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I am not nervous for the surgery itself but... I am nervous about the unknown... unknown complications, no-one really knows what their results will be. What has your sister's experience been like?
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So here I am...almost 2 weeks post op( 2 weeks on Monday). And y'all...the regret is for real. Was not prepared for how painful the incisions would be and how much they would limit how much I moved around, shuffling really even though I was ready mentally to go back out to hiking. Sitting in the car is miserable and I go back to work on Tuesday-an hour commute one way. I can barely tolerate the protein shakes and have basically stopped drinking them, they make my stomach spasm so I have been living off of sugar free pudding with protein powder mixed in, strained soup since broth is to salty and gross and greek yogurt and water. I have made water my priority but even so I have gone from easily drinking 100-150oz on a given day to somewhere between 44-60oz. I am miserable. On top of all this the scale moved the first four days, then bounced back up 15lbs and has not really moved from there. I know I'm losing because I'm tracking inches but it would be nice to get some assurance from the scale. I am also allergic to the skin glue they used so my incisions are red, angry and so f*cking itchy I want to rip my skin off. Living off of Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream at the moment. I am frustrated. Hoping that once I move on to the pureed foods on Tuesday that getting my protein in will be easier and once I am not so sore I will be able to really get moving. It's not all gloom and doom I suppose, I have had no issues with heartburn(I didn't ever prior to surgery), I haven't had any complications, no gas pains to really speak of. I just want to get down all the crap that I'm going through so maybe in a few months when I look back at this I can write something to the tune of "things got better, much better"...fingers crossed. -A
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RNY because of GERD, not weight loss?
Coexister replied to AmandaQB's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Had a revision & second hiatal hernia repair done per GERD so bad damaging vocal chords and cancer risk. 10 weeks post op and very happy with results! No GERD , can eat things I wasn’t able to before . Liquid goes down easier than it did with sleeve and I am losing more weight and am now closer to goal weight (8lbs to go) which I never was with sleeve. No complications. No more GERD or acid reflux, so happy and feeling 10xs better! -
Intestinal barrier sleeve (removable gut sleeve)
RickM replied to Posmotri's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I have seen such devices being developed to treat diabetes, which makes sense as they emulate the surgical changes done in the biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) part of the BPD/DS bariatric procedure which yields exceptionally good results on resolving type II diabetes. It makes some sense that there will be some interest in trying to develop the concept for weight loss, but I suspect that they are climbing a very tall tree to get significant results. At best, I would expect it to be no better than the existing restrictive balloons and bands. Back in the 1960's and 70's one of the common weight loss procedures was the jejunoileal bypass (JIB), which was a purely malabsorptive procedure that resulted in pretty good weight loss performance, but at the cost of significant nutritional problems and other significant complications. It was largely supplanted by the RNY gastric bypass, which is highly restrictive, with a minor malabsorptive kicker, and that overall works well. Subsequently, the duodenal switch (the BPD/DS of above) came along which combines a more moderate amount of restriction with a moderate level of malabsorption, which has shown to work even better overall, but at the cost of being more complicated to perform. The lesson that I get from all of this is that for there to be enough malabsorption to yield the weight loss that we see in the current mainstream bariatric procedures (the VSG, RNY, SIPS/SADI and BPD/DS) it would probably have similar metabolic complications of the old JIB. Something with lesser malabsorption, such as these proposed sleeves, would likely yield relatively poor weight loss results - on the order of what is seen with other implantable weightloss devices (balloons, bands, etc.) and would likely have similar lifespan and foreign body issues. The other concern that I would have with these is how do they handle the bile and pancreatic enzymes that are released in the duodenum? presumably they flow down outside the sleeve to be introduced to the food flow at the end of the sleeve (perhaps that is the source of the pancreatitis and liver issues that Foxbins noted?) Overall it does seem like a neat idea, at least for some cases, but is not yet ready for prime time (and probably won't supplant the existing surgical weight loss interventions.) -
I also went to the doctor anticipating the sleeve, but he suggested the bypass. He was really good about explaining the whys. He asked what my concerns were about the bypass, and I mentioned that I thought it was more invasive. He said that it's a more technically complicated surgery than the sleeve for the doctor, but on the patient side of it, the pre/post op are pretty much the same. When it wasn't done laparoscopically, I'm sure it was much more invasive, but now it's pretty much the same as the sleeve. I've decided to take his advice and go with the sleeve. Also, my insurance made it very clear this one a one time surgery, and I've seen so many people with revisions that I'm just going straight to bypass.
