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I just was sleeved by dr shillingsford in florida for $10,500. He set his practice up and worked out a discount price with a hospital just to keep people from going to Mexico where there have been complications . I looked into Mexico but heard horror stories . The price isn’t that different and much safer . The hospital and Dr were fabulous and my surgery was seamless . Recover has been great

So perhaps I misunderstood, but you have not had any complications correct? It sounds as if you are waiting for the ball to drop, for something to go horribly wrong? Have you thought to yourself that maybe, just maybe, you made the right decision? As someone that suffers from anxiety, I feel like I have been in your shoes and I know how debilitating it can be. Time will only prove what you might already know, but are too scared to admit. Maybe the bypass will be the best gift you could have ever given yourself. Six months down the road, when you are healthy and feeling better, I look forward to an update. Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm gonna start a "Pouch Reset" on Jan. 2nd. (pssst, it's basically a low-ish fat Atkins/low carb) It's going back to my surgeon's rules: 1. 64+oz fluids + ALL supplements/vitamins 2. No drinking with meals 30/30 3. Lean protein first 2-3oz per meal + 1-2oz veggies per meal = DO NOT EXCEED 1 cup by volume, so if only the protein fits in the cup, then no veggies at that meal. 4. Aim for 600-800cals per day (60-70g lean protein, <20g net carbs (from veggies-no fruit), <35g fat (Oh and I'm gonna eat that within a 16:8 to 18:6 IF window, just cuz I love to complicate life...) hehe

Things are seldom as scary, complicated, painful or terrible as you have built them up in your mind to be. DON'T SWEAT SMALL STUFF, and breaking newsflash,99% of life is composed of Small Stuff. I'm old as Dirt and I do know these things.

Hi everyone i was lap banded in May and I am having extreme troubles. currently have 5ccs in my band have lost 18 kgs but having complications story is early May had op given my instructions and followed them to the letter While in hospital had yoghurt, soup as a diet. Had first fill after 6 weeks post op and have had a few more since. Was still on soup and yoghurt diet. But was vomiting every time I took a mouthful. I was eventually filled up to 6ccs but couldnt get good or water down. Was sent to emergency room they took out 3 cc’s and I could drink water again but took a week before I got soup down again. Back to surgeon he says it’s my fault “I’m eating the wrong things”....how can trying to eat soup be wrong. nutritionist says I should of been back on solid foods ages ago just restricted amount. well I’ve said to surgeon I can’t eat I’m only trying to eat / drink soup but he filled me still .5ccs at a time. Literally every time I try to eat a teaspoon of something I throw it up and keep throwing up. in 7 months I’ve only been able to get a weeks worth of food into me and it’s only soup or yoghurt. Now I can even get soup down it’s getting hard to drink water. I haven’t had anything solid since op I’m literally starving, I’m dehydrated and I’m sure vomiting continuously for 7 months is doing some sort of damage. And the constant pain in my chest is to much to bare and the feeling of lump in my throat is ridiculous i please I need answers..... - has anyone else had this much trouble? - if so what was is the outcome - what can I say to my surgeon to make him believe and listen to me? surely trying to eat soup is not wrong choice as I haven’t had meat or anything solid in so long - Am I better off having a sleeve instead I know it permanent but least I could have something go down?

All of you make such good points. I am grateful that I'm not dealing with the complications listed above. I'm so sorry Frustr8 is going through such a terrible time. I was not given directions from the Dr. regarding carbs last and protein first but that is a good suggestion. I do try to eat the veggies and protein often but the proteins are so limited at this point. Jazzy you are doing great! Andrea-you are so sweet. Thank you all for responding.

