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Did you call your surgeon and ask if it’s a less common complication?? I guess it won’t make much of a difference either way but I imagine it would be good to know just for the sake of knowing.
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April 2022 Surgery Buddies
RKnight replied to Crinkles's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Chrissy, Same here with the coffee!! Thought I was going to really miss it but it doesn't even taste good. I am 3 weeks out and down 26 lbs. I am sorry about your complications. I cant imagine since I have had none and I am still so weak and tired, no energy at all! I am 66 years old so it may take a bit I guess. My blood pressure has dropped significantly and could be part of the problem. Hope you are feeling better soon. Regina -
Nerves and am I choosing right?
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to mrsjo's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I chose the sleeve specifically because I didn't want the possibility (no matter how small) of malabsorption or any of the complications that can happen with bypass. I also have meds that I cannot take in liquid form and cannot crush or break open, so bypass definitely was out for me. Sleeve only required 1 night in the hospital, and since I didn't have any gerd issues, it just felt like the right choice. If you already have gerd or bad reflux, sleeve likely isn't the way to go. The sleeve is known for making that much worse, whereas the bypass is known to get rid of it. -
Well apparently all the skin is in the way of the kidneys. So it would complicate the kidney surgery.
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Ugh, that sounds like such a rough start to your recovery, I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I’m hoping there aren’t any complications, but I know everyone’s experience is different.
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Hi Nina, Although I'm from a Turkish background, I didn't have the courage to go overseas to get this surgery done bc if any complication arises the doctors here in Australia are hesitant about treating somebody else's mistake. So I just bit the bullet and decided to have it here in Australia, I've heard a lot of success stories from people who have had it in Turkey. It's good to hear yours whent well too! Hope everything works out for you in the long run, 🙏My surgery is tomorrow I have butterflies in my stomach nerves are flying high lol I'm hoping it goes well as I'm having a hiatal hernia repair and a gastric bypass. All the best to everyone🙏🙏
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Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass
shriner37 replied to Im4miracles's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had the sleeve in 2015. I lost about 90 pounds from my highest weight which was still a ways from goal, but over 7 years managed to gain back about 25 pounds. Early this year my hiatal hernia worsened and because of that and GERD my surgeon told me I really needed revision to bypass. My revision surgery was three months ago. I've done well with recovery with no complications. I've lost about 33 pounds since surgery and am about 19 pounds from goal. I will say that weight loss for me has been slower with the revision, possibly because I didn't have as much to lose. The surgery did take care of my hernia and GERD issues. I have not pushed the envelope with high fat or very sweet foods to see if I have any issues with dumping, but I'm told only about 1/3 of bypass patients do. Because of the change in the way your pouch works (less stomach acid and such) I have experienced a couple issues with dry or very tough foods causing what is called frothing or 'foamies'. It's very uncomfortable but passes in an hour or so. All in all I'm glad I had the surgery. I was having significant issues from the hernia and really didn't have a choice, but it's nice to be down in a weight range I never made it to with the sleeve. -
Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass
paradigm7 replied to Im4miracles's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Greetings @Im4miracles - Michelle, I got my sleeve surgery in 2016. I lost around 130 lbs During the time from 2020, I had gained some of the weight back. I also had severe GERD (where the GERD was so severe that I was vomiting my food almost everyday). I went back to my Bariatric surgeon in February, 2020 to revise my sleeve surgery to a Gastric Bypass with hernia surgery I have to admit that I had similar concerns about the Gastric Bypass that you do. I was concerned about the dumping syndrome and wondering if I could keep the weight off with revision to the bypass surgery. I got my Gastric Bypass surgery with hernia surgery in March 2020. It was the best decision I ever made for myself because in hindsight I don’t have this severe GERD anymore. Once I was released from the hospital, I didn’t have much pain and didn’t have to take my narcotic pain killer. At my 6 month post op appointment, my bariatric surgeon was extremely pleased with my weight loss progress because I had lost 124% of my original body weight. My current body weight is in the mid 130’s. I was really scared that I would experience dumping syndrome after my bypass surgery - which I did not. In my experience, I haven’t had malabsorption of my daily nutrition in my body. My bariatric vitamins don’t taste horrible (I take my bariatric vitamins daily). Fortunately, my tastebuds haven’t changed because of the bypass surgery. I can eat all foods that I had eaten before I got my bypass surgery. I no longer have to take the Protonix 40 mg because the bypass surgery cured the GERD for me. Lastly, the weight that I had lost from my bypass surgery hasn’t returned because I use my Lose It application (food journal) to budget my calories, I walk everyday for 30 minutes at a minimum, and I use the nutritional plate method (that my medical nutritionist told me about). The plate method is where you divide your plate in to three sections: first section is 50% of the plate is made out of fruits and vegetables (I typically have 25% of fruits and 25% of vegetables in this section), second section is 25% of protein food, and the third section is 25% of carbohydrates foods. Using the nutritional plate method I make sure I’m getting the proper nutrition. Michelle, I hope that what I’ve written has given you food for thought. I have successfully gone from a sleeve surgery to a bypass surgery without any complications and i am extremely happy about my weight loss journey, thus far -
Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to Im4miracles's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had Lap Band, developed GERD and due to overuse of Protonix, I developed a kidney stone. So it was then that I decided that I had to move on the GERD issue. I had the band removed in April 2021 (no regain, but I didn't get to my goal weight with the band) and now I'm revising to RNY soon. I was fearful of RNY when my surgeon told me it was the best way to resolve the GERD. And after watching a video, I realized that my fear was based on Lap Band marketing. In order for Lap Band to be successful, they had to make their competitor look bad. So Lap Band took old data about RNY (before surgical improvements were made) and used complication rates of the older style RNY surgery that was from I believe the 1980's? So when you say that RNY is a permanent surgery... are you aware that RNY is reversible? You went forth with sleeve surgery and they removed about 80% of your stomach, do you not think that's permanent? It's more permanent than RNY. Sure things are rerouted, but nothing is removed. So it can all be rerouted to "normal" if necessary. There's many, many people on this forum that have revised from other wls (Band, Sleeve) to RNY and are happy and thriving. I hope to be one soon. -
Hello! Just a short story of how I got here! 8/2012, I underwent the Gastric Sleeve. I went from 230 lbs to 140 lbs. I had a hiatal hernia repair during this surgery in 2012 and again in 2021. Every since I had the sleeve in 2012, I have had reflux. Within the last few years, it has increased, severely. It did a little better when I had the hernia repair in 2021. However the hernia has returned and the GERD is even worse. I wake up quite often gagging on stomach acid. Sometimes waiting to go to bed three hours after my last meal/snack, will help SOMETIMES. A lot of times, I have to sleep sitting up. I am taking Protonix 40 MG twice a day for many many years. If I skip a dose, I regret it! I, unfortunately, have gained quite a bit of my weight back. Once I started gaining, the front desk clerk at my Bariatric doc's office told me I didn't need to come back. I kind of felt like I got kicked out of the program!! So it just got worse after that. Because of the severe GERD I am having, I bit the bullet and went back to see my bariatric doctor. I was ashamed because I lost 90 pounds after my surgery but have gained 60 of it back. He didn't seem to say much about that. However, he suggested that the best way to get the GERD under control was to revise my surgery from the Sleeve to the Bypass. I have concerns! I am worried about the diet and will I screw up again? I am worried about mal absorption, dumping syndrome and all the other complications that can come from the Gastric Bypass. I worry about how the vitamins will taste (silly I know, but if things taste nasty, I have a hard time eating/drinking). What if I can't stick with it like I did the Sleeve? This is a permanent surgery! I am scared but I feel like it is necessary to relieve me of this terrible GERD. I could end up with Barrett's Esophagus and worse, cancer of the esophagus. Would really appreciate outlooks and suggestions! Thanks in Advance, Michelle
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Why did you choose VSG over other bariatric surgeries?
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to ManicPixie's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I chose it because I didn't want my innards rearranged, I didn't want the malabsorption issues, I have meds I need to take (for my MS) that can't be substituted, stopped, or given in liquid form, and I wanted the shorter downtime. My surgeon told me that I could do sleeve or bypass, and I just knew right from the beginning that I wanted the sleeve. Complications are far less likely and when they do happen, they are less severe than bypass or DS. And I wanted something that would give me a tiny stomach and be a really useful tool to remind me to eat until I'm comfortably not hungry but not overly full. Sleeve did all that for me. -
Self pay- insurance doesn’t cover WLS
ShoppGirl replied to Changenprogress's topic in Insurance & Financing
Some places that do self pay offer an insurance that will cover if you have any complications. -
That's what I would have thought as well regarding the shakes, but nevertheless I would still pack in a couple of sachets just in case. And personally I would definitely be packing in more than just a toothbrush and toothpaste lol Like extra nighty or pj's, a gown, toiletries, hair dryer, hair brushes, phone charger. As you never know what to expect whilst in hospital with post op, as complications can arise resulting in longer stay.
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Gallbladder removal post vsg
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to MaureenA's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had my gallbladder removed 12 weeks after having my Lap Band placed. It was already an issue before I even had my band placed tho. When it was removed we found out that it was porcelainized. It's rare for that to happen but it was precancerous, so I'm happy it was removed. No complications or issues afterwards. It was one of the easiest surgeries I've had tbh. -
98% ready, then the 2% doubt starts creeping in....
