revision in TX

I've taken Protonix for years and never been told it needed anything to adjust pH or that any juice was needed. I have always taken it with my morning coffee or at bedtime with plain Water. If you're still worried, the pharmacist would be a good source for information!

I agree with the other posts here....protein and Water intake are much more important than calories. Having said that...yes, you CAN have too few calories, especially just after surgery. Your body needs calories to heal...again, Protein and water in particular...so you need to NOT concentrate on losing right now AT ALL! I know that seems totally ridiculous when that is why you had the surgery in the first place, but it is ESSENTIAL that you heal well FIRST. The weight WILL come off. But, in the short run, you want to heal properly so that you will not have any of the complications that poor/incomplete healing might happen in the long run. I KNOW it's easier said than done, but one day - not too far from now - you will probably turn around and advise someone the very thing that I'm proposing now!! Hang in there - it sounds like you are right on track, since you are making sure to get lots of protein and water...the two essentials, along with your (chewable) vitamins!! You WILL succeed!!!

I (personally) don't drink fruit juice anymore at all, unless it's a very small (2-4 oz) unsweetened cranberry juice (not cocktail). When I first came home, all medications were to be liquid or dumped/crushed/broken up into Protein shake, unflavored protein (ala Soup, "pudding", etc.) or just with a great big "YUCK"! LOL! I most often just took a couple spoonfuls of Protein Shake (or ensure) and put the meds in it and swallowed it, then was able to enjoy the "regular" taste of the remainder without a medicine taste. All juices were said to be too sugary and citrus, in particular, difficult on the stomach; the only thing I really miss is apple, grape and pineapple juices; of all things to give up, juice was not all that difficult for me. Good Luck!

Hey itsmeKarenLee: So sorry to hear of your negative experience! I too have felt like a "number" to my surgeon, although I have physically done very well. I'm more upset about the way they "charged" me and my insurance...long story!!! Unfortunately, what they do isn't against the law...they don't HAVE to have a good bedside manner or be ethical!!! Sad, but true. My own primary care physician summed it up...said "you don't think they do those surgeries because they care about your health, do you?".....followed by: "they want to make LOTS of money"! Capitalism in action, I suppose. As for Omeprazole...I currently go back and forth between Protonix (pill, not granules...didn't know they had those!) and omeprazole...just purchased OTC: I don't think it's "DR". I would NOT have taken either of them right after surgery, because there is a lot of swelling and also because you don't want anything to be "rubbing" against your tender intestines/stomach/sutures, so I would suggest sticking with the Protonix granules FOR NOW definitely. Once you are well healed, you may find that it's no problem to take a pill that size. My surgeon gave the "representative" size of what you can swallow as an M&M...although I have no problem with "normal" capsules either. Hang in there...perhaps you are just having some mild complications that will soon pass (I hope that is the case). But, stick to their guidelines and you will probably start feeling better soon. Please keep us posted on your progress....and your husband's!! Best wishes.

Best wishes on this journey!!! You will be fine...just relax, follow the guidelines and you'll be seeing pounds and inches coming off...and you will feel so good, physically and emotionally. The first couple of weeks are hardest, then a few months of full healing, then you should steadily lose, for as long as you need to reach your goal weight(s). Recommend setting small goals....set yourself up for success from the beginning!!! Keep us posted on your progress!!

Thanks, rhfactor272 for the support!! The thing that bothers me MOST about my situation is that is appears it is the "norm" rather than the exception. People who's insuance doesn't cover bariatric sign the "contract" with their surgeon, but the insurance company knows nothing about that (personal) arrangement, so when the surgeon bills them, making it "appear" to be medical, the insurance pays under your regular (medical) plan provisions. Guess what???!!! Your doctor is actually getting paid twice for the same procedure...they just use loopholes to get away with it. Your insurance thinks the claims are medical; they don't know you have a separate contract for a "self-pay" price and, because patients aren't sent a bill afterwards, most people don't notice and/or don't care that the surgeon got money from both places. Be aware....they will probably do a "liver biopsy" as a routine part of the procedure, but it will COST you as if it was a "medical complication/discovery" during your surgery! Same with adhesions/scar tissue, etc....that they KNOW you'll have if you've already had a Lap-Band!!! It's really quite unethical that they do that; unfortunately, not illegal or (direct) fraud; however, it IS a breach of contract (if you signed one with them). Sorry to get on my "soapbox", but I am sick and tired of insurance and physicians getting rich off us "little people" (ha.ha, which we ARE now that we've had surgery!!!)

