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I feel "less" restriction with the bypass. That could be because I still felt sleeve restriction, even after all these years. Up until this second surgery in June, I could never eat more than 1/2 a burger. I couldn't eat more than 1 slice of pizza, with maybe just the toppings of a second slice. So, now, I don't feel any different as far as restriction. What's different this time is the constant worry that whatever I eat is going to make me sh** myself or cause extreme nausea, vomiting, and pain. I didn't have that fear with the sleeve. When I got the sleeve, I was really very careful with my eating (just like now), but I would feel restriction more quickly up in my chest. This led to the "foamies" once or twice, but I never puked, felt nauseated, got sweaty, had abdominal pain, or got diarrhea . Also, the sleeve is NOT a malabsorptive surgery, so I knew I was going to absorb everything I consumed seeing as my intestines were complete and intact. I never feared malnutrition like I do now. With the sleeve, I didn't take handfuls of pills all day long. I took one multivitamin a day, and that was it. With my sleeve, I didn't exercise for like the first year and a half, I just lived my daily life going to work and back. The weight fell off daily. I kept that 149 lbs off for 6 years. Now, with the revision, I've been stalled for a month. I don't know if 45 lbs is all I'm ever going to lose. It's a possibility seeing as my body is already used to the limited calories. I am exercising now, but the scale isn't budging. I did and do understand that because it's a revision the weight loss will be slower, but a whole month with only a 2 lb loss is even worse than a regular person with no surgeries who just diets. A kind person mentioned that it's still very early for me in this bypass experience and things may get better. I'm hoping and praying that they do.

I appreciate your input on this topic, @CarmenG. 1) Is there one or two main things you don't like about the bypass, or is it just more restrictive overall? And 2) Have you done much exercise in either case? Just wondering if that was a factor in your weight loss.

@ryan_86 Thanks so much for this. I was not going to do the revision from sleeve to bypass due to all the posts of people mentioning that there was no restriction with the bypass. I am terrified of regaining weight. I had my sleeve done in 2017 and had regained about 30 pounds back during the last 3 years due to a serious back injury in 2020 during COVID. I also have been having some water retention this past year. Even with this I am still down 103lbs from my original weight. My GERD is out of control...I had the Upper GI and the EGD with Bravo recently...my Bravo tested acid at 50 when per doc it should be below 15. When they told me to go back on my meds during the test the numbers dropped and they uped my meds from 20mg to now 40mg per day. I go back in to meet with the surgeon soon. Although I am now back in the gym and eat considerably well/healthy...my portion sizes are still small too I would love relief from GERD and the higher probability of health issues with my esophagus later. However with the scare folks are putting in the forums about no restriction I would rather live with GERD than to not have this tool to help me stay on track. Your post helped to relieve "some" of my concerns. Please let me know how you continue to do on your path. You can send a DM if you like to stay in touch. I woukld love to know your progress and how you're doing with the malabsorption.

I have 2 goal weights - my surgeon's and my own. My surgeon's goal for me was 163 lbs, by the 1-year mark. My own goal is 150 lbs. So far, I haven't hit 165. I've been bouncing between 166 and 170. I'm 9-months post op. It's worth noting that I haven't been able to exercise much, due to an issue with my diaphragm (surgeon thinks that perhaps my xiphoid process may have been injured during my bypass) and a rotator cuff injury. I'm currently taking a short course of Celebrex to see if that knocks out the pain. I know that once I can start lifting weights, my body will change. Walking doesn't seem to be enough. That said, I'm pretty happy where I am. I'm an easy keeper at this point. I'm not struggling with my diet. I'm maintaining well. I know that regain may happen and I'm hoping to prevent that with activity. I'm just super happy that I have other health wins. I'm no longer diabetic. My cholesterol is normal again. My blood pressure is back down to where it should be. I'm wearing a size XL - and while that's still fairly large, it's an off-the-rack size and I can shop in pretty much any store. So, goal weight... It's something to think about... But, I'm really more focused on my health and my size.

