revision in TX

Wow...sounds like you are progressing to food QUICKLY. I was on shakes only for the first MONTH post-op!!! Don't worry about not being hungry, etc. because right now is probably NOT typical of how you will "always" be...your body has been through a major surgery and needs time, food, and rest to heal. Don't worry about pounds lost right now either...get ENOUGH Protein to help your body function properly!!! I also found it rather "amazing/interesting/unexpected" to feel really the same as before surgery...except for the minor discomfort of the surgery. I guess I thought I'd be able to "feel" the big difference in my body (internal organs, etc.)...it's such a major surgery. I'm almost 2 years out now. My size and weight have changed, but my body "feels" the same...and I rarely have any "dumping", lactose intolerance, etc. that some RNY'ers report. For a while after surgery, I would wonder what if....suture line bursts, I get stomach flu, have some other "systemic" illness...etc, etc...what I would do...but now, I consider myself basically the "same" as before surgery...medically. I don't worry about informing every doctor I see about if their treatment will affect my bypass....I have "chilled" a bit on the "forever" consequences of surgery!!! While being fat consumed my life before surgery, the surgery itself consumed me for while afterwards...but now I have returned to a good balance...mindful of my eating but not obssessed about it. Glad you are doing so well...continue to do as MD orders and you'll be your "old" self in no time....except weighing,looking and feeling AWESOME!!! Best wishes!!

First...take a deep breath and relax...stress only makes it worse. I had severe reflux/GERD and an inflamed esophagus (from the band) when I had bypass surgery. Yes, I had hiatal hernia repair also. I have had a few (small) bouts of reflux/heartburn, but when I have one, I just take a prilosec or zantac (or whatever) and I'm fine. BTW, I am now 18 months out from bypass. You may still have some episodes of reflux...the "bypass surgery cures GERD" is a marketing ploy. It helps greatly and I'm sure SOME people ARE "cured", but the majority (that post here) still have some minor episodes from time to time. Consider it a warning...you are either eating too much or the wrong foods....or both. Some foods will not be tolerated the same after bypass and sometimes you will eat too much, even though it doesn't seem like you ate all that much. Sometimes things just "hit your stomach" wrong and you end up with reflux/heartburn. I have found that, for me, it's usually something I contributed to, but not always. I would suggest trying to be particularly mindful of overeating, spicy foods, caffeine, dairy...all the "normal" culprits, for a couple of days and let everything settle down. If you are only 6 months out from surgery, that it not very long...it takes 3-6 months to fully heal from the surgery itself, and you will probably find that some foods you used to tolerate fine will just not "agree" with you or will cause reflux. Also, for me, some foods "go down" fine if I eat them ALONE, but some things I just can't eat together...or have to eat certain foods on an empty stomach...you will slowly discover which foods fit each category for YOU. And, unfortunately, sometimes there just isn't a particular rhyme or reason to it at all!!! Best wishes on your journey...you will succeed.

Please don't give up...despite the aborted surgery, you will probably (one day) look back at that and be thankful he DIDN'T do your surgery. Let's face it...they are ALL in it for the money, but they still need to be professional about it. It's your life and health at stake and if they can't see past themselves for that, then you'd be better off with a different surgeon. I can't recommend mine, unfortunately. Although he did an excellent job with the surgery, he cheated me money-wise and the entire staff made me feel so uncomfortable that I haven't gone back since 6 months out from surgery. Almost 2 years post-op, I'm still fighting with the surgeon and his attorney over the money!!! Be thankful that no "harm" was done to your body and that you will have a better surgeon/surgery experience in the future that will allow you to lose safely and without horrible complications. Bypass has a lifelong effect on your body, so I would say you "dodged a bullet" by not having that QUACK do your bypass!!!! That which does not kill you will make you stronger!!! Best wishes

Congrats!!! It took awhile, but I hit (and moved a little past!) the 199 mark...it was such a milestone for me and the feeling was AWESOME!!

