HP62442

I am undergoing a revision from gastric sleeve to a MGB in February, and I'm a little worried about my meds. I currently take Vyvanse 70 mg and Adderall 20mg 3x daily. (yes, I am aware that is a crap ton of stimulants). Anywho, how have people's experiences been taking these meds post MGB? Do you crush the IR Adderall tablet? Does it work as well? I assume the Vyvanse doesn't work as well because its extended release. Has anyone switched to IR Ritalin or the patch? What dose were you switched to? The highest patch doesn't seem equivalent to 70mg of Vyvanse and Methylphenidate hasn't worked super well for me historically. To quote my previous psychiatrist after hearing my new doc switched me to it, "But that's for children!" I currently also take a prescription NSAID for migraines 1-2 times a month. Do I have to stop taking that? I assume so but Triptans (maxalt, sumpitriptan) make me super sick. What have you switched to? Tylenol will not cut it. Cambia has been the holy grail of migraines for me, so I'm bummed to stop taking it. Of course, I'm going to speak to my neurologist, psychiatrist, and surgeon, but would love your personal experiences. Thanks!

I'm currently scheduled for a MGB in February (from a GS). My surgeon and I only talked about the MGB, and not DS. My BMI is 36.6 (with two co-morb.), but I really want this to be my final surgery (no more revisions!). Should I talk to my doctor about the DS? Is recovery/life style really that different than a MGB/GB? I'm a self-pay, so insurance is not a concern. I have to take Rexulti for depression (I've tried stopping and it went poorly) and it caused me to regain 30 pounds, so I'm particularly concerned about weight regain. Thanks in advance!

I'm having a revision from VSG to MGB in February. For those have done this, how does the recover differ? Were your energy levels different? I have an important test three weeks after my surgery date, which may be ill advised, but it was the only time I could get off work. After the VSG, I went back to work after one week and it was mostly ok.

THANKS! It’s a three day multiple choice/essay exam. I’d fail any type of physical test pre-surgery!

I had surgery on 3/12, and all my incisions are healed with the exception of a tiny opening in my main incision (on the end).I went to urgent care and they said it was not infected and they put some steristrips on it. The opening was only half of a cm, and yet, it refuses to heal! That was maybe 1-2 weeks ago. I've been keeping a bandaid on it as instructed. While there is still no sign of infection, there continues to be drainage. Has this happened to anyone else? Will it ever heal?

Hi all, I'm scheduled for surgery in Mexico in two weeks! I'm curious about the medications you were prescribed after surgery and if you needed to get refills when back in the U.S.. For example, it seems a medication is often prescribed to prevent gallstones from forming, and this medication is normally taken for 6 months. For Mexico patients, were you prescribed this? Did you take a six month supply back with you to the U.S.? Were you prescribed pain medications? Was there an issue taking them back to the US? I'm just a bit worried, I'm to be in the US and in pain without meds.

My doctor actually recommended to use a straw to take smaller sips. I avoided it because I had seen all the warnings about straws.But Ifind I can drink more because I don't accidentally gulp, and haven't had any pain with using a straw. I've avoided all carbonation. I just find it super annoying that one of the reasons doctors give to avoid carbonated drinks is that they are too sugary. It's constantly cited as a reason, as if sugar free carbonated drinks don't exist.

For those who have/had chronic migraines, I'm wondering how surgery has affected how often you get migraines. It seems like research is mixed on whether or not WLS improves or worsens migraines. For me a low calorie diet tends to trigger migraines at least in the first few days (though during the pre-op diet I have been mostly ok). I normally take a prescription NSAID for migraines (1-3x times a month), and while my surgeon said I could keep taking it, I'm still a bit worried about taking NSAIDs post-op.

I lost about 10 pounds my first week after surgery, and this week (week 2) I've only lost 3 pounds (and have since gone up 2 pounds). I've been having some trouble with constipation and dehydration this week. I also had IV fluids a few days ago (though it was for other reasons). So I thought it might be a function of that. But I'm concerned I might be having too much sugar. I've been having a small cup of apple juice (100 calories) and diluted gatorade most days (maybe 100-150 calories total). My protein shakes and soups have zero sugar. My doctor said I could have juice and gatorade, but I'm seeing a lot of people say they consume only sugar-free drinks. Could that be the reason for the stall? I'm getting the sense that my body is having trouble digesting all the straight protein. And without the juice and gatorade, I'm concerned about getting enough calories since I already get super dizzy upon standing.

