Band to Bypass Surgery coming up...SCARED

[MaryRN66 49]

On 7/30/2022 at 6:40 PM, CDMC1972 said:

Hello! I am in the process of converting from a band to another type of WLS. I got the band in June 2009, and had it removed in June 2021, due to complications with acid reflux. I met with my surgeon in May of this year to discuss a revision. Due to the issues with the band, he doesn't recommend the sleeve, but the bypass. I am nervous about the re-routing and the fact that I am almost 50. My current weight is 250 lbs. Would you be able to share some of your experiences/challenges before, during and after the revision surgery? I have completed most of my clearances and will meet with the surgeon on September 1st--I think during that visit we will discuss my surgery date and the type of surgery.

I appreciate any insight you can provide.

Thank you!

The bypass went really well. Less pain than I experienced with the band procedure (weird, I know!) and the weight is coming off at a steady pace. Gotta keep myself in check and not get comfortable and start snacking on the wrong foods or thinking I'm home free. The one big plus...being able to eat fruit again! With the band, it never seemed to pass through and I love fruits! I need to increase my veggie intake to be the majority of my meals and summer time being so hot this year, I haven't been cooking the veggies in the oven to keep the house cool. But once it starts to cool down, I intent to go in on baking and air frying a whole bunch of fresh veggies.

My surgery was 2/3/22 and I have lost 46 pounds thus far and well on my way to my goal weight. I'm drinking 64-96 ounces of Water with crystal light lemonade (yummy) every day and this has been a HUGE help in keeping my appetite in check. I also stop eating by about 5 pm most nights which also has helped. I'm working out with water aerobics and calistenics at home so my body doesn't look like melted wax at the end of my body transformation.

The surgery was the easy part though it was the part I was most fearful about. I have a life to live and plans to enjoy my getting older years with my amazing husband. I hope the same for you!

[CDMC1972 4]

I really appreciate your response to my question. I'm almost complete with my clearances. I met with my surgeon next month and I'm sure we'll discuss the surgery and surgery date. My 50th birthday is Oct. 29th, so I am hoping we can decide on a date in November or December! I wish you much success with your weight loss journey, and I will keep you posted regarding my surgery. Thank you!

Have a great remainder of your day!

[MaryRN66 49]

You will do great! This bypass is the best thing I've done for myself and I am already at a lower weight (by over 10 lbs) than I achieved with the band many years before over a much longer period of time. One thing I learned is you have to get the right Multi-Vitamin. I originally bought a MVM from this site and though it was touted to be the bomb, my labs came back veeeeerrrrry low on Iron. The MVM I bought originally did not have near what my dietician said we need. She recommended Celebrate One 45 multi and I started taking and my followup blood labs are stop on!

My body is transforming into a body I haven't had most of my adult life and thanks to light workouts each day (15 -20 minutes) I am not getting the "melted wax" look that so many of us significantly overweight women get after bypass and weight loss. My doctor said it's due to sticking with good hydration in addition to working out so my skin stays healthy by being hydrated and can suck in as I slowly lose the weight.

I am very excited for you. Please check in from time to time.

Blessings,

Mary

[CDMC1972 4]

Thank you for your encouraging words! I am nearing the end of all my pre-op clearances; I will keep you posted on my progress.

Have a Blessed evening.

Catina