Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How bad was it? Would you do it again?



Recommended Posts

I'm a little over two weeks from my surgery date and I'm reading a lot of stories about people in pain. How bad was your pain? How bad was the post-surgery diet? Is your weight loss worth what you've gone through to get to it? Would you do it all over again if you had the chance?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please. Short pain for long term gain? No question, yes. The pain lasted periodically for a few weeks, mostly gas related, and got better when I got off my duff and walked.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am 11 days post op, my pain and discomfort peaked at day 5 (last Saturday, and majority had to do with a bad reaction to the lactose in my shakes) My pain has been minimal since day 7. A majority of my pain now is related to my big incision and the muscle wall behind the incision. Tylenol has taken care of 99% of my pain. I have over half of my pain pills left. I am in full liquids, and going to soft foods on Monday for 10 weeks. If I had to decide right this moment if I had to do this again I would say absolutely without a doubt. There has never been a moment that I "regretted" it, but a few food related break downs that have been relieved with a lovely bowl of pureed Soup he he.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Post op day 3. Pain isn't so bad as long as you have the pain meds. Even when I didn't get pain meds on time once, the pain was tolerable, but not fun. Only one of my five incisions actually hurt. It's the one where the stomach was removed. I think everyone is different, and may depend on the surgeon as well as far as pain control. Not much gas, just somewhat uncomfortable, but much better now:) I wish you the best! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My pain was bad, but manageable after a few days and I felt loopy-unsteady-for 2 weeks (back to work in 3) and I had the lapband removal/sleeve all-in-one and I might be a slow loser (I think) , but I'm finally losing again and I feel more comfortable in my skin than I have in years and when I look in the mirror I'm not saddened by my own image anymore and food doesn't control me anymore and so yes, if I had the chance to do it again, I would. Only sooner. Much sooner.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

yes 100 percent when i was in the hospital I was asking the nurse about alot of questions and she said u only read about the bad stuff but i have never met anyone that has had has regretted it . it hard work but would never go back and not have the surgery best thing i have ever did no matter how hard it gets some times...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sleeved June 27th and I have no regrets. 56 lbs down in 2 months and I have a ton of energy. I was on painkillers for 4 days post-op and the over the counter for one more day. I think the first 3 weeks were the biggest struggle and after week 7 I felt a new sense of "normal". Like any surgery, different people have different outcomes. Saying that, if you want to have a successful tool for your weightloss and you are prepared to listen to your surgical and healthcare team, this could be a true game changer.

Some positives for me - little ones - more room in the car seat, pulling the slack on the airplane seatbelt, bending over with no effort, walking in heels up stairs and not feeling winded, walking up the stairs and my knees dont sound like rice krispies being stepped on, not having any issues with something in my closet being too small... and finally, I have so much more energy!

I wish you the best on your journey. Never hesitate to message me directly with concerns.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am just over 5 1/2 weeks, down over 30 lbs since surgery and so far I don't regret it. :) I went back to work after a week. That first 3 days were hard- no lie. But each day it gets better. I think the nausea in the beginning was the worst part followed closely by the Constipation I'm going through now. The diet wasn't hard for me, just learning to drink Water so slowly was weird. I walk 2 miles a day since 1 week after surgery- never did that pre-surgery! I have moments of second guessing my decision but they usually pass when I focus on all the good the sleeve has added. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I didn't have too bad pain. There was several days of discomfort, but pain, no. As a matter of fact, the only times I took my pain pills were to help me sleep because I couldn't sleep well because I am a stomach sleeper and couldn't sleep on my tummy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First 2 days were very painful but after that I was fine. Yes, I would absolutely endure that pain again!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had one bout of pain (more like bad cramps) on day one in hospital otherwise I have felt pretty good. I'm nearly two weeks out. I was in the hospital for three days. First day home I walked a mile. I'm now up to two miles. I'm so grateful to have had an easy recovery. The post op liquid diet is a drag but manageable. It's fun and gratifying to see the scale go down a little every day. Wishing you good luck!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 months out and own 82 pounds. He'll yes I would do it again! Even if I didn't lose any more weight from now I would do it. I have ended 4 pills and maybe 3 more this next month.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was one of the fortunate ones - I really didn't have much pain, hardly any gas pain, was able to tolerate liquids and have had no problems with any food. I only took the pain killers at night after the first day or two to help me fall asleep. I walked the night of my surgery and kept walking as much as possible. Sometimes I think I can eat too much but I am losing fairly steadily. I am 3 months today and have lost approximately 56 since about 2 weeks before surgery. I do exercise at least 2-3 times a week with weights and walk at least 3-4 days a week. I was so nervous about the surgery that I almost cancelled the day of but am so glad that I didn't change my mind. Only thing I would do differently is to have the surgery sooner. My sleep apnea has disappeared and I feel so much healthier and more energetic. Best of luck to you...hope everything goes well for you :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So worth the 3 days of mild pain I had mostly from gas.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was one of the lucky ones too. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I had surgery June 11th, and am down 70 pounds so far. It's been amazing! I had very minimal pain. I am intolerant to almost every narcotic known to man, so all I was on in the hospital was a supped up version of IV motrin. I had pain when it wore off, but it was minimal. I had one bout of gas pain in my shoulder, but as soon as I got up and walked it was gone. I was walking around within a few hours after surgery. Once home I was on liquid Tylenol only, nothing stronger, and I had almost no pain. I was able to walk and get up and down from the couch and bed by myself. I had to move slowly, but I didn't need any help. I was back to normal by day 5. I was able to drink easily, and get in all my Water and Protein easily. Not a single issue ever! I did have some gas discomfort a few times, but took Gas-X and it was gone. The anticipation is the worst part. The others are right, you hear all the bad stories, but not the great ones!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×