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DS or bypass after sleeve?
SleeverSk replied to TryingAgain2's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
A lot of people look at revision surgery due to severe Gerd and reflux. Many report that don't get a lot of extra weight loss. So I was thinking if it's just weight loss for you why wouldn't you try to go back to basics with the tool you already have ( your sleeve)? -
Hi, I'm considering bariatric surgery. I've been on a medication for decades and have ended up weighing 250 lbs at 5'3". I can't stop taking this medicine, and there are no alternatives. And as with everyone here, no weight loss or exercise plan has helped me lose weight and keep it off. So...as a result of taking this med, I have metabolic syndrome. That means high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity. I've finally come to the conclusion that bariatric surgery might be my best solution. Has anyone else conquered metabolic syndrome (or any of these symptoms) with bariatric surgery? Thank you for your advice!
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Not sure if I should go through with it
Redlady985 replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi! I'm in the beginning process, and I was skeptical about getting weight loss surgery. Because so many people was talking negative about, but then I pull myself together and decided what was going to be better for me and my health, not base my decision off of other people opinions and not letting people dictate to me when it comes to my health. Plus I have psuedotumor cerebri and I was told by my physicians that will be helpful to get the weight loss surgery. -
Considering surgery but don't know where to start
Redlady985 replied to colebaby216's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi! I am considering weight loss surgery as well. My primary care provider is all for me getting weight loss surgery, along with my orthopedic doctor. Especially me having psuedotumor cerebri. I do not have any BP problems, or diabetes but was told that getting weightloss surgery could help with the psuedotumor cerebri. I first did a online seminar with Tulane University Medical center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Once I did that I got a appointment with the doctor for a consult, and was welcome to their weightloss program. Now I'm schedule for EGD, and nutrition appointment with the dietitian in July 2022. But I had my consult in April, 2022. My insurance didnt require anything of me, as long as the doctor was in network. Which help when determining how quick you can have the procedure done. Some insurance require you to do different things before you can have the surgery. Also help me some was I have sleep apnea, so therefore I dont need a sleep study. I am little nervous, but im always nervous when coming to getting surgery or any procedure done. -
Period Irregularity post surgery
Sunshine Princess posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So i had my sleeve surgery last Monday, the 16th. I had my regularly scheduled period May 6-10th. Today it started again. No pain, no cramping, none of my usual symptoms. Is this my body resetting itself? Is this because the weight loss released estrogen into my system and my plumbing needed to be flushed? My OB/GYN was zero help with this and I’m just looking to see if anyone else experienced this. Please don’t flood me with “call the surgeon” because I’m not necessarily concerned, just looking to see if this has happened to others. I see him tomorrow for my post op as well. -
DS or bypass after sleeve?
SleeverSk replied to TryingAgain2's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
Is the only reason you are looking at revision surgery for weight loss ? -
Not sure if I should go through with it
LookingForward22 replied to corinne2022's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I canceled my first surgery because of concerns I had with the program I was in and doubts I was having in general. I found another program and the psychologist (for the program) and I discussed my concerns I had and she assured me - that once I had clearance if I was still questioning if the surgery was the right choice I could take up to a year to decide on having it (based on their program and my insurance requirements). She also reassured me that if I didn’t want surgery she could work to refer me to the medically supervised weight loss program so I could continue to work on progress. Knowing I have choices is helping me be less anxious. I always advocate for listening to your instincts. Get the answers/information you need to feel confident in the choice you are making. Talk with your therapist or the program psychologist… your PCP or specialist if you have a good relationship with them… nurse navigator in the program (or all of them if need be) to help set your mind at ease so you feel confident in what ever your decision is. -
We are surgery buddies!! Same here Im 53 Ive had some but I also have thyroid disease so i “shed” a few times a year lol. I take a Vitamin 2 x a day just for hair, skin and nails. Im down 51-52 pounds my Surgeons goal was to loose 70. My goal is 80-100 so im close to his expectations. I find that taking that extra vitamin as soon as you can tolerate them is a game changer. My sister had bypass 25 years ago she refuses to take any Vitamins. She is nearly bald. I did the sleeve, I took vitamins before surgery so it isnt a nee habit for me just what I take changed. I have always taken in what I am supposed to for protein and water it is a vitamin deficiency because we eat so little food - especially in the beginning which is probably why people see it slow down as they are out more. So get a good hair nail and skin vitamin youll be happy you did!!