I agree with Judyr....very well stated!!!

tigerlily14---I would also recommend talking with your surgeon; not that anything is "wrong" about not losing more than 5 pounds, but because you're still having pain and the suture "looks funny". Don't be too discouraged...you are not very far out from surgery and your body is HEALING. You may just be one of us who loses slower than others...but it will come off, just don't give up!! Keep us posted on your progress.

"Debbie Downer"....I'm SOOOOOO sorry that you've had such complications!!!! I don't have any answers for you, I'm afraid; I had severe restriction (at the end) with my band...one of the reasons to proceed with bypass...my surgeon removed everything from my band until I had surgery and all the reflux, etc. stopped. I've done very well since bypass, so it was a very positive change for me after the band. It has to be frustrating to have pain, expense and soft diet for such a long period of time. That would make anyone a Debbie Downer!! I hope the very best for you...hopefully they can find a way to "repair" it permanently. Please keep us posted.

DO NOT....I repeat....DO NOT get down on yourself OR get discouraged!!!! I started the same way....wondered if this was a repeat of my (failed) Lap-Band attempt. It will be fine...you are only, what....11 days out???? You WILL lose at different speeds, based not only on starting weight, but on how your body responds to the "trauma" of surgery. I went SEVERAL MONTHS without losing more than 0-3 pounds TOTAL, but I have now reached a loss of 76 pounds and I lose a pound about every month now witout really even trying. Up until about month #4-6, if your surgeon makes you feel like you have been non-compliant or "splurging", you should tell him to Ki$$ your A$$!!! Pardon my French, but your body MUST HEAL before you can even think about weight loss. Although now common, bypass is a SIGNIFICANT trauma to your body's normal functioning and you need to supply it with PLENTY of calories, nutrition and rest in order for it to get back to normal. Hang in there...I know you're impatient, but remember....you didn't gain it all in a month or two, so you're not likely to remove it that quickly either. But....it WILL come off, if you do what you're supposed to do. I know patience is difficult, but it is worth the wait, I promise!!! Keep us updated on your progress.

Pre-op...probably "anticipation" stress, just muscles tense. Post-op (up to 2 weeks @ most)...probably from the gas they use to do the laparoscopic procedure...to get the instruments in/out, visualize the surgery site. It is the one that usually seems to be in the "heart attack" region (so to speak). It reabsorbs fairly quickly, so if it isn't gone b 2 weeks post-op, I'd call your surgeon just to be sure. Best Wishes on your journey!!

I would have had bypass INSTEAD OF lab band...the lap band was a waste of money! It put my weight loss further away, caused severe reflux and made my bypass cost more as well. But, at the time, it was the "latest and greatest" and they said it gave 80-95% excess weight loss, which has now been "downgraded" to about 40%+/-!!! It turns out gastric bypass has been just as "gentle" on my body...maybe even more so than the band, since I've lost 76 pounds with bypass...and I feel great and have kept my weight off (even though it's only been 20 months!) As far as Vitamins, I was sold Bariatric Advantage chewables at the doctor's office. Since they were chewable, I'd say they were very good when I first had surgery. However, now I find that other "regular" multi-vitamins do just as well without the $40/bottle price tag. I would have documented (more precisely) my contract details, as I was self-pay (no bariatric coverage) and then the MD billed ADDITIONAL charges to my insurance company and then refused to return any of my initial monies. (The insurance was only given to them to pay for the initial consult) So, my doctor was paid twice for the same surgery, which infuriates me; the insurance company seems to have little interest in recovering the money they paid, so it's all up to me to take the MD to court. MAKE SURE that, if you are self-pay (or even partial pay, with insurance) that you have your SIGNED CONTRACT that outlines what will be paid by whom....and make sure it doesn't have phrases like "additional procedures" worded into it as a loop-hole for the MD!!!! You will likely do very well and feel great!!! Keep us posted on your progress.

I think you should stick with the doctor's liquid diet guidelines. Your body needs to heal and ANY bulk could rub/irritate/clog the suture line from complete healing. Also, you may not be ready for the actual type/quality of the food, regardless of the consistency...ie, if you put a steak in a blender and liquify it, it's still steak, so it may still be hard to digest. I don't know that it makes any difference at all, but why take the chance? It's not that much to ask after all your body has been through with the surgery. Just my two cents.

It's probably the gas they used to do the laparoscopic approach...I'm assuming yours was done that way?! It usually is left-sided (mostly) and can last from a day to two weeks (or at least that's what I was told back when I had mine). Hang in there...it only gets better...and it gets better really fast, so just hang on!!! Keep us posted on your progress.