I agree with allilee...I had a revision from band as well...time and money lost, but not weight!!! I wish I had just gone straight to bypass...the "selling point" for band is exactly why it doesn't work as well...less "change" in your body. The "change" is what most of us need to be successful! I don't want to tell you what to do, but my experience has been that the "gold standard" is the best for a reason...it's most successful in the long run. You have to make the decision of what's right for you, but if I could re-do mine, I'd have started with bypass...have felt much better than with the band and been more successful with weight loss. Remember, bypass provides BOTH restriction AND malabsorption. The others only provide restriction. Much of it will depend if you feel you need both to be successful. Restriction alone was not enough for me and I had worse reflux with the band. Having said that...when I had my bypass, several people in the office were post-sleeve patients. Almost all reported not being hungry AT ALL and most had pretty decent post-op results...don't know about their long-term status, but were losing quickly right after surgery. I, on the other hand, lost very slowly...but steadily over time. Gather as much info as you can, but then make your own decision based on your body, your goals, your finances and your overall well-being. Best wishes on your journey!!!

I was "asked" to follow a moderate diet...low carb, mainly...2 weeks prior to surgery. No pressure from the surgeon. His explanation was two-fold...the fatty liver (shrinking) and to "adjust" to portion control/reduced sugar. I personally think, from a medical standpoint, that there is little difference whether you do it or not. From a psychological/behavioral standpoint, I think it is a good "transition" idea. I had a lap band prior to bypass; I did NOT do a diet prior to that surgery. I would have been able to go back to work after the weekend, but my blood sugars were up-and-down and I felt like an addict coming off some kind of drug!!! I was sweaty, weak, pale, nauseated...the whole nine yards. So, for that procedure, it would've probably helped if I had dieted ahead of time. I did it both ways and I don't see a significant HEALTH reason, but not having to go "cold turkey" off sugar/carbs/junk would've probably been a good idea. I'll also be curious to hear what others post!!!

Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass can both be done via laparoscope; nowadays,that is the most common technique. "Open" procedures are usually only done if there are other complicating factors (hernia, adhesions, extreme obesity) that keep the surgeon from being able to visualize the landmarksneeded to do the surgery. I don't know who/what is behind that particular website, but please be VERY cautious about "discount" procedures and be sure to get a 2nd opinion AND a contract. I am STILL having to deal with attorneys, insurance, etc. even though I had a signed contract and had PRE-paid for surgery. It has been a major source of stress and I don't even have a bariatric MD to go to now, because the office staff has made me feel so uncomfortable about the money issue. I just pray I don't have any problems down the road.

I suspect that, since you are under national healthcare, they made the criteria very strict on prpose. Having said that, I would suggest a 2nd (or even 3rd) opinion before deciding on either surgery. Funny to me...in a sad way...that in the US, the opposite is usually the case...they want EVERYONE to have surgery!!! That's probably a reflection of the $$$$ to be had by the surgeons!!! You did not mention your weight/BMI, etc., but gastric bypass is still considered the "gold standard" for bariatric surgery. The sleeve and band are less invasive, but generally less effective as well. I had a band first and I wish I had opted for the bypass from the start...would've saved me a lot of money and unnecessary GERD as well. Whatever you decide, just make sure it is YOUR decision...not insurance, not the surgeon, not your family/friends...YOU are the one who has to live with it and go through it, so make sure it's your decision. Best Wishes!!!

I agree with all the other folks that are a bit further out....don't worry about the weight loss...it WILL happen, I promise!! I am about 18 months out now and I really didn't have that much loss at any one time...but it slowly does come off. 1) eat/drink what your surgeon says 2) try VERY HARD not to eat anything too soon...and try very hard to NOT throw up...it is very hard on your surgical site and it can stretch your pouch to a size you won't want later on. 3) Don't weigh yourself more than 1-2 X per week (at most)...you will make yourself crazy. 4) Don't get consumed with weight loss, food or the scale...just go about your life and you will be down a few sizes in no time. Let your body heal then let the surgery do it's job...it will...all you have to do it follow instructions.

When I go to Outback, I usually get a small filet OR the "shrimp on the barbie" appetizer. But, my husband and I's FAVORITE thing is seared ahi tuna!!! You get two sauces with it...I like the one that's not hot and he likes the hot one, so it works out great. I often have that as my meal...it has a little lettuce on the plate (mini-salad, no dressing) and a full order is about 10 slices and a half order is about 5-6 slices. I didn't think I'd like it, but when I tried it, I was hooked. I believe the shrimp appetizer (although it may only come fried...with coconut) is 3-4 shrimp. You just had surgery in March, 2014?? I would be very cautious with steak, unless you've already tried it at home...sometimes it is "heavy" in your gut (ie, cramps). Mainly stay away from carbonation (including beer!), creamy(milky) sauces and too much fried and you will be fine. They usually have asparagus or spinach or squash as a "daily" side. I am a year and a half out, so I don't really remember what I was eating at just 2 months, but I don't think I was eating meat very often at all. BTW, my hubbie LOVES the "mixed grill", but the last time we were there, it seems to me it maybe wasn't on the menu anymore. Keep busy with your friends/co-workers, and just a small appetizer will probably be perfect as your meal...or they always have soups!

