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I went to a friend & her husbands combined 60th about two weeks after my surgery & had to stand up (no chairs in their backyard - actually there was one but the s-i-l of their daughter’s boyfriend wouldn’t give it up as she’d had a caesarean, without complications, three months earlier!!). I made it to almost 3 hours. Went to a cousin’s 40th at about two months. I was there for the whole party (there were plenty of seats at this one - lol!). You should be okay (as long as you’re not standing for hours 😉). Take an electrolyte drink with you for an extra boost of energy. Congrats on your surgery & enjoy the wedding. I’m sure it will be beautiful.

Gas pain went away after a few days for me. Didn't need any pills after that. Incision pain was fine after a couple of days. Overall, not that bad! Surgeon or pre op program should have gone over potential complications like bleeding, etc.

Hello! My surgery date is 08/07/2023 and I'm very excited but also very nervous about getting gastric bypass! I'm wondering what are the most common types of complications and what are my chances of getting them? When should I call a doctor? Is the pain REALLY that bad after and do the doctors give you real pain medicine? Also any advice on where to find a reasonably priced nutritionist and therapist that deals with gastric bypass patients... thank you!

Just responding to my own post to have everything in one place. General Down almost 60lbs after surgery on May 18th. No complications. I followed the rules exactly on the diet, but continued to push the exercise because that's my personality. In fact, I would say I've become a little obsessive with the exercise, walking/running/biking everyday. I have also experienced a lot of ups and downs since the surgery. Food The first week after surgery I was fine with the limited clear liquids, however, near the end of the first week I was sick and tired of the clear liquids. The second week was the same. First part of the week was good because of new liquids, but near the end of the second week I was sick of the limitations. Basically I was excited every time I got new foods, and was sick of it by the end. This was not so much because I was having cravings for fatty or sugary foods, I just needed variety. Now I'm opened up to try whatever I want, except carbonation. I'm still not trying bread, but have had really small tastes of pasta (really small) or eaten really small keto tortillas without issue. I'm still keeping a daily log of all food eaten and hitting my macros on most days. I'm really focusing on my protein (100+ grams a day; I've really been aiming for 130+ grams, but it's tough) intake as I don't want to lose any more muscle. I do notice that I get the hiccups when I'm full. Sometimes my nose runs when I'm full as well. I did get the "slimes" once. I was trying to eat a breakfast taco on the keto tortilla and I guess it was too dry. I only got half down (the tortillas are only about 3.5 inches across; really small) and it felt like it was stuck. So what do you do when food is stuck, DRINK! That was a mistake. Got the slimes and eventually threw up. That's the only time that has happened. Fortunately, it was like 5 weeks after surgery, but I was worried I had done something to my stomach. Went out to eat with the family a week ago and tried ghost pepper wings (which I'm normally fine with). I also put ghost pepper hot sauce on my refried beans, without issue. The spicy wings did not go well. It was much spicier than normal and I ended up drinking water and almost threw up. Prior, I had eaten 3 wingstop wings with blue cheese and was fine (mango habanero). We went out to dinner again last night and I had a few bites of salad, about 2 ounces of chicken breast with BBQ sauce and a few bites of sweet potato and was stuffed. I used to get a 16 ounce ribeye with mushrooms and onions, mashed potatoes, veggies and a couple of tall beers. I did not feel like I was missing out, which feels kind of weird. My kids got a dessert and I wasn't interested in it. Sugar free popsicles taste really good and are almost too sweet now. I was really worried about eating out (what I was going to eat; how it was going to go, etc). I feel more comfortable now for when we go out with friends. Bonus, I have saved a TON of money on food and alcohol. Like a crazy amount. I did have a glass of bourbon on the rocks last week. Drank it slow and it went down just fine. Zero issues. I'm not going to start drinking though, and will just stick to an occasional drink. Exercise I started walking very soon after surgery, 10K steps a day, and pushed it too far too early. I dialed it back for the first two weeks, but then picked it back up. Now I either walk for 15K+ steps a day or ride the bike for an hour. Every day. I get a more intense workout on the bike plus it's better on my joints. Walking seems to hurt my hips and back, but I'm powering through. I'm going to a physical therapist on Thursday to try to figure that out. As I said above, I'm definitely obsessive about my exercise. Sometimes to the point where I wear myself out and am exhausted for the rest of the day. Some of that is a mix of the intense exercise and limited calorie intake. I've also told myself that I was not going to obsess about the scale and I was only going to weigh once a week, because the weekly/monthly trend is the only thing that matters (my weight fluctuates up and down daily, but trends down weekly/monthly). However, I find it really difficult to avoid weighing myself multiple times a day. I'm obsessed with the scale as well. Mood Overall, I'm OK. Weight loss is really good. Hit a couple of short stalls. No complications, but my mood is really up and down, which is not normal for me. So much so, that I have scheduled an appt with a therapist next week (first time in my life). The doldrums are real, especially after VSG, so take care of yourselves, physically and mentally. Meds I'm completely off my BP meds and it's currently averaging 120/80. I have GERD with a history of Barrett's Esophagus, and I'm currently taking 40mg omeprazole daily. I was really worried about it getting worse after surgery, but I have had zero issues. I have a follow up appt with my VSG doc next week and I'm going to see if I can test 20mg. I would love to get off all meds. I tried the barimelts at the suggestion of my doctor, and they were OK the first couple of days. Then they totally grossed me out. I mean, like I was about to vomit and dreaded taking them every day. I only made it about a week before I gave up. I'm back on regular vitamins for now and tolerating them just fine. I'm going to ask the doc about that next week as well. Misc Because of the connective tissue disorder, my shoulders are really messed up. My right one especially. I'm glad it's not affecting my exercising. I just saw an orthopedic and she described my shoulder as "gnarly". Reverse shoulder replacement is in my future, but in the meantime, I'll have it scoped for labrum and rotator cuff repair, plus Bankart repair with the remplissage procedure. I am looking forward to relief from the chronic pain, but not the recovery. I hear it is brutal. TLDR Wished I would've had the surgery sooner. Plan for some ups and downs. Follow the plan. Take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Remember it is worth it and follow doctors order afterward to a t to avoid unnecessary complications. I had bypass 7/5 and I'm sore but it's not horrible. Keep moving and work the gas out. Good luck on your upcoming journeys

