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I had a major hernia he fixed. We had no idea I has it until he went in. It was making my stomach pull right up under my diaphragm and stick out. I also had my gall bladder removed. It was "hot" he said. Probably the reason why I felt bad all the time he said. He also found some abnormal lymph nodes he cut out and sent to pathology. All ok now. My hernia is still giving me fits and I was sleeved in November. The scar tissue is so much it is trying to wrap around my esophagus I have a striction they call it. This week makes two of having my esophagus dilated to help stretch that scar tissue ao hopefully he won't go back in and cut it back. I hope you recover quickly. It did take me about 2 weeks to feel "good". I am down 62 pounds now. Good luck

How did a former athlete who was 9% body fat in college get to this point? Well I was born with a bad heart valve that wore out faster than my body did. In my early 40s suddenly I was gasping for breath, by my late 40s I was type 2 diabetic, at 50 I had surgery for diverticulitus and lost 4" of my colon which slowed me down more. At 52 I had open heart surgery where they replaced the valve and found a aneurysm which would have killed me. However, I came out of this unable to lift weights, play softball or baseball, with a right arm and shoulder with nerve damage in it and a bad knee and hip. Then the meds quit controlling my diabetes, the new meds added weight and now it is out of control, I have nerve damage in my feet and my wife has to look at them every night to make sure I don't wind up with an infection. I was approved as a metabolic Weight Loss Patient on the first go around. I am now on my second doctor because the staff of the first one frankly was incompetent. I was lied to when they told me that they had filed FMLA, and I was pre-approved by insurance, they hadnt submitted either one of them. So being the analyst that I am I checked and found out everything. Added to that the hospital that they wanted to have the surgery in didnt have the best reputation. I should have had the surgery two months ago to keep nerve damage to a minimum. I am very nervous, from my major surgeries I live with pain every day. I was told that while they can do the sleeve that the results are better with bypass. However, the horror stories with malabsorption worry me. I am doing this to be able to have a life again not just to trade one set of issues for a whole other set. So any feedback is appreciated.

About a month ago I got a fill that brought me too 6.7 cc's. For 3-4 days afterwards I was fine. I felt no difference at all. Then I had 11 days where I was so super tight so I went back to my doctor. He said I had reached my max fill level and wouldn't need anymore for a while. He told me to eat slower and chew more. Okay then BAM for the past 10 days I've been able to eat ANYTHING! I'm hungry all the time and I can even eat bread again. I haven't been able to eat bread since November. I would like another fill but then again if I wait and do nothing then it may tighten up again on its own right? What should I do?

Hi and welcome I'm also new to this website (well I was actually in lapbandtalk but switched to gastric bypass) and I also meet my surgeon on the 14th

I am a little over 13 weeks out. I eat what I am supposed to, having dense protein first. I eat the required amounts only. I never, ever feel full and have zero restriction. I feel the same when I’m done eating as I did before I ate. I. feel like I can eat more but I don’t. I do not have that deep down hunger like I did prior to surgery, but I have a constant, low level hunger 24/7. Really don’t feel like I had surgery, I had zero complications with food and fluids. I had my follow up appointment two weeks ago, saw the nutritionist first, she had me increase my protein by an ounce. I waited for the surgeon and he was over an hour late seeing me and I had to leave to go to work so I wasn’t even able to ask him why I feel nothing. I’m afraid 6 months down the road I won’t be in the mindset I am now and will start to eat more. Was wondering if anyone else felt the same after bypass. I’m pretty frustrated.

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery 31 months ago and I would recommend GB or sleeve over LB. I have encountered too many patients who had LB and later had to have a revision because of problems with LB. You might also start attending bariatric surgery support group meetings. Generally these are held once per month and are free. That will allow you to meet and talk with people who either are undergoing this process or have recently had surgery.

But she is stating the scan is showing the remaining part of the stomach, if that is the case, then she had to have had bypass. They couldn't leave a non-functioning stomach that is not being fed with blood as it would rot then she would be in a world of hurt. This is just my thoughts.

I am seeing my nutritionist today and I don't want to get on scale. The month of November has been the worst month for me since being banded. I have found sweets not good. I am going in to get back on track. I would just love to skip the weighing in part. Haha.

Congratulations on your endo. I bet that was fun. he he he Your friends are still your friends. You know how people get about sensitive stuff like surgery and weight issues. I did the same thing to my girlfriend when she gastric bypass and after my sister had her gb surgery. Just know that we are here because we all need that support on a regular basis.

