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March 3rd 2020 i had sleeve conversion to RNY with hiatal hernia repair. I had lost 90% of my weight, but had really bad reflux and food getting stuck and stabbing chest pains. I can say that the sleeve i felt restriction, and still did until the revision. But with the GBP i really don't. My PA said that since liquids and pureed foods are "slider" foods, they will slide right thru without much feeling of fullness. We lost that pyloris that held things in to fill up the sleeve. but, once I start to eat normal foods, i will feel the restriction. She also agreed with the cutting of the nerves and that will come back. My new concern is i am 15 days post op and on day 13 i started getting bad stomach cramps when i drink water. the first day i had really bad gas, and thought that was it. took simethicone to no effect. But any time i drink it starts to hurt almost immediately. Been going on a few days now. I force my water down but an lying on my side in the fetal position most of the time since that is the only way it won't hurt. I read in one of these forums that this is normal, and to try warmer fluids. Anyone experiencing this? Thoughts?

I just spoke with a friend who has a friend going through the Kaiser Options classes (Pre-op requirement in So. Cal). All classes have been postponed and her friend was informed that her surgeries (elective) have been postponed until further notice. I'm praying for those of you who are on the journey and awaiting your surgery. Don't forget the reason why you are on this journey and remember why you are doing this. When you finally cross the finish line, you are going to appreciate your journey even more. We are going to stay united on our journeys rather it be pre or post-op, this is a real test for each of us. Even those of us who are recently post-op, we have to assure that we stay healthy and keep our immune systems healthy. I had a post-op appt via telephone today, I have to hope that I'm doing the right thing because without direct contact with your medical team it's not clear. Hopefully we all stay complication free, hydrated and mentally healthy. There are also those who need a revision due to complications from their first procedure, the list can keep growing. This is a domino effect that we are in together. Sending positive vibes, prayers and blessings to each of you. Practice patience and keep your peace as your guides as we navigate through this.

I'm sorry, ask your surgeon. My Bariatric team said this was common for some patients post-op. This was also discussed in our classes required before surgery. My friend is post-op 2 years and has been revised to rny for almost 1 year, her stomach is a talker. She named her stomach, Tiny Tummy aka TT.

I think you're doing really well! I've only lost 3.8 kgs since surgery and that was two weeks ago. Some people lose weight really quickly post-op, for others it's more of a slow burn and then really gets going a few weeks in. Also, in regards to your friends, I find that a lot of people don't understand how weight loss works. Most people think it's a matter of less calories in + more exercise = weight loss. But our bodies are really complicated, much more so than a 2+2=4 equation, and most people who are obese or morbidly obese have other issues, like insulin or leptin-resistance, which can really hinder weight loss. In addition to that we have lower metabolic rates that are difficult to change. There are two contradictory actions when we diet and start an exercise regimen at the same time. The exercise will give a boost to our metabolism, but the diet will slow it down. So in effect they cancel each other out which is why most people plateau after a few weeks and can't figure out why. The body doesn't like change and will always try to get back to where it was, especially metabolism. Also fat cells like being fat and will use any opportunity to fill themselves up again - something to remember when you are 1 or more years post-op. Going back to any old habits will be a very happy reunion for your fat cells, which is what happened to me and why I needed revision surgery. Fat cells never disappear, they are always there, just much smaller than before. Which is why people who were obese before will always struggle with food compared to people who have always (or mostly) been at a healthy weight. And of course most of us probably have real addictions to food, which is difficult to deal with. Compared to drugs or alcohol, none of which are needed to survive, we need to food to live, so have to deal with our addictions every time we eat, go shopping, or are in any other situation involving food. It really is a hard mental game to keep up with. Anyway, I'm just saying this because if you think of losing weight as a race, obese people do not start at the start line with regular (mostly healthy, maybe overweight) people. We are handicapped by our obesity, our metabolism, our brains, our resistance to different hormones, our food addictions, our co-morbidities, etc which puts us way back behind the start line. So we never get a fair "race" compared to our healthier counterparts. But when we get surgery, the loss of part of our stomach basically resets the entire body back to zero, and now we have a more even playing field. We still still have to work at it, and be vigilant with our food choices, but at least we are no longer handicapped by everything else that was preventing success in all the years we were trying to lose weight. I was reading an recent medical journal that says a) obesity is a disease, just like cancer, and should be treated as such, and b) gastric surgery should be renamed metabolic surgery since it has so many positive effects on the body. Honestly, it's now even being considered as a treatment for diabetes, since it has been so successful in eliminating that problem with obese people who had it pre-gastric surgery, but not afterwards. A good book to read (if you haven't already) is "Fat Chance" by Robert Lustig (M.D.) who goes into really good detail about what I explained above. I find educating ourselves with facts is the best way to counter people who will dismiss what we are doing as a "scam". Most people who think that probably have a very limited idea of what weight loss really entails. Finally, you don't need to prove anything to your friends. The only person you need to prove anything to is yourself! Good luck! Stick to the program, don't worry too much about the scale when it doesn't move fast enough or stalls (because that will happen). When it does, focus on non-scale victories, like clothes fitting better, or moving down in size, being more comfortable in a seatbelt, needing to fill the bathtub with more water since you don't displace as much as before (!), finding your collarbones and cheekbones again, etc. You got this!

