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It was a complication from my WLS. Apparently scar tissue had built up and blocked my bowel. It came on all of the sudden, it felt like I had eaten too fast or to much. I went to bed and woke up the next morning feeling better but still uncomfortable. I have a 35 minute or so drive into work. I was drenched in sweat when I got to work and couldn't stand up straight. One of the guys I work with forced me to go to the ER. I had to wait an hour at the ER before I even got a bed. They gave me morphine for the pain (not a big fan) and sent me for a CAT Scan. Took them about 3 hours to come back and say it looks like I had a blocked bowel. They didn't do the surgery at their hospital so they called an ambulance and had me transferred to their sister hospital about 5 miles away. My wife drove over to the other hospital so she could be there before I went into surgery. Three hours later, the ambulance finally showed up to take me to the other hospital. The other hospital called three times looking for me and my wife called twice. As soon as I got to the other hospital they took me right into pre-op and I was under the knife within 30 minutes of arriving at the hospital. It is a known complication (not a common one) and I drew the small straw and got it. They gutted me like a fish and it has taken me a while to bounce back from the surgery. I only see my surgeon once a year for checkups (unless I need to see him otherwise). This just came out of nowhere, it happens, it happened to me but I will never blame my surgeon because it happened.

Actually I had that for the first few months and I decided to go lower on profile after that "ban wave" rushed through the boards and the "tough lovers gang" got banned. Never had pics online here (or anywhere) other than the one my employer made of our department. I think the older users can remember that I had them on my profile. About regain: I wrote in older posts about (temporary) regain when I stopped smoking and when the band started to migrate and fail in the year before revision. Both times the weight loss following the regain was easy and without a real effort. I have a BMI of 25 or 26 (depending on season) and I'm still not sure if I should shell out the money for plastics but I guess I will in the end. I'm actually quite afraid of complications on the one hand but on the other hand I'm quite unhappy with several of my hanging body parts. Stats can be faked and the person in the picture might not really be me. So while I can see where you're coming from I don't think it really adds to the credibility of a person when he/she is posting stats. For example, I wrote above that I had temporary regain twice and that getting rid of the weight again was quite effortless. Well, it could be that I made that up or that I regained four or five times during the years or that I struggle mightily... posting any stats or pictures won't change that everything I write here could as well be a big, fat lie. I have drawn information for free from the net without end regarding endless topics so I'm happy to provide my experiences and opinions in return because I think they might be helpful for others but I don't need people to believe me. I'm not butt hurt if people on a message board don't believe what I have to say or that they might think my whole account is fake and I never had WLS because at the end of the day it doesn't really make a difference for me. I'm not writing on message boards to make my living. 😂 Can't provide any horror stories here. I had laparoscopic gastric banding and you can only see the little scars at the usual incision points. But back in the days it was lap band for a young woman or nothing so there wasn't much to choose from.

Patients are told to expect about 60% average... But people are often below and above average. Genetics, meds, health issues, mental issues, exercise, eating patterns, skilll if surgeon, rate of recovery, complications and even work stress can all play a part but YOU can manipulate your lifestyle to get more or less out of the surgery depending on how you work after. Maintenance is also a place where people regain weight and it's harder to take it off again, so that's an idea to stay vigilant about. I had a sleeveb and so far have lost 90ish lbs. My surgery weight was 238 (consultation 249 but the highest ever in the 270s), It's possible, but you better be ready to wooooork. Safe Journey!

Hi everyone, scheduled for the 30th Nov provided my consultation goes to plan on the 19th. Having it done in the UK living in Ireland. Going through cycles of nervous/excited/apprehensive about the procedure. Mostly worried about the complications and ability to stick to the diet afterwards. Im a doctor myself and I'm also worried about going back to work afterwards as i've a demanding job and i'm on my feet 24/7 How are people preparing for life at work after surgery? Any tips you've uncovered re tubberware, lunch boxes etc... Im not planning on telling anyone about my procedure unless I have to as I don't like the idea of people judging me. That said im really looking forward to being able to smile at myself in the mirror again, not have to worry about seats being too narrow or clothes not fitting.

Me too i was concerned about dumping syndrome and rerouting my intestine. My worry was what if I decided to do this surgery and go from being a perfectly healthy person (other than being overweight) to choosing to have this surgery and what if i am sick all the time after? Then when i had the complications i beat myself up that i shouldn't have had the surgery and my fears had come true. I worried what if this is how it will always be, and i always feel terrible. and nauseous and weak and sick. But that stage passes and you improve and learn how to deal with your new stomach. It has been and continues to be an adjustment, and learning phase for me, but i feel like i am on the upswing now and that i made the right decision.

