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I'm doing great! it's been almost 1year & 7 months since I had gastric bypass. I have occasional vomiting besides that life is wonderful. I'm still a size 0 I need to up date this photo lmbo. I'm still 110 pounds.No issues with eating or drinking. No issues with the scale not weighting weekly. Heck I would know if I gain if I'm squeezing into my jeans. I don't gain weight & I don't count calories. I do exercise if I remember lolz...I avoid everything that's bad.I still eat very little but I have days I could eat more,but I'm always in control. Do I have lose skin of course I do. Plastic surgery will not happen for a long time.I have better things to do then worry about that right now. Have a great night

You know what it sounds to me like you have done a great job of doing what you set out to do on the surgery, so my suggestions to you is that maybe it's time to let the cat out of the bag and let the people that your close to know. You shouldn't have to stress about going to dinner with friends or meeting with family and worried if they will find out. You have done this for yourself and who cares if they don't approve after it's already done, they have seen the results obviously. I think now you can just be like here I am and this is what I had to do to get my health in order, and if you don't approve well it's not your life and I am sure everyone will accept the fact that you did it, cause they love you, and they want to support you, but man I give you big props for doing it all on your own. That's insane, I had the lapband surgery prior to me now going in to have the bypass, and I remember how that was and I can only imagine how much worse this one will be and so I think your pretty amazing and I don't even know you!!! You do you, no worries about what others think!!!!

I'm in the Milwaukie area had the gastric bypass surgery on December 10th. Would love to participate in any activities out there for other WLS peeps pre or post op. I think it's important we support and mentor each other.

Hello I live in SE Portland and am in the WLS program at Legacy Health Will be scheduling surgery soon. I still haven't chosen bypass or sleeve. I'm looking for people that are going through this or have done it before. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon told me that over the counter drugs, including Advil and Aleve are ok with the sleeve. It's with the bypass that you can't take these drugs.

People do notice but r afraid to ask. I went down 2sizes n when I finally wore medium scrubs, most of the staff started commenting "it's about time u wear clothes that fit. Ur other uniforms were falling off u" so, they had noticed but didn't say anything. Me, I'm very blunt. I ll tell u the truth n say "ur losing weight, u look good.. Keep it up!" But it does feel good when they acknowledge it! I know exactly how u feel. Even my close friend who had gastric bypass doesn't acknowledge it. I finally said ,"Cecilia, look at my pic on my iPad( which was a year old)..do I look the same? She said, mmmm u look a lil thinner around ur chin" I couldn't believe it! But maybe, jealousy has a lot to do with it.at least that's what my fiancé says. But, I will tell u.. Good job, I know it was hard. Keep it up!

April 2019 marks 13 yrs since Roux-N-Y laparoscopic procedure. Peak weight: 305 lbs. I maintain between 155-160. I have, & will continue annual follow-ups. Not only medically necessary, but makes me accountable. My bypass continues to work for me: I listen to what it's "telling me" when I have those moments. You know..the voice in your head that leads you to haunt the refrigerator or cabinets; buy foods that you know could trigger cravings or worse (binge). Surgery can't eliminate the disease of obesity....which lives in my head. Your's too, if you're reading this. I take action when I begin to see numbers trending up on the scale. (I don't wait til it's 20/40/50 or more lbs). Besides, I'm uncomfortable...along w gain comes bloat, discomfort, snug waist band, increased cravings. After a few yrs, trying different "maintenance" approaches, Jenny Craig works for me...I feel better when weight is a pound or 2 on either side of 155. For me, I persist w weekley wrigh ins....keeps me honest. I've been as low as 145, but it's a struggle. And I don't want that struggle. I just want to be comfortable in my skin. I'm challenged with anemia (intolerant of oral iron) & insufficient protein intake. So, I do what I can to improve those values. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up for this. And so far, my bypass &, I pretty much listen to each other.

He is converting it to a bypass, remove a hernia and shave the pouch.

Bless your heart, I absolutely hate heartburn. That's one of the reasons I went with bypass instead of sleeve. I know sometimes when I drink water on an empty stomach I get it. Prayers for healing for you, good luck.

I thought I wanted gastric bypass but two of my healthcare providers convinced me to do the "less radical" thing of sleeve surgery instead. I was a 40 BMI, not huge but still morbidly obese but not too many comorbidities to be concerning. I had the sleeve and I have no regrets. It works! It's a tool - the work of eating right was still up to me. Three years post-op it still works for me and keeps me from overeating. Either surgery is good and ultimately it's up to you.

