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Im not exactly sure where to post this question since its kind of an in-between topic, so I apologize in advance if you see this in two locations…. For all those people who originally had the sleeve and were converted to the bypass, I was curious to know WHY? What was your journey? For those who had to have this done do to gastritis, what was done for that before they jumped to conversion? Did anyone have to have this done because of stomach spasms?

I will be four months out on the 23rd. I had a rough start not because of the surgery itself but because I got pneumonia and became serverly dehydrated was basically miserable the first month. That being said, I've lost 30 lbs (which puts me 10lbs from my goal) It's slow but that's expected. I can eat anything/everything and my portion size is really much larger than it should be for someone who has had 3 surgeries! But it's the mgb that keeps me losing. Nothing and I mean NOTHING I eat stays with me too long. I'm in the bathroom A LOT! sometimes as many as 8-10x a day. It's worse when I make bad food choices but really with a 9' bypass even good foods pass through pretty quickly. I've asked others and not everyone expereinces this and it's not really dumping (though I have had that too) because I don't get sick with it or sweat or stomach cramps at least not often. Hope this isn't TMI but it's worth knowing I think because I wasn't prepared for it to be like this! I will try to answer any specific questions you have... Who is doing you surgery? My same surgeon is doing my surgery in Belgium, paid by myself like yourself, Been doing a lot of research on it and I think it's the way forward for me I'm scheduled for October 12/15, I can't give up now I've been through too much, sleeve didn't work for me band did but way too much trouble even thou I loved it,so I take it you are happy you went ahead and got bypass

I too am looking at a revision due to gerd. I had a barium swallow and will have an endoscopy In May. I had surgery oct 2013

I am lucky that DH is also planning to have the surgery (gastric bypass). So the goal is for both if us to be thinner and more active. But I think it is great that your DH is talking to you about his fears. It sounds like part of it stems from his previous experience .... The best thing is to keep the lines open so that you can address his concerns. Not validating his fear ... But seething for you to talk through. I do think that WLS is not just about you, but also does closest to you .

Hi India928, I had some regain before my conversion, but comparing the two--from day-of-surgery weights..... at 4 weeks after the sleeve- | at 4 weeks after bypass conversion- I was down 21 lbs/9.7 kgs, | I'm down 17.6 lbs/8 kgs So I've lost my regained amount, but I expect it to go much slower than before. I stopped losing before the end of the first year with the sleeve. I'm hoping in the long run, this will be better overall. Good luck!

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I was on 80 mg of Omeprazole a day and tums several times a day. I had to be very careful when I ate, nothing spicy not even a little spice. I started having issues a few months after my sleeve as soon as the doctor tried to get me off Omeprazole after about 6 months he doubled the dose at 14 months I had the revision. So far I have had no reflux.

So I'm coming up on 5 years since my gastric bypass operation. I weighed 384 lbs the day of my procedure, as of today I have now broke 170 lbs range that's with the excess skin still hanging on there lol which I assume is probably around another 10 to 12 pounds. Its has been a struggle but worthwhile I look at myself in the mirror and feel like just got out of a concentration camp... Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

My revision from sleeve to bypass is on June 9th, my question is , is it easier to get out of bed or recliner? Recliner seems like it would pul on stomach to get in and out of. Please let me know your experience. Thank you

Ok um my guy/friend doesn't know and I want to keep it that way. Years ago when I went for the bypass he was totally against it. I was avoiding him since the surgery. He came over yesterday and I was getting undressed and I forgot I had a bandage on my port scar and he asked me why was a bandaid on my stomach? I said oh I burned myself with grease on my stomach while frying chicken. He bought it! I just dont think I need to tell him this. He's not my husband and he's barely my boyfriend. When it comes to making serious moves in my life the only true opinion that counts is mine!

Small world. I am having gastric bypass on 11/20 with Dr Pitt. I’m a few days in on my liquid diet. It’s harder than I expected!