paulamelton I wish you well for your surgery. As far as your mother is concerned. According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present. Some people experience problems after bypass surgery. But it is not too common. Generally the problems are related to ulcers. If that is the case, then the following 3 items should be looked at. First, sometimes the cause is from the use of NSAIDs such as aspirin or Excedrin (which contains aspirin). There are a variety of over-the-counter medicine that are NSAIDs. They must be avoided. Second, using a proton-pump inhibitor can help. I was prescribed Omeprazole (over-the-counter Prilosec) for the first year after surgery to allow my stomach to heal properly. There are a variety of proton-pump inhibitors on the market today. Third, make sure you mom was tested for Helicobacter pylori infection. It is a simple test to do. Even your GP can do it. Around half the people in the world have this infection. So it is fairly common. It is also very difficult to cure. It might take a couple treatments using different cocktails of antibiotics to cure it.

I did not have a supervised diet. I went in, did the consult, did all the pre-op appointments in less than 2 months, then surgery. I was given a very, very large manual (like 200 pages) that describes all of the nutrition and exercise and mental health stuff. I did meet with the psychiatrist, the nutritionist twice, and had to watch some videos. I felt like I was prepared, though, and haven't had any problems following the book. If I have a question, I shoot them an email, but it's always an unusual question that has to do with my complication or just some off the wall thing most people probably don't think to ask, ever. lol. I've talked to a disturbing amount of people that don't have a manual, though. No guidance at all on portion sizes or what foods are safe or how long their stages should be. That is scary to me and I don't know why anyone would pay a program without... getting a program.

There are some things I do say I will "never" have again, simply because I need that structure and regimen to stay on the straight and narrow. But some things we simply enjoy and having them on occasion isn't the end all be all of everything we are working for. And even those "never" things, if I slip up later on... again, it's not the end all be all. There are a couple of tough personalities on this forum that took a minute for me to get used to, but I love everyone now. lol. I think my most eff you moment was during pre-op and I think I mentioned that I had cheated on it and wasn't sure if I was ready (just my nerves talking) and a few people were like IF YOU CHEAT NOW YOU ARE DOOMED (less dramatically, though) and I DON'T THINK YOU ARE READY FOR THIS AT ALL. Etc etc. But, I am doing just fine. I didn't screw myself over by cheating on my pre-op. My life isn't ruined. My surgery isn't ruined. I am, mentally, doing just kosher and very thankful I had the surgery. Everything I was worried about pre-op has been a complete non-issue. I am, and maybe by virtue of complications, more strict to this new diet than a lot of others who had surgery around a similar time as I did. Sometimes you have to take things that people say with a grain of salt... they are living their own experience and you yours.

My OBGYN mentioned bypass to me numerous times, even when I was much smaller. I found it sort of offensive at the time. SO many people think it's an easy way out... but this is a billion times harder than any diet. Because with a diet, you can always slide off the ride if you really want to. There's no sliding off this ride... without serious repercussions. This is the strictest regimen I've ever followed and I've certainly never had complications from "mere" dieting.

My doc recommended a full liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery. He didn't require it but indicated any weight loss pre-surgery would reduce risk of complications during surgery ... so why not do it!

Hi everyone ! Lets keep the momentum going! January challenges help start the year off right! Info needed: Surgery status, losing/maintaining, weight, goal (challenge specific) Start Jan 2nd -Starting weight End Feb 1st - Ending weight To kick it up notch there will be incentives!!! From a city I have a complicated relationship with lol... shhhhh, it's a surprise for the winners Adding a few fun rules I found on Instagram (follow her!) you can throw in to maximize participation!!! Let's keep it fun!!! Stay engaged and accountable. Participate as much as you like! Even pre ops can participate with the 30 Day Challenge rules as well! Allons y !!!

If you are willing to travel to California, check out Dr. Oliak for VSG. Zero post op complications, one all inclusive fee. Follows up with his results, his weight Loss results are about 80% of your excess weight. Outstanding.