As previously stated, I initiated the discussion with my doctor regarding the referral to the surgeon. I do not think he would have ever brought it up and I am not sure why but I am seeing him next week and asking him. He is about my same age and sometimes I think maybe it is uncomfortable for him to discuss weight with women since many are very sensitive about it. By the time I saw the surgeon a few weeks later I had already done a lot of research about the options and about the surgeon himself and his level of expertise. I had already decided on the sleeve and he agreed...he told me only if I had severe GE reflux would he recommend the bypass. Interestingly, I saw my pulmonologist this morning for a routine followup and he was very surprised that I had discontinued all 3 of my asthma/COPD medications about 2 months ago and having no symptoms at all, even when walking 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 miles per day. At our last appt. I did tell him that I was in the process of having VSG surgery done. I have lost 47 pounds since last seeing him. After listening to my lungs, he then sat and asked me a lot of questions about my surgery and how difficult it was for me. I told him it was rough for the first few days but now it is not difficult at all. He then said, "I am going to use your experience and recommend the surgery to some of my other patients who might benefit from weight loss". He is in his 50s and I guess it just surprised me that the recommendation was not more common.

I had my UGI done last month the radiologist is very good, he has done about 8 of these on me sicne I was first banded four years ago. He told me and showed me during one of the swallows that my esophagus was having spasms at each swallow, he also told and showed me tha the esophagus was very narrow and even the barium was not going through like it should, he said I had reflux built up in my esophagus, causing it to be greatly dialated. He said that he felt removing some of the fluid might help but it will not fix the problem. I also have a hital hernia where at or how large who knows because I don't and was never told, the hernia was discovered a few weeks ago and well it was found on last years UGI and now I am being told of this. My band was diagnosed as mechanical failure for this is a re occurring problem with me and the Dr. treated me by only removing fills and then re filling me, over and over again. I am now waiting on insurance approval to have revision surgery to RNY

I know after my mom had her bypass (mine is Tuesday) we went to lunch together (spouses included) she was probably 5 weeks p.o.. Anyway, we all went to lunch together & my dad immediately started griping about having to pay full price for someone who eats less than an infant. Idk if they're stressed about money or if its just they feel akward eating normally around us now. When guys blow up, it usually has absolutely nothing to do with what they're ranting about. In the case above, my dad later apologized to her and admitted it had nothing to do with cost, it was that he is insecure because she's lost all this weight and now he feels insecure that she will want to leave him and that he feels fat and ugly. Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using RNYTalk

I have read that article before lol. That was actually the article that made my mind up to have the surgery in the first place. It seemed to say that the sleeve and bypass were more effective than the lap band, but to me it looked like both the sleeve and bypass were effective with the sleeve having less complications. That was why I choose the sleeve. But I am still second guessing myself like the OP. Sorry if I hijacked this thread OP. It is hard to find people who understand PCOS and weight loss and insulin resistance and I get really excited when I do because I really want to make the right choice.

I'm 7.5 weeks out - gastric bypass. I still have a lot of diaphragm discomfort. Wearing a bra makes it worse. I think that wearing bottoms with a high or snug waistband, does too. My surgeon's office has referred me for an upper GI series. I reckon it will come back "normal". I think my problem is just what I've been wearing and the activity I've been doing.

At the rate I'm losing with my current stall...I'm thinking I should revise my goal to inches lost, instead of weight!

What they are refering to as an 18 month grace period should be called an 18 month effectiveness period. My bestfriend had the bypass in 2001 and he is gaining back the weight. His mother also had the surgery and never met her goal, the effectiveness of the surgery wore off before she was at goal. But they will have dumping syndrome for the rest of their lives. I have been banded since July of this year and have lost 40 pounds, almost 1/2 of my goal. I am losing slower then they did, but I also don't have hanging skin on my arms or face. If I decide to have another child I can have my band emptied and when I am ready have it refilled and start my weight loss journey again. For some the bypass is the best option but for me and I am sure most on this board will tell you that the band is just simply newer and seems to be better. It is safer, has a long term effectivness, and is reversable. Jusy my 2 cents. ~Mandy

I've heard that the bypass could be reversed b/c thoeretically they can staple back the part of the stomach they cut away that is essentially just floating there. But I have never heard of anyone getting it reversed. I also wonder if it really is possible b/c you would think that part of the stomach that was cut away would die without active blood vessels and active use. Anwyays, it creeps me out- the thought of having an unused part of organ just hanging out in your body!