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Lap band United Healthcare -sleeve BCBS
toytoy replied to toytoy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks so much for your responses. I’m scheduled to have the lapband removed January 11th. So glad hopefully it will stop complications I had with it. I’m going through the process have met with the nutritionist twice and have 1 with surgeon. He did tell me he would wait 2 months after the removal before doing the other surgery. Looks like I won’t have mine until June. -
I've heard the bypass is more invasive but I don't understand why since the sleeve is basically cutting off 3/4 of your stomach, which is pretty damned invasive! 😀 I guess the bypass is more complicated. I'm happy with my sleeve.
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Stomach pain when eating?
tarotcardreader replied to Aray611's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Let your bariatric nurse/med team know can be complications. For me I get that nausea thing. It helps me if i preportion the amount (you can use a scale or little cups marked 1-2oz on amazon). It's less nausea if I eat under that amount. But I then need 4 meals a day to get the protein grams which cuts into water consumption. However, there are some foods that cause a complete hurlfest in any measure. My surgeon said that it can be this way if you have a very sensitive stomach. Basically its like mini food intolerances, alot of them. She set me up an appointment with the dietician again so we can go over my foods and see if we can eliminate common culprits of stomach upset post bypass. See what your surgeon has to say about it they might have helpful suggestions. -
Gerd w/ Sleeve VS. Dumping w/ Bypass
ichabodny replied to AJSassyPants's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Going with both responses above with an emphatic agree! I was scared beyond belief with any of the surgeries but never even considered sleeve with my surgeon as soon as he said it had even a little chance of gerd worsening. I was stage 3 and having my esophagus widened every year with swallowing problems-with a real fear of Barret's Syndrome for real. I had tight fists of air in my chest that didn't hurt but were so scary and disturbing with a lot of breathing problems. My surgery had some complications but minor in the long run. I am 15 weeks out now and down 100 lbs as of today! Not gonna lie-my GERD is not completely gone but my Dr said with the severity I was at, it can take a good 6 months for it to be so much better. He still has me taking meds for that but it is much better and more so day by day. Dumping syndrome is not fun but I also feel it's a benefit to learning how to eat differently for long term weight loss and control. I really feel like a new person and am ok with what I need to do and the after-effects of the bypass. It's not an easy recovery but not as bad as I thought it would be either; I still have some bruising as the complications made it more difficult the first month. Even with that, I am, without even a tiny shred of doubt. so happy I went with the bypass. Yeah, I wouldn't want to just 'gamble' with surgeries as a 'just in case'. Especially with GERD-it's a very serious thing to have. -
I see all these companies that premake meals and send them out weekly. has anyone found one that's good for weightloss and bariatric? I'm so off track and have been doing this all on my own since the day I had the surgery. I had the WORST weight loss center in history. I had complications with dehydration and they told me that I would hurt their Center of Excellence score if they found out so they just stopped helping me a week after my surgery.
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My condolences to you. I am so glad that others have taken the time to offer you support. Let's keep doing that, but honestly, Lynda, please consider getting into counseling. Grief is complicated and more so when you add our current pandemic and bariatric life all combined; a strong, effective grief counselor could offer you some much-needed support at this time.
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Memory issues after surgery
Queenhkb replied to Queenhkb's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I must say that I am greatful and thankful for the ability to have the surgery the sleeve and the revision and other repairs ( gallbladder removal and hernia repair. It's all a blessing. Despite the post operative complications. It's better than bring morbidly obese and living 300 plus is difficult on the heart, joints, kidney, liver, mind and soul. And you know society treats obese people very different ( cruel). I'm thankful that 169 now. No pre diabetes, no pre heart issues no more shots in the knees and feet. No more depression medicine. I feel 100 percent better. This complication stuff will not steal my joy. Please don't let your issues steal your courageous spirit and new life joy. Work with your doctor, dieticians, therapist, pray and be easy on yourself. Use the supporters like this group. And others. Stay focused on why you made the life change. Perhaps there are other changes that we need to seriously consider. Surgery won't fix it all but it's a great tool. Follow what doctors say and don't feel bad to say you need help or have a memory issue, naseau, complications can be addressed. Be careful with yourself and listen to your body, heart, mind and soul. Ask others going through the same thing and don't be embarrassed. This is life and we got this surgery to live more abundantly. If you mentioned your challenges to someone and they make fun of it or say you took the easy way out....stop sharing your journey with them. Non supportive people aren't helpful during major life changes. keep being optimistic. Im hopeful that in time I'll be recalling things better. Please Let me know what you did to overcome any of the post operative things. -
Nervous upcoming surgery / questions
Blue Crystal replied to GMS1213's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The above lists are very comprehensive. I’m only six weeks post-op, but a couple I’d add are: 22. Don’t worry about getting all the liquid and protein goals met during the first week or two. Many people have problems getting enough of either. If you can’t, let your doctor know at your first post-op visit to ensure there aren’t complications. 23. Seriously do take small bites. I’m only now realizing that the hard lumps and discomfort in my throat when eating are because my bites aren’t small enough. The more solid the food, the more need to take small bites and chew very thoroughly. And moistening solid foods definitely does make them go down easier. Best of luck! -
RNY because of GERD, not weight loss?