I had a DS last week with Dr Wilhelmy as well. So far, so good. It's a real hospital, but it is not a U.S. Hospital. Dr Wilhelmy doesn't have a bad accent, but I think he may have a limited vocabulary in English (Dr. Campos acted as a translator during the pre-Surgery consult, though Dr Wilhelmy came by himself for the daily checkups post-op). No serious complications so far.

This was such a great post. It really is something to take seriously and I hate to see people treat as just another diet. There can be complications and has a major impact on the body.

It is totally normal to mourn the loss of your current relationship with food. It's been a support and a friend, of sorts. Just remember, it's the bad friend that got you in all sorts of trouble. Just realize, you're not giving up these foods forever, although hopefully, you are giving up the quantities you currently enjoy. Eventually, you'll be able to order your favorite meals at restaurants again. But now, you'll have leftovers to enjoy for 3-4 more meals. (It makes the cost of eating out a lot more reasonable!) For the hair loss, start taking your vitamins now. You can also add biotin and l-lysine supplements to help support hair growth. Do not wait until the hair loss starts as I did. By then it's too late. The first week or two after surgery are hard for most of us. This surgery is a big deal. However, your chances of surgical complications are far less than the chance you'll develop complications due to obesity. Don't focus too much on the next few months. It's tough, but you can get through it. Think about what you want for yourself 2 years from now, 10 years from now . . . The overwhelming percentage of people on these threads think the temporary pain/struggles were well worth it to get a better life in the long run. Think about how much of your current life is passing you by because you're too big to participate in it. I wish you well and hope you'll continue to ask your questions and vent when necessary. We've all been there.

And also depressed, angry, etc.. (Forewarning: Lots of complaints/rants here!) My surgery is scheduled for January 15th, and my pre-op diet is 1 month (instead of the usual two weeks) of liquids with a tiny amount of protein and up to 500g (about a pound) of very select vegetables per day. I'm sick to death of it already, and with the holidays, I just feely shitty that I'm missing out on eating with family and such, so much that I don't even want to leave the house now. And I know that the month or two *after* the surgery is going to be even harder than it is now, which just adds on top of my misery. On top of that, I keep learning more and more stuff about the surgery that was not mentioned to me by my surgeon (like the fact that hair loss is common, just as an example.) I'm determined to go through with it, but damnit.. I just feel more and more miserable the more I think about everything I have to let go of. I'm already mourning food as well, and this pre-op diet is difficult since I've yet to hit ketosis or lose my hunger despite being on it about 7 days now. My stomach hurts so much all the time. My biggest fear is complications, blood clots especially since I don't have the best circulation in my legs especially. I think about it night and day, and I do have bad anxiety, so it's compounded by that, I think. I'm terrified of dying, of leaving my husband behind, my dog.. Everything really. I'm trying to better myself, but it's so. damn. hard. I apologize for all the complaints and whining either way, and if you got this far, thank you for reading and hearing out my worries and complaints! ❤️

LaurynLove come over to the Under400 for the first time in 7 years or the Gals starting over 300 pounds thread(which I was original poster and started) we are here to support and love you. I only started in the mid to upper 300s but I too know the Plump Princess struggles and there have been others at your weight that have sought and found success. And one lovely facet, you will tend. to drop weight faster than average after surgery, it's almost a given. I have never tried Whole Foods vitamins, considering their sterling reputation on other items, as long as they contain iron and the trace elements they should be okay. I myself have been on prenatal vitamins since June except for a brief post-surgical period when they switched me to ground up chewables👅, ycch, never want back THERE again, loathed them. My prenatal are neat, sweet, small yet complete. And my blood labs have been just ducky! Due to some other complications in my recovery I am on TPN, have had a PICC LINE in my upper left arm for 3.5 weeks, not as Scarey as it sounds, but I have twice weekly blood draws And everything is at proper levels where they should be.If you're curious about what happened, just ask, I have no problems discussing it. But you are very welcome on Bariatric Pal and we can help you further, just ask, okay?

