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Hi, I had my gastric sleeve in March 22,21. My recovery was great and I didn’t had any pain or complications at all. I have lost like 60lbs so far. The problem is I have severe GERD. Since the day of my surgery I been taking PPI, now twice a day . Few days ago I had my one year visit with my surgeon and I he suggested that I should do a revision because taking the PPI long term is not ideal and he said that small percent of patients with gastric sleeve end up with severe GERD and I was one of them. That the only cure is the revision. I think is too soon but the regurgitation in the middle of the night are a nightmare to the point that I have to sleep sitting down. Have anyone one in here had a revision so soon? Sorry for my English is not my first language.

I did the majority of my research before even seeing the surgeon. I watched a ton of videos on youtube regarding the different surgeries, complications that each one can have and so on. If you havent already its a great place to start so that way when you do see the surgeon you have a decent knowledge of what they will be talking about and possibly more questions to ask. Tho you mention you do have acid reflux. The gastric sleeve will probably (not always) be out of the question for you so possibly bypass is what your surgery will probably end up being. Good luck with your appointment. Let us know what the surgeon says.

Hi! As a former Lap Band patient, I feel you should count yourself blessed for passing up the opportunity to get a Lap Band. They're largely unsuccessful for most people and come with unexpected long term complications (not for everyone, but a lot) that have had many of us heading back into the OR for revision to other wls surgeries. Best wishes on an exciting and successful journey!

So back in April of 21, I embarked on this journey. Lots of reasons everything from the fear of losing my wife who had the surgery the year prior, to tired of the doctors and their nonsense of calling me a walking heart attack. So after going through all the hoops, and mind you because of covid I didn't have any in person classes or anything, no support group nothing, August 24th I got a gastric bypass, and came home the very next day, no pain, no complications, as a matter of fact I walked out of the hospital on my own power. Three days later I was off my blood pressure pills, I just started getting really dizzy, and that was because of the pills. Let's see that Sunday I was back on my motorcycle. I was doing pretty good up till the late four month point, and I stalled at 210, now I'm hanging at 205 and stalled again. But it's so weird being able to fit small clothes, tie my shoes, walk around without chest pain or getting out of breath. Still have around 40 to go but I'll get there, especially now that the weather is starting to break. Sent from my SM-N986U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

For myself I chose to do the sleeve over bypass. Mainly because I have 3 co workers who have had bypass, 2 males and 1 female. The 2 males are gaining their weight back they lost. They eat and drink pretty much what they want and are overeating again, They both went from a 4XL to XL and Im pretty sure they are both back in to a 2XL now 2 yrs post bypass. The one female coworker has had horrible hair loss (I guess I should say thinning hair) she is early 30s and has had back to back babies after her bypass. I do not believe she is back to her pre bypass weight but shes probably put 50-60 lbs back on. She just had a 3rd baby not long ago and has already scheduled to have her bypass redone or relooked at (honestly Im not sure what they do when you put alot of your weight back on) any way she has something scheduled for Nov 2022. I have another co worker who had a sleeve. She has done exceptionally well, she's lost 95-105 lbs since March of last year. Im not sure she is at her goal weight but she may be. The only thing she complained about was being hydrated enough. I guess she just couldnt get her fluids in and she battled being dehydrated alot. I know both surgery's are tools and if you dont stick to it then the above scenario's can happen. I felt the sleeve could be the best option for me. I am satisfied with my decision and am currently pending surgery in about 3 weeks. I am alittle uneasy, nervous and maybe even alittle scared but I know thats my food addict self trying to talk me out of this decision. Im holding firm and I believe I can get through it God willing, with little to no complications or problems. In the long run I know this is the best for my health. I have kids I need to be here for....so I have to succeed!

We have all been in that moment where you are seeing surgery on the horizon and the creeping terror of the unknown is making you question everything. I was also very worried about all this, terrified even. I was convinced I would die on the operating room table and made sure I had a will in place before surgery just in case that happened. But, this is where the personal equation of risk is important: are the potential benefits of the surgery better than the alternative, which is the status quo or gaining even more weight, with little likelihood that I would be successful losing it and keeping it off. This answer is going to be different for each of us. I'm 8 months out, and still in the honeymoon period, but I can honestly - in this moment - say this is the best thing I have done for myself, and I wish I had done it sooner. Even if I don't lose another pound, I already feel 1000x better than I did, mentally and physically. I was self pay, too, so this was a huge monetary investment in myself and my future. Have there been challenges? Yes, but in my mind it is no different than the calculated risks people with other health issues have to take to chase potentially better outcomes. We all have to weigh the factors and decide what is more important: the possibility of success or the risk of complication.

