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Hi there! I’m 38 years old in Central California. Married to my absolute best friend with the most awesome little dudes (ages 4 and 2). I’ve battled with my weight my entire life. No joke, my mom put me on my first diet in the 3rd grade, which likely set off the years of self hatred and body shaming. About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (via endoscopy), and as of late it’s really gotten significantly worse. I just had another endoscopy on Tuesday and I am awaiting results. Anyhow, since my gastroenterologist suggested I might consider bariatric surgery, as that’s the only way they will repair the hiatal hernia at my current weight (304.6)...it’s all I can think about and am doing as much research as I can. I also signed up for an online seminar at the bariatric office at my local hospital. They do three surgeries at the hospital, lap band, sleeve, and gastric bypass. I’m leaning toward the sleeve, but honestly I just don’t know which is the best option (I don’t want to do lap band, just because I’ve read that it’s not as effective at losing weight). Anyhow, can you tell me a little about your experiences with sleeve or bypass. I only know two people that have had bariatric surgery, and they both have glowing reviews... But I know it’s not all sunshine and lollipops for everyone. Thanks in advance!

oh yea - those early WLS procedures were risky. They don't do any of those anymore because of the risks. A lot of people nowadays who aren't aware of this freak out when you tell them you're having WLS, because they're remembering the days when those surgeries were really dangerous. They just aren't anymore. They do them completely differently now, and they're supposedly extremely safe - much safer than say, hip replacement surgeries, which they do pretty much all the time. I had almost zero pain with my surgery, and the majority of us don't (some do, but they're in the minority). This is likely to be much easier for you than the C-sections were.

Thank you on the congrats. The baby was my deciding factor in choosing to go through with Bariatric surgery. I want to be able to run after my grand baby! I ended up telling my daughter to have her best friend in charge with me as the secondary person. So it looks like that will be the case.

I was taking Ursodiol whole at about three weeks out. Everything else I took whole the day I got home from the hospital.

@INEEDABUDDY No hernia, the results came out all good. But my system did NOT like that drink. Jealous of your 20 minute test, ha ha...

You look awesome! You could totally go out in public in that! Great job!

Thank you everyone!! When I look at myself in the mirror I see some changes, but when I look at the photos, I can really see the difference!!

That sucks cause some of us dont want that. Thank you Sticky Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

My bypass is tomorrow!!! Glad to hear so many people doing so well after surgery! I'm praying for the same!!

you'll most likely have loose skin. But I think I can speak for the majority of us when I say that looking back, we probably shouldn't have wasted a lot of brain cells worrying about the loose skin. Most of us would take the loose skin ANY DAY over being 100 - or 200 - or whatever pounds overweight. The loose skin is a pretty minor issue when you look at the big picture. Plus for most of us, it's pretty easy to hide in clothes. And if it REALLY bothers you, plastic surgery will take care of it. So I know it's hard to believe now, but the loose skin should NOT be your biggest fear. Being 100+ lbs overweight should be. here I am, after my initial loss of 235 lbs (I've since gained 12 lbs), with tons of loose skin. See it? Doesn't it look awful?