The Greater Fool replied to lizkey88's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If you've accepted the risk then you wouldn't be prepared to beat yourself up for making a decision that resulted, completely out of your control, in a less than positive outcome. Accepting the risk means making the best of any result. I don't think you realize it but you are loaded with conflict, the result of which is you can't win: "I have been blessed with good health, despite obesity" except: "I want to get healthier, " and "I want to be able to exercise without getting so winded," and " I had to run to catch a plane a few weeks ago and I just couldn't keep up with my family," and " I want to be able to roll over in bed without it causing earthquake motion", and " I would love to get off of my CPAP." Are you "healthy" or not? pick one. Then there is your selfish desire to "My husband and I go to Disney all the time and I would like to take them [the Grandkids]" You've talked yourself into a fine no-win scenario: You talk about surgical horror stories you've read that lead to death, stroke, being sick forever. Not unsurprisingly these are also major complications of morbid obesity. You can kick yourself for getting surgery and not getting surgery! Which path will you regret more? Trying and failing or not trying at all. My philosophy is that the path I choose will work out for the best. It's this philosophy or living in regret. Good luck, Tek -
98% ready, then the 2% doubt starts creeping in....
lizkey88 posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hello my new friends, I have wanted to get the sleeve surgery for many years. I've just completed my 6 month supervised diet. I am scheduled for my labs and EGD very soon. Then I can get on the surgical schedule. 98% of me is jumping for joy and so eager to get started on this new journey! I am 52 years old, 5ft tall and 252#. My reasons are that I want to get healthier. I want to be able to exercise without getting so winded. I had to run to catch a plane a few weeks ago and I just couldn't keep up with my family. I want to be able to roll over in bed without it causing earthquake motion. I would love to get off of my CPAP. I have grandbabies who are 2 and 1. My husband and I go to Disney all the time and I would like to take them. I know the tool of this surgery would help me! I am ready for the hard work and lifestyle change! Now, the 2% ....I have been blessed with good health, despite obesity. Am I being selfish to risk something horrible happening during surgery or a complication after? I can't stand the thought of voluntarily going in for an elective procedure and coming out worse than going in? I hear all of the horror stories about people dying, having strokes, being sick forever. I would appreciate any logical and rational thinking to read when that 2% sneaks in. -
Surgery midweek-eek and yay-big change at older age
Whats Next posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
My surgery is coming fast, it was moved up via a cancellation to next week, eek! I’m a combo of fear of the unknown, and calmness of giving it up to the professionals to care for me. I’m over 60 and really never considered I could stop the diet cycle by having WLS. A family member had it, and was happy they did it, this and knowing a few WLS veterans happy with their surgery, spurred me on to do gastric bypass. They had a good recovery with no issues. I’m hoping for a great outcome and that it resolves my Gerd and sleep apnea in time as well. I fear pain, hair loss, complications, how I’ll feel about all that skin, regrets. I look forward to many positive body changes, more energy, onederland, not being obese, cuter clothes 😀 I appreciate everyone sharing here! I’ve learned a lot. -
Can't Decide!
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to Veritas34's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I started my wls journey years ago, I went with the Lap Band, for a few reasons, but I feared Bypass because I thought it was too invasive and too permanent. Fast forward 7 years and I developed GERD and had my Band removed. Now I'm revising to Bypass due to GERD complications. After recently doing research on the Bypass for revision, I watched a YouTube video, and realized that my fear of Bypass was due to Lap Band marketing. So what I will say is, if you start out with Sleeve and have to be revised due to complications or other reasons, you might be "forced" into Bypass the same way I was. Now, no one knows what path their weight loss surgery journey takes us, but it's a theoretical "what if." I never thought I would end up with Bypass. But now I have no other options as far as weight loss and fixing GERD goes. And I've realized I probably could've made a better choice than Lap Band 9 years ago. When you actually research Bypass thoroughly, you'll find that although your disgestive tract is rerouted, it's reversible just like the Lap Band. Sleeve is revisable but not reversible. This video is quite informative and at around the 15 minute mark it discusses the marketing tactic that Lap Band used against Bypass. Best wishes on your journey! -
Can't Decide!
