MarinaGirl

Sagging skin is inevitable for most successful bariatric patients. The only way to resolve it is with plastic surgery. I’m 5’8” and weigh 125 lbs. I look good (not too thin/skeletal) but am hoping that I can get PS one of these days. I would like an arm lift and tummy tuck. For now, I’m doing lots of Bikram hot yoga to improve my posture and develop muscle tone and flexibility. OP: i can’t imagine trying to gain weight when you’re not malnourished. Your body will find its new set point. I worry that doing what you’re doing will result in bad habits and greater weight gain than you desire, resulting in worsening health and inability to maintain weight loss long term.

I did gastric bypass alone. I went to Tijuana, Mexico by myself and then traveled home 6 days later where I cared for myself for another 2 weeks. I did fine. The only things I did ahead of time were to clean the house thoroughly, do all the laundry, stock up on fluids & food per plan and other household essentials (tp, soap, shampoo, cleaning supplies, etc), refill all prescriptions, fill up the gas tank in my car, and pay bills. Then all I needed to do during recovery was relax, walk, get in all my fluids, watch tv, read, and sleep. It turned out to be very uneventful.

I was also told to not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for the first 4 weeks post-op, and to go slow with adding in activities. You may want to try that approach since your recent experience did not go well. Aren’t you just 2 weeks post-op? Be kind and reasonable with yourself; you just had major surgery.

Are you trying to sleep on your stomach or back?

Dr. Ayoola is one of the BEST DS surgeons in the US; you’re in great hands!!

Have you tried taking Miralax everyday (assuming your surgeon approves)? This was recommended to me in the early post-op days/weeks when constipation is not uncommon. Also try getting in MORE than 64 oz of water a day, and walking as much as possible.

I really like UNJURYunflavored protein powder. It is is medical quality Whey Protein Isolate, which is often tolerable for people that are lactose intolerant. I also like their chicken soup flavor protein and Ready-To-Drink products. https://www.unjury.com/products.html

FAGE Total 2% plain yogurt has 20g of protein.

Absolutely not. I don’t regret gastric bypass, and don’t wish I had VSG.

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your DS story. I’m having surgery with Dr K at the end of the month so it’s great to hear how much he checks up on his patients. Take care.

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen in Beverly Hills is a great plastic surgeon whose practice is focused on WLS patients. He does excellent work and definitely would do lift and implants together.

Hazem A. Elariny, MD, PhD, FACS in Vienna, VA is a top notch DS (two anastomosis) surgeon. Website: https://alagsa.com/

I do not have stinky gas or BMs post-gastric bypass.

I’m confused, did you have a revision from VSG to RNY and still have reflux or did you just have a VSG? I’m so sorry you’re still struggling with GERD. Are you working with a top notch Gastroenterologist to figure it out, have you had a recent EGD to see what may be the root cause, and are you taking any PPIs?

Are you in the hospital? If so, have you asked for pain meds? It will get better but you may need pain management for a few days. Walking helps, and as much as you may not want to do it, do it anyways as it will help dissipate the CO2 gas that was pumped into your abdomen during surgery.

Wear compression knee highs on the plane to minimize the risk of DVT blood clot(s).

It is not just luck of the draw. Real factors that influence ease of recovery are: surgeon’s skill, patient’s age, pre-existing health issues, general anesthesia and pain tolerance, family/home support, dehydration, smoking, mental health,... The best ways to mitigate surgical risks are to follow pre-op diet and instructions very closely, so no food funerals, be honest with your surgeon on your health history, and to walk and sip water as soon as you’re supposed to do so post-op.

Background: I’ve had GERD for many many years, long time Prilosec user, and a family history of esophageal cancer. I had MGB surgery in April 2017 and it resolved my acid reflux, but in Dec 2017 an EGD showed bile reflux, and then in April 2018 an EGD showed Barrett’s Esophagus and a hiatal hernia, which I never had before. Two different surgeons have recommended conversion to RNY to correct the reflux and to repair the hernia, so I will be having both of these procedures at the end of the month. I am also low normal BMI right now so I hope I don’t lose too much weight after surgery. I’m looking forward to being free of all symptoms and resolution of pre-cancerous cells!

Congrats on your fabulous weight loss and exercise commitment! I hope you’re also working with a therapist to improve your self image and to learn to set appropriate boundaries with your family. All the best; you’re an inspiration to others in our community.

Not necessarily true. What you put in your mouth is crucial to weight loss, not exercise. In fact, exercise has been shown to increase one’s appetite so you should be aware of the possibility. There is not a definitive exercise requirement for bariatric post-ops. Where exercise is most helpful is for stress relief and general health, and to maintain weight loss after you reach goal.

You may also want to talk to your physician about Vyvanse, which is often prescribed to treat Binge-Eating Disorder (BED).

Are you consuming a minimum of 64 oz of water a day? If not, you’re probably dehydrated. You need to set an alarm to go off every 15 mins to remind yourself to drink. Expecting your body to give you a signal is not an effective strategy. Hydration post-op is your #1 priority, more than food or vitamins. You have to focus on it so you don’t end up back in the hospital.

Taking a sip of orange juice does not prevent gastritis or an ulcer; instead, it may just indicate a possible problem if it causes discomfort. I eat yogurt everyday too but it also doesn’t prevent reflux. I eat it because I like the taste & consistency, and it is a great protein source. My MGB surgeon did the extra step that is supposed to minimize bile reflux but it does not necessarily work. The high incidence of bile reflux is a physics issue, not a skill level of the surgeon issue.

Intubation during surgery can cause a minor sore throat so that is probably why you felt awful after drinking extra hot broth. For the next week or so, try not to drink overly hot liquids until your throat irritation calms down.

Have you called your bariatric surgeon for guidance? I didn’t experience dry heaving post-op, nor did I have any post-op nausea either. Are you dehydrated by any chance? Regardless, call your doctor for advice. Good luck.