Brandi.

Okay people. I need some recommendations. In Dec 2017 I had the sleeve and Feb 2018 I was converted to the Bypass due to complications. I’m down about 65 lbs. After the healing stages I had SO much energy and felt great, I was hitting the gym, etc.. The past few weeks I’m exhausted. All I want to do is sleep and when I’m not sleeping my eyes burn from being so tired. I take multivitamins, vitamin D, B12 (liquid), iron, and biotin every day. I tried to incorporate Zinc for hair loss, but it makes me sick. Oh, and I do get my protein in everyday. I just had blood work and nothing is low except RBW and BUN/creatitine. Is there anything else I can do to help? Is there a magical supplement out there that will aid in increasing my energy? Being able to function at work and at home would be great. Any help would be nice, thanks! Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 194 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

I have been debating on posting all of this because I’m tired of living it day to day [emoji25] I am 4 weeks post op and feel like this is the most horrible decision I’ve made. Here is a list of what has been going on : - I am unable to drink anything other than water and sometimes apple juice or popsicles. Anything thicker comes right back up. Broth, flavored drinks, etc will not stay down. - I have acid that brings me to tears and wakes me up at night (all night), it makes me feel like I’m going to vomit fire. I am currently taking Prilosec, Zantac, Carafate, and Magic Mouthwash. - I’m exhausted because I’m not consuming any protein or other nutrients. I’m exhausted because I try to sleep sitting straight up. Any incline makes the acid worse. - I feel like there is a lump rising up right before I vomit and/or get the acid burn. My doctor is aware of everything that is going on. He said I’m in a small percent that gets this really bad GERD or reflux and later down the road we might have to do a sleeve to bypass revision. I’m really not okay with that option because I had complications after the sleeve surgery. He isn’t really worried about my lack of nutrients at this point because I’m “only” 4 weeks out. I know guys, only four weeks, but in all honesty I’m miserable 24 hours a day. I have kids, I have a full time job, and I seriously can’t continue like this. I was also told I now have sludge in my gallbladder so it may need to be removed later. If anyone can relate to this or tell me it will all be okay I would really appreciate it. I’m at my breaking point and am very disappointed in myself for electing to have this surgery.

The stricture is a narrowing or closing after operation. There’s no way to know if you would get one. the doctors can tell you the percentage of a chance that you may get one, but can’t guarantee anything. Personally from my experience with GERD/reflux I’m glad I was converted to the bypass. It felt like the same surgery as the sleeve and I’m adjusting better. Like I said - that’s just my experience.

Hello there, Yes, my surgery was at Medical City Dallas by Dr. Michael Sutker. The doctors and staff are very efficient. My experience with them was great even though I had complications. If I had to choose again I would still go back to them.

I have a huge container of chewable Celebrate multivitamins and Celebrate calcium. I also have a 5lb bag of vanilla Matrix protein mix. They have been opened and used once and I hate throw all that $$$ in the garbage. I just can’t stomach the taste of any of them. I am located in the Dallas area if there is anyone out there that could use them [emoji16] Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

I have had them for months and didn’t think of any of that. I’m on the high iron multi capsules and haven’t figured out calcium yet. I’m also take gel capsule vitamin D and liquid b12. Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 200 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

Someone already reached out for these. Thanks! Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

I can’t wait to eat solids again. This is now on my list of things to try! Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

I am so happy for you! I hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly! Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

Wow that’s really neat. The price isn’t bad either! Thanks for sharing! Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

I was sleeved on 12/14/17 and it was not a good choice for me. I ended up with severe reflux/GERD and a stricture that made life unbearable. I couldn’t eat or drink anything without vomiting. After having 3 endoscopies that didn’t last, my surgeon and I decided the best route was a sleeve to bypass revision. That was on 2/13/18 and I feel it was the best option for me. I haven’t had any heartburn or nausea since. As far as the pain/healing process goes this time around I’m more sore, but I’ve also had 2 major surgeries in two months. This was just my experience, but had I been more informed prior to my 1st surgery I would have gone with the bypass just based on the reflux relief. Height 5’6 HW - 275 SW - 265 CW - 209 GW - 150ish Sleeved 12/14/17 Revision to bypass due to complications 2/13/18

Since the bypass I have not had any heartburn or nausea. It’s been pretty amazing. My only regret is not having the bypass the first time around.