This is the problem with seeking validation from strangers to decide if you are making the right decision for your health. If you had doubts about following through with surgery you should have discussed with your surgical team or if you were not mentally prepared then it was not the right time for you to follow through with it. Of your only negative side effect so far from your surgery is fear regarding what has happened to others, stop reading about it. You don’t know these people. You don’t know what their diets were. You don’t know if they are compliant with their vitamin regimen or not. You do not know if they are regularly following up with the appropriate medical providers, or if they waited until there was a problem to see someone. Stop reading the negative crap and put yourself in a positive frame of mind. No one is going to do a complicated reversal procedure unless you are deathly ill, and regret is not a life threatening emergency. You are an adult that made a decision, now pull yourself up and remember why you wanted this. I hope you find the inner peace you need to enjoy your journey with no regrets, truly.

They aren’t going to do a reversal because you changed your mind 1 day after surgery. You have to have serious medical complications for that I believe. And I seriously doubt people who get reversals are anywhere close to what they were pre surgery. Take some deep breaths. Allow yourself time to heal. All these things you are worried about (fatigue and low energy) go away after a short while for the vast majority. Gallstones sometimes happens in rapid weight loss including in people who didn’t have wls. I don’t think kidney stones are a super common thing with this surgery. Yes there are some horror stories on here, but they are very few when compared to the positive experiences. You seem to be hyper focused on the 0.5% of people w bad outcomes. Try to refocus. Read all the stories on here of people who say this was the best decision of their life. Give the surgery a chance. You went this route for a reason. I think you will really be happy when the weights starts to come off. Best of luck!

Complications from obesity include High blood pressure Increased risk of stroke and heart attack Diabetes Increased risk of cancer Joint issues Back problems Just to name a few.

Reversals are only done under extreme circumstances for reasons of medical necessity. When was your surgery. Anaesthesia can cause a person to have all sorts of emotional swings. Once you start healing and losing you will look back at this and laugh. Long term serious complications are far more rare than the complications from being obese. Take your vitamins, follow your drs recommendations, eat what you are supposed to and you will be fine.

Hi, so I want to share something very personal. I know I will be judged for it but I have no other support. And because I feel like I am protected by this shield of anonymous I hope it will not haunt me but instead help me. I beg for understanding! So as some of you know I had doubts regarding the surgery RNY. I felt like with the support of members I got to the peaceful state of mind, prepared for what I should be eating and not, did quite a bit of research. I have noticed that in Europe (where I am from) there are no specific support groups and these types of surgeries are taboo to talk about, people are looked down for having them. So I haven't told anyone but my immediate family, and I also lied to two of my friends that I will have surgery for health purposes. My family was sceptic but I calmed them down buy telling how great it will be etc. Because I had to pay for the surgery most of the money was kindly given to me buy my mother. The surgeon gave me the date for the surgery in a month. So I felt like it was soon but by that time I felt I was prepared. So on the day of surgery I had doubts but as members said that was normal so I decided to follow through. As soon as I woke up I knew I have made a mistake. I feel like I have betrayed my body, myself, like it was the biggest mistake, irrational decission and that I was failed by the medical system in my country, as the leading up to the surgery is nothing as USA system. Yesterday I came to forum and read about the reversal and all of the horror stories of people getting sick even after years after surgery, fatigued and since that momment I cannot stop shaking inside, I feel paranoyed , so so so anxious, so emotional. I want to scream, I had so many nightmares in one night my heart is rushing. And the worst thing is I cannot tell anyone about how I feel as I don't want to be judged, but most importantly I don't want my family to feel like they let me do this thing to myself, like they have failed me. I know my mother feels so much guilt, as she keeps saying we could have tried harder for you to lose weight without depleating yourself. I am so afraid of becoming low energy, depleated of nutrients. I don't want my gallblader removed, I don't want kidney stones, I don't want the fatigue. I beg of you, please help me, tell me what to do! Has anyone has been in my shoes how have you got to the other side? Please don't judge me. Is the reversal possible? Would I be just like before? How iften does the complications occur? How long will I feel this way? I know I sound like the most stupid person in the universe.