Hi there. I’ve been watching a few videos on the 2 week pre-diet and was wondering… I am on the lower end of qualifying BMI, only qualifying with my insurance company because of other health complications. Can the weight loss of the pre surgery diet present a problem or is the insurance process already sealed before the diet begins? I yo yo between a BMI of 37 and 42, have been more diet conscious since starting with the nutritionist and am dropping a few pounds a week. With a minimum of 2 more months to go before the pre op diet, I’m worried I’ll be pushing the margin (though know I’ll never see a healthy weight without this surgery)

Before I had surgery my life was miserable. Couldnt walk far at all. Looking after myself was such a big drain. I had come to the end of myself and didnt care if the very worst happened cos I was already living it. You know how hard it is. Booking in for the surgery gave me something that I had not had for a very long time ........... Hope. Closer to the operation I was scared but also excited. I had the gastric bypass May last year. Since then I lost 53kg or 116 pounds. I know I still have a way to go but I am feeling so much better in my own skin. I am more mobile and fitter than I have been in years. I am off all diabetic medications including insulin. I am also off my blood pressure and gerd medications too. I have not had any complications. No regrets.

Prenatal and a regular multivitamin?! Just trying to get all the info before I am down the route of planning a pregnancy. I hope you have had a successful pregnancy without any complications!

I agree with @The Greater Fool. Surgery really should be a last resort. It's the nuclear option. It's a life-changing event. You will forever be changing your relationship with food. The physical healing, complications, and learning how to eat are the easy part. When your hunger and food addiction issues kick in (and they will!), then the real work begins - and it's hard. I'm very happy that I had the surgery. I believe it saved my life. But, I had half a century of failed diets behind me and finally threw in the towel. If you think you can lose the weight by dieting, then I suggest that you do.

Best thing I ever did. As @The Greater Fool said yes there are horror stories but there are horror stories & stories of complications with every surgery. Bariatric surgery has some of lowest stats of post surgical complications. I’ve read they’re lower than an appendectomy. And the risk of serious health complications & the risk of earlier death are much higher with obesity. I didn’t have any comorbidities before my surgery. No high blood pressure, cholesterol ok, no heart or breathing issues, no sleep apnea. But it was only a matter of time before I did. Now I’ve lost weight they likely will never happen. Regardless of what we all say (& we will be pro surgery here even those who may have had issues), this has to be a decision only you can truely make not anyone else. You have to be ready to commit to this 100% as much of the successful weight loss & maintenance is mental. The surgery provides you a tool & a limited time of bonuses effects to help get you started but the majority of the work is what you will have to do yourself. It is not an easy out to weight loss. Meet with a surgeon & a therapist who specialises in supporting bariatric & disordered eating patients & ask your husband to accompany you to some appointments. He can ask questions then too which may alleviate some of his concerns. All the best whatever you choose to do.