Best of luck to you! I know you’ll rock the surgery. Can’t wait to read your post op thread!

I just thought I’d let everyone know that my surgeon performed a sleeve to bypass revision on 2/13. I have more pain than I did with the sleeve, but feel like a new person.

I’m back to post another update. My endoscopy only lasted EIGHT days before the stricture returned. This time I knew I would soon be a vomiting lethargic mess. So, I got in to the GI 3 days after it returned and by day 5 I was under for another endoscopy. Well that was on 2/1/18. I had a follow up with my surgeon on 2/5/18 and felt great. I was actually eating more than just water. Well guess what guys! Today is 2/6/18 and the stricture has returned. That’s right. The balloon stretch only lasted 4 days [emoji20][emoji24]. My surgeon and I discussed all of my options yesterday if this were to happen again. We both decided if it lasted only a few weeks (now days) then we would convert from a sleeve to a bypass. If this last procedure had lasted longer we would have done it again, but I can’t keep taking off of work for the procedures and not to mention they are costly. I’m hesitant to call my doctor and relay the bad news. Partially because I don’t want it to be my reality. But I have to do what’s going to make me better long term. Wish me luck? Give advice? Idk anymore lol Thanks for reading [emoji5]

Hello everyone, Monday I had another upper GI which did show I had a stricture. I was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday. Thursday they did an endoscopy with balloon to open the stricture. I was released yesterday (Saturday) since my vomiting and heartburn was under control. So I’m out and I feel SO much better. I actually slept through the night last night and woke up early today. The doctor did send me home on raglan and lorazepam to help everything move through my stomach. My only issue now is figuring out what my stomach can handle so that I can meal prep for work this week. Thank you all for checking in on me and getting me all of the great advice and support !!

I called the doctors office and left a message through the answering service. The on call dr called me back. He is going to try to direct admit me tomorrow. He said I probably need the upper GI done and will see about putting a camera in to see what is going on.

Hey everyone. This morning I woke up with that extreme nausea feeling. When I vomited it tasted like blood. I took a picture, if anyone could help me determine if it is blood I will message the picture to avoid grossing people out. I just don’t know whether to add this to my list of symptoms or not.

I understand what you’re saying. When I saw him last week I told him I couldn’t function like this. He basically told me everything you just said that it could be all these things, but he believes that I’m too early to test for all of those things since I was only 3 weeks out at the time. I have a follow up on Wednesday, maybe sooner if I can get it in, and I plan on letting him know that I can’t do this much longer. The reason I know about the sludge in my gallbladder is because I went to the ER on 12/28 for dehydration and that’s when they did the ultrasound on my liver/gallbladder. I’m doing the beat I can at getting help and relief from my surgeon. I feel like it’s not a big concern for him because I’m so fresh out of surgery.

Well other than the complications I went through post op with the sleeve another reason I’m hesitant for surgery is because my company was bought out and our medical Benefits changed. I’m on a high deductible plan so affording another procedure is tough. In the end if it is the only resolution then of course I’ll have it done.

Thanks for all of the advice. I take my PPI twice a day as well. I’m going to switch to nexium to see if that will help. I’m also ordering the unjury today in the chicken flavor and unflavored. I have tried so many different clear proteins and my body just won’t accept them. They won’t stay down. I’m trying to stay positive, but you know how it is when you’re just tired of being tired, weak from vomiting, and trying to maintain a normal self while working. It drains all of your positive vibes.

Hey there. My PPI is Prilosec, but I’m going to switch to nexium to see if it helps

Thank you, it means a lot.

Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated. I am looking into the vitamin patches now.

Thank you for responding. Is scar tissue something that dissipates as time goes by? Also, what is the medication for GERD?