Wow! I'm not sure where to begin to comment on all of this. I think 1st of all I should say I had a banding done a year ago and i am about to have a revision to the bypass. I have had alot of complications. as far as bashing other types of surgery, the site i normally frequent does not do that. thinnertimes.com we are all very supportive and urge everyone to make an informed decision about what is best for them. most people that i know have researched enough to know if they can follow through with the diet of the band or not. because with the band if you are a compulsive eater you can drink milkshakes till the cows come home and with the bypass you are welcome to try but.... do it close to a hospital cause you are gonna get sick. with the bypass reversal ..it can and has been done, my surgeon has done them and they are very difficult and are prone to complications and are only done in extreme situations. Both surgeries have people that regain their weight! That is a fact and it is not just because of the type of surgery it is because people are addicted to food, afterall thats why we are or were over weight! It is a choice and while my experience with the band has left me bitter if asked i will tell it is their choice but i will be gald to tell of my experiences with it! With the pregnancy issue, there a lot of people who had children post operatively from bypass and all are doing fine. I have a friend that became pregnant 5 or 6 mos out and had a very healthy pregnancy. From the sites that I have researched (absa.org) and others the 25% statistic is actually a little low. A lot of people have to have the revision due to complications and the fact that if they had the will power to stop eating junk they wouldn't need surgery to start with. I have respect for the bandsters who are losing and doing good and I have respect for those trying to achieve weight loss. wls is a battle and it should not be argued amongst the ranks it should be argued on the field. If someone is putting your choice down that makes them the loser not you! You did what was best for you and your family. Who gives a crap about he said/she said we are adults fighting for our very lives. I don't need anyones approval but God, My Family, and the Insurance Co.! ( in that order ) Good Luck to you all and hope to have your prayers as I undergo this revision at the end of the year. Christy

I have been banded for over 3 years. The first year I lost from 350 to 230. Then I started having difficulties. Had a port replacement, couldn't get to a proper level for weight loss. Got pregnant, had a complete unfill due to hyperemesis, gained a boatload of weight and found out I have esoph. spasms, dialation and scar tissue choking my tubing which means no fill in, no fill out. I am now actively seeking approval for a DS/BPD. This is a Duodenal Switch. Sue, also on this board is also getting a revision to DS. In no means was this MY fault nor could I not "cut it" with the band. Stuff happens. DS is different than the RNY, as there is no pouch, no dumping, very slight chance of regain, and it has the best rate of success for long term weight loss. It will require extensive supplementation. I always thought I had the superior surgery, the "thinking persons surgery", and apparantly these people are thinking like I use to. Now I am eating some of my own words. My point is this, everyone is different. Each surgery is awesome in its own way. What would you do if your body started rejecting your band? Gain back the weight and say "oh, well?" Circumstances do change, and I had to change with them. And to tell the truth, I'm really tired of feeling filled to the gills and my stomach still growling. I have friends who have had surgery 2 years later than me and are at goal while I am still groveling along. After 3 years, I'm tired of fighting. In order to lose, I have to starve. In order to live comfortably, I gain. And now if doesn't even matter because the fill that is in there will stay in there until I have surgery to remove it.

Hi Lynn! Congrats on the weight loss! That is wonderful! Glad you are moving to mushies. I'm feeling hungry with just liquids. The lapband support group is tomorrow (Tuesday) night at the St. Francis Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. They are located in the office next to CHRIAS in Newark. It is from 6-7:30. The title is Behavior Modification Education and Lapband Support group. I see nothing to indicate that they don't welcome everyone. (I know Christiana charges $5 to non-Christiana patients) It is my intention to be there tomorrow night. I haven't actually been to one of these meetings yet because of the way things worked out for me. But, I believe they are for lapband only issues, not the gastric bypass. I went back to the office today. I had worked from home Thursday and Friday. I only work until 2 on Mondays and I'm glad. It was stupid stuff like putting paper in the copier that surprised me. I am going to take some tylenol soon. But, it was good to be back!

Each breast is actually a unique surgery site from the other. You may not heal, drop and fluff at the same rate on both sides. I would give it time for everything to take course. If it's not more even in a year, then I would look into a revision. Did you get the same cc's on both sides?