meledl, Do NOT be discouraged at all!!! I only lost a few pounds right after surgery too; but, I kept losing steadily (sometimes 1 lb/wk, sometimes 4 lb/wk, sometimes no change!) but, overall...I have lost 75 pounds and am at my (1st) goal weight, at a year-and-a-half out! I think I have less sagging skin and other signs of "dramatic" weight loss than many people I have seen. Make sure to get Protein, Vitamins, Water. Follow doctor's orders - which they usually don't care if you lose for 3-6 months while you're healing....the weight will come off. Slow and steady wins the race!!!! LOL

You will be just fine!!! The "hoopla" is the most frustrating part, because you'll be like "come on, let's get to it"!! When you wake up, they will have pain meds pumped into the site AND IV, so you really won't hurt much...just will be super sleepy for the rest of the day!! My only post-op suggestion is....don't "cut calories" too much at first...just eat - the weight WILL come off, but your body will NEED you to eat fairly well so that it can heal properly. My surgeon didn't even weigh me on my post-op visits until he 4 month mark, and even then didn't want me to really lose much until at least 6 months. Follow their guidelines, but don't try to lose too much too fast (over-achiever) because that can actually set you back health-wise. You'll mostly be having broth, popsicles, Jello and coffee in the hospital, then almost ALL Protein shakes when you go home. Progress to soft food and "regular" food as they suggest and you'll be so excited when you consistently see a pound or two coming off the scales...then clothes getting looser and looser...and before long, you'll be putting on clothes that used to be skin tight that are now falling off, they are so big. It WILL happen...it has for me, even though I've really continued to eat a little "sweet treat" every day for almost 2 years now....it's so awesome to feel "normal-sized" again!!!! It is SOOOOOO worth it...and the surgery/post-op is not bad at all. Best of wishes in your "new" life after RNY!!!

Fancy 57...Oh \, I hate that you had that "episode"...I am 15 months "out" too and am NOT sugar sensitive (unless it's enough to make a "normal" person feel sick as well). Although I've never had a really SEVERE issue like yours, I do find that certain fats seem to bother me. The problem is, there doesn't seem to be too much of a rhyme or reason to it...when it DOES bother me, it's usually from a "liquid" oil/fat overload that does it, rather than just fats/oils IN food....your shrimp would fit that scenario for me. Whenever I splurge and have something like that, I really have to be VERY cautious with QUANTITY...meaning (really) only about 2-4 bites, then quit. For me, at least, it ALL (sugar, fat, oil, any YUMMY bad stuff!!) seems to be a certain THRESHOLD level, then wham!!! So far, mine has really only resulted in some gut pain and feeling like I WISH I could throw up (to get it OUT) but I have to just lay down and wait for it to pass....I haven't had your issue, but I've had to "pucker and run" (sorry to be so graphic!!) a handful of times in my 15 months. Hope you are able to determine your threshold so you won't have such an accident again. (PS...my mom had stomach surgery MANY years ago...she had MULTIPLE issues similar to what you mentioned...her surgery was due to a bleeding ulcer, not bariatric surgery...but it does seem to be a specific "trigger" unique to each individual...she never was able to "find" her issue entirely, but she did find some things that helped/hurt her somewhat. Sorry to be so long-winded, but hope this helps! Congrats on reaching your goal...WHOO HOO!!!

My surgery was Nov 2012...I have not had SPECIFIC lactose intolerance, but I have noticed there are TIMES when lactose-containing foods produce cramping or just don't "sit right" with my gut. As Terry1118 said, the MD told me it was VERY common,due to (as I understand it) loss of some of the mucosa that secretes lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose). I would imagine most of us will have "issues" at some time...either due to "overload" of lactose-containing products, consuming certain products, or (for the unfortunate few) consuming ANY lactose product. I seem to be more on the "overload/certain products" list...I can have milk (usually) with no problem. I eat quite a lot of cheese and it rarely, if ever, bothers me. The main time I have "issues" of cramping, etc. is if I have "other" fat/fried/sweetened products at/near the same time. As with sweets, I do best if I have dairy (mainly to drink) relatively on its own...like a latte, etc. Milk in Cereal sometimes is fine, other times produces those "unwelcome" effects!! I eat cheese regularly in meals and have no problems. If I am having something with milk, cheese (any dairy product), I try to be VERY AWARE of sweets and/or fats that might be lurking in other products I eat at the same time...that way I USUALLY avoid any of the abdominal issues. That's just my experience...and I'm sure it could change at any time...it was known to me at the time of surgery to be a fairly likely outcome. Good luck...I hope you can find a "happy medium" so that you don't have to completely give up the things you love!!!

