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I am very impressed by your journey did you have any complications with your revision

I’m sorry you’ve developed theses complications. It’s so unpredictable how our bodies work & react to the changes to our digestive system post surgery. I was fine after my sleeve but jump to 25 months later & my gall was removed & suddenly I had a protein absorption issue. I also stopped absorbing my HRT meds. Malabsorption after gall surgery can occur but I was told it’s quite rare for it to be with protein. I wonder if some of the treatments women use for osteoporosis would help? Not HRT of course but prolia & evenity. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Worth asking your doctor. There must be research & treatment plans about because osteoporosis in men is increasing. PS - I use a mouth spray for my D3 K2 (I take it winter when my levels drop) though it is only a low dose (1000UI) but someone might produce a higher dose to boost your intake. The spray means your digestive system is bypassed & it is absorbed directly. Sorry just read you can’t take vitamin K.

Does everyone get a "nutritionist" with their surgery? I'm in a small town in Alabama, my surgeon doesn't have one on staff that I am aware of. He has a nurse that gives you the "plan" which is a pretty basic low carb plan where they want you to eat less than 4 oz, give you a little 4 oz measuring cup, say protein first, then veg then carb if allowed after you have eaten your protein but basically tell you that no carbs are allowed i,e., no cereals or grains. When I asked the dr about it, he said that since I was familiar with whole grains I was probably allowed those later on as most of his patients don't understand the more complicated diets. I noticed that most surgeons in the larger cities have nutritionists on staff. When I went to the only one at our local hospital a few years ago for a "class" about diabetes, she and I didn't exactly get on. I'm concerned that the plan isn't really a great plan, gives me no guidance on amount of carbs allowed per day, I know mine should be low. I also know that my body refuses to give up a pound unless I drop below 700 calories in a day. My goal is less than 500 calories per day. I'm seeing different amounts for the required protein amounts, some say as low as 45-50 and I see some suggesting as high as 80-120 which seems like a LOT of protein and calories to reach that amount. And can someone tell me where you found your suggested goal weight? Again, seems all the charts are different. I'm 5'9" larger frame 233 lb. I'm aiming for around 145-150? not sure if that is a good goal? I'm having the lap band removed and replaced with a gastric bypass on 08/01/23 so Tuesday! Hopeful but a bit worried in a small town here.

Hi there!! The goal of this is to decrease the size of your liver. This is very important for the surgeon to have the liver recede to avoid complications. Use this time to focus on your eating habits, why you eat and keep a journal. If you are stressed, anxious etc. This helped me down the road. I am a grazer and I never paid attention to what I ate. I wanted it I ate it. Period! Take the time you have pre op to learn about your bad eating, use the tools available to you (Meal plan! stick to it to a T!!!!!). We are at various stages of our weight loss journey on here and I found during my preop period that I had to focus on MY journey and where I was at in the process. You really need to slow things down and take it one day at a time. Set yourself up for success by using the tools that you are given, and take your own "will" out of the drivers seat. The surgery is only one part of the journey. The rest is on you and what you do each day to maintain your body. You can't go back to the same eating habits you had prior and expect to lose weight. Its very much a conscious effort on your part. Enjoy the journey and understand this is the first step to a new life. Its mind over matter at this point.

I had a revision from sleeve to bypass, and I'm 4 weeks post op. In the first 4 weeks after my sleeve, I lost 30 pounds. In the first 4 weeks after my revision, I've lost roughly 15. So yes, definitely slower. But I didn't have the revision due to not losing weight. I was actually doing great with my sleeve. I had a lot of complications with the sleeve (gastritis, esophagitis, tons of polyps all through my stomach, horrible gerd). I got my life back and am slowly getting back to the things I could do before. As long as you continue to lose, and you make sure to exercise and stick to your meal plan, you will be fine. It'll take longer, but it'll happen.

I'm in the process of getting approved and had uterine cancer last year. My oncologist is on board and feels the weight loss will actually reduce my chances of recurrence. I didn't do chemo/radiation though because I was diagnosed so young. I do however have an autoimmune disease that has caused ulcerations of the small intestines and colon in the past. I'm stable on a biologic currently but that may not always be the case and off medications the ulcerations will probably come back. I saw a surgeon and was surprised he advised I get a DS with my history. My GI is not in favor of this plan. I think the sleeve would be a lot safer, so I have an appointment with a second surgeon to see if we can go that route, even if it may not result in as much weight loss as the DS. I also have a family history of cancer of the colon and small intestines and for me being able to have full imaging studies is important as I age, which will be much more complicated with the surgeries that affect the small intestines.