Bypass complications Preparing for surgery Revisions from band to bypass I would like to be able to find all the threads relating to a topic in one place

I was 350 when I decided to get my band I am 23 and 4 months out I'm around 22lbs down...doesnt seem like much compared to some but i'm thrilled to get rid of anything cause i feel better every pound I lose! My mom had the bypass and wishes she had done the banding, it's so much more permanant, there's not a 'window of opportunity' and then that's it...I chose the band because I want to have children some day and the band will let me do that more safely than the bypass....there are pros and cons to each, you just have to decide which is best for you....good luck and let us know what you decide!! :cool: :) much love, Katie

YES - ask a ton of questions! How cool that you and your wife are doing it at the same time, you can be good support for each other. My story starts about 2 1/2 years ago. When our doctor told my husband that if he didn't lose weight, he wouldn't see 50(He was 40 at the time). He suggested we look into WLS. I was totally against it, the idea scared me too much. Our insurance would cover only the Gastric Bypass, so we went to meetings and worked on getting him approved for that, I dreaded him actually having it. In that process, his aunt heard about lap-band surgery, and convinced us to attend a seminar. We did, and after that and a lot of research decided it was the best option for us. We arranged a home equity line of credit and set it all up. On his surgery day, I was a wreck. I was so sure something bad would happen, but he came through with flying colors. Recovered well, and although there has been a learning curve, he's done good. I didn't start thinking about having the surgery myself for maybe a year. Then I realized I wanted it, but insurance still didn't cover it, so I told myself it was out of the question, we couldn't afford another self-pay surgery. But it was in the back of my mind all along. We were in Hawaii in May this year, and one day I was walking up the stairs to the condo behind him, huffing and puffing and cursing the lack of an elevator under my breath when he turned and said, "I want you to have the surgery". We hadn't talked about it before, but I knew in that moment we would figure out a way to make it happen. And we did, I'm scheduled for 8/31 and I'm SOOOOOOOO excited about it. Yes, I know it's not a miracle cure. I know I still have to work at it. But I feel hope for the first time in years.

I'm on Effexor 150 also and have pending LapBand or Bypass - I can't seem to make up my mind about which procedure. I am concerned about not being able to get down/keep down the Effexor also - Does anyone else get major dizziness if they miss a dose? I'm afraid I'll be a mess after the surgery!

I HAVE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND YES I'M PRETTY SURE IT WILL AS LONG AS YOU ARE IN THE CRITERA. BUT IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER I WOULD NOT HAVE IT. I HAVEN'T LOST VERY MUCH IN A YEAR AND IT'S JUST LIKE BEING ON A REGULAR DIET TO ME. I'M LOOKING INTO A REVISON FOR THE MINI GASTRIC IT'S A LOT SAFER THAN THE GASTRIC BYPASS OR THE SLEEVE PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE TO IF YOU HAVE A LOT TO LOSE THE BAND IS HARD AND SLOW FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE BUT SOME PEOPLE DO GREAT AND THEY COULD BE EATING THE SAME DIET AND ONE COULD LOSE AND THE OTHER WOULDN'T. IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF WEIGHT VERY HARD TO COME OFF LIKE ME. YOU KNOW SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN LOSE EASIER THAN OTHERS. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED. BUT GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DO. SHARON :thumbup: THAT TICKER IS NOT MINE I DON'T KNOW WHO'S IT IS, IT GOT STUCK ON ALL MY POST SOME HOW.? ? ? :confused:

Didnt she lose over 150 lbs? I think she had bypass. I think she lost a very large amount in a relatively short time, it seems much more like bypass results to me. More power to her however, she is simply trying to get back control of her weight....just like we are. I cant wait for someone to scan the darn pic though, lol!!! Bensmum, can you do you a "before" pic with the bikini one?

Cheating? The lap-band is simply one treatment choice for the epidemic called obesity. If the FDA- yes our government-didn't continually approve foods and drugs that contain chemicals that create food ADDICTION, our society would be forced to eat like our grandparents did. You know, meat and vegetables, gardens in the back yard.......organic foods that didn't degrade our bodies and cause disease. Like she said, we have to do our part too and it does also make me mad what others say. Even recently a friend commented on her fathers bypass surgery "anyone can have surgery".....that right there gave away how she feels about it...that it's cheating! Ughhh....I guess I'd rather be called a cheater than be fat until I die!