beckyloo4...I cannot have any artificial sweeteners (allergic), so I have to stick with the "real" thing. If you can tolerate the artificially-sweetened syrups, you'll definitely be able to enjoy your coffees!! Just remember, some people have diarrhea/gas/cramping with artificial sweeteners, even if they didn't before RNY...just like some are lactose intolerant after surgery. Sip,sip, sip....and enjoy!!!

beckyloo4...I am also a coffee fanatic! I allow myself one Starbuck's White chocolate Mocha a week as a treat...more because of the MONEY than the RNY!! But, I drink coffee at home all the time...and often use International Coffees' vanilla Cream Latte as my "creamer" and "sugar", so I stay under 10g carbs/sugars. It works for me. As I was telling another bandster/RNY'er on here...if I keep my carbs/sugar under about 12g, I do fine with almost anything I want to eat/drink and I am still losing weight...albeit slowly. (I've lost 73 pounds overall)...but, my exercising is not good at all!! You can also ask them to put LESS of the flavored syrup in it...I know when they had the pumpkin Latte, it was too sweet; I'd just ask them to use 1 pump of syrup instead of 3 and it was great...and I DID have whipped cream on top!! YUMMY! The White Chocolate Mocha is do-able with the lesser syrup as well...the whipped cream is not really bad for you at that level and being the "spray can" type. All in moderation!!!

I would not have wanted to do two surgeries, but now that you are through them, it doesn't really matter how you got to this point...only that you got here. Yes, your pouch is most likely bigger than "the norm"...because of adhesions/scar tissue from your band/removal...my surgeon told me that it would be...upfront, so it wasn't a surprise. Keep in mind, though, that with RNY you don't (generally) have as much restriction as a band, but you have the added effect of malabsorption, which is a second method for weight loss. That's why RNY is done, to give BOTH methods as tools for losing whe the band (restriction alone) is not enough (or you have complications, like reflux, hiatal hernia, slippage, etc.). Trust me, there will be times when you are THANKFUL that your pouch is a little bit bigger...there will be times you'll want to eat a little bit bigger "special meal" that you would not otherwise be able to enjoy. And, you're still going to lose weight...probably much better than with your band. Just keep doing what they advise and it will all turn out fine! My biggest "difference" is that I cannot eat much sugar AT ALL, unless it is in VERY SMALL quantities...but isn't that part of the reason for RNY in the first place? to reduce sweet tooth splurges??? I feel very fortunate, because now I can eat a piece of chocolate (or a couple bites of cake) etc and enjoy my favorites WHILE STILL LOSING WEIGHT! You'll find how much you can tolerate by trial and error (the error being you feel very full and very sick to your stomach)...for me, I can have a two-bite brownie, about 6-8 M&M's, or 2 squares of a Hershey bar and I'm ok. Mind you, I need to have it separate from my meal (or I'll get too full) and with NO OTHER sweetness at the same time (ie, drinks, fruit, etc.) Also, just a little PLUG for Kelloggs hot cereals (oatmeal type)...I CAN eat one of those for Breakfast (whereas I could not eat Quaker's version...something like 34 g. carbs/sugar compared to around 12 for Kelloggs'. I can even have the maple & brown sugar...again, as long as no other sweets at/near it!!! I love all three flavors and eat one every morning for breakfast, unless I have eggs. Watch any granola bars, fruit bars, etc. for the carb/sugar content. For me, no more than about 8-12g or it will make me sick to my stomach (which I think is a good behavior modifier!!) Just what has worked for me. Best wishes in your WL journey!