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Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
Queen ApisM replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I agree with what @LookingForward22 said regarding finding the right program. I also switched programs and even though it really extended my timeline, I am so happy I did. I would also say: research all options (bypass, sleeve) but don't get railroaded or let others convince you of which one is right for you. I always preferred the sleeve, but tried to convince myself that a bypass was better. I was doing all the mental gymnastics for it - it would be faster weight loss (not necessarily true), more weight lost (also not necessarily true) - when in my heart I was not comfortable with re-routing my insides so much and I wanted to still have a pyloric valve. It was so liberating when a surgeon reminded me it is simply a tool and will be as successful as you make it. He wasn't trying to tell me what to do, just to make sure my decision fit my needs and comfort level. That was so important. I personally have no preference for others, just make certain you are an informed recipient of the surgery you get and are 100% on board with the decision and the inherent risks for both (as there are differing risks for each type). Sleeve brings risks of GERD (and is contraindicated for anyone with GERD already) but bypass has other risks. Neither set of risks makes one inherently better or worse - you just need to be aware and ready to accept those risks. And don't get surgery until you are mentally ready for it. That's just good advice across the board. You need to be in the right mindset to make it work. Good luck! -
Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
blackcatsandbaddecisions replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think skin removal is possible with insurance but very unlikely. I had insurance cover my surgery but my plan specifically states that no skin removal, regardless of stated medical necessity, will be covered. That’s not an uncommon provision. Regardless, I’d focus on the weight loss and related surgery at this point. Many people lose the weight and never have skin removed. If I didn’t have the funds for it I wouldn’t stress over it, and I’ve lost almost 180 lbs so I def have extra skin. I’ve posted a pic of me in a swimsuit, however, and even then it’s not that overt. -
Collagen is not a complete protein, meaning it does not have all of the essential amino acids. Additionally, the amino acid profile makes it great for hair, skin, nail, and joint heal, but not at all beneficial for lean muscle mass. Most dietitians recommend that collagen NOT be counted towards your daily protein intake. By all means keep using it, I do everyday! But know that it is a dietary supplement and not a protein source. Plain protein supplements generally will NOT have vitamins because they are just that, PROTEIN. They are made for one thing, and that is to provide a supplementary source of protein. Some pre-made shakes do have added vitamins and minerals, which is great, but most bariatric patients will need to keep taking a multivitamin for the rest of their lives to care for potential deficiencies. A vitamin that meets the ASMBS recommendations should care for any vitamins & minerals you need, and anything you get from your protein shakes is a bonus!
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Revision without a high enough bmi now
Juniper123 replied to Nanajoy's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Totally been there. Had a lapband for 11 years and kept off about 60 lbs. Started aspirating at night, and my surgeon determined that my band had to come out. I had the band deflated and my surgeon had me start a supervised diet at the same time while we started jumping through the insurance hoops to try to get a revision to gastric bypass. My bmi was 33 at this point. I'm sure he knew I'd gain weight, and I did -- about 30 pounds, which easily pushed my bmi up into the range for revision surgery. I just got approved today to have a gastric bypass at the same time that the lapband comes out. It took me about 6 months from when I went in with problems to get to this point and jump through all the insurance hoops. July 6 can't come soon enough. And yes, I agree that it's insane that you have to raise your bmi to qualify. It was the first weight loss surgery that allowed me to get my bmi down in normal range in the first place!!! It would have been SO MUCH BETTER to just have gotten the revision right away when the doctor determined the lapband needed to come out instead of gaining the weight back. It's a ridiculous policy. I constantly reminded myself that while I was gaining weight temporarily, that my first weight loss surgery was successful and the revision will be as well, so it's a temporary pain in the rear in order to get a permanent solution. I feel your frustration and fully understand. -
I had the band to sleeve revision at the same time. That is, they removed my band and did the sleeve. While unfilled for a long time (esophagus issues), I had put on some weight. I did lose the weight I gained after I got the sleeve. The restriction (to me) was less than the band so it was hard work. I never reached my goal but was content with losing the weight I had regained. In August, I had the sleeve to rny revision due to severe gerd, and the weight loss was far more significant and faster. I got to goal fast. This is my case, since everybody is different. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app
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July 2021 Surgery People!