I will be heading to the hospital in about five minutes, and I thought I would start a thread where I would post my experience and updates with an ESG revision/conversion to gastric sleeve. I had an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) nearly 18 months ago- more about that another time. An endoscopy last month verified that all but one suture had come undone. Time for a conversion. As expected I am a bit nervous this morning but am grateful that surgery hasn't been cancelled in these trying times. I don't have bariatricpal set up on my tablet or mobile so will be updating in a few days as I won't be carting my old big laptop to the hospital.

Mine was 5.5 hours as a revision but that was due to excessive scar tissue from other surgeries.

I think for the most part, the diet we follow post-surgery (whether sleeve or bypass) is what is known as protein-prioritized keto (there's a FB group if you are interested). Keep protein high, fats low to moderate, and carbs low. In fact, I really don't understand the (traditional keto) focus on high fat since the reason most people lose weight is because of low carbs. And of course protein is better for you than fat. That said, some people may be more sensitive to fatty foods after bypass (I just had a bypass revision myself and this is something I'm concerned about). I would talk to your doctor/nutritionist to see what they think.

I suggest you do a little homework first. Call your insurance company and ask what are the requirements for WLS. Back in 2009 (lapband) the insurance i had the requirements were..... 35 bmi with 2 co morbids OR over 40 bmi with no co's. I quilified for the 40 bmi. I am also 5'2".... (this is one time where being short pays off). I was 232lbs so my bmi was around 42 i think. WLS was a life saver for me in so many ways. Because i had the LB my weight loss was so, but i stuck with it and followed the rules. Got to 143lbs and stayed there for nearly 8 years. Then in March of 2017, after years of zero problems, i got sick and for a week i threw up violently, slipped my band and had to have her removed. Over the next 2.5+ years (and starting menopause) i put back 30lbs of the 89 i lost. Which was still great.... but i hated how i felt. I also hated that no matter what i did.... diet, diet pills, not eating, tracking food, crossfit,.... nothing stopped it. After about a year without her i realized i wouldn't be able to keep all the weigh off with out some intervention. So i started looking for a Dr. to do a revision. My plan was to get the MGB, but no one would do it..... all i kept hearing was... You don't weigh enough.... ughhhh. I started plans to go down to Mex and have it done there.... then on a last ditch effort i called a local Dr. and had a meeting with him. He agreed that had i NOT been a previous WLS patient he would never do anything.... BUT because i was he could get me in as a "revision". So on Aug. 28, 2019 i went in for the Sleeve. No, it's not what i wanted, but i grabbed the chance and ran with it... that and 14K. Mex was about 9-10k i think. Yes i would have saved a few thousand, but it was worth the extra to have my dr. 10 min from me and not in Mex. Today, i happy at my current weight of 131lbs. The day i was sleeved i was 173.5lbs. Worth every cent of that 14k.

I'm also short (5'3") and for my first surgery was 150 pounds overweight, for my most recent revision, 100 pounds overweight (which put me at 41 BMI). I had no other co-morbidities at the time of either surgery. However, I was self-pay for both, so did not have to go through insurance at all. Unfortunately I think insurance companies have more say than doctors do, but if you meet the minimum requirement I can't see why they wouldn't accept you for surgery. Just don't lose any weight until you get approved!

Had revision, hernia repair and bowel resection on Thursday. Initially, I felt great but 5 hours after discharge I thought my insides were gonna fall out. Tylenol-Cod elixir doest not help much. 18 yrs ago, when I was very young I had a gastric bypass. It went well! Lost 180 Ibs ( lowest wt 126 Ibs, 4’11). Three years later I developed a vertical hernia that was repair. About 10 years in I developed strictures and could not hold any food down. A GI doc at my university dilated by esophagus and gastric pouch. I was furious with him but in hindsight he probably saved my life. The hernia repair was done with mesh which became painful. Due to Change insurances several time I was unable to find a bariatric doctor I felt comfortable with until now. I’m petty sure if your thyroid levels are controlled, gastric bypass will assist in weight loss. Probably remaining on a low carb, lean meat, low dairy diet and exercise 4-5 days a week may also help. That’s my plan!

Well after being denied and appealing the surgery and waiting 7 weeks for a surgery date which is 3/18, I believe they are canceling my revision due to the virus. Because it’s elective.  I hope I’m wrong. I am in so much pain from the heartburn. I’ve been on a liquid diet for 2 weeks.  I’m so upset. 

