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for some of us, both sleeve and bypass, constipation becomes a chronic "feature". It's been nine years for me so I can't remember when I stopped the (post-surgery) stool softeners, but shortly after I stopped I realized I was having frequent problems "going", so I've been taking a capful of Miralax every morning to stay on top of it. I don't back up very often, but when I do, like sleeve2bypass, I usually have to take something stronger. But from what I read and hear, many or us do take Miralax (or magnesium tablets) daily to try to prevent backups. (btw - the chronic constipation many of us deal with is probably due to the diet (high protein/low carb) and a couple of the supplements we take (calcium and iron are both known to cause constipation in some people).

It was between the SADI and Bypass. I wanted the SADI but if not the Bypass. They did the SADI but that’s not an option when you fill in the stats so I just selected DS since that’s the closest.

My program didn't offer anything either. We had 1 online group "power session" that basically told us what we can and can't eat before and after surgery, what recovery would look like, how long we would be in the hospital, and that we have access to the (fairly useless) nutritionist. That was it. I learned more from Google. Then I found this forum and the rest is history. This place is WAY more helpful than anything else, so I just stick with it. Now that I'm 2 years out from my original surgery and 1 year out from my revision, fully recovered my my SLEW of complications and additional surgeries, and not only made it to my goal but am below it, I feel like I have stuff to offer in the conversation now. I owe everyone here so much that I just hope to pay it forward to others.

I was sleeve in 2015 and am having revision surgery next week (eek!!) but I never thought about the "what I want to do" type ideas before. Mostly I just wanted to lose weight - I've been heavy my entire life - but I think that maybe I'd like to... Be able to sit in one of those plastic/resin chairs that everyone seems to own for their patio without fearing that it might collapse under my weight, or sit at a sidewalk cafe/restaurant without my butt hanging over the edges of the chair. Have a mattress last longer than a few years before the "dent" I've put in it causes me even more body aches. Be able to go grocery or clothes shopping without feeling like I'm being stared at (that's my social anxiety, but it's made MUCH worse by my weight). Be able to fly economy class again (I've only been able to fly first class the last few years, because I just don't fit in economy anymore) WITHOUT the extender belt! Take my dog for walks and to the park and run around with him. Be able to sit in my desk chair for longer periods before my legs fall asleep because the chair isn't deep-seated enough for my butt! 🤣 I have boring "dreams" 😂

I'm not allowed protien shakes this week. Just tea, broth, water and juices ooo and jelly. I woke up today hungry but too exhausted n sore.. I am day 2 post op bypass

Thanks. I had my one week post op today and the pathology came back and I did in fact have gall stones. My surgeon did not discuss the channel length with me. Nor did he give me the option to resize my sleeve. He believes that the risks are too great for the difference it would make for me but he did also do several tests to get a good picture of my sleeve before we landed on the SADI as opposed to the bypass. Perhaps if my sleeve was larger he would have steered me towards the bypass. My surgery was robotic this time my sleeve was just laparoscopic I’m curious now what my channel length is. Not that I really know what would better one way or another. So it turns out that my pain was almost entirely from gas because I was in a great deal of it until the morning of day when I finally passed a lot of gas and with each time I felt more and more relief. I did walk quite a bit but in retrospect I would’ve walked even more if I had known how much better that toot was going to make me feel. I walked everytime I got up anyways, like to pee brush my teeth or when they woke me up in the middle of the night even. I finally pressed the issue that they switch out my IV pole machine thing. Mine had a very weak battery and even being unhooked that short time while I walked it depleted it so much that it set off alarms they had to come shut off. It was super annoying for them as well and I felt like they were acting annoyed with me as if it was my fault for calling them rather than just accepting that beeping going on all day and night. I am a super light sleeper and it went off other times too so I finally said don’t you have other patients that don’t have to unhook it so many times a day that you could switch with mine. They did and we were all happier for it. Anyways, grab that iv pile and walk walk walk. It doesn’t matter how fast you go, just that you do it. And if you have to toot or belch do not hold it in no matter what. I don’t care who is on the room. Get it out and explain later. Although the doctors and nurses should understand anyways. That was really tough for me but after the relief the first one brought I didn’t care anymore. 😆 I forget. Do you have your date Yet??

I just noticed that you are talking about a revision. With the revision there really are more than just the main options. They will most likely do a few tests beforehand to get the best picture of what’s going on inside. I had a endoscopy, a barium swallow study and. A gastric emptying study.done before we decided for certain that the SADI was right for me. Some doctors will convert a bypass to Sadi I believe but they can also do something to revise only the pouch. I forget what they call that. Honestly when I comes to revision I know this isn’t exactly true but it almost seems like they make it up as they go 😆 they really do get a good look at your very unique circumstances and take all the knowledge they have from all the procedures they can do and come up with a plan that will work best for you. The names for the surgery get really difficult at that point because really what they actually do from one revision to the next is going to vary depending on the patient and the surgeon. Some surgeons for instance would’ve made my pouch smaller during the revision. Mine doesn’t think it’s worth it given the risks it brings. I would really recommend that you get started with a surgeon and see what options they even offer you and if you don’t love them maybe even get a second opinion because not all surgeons will approach it the same way and some don’t perform all of the procedures there are to offer either.