Hi Mike and Stacy! I just started my long journey by attending a seminar given by Dr. Wynn. I've been reading these threads for a few months now and I have a question for you. In hindsight, would you do the Lap Band again or would you go with the bypass? It seems that there are many who feel a level of frustration with their Lap Band experience. Thanks so much!

Hi ITTAKS2, Welcome to LBT! As far as would I do it over again, that would be a resounding YES!! Keep in mind a lot of the posts you see on here are from people who are having problems, needing extra support or are new. Most of the happy bandsters are out living their lives and not participating here on the boards. Some do, but a lot don't. There is going to be a level of frustration with any weight loss procedure in my opinion. My mom had the bypass (Dr. Irgau) and she had a lot of complications. She is doing great now four years out, but still has to work every day and focus on everything she eats or she will start to regain like crazy! My aunt had the lap band done May 1st (Dr. Irgau) and she is down 30 pounds so far and loves her band. For me, the bypass wasn't a good option becuase of other medical problems I had at the time, which by the way, 8 months later have all resolved. Actually, it was more like by 2 months after being banded that my diabetes and high blood pressure were gone and no more med's for them! I have to say, I love my band though it can be fickle at times and it all comes down to making the committment to make better choices and to work with your band. I can make bad food choices but the band stops me from going overboard. But, if I do make bad choices, I do it consciously, knowing that Ben and Jerry's is going to slide right on through and I won't be losing anything that week. That is another reason I chose the band, I did not want to be completely deprived and have the dumping syndrome, which is horrible to go through -- I felt so bad for my mom everytime it happened to her, and it wasn't always from her making a bad choice or eating what she wasn't supposed to. She still, today, can't eat a lot of rich foods, or butter because it causes her to dump. To me, it was all worth it. I've lost 58 pounds and am at a plateau right now, but I have never lost this much weight and kept it off. I can tell you if I didn't have a band, I'd gain every pound back and then some. There's another online group I belong to you might want to join or at least take a look at. It has more positive experiences and some very experienced bandsters willing to help out, tell their stories and offer constructive advice. It is a yahoo group called SmartBandsters. I think the web address is www.smartbandsters.yahoogroups.com if that's not the right address, you can google it. There is a lot of participation so it does generate a lot of mail, though you can do the digest form, which groups like 25 messages or so together. I hope this helps! I don't always check the posts on here daily so feel free to e-mail me off-list if you like at LuvMyRotttie@aol.com. Take care and good luck!

It was hard to face reality a year and a half ago, they I was just shy of 250 lbs and had to do something to stop it before I hit 300. The first year I must say was the honeymoon period with my band. I felt like I hardly had to work at losing weight, it just fell off. It was wonderful and exciting. Then bang- my one year aniversary hit and my weight loss came to a streeching halt- the band's fault- nope mine. The first year, was easy because my weight was high and I was eating far less that what it takes to keep that weight. I couldn't eat as much as normal- so I lost weight. As the weight came off, I hit the titration point- I had finally lost down to the amount that my eating was matched. Now, I have to face reality, I can keep going with what I am doing and stay in the same zone. I can, make changes- eat even less and or add exercise. The thing is, at this point, it's not going to be so easy. Now I must really work at it. I, also, must deal with weakness in myself, that I never really got rid of. Stress makes me want to eat. Last night as I lay watching TV with the hubs (Ziva's last episode on NCIS) I started thing, boy I want a snack. The thing was I wasn't hungry. I didn't need to eat anything. However, I gave into the weakness and went and got a bowl of ice cream. It slapped me in the head as I sat the empty bowl down in the sink, that I had just done something I would have done pre-band. That was not good- I have to nip that in the bud now. Will it be easy, no, but I must do it to maintain and to further succeed on my journey. I know what I must do, I know what I need to do, yet I have not done it for months. Now, it's time to pull on the big girl panties and make some difficult choices and changes. It's time to face the music, because the reality it, if I go back to old way I will gain back all I have lost. The reality is I must, for my health, for my future, for my peace of mind- I must make these changes. Is it my band failing me, no, it is myself and my human weakness trying the make me fail. But, here is the thing- I have the power to stop it, to change it, to change it now before it goes to far. Yeah, I may have lost even more if I would have gone with the sleeve or bypass, but I likely would have run into the same stumbling block at some point. I hope I can do this!