mali replied to Sammys_VSG_Evolution's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
As we’re nearing our one year mark i’d love to hear where everyone is holding!! Starting weight 234 Day of surgery 223 Current weight 169 Total loss so far 65 pounds! I’d like to get down to 145 or at least 150. ( i’m a 5”5 female) but I’m thrilled with where i am. I’m in normal sizes, shopping in regular stores. There’s a lot on these forums about wls having negative effects on marriage but in my case it made my husband super attracted to me! -
October surgery friends??
Meganator replied to LyricalWarfare's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
We're close to the end of 7 months out from October. I'm officially 100lbs down from a year ago (80ish PO). There's been a bit of a fast track kick start in my weight loss right now and I'm kind of just riding the wave (my start felt fairly slow, so I'm fine with it). I'm currently in the 220s- which I haven't seen since senior year of high school. I'm less than 50 from the big goal that makes everybody happy (surgeon, PCP, etc)- at 180lbs. This is my freshman year high school weight (how my PCP determined my goal) and the weight at which my surgeon expects I can maintain long-term. My BMI's top range is about 135, but as someone who likes to lift, I'm fine at a weight anywhere between 135-180, to be honest. As I get closer to this reality of meeting or surpassing 180, I may choose to lower my official target (for maintainence mode purposes). It's still a ways away, but just something on my mind lately! Hope all my October 2021 people are doing well in y'all's journies! -
21 Months Out and Starting to Gain :-(
LAJ23 replied to LAJ23's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thank you both. I spoke to a relative regarding the bruising - he's a retired oncologist and hematologist. He thinks it's likely a vitamin K deficiency, but also suggested bloodwork, which I fully intend to request during my physical. He also asked if I take Ibuprofen on a regular basis (which I do due to the aches & pains) and he said that could cause it as well. Hoping that's all it is. As for the brain fog, memory loss, and mood swings, I totally agree that it could be hormones. My biggest concern though is the weight gain. I've worked so hard to get where I am...I got on the scale this morning and I'm up another .5#. I just want to cry. -
21 Months Out and Starting to Gain :-(
Arabesque replied to LAJ23's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had bruising for a little while in my second year I think. I am very fair & tend to bruise easily anyway but it seemed there was always another bruise & I wouldn’t know from where. They would take ages to disappear & were more yellow than purplish. I remember someone else here had the same issue & we posted pxts of our random bruises. My bloods were all fine so I was at a loss until I realised my body awareness was off & I was often bumping into things. Like I was always kicking my toe on my kitchen cupboard skirting board because my tummy wasn’t protruding & reaching the bench before the rest of me as a warning any more. Might sound crazy but once I started to be more aware of my body in relation to furniture, other people, hallways, doorways, etc, the bruising (& kicked toes) reduced a lot. Not saying this is what ‘s causing your bruises just something to consider. Damn oestrogen. My weight problems began with puberty (oestrogen feast) & then dramatically increased with the onset of menopause (oestrogen famine). I was put on a stronger HRT med at the end of last year & I put on weight. Only a small amount but it messed with my head for a while until I realised it was likely related to the extra oestrogen. (Benefit was my empty upper breasts have filled out a little so not as many pickets in my bras any more 😁.) And yes brain fog, mood swings (I got ‘feisty’ & more argumentative), poor sleeping habits, memory loss, muscle aches, etc. are all peri menopausal & menopausal symptoms. When you have your physical make sure the test your hormone levels. -