You shouldn't need Gas-X, although I think I have taken it before with no problems. The "gas" pain that you are hearing about is probably not heartburn-type gas, but the gas they use to navigate with the laparoscope. You may have a little discomfort from that for a few days, but it's really not that bad (or it wasn't for me) and your pain is similar to any type of surgery. They sent me home with an anti-nausea prescription and I never took a single on of them...the full Rx is still in my medicine drawer. If they give you RXs, I'd not get them filled until (or IF) you need them. They had me up walking in the hallway around the nurses station the evening of surgery...catheter, IV and all. The next morning, they removed the catheter, let me pee and shower and then go home. The first few steps were tentative, but then it wasn't bad at all....more just sore than anything else...from them poking around in your insides!!!! LOL!!! I could just be "lucky" but I really felt well really quickly. The only thing that happened to me was that I did not eat Breakfast on the morning of my first post-op visit and I think I had a blood sugar drop...faint, sweaty, etc. But, I ate after the appt and was fine from then on. Don't work yourself INTO pain either...if you accept there will be some minor discomfort and that it will only last a day or two, your mindset will be better and the pain will be even less. You are going to be so glad you got this done and on your way to a better life!!! Keep us posted!

Very Normal....although I CAN eat popcorn with no problem. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. (Just put kernels in a paper bag and microwave for fresh/low-everything popcorn...plus, the lining of commercial popcorn can be oncogenic, so you want to stay away from that anyway! You will have frustrating days...angry days....happy days....but, it's just like life...some days are better than others!!!

Hey Crosby...believe me, I am right there with you on sugar!!! I had my revision 18 months ago; I've only lost 76 pounds, but I'm sure a LOT of it has to do with me still eating "sugar", of sorts. I just am not willing to go 100% sugar-free...the idea of living my life without any sugar is just too overwhelming and unpleasant psychologically. Many (if not most) of the bypass folks I know eat WAY more sugar than I do...they CONSTANTLY sip soda (carbonation...bad too!) and/or "graze" on sugary foods all day long. I guess I am sorta guilty of the latter, because I fix myself a (Starbucks-like) White chocolate Mocha and drink through the day!!! 1. DO NOT eat m sugar IMMEDIATELY after surgery...more than likely, it will make you feel very sick (and, remember, with bypass you can rarely throw up, so you just have to be in misery until it passes) 2. Once you are healed/accustomed to what YOUR body can tolerate...eat only VERY SMALL portions when you just MUST have sweets. For example...I used to EASILY eat a 6-pak of "doughnettes" all at once. Now, if I am just CRAVING for that time of thing...I can eat ONE little do-nette and be okay. However, for me, it is best to eat it with very little "other" food in my stomach and DEFINITELY not with any other sweet (like a drink or whatever) I also try to drink some Water with it, so sorta "dilute" the sugar! 3. For me, I can eat "most" things that are 15g CARB/<=9 sugar carbs and do okay. Above that, I have to really choose my environment (at home vs. out in public) as to whether the "risk" is worth it. 4. I use a substance called Whey-Low (www.wheylow.com, I think)...it is a sugar that is of a higher glcemic index (originally designed for diabetics) and it seems to be more tolerable than table sugar. (PS-I cannot use ANY artificial sweeteners; they make me turn red and swell up!) 5. I think, for the most part, AFTER you completely heal from surgery...you may be able to tolerate honey on a VERY SMALL scale. I am fortunate...I rarely have any dumping...could just be my "lucky" metabolism...but I still misjudge sometimes and get the "bellyache so bad I wish I could throw up" and I just have to sit back and wait for it to pass. It's actually a good behavior modification thing, because it put that mental image in me of what I will feel like if I overdo it. That has been my experience; I am STILL a sugar addict...but, I have still been pretty successful in losing weight and keeping it off long-term. I know I COULD do even better, but I haven't reached that "a-ha" moment where I can embrace living totally sugar-free....I'm still weak to my addiction. Sorry to ramble, but I remember pre-surgery thinking like you...how will "life go on" with any pleasure if I have to give up all sugar/sweets????!!!!! For me, it has been great because I can enjoy my sugary things from time to time, but only 2-3 bites satisfies me and fills me up...and I still think 2 bites of a tiny doughnette is MUCH improved over a 6-pack (or two) a couple times a day!!! (BTW...I can now keep a small bag of M&M's in my fridge...eat 1-2 here and there....and that will stay in my fridge for a month!!! I used to eat several of those in one sitting!!!!! Best Wishes on your journey...maybe you will be better on conquering your addiction than I have been!! Either way, I believe you will still be successful with surgery and weight loss. Keep us posted, okay?