Hey y'all, I am 2.5 weeks post op (band to sleeve). No real complications other than this: about 5 to 10 minutes after I finish eating; I get extremely tired and sleepy. That "spell" last about 10 minutes or so and then it's gone and I am just fine. Anyone else? Thank in advance!

I’m so excited to get the surgery over with. . I had sleeve surgery 9/2017 and having complication s. Part of my sleeve is in my chest and it’s painful. Hope to have better luck with gastric bypass.

Are you guys nervous about going to Mexico for your procedures? How does that work with follow up care? Will doctors here in the US take you on if there's complications? Or do you have to go to Mexico again?

Are you nervous about going to Mexico for the procedure? How does that work with follow up care? Will doctors here in the US take you on if there's complications? Or do you have to go to Mexico again?

I'm scheduled in Mexico on June 22. My mom and I are having the procedure done on the same day. I'll return to work on Monday the 27th barring any complications.

I'm 3 1/2 yrs post gastric bypass. Lost more than I ever dreamed I'd lose. I'm maintaining at 105 lbs. I wear a size 2P. I've had 5 surgeries in the last 3 1/2 yrs-gastric bypass, hip replacement and 3 plastic surgeries for skin removal. No complications. I'd do it all again today! Absolutely no regrets!

I would love to see this move to a post op board! I had my Roun Y revision on 4-5-22. Also a hiatal hernia repair. Gosh everything you said about looking back at the logistics of bed mobility, going potty, napping! I spent my first 2 nights at home in my recliner for comfort. My belly was bloated and surgical sites tender. I only really needed Tylenol for pain. Please remember how important hydration is for healing. The complications are frightful if you get to far behind or worse you let your GI system go silent. Just take baby sips of water or whatever is in your list from your doctor. The worst is hopefully behind you. One sip and one step at a time we will all succeed!

Hi everyone, I am writing with my postop update. Maybe it will help someone waiting for surgery or in the immediate postop phases. On 4/5/22 I had a lap band to gastric bypass conversion. My procedure was complicated by the fact that I had a hiatal hernia and then the surgeon discovered an umbilical hernia (previously undiagnosed and not seen during preadmission studies) which he also needed to repair. The complexity of the surgery led to a two-night admission. I was on a constant IV drip and had to use the bathroom approximately every hour - the entire time! It really hurt to prop myself up to get out of bed and I would work on developing those muscles preop if I could turn back time. I hardly ate any food (broth and sugar free Jello) in the hospital, and I am still struggling now because I am just not hungry. I walked three times during the two days in the hospital - not ideal but it was the best I could do at the time. My pulse ox dipped to the low 80s several times (my normal is 99-100), so I was using supplemental oxygen to help. My abdomen was incredibly bloated and bruised. It is now going down slightly which I credit to walking and Colace. I cannot stress how helpful I think Colace has been for me. I have to wear a binder around my abdomen, and I do not yet know for how long. It is helpful when I cough and do my breathing exercises. I am now super deconditioned, which really surprised me. I know some members of this forum have been able to bounce back fairly quickly, but everyone should consider the possibility that they might need more time. I still get winded every time I move (i.e., bed to chair, chair to standing, etc.). I need naps and I have never been a napper. I am definitely going to have to take at least an extra week off from work. I try to walk a little a few times a day now and it is very tiring, so I use a cane just for reassurance. All in all, I am so happy with my decision to have surgery! I am extremely grateful to read everyone's stories and see questions and answers on this board and I hope April 2022 Surgery Buddies (and whoever else wants to participate) can move to the postop board next month so we can continue to share our progress. I wish everyone who is still waiting for their April 2022 surgery the best! I will be happy to answer any questions that anyone has. I hope we all keep in touch! Thanks!

The hair loss thing was really only noticeable to me. I knew that more hair was coming out when I brushed and in the shower, but no one else notice. Yes, I did cut my hair (I used to have hair that went to my waist and cut it to brush my shoulders) but the hair cut was because I hadn't cut my hair since I was 15 (I'm 34 and had just turned 34 when I cut it) and I was in desperate need of a cut. I don't have experience with pregnancy at all, but my PCP had weight loss surgery and had two more kids after the fact. With the DS though, it's still best to wait at least 18 months post op to make sure you have your vitamin levels where they're supposed to be because if you get pregnant too soon it can lead to health complications so that's why it's suggested to wait a full 18 months. Also, your taste buds change after surgery so don't get too attached to a certain protein shake because you might not like it post op. The one I bought I liked pre-op, but post-op it was far too sweet. Also, I wanted to share that my doctor never warned me that there is a 3% possibility of developing a wheat allergy or Celiac's Disease post op so I'm warning you that it is a possibility because they didn't tell me it was until I discovered that I have a wheat allergy. So while it's unlikely to happen to you, it would have been nice if I'd known... I still would have done the surgery and it was still one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself, I just wish I'd been prepared for it to be a possibility so that's why I'm sharing that with you. I wish you the best on your surgery journey and I hope that everything works out for you!