Rachelanne75 replied to AmandaQB's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi I had mine due to Gerd. Had sleeve done in 2013, hiatal hernia repair with complications 10/5/20 and had conversion to bypass 11/9/20 -
Notgivingup2 and Gradycat I am in a similar situation as the two of you. Maybe as a threesome we can help each other. I was sleeved Jan 26 2016 along with a hernia repair and gallbladder removal. I got down to 217 and was told by my back Doctor that skin removal might help my back. Not being able to walk due to 6 herniated disc, spinal stenosis and radiculopathy he thought getting rid of the excess skin would help. So I had 4 excess skin removal surgeries from 2017 till 2019. The last surgery in June 2019 resulted in 3 months of complication including MRSA. I was on 2 IV's of Vancomycin of 2 to 5 hours a day and could do nothing and I started gaining weight. By the time the pandemic hit I was up about 15 pounds to 232 pounds and now I am up another 25 to 257 After all my hard work to lose over 280 pounds I never dreamed I would have a regain. What a fool I was, however I am thrilled I have managed to keep off 240 pounds. In Nov I went back to another surgeon and he gave me a diet pill which has caused ringing in my ears within 2 weeks of taking it. I did lose 7 pounds but as soon as I went off the pill I gained that 7 pounds back. I have got to get this under control and head back down. Have you both started doing anything to see the scales going down? With Christmas coming I need to really watch as I will not let myself get to 260.
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It was the other way around for me. I really wanted to have the bypass because average weight loss is higher than for the sleeve. But it turned out to be medically contra-indicated for me and I had to have the sleeve instead. I was super-disappointed, but it has turned out well in the end. I got to my weight loss goal and a normal BMI and I didn't have any major complications or issues. I know it's frustrating not to be able to do the surgery you want, but it can still be a total success. The sleeve does exacerbate GERD for a lot of patients, so when you balance the risks/benefits, are you taking that into account as well? Are you willing to possibly have to do a revision surgery at some point down the road if you have the sleeve? I guess another option is not having the surgery at all but obesity carries its own serious risks. It can be hard evaluating all these trade-offs, so I wish you well in making the best decision. 🤗
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I went into my initial consultation thinking that I wanted the sleeve because it seemed like a less extreme, less risky surgery, but the surgeon recommended gastric bypass because my BMI was over 60 and gastric bypass results in more weight loss on average (as NovaLuna said above, some lose more and some lose less than average, but gastric bypass gives you slightly better odds). I did more research in the months before my surgery and by surgery day, I was confident that gastric bypass was the right surgery for me. I've never had GERD, but I've seen a lot of people who get the sleeve talk about developing it (or existing GERD worsening), and I've seen a lot of people who get revisions from sleeve to bypass, either because of GERD or because they didn't lose enough weight with the sleeve. I don't want to get another surgery, so it seemed like bypass was the way to go to minimize my chances of needing it. I think I also had some misconceptions about the risks of gastric bypass. Nowadays, bypass and sleeve have very similar rates of complications, so neither is significantly safer than the other. The sleeve has a higher risk of GERD, and bypass has a higher risk of ulcers. Some doctors allow sleeve patients to take NSAIDs (although I believe it is still not recommended), while NSAIDs are not allowed for gastric bypass patients. You need to take supplements for both, but sleeve patients have a better chance of being able to stop taking them eventually. There is a higher chance of dumping syndrome with gastric bypass, but some people consider that a benefit because it stops them from eating things they shouldn't. Remember that the decision is ultimately yours, and you have the right to go to another surgeon for a second opinion. It's a big decision, so do your research and make sure you can live with the decision you make. Keep in mind, though, that the surgeons are experts who have seen lots of patients and have a pretty good idea of what surgery would give you the best outcome.
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First and foremost I don't want to get all grandma like on ya but it makes you kinda get a little teary eyed. What a story to tell the little one.....talk about determination!!!!! I don't know what your position in life is about having a baby right now but something in this universe says NOW is the time if a pregnancy can get through all those hoops and still come out OK!! It may complicate weight loss and muddy up the nutritional water a bit but by golly a baby is a pretty amazing reason to slow down the weight loss......you can still get healthy during a pregnancy!!!!
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My plan called for full liquid for the first week, then soft/puree, but my surgeon said a lot of his patients start soft after a few days. I waited, because I had complications and didn't even leave the hospital for 4 days... All plans are different. Some have clear liquids only for a week, then full liquids for another week, etc...