Let me start this thread by first apologizing if it is too straight forward. I know we all need support including myself and we are all here for support, to get to know one another, and to be there to pick one another up when we fall. Gastric Surgery is a life changing surgery! It will change the rest of your life for the rest of your life. It is a physical change to your inner workings of your body.. and ONLY your body. It does not change how we deal with food. It does not change how we choose to eat. A choice is a choice that solely rests on our shoulders. Our stomach was changed on the inside to restrict the amount of food we can consume at one time. That is it!! The rest is up to us. Please do your research before having the surgery. I have seen so many posts on here where people think because the stomach was altered the weight is going to magically drop off over night. Magic is found at Disney Only :). The hard work,exercise, controlled eating, limiting carbs avoiding junk food. Making the right choices when it comes to fueling our bodies is solely our responsibility! Let me add here.. i am far from perfect! I have struggled time and time again, hence why i am a part of these boards! Read the boards before surgery from newbies! And what they have experienced immediately following surgery. Every experience is different but you will know what you can expect, and if it does not happen to you.. Guess what? You are one of the Lucky ones!!! Count your blessings! Each and every one of them! Each day is a new day and a chance to put in a little extra effort to meet your end goals. Speaking of Goals! Have some! NSV ones, Scale Ones, Measurement Ones... We all have something we look forward to on this journey. Make lemonade out of lemons! Have fun with your new tool. Take advantage of it and baby it at the same time. Follow your doctors orders! We are not all doctors here! This is a major procedure. There are reasons the doctor puts us on the food plan that he does. It is not to punish us. It is to make sure we don't put a whole in the new stomach that is still stapled and healing. Seek out a therapist if you are struggling with emotional eating. The folks on the boards can give tips, but you really need to get to the root of that, and that may require a doctor visit. Yes Accountability is a great factor to have on the boards, and it is great to vent, but if you are truly struggling with emotional eating, then you truly need to seek a provider in your area to help you get through it. There is so much information, tips, and advice on the boards! Take advantage of it. Take time to read them! Be a part of the community and respond to others that may be having a down day.. It is expected! But please please before you take the plunge on this life changing surgery know what to expect. Know what might happen and be prepared for it along the way. Rant over! If you made it this far.. Thanks for reading. I just wish some folks would read up on something they are investing in and all the pros and complication possibilities so they know exactly how things may play out. With all my love and a Merry Christmas to all.. Jazzy

Yes. I knew this was the right decision for me. I have been heavy or obese my whole life. I remember being 11 or 12 the first time I joined Weight Watchers. I have struggled my whole adult life to lose and regain the same 30 pounds over and over again. When I changed jobs and realized I had the chance to have surgery I researched all my options and began preparing. I have zero regrets. Now it’s true I have had no complications, but I went into surgery realizing there was a risk that is was possible, a small risk, but a risk. And I was so miserable with my life the way I was living it that I accepted that risk. My life has changed in so many positive ways. I have more energy and stamina. I’m not constantly worrying about what I’m going to eat. I’m not worrying about what I’m going to wear, I’m choosing what to wear based on my likes and tastes. How people interact with me is different, I feel like people used to just look past me. I was in so much pain after my long shifts at work at my high weight....I used to drive home sometimes and just cry in my car. Now I can work and yes, my feet may ache a bit, but it is absolutely nothing like before. I have about 8-9 pounds to reach my first goal weight of 199. My surgeon thinks I could reach 180. Even if I don’t lose one more pound, I consider myself a success. I have lost over 175 pounds and over 25 points off of my BMI. I also agree there has been a lot of negative posts. If you are close to your surgery date I encourage you to stay away from them. I cruised Instagram before my surgery and was amazed at all the before and after photos of people just like me.