What i was getting at is, did the OP have complications and need to have it emptied or did they never fill it because they were afraid there might be complications?

They've said they have it loose to avoid complications. I had mine tight for 13 years and it didn't help me lose a single lb. In my opinion they're nonsense things. And to answer the OPs query, biased as I am, I'd do what I did a couple months ago: whip it out and revise to a bypass which has the added benefit of actually working.

Like most surgeries, my first three days were rough. I did make myself start walking right away. First day wasn’t much, maybe a block or so. I slowly increased every day. I’ve always felt gentle exercise helps me with pain control, plus it’s good for prevention of post op complications like blood clots and pneumonia. By week three I was back to work full time as a nurse.

I’m scared that This won’t work. I have gone and done something so drastic as to get 80%of my stomach cut out and I will be one of the people who lose 25lbs and my body just stops despite what I do. I am afraid I will have complications. That will make me regret the surgery. I’m just plan worried. Lol

And we had no clue of your bias 😂 Complications for MGB and RYN may be similar since they both deal with bypass aspect. MGB may be more cuz of higher amount of bypass? As for reversible aspect, surgeons don't advise reversing any such procedure unless of course needed. Even with RYN, reversing is possible since your bypassed stomach is still within you. As for higher weight loss, I think it comes from the fact that more intestine is bypassed than RYN. But eventually they both do provide substantial weight loss overall.

I'm so sorry your wife has and continues to experience such difficulty. Its clear by the way you talk about her that you love her deeply and are hurting for her. I'm sure you both have concerns about YOUR health and experience as you move towards having surgery yourself. Just a few thoughts: 1) she should absolutely find another doctor and get a second opinion. Constant dumping, vomiting, or other sickness is NOT normal and resorting to living off protein shakes is NOT a solution. She deserves to be happy & healthy and any dr that isn't willing to dig in and figure this out, isn't worth her time and money. And 2) bariatric surgery has been refined quite a bit over the last few decades. Although complications are not completely impossible, they are overwhelmingly rare. So if you've decided that WLS is the right option for you, you can both rest assured that its unlikely your experience will be the same as hers. Wishing you both health & happiness!

