mrskchelle

I, too, used to have the band. I had about 2 years between the time I had all of my fluid removed (due to a band slippage) and the day I had my RNY conversion. It has seriously been the best thing ever. I was so worried it would be this huge life change and it simply has not been. I guess I was comparing it to the awful experience I had with the band and NEVER being able to eat anything normal and certainly not even drinking before 2 pm. It simply has been a very much welcomed change into normal eating. I don't feel like I've been a slower loser due to the revision. It has been 6 months since my surgery and i am down 82 lbs with about 20 more pounds to go until I'm at my goal weight. Best decision ever for me. Good luck to you!

Love this. Thank you for sharing. : ))

I'm not super active on here, but you ALL have been a huge inspiration and motivation for me. I had my surgery on June 26 (band to bypass), starting weight 245 on my surgery date. While overall, I feel like this has been an good experience and much more natural than lap band, there have been some trying emotional moments! It all was worth it this morning when I hit my first goal! Can't wait to get to my goal weight. For the first time, I feel like it may be achievable. Congrats to you all on your success and thanks for the support!

Thanks everyone!!

That is wonderful! Dr. Barker did my surgery last month! I have nothing but great things to say as well. He is the best! Congratulations on your long term success and best wishes to your daughter.

I, too, am a band to bypass patient. So far, my RNY has been a breeze compared to the band. With my band, I couldn't even get liquids down much before 2 pm, much less any food! Now, I don't have to wait for my pouch to "open up," but I can drink anytime and eat normal healthy food slowly. With my band, I was only able to get high calories foods down (shakes, cheese dip, creamy soups). My experience has been so much better. I paid $19,500 for my surgery. I could have done it for $17500, but chose to go with the more experienced and one of the most reputable surgeons in Texas which 2k more. I have no complaints. I'm 5 weeks out and down 30 lbs. Good luck to ya!

I know this has been discussed at some point, maybe even several times. But I need protein shake help. I am 4 weeks out and still on the pureed stage. I am sooo beyond tired of protein shakes. I've been buying premade ones because they seem smoother and not so foamy, But I am to the point where when I take drink I gag! I can't stand the flavor anymore and when I make them myself, it's even worse. They come out very foamy. . I have several powders at home including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and unflavored. Any recommendations or tips? Unfortunately, I am only getting about 30 g of protein in a day because of this problem I'm having. I just wish they made a protein pill. LOL. Thanks in advance for any help you may offer.

I know this situation is tough. I have been on both sides of the situation. 3 years ago, my mother in law had her bypass. We are so very close, but it was so hard for me to watch her lose and lose weight when I was not and I was even gaining. Something about seeing your mother in law skinnier than you is very hard. Maybe it was pride or maybe it just was a constant reminder of how overweight I was and how little I was doing about it. Now, here I am, on the other side of my surgery (3 weeks out today) and I recognize how I acted and felt. And yes, it is jealousy, but not necessarily because they don't want you skinny and healthier, but more so because they feel insecure and defeated about their own situation. Just hang in there. It's very likely, the newness of your surgery will wear off and they will start being normal again. If not, there are certainly other people who will be a strong support to you and share in your victories. Best of luck to you!

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one not feeling the feeling of being full. I never feel hungry really. And like the others, when I eat, I just stop when I think I should. So this is normal? I am a revision from a lap band and with that, there was sooo much restriction you knew if you took another bite you were gonna be sick. So I have enjoyed not experiencing that with my bypass, just wanted to make sure I was normal! Also, I had surgery on 6/19.

Thank you!!

Ok, good deal. I was also wondering how long it takes before it's effective? Usually with my pills, my doc always said 1 week, is it the same? Sorry, I'm kind of uneducated about the Nuvaring. I didn't have an appt with my dr, they just called it in for me so I didn't really have the chance to ask questions! I appreciate your help!

Just saw this thread - I, like many others, am going the Nuvaring route. My question is at what point can I start it? I am 2 weeks post op. I didn't know if I need to wait 30 days or so to minimize the blood clot risk after surgery. Thanks! HW: 245 SW: 233 CW: 222

It's great to see everyone doing so well! my surgery was June 19 so I had my 1 week follow up yesterday and had my staples removed! I am down 20 lbs since 1 week before my surgery. Down to 225 and am starting to see my clothes fit looser. As far as pain goes, I feel pretty good most of the time. Every once in a while, I'll do something I shouldn't and will feel like my abdominal muscle are being ripped apart. Not fun! I'm still on thick liquids and my biggest challenge is finding protein shakes/powder that I like. I did find that if I mix the powder with Greek yogurt and a little skim milk, vanilla extract, and ice then put it in the freezer for a little while, it tastes pretty good. Anyway, sorry for the rambling! Just checking in and congrats to all of you!!

Thanks!! Congratulations to you too!

Surgery was Wednesday morning and I am getting ready to be discharged. So far, no complications! I just hope it stays that way. My neck and throat have been pretty sore and I think may a combo if the anesthesia and uncomfortable hospital bed. I do feel like I have a little bit of congestion in my cheat and they told me that was normal. I am soooo glad to be on the other side of this!!

Thank you so so much!! I know it will be worth it!

OMG, surgery (band to bypass) is in 3 days!! I'm starting to freak out. This is normal, right?? I'm so excited and trying not to let my nerves get the best of me and doubt my decision. It has helped so much reading your stories so far and seeing that you've made it through it ok! Prayers appreciated!

I'm not sure if this is the place to join, but I just found this forum today and what awesome information I've found! It has also been great to see that everyone so far has had pretty good experiences. I am having surgery on 6/19 (revision from lap band). I am 30 years old, mother to two little ones and I'm super nervous, but feel peace about my decision. I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you!