Although it probably isn't, I would have it checked...just to be sure it's not a hernia. Besides, all your post-op visits should be included for a period of time (mine were for the first year), so better safe than sorry. You don't want ANYTHING to impede healing, because this is for the rest of your life...you want it to heal perfectly. Just my opinion...but it's probably nothing...some "pangs" are pretty normal for the first 1-4 months. Keep us posted on your progress!!

It's a personal decision, but I am SO happy I had bypass. My only regret is that....I wish I would have NEVER had the band...I didn't lose well with it (total 40 lbs but gained it all back) and had severe reflux and esophogeal distention and had to have all of the fill removed just to keep from having constant heartburn. I don't know how old you are or how long ago you originally had your band....I had my band in 2006 and bypass in 2012. I'm 53 years old. Bypass has been a MUCH more pleasant experience all the way around (except having money disputes with my surgeron). Even though I was "self-pay" with both surgeries...I do NOT regret having additional surgery AT ALL...I'm glad I did!!!!

WAY TO GO, LadyKatie!!! Not only are you not sweating unless exerted....give yourself an "extra" atta-boy for it being in the AZ heat!!! Yeah You!!

We don't have nationalized healthcare in the US, so there are no "wait times" per se. We just have to have insurance or be a self-pay. For insurance, the approval process can be as short as 1 month or s long as years (if they require a psych eval, nutrition class, etc., etc.). If you're self-pay, they can put it on the surgery schedule whenever the surgeon & hospital can match up. I think only Canadian patients can be of help with this.

I agree with the other comments...yes, the pouch has to be made SLIGHTLY bigger due to scar tissue. But, I don't know that band revisions are any different in "speed" of loss other than that, except from the "behavioral/psychological" side. Banders have already been through the whole surgery/post-op/pre-post diets, etc. and are possibly not as motivated for immediate gratification...they have already learned that it takes changes and time to achieve weight loss. "Virgin" RNY'ers are probably extra-highly motivated and so they may have some quicker initial losses. I suspect it's kinda similar to "when the honeymoon wears off" in marriage...a 2nd marriage is likely a little shorter "honeymoon high". Just my opinion. I doubt there's any scientific studies that show it happens from a PHYSICAL difference, other than the pouch size, as noted above.

Been there, done that...but not with bypass, only with my band. The difference (for me) between lapband and bypass was that I did throw up and/or get "foamies" (or slime) with the band; with the bypass, I don't ever do that...but wish I could sometimes....instead, I have to just sit/lay down until it digests and passes. I remember being at McDonalds with my two sisters about 2 months post-op...I ordered a "big breakfast" and coffee, planning to eat only the scrambled eggs and give the sausage and hash browns to my sisters. We were in Las Vegas (of all places) and I got foamies and didn't know where a bathroom was...needless to say, it was awful and I had to throw up in my coffee cup....I had nowhere else to go!!! That day I learned two things.... 1) ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS note where the nearest restroom is when you're going to eat and/or drink. 2) try your best to have an "extra" cup, etc. on hand if the place doesn't have a restroom, where you'll have to walk to throw up!!! I bet every single one of us has a story like that...and it's actually funny to reflect back on, but there is NO FUN in sliming/throwing up. Fortunately (or not!!), throwing up is NOT like when you throw up due to illness...it is more of a "reject" and, unfortunately, you will probably get pretty "good" at throwing up when overly full. But, with bypass, it can stretch your pouch eventually and you don't want to lose your restriction, so try very hard not to do it often. With a band, it will usually result in severe reflux and/or esophogeal striction, which is also not healthy at all. It sounds like you are already able to find the humor in it...that is wonderful, especially when you aren't far out from surgery!!! I don't think I would've laughed about it when I was at only 2 months out!!!! Best Wishes...and lots of humor!!!

Elizabeth, I agree with allielee...yes, there are risks, but there are serious risks with being morbidly obese too. Most of the complications (DVT, suture lysis, etc.) are UNlikely, although you have to be informed of ALL the risks and benefits to make an informed decision. I know people larger than me that have all had successful surgeries and NO complications, other than lactose intolerance and/or blood sugar swings. Decide what is right for you and then follow ALL doctor guidelines (if you choose surgery) and you will most likely to just fine...like all the people on this website!!! Best wishes. (BTW...look at how MANY people are on this website...that have gone through WLS and are doing great...that's a whole lot of people...the odds are heavily in your favor for a good outcome!!)

I feel sure you will do really well...concentrating on HEALING first is the main thing I tell people...the weight will come off, whether now or later...you just need to make sure everything heals well...then your new life will be great!!! Hoping the best for you...knowing that the best is yet to come!!!