Just gonna edit my post. I was given a few Vitamin samples by my doctor so i decided to be a guinea pig if anyone is interested in Opurity, Bariatric Advantage or Celebrate. These were recommended because they are specifically for WLS. Multivitamin: Opurity BYPASS-Optimized Multi (Orange Berry): This was a HUGE tablet which is no surprise as it's 1x a day and includes all the B12 and Iron you need. I made the mistake of popping it all into my mouth. It was chalky and powdery and had a slight tartness which I did not enjoy. I don't think I can handle these and I'm dissapointed because it's price and 1x a day attribute was really appealing. Celebrate Multi Complete Chewable (Orange and Forrest Berry): 2x a day and therefore smaller than Opurity. I liked the Orange flavor much better though the berry wasn't bad. It was a little tart (which I liked here) and close to a candy like a sweet tart. The Orange was harder though and less chalky and powderty. Closer to a Flintstones. My favorite of all the Vitamins actually. Bariatric Advantage Complete Multi Formula (Orange): It was ok.. Still too powdery and chalky to my tastes. Not interested in this brand at all as it doesn't have b12 or iron and it's still 2x a day. calcium citrate (all of these have Vitamin D included): Opurity (Orange): It tasted similar to BA multivitamin to me. Medium chalky/powder. It was better than their multivitamin but it's 4x a day. Celebrate (Cherry Tart and Berries & Cream): The better of the calciums. The Cherry had a nice tartness and was the most candy-like. It was still medium chalky/powder but the taste made up for it. Berries & Cream was the softest of all chewables. It broke apart and melted really quickly. It was the most powdery but since it dissolved the fastest I actually prefer it. 3x/day BA (chocolate, Wild Cherry and Cinnamon): My least favorite of all the chewables. These were all horrible. The chocolate was the worst, it felt like putting dry chocolate milk powder in my mouth. Wild Cherry was hard but powdery and slightly tart. Similar to Opurity to me. Cinnamon tastes EXACTLY like a Big Red but in powder form. Almost leaves your mouth refreshed but it's not for me. To be honest I'm not won over by anything though Celebrate brand was better by far for me. I think I'm just going to try Centrum Complete and add sublingual B12 and Biotin. I thought I was going to take separate biotin anyway because I don't want hair loss. I'm not sure about the Calcium yet, I'm going to ask my doctor for other options. I also noticed a lot of people taking the gummy vitamins and they are really tempting however my doctor says those are dangerous because they can cause a blockage. The percentage of values seems pretty random too with some at 50% and some at 200%. There is no iron in them or enough B12.

Hello, I have been researching various surgeons in Mexico that perform the LAP-BAND®® operation. I would like to have the surgery done in January 2010. I'm wondering if anyone out there has used their FSA/HSA funds to help pay for the surgery and if so, what dr. did you use? During open enrollment in November for 2010 benefits, I called the customer service line for ADP and the rep told me that it was covered, so I put in the full amount - $5000. I called back today to ask if I could use my card through paypal. She said I could not and that I would have to pay for the surgery up front and in order to get reimbursed I would need all invoices shown in $dollars as well as a letter from the doctor explaining that the surgery was a medical necessity. Well, I'm not dying, so it's not a necessity yet, but I'm not trying to wait until I get to that point. I was previously denied from my insurance because my BMI is only 39 and I do not have any co-morbidities. I am now resulting to self pay. I think this is ridiculous. Why does FSA pay for laser eye surgery when that's not a medical necessity, people can just wear glasses and contacts. Sorry, I'm just upset by the process that overweight people have to go through to get any help. Any information that you can share would be appreciated.

Just wanted to share this- Pre surgery, I cooked up a STORM for my family of 5, which includes two teenaged boys who EAT. And eat. My kids will bypass fast food any day for a home cooked meal. They actually prefer it, along with fruits and veggies. So, being a typical mom, I didn't want them eating garbage while I was recovering. My lovely mom even contributed to my stockpiled freezer. My family had meals for 4 entire weeks. Last week I was moved to a general diet and finally blew through all the cooked frozen meals. Here's the kicker- I have been cooking all of those meals once again, and I'm ok with it. I really didn't think I would be able to, knowing there were things I could not eat at this point. But I did. And have enjoyed it. So, a different kind of NSV, but exciting nonetheless. Even made Desserts. Didn't want a single bite of any of it either.

The reason for the bypass is that I will lose weight faster.