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Undecided - Newbie - figuring my way around
GradyCat replied to Blue.ring.key's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hello there and welcome to the forums. I had the sleeve two years ago. No complications, no problems. It restricts my ability to eat much quantity and does its job. I highly recommend it. -
Post-dumping (days later) severe gas, pain after eating
gtotheb posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi there. I had gastric bypass about 3 months ago, have had no complications and have lost about 54 pounds so far. All has been going swimmingly! EXCEPT, I had some whipped cream Sunday which led to diarrhea and then all day extreme gas pains after eating small snacks. I switched to liquids on Monday, still experienced severe gas all day and today, Tuesday, had low carb, low fat, high protein snacks and tolerated them well. UNTIL I just had sugar free pudding and a small bit of chicken ravioli (3-5 bites) and the gas pain started up again. Ugh! Does anyone know what I should be doing?! Is this normal to have gas pains like this several days after dumping? -
The changes we don't talk about
Sophie7713 replied to Ylime's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hmmmm, the changes we don't talk about. I also lived in a fools paradise unaware of how very large I really was. And, so disrespectful of my tiny frame - the fat literally had no where else to store. Because I exercised regularly, and ate healthier BUT in huge portions plus, too many sweet treats on the weekends - I'd tell myself and others... I'm a fit overweight! I find layers of myself becoming more honest. The rose colored glasses have been taken off now, and I really like that. Things I tolerated before like a lack of opportunity or a reciprocal community no longer appeal to me. I do find myself especially at this stage in life, wanting a brand new life. A fresh start in a totally new place, new environment and new lifestyle where no one knew me as morbidly obese. My massive weight loss in many ways has put closure to my old life here. We are taking investigative steps to research and explore new states and communities. A possible closure here with adventures elsewhere have rendered a hope and sparkle within me. Becoming slim after 22+ years has meant everything. I do not wish to squandered any more time. I am truly humbled and touched by everyone's transparency shown here. We each will gain victory over those things that hold us back from becoming our best selves. Here's to positive change wherever it's needed. Even if our road is a little bumpy, becomes complicated or uncomfortable getting there. I celebrate all our achievements and aspirations! Personally, I think pulling out a few of our before pictures maybe the most empowering gestures of all, despite our current challenges. It puts things back into complete perspective for me.- 44 replies
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I’m the opposite to you Ms.Ssss. I fell into the excessive drinking before surgery (shock). I had at least one glass (bucket size) every night. Now, it doesn’t really interest me & I fall into the social drinker category. (Though when you & Sophie come to visit, I’m sure it’ll be a very social occasion😂.) I am pretty preoccupied with food too, which I didn’t want to be post surgery, but it’s all about: look at the time I have to eat., what can I eat, how much will I eat, I’m not hungry but I need to eat to get my calories in. Aaaahhh! Not so much what lovely delicious thing can I cook. I was living in a fool’s world pre surgery too Gradycat. I didn’t realise/accept how big I actually was. I knew what I weighed but was blind to my actual physical size. I avoided photos & the ones I was in I thought were just super unflattering. I probably talk too much about what size I am now because I’m still coming to terms with it. If I say it often enough it will be real. I have to admit, my dirty little secret, I do spend time googling the height & weight of actors to try to visualise what size I am. Don’t judge me. I do feel some guilt (imposter syndrome) that I’ve had a pretty easy journey so far. Not from others but from myself. I don’t run miles or lift weights. I don’t exercise at all to lose or keep the weight off. I haven’t had to battle cravings or food addictions. I didn’t have any complications. But I do feel for those who do. We all have our battles I guess as unfair as life is sometimes.
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Is severe pain normal five days post op?
Jaelzion replied to Jokersgirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had a similar experience. The Norco I was prescribed did not handle my pain and I had to go back to my surgeon. Like you, I take pain medication daily anyway, for unrelated conditions. So I probably had a certain amount of tolerance built up and taking the same med after surgery just wasn't sufficient. Oxycodone did the trick, however. And after about two weeks the pain eased up. I agree you should go to the ER to rule out any kind of severe complication. If they say you're okay, you may need a different med from the one you take daily, or a higher dose. Sorry you're going through this, I hope it gets resolved quickly. I remember what that pain was like and it was really tough to deal with. Hang in there.🤗 -
Anyone use Dr. Fitzer at Virginia Bariatric?
Rukhsx3 replied to obxshell89's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hey everyone! I know it’s a very old thread but seems like some of y’all are still active on here. I’m a 23 year old I had the bypass with Dr. Fitzer he and his team are AMAZING!! My surgery weight was 248lb, I am now 220lb I am 5 weeks post op. I had no complications and am doing pretty well! My only concern I’m having right now is a stall. I’ve been 220 for two weeks & half week now 🥺🥺 anyone of y’all went through a stall? If so how to break it.