Actually it’s not that common. It could just be others have not remained active on the forum or as you wondered they haven’t updated their stats. Their profile weight might be their lowest weight & not the weight at which they settled & maintain - there is a difference. The average weight loss is about 65% of the weight you have to lose to put you in a healthy weight range for either bypass & sleeve surgeries which is usually informed by BMI (love it or hate it) at the three year point. But with all stats there there are those who exceed that stat & those who don’t for many reasons. Some we have control over (dietary & activity choices) & many we don’t (medication, gender, age, genetics, health issues, mobility, set point, etc.) But statistically the number who reach their goal will be less & the number who exceed it even lower than those who lose the 65% average. Your goal weight is a weight you picked. It may be based upon BMI. It may be based on a weight you’d been before. Or a weight that seems okay to you. Some even adjust their goal weight as they progress. I call it my head weight or emotional weight. It often is not the weight you end up at. Some find they prefer to be at a higher weight - easier to maintain without limiting or restricting their lifestyle or they feel they look better or are more comfortable at a higher weight. There is also a bounce back regain weight many experience. You can’t really tell what your finally weight will be before your surgery. Some surgeons say they can predict approximately how much weight you may lose at specific points in your weight loss post surgery. I think it may be double the weight you’ve lost at 3 months but I’m sure some one will confirm the actual formula. Though again this is based upon stats & some exceed this & some don’t. And I don’t know if it takes into consideration bounce back regain or settling weight or is just the lowest weight you reach. Would be worth asking your surgeon about it though. The trick is not to get tied to your goal weight. It’s not your body’s new set point weight (the weight your body is happiest at). It can really mess with your head if you don’t reach it or you don’t maintain it. Even when maintaining, allow yourself some realistic fluctuation & wriggle room with your weight. Try & remember it’s just a number on a scale & there are many more important wins to celebrate like your health & well being. I am someone who exceeded my goal (based on the lowest weight I always cycled around in the past) & exceeded the stats (132% lost). Not by anything I did. It’s my body’s new set point & where it happily stabilised. My lowest weight was 48.2kg & then I settled at 48.5-49.5. I gained a couple of kilos because of a medication issue but resettled & stabilised at 49.5-50kg after sorting the issue. I find it pretty easy to maintain & not limiting or restrictive.

you're not very far out yet - you may change your tune about the bypass. The first few weeks can be rough, regardless of the surgery type.

In 2009, I chose the sleeve because it's less invasive and there's less maintenance involved. Some say you lose more with the bypass, but I lost 149 lbs. in the first 18 months with a sleeve. Now, due to my life taking the turns it did, 14 years later I regained all my weight. But that wasn't the surgery, it was all me. One month ago, I had a revision from sleeve to bypass. And I can tell you this... if I could go back in time and take care of my sleeve like I should have, I would absolutely, positively do it. I'm not liking this bypass one bit, and I would never recommend it over a sleeve. Just my 2 cents.

So one meal can ruin my 14 day liquid and 1 protein dinner for the rny bypass? Ok… 🥹

So one meal can ruin my 14 day liquid and 1 protein dinner for the rny bypass? Ok… 🥹

Hi - I had a bypass on June 1st. I have had a pretty good recovery and healing so far and was given the all clear to swim at 2 and a half weeks post op. I have been swimming mostly daily since. I was given the all clear to start some high intensity this week (with some precaution) - I've had one class so far and really enjoyed it. My starting weight was 215lbs and I'm now 179lbs. I'd like to lose another 79lbs.

So one meal can ruin my 14 day liquid and 1 protein dinner for the rny bypass? Ok… 🥹

How is everyone with JUNE 2023 surgeries doing? :)) I had bypass on June 24 and am feeling much better~ regaining my strength. I should have measured myself because I’ve lost a lot of inches even with just lost 23lbs loss. Just needing to connect to others so I don’t feel so isolated. Hoping you are all doing well!!:))

When I got sleeved in 2009, I didn't have a goal weight, I had a goal size. I wanted to be a size 12 (I was a size 6X/32, 340 lbs at the time). I ended up losing 149 lbs and got down to a size 14 (at 195 lbs). Now, I'm a revision from sleeve to bypass. My weight, when I first went back to the doc for the revision, was 333, I was a size 4X/26. I thought it was weird that I was only 7 lbs less than my sleeve weight, but still 3 sizes smaller. Doc said it was probably because I had put on some muscle weight. So this time, I decided my goal weight would be 200lbs because I know that since it's a revision, I'm not going to lose like I did with the sleeve. I didn't want to be unrealistic. Also, me at 200 lb is pretty close to a size 14. If I can get back to that, I will be more than thrilled!

This might make you roll your eyes, but I like to say that you don't choose your goal weight -- your goal weight chooses you. You can't just pick a number and will your body to get to it. I feel strongly that the non-scale victories are far more important than the number on the scale. I wanted to lose enough weight to get rid of diabetes and hypertension, to wear non-plus size clothing, to fit into a restaurant booth, to walk up a few flights of stairs without ending up winded and drenched in sweat, etc. If you get to that point and the scale says 10 pounds higher than the arbitrary number you picked, so what? That said, when I had my psych evaluation, the psychiatrist wanted me to say my goal weight (probably just to make sure I had realistic expectations), so I went with the average weight loss for gastric bypass. There are a lot of online calculators for this, and I think I used 70% of my excess weight to arrive at a specific number (I ended up losing 100% of my excess weight). Here's another calculator that uses a lot of data from actual WLS patients to give more precise predictions based on more specific parameters: https://mbsc.arbormetrix.com/Registry/public/calculator/uiCalculator/7?menuId=1013

