Hello. I started this process about a month ago with the idea in my head of doing the gastric sleeve. Unfortunately, due to my chronic GERD and vomitting, ive developed Barretts esophagus and the sleeve is contraindicated. Im really unsure about getting the bypass. I have heard horror stories of hair loss, extreme malnutrition and Vitamin deficiency ( im anemic to begin with so this is very concerning to me). I know my band has to come out but im terrified if I dont do something else I will balloon up to my pre band weight or higher. Can anyone share their experience and tips on recovery if i decide to do it. Thanks so much

I had the bypass in August, and my blood work is perfect. There is definitely a small risk of having these issues, but by no means do the majority of people suffer from severe deficiencies and the like. In fact I've only heard form one person in my support group of several hundred who have had any real big issue. All other issues were easily fixed by changing the Vitamin regimen. I did lose some hair at about the 7 month mark, but now at almost 10 months, it looks pretty much completely back to normal. At 10 months I am now able to get in my required amount of calories and my health is honestly just fantastic.

The first 6 months or so were kind of a bummer, as it took me that long to start getting my caloric intake back up. I was often tired and cranky from hormone changes (both of which also happen with the sleeve very often). So the beginning may be difficult, but I can say with certainty that I would do it again a hundred times over if I needed to, and I would choose the bypass every time. My restriction is perfect, I have never had dumping, and I've lost 157 pounds in less than ten months.

Hope my experience helps you! Whatever you do, the people here are really wonderful and will always be around to help you in any way we can. In my opinion, it will be so, so worth it to take this leap. The chance of something dangerous happening is so, so low and the chance of dying decades early and suffering horrible health issues because of unchecked obesity is so, so high. In the end, any action you take to better your health is going to pay off compared to not doing anything at all. Good luck! Feel free to friend me or message me any time.

Had my revision April 27th. My band was done around 10 years ago. Lost around 80lbs but all of a sudden couldn't eat at all. Got terrible reflux , couldn't get it adjusted right . Had it replaced but it was never right. Threw up everyday day for the next ten years. Had to loosen it and started to slowly gain weight, eventually gaining it all back while continuing to throw up. After a couple of really bad days of throwing up and chocking to the point I couldn't breathe I went to the surgeon and he recommended bypass. I was terrified, I also read the horror stories. The night of the surgery I was able to start walking and next day drinking liquids. When I first started to eat, I was waiting to feel the food going down and the tightness from the band but it never happened. It's been around 6 weeks and I am truly grateful to my surgeon for recommending this. I can go out with my friends and family without the embarrassment and pain of the band . I eat slowly and small portions. You get very full from small amounts of food which is what you want. If you eat a little too much you feel "very full" and a little uncomfortable but I haven't experienced dumping or pain...I also haven't eaten anything with sugar, no Desserts or white breads or Pasta. Non of the torture of the band. I've lost almost 40 lbs and have around 30 or 40 to go but I have hope. Good luck with your journey!

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