I started the process of switching antidepressants before surgery for unrelated reasons. (in retrospect this was a poor decision). It was going well, and then a few days before surgery I was a mess-- crying in the bathroom at work. It was not pretty. This continued until a few days after surgery. I think the pre-op diet ( and sudden loss of sugar) was the major reason. Now, my depression is better than it was before surgery. Optimisk, I think if you have dealt with depression before, and have the tools to deal with it (medication or relationship with a psychiatrist or a therapist), it's manageable. I think part of the worst part of depression is that it can sneak up on you, and then you live in denial about being depressed. And then you needlessly suffer for like three months, because you've convinced yourself nothing is wrong. But if it has happened before, you can be more proactive.

When I had the Mirena, I spotted constantly for three years (vs. no period at all with the implant). My doctor said it was a different hormone or at least a different form of the hormone. So it seems you can respond differently to them. Even if my period returns full time with weight loss, I'm staying away from the Mirena. It works really well for some people, but the spotting and cramps were not pleasant for me.

I had a very similar issue. I had no period for two years with an implant (in my arm), and one week into my pre-op diet, I got my period with cramps. Now, 9 days post-op, I have what I assume is a yeast infection (I'm guessing from the antibiotics). Feel better!

Generally, in the US you need to have a BMI of 40 (with no other issues), a BMI of 35 (with a comorbidity), or sometimes a BMI of 30 with serious metabolic issues. I understand the challenges of struggling with weight. It doesn't suck any less because you are 20. (I'm 25). If you have 15-20 pounds of excess weight, you can expect to lose 9-14 pounds with a gastric sleeve on average. (The average excess weight loss is 60%). The surgery has major risks, which can be life threatening. You could have an adverse reaction to anesthesia, get a leak and risk sepsis, become so seriously dehydrated you have to be admitted to the hospital, or get an infection. You face a lifelong risk of vitamin deficiencies. I recently watched the show "Big Ward" on Netflix, and one of things that struck me was the surgeon asking the patient what "Morbid" Obesity (a BMI of 40 or more) meant. He said it meant deathly, as in obesity leading to death. When your obesity is life threatening it can make sense to undergo a procedure that entails risk. The benefits outweigh that risk. Obviously, every person is different, and it can be worth it with a 35 or 30 BMI. But it is a serious surgery not guaranteed to work. It would be a lot of pain and misery for 9-14 pounds.

I had surgery with Dr. Verboonen at Bariatric Mexico earlier this month and thought I would share some thoughts and tips about having surgery in Mexico. I haven't had any complications (knock on wood), and am doing well. While I don't regret it, if I had to do it over again I would choose a different surgeon. 1. Ask about their pain management plan. I was off pain meds by my flight home two days after surgery BUT there was terrible pain management the first 36 hours or so. I woke up in serious pain. I told them I was in pain in the recovery room, and was told it was normal. After that they started ignoring me, and the staff was eating chips in the recovery room. After I started crying, they gave me an injection of something. The first night after surgery I was in so much pain I considered asking them to take me to a hospital. In retrospect, they seemed to rely solely on ketorolac (an NSAID). The language barrier really prevented a discussion of what pain meds I was being given. For me, it was not enough. I don't mean to scare you off from Mexico, but in retrospect I should have been more persistent on learning about their pain management plan. 2. Waiting and never meeting the surgeon. I was picked up at 8:30 and finished all my pre-op labs by 11:30 or so. I then waited 4 or 5 hours to have surgery, which is not really what you want when you are nervous. I was told I would have a full consultation with the surgeon, but I never met him before or after. I also never met with the anestesologist. The other doctors and staff made me feel secure and comfortable, but in retrospect it was nowhere near as advertised. 3. Immediate Aftercare. After the first night, they changed to a different recovery room. I had to walk outside of the building in a hospital gown to get to the new place, only to discover that my bed was in what I can only describe as the lobby. It was right next to the door to the street, and you had to walk through the lobby area to get to the actual rooms for the other patients. When I complained, they did say I could stay at the hotel for the night instead. But since I was traveling alone and they would have to take out the IV (raising my concerns about dehydration), I elected to stay there. 3. "Nutrition" information. I was given a one page sheet of dos and don't. It was rushed and took about five minutes as I was leaving to go to the airport. The surgery went well, which is the most important thing. But I wouldn't say it was comfortable experience.