I did not do that procedure. But I will tell you my opinion on it. While I fully support medical tourism, and getting the procedure in places like mexico, I do think they use shiny gimick words to one up and get your business. I also think that its .... interesting... that they are doing a procedure that no other US doctor is advertising.. Combining that with the fact that it is hard to get a MX doctor to approve you for bypass, they heavily prefer sleeve because they can get them in and out faster and easier. I would encourage you to find a doctor that will approve you for bypass especially if you already have reflux issues

I hit 50 and had a bit of a scare over my heart health in the same month. Turns out my heart was fine, but it made an impression. Cardiologist and I had a discussion about how stupid it is that my otherwise good health insurance won't touch wls for any reason. He also brought up that gastric sleeve wasn't as expensive as bypass. I did some research, and found that I could afford it. From the time of cardiologist appointment to surgery was only 2 months. I am exactly 2 weeks post surgery and am doing really well.

How did you decide? My doctor said I have no issues/conditions that would make him recommend one over the other and it’s completely up to me. I’m doing lots of research on both and am really unsure - thought I would ask here. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. My surgery was 6/19/23, and I'm in the same boat with my moods and feelings. I've been at a stall since July 3rd. Today, I weighed myself (even though I swore I'd wait til Sunday) and I've only lost 2 lbs since July 3rd. Two pounds in almost 3 weeks. That's it. I'm also a revision from sleeve to bypass. I knew it would be slower than virgin surgeries, but not THIS slow. It's breaking my heart, honestly. I'm following the whole nutrition/vitamin routine, but nothing is changing. Now, I'm having trouble with my skin. I feel very let down. I totally feel you on the jealousy/insecurity stuff. I'm that way. But I've ALWAYS been that way. Also, probably due to my weight. Can't blame my surgery though. I'm going to research that Probiotics Mood stuff you mentioned. I'll mention it to my doc's office. We have to be our own biggest advocates because we're the only ones who know how we feel now as compared to how we normally feel. They don't really know us from any other patient they see. I'm going to request a blood work order. They haven't asked for any. One of the girls at the office said they don't usually until the 3-month mark. I don't want to wait 3 months. Maybe going outside and getting some Vitamin D would help? I'd hang out outside if I didn't live in South Texas where people are baking bread in their mailboxes and baking cookies in their cars. Hope you feel better, ma. 💛

I recently had the sleeve revision to gastric bypass and I have been going through so many emotions. First, I was really beating myself up about not losing what I thought I "should" be losing. Then I all of a sudden started to feel like my husbands extremely petite new assistant has the hots for him. I read texts... She was just too chummy for my liking but didnt even say anything that bad. Just a lot of LOL's after things that werent funny and asking for favors to fix her boat while she is a cheerleader. He doesnt respond at all the same way and is very short with his answers and they are all professional. And, he is not a cheat. I know that in my heart, but these emotions that I have are making feel worse about myself than ever before. I cry out of nowhere and have fabricated this potentional office romance and can't stop checking the call logs or texts. The one line stands out when he asked her what her jacket size was and her response was "well I am small all the way around but I guess I can take a medium for a jacket". Like just say medium!! I know the way that I am feeling has a lot to do with how I feel about myself and my own insecurities, but I dont know how to stop. Google also doesnt help. I went for my follow-up today, I am 5 weeks out, and she said I was doing great. I asked her if it is common to have these waves of depression and anxiety hit out of nowhere. She said she has seem some patients with the issue and told me to try Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ Acidophilus Probiotic Supplement. She said sometimes with the bypass we are not getting enough serotonin in our systems and this could probably lift my mood. Just wondering if anyone else had any issues like this or if they are taking a supplement with serotonin? I also had a talk about what my expectations were for the surgery and how that could be affecting things. I am beating myself up because I am not seeing things drop as quickly as I thought they would and I am terrified this will be another bariatric sugery failure for me. I didnt realize that the weight loss wouldnt be as quick with a regular bypass before I had it. All of my other health issues seem to be getting better though, except my mental health haha.

