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I need to make a decision



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Hello everyone ☺️

I have been on the site for a while now , I recently finished my kaiser required 6 month classes, labs , fitness test and I received my formal authorization, I am now waiting for meeting with surgeon and surgery date. When I see my surgeon I will need to have made a decision regarding specific surgery i. e bypass or sleeve. I decided to come to this specific bypass site to get some feedback from you guys, my questions are, was the recovery difficult? How much weight did you drop the first few months?, any dumping ? Regrets? Anyone wishing they did the sleeve instead? Etc. whatever you can offer as info on your experience with the surgery .

Thanks everyone

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Recovery for me wasn't difficult. I heal fast so it was more or less figuring out how to get in enough fluids and Protein once I was able to eat solid food.< br>
The first few months I dropped about 30 or so lbs. I only dump if I eat something I'm not supposed to or if the meat is too dry or something is high in fat. No regrets. I regret nothing. I'm glad I chose the procedure I did. I've lost all of my excess body weight and made it to my goal. I'm well pass it actually. I chose Gastric Bypass.

The recovery is different for everyone and once you choose the surgery that you feel is best for you, don't let the stalls discourage you. They will pass, there are ways to get through them.

Hw-273
Sw-226
CW-124
GW-130
Size- 2, Small in sweats. Small in shirts. depends on how it's cut or made.
Bra Size- 34C

Surgery Date- April 26th, 2017
RNY
"Only those who try will become" FFX

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So glad you asked this question as I'm freaking out because I can't decide which surgery would be the best for me. Surgeon can go either way. Looking forward to uour responses.

Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

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I didn't want malabsorption, so I picked the sleeve. The 3 people I know from the wls group and my PCP office have all had to have Iron infusions because of malabsorption. Plus one has an ulcer in the unused portion of her stomach - which is very hard to treat, she is 7 years out and still at goal but has that and deficiencies. I figured I didn't need the dumping part to keep me on track. Bypass patients lose faster initially, but statistics on end result losses are not much different between the two surgeries. This is just my opinion and experience and others may have wished they had done bypass. A few have converted to bypass because of uncontrolled acid reflux with the sleeve. I have only have reflux twice in 7 months and it was nothing major.

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I chose the sleeve after doing research on malabsorption, complications, etc. If I had to do it all over again, I'd do the sleeve again. I can eat darn near anything I want, just in small quantities. I haven't experienced dumping one single time, even after a few bites of ice cream. Luckily for me, I made the conscious decision to truly change my habits to help make sure the sleeve was going to be a successful tool, so I don't eat a bunch of crap. It's usually Protein and veggies only, or protein bars/shakes, eggs, etc. My HW was 347, SW was 283, and currently 186. I lost over 50 lbs within the first few months, and 97lbs in 8 months. My brother even said I look anorexic or gaunt in the shoulders! So now it's off to the gym to try and build muscle mass.

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I chose the sleeve after doing research on malabsorption, complications, etc. If I had to do it all over again, I'd do the sleeve again. I can eat darn near anything I want, just in small quantities. I haven't experienced dumping one single time, even after a few bites of ice cream. Luckily for me, I made the conscious decision to truly change my habits to help make sure the sleeve was going to be a successful tool, so I don't eat a bunch of crap. It's usually Protein and veggies only, or protein bars/shakes, eggs, etc. My HW was 347, SW was 283, and currently 186. I lost over 50 lbs within the first few months, and 97lbs in 8 months. My brother even said I look anorexic or gaunt in the shoulders! So now it's off to the gym to try and build muscle mass.

I did my surgery through Kaiser in Northern CA.