Hi! I had almost your same exact scenario. I had the sleeve 5 years ago at 275. I lost almost 100 lbs in the first year but after the first year i struggled to maintain my weight even exercising and sticking to the diet. I slowly gained back to up 235 (5 years out) and had severe reflux and my hiatal hernia was recurrent. So on 9/10/18 i had a revision from sleeve to bypass, revision of my hiatal hernia repair and my gallbladder removed. I had a rough start after surgery. I sailed thorough my sleeve recover 5 years ago easily so i though this would be the same. But I had a lot of trouble getting my fluids in and i got dehydrated and had to get IV liquids the first week and i ended up with a partial bowel obstruction the second week and back in the hospital for 5 days. The sleeve to bypass transition as been harder than i expected. I just didn't expect the surgery and adapting to the bypass stomach to be so different from the sleeve. The first month for me was very hard and i struggled to get in fluids and calories. I had a lot of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but i think a lot of that stemmed from the problems with the partial bowel obstruction. I am 6 weeks out now and doing much better. I still struggled with hitting my fluids goal and my new pouch is very grumpy at times so it doesn't like alot of things..lol But i have found foods that are gentle to my stomach and I getting my energy level back up. I have always able to eat pretty much anything i wanted, even after the sleeve surgery nothing really bothered my stomach. Spicy, beef, rich or fried food etc.. This was both a blessing and a curse, but after the bypass my stomach is very sensitive. So far and i have to be very careful trying new things because my bypass pouch will let me know quickly if she doesn't like it. Good luck with your surgery what ever you decide. I hope my post doesn't scare you off. Although, my complications can happen they are not the norm. I admit had times the last 6 week that i had "buyers remorse" ( which is pretty normal) and though what have i done. But now that i am gaining my strength back and staring to feel better, and i am losing i feel like this was the right decision for me,a nd these complication and limitations will help keep me on the right path to success. As of today I have lost 35lb (counting my 2 week preop liquid diet). They say revision patients will lose slower than first time WLS patients, but i am happy with my progress so far. I had a 2 week staff after the 3rd week, and i just started losing again. Hopefully, It will continue! Best of luck to you! Keep us posted!

My disclaimer for anyone pre op or new to bariatric eating. Stay on your plan and learn how to eat and fuel your body. Yes, Dieticians plans work. I have great recipes with riced cauliflower. (I have a stuffing recipe just in time for thanksgiving) Many reasons for dieticians instructions not working (no judgment for anyone struggling with theses issues) Complications, medical issues, medications, wrong type of surgery, hormones, pregnancy, Grazing -eating above macros and calories. Dietitians may change to a new eating plan due to the reasons above. Some choose an eating plan on their own.

I started at 365 - surgery weight was 327 (on October 10th) - current weight is 319. I went with the sleeve because I was afraid of the complications with the bypass. Another reason is my surgeon told me that down the line - if I wasn’t happy - I could convert to the bypass. I have never been a “risk taker”, so for me, this was the right choice. Whatever you decide, I’m sure will be the right choice for YOU! Good luck!! 👍

Hey everyone! I’m a self paid patient that is about a week post op. I’m from Canada and paid for the surgery in Mexico. I’m home now and doing great. I have not told my primary physician or family, friends or anyone about the surgery. I know post op medical support is important, so I’m considering my different options now. If I have any complications or anything comes up in the short term, of course I’ll seek the appropriate care, but I’m hoping to hear from others about their post op care plan. - Monthly or routine check ups? - Blood work how often? - Nutritionist? (How often?) - Psychological support? Thanks to everyone for their input!

Cyndi, Hope you are feeling much better! I am feeling much better but am very sluggish still. Saw surgeon and he says that is normal and will feel better soon. I'm autoimmune, so it took a tole on my body. Still have terrible acid-reflux. Hoping that will go eventually. Sorry to hear you had issues as well. Just hang in there! :-) Good luck and let me know you're doing. Thank God I'm not the only one! Not that I'd want anyone else to have this issue. It's just that I felt, "of course I'd be the only one!" lol I had surgery last Wednesday, with complications, came home Saturday. Woohoo! :-) And now I am starving! Jello hits like a rock! As does water. So no help there. Hoping it will subside soon. :-)

I would also make certain you are drinking a minimum of 100 oz. of water a day, avoiding all fluids with calories and just stay with it. I would also look at the ingredients of the frozen meal since if it mostly carbs that might prevent weight loss. Make sure your shakes don't have a lot of sugar in them. My program allowed 2-3 shakes per day (I used premier protein but there are others) and 1 meal of 4 oz. protein and 1 cup of non starchy vegetables daily. I could also have sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello and sugar free pickles. I lost 15 lbs. in 14 days and only struggled a few times with feeling hungry. My only deviation from the plan was a teaspoon of natural peanut butter a couple of times. Surgeon said my liver looked "perfect" and no complications from surgery. Good luck to you!!