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal switch with sleeve gastrectomy
ClareLynn replied to Changenprogress's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I had the loop DS / SADI-S in November 2021 (~6 months ago). I have a 300cm common channel (the part of my intestine that can still digest food and absorb nutrients). Since my surgery date I have lost 82 lbs and am still losing about 6lbs a month. I had some complications post surgery that I've had to deal with. Turns out my gallbladder was bad going into the surgery but no one realized it (since I had sludge and not stones). So they didn't take my gallblader out during the surgery and had to go back in to remove it 3 months later. I really wish they had proactively removed it because I was sick for months waiting for the gallbladder surgery and recovering from a second surgery so soon sucked. I still have a hiatal hernia because for reasons, it didn't get repaired. Again, I'd totally recommend making sure that they fix EVERYTHING while they have you open... I also have bad liver function test results that I'm waiting to hear back on, so I can't really comment much on why it's off. I feel fine though. I take vitamins 6 times a day for the rest of my life: 3 calciums and 2 multi vitamins. So far my vitamin levels look good. I eat about 500 calories a day still at 6 months out because I'm not hungry still. I realize some programs want more calories, but my surgeon has stressed that I shouldn't eat unless actually hungry. I don't have problems with any foods really, and my digestion is just fine (though I guess more gassy than before). I had a lot of health problems before surgery, none of which were resolved by the weight loss (total: 133 lbs). My a1c is better, though I still spike super high (200-300) if I have carbs (or surgery!) and even a small amount elevates my blood sugar all day. In my opinion, my a1c looks good because I'm eating so few calories, and zero carbs. In reality I will have diabetes for life and will need to watch that. I am still on blood pressure medication, still have migraines, still have intercranial hypertension, still take statins for my cholesterol, still take heartburn medication, etc. I am off of my diabetes medication for the time being. I did the weight loss surgery to resolve my health problems. So far I am very happy with the results, mostly because it's nice to be able to move around without getting hot and tired, and have people see me as a person and not immediately judge me for my weight. But it hasn't really made me healthier yet. Maybe it will eventually but either way it feels worth it. -
Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
redhead_che replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Sleeve recovery was easier for me. I was off 3 weeks only because I didn’t have confidence in my ability to meet my Fluid intake goals at a fast paced hospital job until week 4 started. For the bypass, I’m off 3 weeks because it’s needed. I’m still in pain. Bending hurts. Bowels aren’t regular yet. Fluid intake isn’t met yet. It definitely hurts worse and is taking way more of my energy. Weight loss so far is faster with my bypass. But I am currently in the famous week 3 stall. -25 since 5/6 🤷🏼♀️ But I did lose -110lbs with my sleeve so it can be done before GERD and regain. Keep up the research, I hope it helps you ❤️ -
6 weeks out - I'm very worried - could I stretch my sleeve with this amount of food??