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Oh wow I’m originally from northern Cali , I now live in San Diego . What exercises are your go to and any info on the Hair loss, thank you soooo much for your response ,I’m getting close and I really want to be ready and succure in my decision

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I chose the sleeve even though I have an enormous amount of weight to lose. The doctor even suggested in the first few meetings that I should do the bypass. But I had taken 10 years to make the decision to have the surgery and I knew that I didn't want all of the issues associated with the bypass. I was willing to settle for not reaching my ideal weight and simply getting healthier with the sleeve. I had the surgery 12-12-18, I'm down a total of 93 pounds since I started the entire journey 6-1-18 and I don't regret a thing. Even only 6 months out, I can just about eat anything, albeit it in very small amounts, and have not had dumping or any issues (except chronically low Iron, which might not even be related). I guess my only advice is don't be pressured into having the more extensive surgery. Do what's right for you and your goals.

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And in the final analysis,it is what seems right,to yo

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you , which you think,you can comply,with the rules best and what you feel will make you the healthiest. It isn't Mama's surgery, it isn't,Sisters surgery it isn't Rev Jones or Lawyer Smith's it's yours and yours alone.

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I am in the same boat as you! I'm still far out, my surgery is in December hopefully but I am having the same dilemna and that's why I cam on this site too!

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I too have to make this decision. My concerns are a bit different. I have the lap band currently and it has to be removed. I am terrified to have either surgery to be honest but I know if I don't I will gain all my weight back. I do not need to loose a bunch of weight anymore but still need to loose about 50 to 60 pounds. I have had acid reflux in the past but only when I was pregnant. I am 51 so no chance of that! The decision is very difficult. I have lost 70 pounds with the lap band.

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I’m 48 & I feel like I should listen to my doctor but yet I’m not sure what to do! What scares you about the surgery?

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At 72 Not Much At All!
I have had 2 knee replacements because my weight worebth r m out.
I have had scares with cancer, heart, lungs, kidneys eyesight and hearing
I have buried my grandparents, parents, husband, son at 31. I have babies unborn.
I have buried relatives who treated me badly
I have buried animals who treated me better,than people did
I outlived the cousin who told me to kill myself
I have,lost friends to cancer who I still miss
I outlived the doctor who,told me I would be diabetic by 30 and,I wasn't
I outlived people who told me I was ugly, fat, would never have friends, wouldn't graduate or ever do anything worthwhile with my life.
I proved the naysayers who said people over 50, 60 or even 70,are too old to plan Weight Loss Surgery
I am proving the,people who said i,should sit down, shut up, give,up and resign,myself to dying and doing it soon. I am still,going, going strong and can see a future ahead and. I am part of it. Doubt count me out yet
I have pride in me and what I feel I can still accomplish.
And from now on I will vibrantly live, with 5 to 7 small scars showing, my badges of honor in a less than honorable world.
My gastrointestinal renovations are just that, a remodeling to enhance,my future days. And on the day of my,upcoming I will present myself at my bariatric facility with hope in my ❤ ,pride in myself for this decision, deep humility for this opportunity for my surgery, and a giant smile on my face. On that day
I will be doing the right thing
At the right time
For the Right Reason
With the Right Surgeon
At the Right Facility
For the maximum Results
On the Right Day and at the correct time
For the Right Person - ME
And if my future years are many- Wonderful
And if they are few' still I will have lived them and lived them to the best of my ability.
I have said my piece- Spoken what I feel- I go forth to write my story and conclude ehat,life I am still given.
And that is good and sufficent enough.

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And my stats in case someone is interested and doesn't know them already
Age 72 date of birth December 26 1945
Eyes hazel green hair strawberry blonde aka light red gold(& natural)
Height 5ft8in down from youth high,of 6 feet- at my age you have the spine of a osteoporotic mackerel!
Current Weight321 lb
High Weight 355 lbs October 2017
Surgery weight- To Be
Determined
Surgery Date. July ?? 2018
Future Surgery Location- First Operating Theatre Open
Ohio State University Hospital-Wexner Medical Center
Columbus Ohio 43210
Presiding Surgeon Bradley Needleman

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    • 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
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    • 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!

    • 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. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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