Blenda Gail

I had my revision on 12/9 of last year and have lost 75 pounds, down to 135. I am 62 years old so was concerned it would not work for me, but I am extremely happy. Down side is baggy skin, and I considered a facelift and many other "lifts" but decided against them. I am very happy with my decision and grateful to my surgeon... he was very supportive and did a great job. Lots more energy. I do get weighed 2x a week because I do not intend to regain and will modify my days accordingly, but I can tolerate just about anything. Advice is to keep up with the vitamins and water.

Had conversion from band to bypass on 12/9, had to go back in for lower intestinal constriction surgery on 12/14 and spent 3 more nights in the hospital. When I got out of the hospital, I weighed 180 (25 pounds lost on milk diet and during hospitalization of a total f 7 nights). One month later I weigh about 179. I do get about 80-90 grams of Protein, drink plenty Water, exercise, light weigh-lifting at gym,and I am eating regular food now, which I carefully measure. Calorie intake of 800-900 per day. Tracking everything. So...never get sick, never feel nauseous, never feel like I have hit capacity, even with just plain 2-3 oz. chicken or tuna. I read somewhere that my pouch will be bigger than normal because it is a conversion. I hold myself to about a 1/2 cup + a very small amount of soft vegetables per meal. I typically am not hungry, but I have no problem eating and am diligent about getting protein in. Also, all Vitamins. BUT I feel like the surgery didn't work because I am not having a "full" feeling, not feeling nauseous like others report, and can consume at least a 1/2 cup or better with no problems. I know others may think I am crazy to complain about no symptoms, but it makes me worried that I will not lose weight, even though I feel like I am doing everything right, and it has been about a month now with no loss. Has anyone out there gone through the same level of "stall"? Any similar experiences where loss does finally come?

I had both surgeries done at the same time and it took about five hours. With the band removal there is of course scar tissue so it made it a bit more complicated but everything has been great.

I'd be happy to be your pal through your journey since we are so similar. I learned a lot along the way and there are things I wish I knew more than I could've talk to somebody about Who was more my age and going through a revision . My private email is and nwhc@live.com if you ever want to communicate privately.

I forgot to say that mine was a revision from the band, too!

I am 61 as well. I got my gastric bypass December 9. Since then it has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster because I don't think the people prepare you enough for the changes but that is what this site is for. I received a lot of encouragement from the site. Now it is March and I have lost over 40 pounds and I started only 205 pounds. The difference in my life is Dramatic and all for the good! But it is as if you're becoming a whole different person and for me that has been a good adjustment. I'd be happy to be your buddy through this process!

I am 61 and had my revision surgery on 12/9/2016. At this point, I am down 33 pounds, with weight loss the first 3-4 weeks very slow, but then picked up momentum. Like Travelher, I have found my pouch is bigger than those who have not had a revision, so I measure and watch what I eat. There has been some emotional adjustments I was not aware of until I joined this forum (I love this forum) but it absolutely has ben worth it! At my age, excess skin is already a "situation" but my health is so much better. I recommend you do it as I would do it again. since we are the same age, I would be happy to be your "buddy"! Gail

Well, THANK YOU, Travelher! This actually helps alot. I don't feel alone and everything you said makes total sense! congrats on your weight loss and progress! Gail

I had my revision on 12/9 (three days apart!). scale has not moved much (1 pound) since I got home. Tracking everything diligently. I had to go back in 2 days after surgery as I had a blockage/twist in my intestines (not stomach) and had to have an additional surgery. I have found that I am progressing through the post diet almost too easily, keep my Protein up, my calories at about 800, and have not felt sick or over-stuffed at all,so that worried me... why am I not having the issues others have had? But I will consider that a blessing. But, I am not losing weight. I think this requires a lot of patience ( my weakest attribute) and logic. There is no way I will not lose weight (you, too) when I am taking in less calories, exercising, and eating more nutritiously. Here's the thing. With the band, I got used to disappointment and problems for over 10 years. So, I am afraid the by-pass would be disappointing, too. But it won't... my attitude and determination are different than what they were. I read somewhere that I need to think of my pouch as "my little friend", and we need to take care of each other. That set well with me, so I insanely talk to my little pouch and might even name her ! Patience! Keep in touch since we are close to the same timeframes and surgeries! Gail

It took 3 weeks for my left side pain to go away. I was worried because I thought this was not normal, then my surgeon said that everyone pretty much has left side pain after surgery, so I relaxed

Hi Janice- I know how you feel but let's not get discouraged and focus too much on the scale. I had my surgery 12/9 and at this point I am not losing anything for the last two weeks, having lost 27 pounds from 12/1 until now. It's easy to panic; I know when I get on the scale and have lost -0-, I wonder if the surgery even worked. BUT, that's an emotional reaction and not a logical one. I think we just have to have PATIENCE (has never been my strong suit!!)... It is not logical that we take in so few calories and have improved our nutrition and exercise and that, ultimately, it will not work... of course it will! This is an emotional roller coaster at times. But I believe that we have made the right decisions in getting the surgery and that it will work. I expected to get out of the hospital and have the weight just start "rolling off " daily! Right now for me, it's not, but it will come off of the both of us because we are doing everything right. I track my food every day including Protein and calories. I am post-menopausal and have lost significant muscle mass, so I am working at trying to build it up again through simple weight lifting, but I can only lift 10 pounds now! Don't give in to your emotions, and I will remind myself not to give in to mine! We can and will do this, so look forward to it. FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS IN YOUR DAY, AND LOOK FORWARD!!!! GAIL

After 10 years with the band, I finally had the revision to by-pass on December 9th, 2016. Being the holiday month and going through all of the holiday parties, this was a pretty difficult month for me as I was mainly on liquids. I was surprised about the initial depression I experienced. However, I have lost about 28 pounds in a month+ (from 205 to 177), my diabetes is virtually gone, my blood pressure is 117/70, and I am now getting my energy. I feel great. I have had no problems with eating correctly, getting my liquid and Protein in, etc. Have periods of feeling very tired, but those are resolving, as well. All in all, I am very happy that I made this decision. I have joined a gym for weight lifting to build muscle mass, joined a support group, taking my supplements, walking, and tracking what I eat. Again, I feel great. Weight loss is slower than I thought, but it is coming off and that is good enough. I do not look forward to some hair loss, but it comes back, so what? I had scar tissue from the band (lots of it) so the sleeve was not recommended. Best of luck, Gail