canadianpopcycle replied to Veritas34's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi! I had my heart set on the sleeve as well. However, my gerd started getting worse and worse, and I thought...I can't logically get the sleeve and have my Gerd worse. I was afraid that getting my intestines all re-routed....and I was super afraid of the malabsorption. I'm really happy with my Bypass. I have had no complications, and I am still losing...and I am a bit over a year. I did some research on the malabsorption aspect of the bypass, and it sounds like it's not really a malabsorption in the truest medical sense. There are tons of great scholarly articles on the internet that can help with some of the myths of WLS. Have you met with a surgeon yet? They would also be able to help with some of your questions and fears on the medical side of it. Is there something is particular that makes you feel uneasy with Bypass? -
Can't see the weight loss
Arabesque replied to Tami10's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
So sorry you experienced those complications with your surgery which hindered your recovery. You’re experiencing body dysmorphia. Your brain hasn’t caught up to the physical realities of your weight loss. It’s still picturing you as you were & can’t see you as you are now. A lot, if not all, of us experience this is some form. As an example, I remember seeing a slim woman’s reflection in a mirror in a store & turning around to look at her because she was wearing the same clothes as me. Time literally ticked by before I realised it was my reflection & I was the slim woman. Comparing old & new photos helps as does putting on something you used to wear & seeing how much too big they are. Take some body measurements as well & record them so you can track those changes too. There are some foods that just don’t sit well with us. Chicken is often a challenging one because it can be too dry. Steak can be too heavy. Pork can be too fatty. And often our taste buds &/or sense of smell changes. It’s usually temporary as is the fussy tummy/food intolerances but your recovery was protracted which may be why you’re still experiencing some of these issues. Give yourself time. Don’t give up on those foods or drinks yet. Just have a break & try them again in a couple of weeks & repeat as needed. -
Hi I have been reading through some of these to see if anyone has any of the same issues as me. This is the first time I'm writing anything. I had gastric bypass surgery on 12/2/21. I have had a lot of downs and some ups. I haven't seen anywhere if someone had the same complications as I had. They said that they scratch my liver but there was no bleeding so it was fine. But what actually happened was they punctured it in two places and my abdomen filled with bile and collapsed part of my lung so much pain. Then the bile came through one of the incisions. So gross. Had to go back in to surgery to see what happened that's when they found the punctures and put in a drainage tube also gross but made the pain less. I was down about a month and a half. Went through going through the motions of throwing up with nothing coming up for a month or so. Gas pains for about 2 months now I'm just super burpy which at times can be super embarrassing at times. I'm 5'6" started my journey at 290 and was 286 just before surgery and now I'm at 205 so I'm down 85 lb total and 81 since surgery December so I'm happy about that went from a size 19/20 pants and 3x shirt to a 10 in pants and medium shirt. So I know I'm doing good but there are days I look in the mirror and just can't see the weight loss. Does anyone else have this issue? I also can't stand chicken it makes me physically sick even the smell makes nauseated. Pork chops are also gross. And the crystal light I always liked can't stand. Also the only water I can drink without getting sick is smart water. So has anyone else had any of these things? Did anyone have their liver punctured? I know I asked a lot of questions but if anyone has any info on any or all would love to hear.
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This doesn't make any sense. If it's BMI based, then those who have higher BMIs would have liquid diets but you contradicted that statement. My surgeon stated it's based on preference and also where you are having the surgery. My surgeon is performing my surgery in a Circle of Excellence (COE) hospital that requires the two week liquid diet because it has shown better outcomes, reduced surgery time, and less complications. Another hospital system that has their own bariatric program in my state does a one week liquid diet after a week of low calorie, low carb meals with lean protein. Like any other medical procedure, the pre-op isn't always a one size fits all.
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High Risk -- Scared of complications
Splenda replied to ZackAttack1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
As soon as I could walk in the hospital, I did. It was baby steps while using my IV stand as a cane, but I did. And the nurses were very complimentary because they usually had to prod patients to do it. And I did my blood thinner injections. If you do what you outlined -- keep losing weight, walk as soon and as much as you can, take the blood thinning injections -- you will have given yourself a great chance to avoid any complications. And as a guy who knows what it feels like to be that big... post-surgery life is pretty amazing. I've never had this level of energy. It's great to go on a 3 mile walk and not have my knees throb and ache after. I've posted this before: weight loss surgery is a bet on yourself. It's a bet that you have more willpower and discipline than your physique currently reflects and that if you were truly given a second chance, you would succeed. Like any bet, it carries risks. But are you willing to take that bet. -
High Risk -- Scared of complications
lizonaplane replied to ZackAttack1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I might get a second opinion. Other people might not see you as such a high risk, and you might be more comfortable with one of those surgeons. But, the more weight you lose before surgery, the lower risk you'll be - with any surgeon. But I agree with what everyone else here says. If you go forward, follow the instructions both pre- and post-op closely. And being at the weight you are now makes everything more risky - for example, say you were in a car accident, you'd be much more at risk of serious complications due to your weight (and fat bias in health care just makes that worse!). And, the other sorts of conditions that make you high risk for surgery might be just around the corner if you keep at your current weight. It's not really feasible to lose all of the weight you need without surgery, but you could see if you could get to like 350 before surgery, and get your BP controlled. -
High Risk -- Scared of complications
ShoppGirl replied to ZackAttack1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If I were you I would continually remind myself that WLS is a relatively very safe procedure that you get to go into as a planned procedure. Think of all the possible risks and complications that will come with all the procedures and surgeries you will most likely need and have no choice but to do if you do nothing about your weight.
