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I had my bypass on 8/31/22 and I've lurked in this forum even before that, as I was getting ready. I just joined today to reply to this post. I hope you are feeling better today, LivBee! I had a lot of complications after my surgery, including a stricture that closed to the size of a pinhole, keeping me from even being able to swallow water at one point. I had to have two post-op dilations on 10/12 and 11/14. If I'd had to go back in for a third, they were going to put in a temporary stint, which they did not want to do. I was weak, dizzy, and malnourished for months after my surgery and yet I kept pushing myself to do things like I had the energy of someone else. I passed out in the shower once, and almost passed out on several other terrifying occasions away from my house. I had so much regret, but I kept saying, "I'd do this again. I'd do this again." The reason I kept saying that? I was losing the weight, I was coming off of the T2 diabetic medications, my insulin needs were becoming less and less (I've gone from 50 units of insulin a day pre-op to 20 units a day, currently, and no other maintenance meds). I've gone off of blood pressure medications completely. Now? I do have the energy I was pretending to have before. No dizzy spells. My pre-op clothes are comically large. I could chase your twins around no problem. And I do believe you will get there too! Every body is different and every healing process is different. Like you, I also had the misfortune of trying every diet and exercise program out there with limited success before gaining everything back - and like you, I was approved for surgery because of my comorbid conditions. We are going to be brand new, healthier versions of ourselves, with all the hard work and struggle that common society thinks WLS patients skip. You keep it up, mama. Keep pushing, keep thriving. Keep smiling. You've got this!

I am getting nervous almost ready to back out. I am terrified. I am worried about pain leaks and complications. I just do not want to regret this. Gastric sleeve surgery scheduled for Jan 16 2023.

Welcome! You know yourself best. Hopefully your passion doesn't burn brightly for a few months and then wane in time. This is a long game and it's nearly all mental. I had 6 months of visits and I'm glad for it. The delay gave me time to start therapy, time to read all the books I could get, time to research complications and treatments, time to gather supplies, and time to prepare my loved ones. It also gave me time to try to lose weight on my own, fully cementing the conviction that I cannot. Take advantage of this time - as short as it is. Learn about yourself. Learn all you can about your issues with food and learn ways to correct them. Learn new coping skills - you'll need them when you can no longer turn to food. And you'll need to keep practicing them, so that when food becomes a viable coping option again - later on - you won't go down that road.

I have a group PPO plan through BCBS of Michigan/my large employer. Customer service is pretty terrible when I call. They're often not able to answer questions about plan coverage accurately or give conflicting answers. If you have a specific procedure code, they can be more helpful, but it's still not great. On the other hand, they cover virtually everything at 100% without too much fuss. I'll end up paying a few hundred dollars out of pocket for my surgery and most of that is copays for seeing my $%@^ing dietician. If I have complications, that could go up relatively quick, because there's a significant ER co-pay, but it's all flat rate for in-network providers. And the network is basically every provider. I don't love them, but if I have to deal with an insurance company, they're probably as good as it gets.

It can be challenging to adjust to a new diet and lifestyle after bariatric surgery, but it's great that you're trying your best and seeking out resources to help you stay on track. Having a support system, whether it's an online community or friends and family, can also be very helpful in staying motivated and accountable. Remember to be patient with yourself and to focus on small, achievable goals. As you continue to recover and adjust, you may find that your taste preferences and tolerances change, and you may be able to introduce more variety into your diet. It's important to follow the guidelines provided by your surgeon and dietitian to ensure you're getting the proper nutrition and to avoid any complications.

It's important to note that the recovery period following bariatric surgery can vary from person to person, and the specific instructions given by your surgeon should be followed closely. During the first few weeks after surgery, it's important to avoid any activities that put a strain on the abdominal muscles, as this can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. This includes activities such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and singing. You should avoid singing for at least a month or even more, as your abdominal muscles and diaphragm may be weak after surgery and using them to sing can cause pain, discomfort and delay healing. It's important to listen to your body and avoid any activity that causes pain or discomfort. Consult with your surgeon or therapist, they may be able to give you more specific advice based on your individual case. It's also important to remember that the recovery period is an important time to focus on healing and taking care of yourself. It's important to follow the post-surgery instructions, getting enough rest, and allowing yourself time to recover both physically and emotionally.

Gurgling or rumbling sounds in the stomach after eating or drinking is a common symptom in the early stages of recovery after bariatric surgery. This is because the stomach and intestines are adjusting to the changes in the digestive process caused by the surgery. This can be caused by the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines, which can be a normal part of the digestive process. Eating too quickly, not chewing food properly, or drinking carbonated beverages can also contribute to this symptom. It's also normal to experience a lot of gas and bloating after surgery, as your body adjusts to the new diet and the changes in your stomach and intestines. It's important to follow your surgeon's and dietitian's instructions and to take it slow with the introduction of new foods. Also, drinking enough water and taking small sips during the day can help to reduce the formation of gas. If the symptoms persist, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever, it's important to contact your surgeon and/or dietitian to rule out any complications.