I agree; it's probably that your blood sugar is too low and you don't consume enough calories! You aren't that far out from surgery either so your body has had a LOT of changes to go through....it's likely even MORE sensitive to blood sugar changes and having to pull "fuel" from your body rather than your food. Follow your nutritionist/MD about how many cals per day, but also be sure a lot of it is Protein and that it is well-spaced throughout your day/night. I get nauseated (but do NOT throw up) if I have too much sugar and/or too much fat and/or eat too much...in that case, you have to just ride it out and let it absorb before the nausea goes away. But, that is a good behavior modification trigger, because when you feel gross after over-indulging, it is a deterrent!!! If your nausea continues for very long, please see your MD to check everything out.

I think I lost about 10-12 pounds also. However, my surgeon said he didn't even want me to TRY to lose weight until at least the first-third month post-op. He said you only need to be concerned with HEALING during that time; the (possible) swelling and the "trauma" of surgery will likely keep you from "overdoing it" during that time, as things will not go down as well and you'll feel full rather quickly. At about 3 months is when he actually was interested in starting to track my weight loss. Until then, they didn't even mention the scale!!! I think that is a good approach; you want everything to heal properlly MOST OF ALL and you need nutrients and calories (and vitamins) to accomplish that before you try to limit your body's intake. If you lose during that time, all well and good, but don't WORK AT losing during your post-op period. You'll do best in the long run if you concentrate on healing as your first priority. Best of wishes for you as you become the thinner, healthier person you will be very soon!!!

Yes, RNY is Roux-En-Y gastric bypass. I only lost 40 pounds with my band; I've lost over 70 with bypass. You will do fine; just follow instructions to the letter - at least for the first 3 months!!! LOL!!!

Yes, it's pretty normal. BUT...you don't want to stretch your pouch, so try not to heave violently or anything. Obviously, there is only so much you can do about that, but try to keep input small and keep it down, rather than trying to do too much and throw up. Also, make sure your meds aren't too big...my MD said no bigger than an M&M, especially right after surgery. (Some say it needs to fall through a straw, but mine said a little bit bigger than that is okay...wouldn't you just figure they would use something like an M&M as a "model"????? LOL...I guess that's one size they know we will ALL be familiar with!!!????

I think that is pretty normal, for just out of surgery. You have to remember that 1) you had a tube down your throat during surgery (anesthesia, etc.) and 2) you have swelling from the "invasion" into your body with the surgery. You will be adjusting to what you eat, how you eat it, etc. for some months to come. But, for the first few weeks (minimum), you will have times that stuff gets "stuck" or hurts to swallow (but shouldn't be severe pain)...it's normal. Just try to follow the doctor's recommendations on type/amount of Protein shakes, food and liquids...even if it doesn't seem like it's enough to sustain you...it is...and you'll heal so much better (without stretching out anything) if you hold to their guidelines STRICTLY. If you have true PAIN, not just discomfort, call them; otherwise, it sounds like you are just still in the healing phase. Best of luck on your journey!!!

I know you are dreading any additional surgery, but I think RNY may be the best option for you. The GERD is HORRIBLE with "restrictive" procedures; the RNY doesn't have that (nearly as much). With RNY, you DON'T throw up - I think I've only thrown up ONCE since RNY a year and a half ago. With RNY you just get that "I wish I could throw up" feeling (like after a Thanksgiving belt-loosener!!) but you can't...you just have to wait for it to process/pass. It is a decent behavior modification too, because (since you can't relieve it immediately, like with the band) you tend to remember the misery and think maybe you don't want to over-eat/eat poorly after all, because of the way you know you'll feel. I know with my band, if I overate, I could just go throw some up and then I'd be fine. No matter the approach, some changes will have to come from you alone. (not that you haven't made those changes already!) I wish I had had the RNY from the start and saved myself time, money and misery! Good luck on whatever is in your future. Hope you get relief from the GERD soon...I know how miserable it is!!

I lost a TOTAL of 40 pounds with the Lap Band and it almost all came back.(that was over a total of 8 years) I've lost 71 so far (1 year) with bypass....and, honestly, I have not committed myself to eating healthy and exercising as I should...but I've still lost 71 pounds. My start was 265; current 194, goal 165.

Has anyone had issues with being a self-pay, then having your doctor bill insurance also? This happened to me and my insurance company doesn't seem interested in recovering the payment. Basically, they took my money as payment in full; but they billed a bunch of hyped up add-on charges to insurance. I say it's double-dipping. Anyone have a similar experience? Noone seems to mind as long as it's out of the insurance carrier's pocket, not their own!