Hi all

I am considering having a gastric bypass. Just want some peoples views on the procedure, recovery time, diet prior and after etc. I have a considerable amount to loose and have been dieting since birth and have some medical conditions but have found recently my health is suffering so need to do something.

Any advice appreciated

Big love

Grace

Xx

I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I had it six years ago and lost over 200 lbs (although I should add that that's not very common - most people lose around 70% of their excess weight with it - but of course, that's just an average - you'll always find people who lose more or less than that).

I had a super easy recovery - and really no pain to speak of. It was more discomfort for a few days. I would say most people have little to no pain - and if you're one of the unfortunate ones who do, you'll have pain pills with you to manage it.

I can't speak for bypass since I had the sleeve BUT I will echo the sentiment that I would do it again in a heartbeat! Its 100% worth the hard work and pain in the end. I had my sleeve done in March and am already almost down 100 of the 150 I want to lose! It's NOT the easy way out like some people think but its so so worth it. My quality of life has improved tenfold and blood pressure is in the healthy range again! Its not a small decision by any means so just do your research and read through the forums on here- they are full of support, testimonials, and great information!! Good luck on your journey!!

3 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I had it six years ago and lost over 200 lbs (although I should add that that's not very common - most people lose around 70% of their excess weight with it - but of course, that's just an average - you'll always find people who lose more or less than that).

I had a super easy recovery - and really no pain to speak of. It was more discomfort for a few days. I would say most people have little to no pain - and if you're one of the unfortunate ones who do, you'll have pain pills with you to manage it.

Thank you xx

I had bypass in December 2020. I lost 50 lbs. prior to surgery and have lost 110 lbs. since surgery. It's worth noting that I started with a BMI of almost 54. I've struggled with my weight all of my life. Over time, I developed Type 2 diabetes (which was getting worse) and sleep apnea. Although I was fully mobile, it was becoming more and more difficult to move around. I knew should I ever need joint replacement or fall, the future would not be pretty. Somehow, my blood pressure remained normal.

It has been a good decision for me. I still have 45 lbs. to lose before I would not be considered overweight. I don't know if I will ever reach that or not. My loss has slowed down, which is expected, but still trending downward. If I never lost another pound, I would be happy. Daily living is no longer a struggle. I have energy and feel well. I have been off all diabetes meds since surgery. There is no guarantee that this change will be forever but for now, diabetes is in "remission." I am on cholesterol medication and according to my PCP, will probably remain on that. I still use a CPAP although the pressure has been lowered.

Whatever decision you make, my advice is go to into it as a well-educated consumer. Read, research and talk with your PCP and/or specialists. I attribute my success to a well-grounded program that did not cut corners. I hated every minute of the preparation process and hoops I was required to jump through. I vowed I would never track my food. I thought I was unlikely to start to regularly exercise. I just wanted surgery to fix my problem and I wanted it now. But I now do all of what I said I never would. And I still have work to do. Surgery is a tool that can help. But it doesn't fix your brain. If you don't actually use the tool they way it's intended, it won't work.

I've found this site to be the most helpful with members providing accurate and helpful advice. Be aware of other sites. I also participate in some Facebook groups where I am amazed at the blatantly incorrect advice given. It has also made me aware that there are many programs or surgeons who will be happy to take your business but offer little preparation or long-term support.

Thank you for all your advice.

Some of it is a complete mirror of my situation.

It is a huge amount of money to pay but my health needs to come first.

I shall continue my research but you are an inspiration to me

Thank you

Xxx

I have never regretted my choice.

I believe that my success comes down to how my team approached post-op life as learning a new lifestyle. The weight on the scale was secondary to how I was doing on the plan, how I felt, and what issues I needed help with. The RNY was a tool to support the new lifestyle. This is NOT a crash diet.

Ultimately I lost about a 1/4 ton of excess weight. I've done things I never thought I wanted to do.

Any WLS is forever. It's not a sprint. It's a marathon.

Good luck,

Tek

I had the bypass 10 days ago. I wouldn't say recovery is easy and pain pills just make me sleepy. That being said I still would do it again - and I was self pay. There are no obese elderly people plain and simple.

Hi, Grace... I'm six weeks from surgery. Including the pre-surgery diet, I have lost 40 pounds. More importantly, I'm wearing jeans 2 sizes smaller and shirts one size smaller. I wouldn't change my decision.

Still, I should tell you that I didn't realize what a change my new body would be. If I eat one or two bites too much, I might feel bad for half an hour. If I eat three or four bites too much, I might feel bad for an hour and a half. If I eat more than that, it might come back up.