I had my surgery on october 3rd Just got out of the hospital yesterday I had a terrible ordeal don't get me wrong as for the surgery stand point everything went well didn"t even need pain med but I end up with lots of complications after surgery I hand up having blood transfusion and Iron infusion developed sometime of reaction with leaded me on ICU for 4 days now all my skins are shading of my body I have not been able to do much cause of all the meds and High dose steroids they have me on I'm still on stage 2b diet and tired of all the broths any suggestions of what else to have beside broths [emoji31] [emoji30] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Tell me about it. I've needed a new hip for over a year and I can't find a surgeon who will even talk to me about it until my BMI is at 40. I'm at 41, and they wouldn't schedule me for a CONSULT. Ludicrous. And I've been doing research on the complication rates for BMI over 40. They go from about 4% to 6% and can be influenced by other things. Denying me care should be criminal.

This. And it doesn't even need complications for that path to be rough for many people. Many paths in life are not smooth, but rough or/and winded, be it school, love, career...

Amen. Ya, Try harder with surgical complications ..Ugh The judgment placed on people's struggles in BP is less than helpful. Not everyone experiences a smooth process with WLS.

People gain for many reasons. The answer is not as simple as go back to basics. It's not as simple as add carbs. Some gain due to complications, need a revision, hormonal changes, medical issues, medication side effects, diet etc. None of this is a one diet fits all. none of us here are medical professionals,

It was suggested that I start a thread on this topic seeing as I do have first hand experience. This is the founder of The Pound of Cure, Dr. Matthew Weiner. The link is to his Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner My story started about 4 years ago I would say when I chose to seek out BS (Bariatric Surgery). I first reached out to a different clinic in my state. But I ended up never scheduling my surgery through them. THANK GOD! Ok now fast forward to January 2018. I got on Youtube and started watching videos and doing more research. That is where I found my saving grace! LITERALLY! I reached out to his office and scheduled my consultation. From my very first phone call into the office its been nothing but a positive learning motivating life changing experience. Every person I came into contact with made an impact. They are so helpful. My first time meeting Dr. Weiner I really didn't know what to expect with only seeing him on Youtube. But I will tell you that he is the same exact person you see in the videos. It is very easy to talk to him and open up to him about questions or concerns. I had to do 6 months of a pre op diet required by my insurance, so we started right off with ways to start changing my diet and how I really look at food. He is very encouraging and prints out step by step suggestions for your entire process. His idea behind Pound of cure really helped me loose 20 lbs before my surgery. If I was struggling with areas of my diet he had many different suggestions on things I can try. You can tell he really speaks from experience. He would ask me what my trouble areas were and gave me different options to try which I wouldn't have tried before. When eating a pound of veggies a day was first put in play it was quite daunting. I enjoy veggies and I thought I ate enough of them but quickly realized that I just needed to tweak a couple things. I feel like my taste buds have changed a few different times along my journey. Even this past week I have noticed changes. For my surgery with Dr. Weiner. That took place at Oakland Regional Hospital in Southfield MI. Dr. Weiner is part owner of the hospital. EVERYONE there was great. I went home the next day and did great until about 4 days out. My taste buds changed and couldn't take in ANY protein. So he told me about his smoothies and I was able to do that for a while until I could take in more food. I also had problems with my vitamins. The taste was absolutely horrible. So he switched me to the capsules. He listened to my struggles and made one suggestion that helped drastically. He really knows and understands what bariatric patients are going through. This program has changed my mindset on food. I now eat for necessity and fuel for the day. I know everyone has different results from the surgery and their program but I do not feel hunger. I most definitely feel when I am full. I've seen posts that his program leads more towards a vegan lifestyle but not completely. I will say that is true. I had a horrible time with cheese for instance. The crack of all foods right. Well now I no longer eat cheese and if I do I use vegan cheese. He even suggested recipes to make our own. I would never have started eating beans if it wasn't for him. And my new tummy LOVES beans. Those around me don't but hey I have to eat what I can eat. I can most certainly get by with out eating animal protein and I think anyone after surgery could. I know for me I have chosen to not eat animal protein if I don't have to. I've had chicken for dinner for example and that next morning I felt completely different. I just knew right away what it was. You have to eat what makes you feel good. With his program I get by drinking ZERO artificial protein. No shakes, no powder. I cant stomach the taste. Even the unflavored is a lie. It is flavored. Greens and beans give me life I know every program is different and there are those people that strictly abide by their surgeons word and that is fine. That is clearly also what I do. I am not suggesting you do anything different unless your body is telling you that you need to change something. If something isn't working for you WHY NOT seek out alternative options. Only you know your body. Only you know how you feel and what things feel like in your new tummy. Go with your gut. No pun intended I am only speaking my experience and what I went through. If you are in the Michigan area and are looking or someone you know is looking into BS I would say for sure reach out to his office. If you've had complications from a previous BS again I would for sure reach out to his office. He also fixes previous botched surgeries or those with complications.