Hi, everyone. I had a sleeve to mini bypass conversion in 2024. It’s been fine except I often have loose stools and need to run to the toilet. Recently I noticed a weird bulge in my abdomen a couple inches to the left of my belly button. I’m not able to see my doctor, as I’ve just started a job and am doing a three month shift in a remote location. There is no pain and sometimes the bulge is not there. It sort of comes and goes. Has anyone been through something similar? Thank you.

I had the exact same happen to me and like you and I posted on here asking pretty much the same thing. I actually went to my doctor and she having had a bypass 5+ years prior wasn't sure what it was. I was given a heart monitor to wear for 7 days and then an appointment with a cardiologist all to be told I'm in great heart shape - "no worries". It was just dumping syndrome apparently. I hadn't heard or read it could present by just a racing heart. I had researched and read probably like you that dumping syndrome presented as the following: 1. Nausea 2. Sweats 3. Cramps 4. Possible diarrhea 5. Possible throwing up etc. Etc...A combo of symptoms So add to that, A possible racing heart only! I even thought at the time it could just be my new stomach being located closer to my heart so I was feeling it more!? Nope dumping syndrome! I hope this saves you some worry and doctor time!

The SADI is a modified version of the DS where when they bypass a portion of the bowels they only need “Single Anastmosis,” which means connection and is the first two letters of the acronym SADI, instead of two anastomosis that the DS uses. They are both almost a combination or the sleeve and bypass to simplify it. They combine the sleeved stomach for restriction with the bypassed intestine for malabsorption. In terms of least to most aggressive it’s sleeve, bypass, SADI, then DS. The SADI is fairly new and is considered to be a relatively safe option with that single connection lessening the risk for leaks by at least half and overall risks are less than the DS considering the weight loss is not a lot less. Like the DS it can be done in one surgery or in two steps beginning with a sleeve first and then completing the bypass portion In a second operation later (often after a patient loses enough weight to make the bypass portion safe or as in my case if they do not lose adequate weight or experience regain after the sleeve). You may also see the SADI referred to as the modified switch or SIPS surgery. And the -S in SADI-S just means with sleeve as in when the two components are done at the same time in one operation.

I am a revision so I hwe sleeve 3.5 years ago and it did tend to go in spurts for me too. A few days with nothing lost and then a couple of pounds drop. Or a week or two worth 3-4 pound loss. Apparently that’s not at all uncommon.

I’m hoping to have revision to either GS or RNY from my lap band which is 11 years old & caused me problems.

I had my bypass surgery yesterday and yes the sips are annoying but I can them one after the other so it's okay. I'm so sore and annoyed and I just want to sleep on my side by it's so painful. I made a homemade chicken broth and it's tasteless. Recipe of your delicious one please?

Oh I know the food choices were always on us, but there is the "tool" there to help keep us in check. Not being able to eat as much as we did prior to surgery. For example, my wife had the bypass a few years ago and she is doing well still, but once in a blue moon - she will eat a little too much of something and she feels like she needs to throw up. Meaning that the "tool" is still there for her to help keep her in check and not just keep eating like she would prior to the surgery. Basically this portion of your comment: "We rely on the restriction and the small size of our pouches to tell us when to stop eating". I think we all hope to still be able to rely on this is what I was trying to say, but I know the food choices is ALL on me.

I wasn’t really given a post op diet specific to the gallbladder removal either but when I googled it a couple of sites had a post op diet specific to the removal and mentioned the high fat and as well as no caffeine, alcohol or carbonation And slowly introducing fiber. I assumed they didn’t mention itr since most surgeons do not allow any of these Early out anyways but mine does allow a Little caffeine. The latte shake has caffeine. I am truly hoping ir doesn’t cause many issues. Especially with absorption and cholesterol like yours. Mild but slowly increasing cholesterol and knee pain are my two comorbidities and what I hoped to resolve with the weight loss (the cholesterol runs in the family even for thin people though).. Also, if my bipolar meds do not absorb I have no clue what I will do. I don’t even want to think of what a disaster that could be. It’s day 8 now and so far I feel okay. Usually if I miss it two days pills in a row I feel different. My prescribing dr says that they are mostly absorbed by the stomach membrane so I shouldn’t notice much change with my revision since they aren’t touching my sleeve. I just didn’t know to ask about the gallbladder thing. I was in such bad pain when they told me they removed it I I honestly didn’t even want to worry about that part until I was feeling better. It sounds like I really shouldn’t even begin to jump to any conclusions though since you’re and your family’s experience were so different. Maybe more of a wait and see what happems sort of thing and why they really didn’t mention much about it.