It's generally safe to eat raw fish, such as sashimi, 5.5 weeks after gastric sleeve surgery, as long as you are tolerating regular foods well and do not have any complications or sensitivities. However, it's always important to check with your surgeon or dietitian before consuming raw fish, as they may have specific recommendations for you. It's also important to note that while you may have been able to tolerate rare seared tuna over the weekend, it's important to listen to your body and stop eating if you experience any discomfort or difficulty swallowing. Also, it's important to keep in mind that it's recommended to eat small and frequent meals after bariatric surgery and avoid overeating, and raw fish like sashimi, tend to be low in calories, so it's important to not overdo it, also consume it with other nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables. Finally, it's also important to make sure that the fish you're consuming is properly handled, stored and cooked to avoid any foodborne illness.

Hi Dan, congratulations! I had lapband to bypass revision and similar lack of pain and complications; I wish the same for you!

another thing to consider is follow-up. At my clinic (and I'm sure most others), I had to go back after 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months for follow-up appts. And then we're encouraged to go yearly after that (I do, but i don't think most patients do after the first year). Since it would be impractical to fly to NY for all of those, you'd have to make sure your PCP was willing to do that. And of course they don't know as much about the surgeries as a bariatric surgeon would. complications can happen, but they're pretty uncommon. I'm guessing the person you know who had issues was one of a handful of patients out of the hundreds they've had. I'm sure NYU Langone has probably had some that haven't turned out well, either. With some cases, it may not have even been due to anything the surgeon did. You can always check the reviews on each of the surgeons and see what people said about him/her.

the only question of yours that I can personally answer is the one about the mortality rates. Mortality rate on gastric bypass is 0.3% (sleeve is a bit lower than that, but I can't remember what it was since I didn't have sleeve). Suffice it to say, you have a 99.7% chance of not dying. Those are excellent odds - better than hip replacement surgeries, and they do those all the time. I read all kinds of crap like that before I had surgery and had to make myself stop. I guess it's good to know what COULD happen, but dying during/after surgery and having other major complications is REALLY rare. I wouldn't worry about it.

Hi! I am so sorry you are going through this. I am really surprised that your barium swallow test did not show anything if you are having such bad reflux. All of this is so frustrating. You go through the first surgery thinking that everything will be just fine and then find out something else has to be done, and then you have to fight with insurances and Dr.'s just to help you. I am lucky, I have amazing Dr.'s who have fought, I just don't have an insurance who will help me. I did not even know that the sleeve could cause reflux to get worse until I had a surgery consult in 2021. My reflux was slowly increasing since I was sleeved in 2015 and finally in 2020/2021 I could not take it any longer. Every night acid would come out of my nose, despite having an adjustable bed and practically sleeping sitting up, not eating or drinking 2-3 hours before bed. I was doing everything. I had an upper endoscopy that showed a hiatal hernia and I was referred to a surgeon. To my luck the surgeon was the leading bariatric surgeon in my region. He said that since I had the sleeve he could not fix my hernia that the only fix was to convert to the Bypass. I had no idea that was even an option, and he explained to me what was going on. I was blown away. He then sent me for the barium swallow. The radiologist said that she had never seen anyone with as bad reflux as I had. I refluxed the barium standing up! She had never seen that before. It was very clear what was needed and I was immediately fast-tracked through the Bariatric program since it had been so long since I had been through a program, and my first program was in a different area and through different insurance. Then came the brick wall. My insurance denied the surgery. They stated that my reflux was a complication from the first surgery, even though I had reflux prior to the surgery. I appealed and sent medical documentation to show I had reflux prior to the surgery and they still denied. I did 3 levels of appeal, and my surgeon also did a pier to pier review with the medical director with the insurance and they denied again. And I finally found out the real reason. I have my insurance through my husbands insurance through his work, and his company specifically excluded bariatric procedures, so bottom line, no matter the reason why I am getting the surgery they will not cover it because it is still coded as a bariatric surgery. And I have to now pay cash for the surgery. But it is worth it if it fixes the problem and I don't have to deal with the reflux! However this is my experience with my insurance. I hope you don't have the same experience with your insurance. Are there any other surgeons in your area? You are always free to get a second opinion. It is sad but sometimes you have to push Dr.'s to listen to you, and you have to be your own advocate and not wait for them. Please don't be afraid to fight for yourself and your health!!! I would think that they would take into consideration the medication that you have to take, and the conditions that the reflux is already causing. Good Luck!!!