Hang in there! I can relate. I just had an upper GI today and found that I have a dilated esophagus too. Mine is quite severe. The only choice is removal of the band. I am scared too about gaining back the weight, but my overall health is more important. I considered revision to the sleeve, but decided against it. My prayers are with you.

I too have had a lot of negative responses to this surgery. Only really close people like my b/f, my mother really know. My boss also knows but she is more accepting for the fact because she has had the gastric bypass. I share a office with two other older women. Many times we have had conversations about our weight etc and they have both commented on the fact that they think this is a horrible surgery and do not know why people would do it. Oh and neither of them know I am having the surgery. I want people to know but I know I will just get negative attitudes about it. So I guess it is my little secret for now..

As part of the pre-requisite for surgery, I completed my endoscopy and was shocked at the findings. The gastro dr. said that he would not recommend me for Lap-Band at this time due to previosuly undiagnosed relux. I had no idea I had any issues! I apparently have gastritis and an ulcer in my stomach. He said the band can create additional issues and that Lap-Band may not be the best option for me. I am now on prescription meds and have another Upper GI in 1 month. Needless to say, I was devastated. I had a follow up with my bariatric surgeon and he said that is not necessarily true. He said with the Lap Band the band is placed high enough that irritating meds and foods should not have an impact in my stomach. In addition, they can still monitor my ulcer and any issues because they aren't bypassing my stomach as they would with the gastric bypass and can therefore still conduct an upper GI in the future. We agreed to a follow up meeting and a decision once I have my second Upper GI. Has anyone else had a similiar issue?

Sorry to hear this. Have you always had trouble with alcohol or just since you got sleeved? I know someone who hated drinking but after she had gastric bypass she is now raging alcoholic.

