PNWGAL

Tomorrow will be my 1 year anniversary since my gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 86 pounds. I’m not going to lie, I honestly thought I would have lost more by now. Although weight loss has slowed down tremendously, I have yet to see a gain on the scale so I take that as a win. I would like to lose at least another 50 pounds so I have to remember this surgery is not a cure-all, it’s simply a tool. I’ve been extremely lucky and have had no complications whatsoever. I don’t experience dumping syndrome at all (well I did once when I ate some ice cream and have steered clear ever since) but other than that there really isn’t anything I can’t eat, I just eat a whole lot less. I can definitely be better about my diet, like always, but one thing I’ve incorporated into my life that has stuck is exercise. I don’t feel good unless I exercise so it’s become addicting (in a good way). Anybody who is reading this and contemplating this surgery, or is in recent post op and struggling, I have absolutely no regrets about having this surgery. The first 2 months were rough, but I got through it and so will you!

I definitely had a rough patch for about 6-8 weeks after surgery. I wasn’t able to eat enough food and I became very lethargic and weak. It did subside though. The anti-nausea meds were a godsend. I don’t think it’s too uncommon for you to still be feeling this way. Hang in there!

Let’s not talk bad about other surgeries on here. This forum is for support and advice. Not every one has malabsorption issues or experiences dumping. I haven’t had the bypass long enough yet but so far so good for me. With that said, if you have a history of GERD, the sleeve is not a good choice because it can make it worse. GERD is not something to mess around with. I watched my father die of esophageal cancer. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. The #1 cause of esophageal cancer is prolonged GERD. Just something to think about. I considered the sleeve, but my doctor highly discouraged it because he knew my history with GERD and he said I would most likely regret it. As someone who had a lapband and had to have it removed, the bypass was the clear choice. Everyone is different though.

If you have a history of acid reflux, the surgeon may not let you choose which surgery to do, they will recommend the bypass. I had the bypass about 5 months ago and it has almost cured my acid reflux. I was taking omeprozole daily and am now on Pepcid and almost feel like I can stop taking that now. Good luck!

Hello, I’m 10 days post op. My question is about the cost of the surgery. Are there any self-pay patients out there? I began this process in January of this year. Started with my local hospital and was given a quote of $35,000 which is due to the pre-op requirements such as psych eval, endoscopy, sleep study, etc. I then reached out to a bariatric center about 5 hours away and they quoted me $25,000 and didn’t require the same pre-op items. I went with this program because the doctor has been doing bariatric surgeries for over 25 years. I prepaid the surgeon $4400 and the hospital said I needed to prepay $19,100. A week after getting home, I am now getting billed an additional $31,000. More than double my quote. They told me those quotes are only estimates and that the cost of the surgery can vary greatly based on complications. The thing is, I had no complications and even was released a day early. They are sending it to the higher ups for them to “review”. This whole thing has been stressful and affecting my recovery. I wouldn’t have had the surgery if I knew it was going to cost me over $54,000 because I wouldn’t have been able to afford it. Just looking for some prices to compare to. I’m in Oregon Thanks!

I’m dealing with the nausea and just past 2 weeks post op. Just wondering if this eventually resolved for you. Right now I’m miserable and hoping I get over it soon

I had my surgery on the 15th. Eggs are on my soft foods list, but not bacon yet.

Just wanted to post an update. They ended up writing it all off and told me I didn’t owe any more. They made a mistake and were charging me for using the Da Vinci robot. I’m so relieved! thank you all for your responses

Thank you for your response. I contacted my surgeons office to make them aware. Didn’t think of that. Thanks again!

This is exactly what I’m hoping happened. Still it was quite a shock and until they get it straightened out, I’m a wreck 😩

Thank you so much for this information. I did do pre-op stuff but it wasn’t nearly as much as with the first program I went through. I had to do a psych eval, bloodwork, I would have had to do an EKG but I had just had an echo done a few months before so they were able to use that, and a visit with a dietician.

Totally agree. It’s out of control

I’m at 10 days post op and still have some pain. Tonight was the first night I was able to sleep on my side but it could have been because I took a couple Tylenol before bed because I was on my feet too much today helping my daughter. I think I would be surprised if I still had pain 3 month out.