weight and should seek immediate medical attention. If you have a sleeve, you do NOT have a pouch. liquid will not stretch your sleeve no matter what kind of liquid it is. Liquid runs through a sleeve quickly. You can eat around your sleeve (I did it yesterday), so you do have to be forever mindful of this tool you now possess. Your way is not the ONLY way nor is MY way. Neither are the BEST way, either. There are a lot of different roads, hopefully they all end up at the same destination. You cannot/will not poop out your staples. Really.

I had my gastric bypass on 4/16 as well. My roughest obstacle has been the muscle stitch and trying to get out of bed or a deep chair. Coughing was agony! But today, 4/21 is much much better. I walked and walked and walked and I think that it helped me progress. I did not take any prescribed pain medication either. I am a recovering alcoholic (3yrs[emoji5]) and in rehab they caution against any addictive substances so I declined. I did take adult liquid Tylenol when I got home Wednesday night and Thursday through the day. Yesterday I walked through the pain and feel so great today I have not had any issues with getting liquids down, it just takes forever[emoji13]. I have had lots of (TMI ALERT) watery dark bowel movements. The Dr. office said to call if they look like tar. They don’t so I’m not worried about it. One last comment, I have experienced a huge change in my energy. I was always so tired every morning before I had surgery, and was expecting to be very tired while recovering. The opposite is true. I find that I have lots of energy! This is good and bad....... we are getting possession of another home we purchased tomorrow and there are sooooo many things that need to be done, and I cannot do any of it. I want to, and feel like I can, but I know I am asking for a surgery if I start lifting or moving. We had our procedures done on the same day and I will look for your posts to see how you are coming along and cheer on your successes. Good luck! My weight day before surgery was 245. I am 5’7. I am not going to weigh myself until Monday. 1 week out. I know I could get crazy watching the scale and a don’t want to get fixated on numbers.

Hello, I have had my band for 5 years.. The only weight I ever lost was in the first year then I just had problems getting my band to the right tightness. I developed heart burn and acid reflux problems not to mention it has turned me bulimic. I am at my pre surgery weight and I have nothing left in my band yet everything seems to get stuck. Has anyone had the Lap band removed and did the sleeve? I just want this band out and I don't feel like bypass is for me. I just need some advice.. What were the pros and cons, have you had any problems? I want the good and the bad! TIA

Unfortunately, I have moved since my surgery so I am no longer in touch with my original surgeon. I am waiting on a referral from my doctor for the revision at the moment. I don't know much about the DS in comparison to the bypass. I know a few people who have the RNY though. Thank you for your suggestions!

My insurance didnt cover anything but i went ahead and asked them if i developed severe GERD if they could cover a bypass to cure it, They flat out told me no. LMAO i was like come on... haha.

I had surgery 2/4. I pre-made my jello the day before my surgery. Stocked up on soups and protein drinks. Costco sells Premier Protein which I love. I've been drinking them since 2008 when I got my lapband and just revised to sleeve. Plus they are 30 grams of protein. Walmart had an Atkins shake that's Mocha Latte. I bought a 4 pack and am regretting I didn't get more. They are delicious. I bought small paper coffee cups and I put my soup in those. Ocean State Job Lot sells little containers. I stocked up on those. I made a batch of ground chicken meatballs and stored those in small containers and put in the freezer