Thank you all for your input and advices x I'm officially post op.. yesterday was a day to remember. Got in at 930 am and came back to my room around 4 pm! Not sure what happened during it. I was drowsy and in pain and sore but managed to walk around. I've been drinking sips of water only. I'll.be discharged today and just waiting for the dietician to come with instructions. I can't believe it's done! I have been bypassed y'll

I had a revision to bypass from the sleeve a little over a year ago because of complication from the sleeve and my only regret is that I didn't just get the bypass to begin with. I was so afraid of the complications that I chose the sleeve and regretted it almost from the very beginning. I have not had 1 single moment of regret with the bypass. I've only had dumping 3x, and since you should take vitamins anyway for health, and since I always took them anyway, it doesn't bother me at all to keep taking them. The malabsorption really hasn't been an issue. It's really just for extended release meds, some vitamins and supplements, etc... You just take extra or take it at 2 different times during the day. It's a lot less overwhelming than it seems. My life is actually SO much better and easier since I had the revision.

Glad you are home and it sound like feeling pretty little pain.. I may have some questions for you about your gallbladder surgery experience. I had an unexpected removal of mine with my revision and I’m going tomorrow to get some answers I hope but I know absolutely nothing at all about all this. Take your healing time and let us know how you are doing. Then when you are feeling back to normal please let me know so I can pick your brain about that if you do not mind.

Tomorrow is my first post op appointment with the NP. I had an enexpexted gall bladder removal with my revision so I am working my way through a couple of reason for diet changes. They actually didn’t give me any info on the gallbladder. I guess I should’ve asked more questions but they acted like it was just a useless organ but now I’m being told there is a little more to it. I just googled though and it’s pretty consistent that I shouldn’t have had the cafe latte shake I had today with caffeine. i stopped googling since I tend to create a anxiety spiral when I do that and I see the NP tomorrow but I’m wondering for those of you that got your gallbladder out what I should ask her about tomorrow?

I unfortunately am very limited in protein shake flavors that are available. I'm actually allergic to milk, so all I can have are plant protein shakes. So yay for having to have the more expensive, less available flavors. >_> I did buy a tape measure this morning when I was running errands so that I can take my measurements! My other tape measure, uh.... really put in perspective how big I was because it wouldn't go around me. Depressing but also motivating to know that I am doing the right thing for me. Hopefully, I move to being able to have 'cream of' soups when I get home. Though there are concerns about how much surgery they will actually be doing as I do have endometriosis. So the hope is that it hasn't spread since my last endo surgery 15 years ago, and therefore they don't have to deal with that particular complication. I am nervous about the hernia repair. I know it's common, but it's just one more thing to go through. I've been prepping myself for the bypass, not the hernia repair. LOL

Just received surgery date Sept 5th. Super nervous. Had band removed in March, had 3 total. Question? How does it feel in terms of restriction? I'm totally aware of how the band felt but does the sleeve have restriction or more of a full feeling and less hunger? I'm really nervous since I don't plan on having another type bypass in the future, I hope.

Tonight I went to the required education session that my NHS Trust has as a non-negotiable requirement of being accepted for surgery. I will be honest and say I was left feeling completely underwhelmed with it. There was about 16 of us, all pre-op but at different stages of the required tests etc plus some family members (hubby went with me) There was also a Bariatric nurse, a dietitian and a former patient who had had the bypass in 2022. She explained her journey but it seemed very…I don’t know, sterile? Wrong word I know but I don’t know how else to explain her approach. She’s obviously happy with how it all turned out for her but it all seemed very whitewashed, which I found odd. She only mentioned one case of dumping syndrome but everything else was a walk in the park, which had me internally questioning things. She said she was currently in a months long stall but again, everything was hunky-dory. Someone asked about a typical days eating and it seemed really carb-heavy - toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, cheese and crackers for a snack, sausage and chips or mash for dinner etc etc. I asked about what additional protein she had - didn’t/couldn’t answer, asked about exercise - some walking and that’s about it. She mentioned hair loss being an issue but that it all grew back and was great. I know I’m being picky but I honestly wanted a more rounded discussion about of lots of different challenges that we could face with WLS and living the life post-op. I’d say out of the group that was there, maybe 5 had done any wider reading or research. I did find out that the hospitals approach to caffeine post-op is you can have a couple of cups of tea/coffee a day but they would rather patients filled up on foods/drinks that added protein, especially at the beginning. I also found out about the vitamins they give you and that they put the timings on the boxes to aid patients with timings etc, which was useful. Something that was bothering me was if my BMI dipped below 40, would I still be considered for surgery as I don’t have any co-morbidities like diabetes, heart issues etc. I need to get it below 40 before I will be considered for knee surgery, and I’m hoping that will happen end of Oct/beginning of Nov all being well. I was reassured about that, saying that they go off the booking weight reported by the GP when referred initially 🙂 I will be completely honest and say that, apart from some very specific questions I had of my hospital, I actually find this forum of much more use and beneficial to me personally. I have found out so much information from people who are further along in their own WLS journey, plus I know I’ve felt really supported by lots of very lovely and helpful users. There is such a wealth of experience on here that I know that if I have a question, someone will be along to answer it! Roll on the dietitian appointment next week 🤞

