Vagrant Violet

Hey, all, After years and years of putting off surgery, I finally underwent a gastric bypass procedure on November 6 of this year. On one hand, I was pleasantly surprised that I really did not suffer any significant pain or complications, etc. However, since I have been feeling well (and perhaps overly confident), over the past few days, there were a few instances when I inadvertently drank my few protein shakes too fast (which were made with a mixed base of water, skim milk, Isopure, and half a banana (which my NUT has approved), to the point where I felt a tinge of discomfort. Moreover, I admit that I was being rather foolish because I did not really measure the amount of liquid that I put into the blender before downing the shake (I imagine close to about 10 -11 oz?). Too much, I know. Although I would not say that I was in pain, I am now incredibly worried that I have already messed up my surgery and stretched out my stoma. I have already promised myself that from now on, I will measure everything that I consume, but I am concerned that the damage has been done, so to speak. Does anyone have any advice (like a pouch reset)? Has anyone experienced something similar? Am I being overly paranoid? :( Thank you all in advance, V.V.

I am scheduled to undergo a gastric bypass on December 20. While I am looking forward to starting a new, healthier chapter in my life, I have to admit that I am starting to get cold feet. One of the main reasons for this is because of the disapproval of two people with whom I am very close, my mother and my sister. I told my sister about the surgery date (which is right around the corner), and she became very upset. She feels that I can lose my excess weight (about 100 lbs+) without surgery, that I will not be able to adapt well (at least psychologically speaking) to the changes that weight loss surgery requires. I think that a part of that is due to the clinical depression that I have suffered from for years now, and the potential of the WLS interfering with my meds that I take for it. Moreover, she brought up the point that I have a history of being impulsive and not following through (which, in some cases in my life, I can't deny). At the end of our conversation, she left it at, "... but it's ultimately your decision," as if resigning herself to what she thinks is going to be a major mistake on my part. My mom's reaction was similar, but I couldn't even bring myself to tell her about when I have my surgery scheduled... and I *hate* not being 100% truthful with anyone, especially my family. I know that I am an independent adult and, at the end of the day, I need to make my own decisions and live with the consequences (whether they are positive or negative), but I hate feeling like I am defying the people who I love or am letting them down. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What was the outcome? Any words of wisdom? Anything at all??? Thank you all in advance. - Vagrant Violet

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied, your words and insights are very, VERY appreciated! One of the main reasons why I am going to be doing the bypass and am not considering the sleeve is because I am very susceptible to GERD (I had absolutely HORRIBLE GERD during my pregnancy that got me in major hot Water on an international flight... I was coughing so badly that people thought I had tuberculosis! But that's a whole other story! I digress). Anyways... I have read up on my meds and spoken to my psychologist and psychiatrist (not associated with the medical center/team that will be performing the surgery). I have also been upfront with the team about my history of depression and my imperative need for my meds to be able to work. Thankfully, the two medications that I take are NOT extended release drugs, so as long as I am closely monitored by my doctors and psychiatrist, the idea is that I (hopefully) will not have complications on that front. I have read up on the operation and pre/post op care a great deal. This has been something that I have been contemplating since about a year and a half ago. However, despite understanding the risks (physical, psychological, or otherwise) that hard to feel like I am making a selfish decision that is hurting people I love. I'll be honest, I think that my biggest worry is not a medical complication, but how the people closest to me are taking it. I know that their hearts are in the right place and that their intentions are honorable, which makes this decision that much harder. I am keeping my upcoming surgery on a need-to-know basis with almost everyone, but I felt the need to be upfront with my mom and sister, two of the most important people in the world to me. In any case, thank you all so much again for your input! Very sincerely, VV

Hi, all! In a couple of hours, I am going to see a surgeon to find out more information about getting a gastric bypass done. I have to be honest here- I'm a bit nervous. It has been difficult for me to come to this important decision, but I feel that it's gotten to the point where it is undeniable that I need help with my health and my weight. One of the main issues keeping me from pursuing this 110% has been my three and a half year old son, who has special needs and has to attend therapies a few times a week. I worry because I might not be able to help him or to be as hands on with him as much as he needs (or even pick him up), and don't want it to all fall on my husband's shoulders (and neither does he). My in-laws still work and my own family lives in another country, so I don't have too many resources as far as reliable childcare goes. It's hard to shake the feeling that I am putting myself before my son, before my family. For fellow working moms with young kids who have had WLS done, I'm just curious- Was it difficult on your children/spouse? Did you feel any guilt? If so, how did you deal with it? Was it hard for the family to adjust to all the changes? Very sincerely, Violet PS- It's hard for me to coherently explain all the details that went into this situation (too many) but if any of you are interesting in reading my story/blog post about this, here it is: http://vagrantviolet.com/2016/10/loving-thick-thin/

Hello, everyone! This is my very first post on the message boards. I wanted to ask for your opinions, tips, feedback, and ideas regarding choosing one WLS (ie. Gastric Bypass) over another WLS (ie. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). Here's the deal: I live abroad where thankfully my procedure will be covered since I have a BMI of about 43, so factors like cost are not an issue. Apart from being obese, I am relatively healthy (no chronic conditions) and am 32 yrs old. I work as a teacher, so though I sometimes move around while I am teaching throughout the classroom, I can still afford to sit down most of the time while at work (keeping in mind my needed recovery time). I have downloaded "The Big Book On the Gastric Sleeve" and also "The Big Book on Gastric Bypass," as well as skimmed various articles online. I am honestly very much on the fence as to which procedure would be best for me. Yes, books are helpful, but every case is unique and distinct. I've gone back and forth in these forums, but I would really like to hear from y'all regarding which procedure you chose, why you chose it over the other, pros, cons, and whether you have any regrets. Any/all feedback would be very appreciated. Thank you!!!

Hi, everyone, I wanted to ask those who have had gastric bypass what the greatest challenge(s) have been for you, whether they are physical, social, emotional, mental, etc. I am at a point in my life when I know that I truly need a tool to help me to lose weight, hence the reason that I am contemplating WLS so seriously, but I am wary of the long-term changes that must take place to be successful. Yes, I've been reading up on side effects and specific, permanent changes that I would have to make (whether it's never being able to chew gum again, needing to say goodbye to high-fat/sugar foods forever, and so on). However, there's a difference between reading stats and facts from a book versus hearing it straight from the horse's mouth. I would very much like to hear directly from those who have undergone WLS (especially those who are no longer in the "honeymoon phase") what has been the greatest challenge for you? Perhaps being able to commit to working out "x" number of times a week to maintain? Social events? Dealing with less-than-supportive family/friends? Thank you all very much in advance! <3