Mallorie, I have to say that it wasn't stressful for me at all. I've had the same PCP since I was 18 and I am now 36. I would complain to him about my weight issues for years, he gave me meridia at one time, it didn't work. About the letter, it was odd to me. I asked the Dr. for a referral to a nutritionist and at that time I asked his thoughts on WLS. He said that the Lapband would be a great choice for me, but he'd support the bypass if I chose too. ANYWAY back to my point. I went to the weightloss Dr. that he referred me too and that was pretty much it for me. I never heard about a letter of referal or anything else. This hospital did it all for me. SO as you asked.. was it that much of a big deal?In my case, it wasn't. My nutritionist, surgeon, Psych. eval and exam were all located in the same area of the hospital. They all worked together and got me approved, in a short period of time. Obviously, I had to have the insurance requirements met. I also wrote a letter explaining why I'd be a good candidate for surgery. My struggles of weight loss and gain, diets, pills, books, exercising history and all I could think of. What I did was made a timeline from my adolescent yrs. until now. It consisted of what I weighed, how active I was, any weight gain or loss within the time frame and so on. I gave every person involved in my WLS a copy. When I turned the timeline in to my nutritionist, she stated that this is awesome to send along with the papers to the ins. comp.. That way, they can read what your thoughts and struggles were/are. Sometimes when they can read what you have been through and hear a voice through your letter, they soften up.. more likely if their decision is on the fence. (so I was told). Anyhow, don't sweat the PCP. That, to me, was the easiest step of the whole process. Best of luck

I had a botched sleeve in October 2017 and couldn't reliably hold down anything (including water) for the next 6 months until it was converted to bypass by a new surgeon. I am now able to eat again and feel so much better. Unfortunately my weight loss prematurely slowed and stopped due to getting almost zero calories for so long then finally hoarding calories when it had them again. But my situation was pretty unique so hopefully that will not be the case with you at all!

i get my revision from sleeve to bypass on tues if you want to keep in touch i'll tell u all about it.

I mean theres usually a clear cut better choice. If you have diabetes, are severely obese (I mean super high BMI like 55-60s) , or have GERD the bypass is "probably" the better choice. For people with lower BMIs without GERD I would definitely want a sleeve. The bypass is the more complicated surgery with more risks, but there are times when its more appropriate. If a surgeon recommends something I would heed their words carefully

Hello, 10 days post revision to gastric bypass. Long time constipation sufferer, tried many products. Miralax not working, neither is milk of magnesia, which almost always helps. Did a Fleet early this morning. Severe pain, feels like I'm sitting on a rock....it is right there....waiting to come out, just too hard and big. Sorry everyone. Refuse to do mag citrate, too harsh for tummy this early out. Considering trying Dulcolax, anyone know the size of the suckers? (Gel tabs to swallow). Can't take big pills, need to be hole-punch size or smaller. Thank you.

Can I ask you a question So you didn't have to do the 3 or 6 month diet? Why Bypass? Do you have co-morbidities? What insurance do you have? Sorry not trying to be FBI lol just new to this. I have chosen VSG yet to see what the doctors do say though. They can be like no you need bypass.... you know what I mean we never know until you are there from what I have read.

I'm 10 months in gastric bypass and lost about 80 so far, and haven't last anymore since October. I know I'm eating wrong and what to change and eat things I know will make me sick. I'm ashamed of myself and want to change. I drink with food and over eat because of that. If I don't I can only eat about 4-6 of depending on what it is.. I look at calories and carb and try to stick it out at work. Shake in the morning an Adkins meal for lunch by then it's like 500+ plus and feel that I've over eaten by then and then get home and stress over it and eat more. Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using BariatricPal mobile app

hi all i had a gastric band fitted in nov 2012 and have had numerous problems , fills and defills and even a period of 18months with nothing in my band , i decided to start again in april this year and have fills but having got to 5mls have had to have two defills putting me now at 4mls . i never know from one day to the next how my eating will be , one day i can be pretty ok and the next i may struggle with a yoghurt . i have after some time enquired about revision surgery from my band to the gastric bypass and have plucked up the courage to book a consultation to discuss it properly , i am also seeing my gp this coming tuesday with a view of mentioning it to her amongst other things . i have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life and not a day goes by when it is not in the forefront of my mind , i also suffer with depression , weight being a large part of that since being subjected to bullying re my weight at senior school . So sad am i my favourites tv programmes are about weight loss , especially dr now ! can anyone tell me of their experience with revision in this way , what type of things do you manage to eat ? do you struggle with salads and fruit like me ? is it a case of you plate is a side plate size or smaller but no food groups are a major issue like with me , sorry if this all sounds silly things to ask but i struggle with the heathiest of things which is just miserable and mad , any tips , experiences and advice would be most grateful . thankyou x