I had the sleeve 3.5 years ago and just had a revision to SADI a week ago today so I can answer for the sleeve and the “bypass type” procedure. With one thing to note. I also had my gallbladder taken out this time but it sounds like you would be the one to ask how much of my pain is due to that. 1. I have dentures will the rapid weight loss effect how they sit in my mouth? Does not apply to me 2. What are some of the best Protein Shakes out there in order to ensure I get the Protein I need? Premier Protein is a popular one If you like iced coffee the caffe latte is excellent but it does have caffeine and a lot of surgeons will have you off caffeine at least for a short time if you love your iced “proffee” though try mixing their caramel with decaf instant coffee and having that over ice it’s yummy too beyond that I prefer core power protein shakes by fairlife. Many people love the chocolate and say even their kids drink them as chocolate milk. I prefer the vanilla and their strawberry banana. I also like protein water for the liquid diet when you sorta get your full of shakes The Protein 2.0 in strawberry watermelon is pretty good . All of these are sold at Walmart. The premier protein is cheaper in the bigger packs but is sold in 4 packs and the core power is sold up front in singles and surprisingly it’s cheaper that way . The protein water I think only comes in 12 packs though . I would check a couple convenience stores for it first if you just want one to try. 3. How long were you down after surgery? How long until you started driving again? The biggest thing that will determine this will be whether you are on pain meds. After my sleeve I refiused pain meds even in the hospital but what I learned after my revision is that the most painful part for many is the trapped gas . After my sleeve I had no gas at all and I went home the next day on Tylenol. I could’ve driven right away if I had to. But I just got lucky because plenty of people with sleeve do have gas and incision pain. Post revision, I had a lot of gas pain and ended up staying 5 days starting off on morphine and oxy every two hours because the pain was horrible. Finally on day 4 I passed gas and realized that was the majority of my pain. Each subsequent toot brought more and more relief and I had about 7 big ones that one morning which I joke and say were life changing. I was able to cut back to just the one pain med less often and in a smaller dose immediately. Spent one more night and went home with normal post op pain script which I took one pill before I realized that the pain was mostly when I got up and down and the pain meds didn’t do much for that anyways and I wanted to be able to drive so I said I was gonna just take it at night but I forgot and then realized it was just silly to take it if I made it without. I did drive without issue on post op day 6 but honestly I did feel pretty fatigued and just wanted to get home. Some people are at a whole other extreme though and they do have a great deal of pain even after they are home and it lasts a lot longer. Long story short I can tell you my experiences but unfortunately no one can really predict this because it is honesty all over the map. 4. Did you have a person helping you with after care and if so, how long? Just my husband both times who is quite possibly the worst nurse ever. Didn’t need much of anything the first time except for things that require lifting, bending and straining this time I did need him to go and get things for me a little more. They want you up at least every two hours walking to prevent blood clots though so as long as something is within reach you can get it yourself. 5. I am disabled due to a nerve disorder; Is there anyone here who has a disability that has gotten the sleeve and how was your recovery? This does not apply to me BUT I know that a lot of diseases and disorders resolve some of completely with weight loss so this is certainly something to ask a surgeon about.

Hi everyone...I was poking around but I couldn't find any recent discussions that were centered around my location in Delaware (I'm in Newark). I'm looking for forum support, in-person or online support groups, any kind of support TBH. 🤣

I just passed my 5th anniversary of revision from VSG to RNY. It has been 100% worth it for the relief from GERD alone and honestly the differences between the surgeries are not really the noticeable to me. I will not sugar coat the experience because thats not helpful. There was an adjustment period (2-3 months) in the beginning like fixing a stricture, figuring out the new fullness sensation and food tolerances but after that it has been mostly smooth sailing. I also didn’t want RNY from the beginning because of the reworking of the intestines which is why I chose VSG. But I already removed 80 % of my stomach so what’s a little crisscross applesauce 🤣 But honestly if I had a Time Machine and knew GERD was my future (never had it before VSG) I would have outright went with RNY. Good Luck in advance and I’m hoping for your relief from GERD.