I have a 10 day all liquid diet leading up to surgery, and I know its going to suck but we totally got this! As far as the haters, just do your best to ignore what they say. If you are anything like me you have done TONS of research on this and have spoken to your medical team. If it is just coming from a place of concern on her part, maybe hit her with some research that she can refer back to. I like to tell people that my risk for obesity related complications is much higher than my risks for surgery. I am content with my decision, and thats all that matters

I'm so sorry you are going through this! Complications after surgery are so frustrating and discouraging... One thing to remember, anesthesia can cause depression after surgery. It doesn't last forever, but it can really depress your mood and have you feeling low. So remember to give yourself some grace during this period. You just had major surgery and your body is fighting off an infection, snuggle up on the couch with your feet up, hydrate well, and only get up for short walks to keep your circulation up. After I had a hysterectomy for cancer I really didn't understand what "go slowly" was until my body fought back and I ended up with a bladder infection from the catheter. When they say slow they mean SLOW! One thing that really helped me was someone on a forum saying "You only heal ONCE!" That really hit home for me. You only heal from this surgery once, so be sure to lavish as much care on yourself as you would your best friend. It seems like forever now but you'll be through this soon! ❤️

I've seen some posts on here that are sad or upset because in 2 weeks the OP has only lost 10-15 pounds. Let me give you a few things to think about. #1 - everyone loses weight differently, so never compare yourself to anyone else #2 - non scale victories are at least as important (if not more important) than what the scale shows. Examples are: fitting in seats better, walking better, clothes and rings fitting better or getting too big, getting off meds, no longer having high bp or being diabetic, etc... #3 - the average "normal" weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, and if you're on some kind of special diet then MAYBE 2-3 pounds per week. So if you look at the high end of that, without the surgery you would be down 6 pounds in 2 weeks. So while you may think you haven't lost enough weight, or not as much as some people on here have, you're doing a lot better than you would be if you never had the surgery. #4 - the more you weigh before your surgery, the more (and faster) you will lose after. The first 6 months is when you lose the most, and if you are in the 300-400 range (or higher) you will see the more dramatic weight loss during that time. Those that start off in the 200s tend to lose a bit slower and not as dramatically. That's just the way of it. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong or the surgery is a fail, it's just the nature of the beast. The higher the bmi, the more dramatic the initial weight loss. The lower the bmi, the slower the weight loss. AND FINALLY #5 - You may have complications. It's just a fact. Not everyone does. Majority don't. But some, like me, do. And that's ok. Stay in regular communication with your doctor, advocate for yourself, do everything you are supposed to do, take whatever meds or do whatever procedures you have to, take deep breaths, and know it'll be ok and you'll get through it. In the moment, they can feel overwhelming and never-ending. Regret definitely can creep in. BUT... remember that "this, too, shall pass" and when it does, you'll be on the other side, living your best life, and the complication will just be a blip in the road. How many health issues and complications did you have pre-surgery? And you rode those out, knowing another one was inevitable due to being so unhealthy. So just know that once you get on the other side of THIS, you'll be so glad you had the surgery and your health improved. In the wise words of a little blue fish "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

Hi there, I was sleeved June 19 and I had this!! I had 2 ER visits and was re admitted to hospital. I referred myself to a gastroenterologist in the end. That is what you need. My pain was only at night too! Here is my long story and I hope it helps you. Please know I am feeling better now. You’ve had complications but there is hope. Here is what I posted last night in another thread. Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 19/6 (Australian date format lol). My experience was no smooth sailing and I developed severe complications despite seeing the best surgeon at the best hospital. I’ve felt really scared, alone and isolated so I am delighted to find this forum. my weight was only 92 pre op and I guess I was considered a healthy young woman. 5 days post op I developed a severe burning pain deep inside my stomach. After numerous emergency visits and tests, it was determine I did not have a gastric leak. I had to be re admitted to hospital to manage the most severe pain of my life, for another 5 days and they still didn’t know what was wrong. Long story short, I had to self refer myself to a gastroenterologist who immediately knew what was wrong. I had developed bile reflux from my bowel into my freshly cut stomach which was causing the searing pain, severe inflammatory gastritis of my stomach lining, which then caused pancreatitis and severe spasms of my actual stomach. Because of all of this I could not even get Water down and my throat was burning and mouth dried up from bile damage. He put me on a bunch of new intense meds and nearly 6 weeks post op now I am starting to feel normal. It’s been a really scary rough ride and emotional and I haven’t known if I’ve made the right decision. I can eat about 1/4 cup soft foods now which I am grateful for. Anyway I wanted to share my story in case you ever come across someone with these symptoms and doctors don’t believe them / don’t know what is wrong.