oops battery died...as i was saying. I started researching ferosciouly. I couldn't find a whole lot on Dr. Puccini-Sales all i had was the evidence of my friends and their overwhelming success. BTW the original friend that had plication/lipo, had a baby a year after her plication and she had a healthy beautiful baby and bounced right back to her thin weight after giving birth, they actually had to photo shop her baby bump it was so small. i digress, other friends went after her and they too look like bombshells but going to colombia to baranquilla didn't appeal to me and i did not like that i could not find posts on Puccini Sales, not on the bariatric times, or public state posting, nothing. The proof was in the pudding, but i wasn't convinced and the price although similar to what i ended up paying at the OCC + or Minus was about the same. I researched Dr. Ortiz and OCC, i was pretty convinced even though i not one to fall for many marketing tools which they use many, nonetheless the decision was made. I was going to go in March for the sake of combining it with another trip, but after things kinda of fell apart from the perspective of company going with me, my friend who had gastric bypass over 10 years ago went with me. i booked the week before valentines day and was scheduled for the 15th. Tijuana was hard to roll off the tongue, i don't recommend you tell too many people but your closest confidants because you will get an ear full about Tijuana, everyone has an opinion, yet no one has gone or can provide evidence outside their perception. so i flew on Vday, started my liquid diet Friday before going. Which to be frank i didn't mind, i was zoo busy i hardly had time to pay attention. flying from the east coast is a bit of a pain, there are no direct flights, but VIRGIN AMERICA was amazing, every time we made it to the gate it was already boarding, seamless. when we arrived finally in san diego, the van to from the OCC was already there. on time and ready. I speak spanish and it was nice conversation. Everything the OCC does is perfectly choreographed. From the moment you meet the driver at SAN to the moment you end you journey and drive home. I don't want to ruin the experience for you but trust me its funny. The marriott was great, really clean and safe. Lots of security in the lobby and you cannot enter the floor of your guest room without a key. The room was very clean and comfortable. The duvets are white which i prefer at hotels. there is not dates coverall. The bellman gave me instructions for ordering room service bc everything in my OCC diet is included. Broth, popsicles. They know what you need and are ready. My friend who ate regular food as well found the prices to be VERY affordable. No meal from room service was more than $12 with tip. The bellman even scheduled the wake up call. The shower was very clean and the bath products are Bath and Body Works. It does not feel like a hotel outside of the states. Marriott brand standards are very well kept. In the morning i was the first one in. Everything started at 7am, bloodwork, nutritionist, cardiologist, the works...and from the reception to the nursing staff, everyone is EXTREMELY attentive, loving, caring and nurturing. The walk you step by step through every single little thing they do to you and for you. I was taken back though, i don't know what i was thinking but i did not expect to stay overnight. I though i would leave the night of surgery back to the marriott, but you actually stay there. The room is everything they post online. EXTREMELY clean, nice duvets, a calming little water thing on the side of your bed and free calls to the US. Without as much as question. Wifi is there in the center throughout. I went into my room and they had to give me a sedative, i was pretty hysterical. But once that kicked in my friend and i met with the surgeons, from the General Medical Dr. to Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz. They have UNREAL bedside manners, they talk so much with you and address every concern. To the point that my friend and i were in shock because it was at least 30min in the room just talking and talking. I went into surgery very very calm, i lay on that black surgical bed, i was so calm. The anesthesiologist was wonderful and Dr. Ortiz said CIAO! I woke up in my bed with my friend next to me. No pain. Just very thirsty. I spoke to my family and everything was ok. visiting hours ends at 4pm. my friend was taken back to the marriott and she felt very safe. Also, getting into the OCC is no small feat. They don't open the door even for food delivery. My friend ordered food while i was in surgery, there was a delivery selection book. Overnight, i walked a lot. It just felt better. As soon as i got up there was the nurse. I cannot account accurately how ofter or how many times but there were two overnight nurses and one overnight general doctor. They took my temperature, kept my IV always refreshed and constantly monitored my meds. There was never a moment when i questioned where they were or if they had remembered me...i mean unreal the service. Constantly at my call. Although thank goodness i didn't need them. Walking is vital. It helps so much with the gases which is the main source of pain or rather angst. I was up very often but not because of pain simply discomfort. I DO NOT recommend you drink anything or ask for ice. as soon as i sipped on ice and threw it back up and it was not pretty. you don't need it my IV was running and changed so ofter i knew i was hydrated. The morning came, they finished monitoring my med, asked questions, the surgeons came in and checked on me again, spent quite some time again at least 45min this time talking and talking. I was released probably around noon, but not before i was checked with an X-ray machine for leaks and digestion track. I went back to the hotel and just showered, rested and tried to take down anything i could. I walked a lot, i would force myself to do at least 5-6 rounds sometimes ten around the entire floor with my friend. We went down by the hotel pool and took in some fresh air, walked around again and just relaxed. I did not like the broth at the marriott, i was thankful that i packed some ramon noodle packs, i would add hot water from a tea order on the flight or even at the hotel. You can barely take down half a cup. I recommend you pack Gatorade, electrolyte water and packs of ramon noodles even though you will only have the broth. i like mine hot so the room temp broths were not my thing. The meds i bough at the OCC were great. I did not need pain meds even though i bough the sublinguals. The anti-acid is great and the naseau has gone unopened - i had ZERO naseau the entire time. Friday i went back to the OCC for one last check up, even though it was not included they welcomed me and gave me one more look on the Xray, since i live clear across the US it is not easy to get back here nor do i feel comfortable going to a bariatric surgeon in Miami that has neither performed the surgery or knows what they are looking for. I did tell the dr. that the pangs or discomfort from eating and drinking which feels like fireworks are going off in your tummy whenever you eat something was driving me crazy he gave me a small pill that i took a box home. It helps with the stomach muscle spasms which i think is what they were. I will be back in 6mos for my endoscopy and to enjoy everything i missed out on in Tijuana and San Diego. The trip back i booked FIRST CLASS, if your flight is more than 1-2hrs, i highly recommend this. Although you will have a very small amount of discomfort really from the external larascopic sutures, you want need and deserve the care and comfort of not waiting-every dime i spent on first class back on the red eye was worth it. I am back home, i have slept for hours and hours, I've taken very little down, i can't even count. Powerade, electrolyte water, grandma's life saving broth (she claims it can bring the dead back to life lol) and i went to whole foods. I bought some organic popsicles, stocked up on my keffir yogurt for the week and i also purchased a green food supplement that has probiotics and lots of Vibrant Health and Green Vibrance. It has 25 million probiotics from 12 strains. I have been adding a little bit at a time to my broth. Nothing worries me more than nutrition right now. I think it will be key to my success but also in not becoming a small version of a heavy girl. I want to be healthy, vibrant, frisky and fun. Knowing that i have this secret tool that is going to get me to where i want to be forever. So i have been taking my meds religiously, i have only taken 2 small pills that help with the spasms. the only think i wish is i could gulp down a big fat cold glass of water but thats not the case you can only sip and you WILL feel is hit you stomach. EVERY DROP. I am thrilled with my decision, the choice i have made because it is the key to my long term health. I plan on resting tonight and tomorrow a lot, need to get back to work on Monday, and thank goodness it is a holiday and things will be slow. I do work in my own office so i know i can close the door if anything happens but i know everything will be fine. The nutritionist recommends a min of 3days on clear liquids, i am going the full 7 days so that i heal well. yogurt and hearty soups from whole foods will hopefully start on Wed. I bought some veg based protein powder since it might be softer on my tummy in the beginning with almond milk and berries. Lets see just one step and one day at a time but planning ahead. Also, my dreams are soo fun and vivid, all i dream about is shopping for new clothes and funny things i have wanted to do for a while. Its as if psychologically and subconsciously i am preparing for the changes that lie ahead. I can't go back to my trainer for another 3weeks but i plan on doing some slow long distance walking on Monday night - trust me it helps A LOT with the gas. Ok this is all for now, i hope this post helps because when i was soul searching online i could not find a whole lot. not sure how ofter i will dedicate to updates but i will do my best. If you are in search of a decision i promise you i made the right one with occ so far everything was better than expected. My friend that went to see the colombian doctor also changed her mind and is going with a Dr. Kelly in mexico next week. I will have her post as well so that she can offer a contrast and options. I know OCC is not the only once in mexico and i a sure that there are other qualified dr"s that offer the same great care. I don't mean to boast in anyway in my post and i apologize if i offended anyone in any fashion, i am just happy and on a high with the decision i made. I have not weighed my self but i assume i must be at 170 by now...36 healthy pounds to GO! Cheers to loving yourself beyond that which you thought possible. With all of my love and encouragement....134andHAPPY!