Yeah, I don't think my experience was indicative of people's experience in Mexico generally at all. I'm feeling pretty great now (6 days post-op), but it was a hellish 48 hours.

When I was on accutane (for acne), I had perpetually chapped lips that would bleed. I found lip scrubs were super helpful. They moisturize and get the dead skin off, so you aren't tempted to pick at them. I really love Fresh's lip products. $20 for a lip scrub is rough, but man was it worth it. Alternatively, ELF makes one for $3 which is great too.

I travelled alone, and was completely fine! There were a few other patients with me, and they were super friendly.

Are you allow to have sugar free pudding? It was my savior during pre op!

I had to stop my SSRI for the day of surgery and the day after. I haven't had any trouble swallowing pills. (Though most of my pills are pretty small). You can also crush them or take liquid versions. I think the only tricky things is if you take an extended release, you might have to switch to immediate release taken several times daily due to absorption issues. My research before surgery seemed to suggest this was worse for gastric bypass than sleeves. I might check with your prescribing doctor. A few hours before surgery I was given an anti-anxiety med orally. Afterwards, the pain meds took affect and numbed any anxiety.

It will be easier! Hang in there!

Hey, NYCNomad, I'm in NYC also, and my surgery date is March 12th too!

After newmebithebypass responded, I checked the recommended dosages and Tespo's nutrition label. It looks like it's Iron, Folic Acid, Thiamine, Copper and Calcium content are all below the recommended guidelines, at least for gastric sleeve. I'll be making use of their 30-day return policy.

If you have amazon prime, you can buy samples of protein powders and bars (as well as other stuff) for $2 and get an equal credit to use on the full size. I ordered like 16 samples that way, and then redeemed them for a full size of the one I liked.

It definitely makes you high during the actual infusion. My doctor did a course of 6 1-hour infusions over two weeks. During the one hour, I was mostly calm and experienced mild disassociation. My limbs felt super heavy. It was weird, but not unpleasant. I didn't hallucinate. I would be sleepy for a while after the infusion, but all the other effects went away. I did have a bad reaction to my fourth treatment (I'm assuming because they upped my dose). I started experiencing nausea (which is a common side effect), and thought something was wrong. A nurse was monitoring my vitals through out the session, and she confirmed that I was having a panic attack, but nothing was wrong. Not great, but they quickly administered anti-nausea meds and (I'm assuming) a benzodiazepine. I was fine within 5 minutes and finished the infusion. During my 6th infusion, I was back to dancing along to my music in my chair. I'm three weeks from my last of the six initial infusions, and it's still working. My doctor said that patients generally need a booster session every 4-6 weeks. Supposedly the boosters can get more infrequent as you go on.

I’m currently using Tespo. The machine mixes the vitamins with water in a little cup. With the Bariatric vitamins you have two bariatric pods, and one women’s multivitamin pod. They also give you a travel dispenser, which I take to work with me (one pod three times a day spread out). If you prefer you can use the travel dispenser to mix the powder with another beverage. It tastes ok. The multivitamin is pretty tasty, but the bariatric “shot” is a lot less tasty. I’m still pre-op so I take it like an actual shot (it’s only like 1 or 2oz). But I’m guessing that will charge after surgery. The machine is kind of ridiculous. There a coupons to get it for $50, which isn’t too bad, but the machine is the size of a coffee maker. It will not likely survive my next move, but the travel dispenser should suffice. I can’t imagine why a person without bariatric surgery would opt for it, but it serves my purpose well enough.