Do a search of all the boards on this site and look for threads with this issue as the subject...... quickly this was my reason. I have two RL close friends that both had the RNY one is 4 years out and one is 2. Friend that is 4 years PO has gained back almost all of the 120 lbs she lost because she never suffered from the Dumping and could eat anything. She is horrible about taking her vitimins and subsequently suffered a lot of depression mostly due to regaining her weight after all the money and crap she went through......... she is considering getting banded now. Friend 2, has lost over 120lbs and just had a tummy tuck and boob lift and looks awesome. She stays away from the dumping foods and has done extremely well.................. I knew RNY wasn't for me because... 1. I want all my innards to stay intact and there if I need them later in life. 2. Taking 4-6 weeks off work is not an option, with my band I had surgery on Thursday and was back to my desk job on Monday. My boss has no clue as I just took 2 days of PTO and that was it. 3. My issue is portion control, and I want to be able to get a fill 1, 2, 10 years down the line if I see myself being able to eat to much, where as with the RNY you CAN restretch your pouch 4. Insurance paid for it. 5. It can be unfilled in times of medical need or pregnacy 6. Any general surgeon can remove it in an emergency.. vs the bypass which is forever. To answer the weight question... Just do a search for BOO, JulieinNYC, Neal )OUsooner, and many many many others they have lost well over 100 lbs and in some cases over 200 lbs... My doc says average weight loss is 1-3 pounds per week........ so that is 52-150+ in a year........ and in my book that is fast enough Good luck in whatever decision you make. Afterall it is YOUR journey and no one elses.

My surgeon had no driving restrictions, other than that I was no longer taking the prescription pain meds. I don't think I drove for 2 weeks, though, simply because I was off work and didn't need to. I wouldn't recommend driving on a long road trip for a few weeks, until your incisions have healed up some, if you can help it. I did a 3-hour drive to the shore about 3 weeks after surgery, and it was a bit uncomfortable. It's not going to hurt anything, per se, but it's uncomfortable. I take a Centrum adult chewable multivitamin every evening, and a Bariatric Advantage 500 mg chewable calcium citrate in the morning. Technically, I should do two of the calcium supplements, but I had concerns about increased risk of heart disease linked to calcium supplements (my dad has heart failure and recently underwent a triple bypass)--I talked it over with my surgeon, and while he thinks the risk of heart disease is very low, he also thinks that the benefit of calcium supplements for sleeve patients is negligible, and my labs are good, so he OK'ed me just taking one a day. My surgeon had no driving restrictions, other than that I was no longer taking the prescription pain meds. I don't think I drove for 2 weeks, though, simply because I was off work and didn't need to. I wouldn't recommend driving on a long road trip for a few weeks, until your incisions have healed up some, if you can help it. I did a 3-hour drive to the shore about 3 weeks after surgery, and it was a bit uncomfortable. It's not going to hurt anything, per se, but it's uncomfortable. I take a Centrum adult chewable multivitamin every evening, and a Bariatric Advantage 500 mg chewable calcium citrate in the morning. Technically, I should do two of the calcium supplements, but I had concerns about increased risk of heart disease linked to calcium supplements (my dad has heart failure and recently underwent a triple bypass)--I talked it over with my surgeon, and while he thinks the risk of heart disease is very low, he also thinks that the benefit of calcium supplements for sleeve patients is negligible, and my labs are good, so he OK'ed me just taking one a day. My surgeon had no driving restrictions, other than that I was no longer taking the prescription pain meds. I don't think I drove for 2 weeks, though, simply because I was off work and didn't need to. I wouldn't recommend driving on a long road trip for a few weeks, until your incisions have healed up some, if you can help it. I did a 3-hour drive to the shore about 3 weeks after surgery, and it was a bit uncomfortable. It's not going to hurt anything, per se, but it's uncomfortable. I take a Centrum adult chewable multivitamin every evening, and a Bariatric Advantage 500 mg chewable calcium citrate in the morning. Technically, I should do two of the calcium supplements, but I had concerns about increased risk of heart disease linked to calcium supplements (my dad has heart failure and recently underwent a triple bypass)--I talked it over with my surgeon, and while he thinks the risk of heart disease is very low, he also thinks that the benefit of calcium supplements for sleeve patients is negligible, and my labs are good, so he OK'ed me just taking one a day.

Hi, I had the rny gastric bypass last Thursday 8/14/14. I am home now, but I am in so much pain. I can't find a comfortable way to sleep. Getting off and on to bed is excruciating. I have been walking around through, I still feel bloated and bruised. When does it stop hurting?

@@bellabloom Is it different for people who have had bypass surgery than people with sleeves?