I'm in October!! The 20th! I had the lapband from 2008-2013. Lost 85 pounds, gained back all but 16. :-( Had it removed due to it moving and every single thing I ate got stuck. Constantly throwing up, had ulcers on my esophagus. Not a fun deal. I'm so excited to the have the bypass done now!!

I had band to bypass revision on 3/28. I had my band removed on 12/17 due to complications. I had no problem getting approved, just had to stay above BMI requirements, which wasn't a problem around the holidays, lol. Good luck! Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

This is a closed/secret group for everyone who is going to have bypass surgery in February 2016! We would LOVE to have you join in wit us! Just go to Facebook and search my name LaNae Davis Petersen, send me a friend request. I can then send you an invite to secret page and then I'll remove you back off my friends list It's meant to be a positive group who we can all be going through the same things at the same tim on this journey! The goals will be to provide support, bounce questions off each other, have somewhere safe to share on the days that aren't so great, and share our victories on this journey! MOST importantly it's all confidential, unless you are in this group people can't see the group, who's in it or what the posts are. This is a closed/secret group for everyone who is going to have bypass surgery in February 2016! We would LOVE to have you join in wit us! Just go to Facebook and search my name LaNae Davis Petersen, send me a friend request. I can then send you an invite to secret page and then I'll remove you back off my friends list It's meant to be a positive group who we can all be going through the same things at the same tim on this journey! The goals will be to provide support, bounce questions off each other, have somewhere safe to share on the days that aren't so great, and share our victories on this journey! MOST importantly it's all confidential, unless you are in this group people can't see the group, who's in it or what the posts are.