Yeah I am still around. Other than some random posts on my activity page. I go through the forums to see if there is anything I feel passionate about, enough to post on but life is crazy right now. All the kids are in sports, I'm coaching, work, gym, chores, LIFE! Plus I have had a bad cold for a week now. But my journey is still going strong. Still loosing. And no complications How are you doing?

Wow hon. First off, so sorry about the reflux, but so glad you're getting things taken care of and I hope you will feel better quickly! I'm sure VSG to Bypass is way more complicated, so I can't speak for how long you will have to be on liquids. You can look in my day-by-day thread in the My Story area, think it was starting week3 that I went to mushies? No purees for here. But please, please, please, follow your doc's orders. In my opinion, when we think we're smarter than them and do our own thing, it rarely ends well. At least for me! But yeah...if I was gonna follow his "juice" thing, I'd do the sugar free cranberry juice, and flavored waters. I guess he's trying to keep you from bottoming out without sugar, or protein, etc. I'd ask his office if they would allow the Premier Protein Clear Drinks mixed with water??? Or the Isopure clear protein mixed with water. They are palatable if you mix them with a heck of a lot of water!!! Good luck!!!

I am “fortunate” that my port was removed in 2007 after it developed MRSA and that giant incision never healed. This will only be the band. I’ve not had any bad complications that I’m aware of beyond things getting stuck... but it’s been a source of worry for 10 years and completely useless. I self paid for the band in 2006, so I didn’t have Insurance coverage for Bariatric until now. Such a relief.

Hi! Apologies about the family stressing you out , we all would hope our supports would be supportive but not always the case. You've got us now! I did not have my surgery in Mexico so I'm no help there... But there are a lot of threads of people's experiences if you search and this site even owns/is affiliated with a hospital in Mexico! I can tell you eating/drinking at the same time is not a big deal (it's only 30 mins, you can start now to get a feel for it), the other lifestyle changes are not that hard if you are resolved to make it your lifestyle. Everything will be slightly easier (mentally) if you want it and are less resistant. Even complications will seem less heavy with a hopeful outlook (all aspects of life) because you are more willing to face them and win. Surgery is a tool (exercise is a tool, proper diet is a tool) your body is the project. Maintenance is required to keep it in good form. You will have to work. It will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. What ever you choose, we support you!

I recently had my first baby and it was c section after only dilating 5.5cm. Pregnancy was great besides gaining almost 50 pounds. No complications. Sleeved 2014.

Thank God I'm not the only one! Not that I'd want anyone else to have this issue. It's just that I felt, "of course I'd be the only one!" lol I had surgery last Wednesday, with complications, came home Saturday. Woohoo! :-) And now I am starving! Jello hits like a rock! As does water. So no help there. Hoping it will subside soon. :-)

Ha! I bought it cuz of you! I heart it! It was a pretty super combination. Should have made my Dijon garlic vinaigrette but didn't feel like it--it was already complicated enough to put all the parts together. Ha!

My surgeon said 2 weeks for desk jobs, 4 weeks for physically demanding jobs. Can drive on your own in 1 week. I'm taking 2 weeks (fortunately there's Election Day and Veteran's Day in there so I don't have to use SO much leave). Obviously, though, you never know if you could have complications so it could always be longer. Better to rest than push yourself, I think. That being said, one of my bosses had this surgery 6 years ago and went back to work 3 days after getting out of the hospital, just to meetings. He said he felt really uncomfortable, but it was manageable.