MarinaGirl

GERD is a serious issue so doing what you can to address it is the right decision. Taking PPIs may mask symptoms of reflux BUT acid/bile will still be damaging the cells in your esophagus, which puts you at risk for Barrett’s Esophagus and/or esophageal cancer. I think you should trust your doctor that your body won’t end up malnourished. Even if you get to a low normal or underweight BMI initially, the chance of it lasting long term is low. I speak from experience. I’m “model thin” right now as I’ve been struggling with GERD (for 10+ years), a hiatal hernia and a diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus 4 months ago, even post-MGB. But I’ve recently had hernia repair surgery with Nissen Fundoplication so am very optimistic of my long term outcome, as are my physicians. I will not be eating crap or large quantities of food to gain weight as that could lead to poor eating habits and gaining too much weight. I take all of my required vitamins and minerals and everyone should do the same post-gastric bypass; otherwise, you could cause an untold number of health issues.

Don’t be an over-sharer, especially with people at work. You do not need to tell anyone you’re having surgery (of any kind). Many people transform themselves, with or without surgery, and how you did it is not something you’re obligated to divulge.

You’re eating too big a bite, or not chewing it enough, or eating too fast. Stick to VERY small bites that you masticate to consistency of applesauce.

Do you go around sharing details of every surgery or medical procedure you’ve had? I don’t think you need to tell most people about your medical history and doctor-approved treatment(s). TMI. Do you expect all the men you know to divulge issues with their prostates or hearts, or women with their ovaries or other internal organs (for example)? It is no one else’s business but your own. As well, people don’t need to know why you eat the way you do. Again, none of their business. I advocate that you be as circumspect as possible.

Biotin is a waste of money, doesn’t aid hair regrowth, and taking it may interfere with lab results per the FDA.

IMO, someone with pre-existing conditions of GERD and hiatal hernia should go with RNY instead of VSG. Note that the purported surgical risk differential between the two surgeries is very small.

Could it be GERD-related? Have you had an EGD lately? Have you been evaluated for a hiatal hernia?

Have you tried taking H2 Blockers while trying to wean off PPIs? I’ve heard that can help one get over rebound reflux while tapering down.

Try some dates and see how you feel. I am able to eat dried fruit, including dates, post-gastric bypass. They do not cause bloating, GI distress, or dumping for me. YMMV However, are dates a trigger food for you? Can you eat just 1-2? If not, then you may want to abstain for awhile. You’re still in the weight loss phase, instead of maintenance, so you will need to determine if for you they’re a hindrance or not to dropping more lbs.

No need for in person follow ups as I didn’t have any complications post-op. I did have some questions, which the surgeon and his staff kindly answered. My PCP has been supportive and runs all my labs to ensure my vitamins and supplements are the right doses for me.

OP: Have you tried therapy to address your emotional/overeating tendencies? And is your “hunger” actual physical hunger OR could it be head hunger, due to GERD, or are you still chasing the full feeling you had with the band? Relying on appetite suppressants after so many WLS procedures will also not address the root cause(s) of your weight gain. One’s pouch or sleeve is just a tool and long term success must include healthy eating and portion control. Good luck!

Could just be nerves regenerating.

I recommend switching to unsweetened almond milk and plain yogurt, and no Cheerios during the weight loss period. And have you added up your daily protein total with an app like MyFitnessPal yet? It seems like it may be less than 60g per day.

I wonder if your small hiatal hernia is actually larger than it appears on imaging?

Has a GI doctor ever assessed you for and recommended a Nissen fundoplication, which is a surgical procedure to treat GERD disease and hiatal hernia? PPIs just take mask symptoms but don’t resolve root cause, so you may need to address the underlying issues in order to correct painful GERD symptoms. GERD is no joke and needs to be managed by clinicians with extensive experience with it in bariatric patients. Your RNY surgeon may not be the best person for this. I speak from experience with this myself. I recently had a hiatal hernia repaired, which appeared small on imaging, but was much larger in the operating room. A new revision surgeon fixed the HH and added the fundoplication. I’ve been dealing with this issue for years and am finally optimistic I may be on the mend for good.

OP: I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds complicated and confusing. I would get a second opinion from another bariatric practice that has extensive revision experience. They’re the best ones to guide you and provide accurate medical assessment, not us random folks on the Internet. Good luck.

This will NOT work. You can use Uber/Lyft to get TO the hospital but not FROM. When you check-in for an EGD (or other sedation procedure), the clinician’s office will ask you for the name and number of the person taking you home. If you can’t supply this info they will most likely cancel the procedure.

What are your calories like per day? Are you tracking what you’re eating with an app like MyFitnessPal? I like this quote, “Weight loss happens in the kitchen, not the gym.”

This is not necessarily true. Patients are expected to find an adult to take them home after a procedure with twilight sedation. I’ve never heard of an insurance company picking up the transportation costs after an EGD.

There is a type of non-emergency medical transportation called cabulance that you could look into. I used one after an EGD a few years ago when I couldn’t find someone (last minute) to take me home after the procedure. It was self-pay.

You look good George, really. It sounds like you’ve put in some effort to save your marriage but if your wife is not interested then it is for naught. I think you should immediately do what you can to protect the family assets as any further spending could impact having optimal resources to care for your child. Do not let your wife’s spending habits impact your credit another day. Good luck.

You do not need to take chewable or bariatric-marketed vitamins post-op. You can take regular vitamins and if they’re too big use a pill cutter to make them smaller.

Fluids are more important than vitamins at this point. You don’t want to become dehydrated. If slacking on vitamins for the next month makes it easier to get in your 64 oz than that may be a decent temporary solution. BUT review this with your surgeon first. As well, you may want to play around with beverage temps. Some patients do better with hot fluids, others iced, and others tepid. And don’t be afraid to try other protein ready-to-drink options or make your own protein drinks. I recommend purchasing some from stores that have generous return policies (e.g. GNC , Vitamin Shoppe) as it may take some trial and error to figure out the ones most palatable to you.

I’m having GI surgery this week and was told the allowable clear liquids the day before surgery are water, apple juice, white grape juice, broth (no residue), and clear gelatin.

I have not vomited in the 16 months since gastric bypass. Nor was I nauseous from the general anesthesia. Thankfully, general anesthesia has never caused me any problems. Hope your surgery went well!