I recently had the sleeve revision to gastric bypass and I have been going through so many emotions. First, I was really beating myself up about not losing what I thought I "should" be losing. Then I all of a sudden started to feel like my husbands extremely petite new assistant has the hots for him. I read texts... She was just too chummy for my liking but didnt even say anything that bad. Just a lot of LOL's after things that werent funny and asking for favors to fix her boat while she is a cheerleader. He doesnt respond at all the same way and is very short with his answers and they are all professional. And, he is not a cheat. I know that in my heart, but these emotions that I have are making feel worse about myself than ever before. I cry out of nowhere and have fabricated this potentional office romance and can't stop checking the call logs or texts. The one line stands out when he asked her what her jacket size was and her response was "well I am small all the way around but I guess I can take a medium for a jacket". Like just say medium!! I know the way that I am feeling has a lot to do with how I feel about myself and my own insecurities, but I dont know how to stop. Google also doesnt help. I went for my follow-up today, I am 5 weeks out, and she said I was doing great. I asked her if it is common to have these waves of depression and anxiety hit out of nowhere. She said she has seem some patients with the issue and told me to try Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ Acidophilus Probiotic Supplement. She said sometimes with the bypass we are not getting enough serotonin in our systems and this could probably lift my mood. Just wondering if anyone else had any issues like this or if they are taking a supplement with serotonin? I also had a talk about what my expectations were for the surgery and how that could be affecting things. I am beating myself up because I am not seeing things drop as quickly as I thought they would and I am terrified this will be another bariatric sugery failure for me. I didnt realize that the weight loss wouldnt be as quick with a regular bypass before I had it. All of my other health issues seem to be getting better though, except my mental health haha.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I am 11-months post-gastric bypass, have lost 135 lbs., and have reached my goal weight. Now, I'm terrified of gaining the weight back! My surgeon and weight management team have constantly pushed 3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day. Period. I've noticed that my body feels better if I eat small meals throughout the day and 1300-1500 calories. I'm still making healthy food choices, meeting my protein and water goals, and happily working out for 1-hour per day. I initially reached out to my healthcare team because I was concerned about eating too much and stretching my pouch, but I keep getting the same (frustrating) response from them (3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day). I honestly felt like, "am I the only one struggling with this?!?" Which is why I'm so happy I stumbled upon this thread! Did any of you also get the push-back from your medical team regarding calories, etc.?

Try not to be too hard on yourself, this journey is TOUGH! You're actually doing quite well, as others have said. My gastric bypass surgery was 3/29. I started at 204 lbs day of surgery, and I'm down 36 lbs as of last week. Very similar results and my team says I'm right on track. The hair loss is devastating, I totally get it. Today has been the worst by far, but I have to keep reminding myself it's temporary. Hang in there and stay with it - you are doing very well!! Sent from my SM-F926U using BariatricPal mobile app

Try not to be too hard on yourself, this journey is TOUGH! You're actually doing quite well, as others have said. My gastric bypass surgery was 3/29. I started at 204 lbs day of surgery, and I'm down 36 lbs as of last week. Very similar results and my team says I'm right on track. The hair loss is devastating, I totally get it. Today has been the worst by far, but I have to keep reminding myself it's temporary. Hang in there and stay with it - you are doing very well!! Sent from my SM-F926U using BariatricPal mobile app

The stalls get longer the further you get into the post op process. My first one (from my first surgery) was 1 week, then the next was 2 weeks, then 3 weeks, then 3 weeks again, then 4 weeks, then 5 weeks. After that, I didn't really have any, but the weight loss slows way down. I had the revision from sleeve to bypass because of gerd, but it doesn't seem to have helped so far. I'm hoping it will start to improve, but so far, I'm still in the same boat I was in pre-surgery. I can definitely say I missed 2 weeks of work with the sleeve and had A LOT of pain. With the revision to bypass, I was pain free after 4 days and moving around easily. I kind of wish I had just done the bypass to begin with, because the sleeve has caused me way more problems than it solved.

Hi guys - hope you are all happy and well. I've not posted in a little while and thought id give a little update. I had a gastric bypass on June 1st and so I am almost 7 weeks post surgery. My recovery has been very good and two and a half to three weeks post surgery. I was given the all clear to swim; I've been swimming almost daily since. I had my second appointment with my surgeon on Monday and was given the all clear to do high intensity training but with some caveats. I did my first class yesterday and it felt amazing. I was the biggest in the class and actually stumbled on the treadmill. I try to hide in shame - I accepted peoples genuine concern and carried on with the class; it felt great if not a little emotional. I ate pureed foods right out of surgery followed by soft foods. I have been given the all clear to eat normal foods now. I tend to go for home made things - I love chicken and chick pea curry with vegetables, Quorn bolognaise, lentil and beans soup, salmon with five bean salad - I'm really enjoying my food. I eat little and often - around 4 small 'meals' per day - sometimes 5. That seems to work well for me as I used to be a grazer. I started at 215lbs and am now 180lbs. I'm getting there - it will be along journey but in going to keep going xx