Hi DoOverGirl, I am also a newbie to the website, however not as far as surgery. I originally had the lapband in 2005 and after complications, in 2010 went to bypass. My highest weight was 290 and my lowest was 130, I am 5'7". I had only lost 82lbs with the lapband and was very happy with the weight loss after having the bypass. Currently, I am 168lbs and have severe reflux and my taste is so off that I find it difficult to eat just about anything. I am currently in the process of going through the steps for a revision surgery also. My doctor did say that I could lose some weight, I should not expect it to be like it was. Although I don't want to get back to 130lbs, I would be happy to get down to 145-150 as I think I would be comfortable there. Back to your complaint and issues. I am wondering if you are not taking in enough protein in order to lose more weight. I have noticed that when I think I am doing well with my eating, I really am not getting enough protein. When I pay attention to my protein intake and leave out the carbs, I start to lose weight again. I know how frustrating this must be for you and I am also concerned that after I have a revision, I will not lose any weight either. However, I am trying to focus on alleviating my symptoms of discomfort more than the possibility to lose weight. I understand your frustration but be patient with yourself, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. You can do it!

Ok, so I have been obese just about my entire life. Here is my take, obesity is a problem at all ages and comes with a plethora of other issues. (mental and physical) But, lets think about us as adults for a minute, how much there is to understand. The rules, the regulations, the understanding of nutrition, counting calories, monitoring protein and fluid intakes, being sure to take all our vitamins... etc! Now, as a child do you think you could keep up with that? Do you think we could have even understood the seriousness of all of it? Of what could happen if we don't take vitamins and become deficient in something? Even, the potential complications from surgery short term or life long? As a child, I feel like it would be up to the parents to monitor and regulate foods, vitamins and comprehend everything that the child would have to maintain. So, why doesn't the parent just do that before surgery is required? If the parent is prepared to do that after surgery than why haven't they before surgery is even needed? If healthy habits are established at the parenting level then they (parents) already understand healthy diets and regulation of calories etc. Which in turn would naturally be passed down to their children. I am not saying this is perfect and some kids refuse to eat anything but mac n cheese.. but those kids aren't going to succeed with WLS anyway if that is the case so why? If the parents do NOT understand healthy eating habits, then how are they prepared to help their child any differently after surgery? As adults, we fail and we have the capacity to understand why. I just don't believe a child is able to maintain this lifestyle without a parents who are prepared to basically do the same exact thing. Although, I do believe some children may really need the help of WLS I just do not believe they can maintain it without the parent taking complete control (up to a certain age). Me as a child or teen I really don't think so. When WLS first became a thing, my best friends dad had bypass and it damn near killed him. He went from 700 lbs to around 100 and in a wheel chair in less than a year. Everything that could have went wrong did. Life long complications. I remember it scared the **** out of me! I remember it was a sole reason I waited so long to have surgery myself. Every time I considered it, he crossed my mind. He was the only person I knew for years that had it and it destroyed him. Then, as time went on I knew other people but literally NONE of them were successful. For whatever reason, lost and gained it all back, didn't loose, didn't follow the plan, didn't understand. I don't know but I know that every story I was aware of was not a positive one. Then my doctor actually suggested it, I started looking into it again. Researched the best surgeon around, researched every potential risk, benefit. Read for months on these forums and every article I could find online. Talked to people I knew, and had very transparent conversations about why they didn't succeed. I learned, and realized that I wasn't those people and decided to move forward. Here I am, 9.5 months later. Kicking a**. But me as a teen, I don't think so. I don't think teens are mature enough(and I was a VERY mature teen) to deal with all the changes and I don't think the parents are prepared to take control or they already would have.

My surgeon stressed the importance of a liver shrinking diet before surgery to lessen complications and make surgery easier. This meant No, to minimal Sugar. It's only working against you to eat that way before hand.

Nana22, I had a similar experience. I weighed 220.7 lbs the morning of surgery on Dec 29th and weighed 228 the following evening from so much water retention & gas? I think we have to hold on to a lot of non-scale victories. Being 5 days post-op, I have already noticed being able to breathe easier when sitting in a car with a seatbelt on and my knees not hurting or breaking when I walk down the stairs. While the head hunger is real and I am counting down the days until I get to pureed food (thanks for those suggestions, btw), I already feel like the procedure was worth it even though I experienced a few surgical complications (required a transfusion and an emergency EGD with the second surgery for a burst internal blood vessel and now body hives), I can already see the benefits of tracking water, protein, and planning out my meals throughout the day! Sent from my Pixel 5 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello Everyone! I had roux en y gastric bypass back in 2011 and have since had multiple complications that I had to have surgery to fix such as gallbladder removal and repairing a perforated ulcer. Has anyone had any success in getting revision surgery after roux-en-y with Medicaid or Tricare covering the revision? Start weight was 315. Went down to 114 (which was around the time I got very sick) and started steadily regaining in the past 2 years. I never feel full, always hungry, and always nauseous afterward with bad reflux. I was diagnosed with GERD as well. Has anyone here successfully gotten Medicaid or Tricare to cover the procedure? I am in Maryland. Thanks!