It's also hard for me to stay properly hydrated. I used to get most of my water by drinking almost a quart at every meal. Now I'm not supposed to drink within half an hour of eating. I'm not quite used to keeping a water bottle with me and sipping constantly throughout the day.

If you need the surgery to be healthy, you should definitely do it. But you also need to appreciate how your lifw will change.

Hi, Grace... I'm six weeks from surgery. Including the pre-surgery diet, I have lost 40 pounds. More importantly, I'm wearing jeans 2 sizes smaller and shirts one size smaller. I wouldn't change my decision.
Still, I should tell you that I didn't realize what a change my new body would be. If I eat one or two bites too much, I might feel bad for half an hour. If I eat three or four bites too much, I might feel bad for an hour and a half. If I eat more than that, it might come back up.
It's also hard for me to stay properly hydrated. I used to get most of my Water by drinking almost a quart at every meal. Now I'm not supposed to drink within half an hour of eating. I'm not quite used to keeping a water bottle with me and sipping constantly throughout the day.
If you need the surgery to be healthy, you should definitely do it. But you also need to appreciate how your lifw will change.

It's been 3 weeks since my bypass surgery. I was told I had to have bypass surgery due to Severe Acid Reflux. I also had a high BMI of 44, Sleep Apnea, Severe Asthma, Severe Incontinence, High Blood Pressure, when dieting used several medicines and weight loss programs would loose 15 lbs at most and gain more back.

At first I said would not do it again due to throwing everything up that I drank or ate. Not been able to eat or drink much of anything. I lied though it is worth it all. I am hungry and then when I eat I get full very quickly.

I am holding on to the fact I am hoping I loose the weight that they say I will which they think 80 to 100 lbs. I am hoping it is the later of the two.

I can say positively my asthma is so much better, my Sleep Apnea is better not using machine and not snoring, my Incontinence is a ton better so far.

So yes do it, medically I say do it. Just to lose weight no.

On 7/16/2021 at 2:49 PM, catwoman7 said:

I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I had it six years ago and lost over 200 lbs (although I should add that that's not very common - most people lose around 70% of their excess weight with it - but of course, that's just an average - you'll always find people who lose more or less than that).

I had a super easy recovery - and really no pain to speak of. It was more discomfort for a few days. I would say most people have little to no pain - and if you're one of the unfortunate ones who do, you'll have pain pills with you to manage it.

On 7/16/2021 at 5:59 PM, Maisey said:

I had bypass in December 2020. I lost 50 lbs. prior to surgery and have lost 110 lbs. since surgery. It's worth noting that I started with a BMI of almost 54. I've struggled with my weight all of my life. Over time, I developed Type 2 diabetes (which was getting worse) and sleep apnea. Although I was fully mobile, it was becoming more and more difficult to move around. I knew should I ever need joint replacement or fall, the future would not be pretty. Somehow, my blood pressure remained normal.

It has been a good decision for me. I still have 45 lbs. to lose before I would not be considered overweight. I don't know if I will ever reach that or not. My loss has slowed down, which is expected, but still trending downward. If I never lost another pound, I would be happy. Daily living is no longer a struggle. I have energy and feel well. I have been off all diabetes meds since surgery. There is no guarantee that this change will be forever but for now, diabetes is in "remission." I am on cholesterol medication and according to my PCP, will probably remain on that. I still use a CPAP although the pressure has been lowered.

Whatever decision you make, my advice is go to into it as a well-educated consumer. Read, research and talk with your PCP and/or specialists. I attribute my success to a well-grounded program that did not cut corners. I hated every minute of the preparation process and hoops I was required to jump through. I vowed I would never track my food. I thought I was unlikely to start to regularly exercise. I just wanted surgery to fix my problem and I wanted it now. But I now do all of what I said I never would. And I still have work to do. Surgery is a tool that can help. But it doesn't fix your brain. If you don't actually use the tool they way it's intended, it won't work.

I've found this site to be the most helpful with members providing accurate and helpful advice. Be aware of other sites. I also participate in some Facebook groups where I am amazed at the blatantly incorrect advice given. It has also made me aware that there are many programs or surgeons who will be happy to take your business but offer little preparation or long-term support.

thank you for all your experiences.

I'm much happier hearing from people who have actually been there and done it. It makes me feel more positive that in my dark hours which I know I'm going to have I have people who have been there and hopefully help me through.

I wish you all health and happiness

Xxxx