bestdecisionmade replied to bestdecisionmade's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Wowzers! So it might be true then; taller sleevers simply have taller sleeves. Thanks for the post Kelly 😍- it's given good insight Despite my ability to eat more food, I'm averaging 4.8lbs loss each week. I'm well chuffed with that! -
February 2022 Surgery Buddies
Living_My_Best_Life replied to MeganMyers's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Everyone, I had the gastric sleeve surgery on February 1, and tomorrow will mark 16 weeks since my surgery. I'm doing pretty well (65.3 pounds down since start of pre-op two week diet, and 48 pounds down since the surgery), but I've definitely noticed that my weight loss is slowing down. I'm a little worried that I'm starting to snack more often (I'm loving sugar free chocolate pudding make with skim milk), and I need to focus on not resuming the snacking habit and sticking to my five small meals per day. I think I'm also starting to slack a bit on my protein intake - I'm averaging only 56 grams of protein a day for the past two weeks since I had a work trip out of town and struggled to get enough protein while traveling. I also need to work on maintaining my fluid intake. I guess I'm revealing this here to reinforce that I need to be accountable to my goals. I hope everyone is doing well! -
Insight/thoughts for someone considering sleeve surgery
Veebear replied to Veebear's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@LookingForward22 Thank you! This is super helpful. Agreed you should be 100% comfortable with who is doing the surgery. If I move forward. My husband is super supportive and I'm hoping he hops on board if I make this decision and truthfully, he's really good about asking questions and observing where sometimes I am not... Not for lack of care, but sometimes I miss important things where he catches them haha. I think that'll be helpful when it comes to really digging into who we I'll be seeing and talking with. Happy to hear you are comfortable now with the new option and all the best! @The Greater Fool Thanks! this is very helpful. I read a bit on how some have been able to prove skin reconstruction can be proved as health required with some insurance but hadn't found too much on the more in-depth what insurances/proving other than back and rash issues. I read the tummy-tucks were more likely covered due to the back issues but not as much on other areas. Appreciate the additional info on this. @redhead_che Truthfully, I haven't looked into bypass too much but know someone going for sleeve and also read/head it was a shorter recovery, but as I said, I haven't looked/confirmed this yet since I'm still more in research mode haha. I appreciate the mention, though. I definitely am open to other options to move forward with a healthier lifestyle. Since you have had both, do you happen to have any feedback on recovery, and do you find now that bypass has been more effective in weight loss than the sleeve now? @LilaNicole20 In addition to my post above, definitely interested in your experience with bypass too with any recovery and after feelings. Will look into videos and posts with experiences as well to help educate myself on both. I currently only have a referral in somewhere as of late last week so waiting to schedule something and talk to a dr about options too but I want to kinda soak up info so I can prepare some questions when I can meet with someone. Thanks everyone!! ❤️ -
Well, as the title says I'm about 21 months out and now starting to gain. I got down to 143 (my goal was 130, but I was comfortable in the 140s). I'm now back up to 155. Over the past year, I've also developed a bruising issue and have multiple bruises on my arms and legs, mostly on the left side; random but moderate/severe aches & pains; brain fog; severe fatigue, and other idiopathic symptoms. I have a physical scheduled for mid-June, but I'm wondering if any of these things are common after surgery. As for my weight gain, nothing has really changed. I still eat very clean, limit myself to two low-sugar/low-calorie alcoholic beverages a week, and really try to take care of myself. With the aches, pains & fatigue, I'm finding it difficult to keep up with working out, but to be honest, I probably wasn't working out as much as I should be anyway. Mostly walking & biking. I'm also at the age where hormones are likely changing (I'll be 50 in two months). Any idea what might be going on or how to restart the weight loss? Thanks.
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One more try before surgery again
lorlybeth84 replied to Erin18's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi! My surgery was on 3/22 and at this point I am lucky to eat 1/4 cup of food. It does depend on what I eat though. My husband is a year out from his VSG and he can probably eat about 3/4-1 cup of food. One thing that I am looking forward to after VSG is being able to maintain my weight loss. I have yo-yo'd up and down most of my adult life but I was never able to maintain my weight loss for long. I am hoping with the smaller stomach it will be much easier to maintain. That's the main reason I'd recommend surgery over dieting. I did also read something that said most people who diet are likely to gain their weight back plus some each time which causes them to eventually reach higher weights than before. Just something to keep in mind, I really hope you can lose the weight on your own but do not ever think that getting surgery is a bad decision or the "easy way out"! -
One more try before surgery again
Tatt replied to Erin18's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
At the end of June 2021 I started a Dr lead weight loss program as a last ditch effort to lose weight without surgery. At the 6month mark I accepted that I needed the help of surgery. Thankfully the office had a surgery division so they all ready had all my medical records. I was going to have to do 6mnths dr lead weight loss to meet insurance requirements anyway so it wasn't a waste of time. I got scheduled for surgery but it's not til June 13th.