As someone who has had a plethora of complications from my 1st surgery and then 1 or 2 small ones with my revision, I can 100% understand how you're feeling. But try to remember that our bodies go haywire after major surgery like this. It will eventually calm down, and when it does, it will all be worth it. No matter what, I still don't regret either surgery. I'm so much stronger, healthier, I got off 4 meds, I'm no longer diabetic or have high blood pressure, I can do a 3 1/2 mile hike with no issues, I can work out 5 days a week and really push myself, and my mobility is SO SO much better. The complications are temporary but the benefits are permanent.

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 19/6 (Australian date format lol). My experience was no smooth sailing and I developed severe complications despite seeing the best surgeon at the best hospital. I’ve felt really scared, alone and isolated so I am delighted to find this forum. my weight was only 92 pre op and I guess I was considered a healthy young woman. 5 days post op I developed a severe burning pain deep inside my stomach. After numerous emergency visits and tests, it was determine I did not have a gastric leak. I had to be re admitted to hospital to manage the most severe pain of my life, for another 5 days and they still didn’t know what was wrong. Long story short, I had to self refer myself to a gastroenterologist who immediately knew what was wrong. I had developed bile reflux from my bowel into my freshly cut stomach which was causing the searing pain, severe inflammatory gastritis of my stomach lining, which then caused pancreatitis and severe spasms of my actual stomach. Because of all of this I could not even get water down and my throat was burning and mouth dried up from bile damage. He put me on a bunch of new intense meds and nearly 6 weeks post op now I am starting to feel normal. It’s been a really scary rough ride and emotional and I haven’t known if I’ve made the right decision. I can eat about 1/4 cup soft foods now which I am grateful for. Anyway I wanted to share my story in case you ever come across someone with these symptoms and doctors don’t believe them / don’t know what is wrong. Great to meet you all! Thanks for sharing your journeys!

Hi, July Buddies! I'm sorry I haven't been posting or replying for a few weeks; I'm bad at keeping up with social media. But I have been thinking about you all and praying for your surgeries to go well! My July 12 surgery went well with no complications. I'm still finding it hard to get enough liquids in throughout the day. I've been averaging like 30 ounces a day. Even though my mouth is constantly thirsty, my stomach feels uncomfortably full all the time. Fighting thoughts of feeling like a failure. I want to get up and do more, but my one attempt at a short grocery trip made me break out in a sweat, and I'm worried about dehydration. I'm finally on the last day of 2 weeks of twice-daily Lovenox self-injections and I want to throw a party. Anyone else have to do this? I bruise more easily than fruit so these have been more painful than my incisions. But of course bruises are far less deadly than blood clots, so I'm trying to be thankful for the medicine that hurts me.

Praying for you, @Midwest Grateful! Praying for no complications and a speedy recovery!

I am very happy to hear you are looking forward to your vacation. I am the same as you. I have zero regrets about the surgery. I have settled in around 195. My goal was 185. I am aware that I could try harder to hit the goal weight but I am perfectly happy with 195 and eating and drinking what I want. I do not think the 10 pounds is worth giving up wine and pasta. Granted much smaller amounts of wine and pasta these days but I still feel human when I go out to dinner with my friends and family. At this point, no one even believes me when I said I had surgery. People don’t notice that I eat smaller portions because I am eating the same foods as them. I have way more energy and way more confidence. I am thankful I did not have complications. I have rarely even gotten sick. So for me I am living my best life after a successful surgery. (It should be noted I followed the MDs instructions to the letter for the first year.)

Timewise I was under for 4 hours instead of 2. Doc told me before surgery that the Endoscope didn't tell him how big the hernia was and wouldn't know till he was in there. As far as complications there were none. Week one was a bit of a blur since I was prescribed Hydrocodone for pain. But I think a week is pretty common for most WLS patients to get past the worst of it. Surgery was a big game changer for me. No more reflux and I can breathe again. Good luck going forward @GrannyMaggie !!

Babyspoons, did the hiatal hernia repair add to surgery time or complicate recovery? I too have a 10% hernia, still waiting for a follow up endoscopy before talking with the surgeon again.

Hi All - My name is Kay. I am scheduled for my gastric sleeve surgery on 8/2. If I am not mistaken, I started the process in the first week of June. I never considered WLS because I never considered myself obese. I guess I was fooling myself. No one in my family is overweight; however, most have diabetes and HBP. I have HBP and am pre-diabetic. I went to see the gastro doctor out of curiosity. The appointment was an hour long. I met with a dietician, an insurance navigator, and a nurse practitioner. This was the first time I heard my weight out loud. I usually turn away from the numbers on the scale and instruct the person taking my weight not to tell me. I just usually guessed my weight. I was off about 40 pounds. BMI of 40. The insurance navigator told me that I would get approved and that my insurance did not have any pre-surgery requirements. I met with the nurse practitioner, she gave me a list of to-do items, and I was off to the races. I am excited. I look forward to having more energy, being more active, getting rid of my HBP medication, and eating to live instead of living to eat. I was a bit apprehensive about joining a WL forum because I did not want to see negative reviews and complications. I am glad I came to this site. It is full of information and people like me. Congrats to those who have had their surgery, and good luck to those who are scheduled.