I had a revision from a lap band to RNY and I know for the first 4 days I had terrible "buyers remorse". But around day 5 I felt like I was gonna make it, and every day was better than the day before. It's totally normal to think "what the hell did I just do to myself???" Almost everyone of us have thought that right after surgery. Your doctor should have you on a PPI for a few months after your surgery. I had heartburn for about a month after mine. Be patient with yourself on the fluid drinking and don't force it. It will get easier. Hang in there, YOU GOT THIS! It WILL bet better, I promise...

@asnirak I had bypass as well (revision) and I also question why it’s so easy for me to drink liquids! That said, I know from my last surgery that liquids go right through you, but also in the first weeks after surgery your stomach is quite swollen and sore, so it may not be able to indicate to you if you are having too much. Which is why it’s important to try to stick to recommended doses if possible. Another reason to do so is to prepare us in getting used to eating smaller portions, and to eating and drinking more slowly. Interestingly, my program has a more realistic liquid intake progression - 1.2L the first two weeks (about 5 cups), then 1.5 the next two, and then 2L (64 oz) once one month post-op hits. I found no problem getting my liquids in in the beginning, but now that I’ve added purées and soft foods I find it a bit more challenging.

@CammyC: I had my revision 26th February and I am convinced I am eating way more calories than you. I still don't feel that good, walks and grocery shopping are exhausting and I'm honestly not really expecting being able to jump around. We all should keep in mind that we had abdominal surgery and general anesthesia. It takes time, at least for most people. Tbh, I can't relate at all to the patients talking about "brimming with energy" shortly after surgery.

You said you're revision? Sleeve to SIPS did you say? Were you hungry after your sleeve as well? Did they touch your sleeve this time? Sorry for these questions. Just asking because I'm a revision as well (MGB to RNY) and have a really hard time battling the cravings this time.

I’m almost 2 weeks out from a DS SIPS revision surgery. I’m on a full liquid diet for 1 more day then I move to the blended diet (mushies I guess). I’m super hungry. I’m down 22 lbs from the week before surgery preop diet so I’m vwry happy but did not expect to be this hungry. Should I be this hungry at this point? What about the ghrelin factor? Or is that not really a thing? I get plenty of water and some broth in as well in a day. Any advise or insight?

Hello, The 12 weeks are very informative, I went through West LA. You'll complete your labs. No smoking because your urine will be tested. Some weight loss is needed, but you absolutely can't gain any weight after your first weigh in. Maintain a positive attitude because classroom participation and attitude was evaluated, don't be late and you can only makeup 2 classes. Try to complete everything during your Options classes as early as possible and make your required appointments as soon as you start the program if not before. Surgery approval is as soon as you complete everything and then your file will be evaluated by the Bariatric team. Some people had surgery dates as early as 3 weeks after class. One person was a revision, she had surgery during, those of us who were serious had dates. You have one year to complete your surgery after finishing the class. I was in a pretty decent group of people. Everyone wasn't serious about the surgery, some were just into the hype. Some people had been through the class 3 times and never had the procedure due to fear or blocking themselves (they admitted that), didn't want to commit to the lifestyle change, there were a few negative Neds & Nancy's (ignore them and distance yourself from those ppl) and finally the know it all ppl., because they know someone or a close family member had the surgery and their plan wasn't like this!!! Get the information that Kaiser wants you to follow, show up and commit, communicate with the Bariatric team, one week you'll get samples of the Bariatric vitamins, get z highlighter to highlight your notes (makes it easier to review and refresh once you have surgery). Enjoy the ride, this journey is for you and you get out of it what you put into it. Please note: All Kaiser Permanente Bariatric programs are not the same. My program at West LA Kaiser was totally different from my friend who went through South Bay Kaiser. Even our after surgery stages per our surgeons. Still both very affective. Each surgeon has their own experiences and methods.

I had my lap band removed in large part due reflux and GERDS issues causing tissue damage to my throat. I was on daily medication and changed my diet. When I started researching a revision surgery, I decided a sleeve was my first choice. During my first consultation with my surgeon, he wanted us to consider RNY over a sleeve given by history of reflux and GERDS. When met with the surgeon about month before surgery we were still wanting a sleeve. During the appointment we had a more serious and detailed discussion with my surgeon about having a second restrictive weight loss surgery. His concerns were compelling and to dispel his concern, he recommended endoscopic exams over a two month period to confirm my reflux and GERDS was under control. Ultimately, I had RNY surgery 2 weeks ago because of the risk of a second restrictive WLS surgery failing. In the end, we are all different and we need to understand our bodies. We should make decisions on what will give us the best tool for successful weight loss.