Hi All! Its been a while since I posted anything or been active. I found out in November that I was pregnant. I was 8 months out of surgery when I got pregnant. My fiance and I had just gotten engaged a few months before and were planning our wedding. So it was definitely a surprise! I was really nervous about proceeding with the pregnancy. I just knew I would be ready in just one more year (I've been saying that for the last 5 years!) BUT I was pregnant now, 33, in a great relationship, with a stable income, healthier then Ive been in a while and all out of excuses not to start my family. So my journey began... I am currently 23 weeks pregnant! This is my first pregnancy so I have nothing to compare it with but this has been my experience in case any of you find yourself in my situation. Its hard to find doctors who understand how VSG affects my pregnancy. They understand that I need to be monitored more but don't really get the nuances. One example; I was given this HUGE jug to collect my urine over 24 hours. When I returned it, I was told that they need AT LEAST 4X more urine than I had collected. They were convinced I didn't collect all my urine. I told them that was everything I had to give! They told me to drink more water. Now this community knows how hard that task is. I still can not eat and drink at the same time. I also cant just drink a gallon of water in one go. It feels like a herculean task. I have tried 3 times and have still not filled this jug! I've learned that drinking tea increases my urine output so I have hope for my next attempt. I was really sick throughout my first and second trimester. I already had bad acid reflux before and after surgery and was taking omeprazole to relieve it. Turns out you can't take anything stronger than Tums while pregnant. So on top of the normal nausea, I felt the need to throw up to relieve my indigestion and heartburn. I started really hating food when everyone else kept trying to feed me more! I've been feeling better now though. I was allowed to take pepcid and it actually helps. Now, I have the desire to eat more but still cant eat more than a few bites of anything in one sitting. My food also takes forever to digest so I have to be really picky about what I eat. Fruits are my best friend! I kept my surgery a secret. My fiance and sister are the only ones I told about my VSG. So no one really gets why Im having a hard time eating more. They also keep wanting to see my belly but Im not sure how to explain my incisions. It feels too late to say anything now... so its awkward and more isolating than it could have been. But my family can be SUPER judgy so I think they would just find a way to make me feel bad about it and I don't need the added stress. I get to do more sonograms than your average mom to be. Because of my VSG and previous hypertension, I'm monitored more and have more doctor visits. I really don't mind! I love getting to see whats going on in there! So far so good... mostly. I keep expecting the docs to say my baby isn't growing or Im malnourished but that doesn't seem to be the case. Everything is progressing normally and baby looks good. They did mention that one of babys kidneys is not eliminating waste as it should. The other kidney is fine but they want to keep an eye on it. Of course we are worried but its actually pretty common and generally resolves itself. If it doesn't, there is a small procedure to fix it after birth (if necessary) so we are trying not to sweat it. I got Covid. I'm a teacher and as soon as the mask mandate was removed, I got COVID. Never mind that Ive been vaccinated, boosted and was still wearing my mask! Im actually recovering now. (SIDE NOTE: We seem to be having a second surge at my school. I wonder if any other teachers (or parents) have noticed that?) I was EXTREMELY sick the first week. I was lightheaded, coughing, full of mucus, achy and just couldn't get out of bed. I also couldn't take any medicines because of the pregnancy. My mom kept sending me home remedies but when I looked them up, there was always a warning for pregnant people. I just had to ride it out. Baby seems ok but I'll know more at my appointment next week. As far as my VSG goals... I was 195-200 lbs when I found out I was pregnant (SW:267) and had been stalled there for almost 2 months. I was getting a bit discouraged because my whole weight loss process had been so slow and felt harder for me than it seemed like it was for some people here. I also had a friend who had her VSG after me and had lost almost twice as much weight as I had so I knew it wasn't in my head. I started drinking again and sneaking in more cheat snacks. When I found out I was pregnant, I cut out all alcohol and was really strict about making sure the little food I ate was good for baby. I dropped 20-25 more pounds. Im currently 175 lbs. I havent really gained any weight. Part of me is happy about that and still trying to get to my goal of 155 while pregnant. But I know I have to put on weight for baby. It's really a mind f**k. Doctors say the baby is growing normally so there isn't much to worry about... yet. Technically I'm still overweight and they don't recommend as much weight gain for overweight moms. Im entering my third trimester now and am supposed to put on 1-2 lbs a week. We'll see how that goes. Im still trending downwards... If you made it to the end, thanks for reading through this entire post. I hope it helps. I hope to update you with only good news in the weeks to come! Last note, I'm having a girl! So exciting!!! My VSG has definitely complicated things but I think we made the right decision and I am really excited about entering this next chapter of my life healthier than I have been in years!

it's done mostly for sleeve patients (usually for severe GERD that can't be controlled medically). They go back in there and convert it to an RNY (gastric bypass) or DS (duodenal switch). (NOTE: it's not common, but what I mean is, people who get revisions are usually sleeve patients) it's kind of rare to do a revision for a gastric bypass, because they have to reverse the whole thing and then do a sleeve or DS. Only a handful of surgeons in the country are qualified to do that particular surgery. I can't imagine converting from an RNY to a sleeve because the RNY is a more powerful surgery. But I've heard of some RNY patients revising to DS, which is even more powerful than the RNY. But again, it's a very complicated surgery, and very few surgeons do it (in these cases, it's usually done for greater weight loss, usually. I can't think of any medical reasons to do it other than further weight loss)

I am - not "may be", am - biased, but there's no way MGB won't overtake RNY at some point. Higher weight loss, fewer complications, simpler surgery, easily revisable and reversible in study after study over a 25 year period.

Part of the reason I chose to have the surgery out of pocket was because the hoops required by US insurance companies. It can be ridiculous and defeating and it seems solely for purposes of avoiding liability. All my research says this is an incredibly easy operation with minimal complications and the hospitals in Mexico make available their own records regarding complications. Although this surgery has risks, the risks of continued obesity also has risks. I’m in a support group of pre-op and post-op patients with the clinic I’m scheduled with, and there have been very few mentions of complications. And surgeries have only been canceled/postponed due to positive Covid tests. I do recall one person posted that her surgery was postponed because her blood pressure dropped drastically and the surgeons couldn’t bring it back to safe levels for the operation. She went back six months later and had it done successfully.