I am scheduled for February 8th. This is actually my 3rd date. The first go was cancelled because I tested positive for covid. The second, I was in the prep room with an IV, within minutes of surgery, and had a panic attack. The only reason I could think of was a very traumatic hospitalization after complications from colon cancer surgery. Over the past 6 months, I have had so much regret at having backed out of the surgery. I have spent a lot of time self-reflecting, and just hope that I can overcome the nervousness.

Huge hugs, Kim. I'm sorry you had this complication but happy to see you able to post an update. Does this affect your post-op diet plan? Take care and speedy healing!

I am currently one week into my two week preop diet on Optifast and fluids. I am having a conversion from my 10 year old sleeve to a full bypass January 9. I know I cannot eat 12 hours before the surgery and the diet is pretty clear that the only sustenance I can have during these two weeks is the Optifast. As I understand it, this is to reduce the size of my liver to make the surgery less complicated. I’m 270 pounds 60 pounds below my pre-surgery wait 10 years ago. So here’s my question;: I’m just wondering if I could have one more real food meal before the surgery on maybe the morning of the eighth or the evening of the seventh? My thinking is by then my liver will be whatever size it’s going to be for the surgery and I’d really like to have, one more bite of real food before 4 to 6 weeks more of liquids and purées. Anybody have an opinion?

Keep in mind that 'weight loss' does not equal fat loss. I would be skeptical that you lost 7 pounds of fat in a week, but some fat, some fluid, and possibly some muscle? Sure. We wrongly think there are only 2 types of "stuff" in our bodies, the good stuff that never goes away and the bad stuff (fat), that we want to go away. It's a lot more complicated than that, and scales are just not a great way to really know what's going on inside your body. Unfortunately, scales are the tool most of us have, so we have to make due. I guess my point is don't overthink what the scale is telling you in either direction. As soon as you hit a stall, you're going to start questioning if you're doing things "right", but you may be having the same issue with a scale not really telling you what you need to know regarding fat loss. If that happens, it's better to just stick to your program and remember that you're using a tool that's pretty lousy at measuring fat loss.

oof my hair is falling out, too ive lost a ton of weight post-op, and ive been stalled the past week or so because my period has finally come back (yay? o.O), and ive caught a cold (double yay xD). im not struggling super hard eating anything in particular, but sometimes nothing sounds good or goes down easily. i struggled early on with various complications and strictures, but i haven't needed an endoscopy to widen my stomach pouch connection since the end of november! i think im finally out of the woods! i try sooo hard to hit my daily protein goals but it's difficult. my dietitian has me aiming for 80 g of protein daily and i am regularly hitting somewhere between 60-80 g of protein which ends up being around 700-900 calories. ive definitely become more of a savory over sweet person post-op - i completely forgot about sweets this christmas! xD so far ive lost about 120 lbs (85 lbs post-op) and 48 inches overall. i got new workout clothes for christmas because nothing fits anymore! xD ive gone from 5x to 2x clothes, and a tight size 28 pants to a loose 18-20! im trying so hard - this cold really has me frustrated because i want to work out and keep up my progress, but i have to stay home for now and not get sicker or get anyone else sick.

I'm a newbie, scheduled today for March 28th! Just three months! Does anyone else out there have Celiac? Should I be worried this might complicate the procedure and new diet. I guess I'll have to find gluten free protein shakes. Any input is appreciated! C Mac

Thank you for your thoughtful insight. I have been fortunate to not have had any complications and just these minor adjustments to make. I'll follow up with my doctor in January when I have my next visit. To reassure that I can continue on my continued health journey. Thanks again.

I had lapband in 2005 and switched to gastric bypass in 2010 for complications with the band, it slipped and shut off my esophagus. I did very well with the bypass, except I became an alcoholic. Something I was unaware of being a side effect of the gastric bypass. Please research this, if your doctor has not mentioned it. I don't want to scare you, as I have been sober for over 5 years and now work as a substance abuse counselor. All that being said, I do not regret having the bypass surgery and would still do it again if I was obese as I once was. I have found freedom with having the bypass that I did not have with the band. I do not have the food issues that I did with the band, or the vomiting issues that I had with the band. I had the band for five years and it was tiresome, I don't feel that way now at even having the issues I did with alcohol. I still consider having the gastric bypass a life change for the better. I hope you get approved, Best of luck, Tammi J