I 100% want the surgery. I’ve tried everything else and it’s the only way I’d lose weight and keep it off. However, I’m scared of complications that could leave my young kids without their mom or my family without income. But I could also do those things if I develop health issues because of my weight. I’m not at the point yet where my weight is causing significant health issues but I know it’s only a matter of time. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons and I wanted to hear about the experiences of others

I’ve been thinking about bariatric surgery for a few years now. I was actually scheduled to get a sleeve a few years ago but my financing fell through at the last minute. I’ve been heavy my whole life and nothing has worked long term. I feel like it’s either surgery or be heavy my whole life. I want to get it but my partner doesn’t like the idea and my parents are super against it.. I’ve heard horror stories about complications. Should I have the surgery? Was it worth it? I’m 255 now but my highest weight was 278. The lowest I’ve ever gotten by diet and exercise was 211 (on keto which damaged my liver so I had to stop).

Pals, Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and wisdom. You have given me so much to think about that I have decided to cancel my consult scheduled next week. Very true that the experience my sister endured has a major influence on my hesitancy. You've also shared information I did not know about, such as the bypass may be reversible and the Reshape vest that may be an option down the road. I've also read posts where people with Bands had complications and suffered for weeks and months before their issues were addressed. Thanks for sharing and helping me realize I need to hit the pause button! Happy Independence Day!

I was wondering if any of you would be able to share some information with me regarding getting pregnant/pregnancy after a bypass (mgb or regular). I am so mentally ready to have a baby but all the unknowns are stressing me out! 1. Did you have to get cleared by your surgeon to start trying and if so, what did they check? 2. Did you work with a dietician to get the right nutrients/calories for yourself & your baby or did you figure it out yourself? 3. How much weight did you gain and did you lose it after? 4. Did you get followed up as a high risk pregnancy because of your bypass? 5. Did you have a caesarean because of your bypass? 6. Did you have complications related to your bypass? 7. Were there any effects on your baby related to your bypass? Thanks already for answering any questions, I appreciate it so much 😊

If you won't consider GS or DS, why not bypass? I got the sleeve and had A LOT of complications. I just got a revision from sleeve to bypass on June 28th, so there ARE things that can be done for the sleeve if there's an issue. Why is the bypass off the table?

I’m new to posting, but I’ve been lurking for a while. I had my sleeve surgery on the 26th. Surgeon said it was a simple procedure with no complications. Liver looked good, no hernia needing repair. I had horrible luck with my IVs (both were infiltrated), my anxiety and BP were pretty high and I ended up with bad muscle spasms in my back and neck, but I’m a week out and feeling mostly normal. I’ve lost 12lbs and I seem to be tolerating everything okay (knock on wood).

You said it's a little over a week. This is super-early days after MAJOR surgery, especially since you had a hital hernia repair as well. I had a hernia repair with mine and felt like I'd been hit by a truck for a solid two weeks. But it comes with the territory, it's gonna hurt and it's gonna take a few weeks to settle. Complications suck, but the difficult early months and boring food restrictions are short lived. Try distracting yourself, and most of all, be patient let your body heal. It's been through the ringer!

I would never even consider a Lapband. So many people have had theirs removed because of complications. VSG and RNY are both proven, excellent surgeries (DS is not nearly as common - and yes, there tend to be more complications with it. So sorry about your sister!). I'd go with one of the proven ones (VSG or RNY) - both are excellent surgeries with few complications - and any complications that do crop up tend to be minor and "fixable".

So sorry for the loss of your sister & I understand why this would be influencing your considering lap band. There are reasons why so few surgeons do lap bands anymore even with the supposed advances. All surgeries have risks & potential for post surgical complications. Weight loss surgery risks & complications though are quite low in comparison to many other commonly done surgeries.(I remember reading the appendectomies stats are higher.) Ask your surgeon for the stats & experiences with their patients across all weight loss surgeries. . Bypass might be an option as @Jeanniebug said it is possible to reverse. Like sleeve, the average weight loss with bypass is about 65% of the weight you have to lose. It’s only 50% with lap band. (Remember averages only give you an idea. Some lose more while others less as many factors influence your loss.) But you have to do what is most right for you. All the best whatever you decide.

First, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. That is heartbreaking. Every person I know that had a Lap Band had it fail and had a VSG done. Even as recently as 2 years ago with the Band, and it caused a lot of complications. She had it removed with her VSG last year and couldn't be happier. A friend had hers done in 2006 and it was an hour away for adjustments. She said the number of times she made that trip in agony was not worth the surgery. Yes, it was a long time ago. The adjustments are still necessary, though, so it's something to keep in mind. My original plan in 2016 was a Band. I liked that it was reversible and I'd already had 2 open abdominal surgeries. Life happened and only last year after 2 moves did I have insurance that covered surgery - but not the band. To me, it speaks volumes that insurance companies are no longer covering it - which means they're losing a ton of money covering complications (I work in medical billing) and the number of surgeons no longer offering it is increasing. In my opinion, the risks of the band far outweigh the benefits, now.

There are still a few surgeons in the midwest that do lap band surgery. They say there has been great advancements and improvements. I am considering this less favored option because I supported my sister through an agonizing DS that slowly tortured her for 5 years until she passed shortly after a 2nd correction attempt. Countless doctors and nurses over the years looking after her in ICU said they wished they would stop doing GS and DS because there is not much that can be done when things go wrong. So the band is the only option I will consider. I am post menopausal and since starting sleep apnea treatment, I've gained even more weight and have a current bmi of 35. With diet and exercise I plateau and cant seem to lose more than 30 lbs. While there seems to limited weight loss as well as frequent complications with the Band, at least they seem to be correctable. Does anyone have any words of wisdom as I consider this?

Yes it will get easier but because you are immediately post op and experiencing a complication it may not feel this way. I hope you have a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

Thankfully the 1980's was 40 years ago. There has been much progress since then. I think comparing these new GLP meds to the ones mentioned above is like comparing a Tesla to a Datsun. The arguments against these drugs sound similar to what most of us heard about WLS. That someone knew someone who had horrible complications. That our stomachs are altered forever. That we will have to take supplements or meds forever. That they didn't need WLS to lose weight, so you shouldn't either. I have personally taken a GLP med. And I have known a number others who have as well. This is an option for people who aren't WLS candidates, or may just not consider that an option for them. It's also far fewer hoops to jump through and is not as life altering as WLS. I have known several people who have maintained their loss for over 6 months while being off the med. All the fearmongering seems unnecessary and unfounded IMO. The more options and less stigmatization for medically assisted weight loss the better.

Well, today is the day. SURGERY DAY. It's more complicated than when I had the gastric sleeve because not only are they doing a revision from sleeve to bypass, they are removing my entire lower and mid stomach (the part that is bypassed) because that's where all my polyps develop. It's a 2 hour surgery, and I was told I'll be in recovery for about an hour after. It's like having 2 bariatric surgeries in 1, so the recovery/healing/down time will be worse than my original surgery. I'll be in the hospital for 2 nights, so I'll be home sometime on Friday the 30th. That sucks, and is really annoying (I hate hospitals) but I know it's necessary and will be worth it. I can't wait to get my life back. Working out, feeling good, no more in and out of the hospital, being ME again. This has been a looooong road, but I'm finally almost at the finish line. It's gonna be awesome when I hit my weight loss goal (I'm 70 pounds away and speaking it into existence now that THIS TIME NEXT YEAR I will be at my goal weight). So wish me luck, and I'll see ya'll on the flip side

Well, today is the day. SURGERY DAY. It's more complicated than when I had the gastric sleeve because not only are they doing a revision from sleeve to bypass, they are removing my entire lower and mid stomach (the part that is bypassed) because that's where all my polyps develop. It's a 2 hour surgery, and I was told I'll be in recovery for about an hour after. It's like having 2 bariatric surgeries in 1, so the recovery/healing/down time will be worse than my original surgery. I'll be in the hospital for 2 nights, so I'll be home sometime on Friday the 30th. That sucks, and is really annoying (I hate hospitals) but I know it's necessary and will be worth it. I can't wait to get my life back. Working out, feeling good, no more in and out of the hospital, being ME again. This has been a looooong road, but I'm finally almost at the finish line. It's gonna be awesome when I hit my weight loss goal (I'm 70 pounds away and speaking it into existence now that THIS TIME NEXT YEAR I will be at my goal weight). So wish me luck, and I'll see ya'll on the flip side