My GI Doc mentioned something to me about gastric bypass and eliminating GERD. I do not know any one personally who had had the procedure but I am wanting to know if the life shift worth it.

Thanks

Mara

Edited July 28, 2025Jul 28 by marnatbee

I had mine done privately in the UK.

On the whole I'm glad I had it done. I've maintained weight loss, though i still need to take care around food choices, I'm a slim to medium build and happy with it after 9 years). I'm healthier, move better, more active and enjoy wearing nice clothes!

However, there are a number of things I wasn't properly informed about before the op.

1. Danger of something called Petersen's hernias. Look it up. I had them and because they are rare outside of ex bariatric patients (and before new peptic ulcer treatments, post ulcer surgeries), and need cti to diagnose them, I had six months of pain - and real danger of strangulated bowel, which can be fatal- before it was operated on.

2. Malnutrition- I was told I'd need b12 injections as I would not absorb b12 tablets 'as well'. I wasn't told that meant 1%, so I was more careless than I should have been with supplements and injections. I'm horrified at the danger of real permanent damage I caused myself by going a long time between injections. (Over two years!).If properly informed I wouldn't have taken that risk with my health.

3. How difficult food and eating become. I wish is had more help with the psychology behind my obesity and my relationship with food.

   That's It really. On balance it's a yes. But I wish id known more about the effects of malabsorbtiion before the op.

Ez

I had my bypass 10 years ago and would do it again in a heartbeat. No problems or issues (other than a stricture early out - which happens to about 5-8% of us and is an easy fix), and I lost a crap ton of weight. A majority of us don't have complications and for those who do, most are minor and "fixable". I'm so happy I had this done. I'd go back and have it done every year if I had to! My life is so much better now!

Depends on what you're looking for. The surgery did help me lose weight and I am healthier, with no GERD; however, I also had another surgery exactly 1 year post surgery due to twisted bowel obstruction emergency surgery from scar tissue (Was never told could happen). I also traded the GERD for lactose intolerance :( .

Your body loses weight but your mind is still in the big suit mindset so for me both good and bad but overall, I would do it again for my overall health. I heard for almost a year and a half that I was getting "to little, I must be sick" to now 2 years post-surgery and finally at a good point of steady holding weight balance. Point being make the surgery about you, not your looks not for others no to be accepted, because either way your gonna hear negative comments about yourself. There are benefits and downfalls to either way you go.

It has to be a personal choice with goals, reasons and maintaining love for yourself.

Edited August 18, 2025Aug 18 by Horrella