Since my surgery, I cannot eat dried pastas or white, brown, red or black (forbidden) rice. But I CAN eat fresh pasta and wild rice and all wheat grains and many other grains. My understanding is that the ones I can't eat continue to expand after eating, and that's painful with a tiny stomach pouch. So, did some research. Rice and dried pastas can expand up to six times their dry volume either during cooking or after eating. Fresh pastas still are about halfway to the expanded volume before cooking and double when cooked, so are DONE EXPANDING when eaten, so won't cause pain or nausea when consumed. Rice pudding and risotto have also fully expanded BEFORE you eat them, so can also be eaten with no negative consequences. However, most rice dishes and pasta from dried have tripled in size before eating but will DOUBLE that INSIDE you. That's going to be bad. My research has found NOTHING about the discomfort being due to high carb content. If you are prone to short term dumping, high carbs can be a problem, but although I can't eat a whole hard candy, I can eat a plate of fresh pasta with cheese sauce ( my version of Mac and cheese, homemade) and it doesn't cause dumping. I only get dumping from fresh pasta if I don't consume enough protein with it. The problem with pasta is one of volume, not carbs. Wheat grains (wheat berries, spelt, kamut, einkorn, farro, emmer, cracked wheat, bulgur, and others) expand to only 3 times dry volume when cooked, so the expansion is done during cooking, and no more occurs after eating. The same is true of barley, quinoa, amaranth, teff, millet, kaniwa, buckwheat, and a bunch of other grains. So, they all can be substituted in recipes that call for rice. Wild rice isn't in the rice family, it's closer related to wheat and barley, do it also is done expanding during cooking so can be eaten without trouble. I use spelt when I make pork fried rice. I use wild rice instead of noodles in chicken soup. I use kamut or wheat berries instead of couscous. I do have to adjust cooking times, or liquid amounts to reflect what actually is being cooked, but the recipes come out tasty and healthy. My question for you all is, have you found any prepared pasta dishes you can eat? If not, try with fresh pasta. Btw, egg rolls wrappers are essentially identical to fresh pasta and can be used to make lasagna without needing prior cooking, and without over expansion inside you. Hopefully you can try some of these ideas and find out you have more food choices than you thought you did. I am 8 years out from Roux-En-Y surgery, with several revision surgeries as well, and gall bladder removal, and I am still at my target weight, 100 lbs. down from pre-surgery weight. It has NOT been easy.

I find it interesting how different doctors recommend different post-up eating regimens. When I did my sleeve back in 2017 I was the same as the rest of you - clear liquids, then full liquids in the first 2 weeks post-op. But on this revision surgery I've been on full liquids and purees since the day I left the hospital (day 3 post-op) and I haven't had any issues since. I've been tired of drinking of my protein so tonight I tried some tuna with a little shredded cheese and it went down no problem. Still not sure how this is working considering my stomach is about the size of my index finger. But, no pain, no dumping. I'm still going to do liquids tomorrow but I may try another small meal with soft food/mushies (maybe scrambled eggs, or mashed carrots, or tofu) - it's a few days too early, but we'll see how it goes. If I have to be honest, I'm kind of upset that nothing has bothered me so far - I really would prefer some pushback from my stomach, or dumping, or something! because I don't like being able to eat and drink what I want. I know that in the long run it will make it that much harder to stay motivated and on track.

Mooki, Thank you for the thoughtful support and positive feedback. I appreciate you and everyone else on BP. As a private sleever myself, this site allows me to share discreetly with my peers while obtaining valuable information. This site along with a sleeved now revised to rny friend, my son (Resting in Heaven) helped me to make this life changing decision. We are all right on track with questioning our vsg surgeries and wondering if it worked, hydration and or stage consumptions, feeling lethargic and etc. I'm also dealing with insomnia, hate it so much. I think the full liquids have ran its course and I need pureed food before Tuesday. I'm going to see how I feel after a few errands tomorrow. Question for all of us, who else in oit group didi tell others or limited pp about their wls?

It's reassuring the number of people who've had the sleeve and have had no or few issues. I'm happy people are chiming in with their experiences, it's so helpful! You make a good point of not being able to do anything more if we revise to RNY from the sleeve but I'm thinking that's a chance I'll take. Especially because of the undernourishment factor. I hope you are able to decide soon!

Having revision 4/10 doing RYN due to hernia and GERD my surgeon is vining me 6 weeks off but ow I’m worried about the Corona virus

Having a revision to my sleeve having the RYN on 4/10 due to hernia and GERD. Now with this corona going on I’m scared as of yet they have not postponed my surgery. Wondering if I should postpone it

I was a grade C but yesterday it was a D !! They are calling me to schedule the revision tomorrow. Glad that you are doing well. Have you had an EGD done since revision to know if it is helping your esophagus. Do you still have reflux?