So happy for you STB!!!! I know you've had a super complicated and difficult journey - hope it's plain sailing from here on x

You got this, you'll be back home before you know it. I had surgery on 7/6/23, no complications to date. Positive thoughts for you.

Happy belated 64th birthday! I sure hope you are stressing less and less as you inch through the home stretch to retirement! Congrats on your weight loss achievement and continued success. Thanks for sharing your journey! Yes, there are still surgeons who perform Lapband. I just had a consult last week. I've spoken with a few doctors how are against the other radical, irreversible procedures. There is more money in these than lapband and many of them have abandoned their lapband patients altogether. Even if I were a candidate (My BMI not high enough) I would NEVER consider removing stomach after watching my sister slowly waste away to nothing and die over a course of 5 years because of a botched procedure. Countless doctors and nurses at her bedside ICU would tell me they wished they would stop doing these surgeries because there is nothing that can be done to fix complications once they arrive. I have to do self pay for the procedure and they can schedule it pretty much anytime. My only real concern is additional out of pocket $ for complications such as rejection, slippage, dilation, etc. You're success and happiness is great to know as I contemplate taking the lapband leap! Thanks and best wishes!

Thank you all so much Having so many complications, having 6 surgeries in 6 months, getting a revision.... I wasn't sure if I would actually get my life back or not. So happy that I finally am. It's slow going, but it's happening

I have recently received alarming reports from patients who have sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to a patient coordinator named Bill Yanez. He is now working once again as a coordinator for Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. Please exercise extreme caution when dealing with Dr. Jalil Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez. They have a history of financial misconduct, having embezzled significant sums of money from me during their tenure as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. Furthermore, I have personally experienced severe surgical complications under the care of Dr. Illan, who botched my surgery not once but twice. There are many reputable and trustworthy options for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Please do not risk your health and finances by entrusting them to a surgeon and coordinators with a track record of dishonesty and malpractice. If these individuals have victimized you, I urge you to report them to your local authorities and the FBI. Their actions are unethical and illegal, and they will face the consequences of their actions in due course. Stay safe, everyone. Let's look out for each other and ensure we all have access to safe, reliable, and ethical medical care.

I was four square opposed to WLS because I told myself that if I got serious I could do it with diet and exercise. The problem I kept running into was I could go a week and be completely compliant with my plan, but it only took one moment of lost focus and the resultant binge undid the whole week of perfection. Eventually an article about weight loss turned out to be an article on WLS and my interest was piqued. I then began my research. Back when I had surgery VSG was not a thing. My choices were Lap-Band, RNY, or DS. I researched each thoroughly, to the extent that when my surgeon asked my preference and why I was able to go into detail about each procedure and why I chose what I chose. Initially I wanted the Band because it was 'less invasive' and it could be easily reversed. I decided 'less invasive' was not a reason to have one surgery and not another, what was important is which surgery would give me the best results. In relation to the Band specifically, after some soul searching I knew that if things got hard I would sabotage myself until the Band just had to be taken out and I would be worse off than when I started. While the other surgeries can technically be reversed, it is much more difficult and only done in extreme circumstances. Basically, no matter what happened I would have to make the best of it, which really is my default outlook. I needed a surgery that was forever. So I was down to RNY and DS. The DS generally had better long term results. Back then their was no restrictive aspect to the DS it was totally malabsorption. There were also many reports of some patients losing too much weight and having issues getting up to a healthy weight. Even then surgeons were getting better at preventing that, so this was probably not going to be an issue for me. But, DS folks often talked about being able to eat anything in just about any volume and still losing weight. This was a problem for me, because I was a binge eater and I wanted to change my habits and I didn't feel the DS would push me in that direction. Here I am at the RNY. I wanted the malabsorption to give me that slight edge to get my digestive system on board with my goals. Of course the restriction was what I wanted to teach me to limit my portions and prevent my binging. I also wanted the 'complication' of dumping as this would keep me away from sweets. Binging and sweets are a bad combination and I felt the RNY would address both. So I chose RNY. As it turned out I do dump on both sugar and fats. It took an amazingly few dumping episodes to learn to stay away from sugars and fats, so that problem was addressed quickly. It also took amazingly few episodes of one bite to many to learn not to, so my binging was addressed. I got everything out of my RNY that I hoped I would. Here I am 20 years later, and my restriction is still in full force. Eating to plan is so natural and normal I don't even think about it. Good luck, Tek

I chose the sleeve due to the recovery and complication rate being lower, and having more options for revisions, if needed, later down the road. I knew I would probably take longer to hit my goal weight, but I was ok with that.