I would like to know what to expect with the time waiting in to get approved just finished last nutritionist visit. I had to do six. What should the weight loss be like after bypass will it be fast, slow what? Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Marivan, It varies but the band maintenance is the best thing about the band.... it is simple and easy as long as you eat well and move your body. I think the maintenance part of the band is where the magic comes to life... I lost 150 lbs in 18 months and never really looked back... it is simple.. I have good days great days and really bad days.... where I eat whatever. Overall I like eating well and I am pretty healthy but it is not a thought I have to eat this type of food or I will gain... I eat whatever I want when I want in limited quantities.. I hate the gym but I try and make it a few times a week to be a healthier person. Maintenance is where you stop thinking, obsessing and generally driving yourself nuts... I haven't been on a scale in months, my clothes fit I am happy... when the jeans get a little too tight I stop and ponder, hmmm maybe the threesome with ben and jerry two times last week and the alfredo not the best thing... I am not sure the brain ever catches up.... I have thin days and fat days most days I just say I am average it is when I see pictures with my friends or I say I have a shirt you can wear and I am smaller than they are.... there are days I think I look like a cow in the mirror... I didn't get it after a bypass friend who was a size 2 said she understood her thin friends and their fat days now.... and I looked and said you never have a fat day anymore... but we do it is just how you feel on that day either blah or chunky etc. I don't pay a lot of attention to it it is just a day... then again I don't pay a lot of attention to anything until some stranger starts talking about how hot I am blah blah blah... (my friends are beautiful so we don't think about it until we hear it out loud from strangers) Go with how you feel and where you feel good that is all that matters I am a size 8-10 and I am happy there Heather

Thanks how long have you had gastric bypass

I'm having mine through BeLiteWeight, and Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez. I'm a little worried about going out of country, but I've heard great things about Dr. Rod And why is your bypass so long, if you don't mind me asking? I thought the typical length was between 2-7 feet? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just got an activity tracking band. This can connect to an app called My Fitness Pal, which can be adapted to fit any diet goals. Is there a diet, maybe by %s that will work for a veteran type gastric bypass. I've always tried to get 80 grams of Protein in but have never seen any guidelines that include carbs, calories and or Fiber etc. I've attached an example from My Fitness Pal. Can anyone advise? Thanks, Terry food Diary MyFitnessPal.com.html

My mother had it a lot worse when she had her bypass. have you been taking your proteins/ biotin(sp?)?

Carmillejoanita, Just because the doctor at the second seminar supports the bypass does not mean you have to, thats your choice. Since you are going to the doctor to get back on diet pills, won't you have to visit the doctor every month for a new script?? 2 birds with one stone, make him aware that your insurance requires 6 months of monitored diet for you to be considered for the band. Do not miss a month, when you go to the doctor for your 1st appointment go ahead and make appointments for the next 5 months. It passes quickly. As far as myself, don't count me out, I'm a KY girl and we don't give up without a fight. Monday I will start by contacting my surgeons office, then I will contact my insurances office, then I might go with legal advice. I am 47 years old and plan on living long enough to become a pain in the butt to my great grandchildren. When I do go I want my gr. grandchild to say, "man, she was fun", but I don't see it happening with me weighting what I do. The Lord says in his time, I just have to be patient enough for him to decide when the time is right. Until then I will complain, LOUDLY to the insurance company, do my research, and take a hint from kygal and exercise some, (thanks for the support kygal) So don't you punk out. I expect another voice yelling besides mine!!!! PJ

I finally got my insurance approval today. I had a little bit of an ordeal. I started the process in July and found out 2 1/2 weeks later that nothing would be sent to my insurance co until Pysch eval. which I had been trying to get worked out through my mental health insurance. Made the mistake of going to a person who does not specialize in this and she took 3 appts and still did not have the eval filled out. I ended up getting an appt with someone else. Got that to my surgeon's asst. 3 1/2 weeks ago. She told me insurance could take 30 days to approve. I called her thurs - which was 3 weeks out from when it was supposed to go to the insurance co. She told me she did not have an answer. I called my insurance to find out where it was in the process. They did not have anything. UGH - And they told me it only takes them 2 days. I called surgeon's asst back on fri. She lied to me, but it did get her butt in gear to fax the auth. request to the insurance co. By fri. afternoon I knew they had it. I called them this afternoon - it was approved - of course she had sent it in for Bypass - but I figure if bypass got approved, banding will. So, now I am trying to figure out my surgery date so my question Honestly - as a 38 yrs woman - would I be ready one week latter to do a Pampered Chef show? That's what I do and I already have a show scheduled for one week after a potential surgery date. I could wait one week, but we have a big national meeting on the next date. Oh yea, how do you get the little wieght trackers on your siggys?